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Ca 2+ currents in smooth muscle cells isolated from human prostate
Author(s) -
Sui G.P.,
Wu C.,
Fry C.H.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
the prostate
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.295
H-Index - 123
eISSN - 1097-0045
pISSN - 0270-4137
DOI - 10.1002/pros.20007
Subject(s) - prostate , electrophysiology , verapamil , myocyte , voltage clamp , patch clamp , smooth muscle , chemistry , biophysics , endocrinology , medicine , biology , calcium , cancer
BACKGROUND The objective of the investigation was to demonstrate the presence of voltage‐dependent Ca 2+ current in human prostate smooth muscle cells and to determine their biophysical characteristics. METHODS Prostate smooth muscle cells were isolated from biopsy samples of human prostates obtained from prostatectomy specimens or TURP chips. Electrophysiological recordings were made under current‐ or voltage‐clamp using patch‐type electrodes. RESULTS The average resting potential of prostate myocytes was 63 ± 11 mV and action potentials (APs) could be elicited when K + currents were blocked. With K‐filled electrodes inward current was followed by a large outward component. When K + currents were blocked a large Ca 2+ ‐sensitive inward current was measured. The inward current could be divided into two components, a fraction blocked by 30 μM verapamil and another by 20 μM NiCl 2 . CONCLUSIONS Based on the sensitivity to antagonists and holding potential both L‐type and T‐type Ca 2+ channels were identified in human prostate smooth muscle. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.