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Functions of erg K+ channels in excitable cells
Article first published online: 1 MAY 2007
DOI: 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2004.tb00256.x
1582-4934/asset/cover.gif?v=1&s=fc6f1306bb315c01d60f4ba7a1f5d308880ddbfd "Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine")
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Additional Information
How to Cite
Schwarz, J. R. and Bauer, C. K. (2004), Functions of erg K+ channels in excitable cells. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, 8: 22–30. doi: 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2004.tb00256.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 1 MAY 2007
- Article first published online: 1 MAY 2007
- Received: February 13, 2004; Accepted: March 11, 2004
Keywords:
- ether-à-go-go-related gene K+ channel;
- HERG-inward rectifier;
- heart action potential;
- long QT syndrome;
- resting potential;
- depolarization;
- prolactin secretion
Abstract
Ether-à-go-go-related gene (erg) channels are voltage-dependent K+ channels mediating inward-rectifying K+ currents because of their peculiar gating kinetics. These characteristics are essential for repolarization of the cardiac action potential. Inherited and acquired malfunctioning of erg channels may lead to the long QT-syndrome. However, erg currents have also been recorded in many other excitable cells, like smooth muscle fibres of the gastrointestinal tract, neuroblastoma cells or neuroendocrine cells. In these cells erg currents contribute to the maintenance of the resting potential. Changes in the resting potential are related to cell-specific functions like increase in hormone secretion, frequency adaptation or increase in contractility.