Dr Henderson - Cardiovascular and Renal Flashcards
What is the structure of the Na+ VGCs α subunit?
4 homologous domains - each with 6 TM segments
Part of S4 = voltage sensor
Cytoplasmic loop between III and IV is important in inactivation (also S6 in IV andS5/6 linker)
Region between S5 and S6 forms the pore (S6 is the selectivity filter)
What is the structure of the Na+ VGC?
It has three subunits - α, β1 and β2
α1 forms the pore of the channel
Which section of the Na+ channel forms the selectivity filter?
S6 of the 4 homologous domains of the α subunit
How does local anaesthetics act upon Na+ VGCs?
They bind to channel stabilising it in its inactivated state and make it harder for them to reactivate
What is the structure of a Ca2+ VGC?
Has α1, α2, β, γ and δ subunits
What are the functions of the different subunits of the Ca2+ VGC?
α1 = the channel
α2δ and β enhance channel trafficking and regulate expression
Where do dihyrdopyridines act on Ca2+ channels?
Two binding sites - one on the segment S6 of domain 4 and the other is the S5-S5 loop of IV
Where do phenylalkylamine bind?
Bind to S5/S6 link of domain 4
Where do benzothiazepines bind?
They bind to the outside of domain IV (?)
What are the features of L-types Ca2+ channels?
Need large depolarisation to open Open for a long time Responsible for the plateau Large conductance (22-27Ps) Sensitive to inactivated channels
What are the features of T-type Ca2+ channels?
Gated with only a small change in potential Open transiently Low conductance (8pS) No sensitivity to dyhydropyridines Occur with L-type
What are the features of K+ VGCs?
S4 segment is voltage sensor
4 channels probably aggregate to form a channel (but one is enough)
What are the two ways by which K+ VGCs inactivate? explain them both
N-type - N terminus forms a ball which is ‘sucked’ into the pore occluding it, as the result of electrostatic changes associated with depolarisation
C-type - Is slower and seems to be the result of movement of residues near the extracellular surface of the pore
What is the role of inward rectifying K+ channels?
Prevent excessive loss of K+ from depolarised cells
What is effect does parasympathetic activity have on the heart?
Stimulation of M2 receptors by ACh reduces the activity of adenylyl cyclase = activation of HGIRK1 (Kir 3.1)
This is a inward rectifying K+ cell and hyperpolarises the pacemaker cells = reduced excitability and reduced HR
Produces the current called I(K-ACh)
What are ATP-sensitive Kir channels?
Produces the current I(K-ATP)
These channels open in the presence of low intracellular ATP, but close as intracellular ATP rises
In pancreatic beta cells their closure leads to insulin release
In the heart they act to protect against hypoxic conditions
I(Na)
The current produced by Na+VGCs = depolarising phase of the AP
I(Ca-L)
Produced by L-type Ca2+ channels
The main current during the plateau
I(Ca-T)
Produced by T-type Ca2+ channels and present in nodal and conductive tissue
I(Na-Ca)
The current that is the result of the electrogenic activity of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger
I(TO1) & I(TO2)
Produced by K+ VGCs of a rather unusual nature
Activate rapidly in Phase 0 and then inactivate rapidly
Responsible for the small ‘notch’ of the AP that constitues Phase 1
I(Ks)
Delayed rectifier
Contributes outward current during the plateau and control timing of depolarisation (in Phase 3)
Is the result of two different K+ channels KCNE1 and KLQT2
I(Kr)
Another delayed rectifier
Kv11.1 channel
I(Kur)
The third delayed rectifier
Probably due to a channel called Kv1.5