The Effect of Calcium Ions on Resting Membrane Potential

oleh: Elizabeth R. Elliott, Robin L. Cooper

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: MDPI AG 2024-09-01

Deskripsi

Regulating membrane potential is key to cellular function. For many animal cells, resting membrane potential is predominantly driven by a family of K2P (two-pore domain) potassium channels. These channels are commonly referred to as leak channels, as their presence results in the membrane being permeable to K<sup>+</sup> ions. These channels, along with various pumps and exchangers, keep the cell resting membrane potential (Rp) relatively close to potassium’s equilibrium potential (E<sub>K</sub>); however, in many cells, the resting membrane potential is more depolarized than the E<sub>K</sub> due to a small Na<sup>+</sup> ion leak. Raising [Ca<sup>2+</sup>]<sub>O</sub> (extracellular Ca<sup>2+</sup> concentration) can result in hyperpolarization of the membrane potential from the resting state. The mechanism for this hyperpolarization likely lies in the blockage of a Na<sup>+</sup> leak channel (NALCN) and/or voltage-gated Na<sup>+</sup> channels. The effects may also be connected to calcium-activated potassium channels. Using <i>Drosophila melanogaster</i>, we here illustrate that changing [Ca<sup>2+</sup>]<sub>O</sub> from 0.5 to 3 mM hyperpolarizes the muscle. Replacing NaCl with LiCl or choline chloride still led to hyperpolarization when increasing [Ca<sup>2+</sup>]<sub>O</sub>. Replacing CaCl<sub>2</sub> with BaCl<sub>2</sub> results in depolarization. K2P channel overexpression in the larval muscle greatly reduces the effects of [Ca<sup>2+</sup>]<sub>O</sub> on cell membrane potential, likely because potential is heavily driven by the E<sub>K</sub> in these muscles. These experiments provide an understanding of the mechanisms behind neuronal hypo-excitability during hypercalcemia, as well as the effects of altered expression of K2P channels on membrane potential.