Modulation of Kv2.1 channels inactivation by curcumin

Background the aim of the present study was to assess the effects of curcumin on the voltage-dependent kv2.1 potassium channel. methods the whole-cell patch-clamp technique was used to explore the regulation of kv2.1 channels expressed in hek293 cells by curcumin. results curcumin reduced the kv2.1 currents; the inhibition occurred with a slow time course and was partially reversible. curcumin did not alter the kinetics and voltage dependence of activation; however,the kinetics of open- and closed-state inactivation was accelerated by curcumin along with a hyperpolarizing shift in the voltage dependence of inactivation. curcumin inhibition of kv2.1 current was not use-dependent. conclusions overall,our data suggest that curcumin inhibits kv2.1 channels by modulating the inactivation gating,which would be expected to impact cellular physiology. © 2015 institute of pharmacology,polish academy of sciences.