[Functional identification of the TRPM8 cold receptor in rat prostate epithelial cells].

For the first time by means of electrophysiology we demonstrate functional expression of cold/menthol sensitive TRPM8 channel in secretory epithelial cells plasma membrane from rat prostate. Under whole-cell patch-clamp technique rapid cooling from 33 to 21 degrees C of freshly isolated rat prostate epithelial cells elicited the significant outward rectifying membrane current with close to 0 mV reversal potential characteristic of TRPM8 activation. Extracellular application of chemical analog of cooling, menthol (100 microM) at 33 degrees C evoked similar current responses.

[Voltage-gated influx ion channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes after the administration of brain mRNA].

Expression of "fast", TTX-sensitive sodium and high-threshold calcium channels in the membrane of Xenopus oocytes following mRNA injection from the rat brain has been detected using two microelectrode voltage clamp technique. Barium current through expressed calcium channels was blocked by 200 mumol/l Cd2+ and was insensitive to D-600 (20 mumol/l) and nitrendipine (50 mumol/l). Expressed barium current was inhibited within 20-40 min by omega-conotoxin, a peptide neurotoxin known to block high-threshold calcium channels of the neuronal membrane, in 1 mumol/l concentration.