Reverse electron flow-induced ROS production is attenuated by activation of mitochondrial Ca2+-sensitive K+ channels

Mitochondria generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) dependent on substrate conditions, O(2) concentration, redox state, and activity of the mitochondrial complexes. It is well known that the FADH(2)-linked substrate succinate induces reverse electron flow to complex I of the electron transport chain and that this process generates superoxide (O(2)(*-)); these effects are blocked by the complex I blocker rotenone. We demonstrated recently that succinate + rotenone-dependent H(2)O(2) production in isolated mitochondria increased mildly on activation of the putative big mitochondrial Ca(2+)-sensitive K(+) channel (mtBK(Ca)) by low concentrations of 1,3-dihydro-1-[2-hydroxy-5-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2H-benzimidazol-2-one (NS-1619). In the present study we examined effects of NS-1619 on mitochondrial O(2) consumption, membrane potential (DeltaPsi(m)), H(2)O(2) release rates, and redox state in isolated guinea pig heart mitochondria respiring on succinate but without rotenone. NS-1619 (30 microM) increased state 2 and state 4 respiration by 26 +/- 4% and 14 +/- 4%, respectively; this increase was abolished by the BK(Ca) channel blocker paxilline (5 microM). Paxilline alone had no effect on respiration. NS-1619 did not alter DeltaPsi(m) or redox state but decreased H(2)O(2) production by 73% vs. control; this effect was incompletely inhibited by paxilline. We conclude that under substrate conditions that allow reverse electron flow, matrix K(+) influx through mtBK(Ca) channels reduces mitochondrial H(2)O(2) production by accelerating forward electron flow. Our prior study showed that NS-1619 induced an increase in H(2)O(2) production with blocked reverse electron flow. The present results suggest that NS-1619-induced matrix K(+) influx increases forward electron flow despite the high reverse electron flow, and emphasize the importance of substrate conditions on interpretation of effects on mitochondrial bioenergetics.     

Suppression of human detrusor smooth muscle excitability and contractility via pharmacological activation of large conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels

Overactive bladder syndrome is frequently associated with increased detrusor smooth muscle (DSM) contractility. We tested the hypothesis that pharmacological activation of the large-conductance voltage- and Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (BK) channel with NS-1619, a selective BK channel opener, reduces the excitability and contractility of human DSM. We used the amphotericin-perforated whole cell patch-clamp technique on freshly isolated human DSM cells, live-cell Ca(2+) imaging, and isometric DSM tension recordings of human DSM strips obtained from open bladder surgeries. NS-1619 (30 μM) significantly increased the amplitude of the voltage step-induced whole cell BK currents, and this effect was abolished by pretreatment with 200 nM iberiotoxin (IBTX), a selective BK channel inhibitor. In current-clamp mode, NS-1619 (30 μM) significantly hyperpolarized the resting membrane potential, and the hyperpolarization was reversed by IBTX (200 nM). NS-1619 (30 μM) significantly decreased the intracellular Ca(2+) level in isolated human DSM cells. BK channel activation with NS-1619 (30 μM) significantly inhibited the amplitude, muscle force, frequency, duration, and tone of the spontaneous phasic and pharmacologically induced DSM contractions from human DSM isolated strips. IBTX (200 nM) suppressed the inhibitory effects of NS-1619 on spontaneous contractions. The amplitude of electrical field stimulation (0.5-50 Hz)-induced contractions was significantly reduced by NS-1619 (30 μM). Our data suggest that pharmacological activation of BK channels could represent a novel treatment option to control bladder dysfunction in humans.     

The mitochondrial Ca2+-activated K+ channel activator, NS 1619 inhibits L-type Ca2+ channels in rat ventricular myocytes

We examined the effects of the mitochondrial Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (mitoBK(Ca)) channel activator NS 1619 on L-type Ca(2+) channels in rat ventricular myocytes. NS 1619 inhibited the Ca(2+) current in a dose-dependent manner. NS 1619 shifted the activation curve to more positive potentials, but did not have a significant effect on the inactivation curve. Pretreatment with inhibitors of membrane BK(Ca) channel, mitoBK(Ca) channel, protein kinase C, protein kinase A, and protein kinase G had little effect on the Ca(2+) current and did not alter the inhibitory effect of NS 1619 significantly. The application of additional NS 1619 in the presence of isoproterenol, a selective beta-adrenoreceptor agonist, reduced the Ca(2+) current to approximately the same level as a single application of NS 1619. In conclusion, our results suggest that NS 1619 inhibits the Ca(2+) current independent of the mitoBK(Ca) channel and protein kinases. Since NS 1619 is widely used to study mitoBK(Ca) channel function, it is essential to verify these unexpected effects of NS 1619 before experimental data can be interpreted accurately.     

Reduced Ca2+-dependent activation of large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels from arteries of Type 2 diabetic Zucker diabetic fatty rats

Although it is well established that diabetes impairs endothelium-dependent vasodilation, including those pathways involving vascular myocyte large-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels (BK(Ca)), little is known about the effects of diabetes on BK(Ca) activation as an intrinsic response to contractile stimulation. We have investigated this mechanism in a model of Type 2 diabetes, the male Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rat. BK(Ca) function in prediabetic (5-7 wk) and diabetic (17-20 wk) ZDF and lean control animals was assessed in whole arteries using myograph and electrophysiology techniques and in freshly dissociated myocytes by patch clamping. Log EC(25) values for phenylephrine concentration-tension curves were shifted significantly to the left by blockade of BK(Ca) with iberiotoxin (IBTX) in arteries from non- and prediabetic animals but not from diabetic animals. Smooth muscle hyperpolarizations of arteries evoked by the BK(Ca) opener NS-1619 were significantly reduced in the diabetic group. Voltage-clamp recordings indicated that IBTX-sensitive currents were not enhanced to the extent observed in nondiabetic controls by increasing the Ca(2+) concentration in the pipette solution or the application of NS-1619 in myocytes from diabetic animals. An alteration in the expression of BK(Ca) beta(1) subunits was not evident at either the mRNA or protein level in arteries from diabetic animals. Collectively, these results suggest that myocyte BK(Ca) of diabetic animals does not significantly oppose vasoconstriction, unlike that of prediabetic and control animals. This altered function was related to a reduced Ca(2+)-dependent activation of the channel not involving beta(1) subunits.     

Interactions between adenosine and K+ channel-related pathways in the coupling of somatosensory activation and pial arteriolar dilation

Multiple, perhaps interactive, mechanisms participate in the linkage between increased neural activity and cerebral vasodilation. In the present study, we assessed whether neural activation-related pial arteriolar dilation (PAD) involved interactions among adenosine (Ado) A(2) receptors (A(2)Rs), large-conductance Ca(2+)-operated K(+) (BK(Ca)) channels, and inward rectifier K(+) (K(ir)) channels. In rats with closed cranial windows, we monitored sciatic nerve stimulation (SNS)-induced PAD in the absence or presence of pharmacological blockade of A(2)Rs (ZM-241385), ecto-5'-nucleotidase (α,β-methylene-adenosine diphosphate), BK(Ca) channels (paxilline), and K(ir) channels (BaCl(2)). Individually, these interventions led to 53-66% reductions in SNS-induced PADs. Combined applications of these blockers led to little or no further repression of SNS-induced PADs, suggesting interactions among A(2)Rs and K(+) channels. In the absence of SNS, BaCl(2) blockade of K(ir) channels produced 52-80% reductions in Ado and NS-1619 (BK(Ca) channel activator)-induced PADs. In contrast, paxilline blockade of BK(Ca) channels was without effect on dilations elicited by KCl (K(ir) channel activator) and Ado suffusions, indicating that Ado- and NS-1619-associated PADs involved K(ir) channels. In addition, targeted ablation of the superficial glia limitans was associated with a selective 60-80% loss of NS-1619 responses, suggesting that the BK(Ca) channel participation (and paxilline sensitivity) derived largely from channels within the glia limitans. Additionally, blockade of either PKA or adenylyl cyclase caused markedly attenuated pial arteriolar responses to SNS and, in the absence of SNS, responses to Ado, KCl, and NS-1619. These findings suggested a key, possibly permissive, role for A(2)R-linked cAMP generation and PKA-induced K(+) channel phosphorylation in somatosensory activation-evoked PAD.     

Na+/H+ exchanger inhibitor cariporide attenuates the mitochondrial Ca2+ overload and PTP opening

The Na(+)/H(+) exchanger (NHE) inhibitor cariporide has a cardioprotective effect in various animal models of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion. Recent studies have suggested that cariporide interacts with mitochondrial Ca(2+) overload and the mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT); however, the precise mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, we examined whether cariporide affects mitochondrial Ca(2+) overload and MPT. Isolated adult rat ventricular myocytes were used to study the effects of cariporide on hypercontracture induced by ouabain or phenylarsine oxide (PAO). Mitochondrial Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](m)) and the mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsi(m)) were measured by loading myocytes with rhod-2 and JC-1, respectively. We also examined the effect of cariporide on the MPT using tetramethylrhodamine methyl ester (TMRM) and oxidative stress generated by laser illumination. Cariporide (1 microM) prevented ouabain-induced hypercontracture (from 40 +/- 2 to 24 +/- 2%, P < 0.05) and significantly attenuated ouabain-induced [Ca(2+)](m) overload (from 149 +/- 6 to 121 +/- 5% of the baseline value, P < 0.05) but did not affect DeltaPsi(m). These results indicate that cariporide attenuates the [Ca(2+)](m) overload without the accompanying depolarization of DeltaPsi(m). Moreover, cariporide increased the time taken to induce the MPT (from 79 +/- 11 to 137 +/- 20 s, P < 0.05) and also attenuated PAO-induced hypercontracture (from 59 +/- 3 to 50 +/- 4%, P < 0.05). Our data indicate that cariporide attenuates [Ca(2+)](m) overload and MPT. Thus these effects might potentially contribute to the mechanisms of cardioprotection afforded by NHE inhibitors.     

Impairment of neurovascular coupling in type 1 diabetes mellitus in rats is linked to PKC modulation of BK(Ca) and Kir channels

We hypothesized that chronic hyperglycemia has a detrimental effect on neurovascular coupling in the brain and that this may be linked to protein kinase C (PKC)-mediated phosphorylation. Therefore, in a rat model of streptozotocin-induced chronic type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), and in nondiabetic (ND) controls, we monitored pial arteriole diameter changes during sciatic nerve stimulation and topical applications of the large-conductance Ca(2+)-operated K(+) channel (BK(Ca)) opener, NS-1619, or the K(+) inward rectifier (Kir) channel agonist, K(+). In the T1DM vs. ND rats, the dilatory response associated with sciatic nerve stimulation was decreased by ～30%, whereas pial arteriolar dilations to NS-1619 and K(+) were largely suppressed. These responses were completely restored by the acute topical application of a PKC antagonist, calphostin C. Moreover, the suffusion of a PKC activator, phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate, in ND rats was able to reproduce the vascular reactivity impairments found in T1DM rats. Assay of PKC activity in brain samples from T1DM vs. ND rats revealed a significant gain in activity only in specimens harvested from the pial and superficial glia limitans tissue, but not in bulk cortical gray matter. Altogether, these findings suggest that the T1DM-associated impairment of neurovascular coupling may be mechanistically linked to a readily reversible PKC-mediated depression of BK(Ca) and Kir channel activity.     

Cardiac mitochondrial preconditioning by Big Ca2+-sensitive K+ channel opening requires superoxide radical generation

ATP-sensitive K+ channel opening in inner mitochondrial membranes protects hearts from ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. Opening of the Big conductance Ca2+-sensitive K+ channel (BK(Ca)) is now also known to elicit cardiac preconditioning. We investigated the role of the pharmacological opening of the BK(Ca) channel on inducing mitochondrial preconditioning during I/R and the role of O2-derived free radicals in modulating protection by putative mitochondrial (m)BK(Ca) channel opening. Left ventricular (LV) pressure (LVP) was measured with a balloon and transducer in guinea pig hearts isolated and perfused at constant pressure. NADH, reactive oxygen species (ROS), principally superoxide (O2(-*)), and m[Ca2+] were measured spectrophotofluorometrically at the LV free wall using autofluorescence and fluorescent dyes dihydroethidium and indo 1, respectively. BK(Ca) channel opener 1-(2'-hydroxy-5'-trifluoromethylphenyl)-5-trifluoromethyl-2(3H)benzimid-axolone (NS; NS-1619) was given for 15 min, ending 25 min before 30 min of global I/R. Either Mn(III)tetrakis(4-benzoic acid)porphyrin (TB; MnTBAP), a synthetic dismutator of O2(-*), or an antagonist of the BK(Ca) channel paxilline (PX) was given alone or for 5 min before, during, and 5 min after NS. NS pretreatment resulted in a 2.5-fold increase in developed LVP and a 2.5-fold decrease in infarct size. This was accompanied by less O2(-*) generation, decreased m[Ca2+], and more normalized NADH during early ischemia and throughout reperfusion. Both TB and PX antagonized each preconditioning effect. This indicates that 1) NS induces a mitochondrial-preconditioned state, evident during early ischemia, presumably on mBK(Ca) channels; 2) NS effects are blocked by BK(Ca) antagonist PX; and 3) NS-induced preconditioning is dependent on the production of ROS. Thus NS may induce mitochondrial ROS release to initiate preconditioning.     

Bcl2 mitigates Ca2+ entry and mitochondrial Ca2+ overload through downregulation of L-type Ca2+ channels in PC12 cells

Altered calcium homeostasis and increased cytosolic calcium concentrations ([Ca(2+)](c)) are linked to neuronal apoptosis in epilepsy and in cerebral ischemia, respectively. Apoptotic programmed cell death is regulated by the antiapoptotic Bcl2 family of proteins. Here, we investigated the role of Bcl2 on calcium (Ca(2+)) homeostasis in PC12 cells, focusing on L-type voltage-dependent calcium channels (VDCC). Cytosolic Ca(2+) transients ([Ca(2+)](c)) and changes of mitochondrial Ca(2+) concentrations ([Ca(2+)](m)) were monitored using cytosolic and mitochondrially targeted aequorins of control PC12 cells and PC12 cells stably overexpressing Bcl2. We found that: (i) the [Ca(2+)](c) and [Ca(2+)](m) elevations elicited by K(+) pulses were markedly depressed in Bcl2 cells, with respect to control cells; (ii) such depression of [Ca(2+)](m) was not seen either in digitonin-permeabilized cells or in intact cells treated with ionomycin; (iii) the [Ca(2+)](c) transient depression seen in Bcl2 cells was reversed by shRNA transfection, as well as by the Bcl2 inhibitor HA14-1; (iv) the L-type Ca(2+) channel agonist Bay K 8644 enhanced K(+)-evoked [Ca(2+)](m) peak fourfold in Bcl2, and twofold in control cells; (v) in current-clamped cells the depolarization evoked by K(+) generated a more hyperpolarized voltage step in Bcl2, as compared to control cells. Taken together, our experiments suggest that the reduction of the [Ca(2+)](c) and [Ca(2+)](m) transients elicited by K(+), in PC12 cells overexpressing Bcl2, is related to the reduction of Ca(2+) entry through L-type Ca(2+) channels. This may be due to the fact that Bcl2 mitigates cell depolarization, thus diminishing the recruitment of L-type Ca(2+) channels, the subsequent Ca(2+) entry, and mitochondrial Ca(2+) overload.     

Ouabain protects rat hearts against ischemia-reperfusion injury via pathway involving src kinase, mitoKATP, and ROS

We showed recently that mitochondrial ATP-dependent K(+) channel (mitoK(ATP)) opening is required for the inotropic response to ouabain. Because mitoK(ATP) opening is also required for most forms of cardioprotection, we investigated whether exposure to ouabain was cardioprotective. We also began to map the signaling pathways linking ouabain binding to Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase with the opening of mitoK(ATP). In Langendorff-perfused rat hearts, 10-80 microM ouabain given before the onset of ischemia resulted in cardioprotection against ischemia-reperfusion injury, as documented by an improved recovery of contractile function and a reduction of infarct size. In skinned cardiac fibers, a ouabain-induced protection of mitochondrial outer membrane integrity, adenine nucleotide compartmentation, and energy transfer efficiency was evidenced by a decreased release of cytochrome c and preserved half-saturation constant of respiration for ADP and adenine nucleotide translocase-mitochondrial creatine kinase coupling, respectively. Ouabain-induced positive inotropy was dose dependent over the range studied, whereas ouabain-induced cardioprotection was maximal at the lowest dose tested. Compared with bradykinin (BK)-induced preconditioning, ouabain was equally efficient. However, the two ligands clearly diverge in the intracellular steps leading to mitoK(ATP) opening from their respective receptors. Thus BK-induced cardioprotection was blocked by inhibitors of cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) or guanylyl cyclase (GC), whereas ouabain-induced protection was not blocked by either agent. Interestingly, however, ouabain-induced inotropy appears to require PKG and GC. Thus 5-hydroxydecanoate (a selective mitoK(ATP) inhibitor), N-(2-mercaptopropionyl)glycine (MPG; a reactive oxygen species scavenger), ODQ (a GC inhibitor), PP2 (a src kinase inhibitor), and KT-5823 (a PKG inhibitor) abolished preconditioning by BK and blocked the inotropic response to ouabain. However, only PP2, 5-HD, and MPG blocked ouabain-induced cardioprotection.     

ATP steal between cation pumps: a mechanism linking Na+ influx to the onset of necrotic Ca2+ overload

We set out to identify molecular mechanisms underlying the onset of necrotic Ca(2+) overload, triggered in two epithelial cell lines by oxidative stress or metabolic depletion. As reported earlier, the overload was inhibited by extracellular Ca(2+) chelation and the cation channel blocker gadolinium. However, the surface permeability to Ca(2+) was reduced by 60%, thus discarding a role for Ca(2+) channel/carrier activation. Instead, we registered a collapse of the plasma membrane Ca(2+) ATPase (PMCA). Remarkably, inhibition of the Na(+)/K(+) ATPase rescued the PMCA and reverted the Ca(2+) rise. Thermodynamic considerations suggest that the Ca(2+) overload develops when the Na(+)/K(+) ATPase, by virtue of the Na(+) overload, clamps the ATP phosphorylation potential below the minimum required by the PMCA. In addition to providing the mechanism for the onset of Ca(2+) overload, the crosstalk between cation pumps offers a novel explanation for the role of Na(+) in cell death.     

Sarcolemmal cation channels and exchangers modify the increase in intracellular calcium in cardiomyocytes on inhibiting Na+-K+-ATPase

Although inhibition of the sarcolemmal (SL) Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase is known to cause an increase in the intracellular concentration of Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)) by stimulating the SL Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger (NCX), the involvement of other SL sites in inducing this increase in [Ca(2+)](i) is not fully understood. Isolated rat cardiomyocytes were treated with or without different agents that modify Ca(2+) movements by affecting various SL sites and were then exposed to ouabain. Ouabain was observed to increase the basal levels of both [Ca(2+)](i) and intracellular Na(+) concentration ([Na(+)](i)) as well as to augment the KCl-induced increases in both [Ca(2+)](i) and [Na(+)](i) in a concentration-dependent manner. The ouabain-induced changes in [Na(+)](i) and [Ca(2+)](i) were attenuated by treatment with inhibitors of SL Na(+)/H(+) exchanger and SL Na(+) channels. Both the ouabain-induced increase in basal [Ca(2+)](i) and augmentation of the KCl response were markedly decreased when cardiomyocytes were exposed to 0-10 mM Na(+). Inhibitors of SL NCX depressed but decreasing extracellular Na(+) from 105-35 mM augmented the ouabain-induced increase in basal [Ca(2+)](i) and the KCl response. Not only was the increase in [Ca(2+)](i) by ouabain dependent on the extracellular Ca(2+) concentration, but it was also attenuated by inhibitors of SL L-type Ca(2+) channels and store-operated Ca(2+) channels (SOC). Unlike the SL L-type Ca(2+)-channel blocker, the blockers of SL Na(+) channel and SL SOC, when used in combination with SL NCX inhibitor, showed additive effects in reducing the ouabain-induced increase in basal [Ca(2+)](i). These results support the view that in addition to SL NCX, SL L-type Ca(2+) channels and SL SOC may be involved in raising [Ca(2+)](i) on inhibition of the SL Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase by ouabain. Furthermore, both SL Na(+)/H(+) exchanger and Na(+) channels play a critical role in the ouabain-induced Ca(2+) increase in cardiomyocytes.     

Renovascular BK(Ca) channels are not activated in vivo under resting conditions and during agonist stimulation

We investigated the role of large-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (BK(Ca)) channels for the basal renal vascular tone in vivo. Furthermore, the possible buffering by BK(Ca) of the vasoconstriction elicited by angiotensin II (ANG II) or norepinephrine (NE) was investigated. The possible activation of renal vascular BK(Ca) channels by cAMP was investigated by infusing forskolin. Renal blood flow (RBF) was measured in vivo using electromagnetic flowmetry or ultrasonic Doppler. Renal preinfusion of tetraethylammonium (TEA; 3.0 mumol/min) caused a small reduction of baseline RBF, but iberiotoxin (IBT; 0.3 nmol/min) did not have any effect. Renal injection of ANG II (1-4 ng) or NE (10-40 ng) produced a transient decrease in RBF. These responses were not affected by preinfusion of TEA or IBT. Renal infusion of the BK(Ca) opener NS-1619 (90.0 nmol/min) did not affect basal RBF or the response to NE, but it attenuated the response to ANG II. Coadministration of NS-1619 with TEA or IBT abolished this effect. Forskolin caused renal vasodilation that was not inhibited by IBT. The presence of BK(Ca) channels in the preglomerular vessels was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Despite their presence, there is no indication for a major role for BK(Ca) channels in the control of basal renal tone in vivo. Furthermore, BK(Ca) channels do not have a buffering effect on the rat renal vascular responses to ANG II and NE. The fact that NS-1619 attenuates the ANG II response indicates that the renal vascular BK(Ca) channels can be activated under certain conditions.     

A novel potassium channel in skeletal muscle mitochondria

In this work we provide evidence for the potential presence of a potassium channel in skeletal muscle mitochondria. In isolated rat skeletal muscle mitochondria, Ca(2+) was able to depolarize the mitochondrial inner membrane and stimulate respiration in a strictly potassium-dependent manner. These potassium-specific effects of Ca(2+) were completely abolished by 200 nM charybdotoxin or 50 nM iberiotoxin, which are well-known inhibitors of large conductance, calcium-activated potassium channels (BK(Ca) channel). Furthermore, NS1619, a BK(Ca)-channel opener, mimicked the potassium-specific effects of calcium on respiration and mitochondrial membrane potential. In agreement with these functional data, light and electron microscopy, planar lipid bilayer reconstruction and immunological studies identified the BK(Ca) channel to be preferentially located in the inner mitochondrial membrane of rat skeletal muscle fibers. We propose that activation of mitochondrial K(+) transport by opening of the BK(Ca) channel may be important for myoprotection since the channel opener NS1619 protected the myoblast cell line C2C12 against oxidative injury.     

The influence of ATP-dependent K(+)-channel diazoxide opener on the opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore in rat liver mitochondria

The influence of mitochondrial ATP-dependent K(+)-channel (K+(ATP)-channel) opener, diazoxide (DZ) on the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) opening in rat liver mitochondria is studied. In the absence of DZ the MPTP opening leads to the increase in the rate of K(+)- and Ca(2+)-cycling supported by the simultaneous functioning of K(+)-channels and K+/H(+)-antiporter, and also Ca(2+)-uniporter together with MPTP as the cations influx and efflux pathways. Independent of MPTP opening, the activation of both constitutes of K(+)-cycle, K(+)-uptake as well as K+/H(+)-exchange, by DZ is observed. It is shown that the activation of transmembrane exchange of K+, combined with MPTP opening, results in partial inhibition of the latter. A simple methodical approach for the estimation of DZ influence on the open state of mitochondrial pore is proposed. It is shown that MPTP closure followed by Ca2+ reentry to the matrix is accompanied by the K+/H(+)-exchange inhibition which takes place in the same timeframes as the increase in matrix Ca2+ content. Relevant to physiological conditions, an important physiological function of MPTP is revealed, that is the maintenance of relatively low matrix level of Ca2+ accompanied by the acceleration of transmembrane ion exchange (K+ and Ca2+) which could strongly influence the energy state and energy-dependent processes in mitochondria.     

Coassembly of big conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels and L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels in rat brain

Based on electrophysiological studies, Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels and voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels appear to be located in close proximity in neurons. Such colocalization would ensure selective and rapid activation of K(+) channels by local increases in the cytosolic calcium concentration. The nature of the apparent coupling is not known. In the present study we report a direct coassembly of big conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels (BK) and L-type voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels in rat brain. Saturation immunoprecipitation studies were performed on membranes labeled for BK channels and precipitated with antibodies against alpha(1C) and alpha(1D) L-type Ca(2+) channels. To confirm the specificity of the interaction, precipitation experiments were carried out also in reverse order. Also, additive precipitation was performed because alpha(1C) and alpha(1D) L-type Ca(2+) channels always refer to separate ion channel complexes. Finally, immunochemical studies showed a distinct but overlapping expression pattern of the two types of ion channels investigated. BK and L-type Ca(2+) channels were colocalized in various compartments throughout the rat brain. Taken together, these results demonstrate a direct coassembly of BK channels and L-type Ca(2+) channels in certain areas of the brain.     

Preconditioning limits mitochondrial Ca(2+) during ischemia in rat hearts: role of K(ATP) channels

Prolonged myocardial ischemia results in an increase in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)]i), which is thought to play a critical role in ischemia-reperfusion injury. Ischemic preconditioning (PC) improves myocardial function during ischemia-reperfusion, a process that may involve opening mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channels. Because pharmacological limitation of mitochondrial calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)]m) overload during ischemia-reperfusion has been shown to improve myocardial function, we hypothesized that PC would reduce [Ca(2+)]m during ischemia-reperfusion and that this effect was mediated by opening mitochondrial K(ATP) channels. Isolated rat hearts were subjected to 25 min of global ischemia and 30 min of reperfusion with or without PC in the presence of mitochondrial K(ATP) channel opening (diazoxide, 100 microM) and blockade [5-hydroxydecanoic acid (5-HD), 100 microM]. Contracture during ischemia (end-diastolic pressure) and functional recovery on reperfusion (developed pressure) were assessed. Total [Ca(2+)]i and [Ca(2+)]m were measured using indo 1 fluorescence. Both PC and diazoxide limited the increase in end-diastolic pressure and resulted in greater functional recovery after 30 min of reperfusion, functional effects that were partially or completely abolished by 5-HD. PC and diazoxide also significantly limited the increase in [Ca(2+)]m during ischemia-reperfusion. In addition, PC lowered [Ca(2+)]i during reperfusion, whereas diazoxide paradoxically resulted in increased [Ca(2+)]i during reperfusion. There was an inverse linear relationship between [Ca(2+)]m and developed pressure during reperfusion. PC limits the ischemia-induced increase in mitochondrial, but not total, [Ca(2+)]i, an effect mediated by opening mitochondrial K(ATP) channels. These data suggest that the lowering of mitochondrial calcium overload is a mechanism of cardioprotection in PC.     

Opening of Ca2+-activated K+ channels triggers early and delayed preconditioning against I/R injury independent of NOS in mice

Opening of Ca2+-activated K+ (KCa) channels has been shown to confer early cardioprotection. It is unknown whether the opening of these channels also induces delayed cardioprotection. In addition, we determined the involvement of nitric oxide synthases (NOSs), which have been implicated in cardioprotection induced by opening of mitochondrial ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels. Adult male ICR mice were pretreated with the KCa-channel opener NS-1619 either 10 min or 24 h before 30 min of global ischemia and 60 min of reperfusion (I/R) in Langendorff mode. Infusion of NS-1619 (10 microM) for 10 min before I/R led to smaller infarct sizes as compared with the vehicle (DMSO)-treated group (P <0.05). This infarct-limiting effect of NS-1619 was associated with improvement in ventricular functional recovery after I/R. The NS-1619-induced protection was abolished by coadministration with the KCa-channel blocker paxilline (1 microM). Similarly, pretreatment with NS-1619 (1 mg/kg ip) induced delayed protection 24 h later (P <0.05). Interestingly, the NS-1619-induced late protection was not blocked by the NOS inhibitor Nomega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (15 mg/kg ip). Unlike diazoxide (the opener of mitochondrial KATP channels), NS-1619 did not increase the expression of inducible or endothelial NOS. Western blot analysis demonstrated the existence of alpha- and beta-subunits of KCa channels in mouse heart tissue. We conclude that opening of KCa channels leads to both early and delayed preconditioning effects through a mechanism that is independent of nitric oxide.     

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.     

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.