Structural requirements for differential sensitivity of KCNQ K+ channels to modulation by Ca2+/calmodulin

Calmodulin modulation of ion channels has emerged as a prominent theme in biology. The sensitivity of KCNQ1-5 K+ channels to modulation by Ca2+/calmodulin (CaM) was studied using patch-clamp, Ca2+ imaging, and biochemical and pharmacological approaches. Coexpression of CaM in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells strongly reduced currents of KCNQ2, KCNQ4, and KCNQ5, but not KCNQ1 or KCNQ3. In simultaneous current recording/Ca2+ imaging experiments, CaM conferred Ca2+ sensitivity to KCNQ4 and KCNQ5, but not to KCNQ1, KCNQ3, or KCNQ1/KCNE1 channels. A chimera constructed from the carboxy terminus of KCNQ4 and the rest KCNQ1 displayed Ca2+ sensitivity similar to KCNQ4. Chimeras constructed from different lengths of the KCNQ4 carboxy terminal and the rest KCNQ3 localized a region that confers sensitivity to Ca2+/CaM. Lobe-specific mutations of CaM revealed that its amino-terminal lobe mediates the Ca2+ sensitivity of the KCNQ/CaM complex. The site of CaM action within the channel carboxy terminus overlaps with that of the KCNQ opener N-ethylmaleimide (NEM). We found that CaM overexpression reduced NEM augmentation of KCNQ2, KCNQ4, and KCNQ5, and NEM pretreatment reduced Ca2+/CaM-mediated suppression of M current in sympathetic neurons by bradykinin. We propose that two functionally distinct types of carboxy termini underlie the observed differences among this channel family.     

Ca2+-Calmodulin Modulates Ion Channel Activity in Storage Protein Vacuoles of Barley Aleurone Cells

Many plant ion channels have been identified, but little is known about how these transporters are regulated. We have investigated the regulation of a slow vacuolar (SV) ion channel in the tonoplast of barley aleurone storage protein vacuoles (SPV) using the patch-clamp technique. SPV were isolated from barley aleurone protoplasts incubated with CaCl2 in the presence or absence of gibberellic acid (GA) or abscisic acid (ABA). A slowly activating, voltage-dependent ion channel was identified in the SPV membrane. Mean channel conductance was 26 pS when 100 mM KCl was on both sides of the membrane, and reversal potential measurements indicated that most of the current was carried by K+. Treatment of protoplasts with GA3 increased whole-vacuole current density compared to SPV isolated from ABA- or CaCl2-treated cells. The opening of the SV channel was sensitive to cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) between 600 nM and 100 [mu]M, with higher [Ca2+]i resulting in a greater probability of channel opening. SV channel activity was reduced greater than 90% by the calmodulin (CaM) inhibitors W7 and trifluoperazine, suggesting that Ca2+ activates endogenous CaM tightly associated with the membrane. Exogenous CaM partially reversed the inhibitory effects of W7 on SV channel opening. CaM also sensitized the SV channel to Ca2+. In the presence of ~3.5 [mu]M CaM, specific current increased by approximately threefold at 2.5 [mu]M Ca2+ and by more than 13-fold at 10 [mu]M Ca2+. Since [Ca2+]i and the level of CaM increase in barley aleurone cells following exposure to GA, we suggest that Ca2+ and CaM act as signal transduction elements mediating hormone-induced changes in ion channel activity.     

The identification and characterization of a noncontinuous calmodulin-binding site in noninactivating voltage-dependent KCNQ potassium channels

We show here that in a yeast two-hybrid assay calmodulin (CaM) interacts with the intracellular C-terminal region of several members of the KCNQ family of potassium channels. CaM co-immunoprecipitates with KCNQ2, KCNQ3, or KCNQ5 subunits better in the absence than in the presence of Ca2+. Moreover, in two-hybrid assays where it is possible to detect interactions with apo-CaM but not with Ca2+-bound calmodulin, we localized the CaM-binding site to a region that is predicted to contain two alpha-helices (A and B). These two helices encompass approximately 85 amino acids, and in KCNQ2 they are separated by a dispensable stretch of approximately 130 amino acids. Within this CaM-binding domain, we found an IQ-like CaM-binding motif in helix A and two overlapping consensus 1-5-10 CaM-binding motifs in helix B. Point mutations in helix A or B were capable of abolishing CaM binding in the two-hybrid assay. Moreover, glutathione S-transferase fusion proteins containing helices A and B were capable of binding to CaM, indicating that the interaction with KCNQ channels is direct. Full-length CaM (both N and C lobes) and a functional EF-1 hand were required for these interactions to occur. These observations suggest that apo-CaM is bound to neuronal KCNQ channels at low resting Ca2+ levels and that this interaction is disturbed when the [Ca2+] is raised. Thus, we propose that CaM acts as a mediator in the Ca2+-dependent modulation of KCNQ channels.     

Modulation of the epithelial calcium channel, ECaC, by intracellular Ca2+

We have studied the modulation by intracellular Ca2+ of the epithelial Ca2+ channel, ECaC, heterologously expressed in HEK 293 cells. Whole-cell and inside-out patch clamp current recordings were combined with FuraII-Ca2+ measurements:1. Currents through ECaC were dramatically inhibited if Ca2+ was the charge carrier. This inhibition was dependent on the extracellular Ca2+ concentration and occurred also in cells buffered intracellularly with 10 mM BAPTA.2. Application of 30 mM [Ca(2)]e induced in non-Ca2+] buffered HEK 293 cells at -80 m V an increase in intracellular Ca2+([Ca2]i) with a maximum rate of rise of 241 +/-15nM/s (n= 18 cells) and a peak value of 891 +/- 106 nM. The peak of the concomitant current with a density of 12.3 +/- 2.6 pA/pF was closely correlated with the peak of the first-time derivative of the Ca2+ transient, as expected if the Ca2+ transient is due to influx of Ca2+. Consequently, no Ca2+] signal was observed in cells transfected with the Ca2+ impermeable ECaC mutant, D542A, in which an aspartate in the pore region was neutralized.3. Increasing [Ca2+]i by dialyzing the cell with pipette solutions containing various Ca2+] concentrations, all buffered with 10 mM BAPTA, inhibited currents through ECaC carried by either Na+ or Ca2+] ions. Half maximal inhibition of Ca(2+)currents in the absence of monovalent cations occurred at 67 nM (n between 6 and 8), whereas Na+ currents in the absence of Ca2+] and Mg2+ were inhibited with an IC50 of 89 nM (n between 6 and 10). Currents through ECaC in the presence of 1 mM Ca2+ and Na+, which are mainly carried by Ca2+, are inhibited by [Ca2]i with an IC50of 82 nM (n between 6 and 8). Monovalent cation currents through the Ca2+impermeable D542A ECaC mutant were also inhibited by an elevation of [Ca2]i (IC50 = 123 nM, n between 7 and 18). 4. The sensitivity of ECaC currents in inside-out patches for [Ca2]i was slightly shifted to higher concentrations as compared with whole cell measurements. Half-maximal inhibition occurred at 169 nM if Na+ was the charge carrier (n between 4 and 11) and 228 nM at 1 mM [Ca2]e (n between 4 and 8).5. Recovery from inhibition upon washout of extracellular Ca2+ (whole-cell configuration) or removal of Ca2+ from the inner side of the channel (inside-out patches) was slow in both conditions. Half-maximal recovery was reached after 96 +/- 34 s (n= 15) in whole-cell mode and after 135 +/- 23 s (n = 17) in inside-out patches.6. We conclude that influx of Ca2+ through ECaC and [Ca2]i induce feedback inhibition of ECaC currents, which is controlled by the concentration of Ca2+ in a micro domain near the inner mouth of the channel. Slow recovery seems to depend on dissociation of Ca( 2+ from an internal Ca2+ binding site at ECaC.     

Solitary calcium spike dependent on calmodulin and plasma membrane Ca2+ pump.

Resealed human red cell ghosts were loaded with Fura-2, ATP, Mg2+, and either calmodulin (CaM) or, to prevent CaM activation of the Ca2+ pump, a synthetic peptide that antagonized endogenous CaM (an analogue of the CaM binding domain of protein kinase II, referred to as 'antiCaM'). The ghosts reduced the cytosolic concentration of ionized calcium ([Ca2+]i) to 193 +/- 60 nM (SD, n = 15) in a medium containing 1 mM Ca2+ and to 30 +/- 27 nM (SD, n = 62) in a medium without Ca2+ addition. Without ATP, i.e. no fuelling of the Ca2+ pump, the [Ca2+]i remained high (approx. 5 microM or higher). The simultaneous addition of the ionophore A23187 and Ca2+ rapidly increased the Ca2+ influx, which in the CaM loaded ghosts caused a solitary spike of [Ca2+]i, reaching maximum around 2 microM within 24 +/- 6 s (SD, n = 40). On the contrary, in the ghosts loaded with antiCaM, the addition of A23187 with Ca2+ raised [Ca2+]i during the first 2 min to a high level (2-4 microM) with no preceding spike. Pre-incubation of CaM-ghosts with Ca2+ diminished the height of the Ca2+ spike, and treatment with trypsin even removed the Ca2+ spike. The trypsin treatment activated the Ca2+ pump prior to the rise of [Ca2+]i, making the time-consuming CaM activation unnecessary. In conclusion, the Ca2+ spiking is dependent on a delayed CaM activation of the plasma membrane Ca2+ pump in response to a rapid increase of Ca2+ influx.     

Novel regulation of calcium inhibition of the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor calcium-release channel

The inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) receptor (InsP3R), a Ca2+-release channel localized to the endoplasmic reticulum, plays a critical role in generating complex cytoplasmic Ca2+ signals in many cell types. Three InsP3R isoforms are expressed in different subcellular locations, at variable relative levels with heteromultimer formation in different cell types. A proposed reason for this diversity of InsP3R expression is that the isoforms are differentially inhibited by high cytoplasmic free Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i), possibly due to their different interactions with calmodulin. Here, we have investigated the possible roles of calmodulin and bath [Ca2+] in mediating high [Ca2+]i inhibition of InsP3R gating by studying single endogenous type 1 InsP3R channels through patch clamp electrophysiology of the outer membrane of isolated Xenopus oocyte nuclei. Neither high concentrations of a calmodulin antagonist nor overexpression of a dominant-negative Ca2+-insensitive mutant calmodulin affected inhibition of gating by high [Ca2+]i. However, a novel, calmodulin-independent regulation of [Ca2+]i inhibition of gating was revealed: whereas channels recorded from nuclei kept in the regular bathing solution with [Ca2+] approximately 400 nM were inhibited by 290 muM [Ca2+]i, exposure of the isolated nuclei to a bath solution with ultra-low [Ca2+] (<5 nM, for approximately 300 s) before the patch-clamp experiments reversibly relieved Ca2+ inhibition, with channel activities observed in [Ca2+]i up to 1.5 mM. Although InsP3 activates gating by relieving high [Ca2+]i inhibition, it was nevertheless still required to activate channels that lacked high [Ca2+]i inhibition. Our observations suggest that high [Ca2+]i inhibition of InsP3R channel gating is not regulated by calmodulin, whereas it can be disrupted by environmental conditions experienced by the channel, raising the possibility that presence or absence of high [Ca2+]i inhibition may not be an immutable property of different InsP3R isoforms. Furthermore, these observations support an allosteric model in which Ca2+ inhibition of the InsP3R is mediated by two Ca2+ binding sites, only one of which is sensitive to InsP3.     

Neurotransmitter modulation of small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels by regulation of Ca2+ gating

Small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (SK) channels are widely expressed in neuronal tissues where they underlie post-spike hyperpolarizations, regulate spike-frequency adaptation, and shape synaptic responses. SK channels constitutively interact with calmodulin (CaM), which serves as Ca2+ sensor, and with protein kinase CK2 and protein phosphatase 2A, which modulate their Ca2+ gating. By recording coupled activities of Ca2+ and SK2 channels, we showed that SK2 channels can be inhibited by neurotransmitters independently of changes in the activity of the priming Ca2+ channels. This inhibition involvesSK2-associated CK2 and results from a 3-fold reduction in the Ca2+ sensitivity of channel gating. CK2phosphorylated SK2-bound CaM but not KCNQ2-bound CaM, thereby selectively regulating SK2 channels. We extended these observations to sensory neurons by showing that noradrenaline inhibits SK current and increases neuronal excitability in aCK2-dependent fashion. Hence, neurotransmitter-initiated signaling cascades can dynamically regulate Ca2+ sensitivity of SK channels and directly influence somatic excitability.     

Somatostatin inhibits insulin secretion by a G-protein-mediated decrease in Ca2+ entry through voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels in the beta cell.

We tested the hypothesis that somatostatin (SRIF) inhibits insulin secretion from an SV40 transformed hamster beta cell line (HIT cells) by an effect on the voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels and examined whether G-proteins were involved in the process. Ca2+ currents were recorded by the whole cell patch-clamp method, the free cytosolic calcium, [Ca2+]i, was monitored in HIT cells by fura-2, and cAMP and insulin secretion were measured by radioimmunoassay. SRIF decreased Ca2+ currents, [Ca2+]i, and basal insulin secretion in a dose-dependent manner over the range of 10(-12)-10(-7)M. The increase in [Ca2+]i and insulin secretion induced by either depolarization with K+ (15 mM) or by the Ca2+ channel agonist, Bay K 8644 (1 microM) was attenuated by SRIF in a dose-dependent manner over the same range of 10(-12)-10(-7) M. the half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) for SRIF inhibition of insulin secretion were 8.6 X 10(-12) M and 8.3 X 10(-11) M for K+ and Bay K 8644-stimulated secretion and 1 X 10(-10) M and 2.9 X 10(-10) M for the SRIF inhibition of the K+ and Bay K 8644-induced rise in [Ca2+]i, respectively. SRIF also attenuated the rise in [Ca2+]i induced by the cAMP-elevating agent, isobutylmethylxanthine (1 mM) in the presence of glucose. Bay K 8644, K+ and SRIF had no significant effects on cAMP levels and SRIF had no effects on adenylyl cyclase activity at concentrations lower than 1 microM. SRIF (100 nM) did not change K+ efflux (measured by 86Rb+) through ATP-sensitive K+ channels in HIT cells. SRIF (up to 1 microM) had no significant effect on membrane potential measured by bisoxonol fluorescence. Pretreatment of the HIT cells with pertussis toxin (0.1 microgram/ml) overnight abolished the effects of SRIF on Ca2+ currents, [Ca2+]i and insulin secretion implying a G-protein dependence in SRIF's actions. Thus, one mechanism by which SRIF decreases insulin secretion is by inhibiting Ca2+ influx through voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels, an action mediated through a pertussis toxin-sensitive G-protein.     

Fendiline increases [Ca2+]i in Madin Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells by releasing internal Ca2+ followed by capacitative Ca2+ entry

The effect of fendiline, a documented inhibitor of L-type Ca2+ channels and calmodulin, on Ca2+ signaling in Madin Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells was investigated using fura-2 as a Ca2+ probe. Fendiline at 5-100 microM significantly increased [Ca2+]i concentration-dependently. The [Ca2+]i rise consisted of an initial rise and a slow decay. External Ca2+ removal partly inhibited the Ca2+ signals induced by 25-100 microM fendiline by reducing both the initial rise and the decay phase. This suggests that fendiline triggered external Ca2+ influx and internal Ca2+ release. In Ca(2+)-free medium, pretreatment with 50 microM fendiline nearly abolished the [Ca2+]i rise induced by 1 microM thapsigargin, an endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor, and vice versa, pretreatment with thapsigargin prevented fendiline from releasing internal Ca2+. This indicates that the internal Ca2+ source for fendiline overlaps with that for thapsigargin. At a concentration of 50 microM, fendiline caused Mn2+ quench of fura-2 fluorescence at the 360 nm excitation wavelenghth, which was inhibited by 0.1 mM La3+ by 50%, implying that fendiline-induced Ca2+ influx has two components separable by La3+. Consistently, 0.1 mM La3+ pretreatment suppressed fendiline-induced [Ca2+]i rise, and adding La3+ during the rising phase immediately inhibited the signal. Addition of 3 mM Ca2+ increased [Ca2+]i after preincubation with 50-100 microM fendiline in Ca(2+)-free medium. However, 50-100 microM fendiline inhibited 1 microM thapsigargin-induced capacitative Ca2+ entry. Pretreatment with 40 microM aristolochic acid to inhibit phospholipase A2 inhibited 50 microM fendiline-induced internal Ca2+ release by 48%, but inhibition of phospholipase C with 2 microM U73122 or inhibition of phospholipase D with 0.1 mM propranolol had no effect. Collectively, we have found that fendiline increased [Ca2+]i in MDCK cells by releasing internal Ca2+ in a manner independent of inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3), followed by external Ca2+ influx.     

The Oxidant Thimerosal Modulates Gating Behavior of KCNQ1 by Interaction with the Channel Outer Shell

Thimerosal (o-Ethylmercurithio)benzoic acid, TMS), a membrane-impermeable, sulfhydryl-oxidizing agent, has been described to increase the K+ current IKs in KCNE1-injected Xenopus laevis oocytes. Since there are no cysteine residues in the extracellular domain of KCNE1, it has been proposed that TMS interacts with its partner protein KCNQ1. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the interaction of TMS with KCNQ1 and the respective K+current IK. In CHO cells stably transfected with KCNQ1/KCNE1, TMS increased IKs, whereas in CHO cells expressing KCNQ1 alone, TMS initially decreased IK. TMS also affected the cytosolic pH (pHi) and the cytosolic Ca2+ activity ([Ca2+]i) in these cells. TMS slowly decreased pHi. With a short delay, TMS increased [Ca2+]i by store depletion and capacitative influx. The time course of the effects of TMS on pHi and [Ca2+]i did not correlate with the effect of TMS on IK. We therefore anticipated a different mode of action by TMS and investigated the influence of TMS on cysteine residues of KCNQ1. For this purpose, KCNQ1wt and two mutants lacking a cysteine residue in the S6 or the S3 segment (KCNQ1C331A and KCNQ1C214A, respectively) were expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. A sustained current decrease was observed in KCNQ1wt and KCNQ1C331A, but not in KCNQ1C214A-injected oocytes. The analysis of tail currents, I/V curves and activation kinetics revealed a complex effect of TMS on the gating of KCNQ1wt and KCNQ1C331A. In another series we investigated the effect of TMS on IKs. TMS increased IKs of KCNQ1C214A/KCNE1-injected oocytes significantly less than IKs in KCNQ1wt/KCNE1- or KCNQ1C331A/KCNE1-injected cells. These results suggest that thimerosal interacts with the cysteine residue C214 in the S3 segment of KCNQ1, leading to a change of its gating properties. Our results support the idea that not only the inner shell, but also the outer shell of the channel is important for the gating behavior of voltage dependent K+ channels.     

Ca2+-dependent potentiation of the nonselective cation channel TRPV4 is mediated by a C-terminal calmodulin binding site

Most Ca2+-permeable ion channels are inhibited by increases in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), thus preventing potentially deleterious rises in [Ca2+]i. In this study, we demonstrate that currents through the osmo-, heat- and phorbol ester-sensitive, Ca2+-permeable nonselective cation channel TRPV4 are potentiated by intracellular Ca2+. Spontaneous TRPV4 currents and currents stimulated by hypotonic solutions or phorbol esters were reduced strongly at all potentials in the absence of extracellular Ca2+. The other permeant divalent cations Ba2+ and Sr2+ were less effective than Ca2+ in supporting channel activity. An intracellular site of Ca2+ action was supported by the parallel decrease in spontaneous currents and [Ca2+]i on removal of extracellular Ca2+ and the ability of Ca2+ release from intracellular stores to restore TRPV4 activity in the absence of extracellular Ca2+. During TRPV4 activation by hypotonic solutions or phorbol esters, Ca2+ entry through the channel increased the rate and extent of channel activation. Currents were also potentiated by ionomycin in the presence of extracellular Ca2+. Ca2+-dependent potentiation of TRPV4 was often followed by inhibition. By mutagenesis, we localized the structural determinant of Ca2+-dependent potentiation to an intracellular, C-terminal calmodulin binding domain. This domain binds calmodulin in a Ca2+-dependent manner. TRPV4 mutants that did not bind calmodulin lacked Ca2+-dependent potentiation. We conclude that TRPV4 activity is tightly controlled by intracellular Ca2+. Ca2+ entry increases both the rate and extent of channel activation by a calmodulin-dependent mechanism. Excessive increases in [Ca2+]i via TRPV4 are prevented by a Ca2+-dependent negative feedback mechanism.     

Ca2+/Calmodulin Distinguishes Between Guanyl-5''-yl-Imidodiphosphate-and Opiate-Mediated Inhibition of Rat Striatal Adenylate Cyclase

The inhibition of adenylate cyclase from rat striatal plasma membranes by guanyl-5'-yl-imidodiphosphate [Gpp(NH)p] and morphine was compared to determine whether Gpp(NH)p-mediated inhibition accurately reflected hormone-mediated inhibition in this system. Inhibition of adenylate cyclase activity by Gpp(NH)p and morphine was examined with respect to temperature, divalent cation concentration, and the presence of Ca2+/calmodulin (Ca2+/CaM). Gpp(NH)p-mediated inhibition was dependent on the presence of Ca2+/CaM at 24 degrees C; the inhibition was independent of Ca2+/CaM at 18 degrees C; and inhibition could not be detected in the presence, or absence, of Ca2+/CaM at 30 degrees C. In contrast, naloxone-reversible, morphine-induced inhibition of adenylate cyclase was independent of both temperature and the presence of Ca2+/CaM. Mg2+ dose-response curves also reinforced the differences in the Ca2+/CaM requirement for Gpp(NH)p- and morphine-induced inhibition. Because Gpp(NH)p-mediated inhibition was independent of Ca2+/CaM at low basal activities (i.e., 18 degrees C, or below 1 mM Mg2+) and dependent on the presence of Ca2+/CaM at higher basal activities (24 degrees C, or above 1 mM Mg2+), the inhibitory effects of Gpp(NH)p were examined at 1 mM Mg2+ in the presence of 100 nM forskolin. Under these conditions, both Gpp(NH)p- and morphine-induced inhibition of adenylate cyclase were independent of Ca2+/CaM. The results demonstrate that the requirement for Ca2+/CaM to observe Gpp(NH)p-mediated inhibition depends on the basal activity of adenylate cyclase, whereas hormone-mediated inhibition is Ca2+/CaM independent under all conditions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Changes in internal ionized Ca2+ and H+ in voltage clamped squid axons

Squid giant axons were injected with aequorin and tetraethylammonium and were impaled with hydrogen ion sensitive, current and voltage electrodes. A newly designed horizontal microinjector was used to introduce the aequorin. It also served, simultaneously, as the current and voltage electrode for voltage clamping and as the reference for ion-sensitive microelectrode measurements. The axons were usually bathed in a solution containing 150 mM each of Na+, K+, and some inert cation, at either physiological or zero bath Ca2+ concentration [( Ca2+]o), and had ionic currents pharmacologically blocked. Voltage clamp pulses were repeatedly delivered to the extent necessary to induce a change in the aequorin light emission, a measure of axoplasmic ionized Ca2+ level, [( Ca2+]i). Alternatively, membrane potential was steadily held at values that represented deviations from the resting membrane potential observed at 150 mM [K+]o (i.e. approximately -15 mV). In the absence of [Ca2+]o a significant steady depolarization brought about by current flow increased [Ca2+]i (and acidified the axoplasm). Changes in internal hydrogen activity, [H+]i, induced by current flow from the internal Pt wire limited the extent to which valid measurements of [Ca2+]i could be made. However, there are effects on [Ca2+]i that can be ascribed to membrane potential. Thus, in the absence of [Ca2+]o, hyperpolarization can reduce [Ca2+]i, implying that a Ca2+ efflux mechanism is enhanced. It is also observed that [Ca2+]i is increased by depolarization. These results are consistent with the operation of an electrogenic mechanism that exchanges Na+ for Ca2+ in squid giant axon.     

Inhibition of Cyclic AMP Accumulation in Intact NCB-20 Cells as a Direct Result of Elevation of Cytosolic Ca2+

Earlier studies established that adenylyl cyclase in NCB-20 cell plasma membranes is inhibited by concentrations of Ca2+ that are achieved in intact cells. The present studies were undertaken to prove that agents such as bradykinin and ATP, which elevate the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) from internal stores in NCB-20 cells, could inhibit cyclic AMP (cAMP) accumulation as a result of their mobilization of [Ca2+]i and not by other mechanisms. Both bradykinin and ATP transiently inhibited [3H]cAMP accumulation in parallel with their transient mobilization of [Ca2+]i. The [Ca2+]i rise stimulated by bradykinin could be blocked by treatment with thapsigargin; this thapsigargin treatment precluded the inhibition of cAMP accumulation mediated by bradykinin (and ATP). A rapid rise in [Ca2+]i, as elicited by bradykinin, rather than the slow rise evoked by thapsigargin was required for inhibition of [3H]cAMP accumulation. Desensitization of protein kinase C did not modify the inhibitory action of bradykinin on [3H]cAMP. Effects of Ca2+ on phosphodiesterase were also excluded in the present studies. The accumulated data are consistent with the hypothesis that hormonal mobilization of [Ca2+]i leads directly to the inhibition of cAMP accumulation in these cells and presumably in other cells that express the Ca(2+)-inhibitable form of adenylyl cyclase.     

Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate hydrolysis mediates histamine-induced KCNQ/M current inhibition

The M-type potassium channel, of which its molecular basis is constituted by KCNQ2-5 homo- or heteromultimers, plays a key role in regulating neuronal excitability and is modulated by many G protein-coupled receptors. In this study, we demonstrate that histamine inhibits KCNQ2/Q3 currents in human embryonic kidney (HEK)293 cells via phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP(2)) hydrolysis mediated by stimulation of H(1) receptor and phospholipase C (PLC). Histamine inhibited KCNQ2/Q3 currents in HEK293 cells coexpressing H(1) receptor, and this effect was totally abolished by H(1) receptor antagonist mepyramine but not altered by H(2) receptor antagonist cimetidine. The inhibition of KCNQ currents was significantly attenuated by a PLC inhibitor U-73122 but not affected by depletion of internal Ca(2+) stores or intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) buffering via pipette dialyzing BAPTA. Moreover, histamine also concentration dependently inhibited M current in rat superior cervical ganglion (SCG) neurons by a similar mechanism. The inhibitory effect of histamine on KCNQ2/Q3 currents was entirely reversible but became irreversible when the resynthesis of PIP(2) was impaired with phosphatidylinsitol-4-kinase inhibitors. Histamine was capable of producing a reversible translocation of the PIP(2) fluorescence probe PLC(delta1)-PH-GFP from membrane to cytosol in HEK293 cells by activation of H(1) receptor and PLC. We concluded that the inhibition of KCNQ/M currents by histamine in HEK293 cells and SCG neurons is due to the consumption of membrane PIP(2) by PLC.     

Platelet-derived growth factor stimulates non-mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake and inhibits mitogen-induced Ca2+ signaling in Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts

Changes in intracellular free Ca2+ concentration [( Ca2+]i) were used to study the interaction between mitogens in Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) produced an increase in [Ca2+]i and markedly decreased the increases in [Ca2+]i caused by subsequent addition of bradykinin and vasopressin. If the order of the additions was reversed the [Ca2+]i response to PDGF was not inhibited by bradykinin or vasopressin. Inhibition of protein kinase C by staurosporine or chronic treatment of the cells with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate prevented the inhibitory effect of PDGF on the [Ca2+]i response to vasopressin but not bradykinin. PDGF did not decrease the receptor binding of bradykinin and produced only a small decrease in the receptor binding of vasopressin. PDGF decreased the rise in [Ca2+]i caused by the Ca2+ ionophores 4-bromo-A23187 and ionomycin and by a membrane perturbing ether lipid, 1-octadecyl-2-methyl-rac-glycero-3-phosphocholine, both in the presence and absence of external Ca2+. There was no change in cell 45Ca2+ influx caused by PDGF, vasopressin, or bradykinin. 45Ca2+ efflux from cells exposed to PDGF and vasopressin mirrored the changes in [Ca2+]i caused by the agents, that is, PDGF added after vasopressin produced a further increase in 45Ca2+ efflux but vasopressin did not increase 45Ca2+ efflux after PDGF. PDGF but not vasopressin caused an increase in the uptake of 45Ca2+ into an inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-insensitive non-mitochondrial store in permeabilized cells. The results suggest that the decreased [Ca2+]i response to mitogens after PDGF represents an action of PDGF at a point beyond the release of intracellular Ca2+ and the influx of external Ca2+, caused by an increase in the rate of removal of cytoplasmic free Ca2+. This increased removal of cytoplasmic Ca2+ by PDGF is not due to the increased export of Ca2+ from the cell but results from increased Ca2+ uptake into non-mitochondrial stores.     

Role of Na-Ca exchange in the action potential changes caused by drive in cardiac myocytes exposed to different Ca2+ loads.

The role of Na-Ca exchange in the membrane potential changes caused by repetitive activity ("drive") was studied in guinea pig single ventricular myocytes exposed to different [Ca2+]o. The following results were obtained. (i) In 5.4 mM [Ca2+]o, the action potentials (APs) gradually shortened during drive, and the outward current during a train of depolarizing voltage clamp steps gradually increased. (ii) The APs shortened more and were followed by a decaying voltage tail during drive in the presence of 5 mM caffeine; the outward current became larger and there was an inward tail current on repolarization during a train of depolarizing steps. (iii) These effects outlasted drive so that immediately after a train of APs, currents were already bigger and, after a train of steps, APs were already shorter. (iv) In 0.54 mM [Ca2+]o, the above effects were much smaller. (v) In high [Ca2+]o APs were shorter and outward currents larger than in low [Ca2+]o. (vi) In 10.8 mM [Ca2+]o, both outward and inward currents during long steps were exaggerated by prior drive, even with steps (+80 and +120 mV) at which there was no apparent inward current identifiable as I(Ca). (vii) In 0.54 mM [Ca2+]o, the time-dependent outward current was small and prior drive slightly increased it. (viii) During long steps, caffeine markedly increased outward and inward tail currents, and these effects were greatly decreased by low [Ca2+]o. (ix) After drive in the presence of caffeine, Ni2+ decreased the outward and inward tail currents. It is concluded that in the presence of high [Ca2+]o drive activates outward and inward Na-Ca exchange currents. During drive, the outward current participates in the plateau shortening and the inward tail current in the voltage tail after the action potential.     

Diverse effects of hydrogen peroxide on cytosolic Ca2+ homeostasis in rat pancreatic beta-cells

Oxygen-free radicals are thought to be a major cause of beta-cell dysfunction in diabetic animals induced by alloxan or streptozotocin. We evaluated the effect of H2O2 on cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and the activity of ATP-sensitive potassium (K+ATP) channels in isolated rat pancreatic beta-cells using microfluorometry and patch clamp techniques. Exposure to 0.1 mM H2O2 in the presence of 2.8 mM glucose increased [Ca2+]i from 114.3+/-15.4 nM to 531.1+/-71.9 nM (n=6) and also increased frequency of K+ATP channel openings. The intensity of NAD(P)H autofluorescence was conversely reduced, suggesting that H2O2 inhibited the cellular metabolism. These three types of cellular parameters were reversed to the control level on washout of H2O2, followed by a transient increase in [Ca2+]i, the transient inhibition of K+ATP channels associated with action currents and increase of the NAD(P)H intensity with an overshoot. In the absence of external Ca2+, 0.1 mM H2O2 increased [Ca2+]i from 88.8+/-7.2 nM to 134.6+/-8.3 nM. Magnitude of [Ca2+]i increase induced by 0.1 mM H2O2 was decreased after treatment of cells with 0.5 mM thapsigargin, an inhibitor of endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump (45.8+/-4.9 nM vs 15.0+/-4.8 nM). Small increase in [Ca2+]i in response to an increase of external Ca2+ from zero to 2 mM was further facilitated by 0.1 mM H2O2 (330.5+/-122.7 nM). We concluded that H2O2 not only activates K+ATP channels in association with metabolic inhibition, but also increases partly the Ca2+ permeability of the thapsigargin-sensitive intracellular stores and of the plasma membrane in pancreatic beta-cells.     

Decreasing extracellular Na+ concentration triggers inositol polyphosphate production and Ca2+ mobilization

Removing extracellular Na+ (Na+o) evoked a large increase in cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i in human skin fibroblasts. Decreasing [Na+]o from 120 to 14 mM caused the half-maximal peak increase in [Ca2+]i. Removing Na+o strongly stimulated 45Ca2+ efflux and decreased total cell Ca2+ by about 40%. Bradykinin caused changes in [Ca2+]i, total Ca2+, and 45Ca2+ fluxes similar to those evoked by removing Na+o. Prior stimulation of the cells with bradykinin prevented Na+o removal from increasing [Ca2+]i and vice versa. Na+o removal rapidly increased [3H]inositol polyphosphate production. Loading the cells with Na+ had no effect on the increase in 45Ca2+ efflux produced by Na+o removal. Therefore, decreasing [Na+]o probably stimulates a "receptor(s)" which is sensitive to extracellular, not intracellular, Na+. Removing Na+o also mobilized intracellular Ca2+ in smooth muscle and endothelial cells cultured from human umbilical and dog coronary arteries, respectively.