The physiological and pharmacological properties of the ␣ 1E calcium (Ca) channel subtype do not exactly match any of the established categories described for native neuronal Ca currents. Many of the key diagnostic features used to assign cloned Ca channels to their native counterparts, however, are dependent on a number of factors, including cellular environment,  subunit coexpression, and modulation by second messengers and G-proteins. Here, by examining the intrinsic pore characteristics of a family of transiently expressed neuronal Ca channels, we demonstrate that the permeation properties of ␣ 1E closely resemble those described for a subset of lowthreshold Ca channels. The ␣ 1A (P-/Q-type), ␣ 1B (N-type), and ␣ 1C (L-type) high-threshold Ca channels all exhibit larger whole-cell currents with barium (Ba) as the charge carrier as compared with Ca or strontium (Sr). In contrast, macroscopic ␣ 1E currents are largest in Sr, followed by Ca and then Ba. The unique permeation properties of ␣ 1E are maintained at the single-channel level, are independent of the nature of the expression system, and are not affected by coexpression of ␣ 2 and  subunits. Overall, the permeation characteristics of ␣ 1E are distinct from those described for R-type currents and share some similarities with native low-threshold Ca channels.
Rarely, independent genitourinary primaries present in a patient. Furthermore, sarcomas of the kidneys, bladder or male genitalia are a small subset of cancers involving these organs. We report a case of a very large renal cell carcinoma found incidentally upon metastatic survey after resection of a primary paratesticular liposarcoma.
Recurrence of bladder cancer in the urethra represents a rare, but potentially morbid event. For advanced cases, a urethrectomy involving a wide excision may be quite disfiguring with little oncology yield. In particular, if there is lymph node involvement, then little curative benefit may be obtained from surgery. We report urethral recurrence treated via radiation and chemotherapy yielding rapid regression of the tumor and significant palliation.
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