Effects of axial stretch on sarcolemmal BK Ca channels in post‐hatch chick ventricular myocytes

We have previously reported the electrophysiological properties of sarcolemmal stretch‐activated BK Ca (SAKCA) channels cloned from cultured chick embryonic ventricular myocytes. However, the role of BK Ca channels in the electrophysiology of the more mature heart is not clear. We have investigated the effects on the BK Ca current of axial stretch in post‐hatch ventricular myocytes. Whole‐cell currents of ventricular myocytes isolated from 2‐week‐old chicks were recorded using the patch‐clamp technique, while the cells were either held at resting length or stretched to cause a 10% increase in sarcomere length using a pair of carbon fibres attached to opposite ends of the cell. Stretch did not affect whole‐cell currents immediately after the stretch was applied. However, sustained stretch for 3 min significantly increased outward currents. This stretch‐induced change was reversed by applying 10 n m iberiotoxin, a specific BK Ca channel blocker, or a Na + –Ca 2+ ‐free environment. These results were reproduced in a computer simulation study. The present study is the first report about the sarcolemmal BK Ca current from post‐hatch ventricular myocytes. The present results suggest that axial stretch activates BK Ca channels via a stretch‐induced increase in the cytosolic Na + concentration followed by an increased Ca 2+ influx.