Changes in inward rectifier K+ channels in hepatic stellate cells during primary culture

PURPOSE: This study examined the expression and function of inward rectifier K(+) channels in cultured rat hepatic stellate cells (HSC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The expression of inward rectifier K(+) channels was measured using real-time RT-PCR, and electrophysiological properties were determined using the gramicidin-perforated patch-clamp technique. RESULTS: The dominant inward rectifier K(+) channel subtypes were K(ir)2.1 and K(ir)6.1. These dominant K(+) channel subtypes decreased significantly during the primary culture throughout activation process. HSC can be classified into two subgroups: one with an inward-rectifying K(+) current (type 1) and the other without (type 2). The inward current was blocked by Ba(2+) (100 microM) and enhanced by high K(+) (140 mM), more prominently in type 1 HSC. There was a correlation between the amplitude of the Ba(2+)-sensitive current and the membrane potential. In addition, Ba(2+) (300 microM) depolarized the membrane potential. After the culture period, the amplitude of the inward current decreased and the membrane potential became depolarized. CONCLUSION: HSC express inward rectifier K(+) channels, which physiologically regulate membrane potential and decrease during the activation process. These results will potentially help determine properties of the inward rectifier K(+) channels in HSC as well as their roles in the activation process.