HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors pravastatin,lovastatin and simvastatin suppress delayed rectifier K+-channel currents in murine thymocytes

Background since lymphocytes predominantly express delayed rectifier k +-channels (kv1.3) that trigger lymphocyte activation,statins,which exert immunosuppressive effects,would affect the channel currents. methods employing the patch-clamp technique in murine thymocytes,we examined the effects of statins on kv1.3-channel currents and the membrane capacitance (cm). results pravastatin significantly suppressed the pulse-end currents of the channels. lovastatin and simvastatin also suppressed the peak currents,significantly decreasing the cm. conclusions this study demonstrated for the first time that statins inhibit thymocyte kv1.3-channels. the slow inactivation patterns induced by lovastatin and simvastatin may be associated with their accumulation in the plasma membranes. © 2014 institute of pharmacology,polish academy of sciences.