Voltage-gated sodium channels are present on both the neural and capsular structures of Pacinian corpuscles

It has long been accepted that action potentials arising from Pacinian corpuscles (PCs) originate at the first node of Ranvier located within the PC and that the mechanotransduction events (receptor potentials) are formed by stretch-activated channels selectively sensitive predominantly to Na+. Also, it has been shown previously that tetrodotoxin (TTX) affects the receptor potential suggesting that transduction may involve voltage-sensitive Na+ channels. To determine whether voltage-sensitive Na+ channels exist in the membrane thought to be responsible for transduction, immunocytochemical studies were performed using polyclonal antibodies raised in rabbit against the alpha subunit of rat type I and type II voltage-gated sodium channels. The results show the presence of label on the neurite and axolemma, as well as in the node regions. Interestingly, labeling is also found on the inner and outer lamellae that form the non-neural accessory structure surrounding the neurite. The presence of this label in the surrounding lamellae suggests that voltage-sensitive Na+ channels, that are involved in both transduction and action-potential generation, may be made available to the neurite via transport from the lamellae, a mechanism perhaps operating in parallel to axoplasmic transport.     

Possible glutaminergic interaction between the capsule and neurite of Pacinian corpuscles

The role of the capsule encasing the Pacinian corpuscle's (PC's) neurite, where mechanotransduction occurs, may be more than mechanical. The inner core of the PC's capsule consists of lamellar cells that are of Schwann-cell origin. Previously, we found both voltage-gated Na+ and K+ channels in these inner-core lamellae. Research on astrocytes and Schwann cells shows bidirectional signaling between glia and neurons, a major component of which is glutamate. Furthermore, Merkel cells show positive immunoreactivity for glutamate receptor mGluR5, and the glutamate-receptor antagonist kynurenate greatly decreases the static activity of the slowly adapting neurons of Merkel cell-neurite complexes. To investigate the possibility of glutaminergic interaction in PCs, we applied antibodies to glutamate, glutamate receptors, glutamate transporters, and SNARE proteins to cat mesenteric PC sections. Positive labeling was seen in the inner-core lamellae, at inter-lamellar connections, where the lamellae contact the membrane of the neurite and at the lamellar tips. The presence of these proteins on the lamellae and neurite membranes, demonstrated both with immunofluorescent light microscopy as well as immunogold electron microscopy, suggests a chemical, possibly bidirectional, interaction between the lamellar cells and the neurite. Thus, the capsule of the PC, apart from having a mechanical filtering function, may also provide an environment for lamellar-neurite interaction, perhaps acting as a neuro-modulator of the initiation, and/or continuation, of the mechanical-electrical transduction process. At the very least, the presence of the aforementioned proteins suggest some sort of "synaptic-like" activity in these mechanoreceptors, which up until now has not been considered possible.     

Ionic currents and ion channels of lobster olfactory receptor neurons

The role of the soma of spiny lobster olfactory receptor cells in generating odor-evoked electrical signals was investigated by studying the ion channels and macroscopic currents of the soma. Four ionic currents; a tetrodotoxin-sensitive Na+ current, a Ca++ current, a Ca(++)-activated K+ current, and a delayed rectifier K+ current, were isolated by application of specific blocking agents. The Na+ and Ca++ currents began to activate at -40 to -30 mV, while the K+ currents began to activate at -30 to -20 mV. The size of the Na+ current was related to the presence of a remnant of a neurite, presumably an axon, and not to the size of the soma. No voltage-dependent inward currents were observed at potentials below those activating the Na+ current, suggesting that receptor potentials spread passively through the soma to generate action potentials in the axon of this cell. Steady-state inactivation of the Na+ current was half-maximal at -40 mV. Recovery from inactivation was a single exponential function that was half-maximal at 1.7 ms at room temperature. The K+ currents were much larger than the inward currents and probably underlie the outward rectification observed in this cell. The delayed rectifier K+ current was reduced by GTP-gamma-S and AIF-4, agents which activate GTP-binding proteins. The channels described were a 215-pS Ca(++)-activated K+ channel, a 9.7-pS delayed rectifier K+ channel, and a 35-pS voltage-independent Cl- channel. The Cl- channel provides a constant leak conductance that may be important in stabilizing the membrane potential of the cell.     

A delta-conotoxin from Conus ermineus venom inhibits inactivation in vertebrate neuronal Na+ channels but not in skeletal and cardiac muscles

We have isolated delta-conotoxin EVIA (delta-EVIA), a conopeptide in Conus ermineus venom that contains 32 amino acid residues and a six-cysteine/four-loop framework similar to that of previously described omega-, delta-, microO-, and kappa-conotoxins. However, it displays low sequence homology with the latter conotoxins. delta-EVIA inhibits Na+ channel inactivation with unique tissue specificity upon binding to receptor site 6 of neuronal Na+ channels. Using amphibian myelinated axons and spinal neurons, we showed that delta-EVIA increases the duration of action potentials by inhibiting Na+ channel inactivation. delta-EVIA considerably enhanced nerve terminal excitability and synaptic efficacy at the frog neuromuscular junction but did not affect directly elicited muscle action potentials. The neuronally selective property of delta-EVIA was confirmed by showing that a fluorescent derivative of delta-EVIA labeled motor nerve endings but not skeletal muscle fibers. In a heterologous expression system, delta-EVIA inhibited inactivation of rat neuronal Na+ channel subtypes (rNaV1.2a, rNaV1.3, and rNaV1.6) but did not affect rat skeletal (rNaV1.4) and human cardiac muscle (hNaV1.5) Na+ channel subtypes. delta-EVIA, in the range of concentrations used, is the first conotoxin found to affect neuronal Na+ channels without acting on Na+ channels of skeletal and cardiac muscle. Therefore, it is a unique tool for discriminating voltage-sensitive Na+ channel subtypes and for studying the distribution and modulation mechanisms of neuronal Na+ channels, and it may serve as a lead to design new drugs adapted to treat diseases characterized by defective nerve conduction.     

Ca2+ entry via postsynaptic voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels can transiently potentiate excitatory synaptic transmission in the hippocampus.

We have studied the role of Ca2+ entry via voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels in long-term potentiation (LTP) in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. Repeated depolarizing pulses, in the presence of the NMDA receptor antagonist D-APV and without synaptic stimulation, resulted in a potentiation of excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) or currents (EPSCs). This depolarization-induced potentiation was augmented in raised extracellular Ca2+ and was blocked by intracellular BAPTA, a Ca2+ chelator, or by nifedipine, a Ca2+ channel antagonist, indicating that the effect was mediated by Ca2+ entry via voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels. Although the peak potentiation could be as large as 3-fold, the EPSP(C)s decayed back to baseline values within approximately 30 min. However, synaptic activation paired with depolarizing pulses in the presence of D-APV converted the transient potentiation into a sustained form. These results indicate that a rise in postsynaptic Ca2+ via voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels can transiently potentiate synaptic transmission, but that another factor associated with synaptic transmission may be required for LTP.     

Distribution of Na+ channels and ankyrin in neuromuscular junctions is complementary to that of acetylcholine receptors and the 43 kd protein

We have used immunogold electron microscopy to study the organization of the acetylcholine receptor, 43 kd protein, voltage-sensitive Na+ channel, and ankyrin in the postsynaptic membrane of the rat neuromuscular junction. The acetylcholine receptor and the 43 kd protein are concentrated at the crests of the postsynaptic folds, coextensive with the subsynaptic density. In contrast, Na+ channels and ankyrin are concentrated in the membranes of the troughs and in perijunctional membranes, both characterized by discontinuous submembrane electron-dense plaques. This configuration of interspersed postsynaptic membrane domains enriched in either Na+ channels or acetylcholine receptors may facilitate the initiation of the muscle action potential. Furthermore, the results support the involvement of ankyrin in immobilizing Na+ channels in specific membrane domains, analogous to the proposed involvement of the 43 kd protein in acetylcholine receptor immobilization.     

Nonlinear regulation of unitary synaptic signals by CaV(2.3) voltage-sensitive calcium channels located in dendritic spines

The roles of voltage-sensitive sodium (Na) and calcium (Ca) channels located on dendrites and spines in regulating synaptic signals are largely unknown. Here we use 2-photon glutamate uncaging to stimulate individual spines while monitoring uncaging-evoked excitatory postsynaptic potentials (uEPSPs) and Ca transients. We find that, in CA1 pyramidal neurons in acute mouse hippocampal slices, CaV(2.3) voltage-sensitive Ca channels (VSCCs) are found selectively on spines and act locally to dampen uncaging-evoked Ca transients and somatic potentials. These effects are mediated by a regulatory loop that requires opening of CaV(2.3) channels, voltage-gated Na channels, small conductance Ca-activated potassium (SK) channels, and NMDA receptors. Ca influx through CaV(2.3) VSCCs selectively activates SK channels, revealing the presence of functional Ca microdomains within the spine. Our results suggest that synaptic strength can be modulated by mechanisms that regulate voltage-gated conductances within the spine but do not alter the properties or numbers of synaptic glutamate receptors.     

Coincident detection of CSF Na+ and osmotic pressure in osmoregulatory neurons of the supraoptic nucleus

Behavioral and neuroendocrine responses underlying systemic osmoregulation are under the concerted control of centrally located osmoreceptors and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Na+ concentration ([Na+]) detectors. Although the process underlying osmoreception is understood, the mechanism by which [Na+] is detected and integrated with cellular information derived from osmoreceptors is unknown. Here, we show that shifts in extracellular [Na+] ([Na+]0) cause proportional changes in the relative Na+ permeability of mechanosensitive cation channels responsible for signal transduction in the osmosensory neurons of the supraoptic nucleus. This effect causes the generation of Na+ specific receptor potentials under isotonic conditions and modulates osmoreceptor potentials and electrical responsiveness during osmotic perturbation. These results provide a cellular basis for Na+-sensing and for the coordinated detection of CSF [Na+] and osmolality in central osmoregulatory neurons.     

The effects of exposure to exogenous fatty acids and membrane fatty acid modification on the electrical properties of NG108-15 cells

The role of membrane lipid composition in determining the electrical properties of neuronal cells was investigated by altering the available fatty acids in the growth medium of cultured neuroblastoma X glioma hybrid cells, clone NG108-15. Growth of the cells for several days in the presence of polyunsaturated fatty acids (linoleic, linolenic, and arachidonic) caused a pronounced decrease in the Na+ action-potential rate of rise (dV/dt) and smaller decreases in the amplitude, measured by intracellular recording. Oleic acid had no effect on the action potentials generated by the cells. In contrast, a saturated fatty acid (palmitate) and a trans monounsaturated fatty acid (elaidate) caused increases in both the rate of rise and the amplitude. No changes in the resting membrane potentials or Ca2+ action potentials of fatty acid-treated cells were observed. The membrane capacitance and time constant were not altered by exposure to arachidonate, oleate, or elaidate, whereas arachidonate caused a small increase in membrane resistance. Examination of the membrane phospholipid fatty acid composition of cells grown with various fatty acids revealed no consistent alterations which could explain these results. To examine the mechanism for arachidonate-induced decreases in dV/dt, the binding of 3H-saxitoxin (known to interact with voltage-sensitive Na+) channels was measured. Membranes from cells grown with arachidonate contained fewer saxitoxin binding sites, suggesting fewer Na+ channels in these cells. We conclude that conditions which lead to major changes in the membrane fatty acid composition have no effect on the resting membrane potential, membrane capacitance, time constant, or Ca2+ action potentials in NG108-15 cells. Membrane resistance also does not appear to be very sensitive to membrane fatty acid composition. However, changes in the availability of fatty acids and/or changes in the subsequent membrane fatty acid composition lead to altered Na+ action potentials. The primary mechanism for this alteration appears to be through changes in the number of Na+ channels in the cells.     

Na(+)-dependent Ca2+ influx in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells

Bovine adrenal chromaffin cells were loaded with Na+ via either acetylcholine receptor-associated ion channels or voltage-sensitive Na+ channels. There were increases in [Ca2+]i, 45Ca2+ uptake and catecholamine secretion in both types of Na(+)-loaded cells relative to control cells in which Na+ loading had been prevented by hexamethonium and tetrodotoxin, respectively. These results show the presence of Na(+)-dependent Ca2+ influx activity in chromaffin cells which is probably mediated by the reverse mode of a Na+/Ca2+ exchanger.     

Use-dependent block of sodium channels in frog myelinated nerve by tetrodotoxin and saxitoxin at negative holding potentials

Na+ currents were measured in myelinated frog nerve fibres in the presence of nanomolar concentrations of tetrodotoxin (TTX) or saxitoxin (STX) in the extracellular solution. The Na+ currents declined during a train of depolarizing pulses if the fibre was held at hyperpolarizing potentials between the pulses. At a pulse frequency of 0.8 Hz, the peak Na+ currents were reduced to 70 or 60% of the initial value in 9.3 nM TTX and 3.5 nM STX solutions, respectively. A decline of Na+ currents was also observed in two-pulse experiments. The peak Na+ current during a second test pulse did not depend on the duration (0.2 to 12 ms) of the first pulse. It decreased with increasing interval between the pulses, reached a minimum and increased again. The results are interpreted with a use-dependent blockage of Na+ channels by TTX or STX at negative holding potentials. The effects were described quantitatively, assuming a fast affinity increase of toxin receptors at Na+ channels triggered by Na+ activation followed by slow toxin binding to channels and relaxation of the receptor affinity.     

Symmetry and asymmetry of permeation through toxin-modified Na+ channels.

Single Na+ channels from rat skeletal muscle were inserted into planar lipid bilayers in the presence of either 200 nM batrachotoxin (BTX) or 50 microM veratridine (VT). These toxins, in addition to their ability to shift inactivation of voltage-gated Na+ channels, may be used as probes of ion conduction in these channels. Channels modified by either of the toxins have qualitatively similar selectivity for the alkali cations (Na+ approximately Li+ greater than K+ greater than Rb+ greater than Cs+). Biionic reversal potentials, for example, were concentration independent for all ions studied. Na+/K+ and Na+/Rb+ reversal potentials, however, were dependent on the orientation of the ionic species with respect to the intra- or extracellular face of the channel, whereas Na+/Li+ biionic reversal potentials were not orientation dependent. A simple, four-barrier, three-well, single-ion occupancy model was used to generate current-voltage relationships similar to those observed in symmetrical solutions of Na, K, or Li ions. The barrier profiles for Na and Li ions were symmetric, whereas that for K ions was asymmetric. This suggests the barrier to ion permeation for K ions may be different than that for Na and Li ions. With this model, these hypothetical energy barrier profiles could predict the orientation-dependent reversal potentials observed for Na+/K+ and Na+/Rb+. The energy barrier profiles, however, were not capable of describing biionic Na/Li ion permeation. Together these results support the hypothesis that Na ions have a different rate determining step for ion permeation than that of K and Rb ions.     

Induction of TRPV1 desensitization by a biased receptor agonist

Selective suppression of hyperactive sensory neurons is an attractive strategy for managing pathological pain. Blocking Na(+) channels to eliminate action potentials and desensitizing transduction channels can both reduce sensory neuron excitability. The novel synthetic vanilloid ligand cap-ET preserves agonist activation of intracellular Ca(2+) signals and large organic cation transport but loses effective electric current induction. Cap-ET can therefore be used to deliver the membrane impermeable Na(+) channel blocker QX-314 to substantially inhibit voltage-activated Na(+) currents. We explored, besides facilitating entry of organic cationic therapeutics, whether cap-ET can also produce receptor desensitization similar to the natural agonist capsaicin. Using the YO-PRO-1 based fluorescent dye uptake assay, we found that cap-ET effectively triggered Ca(2+) dependent desensitization of TRPV1 when the receptor was pre-sensitized with the surrogate oxidative chemical phenylarsine oxide (PAO), suggesting an alternative use of permanently charged cationic capsaicinoids in differential neuronal silencing.     

Sodium channels in presynaptic nerve terminals. Regulation by neurotoxins

Regulation of Na+ channels by neurotoxins has been studied in pinched- off nerve endings (synaptosomes) from rat brain. Activation of Na+ channels by the steroid batrachotoxin and by the alkaloid veratridine resulted in an increase in the rate of influx of 22Na into the synaptosomes. In the presence of 145 mM Na+, these agents also depolarized the synaptosomes, as indicated by increased fluorescence in the presence of a voltage-sensitive oxacarbocyanine dye [diO-C5(3)]. Polypeptide neurotoxins from the scorpion Leiurus quinquestriatus and from the sea anemone Anthopleura xanthogrammica potentiated the stimulatory effects of batrachotoxin and veratridine on the influx of 22Na into synaptosomes. Saxitoxin and tetrodotoxin blocked the stimulatory effects of batrachotoxin and veratridine, both in the presence and absence of the polypeptide toxins, but did not affect control 22Na influx or resting membrane potential. A three-state model for Na+ channel operation can account for the effects of these neurotoxins on Na+ channels as determined both by Na+ flux measurements in vitro and by electrophysiological experiments in intact nerve and muscle.     

New scorpion toxins with a very high affinity for Na+ channels. Biochemical characterization and use for the purification of Na+ channels

Biochemical characterization of the Tityus gamma toxin receptor associated with the voltage-sensitive Na+ channel was carried out in different tissue preparations with the use of an iodinated toxin derivative. The affinity of the toxin for the receptor is high with a dissociation constant of 4 X 10(-12) M for rat synaptosomes. The density of binding sites is in the range of 0.3 to 2 pmol/mg of protein. Toxin gamma does not seem to bind to Na+ channels located on transverse-tubule membranes of skeletal muscle, but only to Na+ channels located on the sarcolemma. Both affinity labelling and radiation inactivation analysis indicate a molecular weight for the toxin receptor of 270 000 daltons. The same molecular weight is found using the tetrodotoxin. Only one single major protein component of the Na+ channel was purified from Electrophorus electroplax, rat brain membranes and chick heart membrane using the toxin gamma as a marker. The molecular weight of this component is 230 000-270 000 daltons. Reconstitution of the purified Na+ channel into planar lipid bilayers has been carried out. Two different types of electrically excitable channels with conductances of 150 and 25 pS were detected. The activity of both channels is blocked by saxitoxin.     

Voltage-sensitive potassium channels in Limulus ventral photoreceptors

The steady-state slope conductance of Limulus ventral photoreceptors increases markedly when the membrane is depolarized from rest. The ionic basis of this rectification has been examined with a voltage-clamp technique. Tail currents that occur when membrane potential is repolarized after having been depolarized have been identified. The tail currents reverse direction at a voltage that becomes more positive when Ko is increased. Rectification is reduced by extracellular 4-aminopyridine and by intracellular injection of tetra-ethyl-ammonium (TEA). These results indicate that the membrane rectification around resting potential is due primarily to voltage-sensitive K+ channels. The increase in gK caused by depolarization is not mediated by a voltage-dependent rise in in Cai++, since intracellular injection of Ca++ causes a decrease rather than an increase in slope conductance. TEA can be used to examine the functional role of the K+ channels because it blocks them without substantially affecting the light-activated Na+ conductance. The effect of TEA on response-intensity curves shows that the K+ channels serve to compress the voltage range of receptor potentials.     

Specificity of intestinal brush-border proline transport: cyanine dye studies

The ability of rabbit jejunal brush borders to transport inhibitors of the imino carrier was investigated in membrane vesicles by measuring their ability to depolarize the membrane potential. Membrane potentials were monitored using a voltage-sensitive cyanine dye. Piperidine and pyrrolidine carboxylic acids, which are potent inhibitors of Na+-dependent proline transport (Ki less than 0.5 mM) depolarize the potential in a Na+-dependent, saturable manner indicating transport. On the other hand, N-methylated amino acids, which are fair inhibitors (Ki 2-10 mM), do not depolarize the membrane to any significant extent, but they competitively inhibit the L-proline transport signal. This indicates that these analogs are nontransported inhibitors of the imino carrier. The poor inhibitors niacin and pipolinic acid (Ki greater than 60 mM) depolarize the membrane about twice as much as proline and with low Kf values. This suggests separate carriers for these substrates.     

Tunicamycin inhibits the expression of surface Na+ channels in cultured muscle cells

We have investigated the effect of tunicamycin (TM), an inhibitor of protein glycosylation, on surface Na+ channels in cultured chick skeletal muscle cells. The expression of Na+ channels, estimated by the measurement of batrachotoxin (BTX)-activated 22Na+ uptake, was found to be significantly diminished after exposure of muscle cells to TM. This effect is partially reversed by the protease inhibitor leupeptin and is associated with a markedly enhanced rate of disappearance of Na+ channels from the surface of TM-treated cells. Our findings suggest that protein glycosylation contributes to the metabolic stability of voltage-sensitive Na+ channels.     

Evidence for a sodium/calcium exchanger and voltage-dependent calcium channels in adipocytes

The objective of these studies is to identify and characterize Ca2+-transport systems that may be of potential importance in the action of Ca2+-mobilizing hormones in the adipocyte. Using the Ca2+-sensitive photoprotein, aequorin, [Ca2+]i was estimated to be 0.15 microM, assuming an intracellular [Mg2+] of 1 mM. Substitution of Na+ with choline+ caused a transient increase in [Ca2+]i which was inversely related to extracellular [Na+], consistent with operation of a mediated Na+-Ca2+ exchange system. The stoichiometry was 3Na+:Ca2+. Elevation of extracellular K+ caused an increase in [Ca2+]i that was blocked by the Ca2+ channel antagonist, diltiazem, by omitting extracellular Ca2+, or by substituting Sr2+ for Ca2+. These findings indicate the presence of an Na+-Ca2+ exchanger and voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels in adipocytes.     

Potential-dependent passive transport of calcium in myocardium sarcolemma vesicles

The effect of membrane potential on passive Ca2+ transport in isolated cardiac sarcolemmal vesicles was investigated. The membrane potentials were induced by creating potassium gradients across the vesicular membranes in the presence of valinomycin. The fluorescence changes in the voltage-sensitive dye, dis-C3(5), were consistent with the induction of potassium equilibrium potentials. The rate of 45Ca2+ efflux from inside-out vesicles was considerably greater at 0 than at -80 or +55 mV; prepolarization of the membrane to +90 mV did not enhance the 45Ca2+ efflux upon subsequent depolarization. The voltage-dependent 45Ca2+ efflux increased with a rise in internal Ca2+ concentration and exhibited a saturation effect. Furthermore, evaluation of the rate of 45Ca2+ efflux over a wide range of membrane potentials produced a profile similar to that of current-voltage relationships for single calcium channels in isolated cardiomyocytes. It is concluded that the voltage-dependent Ca2+ efflux from the vesicles occurs via Ca2+-channels.