Large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channel beta1-subunit knockout mice are not hypertensive

Large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BK) channels are composed of pore-forming α-subunits and accessory β1-subunits that modulate Ca2+ sensitivity. BK channels regulate arterial myogenic tone and renal Na+ clearance/K+ reabsorption. Previous studies using indirect or short-term blood pressure measurements found that BK channel β1-subunit knockout (BK β1-KO) mice were hypertensive. We evaluated 24-h mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate in BK β1-KO mice using radiotelemetry. BK β1-KO mice did not have a higher 24-h average MAP when compared with wild-type (WT) mice, although MAP was ～10 mmHg higher at night. The dose-dependent peak declines in MAP by nifedipine were only slightly larger in BK β1-KO mice. In BK β1-KO mice, giving 1% NaCl to mice to drink for 7 days caused a transient (5 days) elevation of MAP (～5 mmHg); MAP returned to pre-saline levels by day 6. BK β1-KO mesenteric arteries in vitro demonstrated diminished contractile responses to paxilline, increased reactivity to Bay K 8644 and norepinephrine (NE), and maintained relaxation to isoproterenol. Paxilline and Bay K 8644 did not constrict WT or BK β1-KO mesenteric veins (MV). BK β1-subunits are not expressed in MV. The results indicate that BK β1-KO mice are not hypertensive on normal or high-salt intake. BK channel deficiency increases arterial reactivity to NE and L-type Ca2+ channel function in vitro, but the L-type Ca2+ channel modulation of MAP is not altered in BK β1-KO mice. BK and L-type Ca(2+) channels do not modulate murine venous tone. It appears that selective loss of BK channel function in arteries only is not sufficient to cause sustained hypertension.     

Schistosomiasis differentially affects vasoconstrictor responses: up-regulation of 5-HT receptor-mediated aorta contraction

Schistosomiasis, classified by the World Health Organization as a neglected tropical disease, is an intravascular parasitic disease associated to a chronic inflammatory state. Evidence implicating inflammation in vascular dysfunction continues to mount, which, broadly defined, reflects a failure in the control of intracellular Ca2+ and consequently, vascular contraction. Therefore, we measured aorta contraction induced by 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and endothelin-1 (ET-1), two important regulators of vascular contraction. Isometric aortic contractions were determined in control and Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice. In the infected animals, 5-HT induced a 50% higher contraction in relation to controls and we also observed an increased contraction in response to Ca2+ mobilisation from sarcoplasmic reticulum. Nevertheless, Rho kinase inhibition reduced the contraction in response to 5-HT equally in both groups, discarding an increase of the contractile machinery sensitivity to Ca2+. Furthermore, no alteration was observed for contractions induced by ET-1 in both groups. Our data suggest that an immune-vascular interaction occurs in schistosomiasis, altering vascular contraction outside the mesenteric portal system. More importantly, it affects distinct intracellular signalling involved in aorta contraction, in this case increasing 5-HT receptor signalling.     

Mitochondrial Ca2+-activated K+ channels more efficiently reduce mitochondrial Ca2+ overload in rat ventricular myocytes

We investigated the role of the mitochondrial ATP-sensitive K(+) (K(ATP)) channel, the mitochondrial big-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (BK(Ca)) channel, and the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) in the ouabain-induced increase of mitochondrial Ca(2+) in native rat ventricular myocytes by loading cells with rhod 2-AM. To overload mitochondrial Ca(2+), we pretreated cells with ouabain before applying mitochondrial K(ATP) or BK(Ca) channel and/or MPTP opener. Ouabain (1 mM) increased the rhod 2-sensitive fluorescence intensity (160 +/- 5.0% of control), which was dramatically decreased to the control level on application of diazoxide and NS-1619 in a dose-dependent manner (half-inhibition concentrations of 78.3 and 7.78 muM for diazoxide and NS-1619, respectively). This effect was reversed by selective inhibition of the mitochondrial K(ATP) channel by 5-hydroxydecanoate, the mitochondrial BK(Ca) channel by paxilline, and the MPTP by cyclosporin A. Although diazoxide did not efficiently reduce mitochondrial Ca(2+) during prolonged exposure to ouabain, NS-1619 reduced mitochondrial Ca(2+). These results suggest that although mitochondrial BK(Ca) and K(ATP) channels contribute to reduction of ouabain-induced mitochondrial Ca(2+) overload, activation of the mitochondrial BK(Ca) channel more efficiently reduces ouabain-induced mitochondrial Ca(2+) overload in our experimental model.     

Alterations in KATP and KCa channel function in cerebral arteries of insulin-resistant rats

We examined whether insulin resistance alters the function of ATP-dependent and Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels (K(ATP) and K(Ca) channels, respectively) in pressurized isolated middle cerebral arteries (MCAs) from fructose-fed insulin-resistant (IR) and control rats. Blockade of K(Ca) channels with tetraethylammonium chloride (TEA, 2.5 mM) or iberiotoxin (IBTX, 0.1 microM) increased the spontaneously developed tone in control MCAs by 10.5 +/- 1.3% (n = 10) and 13.3 +/- 2.3% (n = 6), respectively. In the IR arteries, TEA induced similar constrictions (8.0 +/- 1.1%, n = 10), but IBTX constricted the IR arteries by only 3.1 +/- 0.9% (n = 8; P < 0.01). Bradykinin (BK)-induced endothelium-mediated relaxation was reduced in IR MCAs. Maximum relaxation to BK (10(-6) M) was 42 +/- 4% in control (n = 9) and 19 +/- 2% in IR (n = 10; P < 0.01) arteries. Pretreatment with TEA, IBTX, or the K(ATP) channel blocker glibenclamide (10 microM) inhibited relaxation to BK in control MCAs but did not alter dilation in IR arteries. Relaxation to the K(ATP) channel opener cromakalim was also diminished in IR MCAs. Maximum relaxation to cromakalim (10(-5) M) was 48 +/- 3% in control (n = 6) and 19 +/- 2% in IR arteries (n = 6; P < 0.01). These findings demonstrate that insulin resistance alters the function of K(ATP) and K(Ca) channels in isolated MCAs and affects the control of resting vascular tone and the mediation of dilator stimuli.     

Differential effects of estrogen and progesterone on potassium channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes

HYPOTHESIS: Potassium (K(+)) channel activation contributes in part to estrogen-mediated vasorelaxation. However, the underlying mechanism is still unclear. We hypothesize that estrogen increases K(+) currents via membrane-associated, non-genomic interaction and that steroid hormones have differential effects on different types of K(+) channels. EXPERIMENTAL: Human large-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels (BK(Ca)) and human voltage-gated K(+) channels (K(V1.5)) were expressed in Xenopus oocytes, and K(+) currents elicited by voltage clamp were measured. RESULTS: Both 17beta-estradiol and BSA-conjugated 17beta-estradiol increased the BK(Ca) current in a concentration-dependent manner and this effect was abolished by tetraethylammonium ions and iberiotoxin (putative BK(Ca) channel blockers). 17beta-estradiol-stimulated increase in the BK(Ca) current was unaffected by treatment with ICI 182,780 (classic estrogen receptor antagonist), tamoxifen (estrogen receptor agonist/antagonist), actinomycin D (RNA synthesis inhibitor), or cycloheximide (protein synthesis inhibitor). In contrast, progesterone reduced the BK(Ca) current in the absence or presence of NS 1619 (BK(Ca) channel activator). Progesterone also inhibited 17beta-estradiol-stimulated increase in the BK(Ca) current. Finally, progesterone but not 17beta-estradiol reduced the K(V1.5) current. CONCLUSIONS: The present results show that 17beta-estradiol stimulates BK(Ca) channels without affecting K(V1.5) channels. This effect is ICI 182,780-insensitive and is likely mediated via a membrane-bound binding site. Progesterone inhibits both BK(Ca)- and K(V1.5)-encoded currents. The present results suggest that inhibition of K(+) channels may contribute in part to its reported antagonism against 17beta-estradiol-mediated vascular relaxation via BK(Ca) channels.     

Cerebral artery K(ATP)- and K(Ca)-channel activity and contractility: changes with development

The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that in cerebral arteries of the fetus, ATP-sensitive (K(ATP)) and Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels (K(Ca)) play an important role in the regulation of intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) and that this differs significantly from that of the adult. In main branch middle cerebral arteries (MCA) from near-term fetal ( approximately 140 days) and nonpregnant adult sheep, simultaneously we measured norepinephrine (NE)-induced responses of vascular tension and [Ca(2+)](i) in the absence and presence of selective K(+)-channel openers/blockers. In fetal MCA, in a dose-dependent manner, both the K(ATP)-channel opener pinacidil and the K(Ca)-channel opener NS 1619 significantly inhibited NE-induced tension [negative logarithm of the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (pIC(50)) = 5.0 +/- 0.1 and 8.2 +/- 0.1, respectively], with a modest decrease of [Ca(2+)](i). In the adult MCA, in contrast, both pinacidil and NS 1619 produced a significant tension decrease (pIC(50) = 5.1 +/- 0.1 and 7.6 +/- 0.1, respectively) with no change in [Ca(2+)](i). In addition, the K(Ca)-channel blocker iberiotoxin (10(-7) to 10(-6) M) resulted in increased tension and [Ca(2+)](i) in both adult and fetal MCA, although the K(ATP)-channel blocker glibenclamide (10(-7) to 3 x 10(-5) M) failed to do so. Of interest, administration of 10(-7) M iberiotoxin totally eliminated vascular contraction and increase in [Ca(2+)](i) seen in response to 10(-5) M ryanodine. In precontracted fetal cerebral arteries, activation of the K(ATP) and K(Ca) channels significantly decreased both tension and [Ca(2+)](i), suggesting that both K(+) channels play an important role in regulating L-type channel Ca(2+) flux and therefore vascular tone in these vessels. In the adult, K(ATP) and the K(Ca) channels also appear to play an important role in this regard; however, in the adult vessel, activation of these channels with resultant vasorelaxation can occur with no significant change in [Ca(2+)](i). These channels show differing responses to inhibition, e.g., K(Ca)-channel inhibition, resulting in increased tension and [Ca(2+)](i), whereas K(ATP)-channel inhibition showed no such effect. In addition, the K(Ca) channel appears to be coupled to the sarcoplasmic reticulum ryanodine receptor. Thus differences in plasma membrane K(+)-channel activity may account, in part, for the differences in the regulation of contractility of fetal and adult cerebral arteries.     

Control of ion transport in mouse proximal and distal colon by prolactin.

The lactogenic hormone prolactin (PRL) has been known to affect Ca(2+) and electrolyte transport in the intestinal epithelium. In the present study we analyzed ion transport in mouse proximal and distal colon, and acute changes induced by PRL. In the proximal colon, carbachol activated a Ca(2+) dependent Cl(-) secretion that was sensitive to DIDS and NFA. In the distal colon, both ATP and carbachol activated K(+) secretion. Ca(2+) -activated KCl transport in proximal and distal colon was inhibited by PRL (200 ng/ml), while amiloride sensitive Na(+) absorption and cAMP induced Cl(-) secretion remained unaffected. Luminal large conductance Ca(2+) -activated K(+) (BK) channels were largely responsible for Ca(2+) -activated K(+) secretion in the distal colon, and basolateral BK channels supported Ca(2+) -activated Cl(-) secretion in the proximal colon. Ca(2+) chelating by BAPTA-AM attenuated effects of carbachol and abolished effects of PRL. Both inhibition of PI3 kinase with wortmannin and blockage of MAP kinases with SB 203580 or U 0126, interfered with the acute inhibitory effect of PRL on ion transport, while blocking of Jak/Stat kinases with AG 490 was without effects. PRL attenuated the increase in intracellular Ca(2+) that was caused by stimulation of isolated colonic crypts with carbachol. Thus PRL inhibits Ca(2+) dependent Cl(-) and K(+) secretion by interfering with intracellular Ca(2+) signaling and probably by activating PI3 kinase and MAP kinase pathways.     

Effects of potassium channel modulators on myotropic responses of aortic rings of pregnant rats

The contribution of potassium channels [ATP-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) and high-conductance calcium-activated potassium (BK(Ca)) channels] in the resistance of aortic rings of term pregnant rats to phenylephrine (Phe), arginine vasopressin (AVP), and KCl was investigated. Concentration-response curves to tetraethylammonium (TEA), a nonselective K(+) channel inhibitor, were obtained in the absence or presence of KCl. TEA induced by itself concentration-dependent responses only in aortic rings of nonpregnant rats. These responses to TEA could be modulated in both groups of rings by preincubation with different concentrations of KCl. Concentration-response curves to Phe, AVP, and KCl were obtained in the absence or presence of cromakalim or NS-1619 (K(ATP) and BK(Ca) openers, respectively) and glibenclamide or iberiotoxin (K(ATP) and BK(Ca) inhibitors, respectively). Cromakalim significantly inhibited the responses to the three agonists in a concentration-dependent manner in both groups of rats. Alternatively, in the pregnant group of rats, glibenclamide increased the sensitivity to all three agonists. NS-1619 also inhibited the response to all agonists. With AVP and KCl, its effect was greater in aortic rings of pregnant than nonpregnant rats. Finally, iberiotoxin increased the sensitivity to all three agents. This effect was more important in aortic rings of nonpregnant rats and was accompanied by an increase of the maximal response to Phe and AVP. These results suggest that potassium channels are implicated in the control of basal membrane potential and in the blunted responses to these agents during pregnancy.     

Blockade of ATP-sensitive potassium channels prevents the attenuation of the exercise pressor reflex by tempol in rats with ligated femoral arteries

We reported previously that tempol attenuated the exercise pressor and muscle mechanoreceptor reflexes in rats whose femoral arteries were ligated, whereas tempol did not attenuate these reflexes in rats whose femoral arteries were freely perfused. Although the mechanism whereby tempol attenuated these reflexes in rats whose femoral artery was ligated was independent of its ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species, its nature remains unclear. An alternative explanation for the tempol-induced attenuation of these reflexes involves ATP-sensitive potassium channels (K(ATP)) and calcium-activated potassium channels (BK(Ca)), both of which are opened by tempol. We tested the likelihood of this explanation by measuring the effects of either glibenclamide (0.1 mg/kg), which blocks K(ATP) channels, or iberiotoxin (20 or 40 μg/kg), which blocks BK(Ca) channels, on the tempol-induced attenuation of the exercise pressor and muscle mechanoreceptor reflexes in decerebrated rats whose femoral arteries were ligated. We found that glibenclamide prevented the tempol-induced attenuation of both reflexes, whereas iberiotoxin did not. We also found that the amount of protein comprising the pore of the K(ATP) channel in the dorsal root ganglia innervating hindlimbs whose femoral artery was ligated was significantly greater than that in the dorsal root ganglia innervating hindlimbs whose femoral arteries were freely perfused. In contrast, the amounts of protein comprising the BK(Ca) channel in the dorsal root ganglia innervating the ligated and freely perfused hindlimbs were not different. We conclude that tempol attenuated both reflexes by opening K(ATP) channels, an effect that hyperpolarized muscle afferents stimulated by static contraction or tendon stretch.     

Negative feedback regulation of nerve-mediated contractions by KCa channels in mouse urinary bladder smooth muscle

When the urinary bladder is full, activation of parasympathetic nerves causes release of neurotransmitters that induce forceful contraction of the detrusor muscle, leading to urine voiding. The roles of ion channels that regulate contractility of urinary bladder smooth muscle (UBSM) in response to activation of parasympathetic nerves are not well known. The present study was designed to characterize the role of large (BK)- and small-conductance (SK) Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (K(Ca)) channels in regulating UBSM contractility in response to physiological levels of nerve stimulation in UBSM strips from mice. Nerve-evoked contractions were induced by electric field stimulation (0.5-50 Hz) in isolated strips of UBSM. BK and SK channel inhibition substantially increased the amplitude of nerve-evoked contractions up to 2.45 +/- 0.12- and 2.99 +/- 0.25-fold, respectively. When both SK and BK channels were inhibited, the combined response was additive. Inhibition of L-type voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels (VDCCs) in UBSM inhibited nerve-evoked contractions by 92.3 +/- 2.0%. These results suggest that SK and BK channels are part of two distinct negative feedback pathways that limit UBSM contractility in response to nerve stimulation by modulating the activity of VDCCs. Dysfunctional regulation of UBSM contractility by alterations in BK/SK channel expression or function may underlie pathologies such as overactive bladder.     

K+ channel cAMP activated in guinea pig gallbladder epithelial cells

In guinea pig gallbladder epithelial cells, an increase in intracellular cAMP levels elicits the rise of anion channel activity. We investigated by patch-clamp techniques whether K(+) channels were also activated. In a cell-attached configuration and in the presence of theophylline and forskolin or 8-Br-cAMP in the cellular incubation bath, an increase of the open probability (P(o)) values for Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels with a single-channel conductance of about 160 pS, for inward current, was observed. The increase in P(o) of these channels was also seen in an inside-out configuration and in the presence of PKA, ATP, and cAMP, but not with cAMP alone; phosphorylation did not influence single-channel conductance. In the inside-out configuration, the opioid loperamide (10(-5) M) was able to reduce P(o) when it was present either in the microelectrode filling solution or on the cytoplasmic side. Detection in the epithelial cells by RT-PCR of the mRNA corresponding to the alpha subunit of large-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels (BK(Ca)) indicates that this gallbladder channel could belong to the BK family. Immunohistochemistry experiments confirm that these cells express the BK alpha subunit, which is located on the apical membrane. Other K(+) channels with lower conductance (40 pS) were not activated either by 8-Br-cAMP (cell-attached) or by PKA + ATP + cAMP (inside-out). These channels were insensitive to TEA(+) and loperamide. The data demonstrate that under conditions that induce secretion, phosphorylation activates anion channels as well as Ca(2+)-dependent, loperamide-sensitive K(+) channels present on the apical membrane.     

Reduced molecular expression of K(+) channel proteins in vascular smooth muscle from rats made hypertensive with N{omega}-nitro-L-arginine

Smooth muscle membrane potential (E(m)) depends on K(+) channels, and arteries from rats made hypertensive with N(omega)-nitro-l-arginine (LHR) are depolarized compared with control. We hypothesized that decreased K(+) channel function, due to decreased K(+) channel protein expression, underlies E(m) depolarization. Furthermore, K(+) channel blockers should move control E(m) (-46 +/- 1 mV) toward that in LHR (-37 +/- 2 mV) and normalize contraction. The E(m) vs. K(+) relationship was less steep in LHR (23 +/- 2 vs. 28 +/- 1 mV/log K(+) concentration), and contractile sensitivity to K(+) was increased (EC(50) = 37 +/- 1 vs. 23 +/- 1 mM). Iberiotoxin (10 nM), an inhibitor of large-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (BK(Ca)) channels, depolarized control and LHR E(m) to -35 +/- 1 and -30 +/- 2 mV, respectively; however, effects on K(+) sensitivity were more profound in LHR (EC(50) = 25 +/- 2 vs. 15 +/- 3 mM). The voltage-dependent K(+) (K(V)) channel blocker 4-aminopyridine (3 mM) depolarized control E(m) to the level of LHR (-28 +/- 1 vs. -28 +/- 1 mV); however, effects on K(+) sensitivity were greater in LHR (EC(50) = 17 +/- 4 vs. 4 +/- 4 mM). Western blots revealed reduced BK(Ca) and K(V)1.5 channel expression in LHR arteries. The findings suggest that diminished expression of K(+) channels contributes to depolarization and enhanced contractile sensitivity. These conclusions are supported by direct electrophysiological assessment of BK(Ca) and K(V) channel function in control and LHR smooth muscle cells.     

Impaired glucagon secretory responses in mice lacking the type 1 sulfonylurea receptor

Pancreatic alpha-cells, like beta-cells, express ATP-sensitive K(+) (K(ATP)) channels. To determine the physiological role of K(ATP) channels in alpha-cells, we examined glucagon secretion in mice lacking the type 1 sulfonylurea receptor (Sur1). Plasma glucagon levels, which were increased in wild-type mice after an overnight fast, did not change in Sur1 null mice. Pancreas perfusion studies showed that Sur1 null pancreata lacked glucagon secretory responses to hypoglycemia and to synergistic stimulation by arginine. Pancreatic alpha-cells isolated from wild-type animals exhibited oscillations of intracellular free Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) in the absence of glucose that became quiescent when the glucose concentration was increased. In contrast, Sur1 null alpha-cells showed continuous oscillations in [Ca(2+)](i) regardless of the glucose concentration. These findings indicate that K(ATP) channels in alpha-cells play a key role in regulating glucagon secretion, thereby adding to the paradox of how mice that lack K(ATP) channels maintain euglycemia.     

5-amino-imidazole carboxamide riboside acutely potentiates glucose-stimulated insulin secretion from mouse pancreatic islets by KATP channel-dependent and -independent pathways

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an important signaling effector that couples cellular metabolism and function. The effects of AMPK activation on pancreatic beta-cell function remain unresolved. We used 5-amino-imidazole carboxamide riboside (AICAR), an activator of AMPK, to define the signaling mechanisms linking the activation of AMPK with insulin secretion. Application of 300 microM AICAR to mouse islets incubated in 5-14 mM glucose significantly increased AMPK activity and potentiated insulin secretion. AICAR inhibited ATP-sensitive K(+) (K(ATP)) channels and increased the frequency of glucose-induced calcium oscillations in islets incubated in 8-14 mM glucose. At lower glucose concentration (5mM) AICAR did not affect K(ATP) activity or intracellular ([Ca(2+)](i)). AICAR also did not inhibit (86)Rb(+) efflux from islets isolated from Sur1(-/-) mice that lack K(ATP) channels yet significantly potentiated glucose stimulated insulin secretion. Our data suggest that AICAR stimulates insulin secretion by both K(ATP) channel-dependent and -independent pathways.     

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acid-induced relaxation is impaired in insulin resistance

We assessed the effect of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) in intact mesenteric arteries and Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (BK(Ca)) channels of isolated vascular smooth muscle cells from control and insulin-resistant (IR) rats. The response to 11,12-EET and 14,15-EET was assessed in small mesenteric arteries from control and IR rats in vitro. Mechanistic studies were performed in endothelium intact or denuded arteries and in the presence of pharmacological inhibitors. Moreover, EET-induced activation of the BK(Ca) channel was assessed in myocytes in both the cell-attached and the inside-out (I/O) patch-clamp configurations. In control arteries, both EET isomers induced relaxation. Relaxation was impaired by endothelium denudation, N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine, or iberiotoxin (IBTX), whereas it was abolished by IBTX + apamin or charybdotoxin + apamin. In contrast, the EETs did not relax IR arteries. In control myocytes, the EETs increased BK(Ca) activity in both configurations. Conversely, in the cell-attached mode, EETs had no effect on BK(Ca) channel activity in IR myocytes, whereas in the I/O configuration, BK(Ca) channel activity was enhanced. EETs induce relaxation in small mesenteric arteries from control rats through K(Ca) channels. In contrast, arteries from IR rats do not relax to the EETs. Patch-clamp studies suggest impaired relaxation is due to altered regulatory mechanisms of the BK(Ca) channel.     

Activity of BK(Ca) channel is modulated by membrane cholesterol content and association with Na+/K+-ATPase in human melanoma IGR39 cells

Interaction of large conductance Ca(2+)- and voltage-activated K(+) (BK(Ca)) channels with Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase, caveolin-1, and cholesterol was studied in human melanoma IGR39 cells. Functional BK(Ca) channels were enriched in caveolin-rich and detergent-resistant membranes, i.e. rafts, and blocking of the channels by a specific BK(Ca) blocker paxilline reduced proliferation of the cells. Disruption of rafts by selective depletion of cholesterol released BK(Ca) channels from these domains with a consequent increase in their activity. Consistently, cholesterol enrichment of the cells increased the proportion of BK(Ca) channels in rafts and decreased their activity. Immunocytochemical analysis showed that BK(Ca) channels co-localize with Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase in a cholesterol-dependent manner, thus suggesting their co-presence in rafts. Supporting this, ouabain, a specific blocker of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase, inhibited BK(Ca) whole-cell current markedly in control cells but not in cholesterol-depleted ones. This inhibition required the presence of external Na(+). Collectively, these data indicate that the presence of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase in rafts is essential for efficient functioning of BK(Ca) channels, presumably because the pump maintains a low intracellular Na(+) proximal to the BK(Ca) channel. In conclusion, cholesterol could play an important role in cellular ion homeostasis and thus modulate many cellular functions and cell proliferation.     

Elemental maps in human allantochorial placental vessels cells. 3. 5-hydroxytryptamine effects.

The membrane potential, a regulator of vascular tone, is a function of the physiological activities of ionic channels (particularly, K+ and Ca2+ channels in these cells). These channels regulate the ionic distribution into these cells. Micro-particule induced X-ray emission (PIXE) analysis was applied to determine the ionic composition of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and of vascular endothelial cells (VECs) in the placental human allantochorial vessels in a physiological medium (Hanks'solution) modified by the addition of a chemical stimulus: 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), an activator of the voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels. In VSMCs (media layer), the addition of 5-HT induced no modification of the Na, K, Cl, P, S and Ca concentrations but increased Mg concentration. In endothelium (VECs) 5-HT addition implicated an increase of the K, S, Ca concentrations, the concentration of the other ions remained constant. In VECs, Ca and K increase is due to open of L-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels and of K(Ca) channels. 5-HT induces also a secretion of endothelium hyperpolarizing factors which implicate decrease of [Ca2+]i in VSMCs opposite to a direct increase by 5-HT. Increase in [Mg2+]i may be due to activation of the Ca/Mg exchanger.     

Cell survival signalling in heart derived myofibroblasts induced by preconditioning and bradykinin: The role of p38 MAP kinase

Fibroblasts possess receptors for compounds released during ischemia, including bradykinin. The aims of the present study were to investigate tyrosine kinase and p38 MAP kinase signalling in heart derived myofibroblasts in response to bradykinin and preconditioning ischemia. Fibroblasts from neonatal rat hearts were subjected to pharmacological agents and/or simulated ischemia. Cell viability was measured by the conversion of a tetrazolium salt to its formazan derivative. Preconditioning with 30 min of simulated ischemia followed by 30 min recovery resulted in an 85.4% +/- 7.8% increase in cell survival above that of cells treated with prolonged ischemia alone. Cells treated with bradykinin showed a 35% +/- 7.9 increase in cell survival after lethal ischemia. The B2 receptor antagonist Hoe 140 blocked the protective effect of bradykinin, but did not block preconditioning. The K(ATP) channel blocker glibenclamide and the mitochondria specific K(ATP) blocker 5, hydroxydecanoate, abolished the cytoprotection induced by both preconditioning and bradykinin. The non specific tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein also abolished the cytoprotection. Effective blockade of cytoprotection was obtained with K(ATP) channel blockers and the tyrosine kinase inhibitor when these compounds were given prior to the preconditioning stimulus and not during the lethal insult. The stress activated protein kinase p38 MAP kinase was investigated by Western blotting and by the use of a specific inhibitor (SB203580). Preconditioning reduced phospho-p38 MAP kinase; in contrast, bradykinin administration markedly increased phosphorylation of p38 MAP kinase. SB203580 protected cells from lethal simulated ischemia. In conclusion, cell survival-signalling pathways activated by bradykinin or simulated ischemia in heart fibroblasts protect via the opening of K(ATP) channels and are independent of the stress-activated p38 MAP kinase and/or related to inhibition of this kinase.