Author/Editor		Šuput, D; Schwarz, W
Title		Equinatoxin II activates calcium dependent potassium channels in human erythrocytes
Type		članek
Source		In: Gopalakrishnakone P, Tan CK, editors. Recent advances in toxinology research. Vol 2. Singapore: Venom and toxin research group,
Publication year		1992
Volume		str. 1-6
Language		eng
Abstract		Effects on Ca2+ dependent potassium channels in human erythrocytes of Equinatoxin II (EqT II) were investigated in order to explain its hemolytic properties. To study its effects on erythrocyte membrane permeabilities a modified patch-clamp method was used and single channel conductances were measured under cell-attached and inside-out configurations. Results suggested the conclusion that activation of Ca2+ dependent potassium channels is at least in part responsible for the lysis of erythrocytes. The activation of the Ca2+ dependent potassium channels is explained by the entry of calcium ions through the EgT II induced membrane conductances although direct effects of EqT II on the channels cannot be excluded. The results support the view that hemolysis is a consequence of osmotic imbalance caused by the formation of new cation pores in the erythrocyte membrane, and by the actovation of Ca2+ dependent potasium channels triggered by an increase of intracellular calcium concentration.
Descriptors		ERYTHROCYTE MEMBRANE POTASSIUM CHANNELS CALCIUM CNIDARIAN VENOMS HEMOLYSIS ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY