At least two members of the TMEM16/anoctamin family, TMEM16A (also known as anoctamin1) and TMEM16B (also known as anoctamin2), encode Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) channels (CaCCs), which are found in various cell types and mediate numerous physiological functions. Here, we used whole-cell and excised inside-out patch-clamp to investigate the relationship between anion permeation and gating, two proc...

Although the Na(+)/K(+) pump is one of the key mechanisms responsible for maintaining cell volume, we have observed experimentally that cell volume remained almost constant during 90 min exposure of guinea pig ventricular myocytes to ouabain. Simulation of this finding using a comprehensive cardiac cell model (Kyoto model incorporating Cl(-) and water fluxes) predicted roles for the plasma memb...

Vegetative plants of certain seaweeds were collected from the natural habitat of Kilakarai and Mandapam coast were subjected to SEM-energy dispersive spectroscopic analysis and quantified the following minerals viz., Na, Mg, Si, S, Cl, K, Ca, Mn, P, Fe, Zn and Cr during summer, pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon seasons in 2007-2008. The order of preferential accumulation of elemental compos...

Calcium-activated chloride channel (CaCC) plays an important role in modulating epithelial secretion. It has been suggested that in salivary tissues, sustained fluid secretion is dependent on Ca(2+) influx that activates ion channels such as CaCC to initiate Cl(-) efflux. However direct evidence as well as the molecular identity of the Ca(2+) channel responsible for activating CaCC in salivary ...

Little is known of the excitatory mechanisms that contribute to the tonic contraction of the corpus cavernosum smooth muscle in the flaccid state. We used patch-clamp electrophysiology to investigate a previously unidentified inward current in freshly isolated rat and human corporal myocytes. Phenylephrine (PE) contracted cells and activated whole cell currents. Outward current was identified a...

AIMS The aim of this study was to determine whether calpain is involved in Cl(-)-induced myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. METHODS Isolated rat hearts were subjected to either 45 min of global no-flow ischemia followed by reperfusion or successive perfusion with Ca(2+)-free KH solution for 3 min and normal KH solution for 30 min, also known as Ca(2+) paradox. RESULTS The hearts ...

Chloride-induced Ca release in skinned muscle fibers was studied by measuring isometric force transients and 45Ca loss from fiber to washout solutions. Skinned fibers prepared from muscles soaked in normal Ringer solution made large force transients in 120 mM Cl solution with 5 mM ATP and 1 mM Mg, but 3 mM Mg was inhibitory. Mg inhibition was antagonized by low temperature and by Cd, agents whi...

The need to consider CaCl and MgCl complexes in Ca-Mg exchange reactions on montmorillonite was evaluated by examining cation selectivity in various anion backgrounds. The Ca-Mg exchange isotherms on SVVy-1 Wyoming bentonite were determined in 0.0125 M SO4, 0.025, 0.050, and 0.100 M Cl and 0.03 M perchlorate background. Calculated selectivity values for the reaction Ca + MgX^ Mg + CaA" were Kv ...