Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
2023419 | Regulatory Peptides | 2006 | 8 Pages |
A new recombinant neurotoxic polypeptide ANEPIII (BmK ANEPIII) derived from Scorpion peptide, which was demonstrated with antineuroexcitation properties in animal models, was examined for its action on K+ currents in primary cultured rat hippocampal and cortical neurons using the patch clamp technique in the whole-cell configuration. The delayed rectifier K+ current (Ik) was inhibited by externally applied recombinant BmK ANEPIII, while the transient A-current (IA) remained virtually unaffected. BmK ANEPIII 3 μM, reduced the delayed rectifier current by 28.2% and 23.6% in cultured rat hippocampal and cortical neurons, respectively. The concentration of half-maximal block was 155.1 nM for hippocampal neurons and 227.2 nM for cortical neurons, respectively. These results suggest that BmK ANEPIII affect K+ currents, which may lead to a reduction in neuronal excitability.