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  • Title: Beta-scorpion toxin 2 from Centruroides noxius blocks voltage-gated K+ channels in human lymphocytes.
    Author: Gáspár R, Bene L, Damjanovich S, Muñoz-Garay C, Calderon-Aranda ES, Possani LD.
    Journal: Biochem Biophys Res Commun; 1995 Aug 15; 213(2):419-23. PubMed ID: 7646494.
    Abstract:
    Using the patch-clamp technique, we determined that beta-scorpion toxin 2 from Centruroides noxius Hoffmann decreased whole-cell n-type K+ currents in human peripheral blood lymphocytes, with a half blocking concentration of approx. 5 microM. Toxin-2-accelerated inactivation, however, did not influence the kinetics of activation of the K+ conductance. The percentage increase in K+ channel inactivation rate and the degree of drug-induced block was independent of membrane potential. K+ channel block by Toxin 2 was instantaneous, not removable by washing with drug free extracellular solution. However, 10 mg/ml BSA in the bath lifted the toxin-induced block almost instantaneously and completely. Flow cytometric membrane potential measurements with the oxonol dye showed that Toxin 2 depolarizes human lymphocytes in concert with its K+ channel blocking effect.
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