Temperature modulation of calcium channel function in GH3 cells

Abstract

The effect of temperature on calcium channel function was studied in GH3 cells, using the whole cell patch-clamp methodology. Specific parameters examined were peak current amplitude, activation time, and inactivation time. Over the temperature range studied (22-37 degree C), the peak current amplitude was found to be a non-linear function of temperature, with low-threshold currents more temperature dependent than high-threshold currents. Both activation time and inactivation time were faster at higher temperatures, but, whereas inactivation was a continuous function of temperature, activation was not, with a distinct discontinuity between 27 and 32 degrees C. These findings suggest that caution must be exercised in extrapolating data on channel function obtained at room temperature to physiological temperatures.