Abstract

Mechanical stimulation of mesangial cells enhances expression of early response protooncogenes is an extracellular Ca2+-dependent manner. This has lead investigators to postulate that a mechanosensitive Ca2+ channel may exist in these cells. At the present time, however, very little is known about single channel Ca2+ currents in mesangial cells. To examine this question, cell-attached patches of rat mesangial cells in early passages were studied with 100 mM BaCl2 patch-clamp pipets. Our studies identified a 21 pS, Co2+-sensitive channel that responded with an increase in open probability to mechanical stretch, applied through the patch pipet. The channel was also activated by a reduction in extracellular osmolarity. In both instances, channel responses underwent spontaneous adaptation despite continuous stimulation. This Ca2+ channel exhibited electrophysiological and kinetic properties that distinguished it from other cation-selective channels previously reported by us and other investigators on rat mesangial cell membranes.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.