Effects of Paroxetine on a Human Ether-a-go-go-related Gene (hERG) K⁺ Channel Expressed in Xenopus Oocytes and on Cardiac Action Potential

K⁺ channels are key components of the primary and secondary basolateral Cl- pump systems, which are important for secretion from the salivary glands. Paroxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) for psychiatric disorders that can induce QT prolongation, which may lead to torsades de pointes. We studied the effects of paroxetine on a human K⁺ channel, human ether-a-go-go-related gene (hERG), expressed in Xenopus oocytes and on action potential in guinea pig ventricular myocytes. The hERG encodes the pore-forming subunits of the rapidly-activating delayed rectifier K⁺ channel (I(Kr)) in the heart. Mutations in hERG reduce I(Kr) and cause type 2 long QT syndrome (LQT2), a disorder that predisposes individuals to life-threatening arrhythmias. Paroxetine induced concentration-dependent decreases in the current amplitude at the end of the voltage steps and hERG tail currents. The inhibition was concentration-dependent and time-dependent, but voltage-independent during each voltage pulse. In guinea pig ventricular myocytes held at 36℃, treatment with 0.4 µM paroxetine for 5 min decreased the action potential duration at 90% of repolarization (APD₉₀) by 4.3%. Our results suggest that paroxetine is a blocker of the hERG channels, providing a molecular mechanism for the arrhythmogenic side effects of clinical administration of paroxetine.

Effect of mallotoxin against LQT2 induced by E-4031 in isolated guinea pig hearts and cardiomyocytes / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the effect of mallotoxin (MTX) on LQT2 induced by E-4031 in isolated guinea pig hearts and ventricular myocytes.Methods The isolated guinea pig heart underwent retrograde perfusion using Langendorff technique.In order to determine the effects of different concentrations of MTX on QT/QTc interval,transmural dispersion of repolarization (TDR) and index of cardiac electrophysiological balance (iCEB) in the absence and presence of hERG channel blocker E-4031,the electrocardiogram of isolated guinea pig hearts was recorded using Biopac physiological record.Single ventricular myocytes were isolated from guinea pig heart by enzymatic dissociation.Effects of MTX on action potential duration (APD) in the absence and presence of E-4031 were recorded by current clamp mode using whole patch clamp technique.Results MTX shortened the QT interval,reduced TDR,and decreased iCEB in isolated guinea pig heart.MTX could reverse the prolongation of QT interval and the increased TDR induced by E4031.MTX shortened the action potential duration and decreased APDgo,APD60 and APD30 in isolated guinea pig ventricular myocytes.MTX could reverse the prolongation of action potential repolarization duration induced by E-4031.Conclusion MTX shortens QT interval,decreases TDR,reduces iCEB,as well as shortens APD,thus reversing LQT2 induced by E4031.

Congenital LQT Syndromes: From Gene to Torsade de Pointes

Congenital Long QT syndrome (LQTs) is a relatively rare pathologic disorder but results frequently in sudden cardiac death. Of the six LQTs that have been clinically described, five have been worked out for their genetic and biophysical profile. Most are generated by mutations which cause a loss of function in two delayed K+currents, iKs and iKr. One syndrome is generated by mutations in the Na channel which causes essentially a gain of function in the channel. Clinically the syndromes are characterized by slowed repolarization of the cardiac ventricular action potential and the occurrence of typical arrhythmias with undulating peaks in the electrocardiogram, called Torsade de Pointes. Arrhythmias are initiated by early or delayed afterdepolarizations and continue as reentry. Triggers for cardiac events are exercise (swimming; LQT1), emotion (arousal; LQT2) and rest/sleep (LQT3). beta-blockers have a high efficacy in the treatment of LQT1 and LQT2. In LQT3 their use is questionable. The study of congenital LQTsyndromes is a remarkable example of how basic and clinical science converge and take profit of each other's contribution.

Research progress in KCNQ potassium channels / 中国药理学通报

KCNQ channels are an important sub-family in potassium channels. They are divided into five subtypes, including KCNQ1, KCNQ2, KCNQ3, KCNQ4, KCNQ5. KCNQ channels have a wide range of physiological and pathophysiologi-cal correlates. KCNQ1 (KvLTQ1) forms cardiac-delayed rectifier-like K+ current in the heart with other subunits. Mutations in this channel can cause one form of inherited long QT syndrome (LQT1). KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 heteromultimers are thought to underlie the M-current; mutations in these genes may cause an inherited form of juvenile epilepsy. The KCNQ4 gene is thought to encode the molecular correlate of the 7K.n in outer hair cells of the cochlea mutations whose mutation leads to a form of inherited deafness. KCNQ5 co-assemble with KCNQ3 in brain, and may also play a role in the M-current heterogeneity.