The entry and clearance of Ca2+ at individual presynaptic active zones of hair cells from the bullfrog''s sacculus.

Neurotransmitter is released when Ca2+ triggers the fusion of synaptic vesicles with the plasmalemma. To study factors that regulate Ca2+ concentration at the presynaptic active zones of hair cells, we used laser-scanning confocal microscopy with the fluorescent Ca2+ indicator fluo 3. The experimental results were compared with the predictions of a model of presynaptic Ca2+ concentration in which Ca2+ enters a cell through a point source, diffuses from the entry site, and binds to fixed or mobile Ca2+ buffers. The observed time course and magnitude of fluorescence changes under a variety of conditions were well fit when the model included mobile molecules as the only Ca2+ buffer. The results confirm the localized entry of Ca2+ underlying neurotransmitter release and suggest that Ca2+ is cleared from an active zone almost exclusively by mobile buffer.     

Monochloramine directly modulates Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels in rabbit colonic muscularis mucosae.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Mesenteric ischemia, infection, and inflammatory bowel disease may eventuate in severe colitis, complicated by toxic megacolon with impending intestinal perforation. Monochloramine (NH(2)Cl) is a membrane-permeant oxidant generated during colitis by the large amount of ambient luminal NH(3) in the colon. Reactive oxygen metabolites can modulate smooth muscle ion channels and thereby affect colonic motility, which is markedly impaired in colitis. METHODS: Effects of NH(2)Cl on ionic currents in the innermost smooth muscle layer of the colon, the tunica muscularis mucosae, were examined using the patch clamp technique. Membrane potential in whole tissue strips was measured using high-resistance microelectrodes. RESULTS: Whole cell voltage clamp experiments showed that NH(2)Cl (3-30 micromol/L) enhanced outward currents in a dose-dependent manner, increasing currents more than 8-fold at a test potential of +30 mV. Tail current analysis showed that the currents enhanced by NH(2)Cl were K(+) currents. Inhibition by tetraethylammonium and iberiotoxin suggested that these currents represented activation of large-conductance, Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels. The membrane-impermeant oxidant taurine monochloramine, however, had no effect on whole cell currents. Single-channel studies in inside-out patches showed that NH(2)Cl increased open probability of a 257-pS channel in symmetrical (140 mmol/L) K(+). In the presence of NH(2)Cl, the steady-state voltage dependence of activation was shifted by -22 mV to the left with no change in the single-channel amplitude. The sulfhydryl alkylating agent N-ethylmaleimide prevented NH(2)Cl-induced channel activation. NH(2)Cl also hyperpolarized intact muscle strips, an effect blocked by iberiotoxin. CONCLUSIONS: NH(2)Cl, at concentrations expected to be found during colitis, may contribute to smooth muscle dysfunction by a direct oxidant effect on maxi K(+) channels.     

Angiotensin II activates intermediate-conductance Ca2+ -activated K+ channels in arterial smooth muscle cells

Angiostensin II (Ang II) regulates the migration and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells. Recent studies indicate that intermediate-conductance Ca2+ -activated K+ (IKca) channels have an important role in cell migration and proliferation. It is not known, however, whether the action of Ang II is linked to IKca channel regulation. Here, we investigated the modulation of IKca channels by Ang II in artery smooth muscle cells. Functional IKca channel expression in cultured embryonic rat aorta smooth muscle (A10) cells was studied using the patch-clamp technique. These cells predominantly express IKca channels. In contrast, large-conductance Ca2+ -activated K+ (BKca) currents were rarely observed in excised patches. Ang II increased the IKca current in a contration-dependent manner. Losartan (1.0 microM), an AT1 selective antagonist, abolished the activation of IKca channels by Ang II. Pretreatment with 100 microM myristoylated protein kinase C inhibitor peptide 20-28 or 10 microM GF109203X completely abolished the AngII-induced activation of IKca currents, whereas the action of Ang II was not prevented in the presence of 100 microM Rp-cyclic 3', 5'-hydrogen phosphotiate adenosine triethylammonium, a protein kinase A inhibitor, or 1.0 microM KT-5823, a protein kinase G inhibitor. A membrane permeant analogue of diacylglycerol 1, 2-dioctanoyl-sn-glycerol (10 microM) induced the activation of IKca currents. These data suggest that Ang II activates IKca channels through the activation of protein kinase C, and the AT1 receptor is involved in the regulation of these channels.     

Lysophosphatidylcholine-induced modulation of Ca(2+)-activated K(+)channels contributes to ROS-dependent proliferation of cultured human endothelial cells

Proliferation of endothelial cells plays a crucial role in the process of atherosclerotic plaque destabilization. The major component of oxidized low-density lipoprotein lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) has been shown to promote endothelial proliferation by increasing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Since K(+) channels are known to control the cell cycle, we investigated the role of Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels (BK(Ca)) in the regulation of LPC-induced endothelial proliferation and ROS generation. A significant increase of cell growth induced by LPC (20 micromol/l; cell counts (CCs): +87%, thymidin incorporation: +89%; n = 12, P < 0.01) was observed, which was inhibited by the BK(Ca) inhibitor iberiotoxin (IBX; 100 nmol/l), by the NAD(P)H-oxidase inhibitor diphenyleneiodonium (5 micromol/l) and by transfection with antisense (AS) oligonucleotides against NAD(P)H oxidase, whereas N(G)-monomethyl-l-arginine (l-NMMA) further increased LPC-induced cell growth. Using the patch-clamp technique a significant increase of BK(Ca) open-state probability (control: 0.004 +/- 0.002; LPC: 0.104 +/- 0.035; n = 21, P < 0.05) by LPC was observed. Using dichlorofluorescein fluorescence microscopy a significant increase of ROS induced by LPC was reported, that was blocked by IBX and Ca(2+) antagonists. Intracellular Ca(2+) measurements revealed a capacitative Ca(2+) influx caused by LPC. Bioactivity of nitric oxide (NO) was measured using a [(3)H]-cGMP radioimmunoassay. LPC significantly decreased acetylcholine-induced NO synthesis. LPC significantly increased cGMP levels in endothelial cells transfected with AS, which was blocked by IBX. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that LPC activates BK(Ca) thereby increasing ROS production which induces endothelial proliferation. In addition LPC-induced BK(Ca)-activation contributes to increased cGMP levels, if ROS production is prevented by AS.     

Endothelium-independent effect of estrogen on Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels in human coronary artery smooth muscle cells

OBJECTIVE: Postmenopausal estrogen replacement therapy lowers the incidence of cardiovascular disease, suggesting that estrogens support cardiovascular function. Estrogens dilate coronary arteries; however, little is known about the molecular basis of how estrogen affects the human coronary circulation. The cellular/molecular effects of estrogen action on human coronary smooth muscle were investigated in the present study. METHODS: Patch-clamp and fluorescent microscopy studies were performed on human coronary myocytes in the absence of endothelium. RESULTS: Estrogen increased whole-cell currents over a range of membrane potentials, and further studies indicated that the large-conductance (186.5 +/- 3 pS), calcium- and voltage-activated potassium (BK(Ca)) channel was the target of estrogen action. Channel activity was stimulated approximately 15-fold by nanomolar concentrations of 17 beta-estradiol, and this stimulation was reversed >90% by inhibiting cGMP-dependent protein kinase activity with 300 nM KT5823. 17 beta-Estradiol increased the level of cGMP and nitric oxide in human myocytes, and the stimulatory effect of estrogen on channel activity and NO production was reversed by inhibiting NO synthase with 10 microM N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine. CONCLUSIONS: Our cellular and molecular studies identify the BK(Ca) channel as a target of estrogen action in human coronary artery smooth muscle. This response to estrogen involves cGMP-dependent phosphorylation of the BK(Ca) channel or a closely associated regulatory molecule, and further evidence suggests involvement of the NO/cGMP signaling system in coronary smooth muscle. These findings are the first to provide direct evidence for a molecular mechanism that can account for endothelium-independent effects of estrogen on human arteries, and may also help explain why estrogens reduce myocardial ischemia and stimulate coronary blood flow in patients with diseased coronary arteries.     

糖尿病对冠状动脉平滑肌细胞大电导钙激活钾通道的影响

目的 探讨糖尿病对冠状动脉平滑肌细胞大电导钙激活钾通道(BK通道)的影响变化,阐明糖尿病冠状动脉损伤的分子机制.方法 采用链脲霉素腹腔内注射建立大鼠糖尿病动物模型,酶消化法分离冠状动脉平滑肌细胞,全细胞膜片钳实验技术和Western blot分别记录和测定正常和糖尿病大鼠冠状动脉平滑肌细胞BK通道电流和亚基的表达;采用荧光测定方法测定正常和糖尿病大鼠冠状动脉平滑肌细胞内钙离子浓度.结果 当刺激电压＞100 mV时,糖尿病冠状动脉平滑肌细胞BK通道电流密度明显低于正常冠状动脉平滑肌细胞BK通道电流密度(P＜0.05),在刺激电压为150 mV时,电流密度分别为(275±40)pA/pF(n=8)和(70±10)pA/pF(n=6);与正常组比较,糖尿病组BK通道α亚基蛋白表达差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05),但β1亚基蛋白表达较低(P＜0.05);正常组和糖尿病组冠状动脉平滑肌细胞内钙离于浓度分别为(92±7)nmol/L(n=5)和(151±18)nmol/L(n=6),差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 糖尿病冠状动脉平滑肌细胞BK通道β1亚基表达下调、BK通道电流密度下降及细胞内钙离子浓度升高可能是糖尿病冠状动脉功能损伤的重要原因.     

Cell membrane stretch activates intermediate-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels in arterial smooth muscle cells

The aim of this study is to determine the signal transduction of membrane stretch on intermediate-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (IKca) channels in rat aorta smooth muscle cells using the patch-clamp technique. To stretch the cell membrane, both suction to the rear end of patch pipette and hypotonic shock were used. In cell-attached and inside-out patch configurations, the open probability of IKca channels increased when 20- to 45-mmHg suction was applied. Hyposmotic swelling efficiently increased IKca channel current. When the Ca(2+)-free solution was superfused, the activation of IKca current by the hyposmotic swelling was reduced. Furthermore, gadolinium (Gd(3+)) attenuated the activation of IKca channels induced by hyposmotic swelling, whereas nicardipine did not. In the experiments with Ca(2+)-free bath solution, pretreatment with GF109203X, a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, completely abolished the stretch-induced activation of IKca currents. The stretch-induced activation of IKca channels was strongly inhibited by cytochalasin D, indicating a role for the F-actin in modulation of IKca channels by changes in cell stretching. These data suggest that cell membrane stretch activates IKca channels. In addition, the activation is associated with extracellular Ca(2+) influx through stretch-activated nonselective cation channels, and is also modulated by the F-actin cytoskeleton and the activation of PKC.     

Molecular coupling of a Ca2+-activated K+ channel to L-type Ca2+ channels via alpha-actinin2

Cytoskeletal proteins are known to sculpt the structural architecture of cells. However, their role as bridges linking the functional crosstalk of different ion channels is unknown. Here, we demonstrate that a small conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels (SK2 channel), present in a variety of cells, where they integrate changes in intracellular Ca(2+) concentration [Ca(2+)(i)] with changes in K(+) conductance and membrane potential, associate with L-type Ca(2+) channels; Ca(v)1.3 and Ca(v)1.2 through a physical bridge, alpha-actinin2 in cardiac myocytes. SK2 channels do not physically interact with L-type Ca(2+) channels, instead, the 2 channels colocalize via their interaction with alpha-actinin2 cytoskeletal protein. The association of SK2 channel with alpha-actinin2 localizes the channel to the entry of external Ca(2+) source, which regulate the channel function. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the functions of SK2 channels in atrial myocytes are critically dependent on the normal expression of Ca(v)1.3 Ca(2+) channels. Null deletion of Ca(v)1.3 channel results in abnormal function of SK2 channel and prolongation of repolarization and atrial arrhythmias. Our study provides insight into the molecular mechanisms of the coupling of SK2 channel with voltage-gated Ca(2+) channel, and represents the first report linking the coupling of 2 different types of ion channels via cytoskeletal proteins.     

Local uncaging of caged Ca(2+) reveals distribution of Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) channels in pancreatic acinar cells

In exocrine acinar cells, Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) channels in the apical membrane are essential for fluid secretion, but it is unclear whether such channels are important for Cl(-) uptake at the base. Whole-cell current recording, combined with local uncaging of caged Ca(2+), was used to reveal the Cl(-) channel distribution in mouse pancreatic acinar cells, where approximately 90% of the current activated by Ca(2+) in response to acetylcholine was carried by Cl(-). When caged Ca(2+) in the cytosol was uncaged locally in the apical pole, the Cl(-) current was activated, whereas local Ca(2+) uncaging in the basal or lateral areas of the cell had no effect. Even when Ca(2+) was uncaged along the whole inner surface of the basolateral membrane, no Cl(-) current was elicited. There was little current deactivation at a high cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](c)), but at a low [Ca(2+)](c) there was clear voltage-dependent deactivation, which increased with hyperpolarization. Functional Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) channels are expressed exclusively in the apical membrane and channel opening is strictly regulated by [Ca(2+)](c) and membrane potential. Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) channels do not mediate Cl(-) uptake at the base, but acetylcholine-elicited local [Ca(2+)](c) spiking in the apical pole can regulate fluid secretion by controlling the opening of these channels in the apical membrane.     

Guanosine 5''-monophosphate modulates gating of high-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels in vascular smooth muscle cells.

Ca2+-activated K+ channels (PKCa channels) account for the predominant K+ permeability of many types of smooth muscle cells. When activated, they oppose depolarization due to Na+ and Ca2+ channel activity. Several vasodilatory agents that increase intracellular cGMP levels (e.g., nitroprusside, adenosine, and atrial natriuretic factor) enhance the activity of these high-conductance PKCa channels in on-cell patches of bovine aortic smooth muscle cells. In addition, dibutyryl-cGMP (1.0 mM) causes a similar increase in channel activity. To pursue the mechanism of channel modulation by these agents, a series of guanine and adenine nucleotides were evaluated by using inside-out excised patches. Whereas cAMP, AMP, ADP, and ATP were ineffective, all of the corresponding guanine nucleotides potentiated PKCa channel activity when tested at a high concentration (500 microM). However, only GMP consistently enhanced channel activity in the 1-100 microM range by increasing the percent open time and frequency of opening of these channels over a wide range of potentials and Ca2+ levels without affecting single-channel conductance. Thus, GMP is a potent modulator of PKCa channels and it, rather than cGMP, may mediate the action of the vasodilators examined in this study.     

Modulation of Ca2+-activated K+ channels in human vascular cells by insulin and basic fibroblast growth factor.

Insulin and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) play an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and have been shown to have vasodilatory effects. Since modulation of vascular ion channels determines membrane potential and thereby influences essential Ca2+-dependent intracellular pathways, we have investigated the effect of insulin and bFGF on Ca2+-activated K+ channels (BKCa) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and smooth muscle cells. The latter were obtained from either atherosclerotic plaques (SMCP) or from media segments (SMCM) of human coronary arteries. Using the patch-clamp technique, insulin (100 microU/ml) caused a significant increase in BKCa open-state probability in SMCP and HUVEC, whereas no significant changes were observed in SMCM. Basic FGF (30 ng/ml) revealed a significant increase in BKCa activity in HUVEC and a significant decrease in the BKCa open-state probability in SMCP, but caused no changes in SMCM. Thus, growth factors modulate vascular BKCa in a cell-type specific manner, which may be of importance concerning vasoactive and atherogenic effects of growth factors.     

Functional dependence of Ca(2+)-activated K+ current on L- and N-type Ca2+ channels: differences between chicken sympathetic and parasympathetic neurons suggest different regulatory mechanisms.

The influx of Ca2+ ions controls many important processes in excitable cells, including the regulation of the gating of Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels (the current IK[Ca]). Various IK[Ca] channels contribute to the regulation of the action-potential waveform, the repetitive discharge of spikes, and the secretion of neurotransmitters. It is thought that large-conductance IK[Ca] channels must be closely colocalized with Ca2+ channels (ICa) to be gated by Ca2+ influx. We now report that IK[Ca] channels can be preferentially colocalized with pharmacologically distinct subtypes of voltage-activated Ca2+ channel and that this occurs differently in embryonic chicken sympathetic and parasympathetic neurons. The effects of various dihydropyridines and omega-conotoxin on voltage-activated Ca2+ currents (ICa) and Ca(2+)-activated K+ currents (IK[Ca]) were examined by using perforated-patch whole-cell recordings from embryonic chicken ciliary and sympathetic ganglion neurons. Application of nifedipine or omega-conotoxin each caused a 40-60% reduction in ICa, whereas application of S-(-)-BAY K 8644 potentiated ICa in ciliary ganglion neurons. But application of omega-conotoxin had little or no effect on IK[Ca], whereas nifedipine and S-(-)-BAY K 8644 inhibited and potentiated IK[Ca], respectively. These results indicate that IK[Ca] channels are preferentially coupled to L-type, but not to N-type, Ca2+ channels on chicken ciliary ganglion neurons. Chicken sympathetic neurons also express dihydropyridine-sensitive and omega-conotoxin-sensitive components of ICa. However, in those cells, application of omega-conotoxin caused a 40-60% reduction in IK[Ca], whereas nifedipine reduced IK[Ca] but only in a subpopulation of cells. Therefore, IK[Ca] in sympathetic neurons is either coupled to N-type Ca2+ channels or is not selectively coupled to a single Ca(2+)-channel subtype. The preferential coupling of IK[Ca] channels with distinct ICa subtypes may be part of a mechanism to allow for selective modulation of neurotransmitter release. Preferential coupling may also be important for the differentiation and development of vertebrate neurons.     

Store-operated calcium influx and stimulation of steroidogenesis in rat Leydig cells: role of Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels

This study evaluates the role of internal calcium store depletion in the activation of ionic fluxes and steroidogenesis in adult rat Leydig cells. Thapsigargin and cyclopiazonic acid, two inhibitors of Ca(2+)-adenosine triphosphatase of internal Ca(2+) stores induced a dose-dependent rise in intracellular Ca(2+) concentrations following kinetics that would not be expected if the calcium rise was dependent only on internal calcium store depletion, but it was in keeping with the presence of calcium influx from the external medium. In fact, chelation of external calcium with EGTA during the plateau phase reduced the intracellular calcium concentration to basal levels. When added in calcium-free medium, thapsigargin and cyclopiazonic acid still induced a rise in the intracellular calcium concentration that was transient, and when calcium was added back to the medium, a rapid and sustained intracellular calcium increase was observed. Thapsigargin and cyclopiazonic acid induced a dose-dependent rise in testosterone secretion in the presence and absence of calcium in the external medium, although in calcium-free medium this stimulatory effect was lower. Leydig cell plasma membrane potential monitoring demonstrated that thapsigargin and cyclopiazonic acid induced first a rapid hyperpolarization, followed by a sustained depolarization phase that was reversed by the addition of the calcium-chelating agent EGTA. In the absence of calcium in the external medium the first phase of hyperpolarization was still present, but it was not followed by plasma membrane depolarization but by the slow return of plasma membrane potential to resting levels. The readdition of calcium to the external medium induced the rapid plasma membrane depolarization. Plasma membrane hyperpolarization was completely abolished by Leydig cell preincubation with the K(+) channel blockers tetraethylammonium and charybdotoxin. Leydig cell preincubation with K(+) channel inhibitors reduced the thapsigargin-stimulated Ca(2+) influx from the external medium and testosterone secretion. These results suggest that internal Ca(2+) stores depletion in rat Leydig cells induces a rise in intracellular Ca(2+), determining important plasma membrane potential variations that influence testosterone secretion.     

Ca(2+)-activated potassium channels and ATP-sensitive potassium channels as modulators of vascular tone

Membrane hyperpolarization through activation of potassium channels in arterial smooth muscle appears to be an effective mechanism to dilate arteries. Conversely, membrane depolarization through inhibition of potassium channels can lead to vasoconstriction. Here, I briefly review the roles of Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (K(Ca)) channels and ATP-sensitive K(+) (K(ATP)) channels in the control of arterial smooth muscle function. K(Ca) channels regulate arterial tone in response to changes in intravascular pressure and possibly to a variety of vasoconstrictors. K(ATP) channels respond to changes in the cellular metabolic state and are targets of a variety of synthetic and endogenous vasodilators.     

Functional regulation of large conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels in vascular diseases

The large conductance Ca²⁺-activated potassium channels, the BK channels, is widely expressed in various tissues and activated in a Ca²⁺- and voltage-dependent manner. The activation of BK channels hyperpolarizes vascular smooth muscle cell membrane potential, resulting in vasodilation. Under pathophysiological conditions, such as diabetes mellitus and hypertension, impaired BK channel function exacerbates vascular vasodilation and leads to organ ischemia. The vascular BK channel is composed of 4 pore-forming subunits, BK-α together with 4 auxiliary subunits: β₁ subunits (BK-β₁) or γ₁ subunits (BK-γ₁). Recent studies have shown that down-regulation of the BK β₁ subunit in diabetes mellitus induced vascular dysfunction; however, the molecular mechanism of these vascular diseases is not well understood. In this review, we summarize the potential mechanisms regarding BK channelopathy and the potential therapeutic targets of BK channels for vascular diseases.     

Flow-induced dilation of human coronary arterioles: important role of Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels

BACKGROUND: Flow-induced vasodilation (FID) is a physiological mechanism for regulating coronary flow and is mediated largely by nitric oxide (NO) in animals. Because hyperpolarizing mechanisms may play a greater role than NO in the microcirculation, we hypothesized that hyperpolarization contributes importantly to FID of human coronary arterioles. METHODS AND RESULTS: Arterioles from atria or ventricles were cannulated for videomicroscopy. Membrane potential of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) was measured simultaneously. After constriction with endothelin-1, increases in flow induced an endothelium-dependent vasodilation. Nomega-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester 10(-4) mol/L modestly impaired FID of arterioles from patients without coronary artery disease (CAD), whereas no inhibition was seen in arterioles from patients with CAD. Indomethacin 10(-5) mol/L was without effect, but 40 mmol/L KCl attenuated maximal FID. Tetraethylammonium 10(-3) mol/L but not glibenclamide 10(-6) mol/L reduced FID. Charybdotoxin 10(-8) mol/L impaired both FID (15+/-3% versus 75+/-12%, P<0.05) and hyperpolarization (-32+/-2 mV [from -28+/-2 mV after endothelin-1] versus -42+/-2 mV [-27+/-2 mV], P<0.05). Miconazole 10(-6) mol/L or 17-octadecynoic acid 10(-5) mol/L reduced FID. By multivariate analysis, age was an independent predictor for the reduced FID. Conclusions-We conclude that shear stress induces endothelium-dependent vasodilation, hyperpolarizing VSMCs through opening Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels in human coronary arterioles. In subjects without CAD, NO contributes to FID. NO and prostaglandins play no role in patients with CAD; rather, cytochrome P450 metabolites are involved. This is consistent with a role for endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor in FID of the human coronary microcirculation.     

Elevated subsarcolemmal Ca2+ in mdx mouse skeletal muscle fibers detected with Ca2+-activated K+ channels

Duchenne muscular dystrophy results from the lack of dystrophin, a cytoskeletal protein associated with the inner surface membrane, in skeletal muscle. The cellular mechanisms responsible for the progressive skeletal muscle degeneration that characterizes the disease are still debated. One hypothesis suggests that the resting sarcolemmal permeability for Ca(2+) is increased in dystrophic muscle, leading to Ca(2+) accumulation in the cytosol and eventually to protein degradation. However, more recently, this hypothesis was challenged seriously by several groups that did not find any significant increase in the global intracellular Ca(2+) in muscle from mdx mice, an animal model of the human disease. In the present study, using plasma membrane Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels as subsarcolemmal Ca(2+) probe, we tested the possibility of a Ca(2+) accumulation at the restricted subsarcolemmal level in mdx skeletal muscle fibers. Using the cell-attached configuration of the patch-clamp technique, we demonstrated that the voltage threshold for activation of high conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels is significantly lower in mdx than in control muscle, suggesting a higher subsarcolemmal [Ca(2+)]. In inside-out patches, we showed that this shift in the voltage threshold for high conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel activation could correspond to a approximately 3-fold increase in the subsarcolemmal Ca(2+) concentration in mdx muscle. These data favor the hypothesis according to which an increased calcium entry is associated with the absence of dystrophin in mdx skeletal muscle, leading to Ca(2+) overload at the subsarcolemmal level.