G-PROTEIN-MEDIATED INHIBITION OF INWARDLY RECTIFYING K+ CHANNELS IN GUINEA-PIG CHROMAFFIN CELLS

Properties of inwardly directed rectification and its G protein-mediated inhibition in guinea pig chromaffin cells were studied using the whole cell version of the patch-clamp technique. The current-voltage (I-V) relationship for plateau currents in response to a 50-ms pulse showed an inwardly directed rectification between - 80 and - 140 mV and a negative slope at more negative potentials in normal solution. Replacement of Na+ with N-methyl-D-glucamine (NMDG) in the perfusate did not alter the plateau 1-V relationship between - 110 and - 130 mV but did abolish the negative slope below - 140 mV. The zero current or resting membrane potential in the NMDG solution was in fair agreement with the equilibrium potential for K+. The chord conductance-voltage relationship showed a good fit with the Boltzmann equation and shifted along the voltage axis by an approximate change in driving force on K+ when K+ concentration was increased. External Cs+ and Ba2+ produced a voltage-dependent inhibition of the inwardly directed rectification. These results indicate that inwardly rectifying (IR) K+ channels are mediating an inwardly directed rectification. Intracellular dialysis with guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTPgammaS) produced a complete suppression of this IR K+ channel, irrespective of treatment with pertussis toxin. Adding GTP or guanosine 5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) to the patch solution resulted in a decrease in GTPgammaS inhibition of the K+ current. Internal application of vanadate was without effect. Time course of the inhibition of the IR K+ current coincided in part with that of inactivation of a nonselective cation current. In conclusion, IR K+ channels in the chromaffin cell are subject to G protein-mediated inhibition.