Contribution of Chloride Channel Conductance to the Regulation of Resting Membrane Potential in Chondrocytes

Abstract

Abstract.: The contribution of Cl− conductance relative to that of K+ in the regulation of membrane potential was examined using OUMS-27 cells, a model cell-line of human chondrocytes. Application of 100 μM niflumic acid (NFA) and other anion-channel blockers induced significant membrane hyperpolarization. The NFA-sensitive membrane current under voltage-clamp was predominantly Cl− current. Application of NFA induced small but significant increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and markedly enhanced the late component of [Ca2+]i rise induced by 1 μM histamine. In conclusion, Cl− conductance substantially contributes to the regulation of resting membrane potential and [Ca2+]i in OUMS-27 cells. Keywords:: chondrocyte, chloride channel, niflumic acid