Effect of malnutrition on K+ current in T lymphocytes.
Severe malnutrition in children is frequently associated with infectious diseases. Animal models have been useful for studying the effects of malnutrition. One of the immunosuppressive mechanisms of malnutrition is inhibition of the activation of T lymphocytes. The voltage-dependent K(V) potassium channels are vital for the activation of T lymphocytes. The blockade of K(V) channels inhibits the activation of T lymphocytes. Malnutrition could affect the suitable synthesis of K(V) channels in T lymphocytes, producing changes in the magnitude and/or dependency of the voltage of the K+ current. We reported a significant decrease in the K+ current and activation to a 20 mV more positive membrane potential in T lymphocytes of rats with severe malnutrition. These results indicate that the diminution in the K+ conductance by alteration of K(V) channels in severe malnutrition is one of the mechanisms that inhibit the activation of T lymphocytes.
Depto. Ingeniería Eléctrica, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana. Unidad Iztapalapa, Av. San Rafael Atlixco No. 186, Col. Vicentina Iztapalapa, C. P. 09340, México, D. F. Mexico. gfjr@xanum.uam.mx
Rafael Godínez
RG
Fernández
Joaquín Azpiroz
JA
Leehan
Reyna Fierro
RF
Pastrana
Rocío Ortíz
RO
Muñiz
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000276:immunology*; D044342:Malnutrition / Q000276:immunology*; D008564:Membrane Potentials / Q000276:immunology; D011188:Potassium / Q000276:immunology*; D024642:Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated / Q000276:immunology*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*
D024642:Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated; D011188:Potassium