Modulation by calcium of the potassium permeability of dog heart sarcolemmal vesicles

Abstract

The movement of K+ in heart sarcolemmal vesicles has been followed through the opposing movement of the tetraphenylphosphonium ion. Ca2+ (5-50 microM) stimulates the efflux of K+ from K+-loaded vesicles [Km(Ca2+) approximately equal to 10 microM]. and the activation requires that Ca2+ be present inside the vesicles together with K+. The efflux of 86Rb+ from K+-, Rb+-loaded vesicles is similarly stimulated by 5-50 microM Ca2+ [Km(Ca2+) approximately equal to 10 microM]. The Ca2+-induced increase of K+ permeability does not become spontaneously inactivated. The effects of some inhibitors have been tested under conditions in which Ca2+ promotes the entry of K+ into vesicles. In this system, direct interaction of the drug with the Ca2+ and K+ membrane binding site(s) was therefore studied. Tetraethylammonium ion, which inhibits the potential-dependent K+ channel, does not interfere with the effect of Ca2+ whereas quinidine (IC50 = 12 microM) and trifluoperazine (IC50 = 8 microM at 50 micrograms of sarcolemmal protein per ml) inhibit.