Ligands for Stretch Activated Ion Channels.
Abstract
During tenure of the grant we have made tremendous strides in finding active ligands for the mechanosensitive channels. We developed a simple screen for the toxins based upon hypotonic swelling of GH3 clonal neurons which produced increases in internal Ca2+ levels that could be measured using Fura-2. Addition of active venoms would lead to a decrease in Ca2+ levels following swelling. Screening a variety of spider and scorpion venoms, we found that none of the scorpions tested (= 12) but one of the 8 spiders tested was able to block volume activated Ca2+ uptake. The raw venom also blocked stretch activated ion channels in Xenopus oocytes, chick heart cells and GH3 cells, and whole cell mechanical currents in chick heart cells.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA315807
Entities
People
- Frederick Sachs
Organizations
- University at Buffalo