Voltage-dependent ion channels in the mouse RPE: Comparison with Norrie disease mice

We studied electrophysiological properties of cultured retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells from mouse and a mouse model for Norrie disease. Wild-type RPE cells revealed the expression of ion channels known from other species: delayed-rectifier K+ channels composed of Kv1.3 subunits, inward rectifier K+ channels, CaV1.3 L-type Ca2+ channels and outwardly rectifying Cl− channels. Expression pattern and the ion channel characteristics current density, blocker sensitivity, kinetics and voltage-dependence were compared in cells from wild-type and Norrie mice. Although no significant differences were observed, our study provides a base for future studies on ion channel function and dysfunction in transgenic mouse models.