Beauvericin-induced channels in ventricular myocytes and liposomes

Abstract

The antibiotic Beauvericin (BEA) was previously shown to express ionophoric properties under simple experimental systems. Its channel-forming activity was examined in inside–out patches of ventricular myocytes and synthetic membranes with the patch clamp and fluorescence imaging techniques. Current transitions to several open state levels were evident after wash-in. The BEA channel is cation-selective. Conductance and kinetics are presented for K+ and Na+ substates and main states. The pore was blocked by La3+. In myocytes, the [K+]i was reduced, while [Na+]i and [Ca2+]i increased, leading to cytolysis. These results indicate that BEA forms cation-selective channels in lipid membranes, which can affect the ionic homeostasis.