[Effect of linopirdine on potassium currents in isolated outer hair cells and Deiters' cells of the cochlea from guinea pig].
OBJECTIVE
To study the effect of linopirdine, a selective blocker of KCNQ channel family, on the whole-cell potassium currents in isolated outer hair cells (OHCs) and Deiters' cells of the cochlea from guinea pig and to probe the distribution of KCNQ channel family in OHC and Deiters' cells.


METHODS
Using the patch clamp whole-cell recording, IK (tetraethylammonium-sensitive outward potassium currents) and IKa (inward potassium currents activated at negative potential) were measured before and after the administration of linopirdine in OHCs. Simultaneously, IK (the outward rectifier potassium current) was recorded in Deiters' cells.


RESULTS
IK was partly reduced after the administration of linopirdine in OHCs, moreover, IKa was totally inhibited. However, IK in Deiter's cells was not decreased.


CONCLUSIONS
KCNQ channel family could only involve in constructing the variant potassium channels in outer hair cells, but not in Deiters' cells.
Chang
Qing
Q
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.
Gong
Shu-sheng
SS
Ding
Juan
J
Tang
Ming
M
Hescheler
Jürgen
J
D000818:Animals; D003051:Cochlea / Q000166:cytology; D004594:Electrophysiology; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D018072:Hair Cells, Auditory, Outer / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D007211:Indoles / Q000494:pharmacology*; D026902:Potassium Channel Blockers / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015221:Potassium Channels / Q000502:physiology*; D011725:Pyridines / Q000494:pharmacology*
D007211:Indoles; D026902:Potassium Channel Blockers; D015221:Potassium Channels; D011725:Pyridines; C061017:linopirdine