Effects of tetrabutylhydroperoxide on hepatocyte ion channels

previously, tetrabutylhydroperoxide (t-BOOH) shrinks hepatocytes by release of cellular K+, The hyperpolarization, the increase of K+ selectivity, and the Ba2+ sensitivity of K+ release have been taken as evidence of activati on of K+As shown previously, tetrabutylhydroperoxide (t-BOOH) shrinks hepat ocytes by release of cellular K+, The hyperpolarization, the increase of K selectivity, and the Ba2+ sensitivity of K+ release have been taken as evi dence of activation of K+ channels, To further define the ion channels invo lved, patch-clamp studies have been performed on rat hepatocytes. The data show that 0.1 mmol/l t-BOOH inhibits an inwardly rectifying K+ channel and simultaneously activates a 35-pS K+ channel, It is suggested that the activ ation of the latter channel population contributes to the observed KC relea se of hepatocytes following exposure to t-BOOH. channels, To further define the ion channels involved, patch-clamp studies have been performed on rat hepatocytes. The data show that 0.1 mmol/l t-BOOH inhibits an inwardly rect ifying K+ channel and simultaneously activates a 35-pS K+ channel, It is su ggested that the activation of the latter channel population contributes to the observed KC release of hepatocytes following exposure to t-BOOH.