Biphasic effects of H2O2 on BKCa channels

Abstract

The inhibitory or activating effect of H₂O₂ on large conductance calcium and voltage-dependent potassium (BK_Ca) channels has been reported. However, the mechanism by which this occurs is unclear. In this paper, BK_Ca channels encoded by mouse Slo were expressed in HEK 293 cells and BK_Ca channel activity was measured by electrophysiology. The results showed that H₂O₂ inhibited BK_Ca channel activity in inside-out patches but enhanced BK_Ca channel activity in cell-attached patches. The inhibition by H₂O₂ in inside-out patches may be due to oxidative modification of cysteine residues in BK_Ca channels or other membrane proteins that regulate BK_Ca channel function. PI3K/AKT signaling modulates the H₂O₂-induced BK_Ca channel activation in cell-attached patches. BK_Ca channels and PI3K signaling pathway were involved in H₂O₂-induced vasodilation and H₂O₂-induced vasodilation by PI3K pathway was mainly due to modulation of BK_Ca channel activity.     

Palmitoylation of STREX domain confers cerebroside sensitivity to the BKCa channel

Our previous study reported that cerebrosides from traditional Chinese medicine Baifuzi directly interact with the STREX domain of BK_Ca channels, which in turn results in the therapeutic effect of Baifuzi on ischemic stroke. However, it is not known how cerebrosides in the plasma membrane could interact with the STREX domain that is in the cytoplasmic side. Using patch-clamp technique, effects of different cerebrosides on the BK_Ca channel were studied by measuring single channel currents in CHO cells expressing wild type or mutated BK_Ca channels. Palmitoylation of the STREX domain was removed either by site-directed mutagenesis or pharmacological inhibition. Removal of palmitoylation sites at C646 and C647 by mutating the residues to Ala abolished the ability of cerebrosides to activate the BK_Ca channel. In contrast, the mutation neither changed the single channel conductance nor voltage sensitivity of the channel. Both palmitoylation inhibitors tunicamycin and palmitic acid analog 2-bromopalmitate attenuated the activation of the BK_Ca channel by cerebrosides. Furthermore, confocal images on STREX-EGFP fragments demonstrated that STREX fragments no longer associated with the plasma membrane when the palmitoylation was removed or blocked. These findings suggest that palmitoylation of the STREX domain is necessary for cerebrosides to activate the BK_Ca channel and provide insight into the mechanism of how Baifuzi could exert therapeutic effect on ischemic stroke.     

Baifuzi reduces transient ischemic brain damage through an interaction with the STREX domain of BKCa channels

Stroke is a long-term disability and one of the leading causes of death. However, no successful therapeutic intervention is available for the majority of stroke patients. In this study, we explored a traditional Chinese medicine Baifuzi (Typhonium giganteum Engl.). We show, at first, that the ethanol extract of Baifuzi exerts neuroprotective effects against brain damage induced by transient global or focal cerebral ischemia in rats and mice. Second, the extract activated large-conductance Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ channel (BK_Ca) channels, and BK_Ca channel blockade suppressed the neuroprotection of the extract, suggesting that the BK_Ca is the molecular target of Baifuzi. Third, Baifuzi cerebroside (Baifuzi-CB), purified from its ethanol extract, activated BK_Ca channels in a manner similar to that of the extract. Fourth, the stress axis hormone-regulated exon (STREX) domain of the BK_Ca channel directly interacted with Baifuzi-CB, and its deletion suppressed channel activation by Baifuzi-CB. These results indicate that Baifuzi-CB activated the BK_Ca channel through its direct interaction with the STREX domain of the channel and suggests that Baifuzi-CB merits exploration as a potential therapeutic agent for treating brain ischemia.     

Modulation of Ca-activated K channels of human erythrocytes by endogenous protein kinase C

Single IK_Ca channels of human erythrocytes were studied with the patch-clamp technique to define their modulation by endogenous protein kinase C (PKC). The perfusion of the cytoplasmic side of freshly excised patches with the PKC activator, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), inhibited channel activity. This effect was blocked by PKC_19-31, a peptide inhibitor specific for PKC. Similar results were obtained by perfusing the membrane patches with the structurally unrelated PKC activator 1-oleoyl-2-acetylglycerol (OAG). Blocking of this effect was induced by perfusion with PKC_19-31 or chelerythrine. Channel activity was not inhibited by the PMA analog 4α-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate (4αPDD), which has no effect on PKC. Activation of endogenous cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), which is known to up-modulate IK_Ca channels, restored channel activity previously inhibited by OAG. The application of OAG induced a reversible reduction of channel activity previously up-modulated by the activation of PKA, indicating that the effects of the two kinases are commutative, and antagonistic. Kinetic analysis showed that down-regulation by PKC mainly changes the opening frequency without significantly affecting mean channel open time and conductance. These results provide evidence that an endogenous PKC down-modulates the activity of native IK_Ca channels of human erythrocytes. Our results show that PKA and PKC signal transduction pathways integrate their effects, determining the open probability of the IK_Ca channels.     

Ginsenoside Rg<Subscript>3</Subscript> enhances large conductance Ca<Superscript>2+</Superscript>-activated potassium channel currents: A role of Tyr360 residue

Ginsenosides, active ingredients of Panax ginseng, are known to exhibit neuroprotective effects. Large-conductance Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ (BK_Ca) channels are key modulators of cellular excitability of neurons and vascular smooth muscle cells. In the present study, we examined the effects of ginsenosides on rat brain BK_Ca (rSlo) channel activity heterologously expressed in Xenopus oocytes to elucidate the molecular mechanisms how ginsenoside regulates the BK_Ca channel activity. Ginsenoside Rg₃ (Rg₃) enhanced outward BK_Ca channel currents. The Rg₃-enhancement of outward BK_Ca channel currents was concentration-dependent, voltage-dependent, and reversible. The EC₅₀ was 15.1 ± 3.1 μM. Rg₃ actions were not desensitized by repeated treatment. Tetraetylammonium (TEA), a K⁺ channel blocker, inhibited BK_Ca channel currents. We examined whether extracellular TEA treatment could alter the Rg₃ action and vice versa. TEA caused a rightward shift of the Rg₃ concentration-response curve (i.e., much higher concentration of Rg₃ is required for the activation of BK_Ca channel compared to the absence of TEA), while Rg₃ caused a rightward shift of the TEA concentration-response curve in wild-type channels. Mutation of the extracellular TEA binding site Y360 to Y360I caused a rightward shift of the TEA concentration-response curve and almost abolished both the Rg₃ action and Rg₃-induced rightward shift of TEA concentration-response curve. These results indicate that Tyr360 residue of BK_Ca channel plays an important role in the Rg₃-enhancement of BK_Ca channel currents.     

Cloning of large-conductance Ca-activated K channel α-subunits in mouse cardiomyocytes

Large-conductance Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ (BK_Ca) channels are widely distributed in cellular membranes of various tissues, but have not previously been found in cardiomyocytes. In this study, we cloned a gene encoding the mouse cardiac BK_Ca channel α-subunit (mCardBKa). Sequence analysis of the cDNA revealed an open reading frame encoding 1154 amino acids. Another cDNA variant, identical in amino acid sequence, was also identified by sequence analysis. The nucleotide sequences of the two mCardBKa cDNAs, type 1 (mCardBKa1) and type 2 (mCardBKa2), differed by three nucleotide insertions and one nucleotide substitution in the N-terminal sequence. The amino acid sequence demonstrated that mCardBKa was a unique BK_Ca channel α-subunit in mouse cardiomyocytes, with amino acids 41-1153 being identical to calcium-activated potassium channel SLO1 and amino acids 1-40 corresponding to BK_Ca channel subfamily M alpha member 1. These findings suggest that a unique BK_Ca channel α-subunit is expressed in mouse cardiomyocytes.     

Role of the beta1 subunit in large-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel gating energetics. Mechanisms of enhanced Ca(2+) sensitivity

Over the past few years, it has become clear that an important mechanism by which large-conductance Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ channel (BK_Ca) activity is regulated is the tissue-specific expression of auxiliary β subunits. The first of these to be identified, β1, is expressed predominately in smooth muscle and causes dramatic effects, increasing the apparent affinity of the channel for Ca²⁺ 10-fold at 0 mV, and shifting the range of voltages over which the channel activates −80 mV at 9.1 μM Ca²⁺. With this study, we address the question: which aspects of BK_Ca gating are altered by β1 to bring about these effects: Ca²⁺ binding, voltage sensing, or the intrinsic energetics of channel opening? The approach we have taken is to express the β1 subunit together with the BK_Ca α subunit in Xenopus oocytes, and then to compare β1''s steady state effects over a wide range of Ca²⁺ concentrations and membrane voltages to those predicted by allosteric models whose parameters have been altered to mimic changes in the aspects of gating listed above. The results of our analysis suggest that much of β1''s steady state effects can be accounted for by a reduction in the intrinsic energy the channel must overcome to open and a decrease in its voltage sensitivity, with little change in the affinity of the channel for Ca²⁺ when it is either open or closed. Interestingly, however, the small changes in Ca²⁺ binding affinity suggested by our analysis (K_c 7.4 μM → 9.6 μM; K_o = 0.80 μM → 0.65 μM) do appear to be functionally important. We also show that β1 affects the mSlo conductance–voltage relation in the essential absence of Ca²⁺, shifting it +20 mV and reducing its apparent gating charge 38%, and we develop methods for distinguishing between alterations in Ca²⁺ binding and other aspects of BK_Ca channel gating that may be of general use.     

Type 1 IP3 receptors activate BKCa channels via local molecular coupling in arterial smooth muscle cells

Plasma membrane large-conductance Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ (BK_Ca) channels and sarcoplasmic reticulum inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP₃) receptors (IP₃Rs) are expressed in a wide variety of cell types, including arterial smooth muscle cells. Here, we studied BK_Ca channel regulation by IP₃ and IP₃Rs in rat and mouse cerebral artery smooth muscle cells. IP₃ activated BK_Ca channels both in intact cells and in excised inside-out membrane patches. IP₃ caused concentration-dependent BK_Ca channel activation with an apparent dissociation constant (K_d) of ∼4 µM at physiological voltage (−40 mV) and intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i; 10 µM). IP₃ also caused a leftward-shift in BK_Ca channel apparent Ca²⁺ sensitivity and reduced the K_d for free [Ca²⁺]_i from ∼20 to 12 µM, but did not alter the slope or maximal P_o. BAPTA, a fast Ca²⁺ buffer, or an elevation in extracellular Ca²⁺ concentration did not alter IP₃-induced BK_Ca channel activation. Heparin, an IP₃R inhibitor, and a monoclonal type 1 IP₃R (IP₃R1) antibody blocked IP₃-induced BK_Ca channel activation. Adenophostin A, an IP₃R agonist, also activated BK_Ca channels. IP₃ activated BK_Ca channels in inside-out patches from wild-type (IP₃R1^+/+) mouse arterial smooth muscle cells, but had no effect on BK_Ca channels of IP₃R1-deficient (IP₃R1^−/−) mice. Immunofluorescence resonance energy transfer microscopy indicated that IP₃R1 is located in close spatial proximity to BK_Ca α subunits. The IP₃R1 monoclonal antibody coimmunoprecipitated IP₃R1 and BK_Ca channel α and β1 subunits from cerebral arteries. In summary, data indicate that IP₃R1 activation elevates BK_Ca channel apparent Ca²⁺ sensitivity through local molecular coupling in arterial smooth muscle cells.     

The β1 subunit of Na/K-ATPase interacts with BKCa channels and affects their steady-state expression on the cell surface

Large conductance Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ channels (BK_Ca) encoded by the Slo1 gene play a role in the physiological regulation of many cell types. Here, we show that the β1 subunit of Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase (NKβ1) interacts with the cytoplasmic COOH-terminal region of Slo1 proteins. Reduced expression of endogenous NKβ1 markedly inhibits evoked BK_Ca currents with no apparent effect on their gating. In addition, NKβ1 down-regulated cells show decreased density of Slo1 subunits on the cell surface.

Structured summary

MINT-7260438, MINT-7260555: Slo1 (uniprotkb:Q8AYS8) physically interacts (MI:0915) with NKbeta1 (uniprotkb:P08251) by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0006)MINT-7260587, MINT-7260606, MINT-7260619, MINT-7260632: Slo1 (uniprotkb:Q08460) physically interacts (MI:0915) with NKbeta 1 (uniprotkb:P08251) by pull down (MI:0416)MINT-7260570: NKbeta1 (uniprotkb:P08251) and Slo1 (uniprotkb:Q8AYS8) colocalize (MI:0403) by fluorescence microscopy (MI:0416)MINT-7260414: Slo1 (uniprotkb:Q08460) physically interacts (MI:0915) with NKbeta1 (uniprotkb:P08251) by two hybrid (MI:0018)     

多不饱和脂肪酸对钾通道的调控作用及机理

多不饱和脂肪酸具有包括离子通道在内的众多作用靶点,通过作用于这些靶点,可以有效保护免疫系统、神经系统和心血管系统的功能,在一定程度上保护人体健康。电压门控钾离子通道家族K_V7通道和大电导钙离子激活的钾离子通道(BK_Ca)广泛表达于机体的各类组织中,具有重要的生理或病理功能。本综述围绕K_V7和BK_Ca通道,根据对已有报道的汇总,多不饱和脂肪酸可以增大K_V7和BK_Ca通道的电流幅值,其中对K_V7通道电流的影响主要是改变其电压依赖特性和最大电导值,而对BK_Ca通道电流的影响主要是改变其孔道区域关闭态的构象。此外,多不饱和脂肪酸对K_V7和BK_Ca通道功能的调节也会受到共表达的辅助亚基影响,但相关机制有待进一步阐明。深入理解多不饱和脂肪酸对K_V7和BK_Ca通道调节作用效果和分子机制,有助于全面理解K_V7和BK     

IP3 decreases coronary artery tone via activating the BKCa channel of coronary artery smooth muscle cells in pigs

Large conductance Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ channel (BK_Ca) is a potential target for coronary artery-relaxing medication, but its functional regulation is largely unknown. Here, we report that inositol trisphosphate (IP3) activated BK_Ca channels in isolated porcine coronary artery smooth muscle cells and by which decreased the coronary artery tone. Both endogenous and exogenous IP3 increased the spontaneous transient outward K⁺ currents (STOC, a component pattern of BK_Ca currents) in perforated and regular whole-cell recordings, which was dependent on the activity of IP3 receptors. IP3 also increased the macroscopic currents (MC, another component pattern of BK_Ca currents) via an IP3 receptor- and sarcoplasmic Ca²⁺ mobilization-independent pathway. In inside-out patch recordings, direct application of IP3 to the cytosolic side increased the open probability of single BK_Ca channel in an IP3 receptor-independent manner. We conclude that IP3 is an activator of BK_Ca channels in porcine coronary smooth muscle cells and exerts a coronary artery-relaxing effect. The activation of BK_Ca channels by IP3 involves the enhancement of STOCs via IP3 receptors and stimulation of MC by increasing the Ca²⁺ sensitivity of the channels.     

Modeling a Ca2+ Channel/BKCa Channel Complex at the Single-Complex Level

BK_Ca-channel activity often affects the firing properties of neurons, the shapes of neuronal action potentials (APs), and in some cases the extent of neurotransmitter release. It has become clear that BK_Ca channels often form complexes with voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels (CaV channels) such that when a CaV channel is activated, the ensuing influx of Ca²⁺ activates its closely associated BK_Ca channel. Thus, in modeling the electrical properties of neurons, it would be useful to have quantitative models of CaV/BK_Ca complexes. Furthermore, in a population of CaV/BK_Ca complexes, all BK_Ca channels are not exposed to the same Ca²⁺ concentration at the same time. Thus, stochastic rather than deterministic models are required. To date, however, no such models have been described. Here, however, I present a stochastic model of a CaV2.1/BK_Ca(α-only) complex, as might be found in a central nerve terminal. The CaV2.1/BK_Ca model is based on kinetic modeling of its two component channels at physiological temperature. Surprisingly, The CaV2.1/BK_Ca model predicts that although the CaV channel will open nearly every time during a typical cortical AP, its associated BK_Ca channel is expected to open in only 30% of trials, and this percentage is very sensitive to the duration of the AP, the distance between the two channels in the complex, and the presence of fast internal Ca²⁺ buffers. Also, the model predicts that the kinetics of the BK_Ca currents of a population of CaV2.1/BK_Ca complexes will not be limited by the kinetics of the CaV2.1 channel, and during a train of APs, the current response of the complex is expected to faithfully follow even very rapid trains. Aside from providing insight into how these complexes are likely to behave in vivo, the models presented here could also be of use more generally as components of higher-level models of neural function.     

Large conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channel (BKCa) activating properties of a series of novel N-arylbenzamides: Channel subunit dependent effects

Large conductance calcium activated potassium channels (BK_Ca) are fundamental in the control of cellular excitability. Thus, compounds that activate BK_Ca channels could provide potential therapies in the treatment of pathologies of the cardiovascular and central nervous system. A series of novel N-arylbenzamide compounds, and the reference compound NS1619, were evaluated for BK_Ca channel opener properties in Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK293) cells expressing the human BK_Ca channel α-subunit alone or α + β1-subunit complex.Channel activity was determined using a non-radioactive Rb⁺ efflux assay to construct concentration effect curves for each compound. All N-arylbenzamide compounds and NS1619 evoked significant (p <0.05) concentration related increases in Rb⁺ efflux both in cells expressing α-subunit alone or α + β1-subunits. Co-expression of the β1-subunit modified the Rb⁺ efflux responses, relative to that obtained in cells expressing the α-subunit alone, for most of the N-arylbenzamide compounds, in contrast to NS1619. The EC₄₀ values of NS1619, BKMe1 and BKOEt1 were not significantly affected by the co-expression of the BK_Ca channel α + β1-subunits. In contrast, 5 other N-arylbenzamides (BKPr2, BKPr3, BKPr4, BKH1 and BKVV) showed a significant (p <0.05) 2- to 10-fold increase in EC₄₀ values when tested on the BK_Ca α + β1-subunit expressing cells compared to BK_Ca α-subunit expressing cells. Further, the E_max values for BKPr4, BKVV and BKH1 were lower in the BK_Ca channel α + β1-subunit expressing cells.In conclusion, the N-arylbenzamides studied, like NS1619, were able to activate BK_Ca channels formed of the α-subunit only. The co-expression of the β1-subunit, however, modified the ability of certain compounds to active the channel leading to differentiated pharmacodynamic profiles.     

Apelin-13 Inhibits Large-Conductance Ca2+-Activated K+ Channels in Cerebral Artery Smooth Muscle Cells via a PI3-Kinase Dependent Mechanism

Apelin-13 causes vasoconstriction by acting directly on APJ receptors in vascular smooth muscle (VSM) cells; however, the ionic mechanisms underlying this action at the cellular level remain unclear. Large-conductance Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ (BK_Ca) channels in VSM cells are critical regulators of membrane potential and vascular tone. In the present study, we examined the effect of apelin-13 on BK_Ca channel activity in VSM cells, freshly isolated from rat middle cerebral arteries. In whole-cell patch clamp mode, apelin-13 (0.001-1 μM) caused concentration-dependent inhibition of BK_Ca in VSM cells. Apelin-13 (0.1 µM) significantly decreased BK_Ca current density from 71.25±8.14 pA/pF to 44.52±7.10 pA/pF (n=14 cells, P<0.05). This inhibitory effect of apelin-13 was confirmed by single channel recording in cell-attached patches, in which extracellular application of apelin-13 (0.1 µM) decreased the open-state probability (NP_o) of BK_Ca channels in freshly isolated VSM cells. However, in inside-out patches, extracellular application of apelin-13 (0.1µM) did not alter the NP_o of BK_Ca channels, suggesting that the inhibitory effect of apelin-13 on BK_Ca is not mediated by a direct action on BK_Ca. In whole cell patches, pretreatment of VSM cells with LY-294002, a PI3-kinase inhibitor, markedly attenuated the apelin-13-induced decrease in BK_Ca current density. In addition, treatment of arteries with apelin-13 (0.1 µM) significantly increased the ratio of phosphorylated-Akt/total Akt, indicating that apelin-13 significantly increases PI3-kinase activity. Taken together, the data suggest that apelin-13 inhibits BK_Ca channel via a PI3-kinase-dependent signaling pathway in cerebral artery VSM cells, which may contribute to its regulatory action in the control of vascular tone.     

BK(Ca) channel activation by membrane-associated cGMP kinase may contribute to uterine quiescence in pregnancy

Weinvestigated the influence of pregnancy on large-conductancecalcium-activated potassium channel (BK_Ca) activity(NP_o) and on channel expression in membranes ofisolated human myometrial smooth muscle cells.NP_o in inside-out patches was higher in pregnant myometria (PM) compared with nonpregnant myometria (NPM), and thehalf-maximal activation potential was shifted by 39 mV to more negativepotentials. This effect was not due to an enhanced BK_Cachannel expression. In the presence of cAMP kinase (PKA) or cGMP kinase(PKG), NP_o increased in patches from PMbut decreased in those from NPM. Western blot analysis and use of aspecific PKG inhibitor (1 µM KT-5823) verified the existence of apartially active membrane-associated PKG. Inhibition of PKA by100 nM PKI, the inhibitory peptide of PKA, had no effect onNP_o. 8-p-Chlorophenylthio-cGMP (8-pCPT-cGMP) hyperpolarized cells from PM. This effect wasabolished by iberiotoxin, a specific blocker of BK_Cachannels. It is concluded that an endogenous, membrane-bound PKG inmyometrial cells specifically enhances BK_Ca channelactivity during pregnancy and thus may contribute to uterine quiescenceduring pregnancy.

     

Contribution of BKCa-Channel Activity in Human Cardiac Fibroblasts to Electrical Coupling of Cardiomyocytes-Fibroblasts

Cardiac fibroblasts are involved in the maintenance of myocardial tissue structure. However, little is known about ion currents in human cardiac fibroblasts. It has been recently reported that cardiac fibroblasts can interact electrically with cardiomyocytes through gap junctions. Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ currents (I _K[Ca]) of cultured human cardiac fibroblasts were characterized in this study. In whole-cell configuration, depolarizing pulses evoked I _K(Ca) in an outward rectification in these cells, the amplitude of which was suppressed by paxilline (1 μM) or iberiotoxin (200 nM). A large-conductance, Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ (BK_Ca) channel with single-channel conductance of 162 ± 8 pS was also observed in human cardiac fibroblasts. Western blot analysis revealed the presence of α-subunit of BK_Ca channels. The dynamic Luo-Rudy model was applied to predict cell behavior during direct electrical coupling of cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts. In the simulation, electrically coupled cardiac fibroblasts also exhibited action potential; however, they were electrically inert with no gap-junctional coupling. The simulation predicts that changes in gap junction coupling conductance can influence the configuration of cardiac action potential and cardiomyocyte excitability. I _k(Ca) can be elicited by simulated action potential waveforms of cardiac fibroblasts when they are electrically coupled to cardiomyocytes. This study demonstrates that a BK_Ca channel is functionally expressed in human cardiac fibroblasts. The activity of these BK_Ca channels present in human cardiac fibroblasts may contribute to the functional activities of heart cells through transfer of electrical signals between these two cell types.     

Expression and alteration of BKCa channels in the sphincter of Oddi's from rabbits with hypercholesterolemia

This study aimed to investigate the expression and function of BK_Ca channels in the Sphincter of Oddi (SO) in a rabbit model of hypercholesterolemia (HC). New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into 2 groups: the control group was fed standard chow (n = 18) whereas the high-cholesterol group was fed cholesterol-enriched chow containing 1.5% cholesterol (n = 18). The serum cholesterol level was significantly greater in the HC groups than in the control group, but there was no significant difference in body weight between the control and HC groups. Although the total protein expression of BK_Ca α- and β₁-subunit was not significantly different between the control and HC groups, the Tyr-phosphorylation of BK_Ca α-subunit was significantly decreased in the HC group than in the control group. In addition, hypercholesterolemia significantly increased Acetylcholine (ACh)-induced contraction of the SO rings. Pretreatment with 30 μM NS1619, a BK_Ca channel agonist, significantly reduced ACh-induced contraction of the SO rings in HC rabbits. Moreover, pretreatment with 100 μM Na₃OV₄, a protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor, significantly reduced ACh-induced contraction of the SO rings in HC rabbits, whereas it significantly increased upon pretreating with 10 μM Genistein, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Whole-cell patch clamp recordings showed that BK_Ca current density was significantly lower in SOSMCs from HC group than that from control group. Our findings suggest that hypercholesterolemia-induced downregulation of BK_Ca channel, and Tyr-phosphorylation of BK_Ca α-subunit may contribute to the hyperresponsiveness of the SO ring in HC rabbits.     

Exercise training changes the gating properties of large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels in rat thoracic aorta smooth muscle cells

Large-conductance Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ (BK_Ca) channels play a critical role in regulating the cellular excitability in response to change in blood flow. It has been demonstrated that vascular BK_Ca channel currents in both humans and rats are increased after exercise training. This up-regulation of the BK_Ca channel activity in arterial myocytes may represent a cellular compensatory mechanism of limiting vascular reactivity to exercise training. However, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. In the present study, we examined the single channel activities and kinetics of the BK_Ca channels in rat thoracic aorta smooth muscle cells. We showed that exercise training significantly increased the open probability (Po), decreased the mean closed time and increased the mean open time, and the sensitivity to Ca²⁺ and voltage without altering the unitary conductance and the K⁺ selectivity. Our results suggest a novel mechanism by which exercise training increases the K⁺ currents by changing the BK_Ca channel activities and kinetics.     

Bupivacaine inhibits large conductance,voltage- and Ca2+- activated K+ channels in human umbilical artery smooth muscle cells

Bupivacaine is a local anesthetic compound belonging to the amino amide group. Its anesthetic effect is commonly related to its inhibitory effect on voltage-gated sodium channels. However, several studies have shown that this drug can also inhibit voltage-operated K⁺ channels by a different blocking mechanism. This could explain the observed contractile effects of bupivacaine on blood vessels. Up to now, there were no previous reports in the literature about bupivacaine effects on large conductance voltage- and Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ channels (BK_Ca). Using the patch-clamp technique, it is shown that bupivacaine inhibits single-channel and whole-cell K⁺ currents carried by BK_Ca channels in smooth muscle cells isolated from human umbilical artery (HUA). At the single-channel level bupivacaine produced, in a concentration- and voltage-dependent manner (IC₅₀ 324 µM at +80 mV), a reduction of single-channel current amplitude and induced a flickery mode of the open channel state. Bupivacaine (300 µM) can also block whole-cell K⁺ currents (~45% blockage) in which, under our working conditions, BK_Ca is the main component. This study presents a new inhibitory effect of bupivacaine on an ion channel involved in different cell functions. Hence, the inhibitory effect of bupivacaine on BK_Ca channel activity could affect different physiological functions where these channels are involved. Since bupivacaine is commonly used during labor and delivery, its effects on umbilical arteries, where this channel is highly expressed, should be taken into account.     

Effects of palmitoylation on the diffusional movement of BKCa channels in live cells

BK_Ca channels are palmitoylated at a cluster of cysteine residues within the cytosolic linker connecting the 1st and 2nd transmembrane domains, and this lipid modification affects their surface expression. To verify the effects of palmitoylation on the diffusional dynamics of BK_Ca channels, we investigated their lateral movement. Compared to wild-type channels, the movement of mutant palmitoylation-deficient channels was much less confined and close to random. The diffusion of the mutant channel was also much faster than that of the wild type. Thus, the lateral movement of BK_Ca channels is greatly influenced by palmitoylation.