Stimulation of Chloride Conductance by Minoxidil Sulfate and Potassium Conductance by Minoxidil in Eccrine Clear Cells

The study reported that minoxidil sulfate (MXS) and minoxidil (MX) affected ion conductance in eccrine clear cells differently. MXS stimulated Cl channels, leading to depolarization of the membrane potential by up to 40 mV, increased membrane conductance, and induced outwardly rectifying current-voltage relationships. These effects were not associated with changes in cytosolic Ca or cAMP levels, but were partially inhibited by a Cl channel blocker. In contrast, MX hyperpolarized the membrane potential and stimulated Ca-insensitive K currents, independent of extracellular Ca. The findings suggested that MXS and MX have distinct mechanisms of action on ion channels, with MXS affecting Cl conductance and MX affecting K conductance.