EN
Potassium channels have been found in the inner mitochondrial membranes of various cells. The activation of these channels is cytoprotective. Hence, the identification of ion channels present in the inner mitochondrial membrane of skin cells is important in distinguishing possible protective mechanisms. In our study, inner membrane mitochondrial channels of the keratinocyte and fibroblast were investigated using a patch-clamp. In the inner mitochondrial membrane of fibroblast we detected large-conductance Ca2+-regulated and ATP-regulated potassium channels. In keratinocytes mitochondria we observed potassium-selective channel with a conductance of 83 pS. The channel activity was inhibited by acidic pH and lidocaine. Additionally, channel knockdown decreased viability after UVB radiation exposure. Our findings indicate presence of the potassium channels in the inner mitochondrial membranes of human skin and their possible role in protection. Study was supported by grant MERIS PBS1/B8/1/2012