Multiple effects of mefenamic acid on K+ currents in smooth muscle cells from pig proximal urethra

The effects of mefenamic acid on both membrane potential and K+ currents in pig urethral myocytes were investigated using patch‐clamp techniques (conventional whole‐cell, cell‐attached, outside‐out and inside‐out configuration). In the current‐clamp mode, mefenamic acid caused a concentration‐dependent hyperpolarization, which was inhibited by preapplication of 1 μM glibenclamide. In the voltage‐clamp mode, mefenamic acid induced an outward current that was blocked by glibenclamide even in the presence of iberiotoxin (IbTX, 300 nM) at −50 mV. ATP‐sensitive K+ channels (KATP channels) could be activated in the same patch by mefenamic acid and levcromakalim, with the same unitary amplitude and the similar opening gating at −50 mV in cell‐attached configuration. In outside‐out recording, external application of mefenamic acid activated intracellular Ca2+‐activated IbTX‐sensitive large‐conductance K+ channels (BKCa channels). Mefenamic acid (30 μM) activated spontaneous transient outward currents (STOCs). In contrast, mefenamic acid (100 μM) increased sustained outward currents, diminishing the activity of STOCs. Over the whole voltage range, mefenamic acid caused opposite effects on the membrane currents in the absence and presence of 5 μM glibenclamide. In the presence of 10 mM 4‐aminopyridine (4‐AP), mefenamic acid only increased the outward currents. These results indicate that mefenamic acid increases the channel activities of two distinct types of K+ channels (i.e. BKCa channels and KATP channels) and decreased 4‐AP‐sensitive K+ channels in pig urethral myocytes. British Journal of Pharmacology (2003) 140, 1341–1350. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705524