Potassium-current oscillation of rat megakaryocytes: As a model system for drug evaluation (Review)

Abstract

Megakaryocytes respond to externally applied agonists showing a periodic K+ current that reflects oscillation in cytoplasmic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i). We have revealed several signal transducing factors that are involved in the K+ current oscillation of megakaryocytes. In this megakaryocyte system, it is relatively easy to determine what point of the signal transduction pathway a drug affects. In addition, as a progenitor cell, megakaryocytes resemble platelets which have important roles in many diseases. Therefore, this experimental system can be used for evaluation of new drugs.