Block of volume-regulated anion channels by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

We have used the whole-cell patch clamp technique to study the effects of the commonly used antidepressants sertraline, paroxetine, citalopram and fluvoxamine on the volume-regulated anion channel (VRAC) in endothelial cells. It was the purpose of the present experiments to investigate whether VRAC block is a general property of this group of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). At pH 7.4, all SSRIs induced a fast and reversible block of the volume-sensitive chloride current (I Cl,swell), with an IC50 value of 2.1±0.5 µM for sertraline, 2.7±0.2 µM for paroxetine, 12.3±1.4 µM for fluvoxamine and 27.7±2.8 µM for citalopram. The block was enhanced at more alkaline pH, indicating that it is mediated by the uncharged form. This study describes the effects of a variety of SSRIs on an anion channel. Our data reveal a potent block and suggest a hydrophobic interaction of high affinity between the uncharged SSRI and volume-regulated anion channels. We conclude that VRAC block is a general property of this pharmacological class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.