Opioid receptor independent inhibition of Ca2+ and K+ currents in NG108–15 cells by the K opioid receptor agonist U50488H

Abstract
THE whole-cell patch clamp technique was used to investigate the actions of the opioid agonist U50488H on Ca2+ and K+ currents in differentiated NG108–15 cells. U50488H (5–50 μM) caused a concentration-dependent, reversible inhibition of high voltage-activated Ca2+ currents which persisted in the presence of nifedipine (2 μM), indicating a blockade of N-type Ca2+ channels. The actions of U50488H were also observed in the presence of 30 μM naloxone, which fully abolished current inhibition caused by a selective δ opioid receptor agonist. U50488H also inhibited Ca2+-insensitive, voltage-gated K+ currents in NG108–15 cells in the presence of naloxone. Our results indicate that U50488H can inhibit neuronal ionic channels via a mechanism which does not involve activation of K opioid receptors.

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