A mechanistic interpretation of the action of toxin II from Anemonia sulcata on the cardiac sodium channel

Biochim Biophys Acta. 1987 Jul 23;901(2):273-82. doi: 10.1016/0005-2736(87)90124-6.

Abstract

Cardiac sodium channels, modified by Anemonia sulcata toxin II, have been analyzed by the patch-clamp method. The open state of the modified sodium channels proved to be prolonged highly significantly and reopening from a closed state denoted c*-state frequently occurred, interrupted by silent periods, denoted i*-state. Activation from the c*-state was apparently not affected by toxin action, whereas activation from the i*-state was markedly prolonged. Upon higher depolarizations toxin-induced sodium channels disappeared and this behaviour has been attributed to dissociation of the toxin from the channel by use of a special pulse-protocol. The onset of the toxin effect on the action potential proved to depend on stimulation, and it is concluded that the toxin binds preferentially to the open (o)-state. Taking together the results, a kinetic scheme is suggested for action of the toxin on the cardiac sodium channel.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials / drug effects
  • Animals
  • Cnidarian Venoms / pharmacology*
  • Female
  • Heart / drug effects
  • Ion Channels / drug effects*
  • Kinetics
  • Male
  • Myocardium / metabolism*
  • Rats
  • Sodium / metabolism*

Substances

  • Cnidarian Venoms
  • Ion Channels
  • toxin II (Anemonia sulcata)
  • Sodium