Regulatory volume decrease and exocrine secretion studies suggest a functional relationship between K+ and organic anion efflux. To test the hypothesis that the expression of K+ channels and MRP1 is reciprocally related, we employed the patch clamp and RT-PCR techniques on weakly (H69) and strongly MRP1-expressing (H69AR) small cell lung cancer cells. H69AR cells do not express the time- and voltage-dependent delayed rectifying K+ current (Kv) reported earlier in H69 cells and confirmed here. About 80% of the Kv current in H69 cells inactivated at 0 mV, allowing us to identify other K+ currents present in these cells. Whole-cell currents from cells dialyzed and bathed in K-gluconate as the major ions exhibited inward rectification in both cell types. Inwardly rectifying (Kir) currents in both H69 and H69AR cells showed time-dependent activation and slow inactivation at large negative potentials. H69 cells also express a threefold larger Ca2+ -stimulated K+ -selective and iberiotoxin-sensitive current relative to H69AR cells. In excised inside-out patches exposed to 145 mM symmetrical K+ solutions, H69 cells expressed a voltage- and Ca2+ -sensitive large conductance (128 +/- 5 pS) K+ channel (MaxiK). MaxiK-like currents were not observed at the whole-cell or single-channel level in H69AR cells. RT-PCR identified MaxiKalpha transcripts in H69 but not H69AR cells. These results indicate that two K+ currents (MaxiK and Kv) and the organic anion transporter MRP1 are reciprocally expressed in H69 and H69AR cells.

Aims and method Using a retrospective observational approach, we aimed to discern whether there was a difference in metabolic parameters between psychiatric and general practice populations in the same locality. Second, we aimed to establish differences in metabolic parameters of patients taking olanzapine, clozapine or aripiprazole.Results Patients with psychiatric illness had a body mass index (BMI) comparable to that of the general practice population (28.7 v. 29.7 kg/m2), but blood glucose was significantly lower in the general practice population (4.8 v. 6.1 mmol/L). Olanzapine was associated with the lowest BMI (26.1 kg/m2) and aripiprazole the highest (32.2 kg/m2), with no difference in blood glucose between antipsychotics.Clinical implications Awareness of environmental factors and how they affect individuals is important and medications are not the only cause of metabolic effects. There may be a channelling bias present, meaning practitioners are cognisant of potential metabolic effects prior to prescribing. Overall monitoring of physical health is important regardless of potential cause.

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