Unnatural amino acid photo-crosslinking of the IKs channel complex demonstrates a KCNE1:KCNQ1 stoichiometry of up to 4:4.

Cardiac repolarization is determined in part by the slow delayed rectifier current (IKs), through the tetrameric voltage-gated ion channel, KCNQ1, and its ß-subunit, KCNE1. The stoichiometry between α and ß-subunits has been controversial with studies reporting either a strict 2 KCNE1:4 KCNQ1 or a variable ratio up to 4:4. We used IKs fusion proteins linking KCNE1 to one (EQ), two (EQQ) or four (EQQQQ) KCNQ1 subunits, to reproduce compulsory 4:4, 2:4 or 1:4 stoichiometries. Whole cell and single-channel recordings showed EQQ and EQQQQ to have increasingly hyperpolarized activation, reduced conductance, and shorter first latency of opening compared to EQ - all abolished by the addition of KCNE1. As well, using a UV-crosslinking unnatural amino acid in KCNE1, we found EQQQQ and EQQ crosslinking rates to be progressively slowed compared to KCNQ1, which demonstrates that no intrinsic mechanism limits the association of up to four ß-subunits within the IKs complex.

Late life psychosis: assessment and general treatment strategies.

With the increased number of elderly patients suffering from mental illness, an increased incidence of psychiatric conditions including psychotic disorders is also expected. When psychosis occurs in the elderly, its assessment and treatment may pose a challenge for primary care clinicians and caregivers. This article will review the assessment and treatment of late life psychosis.

Psychoses in late life: evaluation and management of disorders seen in primary care.

As the ranks of Baby Boomers move into later life and develop age-related cognitive conditions, an increased incidence in the number of psychotic conditions is expected. When psychotic conditions occur after age 60, the causes and management pose challenges for clinicians caring for the older adult. This article will review the differential diagnosis and management of psychoses in late life.

Thyroid hormones therapy: a review of their effects in the treatment of psychiatric and medical conditions.

Although thyroid hormones are indicated for hypothyroidism, their therapeutic benefit in treating other medical and psychiatric conditions has not been adequately studied. We review the use of thyroid hormones in treating psychiatric and medical conditions in the euthyroid patients.

The antidepressant sertraline: a review of its uses in a range of psychiatric and medical conditions.

Although sertraline was initially introduced as an antidepressant, it can be prescribed for a wide range of psychiatric and medical conditions. We review the pharmacology, the adverse effects, the dosing guidelines, as well as the indications of sertraline.

The use of buspirone in primary care.

1. Although clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of buspirone in treating generalized anxiety disorder, more studies are needed to confirm its efficacy in treating other anxiety disorders, depression, behavior disorders, substance abuse disorders, movement disorders, and other medical conditions. 2. Clinicians prescribing buspirone must know its basic pharmacology, adverse effects, and dosing guidelines. 3. Buspirone appears to be an alternative attractive medication to traditional benzodiazepines due to its low addictive potential and lack of lethality.