Home About us Contact | |||
Channel Activators (channel + activator)
Selected AbstractsBenzoyl and/or Benzyl Substituted 1,2,3-Triazoles as Potassium Channel Activators.CHEMINFORM, Issue 42 2005Part 8. Abstract For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text. [source] Synthesis and Biological Activity of Novel Substituted Benzanilides as Potassium Channel Activators.CHEMINFORM, Issue 43 2004Part 5. Abstract For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text. [source] Quercetin as a novel activator of L-type Ca2+ channels in rat tail artery smooth muscle cellsBRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 7 2002Simona Saponara The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of quercetin, a natural polyphenolic flavonoid, on voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels of smooth muscle cells freshly isolated from the rat tail artery, using either the conventional or the amphotericin B-perforated whole-cell patch-clamp method. Quercetin increased L-type Ca2+ current [ICa(L)] in a concentration- (pEC50=5.09±0.05) and voltage-dependent manner and shifted the maximum of the current-voltage relationship by 10 mV in the hyperpolarizing direction, without, however, modifying the threshold and the equilibrium potential for Ca2+. Quercetin-induced ICa(L) stimulation was reversible upon wash-out. T-type Ca2+ current was not affected by quercetin. Quercetin shifted the voltage dependence of the steady-state inactivation and activation curves to more negative potentials by about 5.5 and 7.5 mV respectively, in the mid-potential of the curves as well as increasing the slope of activation. Quercetin slowed both the activation and the deactivation kinetics of the ICa(L). The inactivation time course was also slowed but only at voltages higher than 10 mV. Moreover quercetin slowed the rate of recovery from inactivation. These results prove quercetin to be a naturally-occurring L-type Ca2+ channel activator. British Journal of Pharmacology (2002) 135, 1819,1827; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0704631 [source] Differentiation dependent expression of TRPA1 and TRPM8 channels in IMR-32 human neuroblastoma cellsJOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 1 2009Lauri M. Louhivuori TRPA1 and TRPM8 are transient receptor potential (TRP) channels involved in sensory perception. TRPA1 is a non-selective calcium permeable channel activated by irritants and proalgesic agents. TRPM8 reacts to chemical cooling agents such as menthol. The human neuroblastoma cell line IMR-32 undergoes a remarkable differentiation in response to treatment with 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine. The cells acquire a neuronal morphology with increased expression of N-type voltage gated calcium channels and neurotransmitters. Here we show using RT-PCR, that mRNA for TRPA1 and TRPM8 are strongly upregulated in differentiating IMR-32 cells. Using whole cell patch clamp recordings, we demonstrate that activators of these channels, wasabi, allyl-isothiocyanate (AITC) and menthol activate membrane currents in differentiated cells. Calcium imaging experiments demonstrated that AITC mediated elevation of intracellular calcium levels were attenuated by ruthenium red, spermine, and HC-030031 as well as by siRNA directed against the channel. This indicates that the detected mRNA level correlate with the presence of functional channels of both types in the membrane of differentiated cells. Although the differentiated IMR-32 cells responded to cooling many of the cells showing this response did not respond to TRPA1/TRPM8 channel activators (60% and 90% for AITC and menthol respectively). Conversely many of the cells responding to these activators did not respond to cooling (30%). This suggests that these channels have also other functions than cold perception in these cells. Furthermore, our results suggest that IMR-32 cells have sensory characteristics and can be used to study native TRPA1 and TRPM8 channel function as well as developmental expression. J. Cell. Physiol. 221: 67,74, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc [source] Review article: new receptor targets for medical therapy in irritable bowel syndromeALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 1 2010M. CAMILLERI Summary Background, Despite setbacks to the approval of new medications for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, interim guidelines on endpoints for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) trials have enhanced interest as new targets for medical therapy are proposed based on novel mechanisms or chemical entities. Aims, To review the approved lubiprostone, two targets that are not meeting expectations (tachykinins and corticotrophin-releasing hormone), the efficacy and safety of new 5-HT4 agonists, intestinal secretagogues (chloride channel activators, and guanylate cyclase-C agonists), bile acid modulation, anti-inflammatory agents and visceral analgesics. Methods, Review of selected articles based on PubMed search and clinically relevant information on mechanism of action, safety, pharmacodynamics and efficacy. Results, The spectrum of peripheral targets of medical therapy addresses chiefly the bowel dysfunction of IBS and these effects are associated with pain relief. The pivotal mechanisms responsible for the abdominal pain or visceral sensation in IBS are unknown. The new 5-HT4 agonists are more specific than older agents and show cardiovascular safety to date. Secretory agents have high specificity, low bioavailability and high efficacy. The potential risks of agents ,borrowed' from other indications (such as hyperlipidaemia, inflammatory bowel disease or somatic pain) deserve further study. Conclusions, There is reason for optimism in medical treatment of IBS with a spectrum of agents to treat bowel dysfunction. However, visceral analgesic treatments are still suboptimal. [source] TRPV1-mediated itch in seasonal allergic rhinitisALLERGY, Issue 5 2009L. Alenmyr Background:, Patients with allergic rhinitis may be abnormally sensitive to stimulation of the ion channel transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV1). Aim of the study:, To examine effects of various TRP ion channel activators on sensory symptoms in allergic rhinitis prior to and during seasonal allergen exposure. Methods:, Nasal challenges were carried out with the TRPV1-activators capsaicin, anandamide and olvanil. Moreover, challenges were performed with mustard oil (allylisothiocyanate) and cinnamaldehyde as well as menthol, activators of TRPA1 and TRPM8, respectively. Nasal symptoms were monitored after each challenge and compared with symptoms reported following corresponding sham challenges. Symptoms recorded after challenge prior to pollen season were also compared with challenge-induced symptoms during pollen season. Results:, The TRPV1, TRPA1 and TRPM8-activators produced sensory symptoms dominated by pain and smart. During seasonal allergen exposure, but not prior to season, TRPV1-activators also induced itch. Furthermore, the seasonal challenge to the TRPV1-activator olvanil was associated with rhinorrhoea. Conclusion:, Patients with allergic rhinitis feature an increased itch response to TRPV1 stimulation at seasonal allergen exposure. We suggest that this reflects part of the hyperresponsiveness that characterizes on-going allergic rhinitis. Intervention with the TRPV1-signalling pathway may offer potential treatments of this condition. [source] SYMPOSIUM REVIEW: Revealing the structural basis of action of hERG potassium channel activators and blockersTHE JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 17 2010Matthew Perry Human ether-á-go-go related gene (hERG) potassium (K+) channels play a critical role in cardiac action potential repolarization. This is due, in large part, to the unique gating properties of these channels, which are characterized by relatively slow activation and an unusually fast and voltage-dependent inactivation. A large number of structurally diverse compounds bind to hERG and carry an unacceptably high risk of causing arrhythmias. On the other hand, drugs that increase hERG current may, at least in principle, prove useful for treatment of long QT syndrome. A few blockers have been shown to increase hERG current at potentials close to the threshold for channel activation , a process referred to as facilitation. More recently, a novel group of hERG channel activators have been identified that slow deactivation and/or attenuate inactivation. Structural determinants for the action of two different types of activators have been identified. These compounds bind at sites that are distinct from each other and also separate from the binding site of high affinity blockers. They reveal not only novel ways of chemically manipulating hERG channel function, but also interactions between structural domains that are critical to normal activation and inactivation gating. [source] |