Effects of tetraethylammonium on proliferation and potassium channels in rat hepatic stellate cells

Objectives To investigate the role of potassium channels in proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) through observing the effects of tetraethylammonium (TEA) on proliferation and outward potassium currents in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). MethodsHepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were treated with TEA. The effect of TEA on proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) was assessed by MTT assay. Cell cycle were detected by flow cytometry. The potassium currents were recorded by patch clamp technique. ResultsTEA inhibited the proliferation of HSCs in dose and time dependent manners. The cell cycle was arrested at G0/G1 phase after treatment with TEA. Potassium channels were detected by patch-clamp in the activated HSCs studied and showed a slop conductance of (210.86 ± 5.49) pS (n =7). Exposure of HSCs to 0 mmol/L -40 mmol/L TEA reduced the open probability (NPo) outward potassium currents significantly from (0.327 ± 4.80) to (0.118 ± 1.62) (P 0.01). ConclusionsActivated HSCs in rat contain large-conductance potassium channels. Blocking potassium channels could inhibit proliferation of HSCs. Channels play an important role in regulating proliferation of HSCs.