Abstract
We report the expression of voltage-dependent Na+ channels in Xenopus oocytes injected with total RNA isolated from explanted human hearts. The expressed channels demonstrate characteristic voltage-dependent gating, inhibition by tetrodotoxin, and selectivity for Na+. Oocytes injected with sterile water or intentionally degraded RNA had no similar channel activity. The antiarrhythmic agent lidocaine (20 μM) inhibits current flow through the channel in a voltage-dependent fashion. Na+ channels expressed by injection of human cardiac RNA into Xenopus oocytes qualitatively resemble channels in the native tissue.
Original language | English (US) |
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Journal | American Journal of Physiology - Heart and Circulatory Physiology |
Volume | 258 |
Issue number | 3 27-3 |
State | Published - 1990 |
Keywords
- antiarrhythmic drugs, tetrodotoxin
- heterologous expression
- ion channels
- lidocaine
- sodium current
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Physiology