ABSTRACT
<p><b>AIM</b>To observe redox modulation of ion channel in trigeminal ganglion neurons by oxidants and reducing agents.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The effects of oxidants and reducing agents on maxi-conductance calcium-activated potassium channel in cultured rat trigeminal ganglion neurons by using whole-cell patch-clamp technique.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Methionine-specific oxidant chloramine-T (Ch-T) 1 mmol/L slightly increased the current amplitude and this enhancement did not antagonized by DTT. In contrast, cysteine-specific reagent 5, 5'-dithio-bis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB) 500 micromol/L significantly decreased current amplitude of BK(Ca) channels. The effect was reversed by the reducing agent 2 mmol/L 1, 4-dithio-DL-threitol (DTT).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Reactive oxygen species were definitely involved in regulation of native neuronal function via redox modulation of BK(Ca) channels, which are suggested to play compensatory roles under oxidative stress-related conditions.</p>