Differential Modulation of the Cardiac Adenosine Triphosphate-sensitive Potassium Channel by Isoflurane and Halothane

Background: The cardiac adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium (KATP) channel is activated during pathophysiological episodes such as ischemia and hypoxia and may lead to beneficial effects on cardiac function. Studies of volatile anesthetic interactions with the cardiac KATP channel have been limited. The goal of this study was to investigate the ability of volatile anesthetics halothane and isoflurane to modulate the cardiac sarcolemmal KATP channel.

Methods: The KATP channel current (IKATP) was monitored using the whole cell configuration of the patch clamp technique from single ventricular cardiac myocytes enzymatically isolated from guinea pig hearts. IKATP was elicited by extracellular application of the potassium channel openers 2,4-dinitrophenol or pinacidil.

Results: Volatile anesthetics modulated IKATP in an anesthetic-dependent manner. Isoflurane facilitated the opening of the KATP channel. Following initial activation of IKATP by 2,4-dinitrophenol, isoflurane at 0.5 and 1.3 mm further increased current amplitude by 40.4 +/- 11.1% and 58.4 +/- 20.6%, respectively. Similar results of isoflurane were obtained when pinacidil was used to activate IKATP. However, isoflurane alone was unable to elicit KATP channel opening. In contrast, halothane inhibited IKATP elicited by 2,4-dinitrophenol by 50.6 +/- 5.8% and 72.1 +/- 11.6% at 0.4 and 1.0 mm, respectively. When IKATP was activated by pinacidil, halothane had no significant effect on the current.     

Isoflurane-induced Facilitation of the Cardiac Sarcolemmal KATP Channel

Background: Volatile anesthetics have cardioprotective effects that mimic ischemic preconditioning, including the involvement of adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels. However, evidence for a direct effect of volatile anesthetic on the KATP channel is limited. In this study, the effects of isoflurane on the cardiac sarcolemmal KATP channel were investigated.

Methods: Single ventricular myocytes were enzymatically isolated from guinea pig hearts. Whole cell and single-channel configurations, specifically the cell-attached and inside-out patch mode, of the patch clamp technique were used to monitor sarcolemmal KATP channel current.

Results: In the cell-attached patch configuration, 2,4-dinitrophenol (150 [mu]m) opened the sarcolemmal KATP channel. Isoflurane (0.5 mm) further increased channel open probability and the number of active channels in the patch. In contrast, in the inside-out patch experiments, isoflurane had no significant effect on the KATP channel activated by low ATP (0.2-0.5 mm). In addition, isoflurane had no effect on the KATP channel when activated by adenosine diphosphate, adenosine + guanosine triphosphate, bimakalim, and 2,4-dinitrophenol under inside-out patch configurations. When KATP current was monitored in the whole cell mode, isoflurane alone was unable to elicit channel opening. However, during sustained protein kinase C activation by 12,13-dibutyrate, isoflurane activated the KATP current that was sensitive to glibenclamide. In contrast, isoflurane had no effect on the KATP channel activated by 12,13-dibutyrate in a cell-free environment.     

Isoflurane-induced facilitation of the cardiac sarcolemmal K(ATP) channel

BACKGROUND: Volatile anesthetics have cardioprotective effects that mimic ischemic preconditioning, including the involvement of adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channels. However, evidence for a direct effect of volatile anesthetic on the K(ATP) channel is limited. In this study, the effects of isoflurane on the cardiac sarcolemmal K(ATP) channel were investigated. METHODS: Single ventricular myocytes were enzymatically isolated from guinea pig hearts. Whole cell and single-channel configurations, specifically the cell-attached and inside-out patch mode, of the patch clamp technique were used to monitor sarcolemmal K(ATP) channel current. RESULTS: In the cell-attached patch configuration, 2,4-dinitrophenol (150 microm) opened the sarcolemmal K(ATP) channel. Isoflurane (0.5 mm) further increased channel open probability and the number of active channels in the patch. In contrast, in the inside-out patch experiments, isoflurane had no significant effect on the K(ATP) channel activated by low ATP (0.2-0.5 mm). In addition, isoflurane had no effect on the K(ATP) channel when activated by adenosine diphosphate, adenosine + guanosine triphosphate, bimakalim, and 2,4-dinitrophenol under inside-out patch configurations. When K(ATP) current was monitored in the whole cell mode, isoflurane alone was unable to elicit channel opening. However, during sustained protein kinase C activation by 12,13-dibutyrate, isoflurane activated the K(ATP) current that was sensitive to glibenclamide. In contrast, isoflurane had no effect on the K(ATP) channel activated by 12,13-dibutyrate in a cell-free environment. CONCLUSIONS: Isoflurane facilitated the opening of the sarcolemmal K(ATP) channel in the intact cell, but not in an excised, inside-out patch. The isoflurane effect was not due to a direct interaction with the K(ATP) channel protein, but required an intracellular component, likely including the translocation of specific protein kinase C isoforms. This suggests that the sarcolemmal K(ATP) channel may have a significant role in anesthetic-induced preconditioning.     

Isoflurane sensitizes the cardiac sarcolemmal adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channel to pinacidil

BACKGROUND: Cardioprotective effects of isoflurane are partially mediated by the sarcolemmal adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium (sarcK ATP ) channel. The authors tested the hypothesis that isoflurane sensitizes sarcK ATP channels to a potassium channel opener, pinacidil, adenosine- and phospholipid-mediated pathways. METHODS: Activation by pinacidil of the K ATP current (I KATP ) was monitored in guinea pig ventricular myocytes at 0.5 and 5 mm intracellular ATP in the whole cell configuration of the patch clamp technique. The sensitization effect was evaluated by pretreating each myocyte with isoflurane (0.57 +/- 0.04 mm) before application of pinacidil (5 micro m) in the continued presence of the anesthetic. To investigate whether intracellular signaling pathways may be involved in isoflurane sensitization, the authors used the adenosine receptor antagonist theophylline (100 micro m) and the phosphatidylinositol kinase inhibitor wortmannin (100 micro m). RESULTS: The density of pinacidil-activated I KATP was higher at 0.5 mm ATP (20.7 +/- 3.2 pA/pF) than at 5 mm ATP (2.0 +/- 0.3 pA/pF). At 0.5 mm ATP, pretreatment with isoflurane caused an increase in density of pinacidil-activated I KATP (42.4 +/- 6.2 pA/pF) and accelerated the rate of current activation (from 5.4 +/- 1.2 to 39.0 +/- 7.9 pA. pF(-1). min(-1) ). Theophylline attenuated current activation by pinacidil (9.4 +/- 3.9 pA/pF) and abolished the sensitization effect of isoflurane on I KATP (10.0 +/- 2.5 pA/pF). Wortmannin did not alter pinacidil activation of I KATP (13.2 +/- 1.7 pA/pF) but prevented sensitization by isoflurane (15.8 +/- 4.5 pA/pF). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that isoflurane increases sensitivity of cardiac sarcK ATP channels to the potassium channel opener pinacidil. Blockade of adenosine receptors or phosphatidylinositol kinases abolishes the sensitization effect, suggesting that the adenosine and phospholipid signaling pathways may be involved in the actions by isoflurane.     

Contribution of reactive oxygen species to isoflurane-induced sensitization of cardiac sarcolemmal adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channel to pinacidil

BACKGROUND: Myocardial protection by volatile anesthetics involves activation of cardiac adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channels. The authors have previously shown that isoflurane enhances sensitivity of the sarcolemmal K(ATP) channel to the opener, pinacidil. Because reactive oxygen species seem to be mediators in anesthetic preconditioning, the authors investigated whether they contribute to the mechanism of the sensitization effect by isoflurane. METHODS: Ventricular myocytes were isolated from guinea pig hearts for the whole cell patch clamp recordings of the sarcolemmal K(ATP) channel current (I(KAPT)). Free radical scavengers N-acetyl-L-cysteine, carnosine, superoxide dismutase, and catalase were used to investigate whether reactive oxygen species mediate isoflurane facilitation of the channel opening by pinacidil. A possible role of the mitochondrial K(ATP) channels was tested using a blocker of these channels, 5-hydroxydecanoate. RESULTS: The mean density (+/- SEM) of I(KAPT) elicited by pinacidil (20 microM) was 18.9 +/- 1.8 pA/pF (n = 11). In the presence of isoflurane (0.55 mM), the density of pinacidil-activated I(KAPT) increased to 38.5 +/- 2.4 pA/pF (n = 9). Concurrent application of isoflurane and N-acetyl-L-cysteine decreased the sensitization effect by isoflurane in a concentration-dependent manner, whereby the densities of I(KAPT) were 32.6 +/- 1.4 (n = 6), 26.2 +/- 2.3 (n = 6), and 19.4 +/- 2.1 pA/pF (n = 8) at 100, 250, and 500 microM N-acetyl-L-cysteine, respectively. Concurrent application of isoflurane and carnosine (100 microM), superoxide dismutase (100 U/ml), or catalase (100 U/ml) attenuated the densities of I(KAPT) to 27.9 +/- 2.6, 27.2 +/- 2.9, and 25.9 +/- 2.2 pA/pF, respectively. None of the scavengers affected activation of I(KAPT) by pinacidil alone. 5-Hydroxydecanoate (100 microM) did not alter the sensitization effect by isoflurane, and the density of I(KAPT) in this group was 37.1 +/- 3.8 pA/pF (n= 6). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that reactive oxygen species contribute to the mechanism by which isoflurane sensitizes the cardiac sarcolemmal K(ATP) channel to the opener, pinacidil.     

Contribution of Reactive Oxygen Species to Isoflurane-induced Sensitization of Cardiac Sarcolemmal Adenosine Triphosphate-sensitive Potassium Channel to Pinacidil

Background: Myocardial protection by volatile anesthetics involves activation of cardiac adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels. The authors have previously shown that isoflurane enhances sensitivity of the sarcolemmal KATP channel to the opener, pinacidil. Because reactive oxygen species seem to be mediators in anesthetic preconditioning, the authors investigated whether they contribute to the mechanism of the sensitization effect by isoflurane.

Methods: Ventricular myocytes were isolated from guinea pig hearts for the whole cell patch clamp recordings of the sarcolemmal KATP channel current (IKATP). Free radical scavengers N-acetyl-l-cysteine, carnosine, superoxide dismutase, and catalase were used to investigate whether reactive oxygen species mediate isoflurane facilitation of the channel opening by pinacidil. A possible role of the mitochondrial KATP channels was tested using a blocker of these channels, 5-hydroxydecanoate.

Results: The mean density (+/- SEM) of IKATP elicited by pinacidil (20 [mu]m) was 18.9 +/- 1.8 pA/pF (n = 11). In the presence of isoflurane (0.55 mm), the density of pinacidil-activated IKATP increased to 38.5 +/- 2.4 pA/pF (n = 9). Concurrent application of isoflurane and N-acetyl-l-cysteine decreased the sensitization effect by isoflurane in a concentration-dependent manner, whereby the densities of IKATP were 32.6 +/- 1.4 (n = 6), 26.2 +/- 2.3 (n = 6), and 19.4 +/- 2.1 pA/pF (n = 8) at 100, 250, and 500 [mu]m N-acetyl-l-cysteine, respectively. Concurrent application of isoflurane and carnosine (100 [mu]m), superoxide dismutase (100 U/ml), or catalase (100 U/ml) attenuated the densities of IKATP to 27.9 +/- 2.6, 27.2 +/- 2.9, and 25.9 +/- 2.2 pA/pF, respectively. None of the scavengers affected activation of IKATP by pinacidil alone. 5-Hydroxydecanoate (100 [mu]m) did not alter the sensitization effect by isoflurane, and the density of IKATP in this group was 37.1 +/- 3.8 pA/pF (n = 6).     

Role of Adenosine Triphosphate-sensitive Potassium Channels in Coronary Vasodilation by Halothane, Isoflurane, and Enflurane

Background: Halothane, isoflurane, and enflurane cause coronary vasodilation and cardiac depression. This study was performed to assess the role of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive potassium channels (K (ATP) channels) in these effects.

Methods: Twenty-five thoracotomized dogs were anesthetized with fentanyl and midazolam. The left anterior descending coronary artery was perfused via either of two pressurized (80 mmHg) reservoirs. One reservoir was supplied with arterial blood free of a volatile anesthetic, and the second reservoir was supplied with arterial blood equilibrated in an oxygenator with a 1 minimum alveolar concentration of either halothane (0.9%, n = 10), isoflurane (1.4%, n = 28), or enflurane (2.2%, n = 7). Coronary blood flow (CBF) was measured using a Doppler flow transducer, and segmental shortening (SS) was measured with ultrasonic crystals. Responses to the volatile anesthetics were assessed under control conditions, during intracoronary infusion of the KATP channel inhibitor glibenclamide (100 micro gram/min), and after cessation of glibenclamide (recovery). The effectiveness of glibenclamide was verified from inhibition of coronary vasodilator responses to the KATP channel opener cromakalim without effect on those to the KATP channel-independent vasodilators, sodium nitroprusside and acetylcholine.

Results: Under control conditions, the volatile anesthetics caused pronounced increases in CBF (isoflurane > halothane = enflurane), and decreases in SS (enflurane > halothane = isoflurane). Glibenclamide blunted significantly (and reversibly) the increases in CBF, but it had no effect on the decreases in SS.     

Isoflurane Decreases ATP Sensitivity of Guinea Pig Cardiac Sarcolemmal KATP Channel at Reduced Intracellular pH

Background: Volatile anesthetics can protect the myocardium against ischemic injury by opening the adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels. However, direct evidence for anesthetic-channel interaction is still limited, and little is known about the role KATP channel modulators play in this effect. Because pH is one of the regulators of KATP channels, the authors tested the hypothesis that intracellular pH (pHi) modulates the direct interaction of isoflurane with the cardiac KATP channel.

Methods: The effects of isoflurane on sarcolemmal KATP channels were investigated at pHi 7.4 and pHi 6.8 in excised inside-out membrane patches from ventricular myocytes of guinea pig hearts.

Results: At pHi 7.4, intracellular ATP (1-1,000 [mu]m) inhibited KATP channels and decreased channel open probability (Po) in a concentration-dependent manner with an IC50 of 8 +/- 1.5 [mu]m, and isoflurane (0.5 mm) either had no effect or decreased channel activity. Lowering pHi from 7.4 to 6.8 enhanced channel opening by increasing Po and reduced channel sensitivity to ATP, with IC50 shifting from 8 +/- 1.2 to 45 +/- 5.6 [mu]m. When applied to the channels activated at pHi 6.8, isoflurane (0.5 mm) increased Po and further reduced ATP sensitivity, shifting IC50 to 110 +/- 10.0 [mu]m.     

Protein Tyrosine Kinase-Dependent Modulation of Isoflurane Effects on Cardiac Sarcolemmal KATP Channel

Background: Cardiac adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels and protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) are mediators of ischemic preconditioning, but the interaction of both and a role in myocardial protection afforded by volatile anesthetics have not been defined.

Methods: Whole cell and single channel patch clamp techniques were used to investigate the effects of isoflurane and the PTK inhibitor genistein on the cardiac sarcolemmal KATP channel in acutely dissociated guinea pig ventricular myocytes.

Results: At 0.5 mm internal ATP, genistein (50 [mu]m) elicited whole cell KATP current (22.5 +/- 7.9 pA/pF). Genistein effects were concentration-dependent, with an EC50 of 32.3 +/- 1.4 [mu]m. Another PTK inhibitor, tyrphostin B42, had a similar effect. The inactive analog of genistein, daidzein (50 [mu]m), did not elicit KATP current. Isoflurane (0.5 mm) increased genistein (35 [mu]m)- activated whole cell KATP current from 14.5 +/- 3.1 to 32.5 +/- 6.6 pA/pF. Stimulation of receptor PTKs with epidermal growth factor, nerve growth factor, or insulin attenuated genistein and isoflurane effects, and the protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor orthovanadate (1 mm) prevented their actions on KATP current. In excised inside-out membrane patches, and at fixed 0.2 mm internal ATP, genistein (50 [mu]m) increased channel open probability from 0.053 +/- 0.016 to 0.183 +/- 0.039, but isoflurane failed to further increase open probability (0.162 +/- 0.051) of genistein-activated channels. However, applied in the presence of genistein and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (1 [mu]g/ml), isoflurane significantly increased open probability to 0.473 +/- 0.114.     

Isoflurane decreases ATP sensitivity of guinea pig cardiac sarcolemmal KATP channel at reduced intracellular pH

BACKGROUND: Volatile anesthetics can protect the myocardium against ischemic injury by opening the adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive potassium (K(atp)) channels. However, direct evidence for anesthetic-channel interaction is still limited, and little is known about the role K(atp) channel modulators play in this effect. Because pH is one of the regulators of K(atp) channels, the authors tested the hypothesis that intracellular pH (pHi) modulates the direct interaction of isoflurane with the cardiac K(atp) channel. METHODS: The effects of isoflurane on sarcolemmal K(atp) channels were investigated at pHi 7.4 and pHi 6.8 in excised inside-out membrane patches from ventricular myocytes of guinea pig hearts. RESULTS: At pHi 7.4, intracellular ATP (1-1,000 microm) inhibited K(atp) channels and decreased channel open probability (Po) in a concentration-dependent manner with an IC(50) of 8 +/- 1.5 microm, and isoflurane (0.5 mm) either had no effect or decreased channel activity. Lowering pHi from 7.4 to 6.8 enhanced channel opening by increasing Po and reduced channel sensitivity to ATP, with IC shifting from 8 +/- 1.2 to 45 +/- 5.6 microm. When applied to the channels activated at pHi 6.8, isoflurane (0.5 mm) increased Po and further reduced ATP sensitivity, shifting IC(50) to 110 +/- 10.0 microm. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in pHi appear to modulate isoflurane interaction with the cardiac K(atp) channel. At pHi 6.8, which itself facilitates channel opening, isoflurane enhances channel activity by increasing Po and reduces sensitivity to inhibition by ATP without changing the unitary amplitude of single channel current or the conductance. These results support the hypothesis of direct isoflurane-K(atp) channel interaction that may play a role in cardioprotection by volatile anesthetics.     

Protein tyrosine kinase-dependent modulation of isoflurane effects on cardiac sarcolemmal K(ATP) channel

BACKGROUND: Cardiac adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channels and protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) are mediators of ischemic preconditioning, but the interaction of both and a role in myocardial protection afforded by volatile anesthetics have not been defined. METHODS: Whole cell and single channel patch clamp techniques were used to investigate the effects of isoflurane and the PTK inhibitor genistein on the cardiac sarcolemmal K(ATP) channel in acutely dissociated guinea pig ventricular myocytes. RESULTS: At 0.5 mm internal ATP, genistein (50 microm) elicited whole cell K(ATP) current (22.5 +/- 7.9 pA/pF). Genistein effects were concentration-dependent, with an EC50 of 32.3 +/- 1.4 microm. Another PTK inhibitor, tyrphostin B42, had a similar effect. The inactive analog of genistein, daidzein (50 microm), did not elicit K(ATP) current. Isoflurane (0.5 mm) increased genistein (35 microm)-activated whole cell K(ATP) current from 14.5 +/- 3.1 to 32.5 +/- 6.6 pA/pF. Stimulation of receptor PTKs with epidermal growth factor, nerve growth factor, or insulin attenuated genistein and isoflurane effects, and the protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor orthovanadate (1 mm) prevented their actions on K(ATP) current. In excised inside-out membrane patches, and at fixed 0.2 mm internal ATP, genistein (50 microm) increased channel open probability from 0.053 +/- 0.016 to 0.183 +/- 0.039, but isoflurane failed to further increase open probability (0.162 +/- 0.051) of genistein-activated channels. However, applied in the presence of genistein and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (1 microg/ml), isoflurane significantly increased open probability to 0.473 +/- 0.114. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the PTK-protein tyrosine phosphatase signaling pathway may be one of the regulators of cardiac sarcolemmal K(ATP) channel and may play a role in modulating its responsiveness to isoflurane. Relative importance of this modulation for cardioprotection by volatile anesthetics remains to be established.     

Mechanism of cardiac sarcolemmal adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channel activation by isoflurane in a heterologous expression system

BACKGROUND: Activation of the cardiac sarcolemmal adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium (KATP) channel during metabolic stress initiates cellular events that preserve cardiac performance. Previous studies showed that halogenated anesthetics prime KATP channels under whole cell voltage clamp and act in intracellular pH (pHi)-dependent manner on KATP channels in excised membrane patches. However, it is not known how halogenated anesthetics interact with these channels. METHODS: The authors evaluated the effect of pHi and isoflurane on the KATP channel subunits, the pore-forming inward rectifier Kir6.2, and the regulatory sulfonylurea receptor SUR2A, using HEK293 cells as a heterologous expression system. Single channel activity was recorded in the inside-out patch configuration. RESULTS: At pHi 7.4, isoflurane had negligible effect on activity of wild-type Kir6.2/SUR2A, but at pHi 6.8, the channel open probability was increased by isoflurane (0.177 +/- 0.077 to 0.364 +/- 0.164). By contrast, the open probability of truncated Kir6.2DeltaC26, which forms a functional channel without SUR2A, was attenuated by isoflurane at both pHi 7.4 and pHi 6.8. Coexpression of Kir6.2DeltaC26 with SUR2A restored pHi sensitivity of channel activation by isoflurane. Site-directed mutagenesis within the Walker motifs of SUR2A abolished isoflurane activation of KATP channel at pHi 6.8. In addition, the pancreatic-type channels expressing sulfonylurea receptor SUR1 could not be activated by isoflurane. CONCLUSIONS: The nucleotide binding domains of SUR2A play a crucial role in isoflurane facilitation of the KATP channel activity at moderately acidic pHi as would occur during early ischemia. These findings support direct and differential interaction of isoflurane with the subunits of the cardiac sarcolemmal KATP channel.     

Mechanism of Cardiac Sarcolemmal Adenosine Triphosphate-sensitive Potassium Channel Activation by Isoflurane in a Heterologous Expression System

Background: Activation of the cardiac sarcolemmal adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium (KATP) channel during metabolic stress initiates cellular events that preserve cardiac performance. Previous studies showed that halogenated anesthetics prime KATP channels under whole cell voltage clamp and act in intracellular pH (pHi)-dependent manner on KATP channels in excised membrane patches. However, it is not known how halogenated anesthetics interact with these channels.

Methods: The authors evaluated the effect of pHi and isoflurane on the KATP channel subunits, the pore-forming inward rectifier Kir6.2, and the regulatory sulfonylurea receptor SUR2A, using HEK293 cells as a heterologous expression system. Single channel activity was recorded in the inside-out patch configuration.

Results: At pHi 7.4, isoflurane had negligible effect on activity of wild-type Kir6.2/SUR2A, but at pHi 6.8, the channel open probability was increased by isoflurane (0.177 +/- 0.077 to 0.364 +/- 0.164). By contrast, the open probability of truncated Kir6.2[DELTA]C26, which forms a functional channel without SUR2A, was attenuated by isoflurane at both pHi 7.4 and pHi 6.8. Coexpression of Kir6.2[DELTA]C26 with SUR2A restored pHi sensitivity of channel activation by isoflurane. Site-directed mutagenesis within the Walker motifs of SUR2A abolished isoflurane activation of KATP channel at pHi 6.8. In addition, the pancreatic-type channels expressing sulfonylurea receptor SUR1 could not be activated by isoflurane.     

Blockade of Adenosine Triphosphate-sensitive Potassium Channels by Thiamylal in Rat Ventricular Myocytes

Background: The adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels protect myocytes during ischemia and reperfusion. This study investigated the effects of thiamylal on the activities of KATP channels in isolated rat ventricular myocytes during simulated ischemia.

Methods: Male Wistar rats were anesthetized with ether. Single, quiescent ventricular myocytes were dispersed enzymatically. Membrane currents were recorded using patch-clamp techniques. In the cell-attached configuration, KATP channel currents were assessed before and during activation of these channels by 2,4-dinitrophenol and after administration of 25, 50, and 100 mg/l thiamylal. The open probability was determined from current-amplitude histograms. In the inside-out configuration, the current-voltage relation was obtained before and after the application of thiamylal (50 mg/l).

Results: In the cell-attached configuration, 2,4-dinitrophenol caused frequent channel opening. 2,4-Dinitrophenol-induced channel activities were reduced significantly by glibenclamide, suggesting that the channels studied were KATP channels. Open probability of KATP channels was reduced by thiamylal in a concentration-dependent manner. KATP channels could be activated in the inside-out configuration because of the absence of ATP. Thiamylal inhibited KATP channel activity without changing the single-channel conductance.     

Blockade of adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channels by thiamylal in rat ventricular myocytes

BACKGROUND: The adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels protect myocytes during ischemia and reperfusion. This study investigated the effects of thiamylal on the activities of KATP channels in isolated rat ventricular myocytes during simulated ischemia. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were anesthetized with ether. Single, quiescent ventricular myocytes were dispersed enzymatically. Membrane currents were recorded using patch-clamp techniques. In the cell-attached configuration, KATP channel currents were assessed before and during activation of these channels by 2,4-dinitrophenol and after administration of 25, 50, and 100 mg/l thiamylal. The open probability was determined from current-amplitude histograms. In the inside-out configuration, the current-voltage relation was obtained before and after the application of thiamylal (50 mg/1). RESULTS: In the cell-attached configuration, 2,4-dinitrophenol caused frequent channel opening. 2,4-Dinitrophenol-induced channel activities were reduced significantly by glibenclamide, suggesting that the channels studied were KATP channels. Open probability of KATP channels was reduced by thiamylal in a concentration-dependent manner. KATP channels could be activated in the inside-out configuration because of the absence of ATP. Thiamylal inhibited KATP channel activity without changing the single-channel conductance. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained in this study indicate that thiamylal inhibits KATP channel activities in cell-attached and inside-out patches, suggesting a direct action of this drug on these channels.     

Isoflurane Sensitizes the Cardiac Sarcolemmal Adenosine Triphosphate-Sensitive Potassium Channel to Pinacidil

Background: Cardioprotective effects of isoflurane are partially mediated by the sarcolemmal adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium (sarcKATP) channel. The authors tested the hypothesis that isoflurane sensitizes sarcKATP channels to a potassium channel opener, pinacidil, via adenosine- and phospholipid-mediated pathways.

Methods: Activation by pinacidil of the KATP current (IKATP) was monitored in guinea pig ventricular myocytes at 0.5 and 5 mm intracellular ATP in the whole cell configuration of the patch clamp technique. The sensitization effect was evaluated by pretreating each myocyte with isoflurane (0.57 +/- 0.04 mm) before application of pinacidil (5 [mu]m) in the continued presence of the anesthetic. To investigate whether intracellular signaling pathways may be involved in isoflurane sensitization, the authors used the adenosine receptor antagonist theophylline (100 [mu]m) and the phosphatidylinositol kinase inhibitor wortmannin (100 [mu]m).

Results: The density of pinacidil-activated IKATP was higher at 0.5 mm ATP (20.7 +/- 3.2 pA/pF) than at 5 mm ATP (2.0 +/- 0.3 pA/pF). At 0.5 mm ATP, pretreatment with isoflurane caused an increase in density of pinacidil-activated IKATP (42.4 +/- 6.2 pA/pF) and accelerated the rate of current activation (from 5.4 +/- 1.2 to 39.0 +/- 7.9 pA [middle dot] pF-1 [middle dot] min-1). Theophylline attenuated current activation by pinacidil (9.4 +/- 3.9 pA/pF) and abolished the sensitization effect of isoflurane on IKATP (10.0 +/- 2.5 pA/pF). Wortmannin did not alter pinacidil activation of IKATP (13.2 +/- 1.7 pA/pF) but prevented sensitization by isoflurane (15.8 +/- 4.5 pA/pF).     

Preconditioning by isoflurane induces lasting sensitization of the cardiac sarcolemmal adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channel by a protein kinase C-delta-mediated mechanism

BACKGROUND: Cardioprotective effects of volatile anesthetics in anesthetic-induced preconditioning involve activation of the cardiac sarcolemmal adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium (sarcKATP) channels. This study addressed the memory phase of anesthetic preconditioning by investigating whether brief exposure to isoflurane produces lasting sensitization of the sarcKATP channel and whether protein kinase C mediates this effect. METHODS: Whole cell sarcKATP channel current (IKATP) was monitored from single isolated rat ventricular cardiomyocytes. Pinacidil was used to open the channel, and the magnitude of activated IKATP was an indicator of channel's ability to open. Involvement of protein kinase C was investigated using chelerythrine and isoform-specific peptide inhibitors and activators of protein kinase C-delta and protein kinase C-epsilon. RESULTS: The mean density of IKATP elicited by pinacidil (5 microm) in anesthetic-free conditions was 3.8 +/- 3.7 pA/pF (n = 11). After 10 min of exposure to isoflurane (0.56 mm) and 10 or 30 min of anesthetic washout, pinacidil-elicited IKATP was increased to 15.6 +/- 11.3 pA/pF (n = 12; P < 0.05) and 11.8 +/- 3.9 pA/pF (n = 6; P < 0.05), respectively. In the presence of chelerythrine (5 microm), isoflurane did not potentiate channel opening, and IKATP was 6.6 +/- 4.6 pA/pF (n = 11). Application of protein kinase C-delta peptide inhibitor also abolished isoflurane-induced sensitization of sarcKATP channel, and IKATP was 7.7 +/- 5.4 pA/pF (n = 12). In contrast, protein kinase C-epsilon peptide inhibitor did not affect channel sensitization, and pinacidil-elicited current was 14.8 +/- 9.6 pA/pF (n = 12). Interestingly, when both protein kinase C-delta and protein kinase C-epsilon activators were applied instead of isoflurane, they sensitized the channel to the same extent as isoflurane (18.9 +/- 7.2 pA/pF, n = 11, and 18.6 +/- 11.1 pA/pF, n = 10, respectively). CONCLUSION: Isoflurane induces prolonged sensitization of the sarcKATP channel to opening that persists even after anesthetic withdrawal. Our results indicate that protein kinase C-delta, rather than protein kinase C-epsilon, is a likely mediator of isoflurane effects, although both protein kinase C-delta and protein kinase C-epsilon can modulate the channel function.     

The effects of volatile anesthetics on spontaneous contractility of isolated human pregnant uterine muscle: a comparison among sevoflurane, desflurane, isoflurane, and halothane

We examined the effects of equianesthetic concentrations of sevoflurane, desflurane, isoflurane, and halothane on the spontaneous contractility of isolated human pregnant uterine muscles. We also determined if their action was related to potassium channels. Uterine specimens were obtained from normal full-term pregnant women undergoing elective lower-segment cesarean delivery. Longitudinal muscle strips were mounted vertically in tissue chambers. Their isometric tension was recorded while they were exposed to 0.5-3 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of volatile anesthetics in the absence and presence of the high conductance calcium-activated potassium channel blocker, tetraethylammonium, or the adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channel (K(ATP))-blocker, glibenclamide. The anesthetics examined produced a dose-dependent depression of contractility. The inhibitory potency of sevoflurane and desflurane was comparable to, whereas that of isoflurane was smaller than, that of halothane: concentrations causing 50% inhibition of the contractile amplitude (ED(50)) were 1.72, 1.44, 2.35, and 1.66 MAC (P < 0.05), respectively. Tetraethylammonium and glibenclamide did not affect the uterine response to the anesthetics, except for glibenclamide, which attenuated the response to isoflurane. These results indicate that the volatile anesthetics have inhibitory effects on the contractility of the human uterus. The inhibitory effect of isoflurane may in part be mediated through activation of K(ATP) channels.     

The anticonvulsant effects of volatile anesthetics on penicillin-induced status epilepticus in cats

Volatile anesthetics may be used to treat status epilepticus when conventional drugs are ineffective. We studied 30 cats to compare the inhibitory effects of sevoflurane, isoflurane, and halothane on penicillin-induced status epilepticus. Anesthesia was induced and maintained with one of the three volatile anesthetics in oxygen. Penicillin G was injected into the cisterna magna, and the volatile anesthetic discontinued. Once status epilepticus was induced (convulsive period), the animal was reanesthetized with 0.6 minimum alveolar anesthetic concentration (MAC) of the volatile anesthetic for 30 min, then with 1.5 MAC for the next 30 min. Electroencephalogram and multiunit activity in the midbrain reticular formation were recorded. At 0.6 MAC, all anesthetics showed anticonvulsant effects. Isoflurane and halothane each abolished the repetitive spike phase in one cat; isoflurane reduced the occupancy of the repetitive spike phase (to 27%+/-22% of the convulsive period (mean +/- SD) significantly more than sevoflurane (60%+/-29%; P < 0.05) and halothane (61%+/-24%; P < 0.05), and the increase of midbrain reticular formation with repetitive spikes was reduced by all volatile anesthetics. The repetitive spikes were abolished by 1.5 MAC of the anesthetics: in 9 of 10 cats by sevoflurane, in 9 of 9 cats by isoflurane, and in 9 of 11 cats by halothane. In conclusion, isoflurane, sevoflurane, and halothane inhibited penicillin-induced status epilepticus, but isoflurane was the most potent. IMPLICATIONS: Convulsive status epilepticus is an emergency state and requires immediate suppression of clinical and electrical seizures, but conventional drugs may be ineffective. In such cases, general anesthesia may be effective. In the present study, we suggest that isoflurane is preferable to halothane and sevoflurane to suppress sustained seizure.     

Volatile General Anesthetics Produce Hyperpolarization of Aplysia Neurons by Activation of a Discrete Population of Baseline Potassium Channels

Background: The mechanism by which volatile anesthetics act on neuronal tissue to produce reversible depression is unknown. Previous studies have identified a potassium current in invertebrate neurons that is activated by volatile anesthetics. The molecular components generating this current are characterized here in greater detail.

Methods: The cellular and biophysical effects of halothane and isoflurane on neurons of Aplysia californica were studied. Isolated abdominal ganglia were perfused with anesthetic-containing solutions while membrane voltage changes were recorded. These effects were also studied at the single-channel level by patch clamping cultured neurons from the abdominal and pleural ganglia.

Results: Clinically relevant concentrations of halothane and isoflurane produced a slow hyperpolarization in abdominal ganglion neurons that was sufficient to block spontaneous spike firings. Single-channel studies revealed specific activation by volatile anesthetics of a previously described potassium channel. In pleural sensory neurons, halothane and isoflurane increased the open probability of the outwardly rectifying serotonin-sensitive channel (S channel). Halothane also inhibited a smaller noninactivating channel with a linear slope conductance of approximately 40 pS. S channels were activated by halothane with a median effective concentration of approximately 500 micro Meter (0.013 atm), which increased channel activity about four times. The mechanism of channel activation involved shortening the closed-time durations between bursts and apparent recruitment of previously silent channels.