(-)-Isoproterenol modulation of maxi-K(+) channel in nonpigmented ciliary epithelial cells through a G-protein gated pathway.

Purpose: Adrenergic agents decrease intraocular pressure by reducing aqueous humor secretion from ciliary epithelial cells. Since the ionic concentration of aqueous humor contributes to intraocular pressure, we have investigated the effect of (-)-isoproterenol, a beta-adrenergic agonist on the maxi-K( +) channel in rabbit nonpigmented ciliary epithelial (NPE) cells.

Methods: Single-channel currents were recorded from the basolateral surface of acutely isolated NPE cells using patch clamp techniques.