A number of mutations have been shown to affect potassium channels in Drosophila muscle. Single-channel analysis of the effects of mutations will prove a powerful approach for studying the molecular mechanisms of ion channel gating. As an initial step towards studying the effects of mutations at the single-channel level, we have characterized wild-type potassium channels in cultured embryonic m...

Nicorandil is an antianginal agent with nitrate-like and ATP-sensitive potassium channel activator properties. After activation of potassium channels, potassium ions are expelled out of the cells, which lead to membrane hyperpolarization, closure of voltage-gated calcium channels, and finally vasodilation. We present a uremic case suffering from repeated junctional bradycardia, especially befor...

Dendrotoxin proteins isolated from Mamba snake venom block potassium channels with a high degree of specificity and selectivity. Using site-directed mutagenesis we have identified residues that constitute the functional interaction surfaces of delta-dendrotoxin and its voltage-gated potassium channel receptor. delta-Dendrotoxin uses a triangular patch formed by seven side-chains (Lys3, Tyr4, Ly...