Hyperpolarizing effect of aminophylline, theophylline, and cAMP on rat diaphragm fibers

Abstract

We studied the effect of aminophylline and theophylline (0.1–2 mM) on the resting membrane potential (Vm) of rat diaphragm fibers in vitro (25 degrees C). The main findings are the following. 1) Aminophylline and theophylline hyperpolarize the fibers in a dose-dependent manner. This effect is present with 0.1 and 0.25 mM of aminophylline and theophylline, respectively, and the maximum effect is reached with 1 mM of the drug (approximately 5–8 mV in comparison to the normal values). This effect is reversible by washing out the preparation with normal solution. 2) Dibutyryladenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (DBcAMP, 2 mM) produces a similar increment in the Vm. 3) The hyperpolarizing action observed in the presence of aminophylline, theophylline, and DBcAMP is suppressed by 5 X 10(-4) M ouabain or by lowering the bath temperature to 5 degrees C. These results suggest that the xanthines may directly or indirectly stimulate a Na-K pump. Two possibilities may be considered: 1) an electrogenic effect of the Na-K pump and 2) a reduction in the extracellular K+ concentration in the solution contacting the external side of the cell as a consequence of the activity of the Na-K pump. Alternative mechanisms such as a reduction in Na permeability or an increment in K permeability might collaborate in the hyperpolarizing effect of the drugs tested.