Roles of inositol trisphosphate and protein kinase C in the spontaneous outward current modulated by calcium release in rabbit portal vein

We examined the effects of heparin, guanosine nucleotides, protein kinase C (PKC) modulators, such as phorbol 12,13-dibutylate (PDBu) and H-7 on Ca²⁺-dependent K⁺ currents in smooth muscle cells of the rabbit portal vein using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique, to explore the effects of PKC on the oscillatory outward current (I _oo). Neomycin (30 M), an inhibitor of phospholipase C, and intracellular applications of heparin (10 g/ml) and guanosine 5-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) (GDP[S]; 1 mM) partly but consistently inhibited the generation of I _oo, whereas a higher concentration of heparin (100 g/ml) transiently enhanced then suppressed the generation of I _oo. Inhibition of I _oo generation by heparin was more powerful at the holding potential of + 20 mV than at –20 mV. Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP ₃; 30 M) continuously generated I _oo at holding potentials more positive than –60 mV. Noradrenaline (10 M) and caffeine (3–20 mM) transiently augmented, then reduced the generation of I _oo. Heparin (10 g/ml) completely inhibited responses induced by InsP ₃ and noradrenaline, but not those induced by caffeine. Intracellular application of guanosine 5-triphosphate (GTP; 200 M) or low concentrations of guanosine 5-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTP[S]; 3 M) continuously augmented the generation of I _oo. High concentrations of GTP[S] (10 M) transiently augmented, then inhibited I _oo. Neither GTP[S] nor noradrenaline induced the transient augmentation or the subsequent inhibition of I _oo when applied in the presence of GDP[S] (1 mM), neomycin (30 M) or heparin (10 g/ml). PDBu (0.1 M) reduced the generation of I _oo but failed to produce an outward current following application of caffeine (3–5 mM). This action of PDBu was inhibited by pretreatment with H-7 (20 M). In the presence of H-7, GTP[S] continuously enhanced the generation of I _oo. The suppression of the generation of I _oo during application of noradrenaline (10 M) was reduced by pretreatment with H-7. Thus both InsP₃ and protein kinase C contribute to the generation of I _oo in smooth muscle cells of the rabbit portal vein and heparin is not a specific InsP ₃ antagonist on the InsP ₃-induced Ca²⁺-release channel (PIRC). InsP ₃ opens PIRC and protein kinase C may deplete the stored Ca²⁺ by either inhibiting the reuptake of Ca²⁺ or by enhancement of the releasing actions of InsP ₃.     

Positive cooperativity in activation of the cardiac muscarinic K+ channel by intracellular GTP

Concentration-dependent effects of intracellular GTP on activation of the muscarinic K⁺ channel were examined in inside-out patches of cardiac atrial myocytes. The pipette solution contained 0.1 M ACh. GTP (0.01–30 M) and 0.5 mM MgCl₂ were applied to the inside side of the patch membrane. K⁺ channels were activated with GTP concentration above 0.1 M. Channel activation reached a maximal value with 1–3 M GTP. It decreased at GTP concentrations larger than 3 M, probably due to desensitization. The dependence of the open probability of the channel on intracellular GTP showed a sigmoidal relationship with a Hill coefficient of around 3. A positive cooperative effect of intracellular GTP on the K⁺ channel may play an important role in amplifying the signal from the membrane receptor to the K⁺ channel.     

Short-term desensitization of muscarinic K+ channel current in isolated atrial myocytes and possible role of GTP-binding proteins

The short-term desensitization of the acetylcholine (ACh)-induced K⁺ channel current was examined in single atrial cells of guinea-pig heart. The tight-seal whole cell voltage clamp technique was used. The solution in the pipettes contained GTP or guanosine-5-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTP-S, a non-hydrolyzable GTP analogue). In GTP-loaded cells, ACh evoked a specific K⁺ channel current via GTP-binding proteins (G) in a dose-dependent manner. The K⁺ current showed agonist-dependent desensitization similar to those reported in other cardiac tissues (Nilius 1983; Carmeliet and Mubagwa 1986). The cellular response to ACh was also desensitized by activation of P1-purinergic receptors with adenosine (Ado). In GTP-S-loaded cells, the K⁺ current was gradually induced even in the absence of agonists, probably due to direct activation of G proteins by GTP-S. In the early phase of the spontaneous current increase, ACh evoked a large current transiently. As the GTP-S-induced activation of the current progressed, the magnitude of the ACh-evoked current transient became smaller and finally negligible. Similar results were obtained when Ado was used as an agonist instead of ACh to induce the K⁺ current. Therefore, it is indicated that the agonistreceptor interaction may not be essential for the desensitization of ACh-induced K⁺ current in atrial myocytes.     

Activation of atrial muscarinic K+ channels by low concentrations ofβγ subunits of rat brain G protein

Effects of G protein subunits from rat brain on cardiac K⁺ channel was examined in single atrial cells of guinea-pig, using patch clamp techniques. We found that 10 pM concentration of rat brain subunits preparation could activate the atrial muscarine receptor-gated K⁺ channel (I_K.ACh). Neither the detergent, CHAPS, used to suspend nor the boiled preparation activated I_K.ACh. Furthermore, preincubation of subunits preparation in Mg²⁺-free solution, which easily inactivated -GTP-S, did not affect -activation of I_K.ACh. We concluded, therefore, that subunits themselves can activate I_K.ACh.Supported by the grants from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science of Japan and from the Calcium Signal Workshop on Cardiovascular Systems     

Demonstration of a novel apamin-insensitive calcium-activated K+ channel in mouse pancreatic B cells

The whole-cell configuration of the patchclamp technique was used to characterize the biophysical and pharmacological properties of an oscillating K⁺-current that can be induced by intracellular application of GTP[S] in mouse pancreatic B cells (Ämmälä et al. 1991). These K⁺ conductance changes are evoked by periodic increases in the cytoplasmic Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i) and transiently repolarize the B cell, thus inhibiting action-potential firing and giving rise to a bursting pattern. GTP[S]-evoked oscillations in K⁺ conductance were reversibly suppressed by a high (300 M) concentration of carbamylcholine. By contrast, ₂-adrenoreceptor stimulation by 20 M clonidine did not interfere with the oscillatory behaviour but evoked a small sustained outward current. At 0 mV membrane potential, the oscillating K⁺-current elicited by GTP[S] was highly sensitive to extracellular tetraethylammonium (TEA; 70% block by 1 mM). The TEA-resistant component, which carried approximately 80% of the current at –40 mV, was affected neither by apamin (1 M) nor by tolbutamide (500 M). The current evoked by internal GTP[S] was highly selective for K⁺, as demonstrated by a 51-mV change in the reversal potential for a sevenfold change in [K⁺]_o. Stationary fluctuation analysis indicated a unitary conductance of 0.5 pS when measured with symmetric ( 140mM) KCl solutions. The estimated singlechannel conductance with physiological ionic gradients is 0.1 pS. The results indicate the existence of a novel Ca²⁺-gated K⁺ conductance in pancreatic B cells. Activation of this K⁺ current may contribute to the generation of the oscillatory electrical activity characterizing the B cell at intermediate glucose concentrations.     

Modulation of Ca2+-activated K+ channels by Mg2+ and ATP in frog oxyntic cells

Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ channels in the basolateral plasma membrane of bullfrog oxynticopeptic cells are intimately involved in the regulation of acid secretion. Patch-clamp techniques were applied to study the regulating mechanism of these channels. In the excised inside-out configuration, intracellular Mg²⁺ decreased channel activity in a dose-dependent manner. In the absence of Mg²⁺, administration of adenosine 5 triphosphate (ATP) to the cytoplasmic side also inhibited channel activity. On the other hand, in the presence of Mg²⁺, addition of ATP markedly increased channel activity. At a fixed concentration of free Mg²⁺ the Mg-ATP complex caused channel activation and shifted the dose response relationship between channel activity and the intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration to the left. A nonhydrolysable ATP analogue, adenosine 5-[,-imido]triphosphate (AMP-PNP) adenylyl [,-methylene]diphosphate (AMP-PCP), could not substitute for ATP in channel activation, but a hydrolysable ATP analogue, adenosine 5-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (ATP[S]) could do so. Furthermore, application of alkaline phosphatase to the cytoplasmic side inhibited channel activity. These results demonstrate that Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ channels are regulated by Mg²⁺ and ATP, and suggest that a phosphorylation reaction may be involved in the regulation mechanism of these channels.     

Ca2+- and GTP[γS]-induced translocation of the glucose transporter,GLUT-4, to the plasma membrane of permeabilized cardiomyocytes determined using a novel immunoprecipitation method

In cardiomyocytes glucose transport is activated not only by insulin but also by contractile activity that causes translocation of the glucose transporter, GLUT-4, from intracellular vesicles to the plasma membrane. The latter effect may possibly be mediated by intracellular Ca²⁺, as suggested by previous studies. To investigate the role of Ca²⁺, we permeabilized neonatal rat myocytes with -toxin and incubated them for 1 h either at a pCa (i.e.–log₁₀ [Ca²⁺]) of 8 (control) or at a pCa of 5 in the presence of adenosine 5-triphosphate (ATP). Translocation of GLUT-4 was then monitored by a novel immunoprecipitation method using a peptide antibody directed against an exofacial (extracellular) loop of GLUT-4 (residues 58–80). Incorporation of GLUT-4 into the plasmalemma was stimulated 1.8-fold by 10 M Ca²⁺ and 1.7-fold by insulin (as in the case of intact cells). The insulin effect was Ca²⁺ independent, i.e. it was identical in the absence and presence of Ca²⁺ (10 M). Guanosine 5-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTP[S]), which was inactive in intact cells, also caused translocation of GLUT-4 in permeabilized cardiomyocytes. Thus, incorporation of GLUT-4 into the plasma membrane was enhanced 2.5-fold by 200 M GTP[S] in the virtual absence of Ca²⁺ (pCa 8) and even 3.5-fold at 10 M free Ca²⁺. We conclude that an increase in intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration increases GLUT-4 translocation of (permeabilized) cardiomyocytes to a similar extent as do insulin and GTP[S] in the absence of Ca²⁺, but that the effects of Ca²⁺ and GTP[S] may be additive.     

ATP-Dependent inhibition of Ca2+-activated K+ channels in vascular smooth muscle cells by neuropeptide Y

Neuropeptide Y(NPY) inhibits Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ channels reversibly in vascular smooth muscle cells from the rat tail artery. NPY (200 M) had no effect in the absence of intracellular adenosine 5triphosphate (ATP) and when the metabolic poison cyanide-M-chlorophenyl hydrozone (10 M) was included in the intracellular pipette solution. NPY was also not effective when ATP was substituted by the non-hydrolysable ATP analogue adenosine 5-[, -methylene]-triphosphate (AMP-PCP). NPY inhibited Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ channel activity when ATP was replaced by adenosine 5-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (ATP [-S]) and the inhibition was not readily reversed upon washing. Protein kinase inhibitor (1 M), a specific inhibitor of adenosine 3, 5-cyclic monophosphatedependent protein kinase, had no significant effect on the inhibitory action of NPY. The effect of NPY on single-channel activity was inhibited by the tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein (10 M) but not by daidzein, an inactive analogue of genistein. These observations suggest that the inhibition by NPY of Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ channels is mediated by ATP-dependent phosphorylation. The inhibitory effect of NPY was antagonized by the tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein.     

Heparin uncouples the muscarinic receptors from GK protein in the atrial cell membrane of the guinea-pig heart

The effects of heparin on activation of the G protein-gated muscarinic K⁺ channel were examined in atrial cells of guinea-pig heart. The inside-out patch clamp technique was used. The pipette solution contained 1.1 M acetylcholine (ACh). In the inside-out patches, intracellular GTP activated the muscarinic K⁺ channel. When heparin (0.05–5 units/ml) was further added to the intracellular side of the patch membrane, the channel openings were depressed in a concentration-dependent fashion. The effects of heparin were reversible after wash-out. Heparin did not affect GTP-S-induced activation of the K⁺ channel. Therefore, it is suggested that heparin may uncouple the muscarinic receptors from G_K protein in the cardiac atrial cell membrane.     

Effects of inhibitors and ion substitutions on oscillations of cell membrane potential in cells expressing the RAS oncogene

Previous studies revealed that in NIH fibroblasts expressing the ras oncogene but not in other NIH fibroblasts, bradykinin leads to sustained, calcium dependent oscillations of cell membrane potential by repetitive activation of calcium-sensitive K⁺ channels. The present study has been performed to test for ion and inhibitor sensitivity of these oscillations. Both, Lys-bradykinin (kallidin) and bradykinin, but not any shorter peptide tested, maintained the oscillations. The oscillations are abolished in the presence of the K⁺ channel blocker barium (10 nmol/l). The amplitude but not the frequency of the oscillations is dependent on the extracellular potassium concentration. The oscillations are not dependent on the presence of extracellular sodium, bicarbonate or chloride. The oscillations are abolished in the absence of extracellular calcium and their frequency is significantly decreased at reduced extracellular calcium (to 0.2 mmol/l). The oscillations are not inhibited by acute administration of ouabain (0.1 mmol/l), by dimethylamiloride (100 mol/l), furosemide (1 mmol/l) and hydrochlorothiazide (100 mol/l), by cobalt (100 mol/l), zinc (100 mol/l), gadolinium (100 mol/l), verapamil (10 mol/l) and diltiazem (10 mol/l), but are abolished in the presence of 100 mol/l lanthanum, 1 mmol/l cadmium, 10 mol/l nifedipine, 25 mol/l SK & F 96365 and 200 mol/l TMB-8. Stimulation of calcium entry by 10 mol/l ionomycin is frequently followed by oscillations of cell membrane potential even in the absence of bradykinin. In conclusion, in cells expressing the ras oncogene bradykinin leads to sustained activation of calcium channels at the cell membrane, which cause oscillations of the cell membrane potential by triggering intracellular calcium release.     

Inhibition of L-type calcium channels by internal GTP [γS] in mouse pancreatic β cells

Pretreatment of pancreatic cells with pertussis toxin resulted in a 30% increase in peak whole-cell Ca²⁺ currents recorded in the absence of exogenous intracellular guanine nucleotides. Intracellular application of 90 M GTP[S], by liberation from a caged precursor, resulted in 40% reduction of the peak Ca²⁺ current irrespective of whether the current was carried by Ca²⁺ or Ba²⁺. Effects on the delayed outward K⁺ current were small and restricted to a transient Ca²⁺-dependent K⁺ current component. Inhibition by GTP[S] of the Ca²⁺ current was not mimicked by standard GTP and could not be prevented either by pretreatment with pertussis toxin or by inclusion of GDP[S] or cyclic AMP in the intracellular medium. The inhibitory effect of GTP[S] could be counteracted by a prepulse to a large depolarizing voltage. A similar effect of a depolarizing prepulse was observed in control cells with no exogenous guanine nucleotides. These observations indicate that inhibition of cell Ca²⁺ current by G protein activation results from direct interaction with the channel and does not involve second-messenger systems. Our findings also suggest that the cell Ca²⁺ current is subject to resting inhibition by G proteins.     

The effect of hyperosmotic challenge upon ion transport in cultured renal epithelial layers (MDCK)

Exposure of the basal-lateral surfaces of MDCK epithelia, mounted in Ussing chambers, to medium made hyperosmotic by the non-electrolyte mannitol, resulted in a marked inhibition of the adrenalinestimulated inward short-circuit current (Cl^– secretion). This inhibition was unaccompanied by a reversal of the adrenaline-stimulated increment in tissue conductance, indicating that the inhibition was due to modulation of ion transport at the basal-lateral membranes. Loop-diuretic-sensitive ⁸⁶Rb(K⁺) efflux mediated by the Na⁺-K⁺ — 2 Cl^– cotransporter at the basal-lateral membranes was markedly stimulated by hypertonic exposure. A diuretic-sensitive K⁺ (Cl^–) loss was observed in shrunken cells upon prolonged exposure (20 min), showing that the net direction of cotransport flux was outward. ⁸⁶Rb(K⁺) efflux stimulated by adrenaline (100 M), exogenous ATP (100 M) and A23187 (10 M) was attenuated in shrunken cells, suggesting that basal-lateral K⁺ conductance is reduced in hyperosmotic media. Cotransport stimulation by hyperosmotic medium was asymmetric, apical bathing hypertonicity being ineffective. These data are consistent with a low hydraulic permeability of the apical membranes.     

Kinetic studies on the effects of ouabain on Na+ fluxes in frog skin

Among 48 pieces of paired frog skins ofRana pipiens in Ringer's solution, 10 pieces showed a strictly monotone decrease in the short circuit current (SCC) following ouabain treatment (10^–4 M). In 9 cases a transient attenuation, and in 27 cases a distinct wave in the ebb of the SCC, was seen. In 2 instances, two waves were seen. Associated with the not-monotone events was a transient rise in electrical skin conductance. The reasons for these mixed skin responses are unknown. One possible reason is considered here: Early during the ouabain action, some of the Na⁺ entering from the mucosal side is trapped in the skin by electroneutral processes, in keeping with the already known fact that ultimately cellular KCl is partly replaced by NaCl. Computer assisted model studies show how monotone, and not-monotone transepithelial net Na⁺ flux curves can be generated. Essential conditions for the generation of notmonotone Na⁺ flux curves are: 1. Presence of two distinct cellular, active Na⁺ pools in the model. 2. Presence of a loop pathway in which a principal transepithelial Na⁺ transport compartment, and a constitutent Na⁺/K⁺ maintenance compartment, are connected to each other and to the extracellular compartment. The model, then, predicts under which kinetic conditions monotone and not-monotone transepithelial Na⁺ flux curves will be seen.     

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate mediates adrenaline activation of K+ conductance in mouse peritoneal macrophages

In mouse peritoneal macrophages, ₁-adrenoceptor stimulation evokes a Ca²⁺-dependent K⁺ current [I ₀(Adr)] [Hara et al. (1991) Pflügers Arch 419:371–379]. The roles of D-myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP ₃) and a GTP-binding protein (G protein) in I ₀(Adr) were investigated with tight-seal whole-cell recordings and fura-2 fluorescence measurements. Intracellular injection of lnsP ₃ (5–50 M) evoked transient outward currents [I ₀(InsP ₃)] with or without damped oscillations in membrane currents at -40 mV. Dialysis with 0.2 mM guanosine 5-[3-thio]triphosphate (GTP[S], a poorly hydrolysable GTP analogue) at -40 mV activated oscillatory outward currents or a slowly developing steady current on which such oscillations were superimposed after a delay of 10–90 s. I ₀(InsP ₃) and the GTP[S]-induced current {I ₀(GTP[S])} were accompanied by an increase in conductance. Reversal potentials of both responses closely depended on the extracellular K⁺ concentration. Fura-2 measurements revealed that I ₀(InsP ₃) and I ₀(GTP[S]) result from a rise in intracellular free Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i). Removal of extracellular Ca²⁺ did not abolish I ₀(InsP ₃) and I ₀(GTP[S]). Both were blocked by bath-applied charybdotoxin. Intracellular D- myo-inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate (InsP ₄, 50 M) did not evoke any responses, whereas D-myo-inositol 2,4,5-trisphosphate [InsP ₃(2,4,5), 20 M] elicited an outward current at -40 mV. I₀(InsP ₃) was completely blocked by prior dialysis with the InsP ₃ receptor antagonist heparin (5 mg/ml). Inclusion of guanosine 5-[2-thio] diphosphate (GDP[S], 2 mM) or heparin (5 mg/ml) together with GTP[S] in the patch pipette solution completely blocked I ₀(GTP[S]). These results indicate that intracellular injection of InsP ₃ or GTP[S] mimic I ₀(Adr). Furthermore, intracellular dialysis with heparin (3 mg/ ml) or GDP[S] (2 mM) greatly accelerated a run-down of I ₀(Adr). On the other hand, I ₀(Adr) was markedly prolonged in a cell dialysed with GTP[S] (0.2 mM). Therefore, it is concluded that I ₀(Adr) results from stimulation of ₁-adrenoceptor and InsP ₃ formation via a G protein.     

New Li+-selective ionophores with the potential ability to mediate Li+-transport in vivo

A series of structurally-related Li⁺-selective ionophores were studied in planar lipid bilayer membranes, to assess their potential ability to act as Li⁺-selective carriers in vivo. The ionophores are acyclic, neutral molecules of similar structure: N,N-diheptyl-N,N-diR-5,5-dimethyl-3,7-dioxanonane diamide. The structural differences among them are the N-amide substituents (the R residues) as follows: an aliphatic ether (AS 701), tetrahydrofuran (AS 706), furan (AS 708), an ester (AS 702) and an amide (AS 704)For each ionophore, the steady-state, single salt, membrane conductances and conductance-voltage behaviors were determined in the presence of LiCl, NaCl and MgCl₂. Membrane zero-current potentials were measurd for NaCl/LiCl and MgCl₂/LiCl mixtures.All five ionophores were found to operate as equilibrium-domain carriers of monovalent ions. All select lithium over sodium, but with different magnitudes of selectivity, ranging from P_Li/P_Na of 13 (for AS 701) to P_Li/P_Na of 2 (for AS 708). The ionophores also differ in their ability to mediate Li⁺ membrane permeation, the order of decreasing potency being: AS 701AS 706>AS 702>AS 704AS 708.Of the five molecules studied, the AS 701 molecule was found to have the best Li⁺ over Na⁺ selectivity and highest potency. These findings indicate that this molecule has the best potential for mediating lithium-selective membrane permeation in vivo, among the group studied.     

Effects of kinase inhibitors on TGF-beta induced upregulation of Kv1.3 K+ channels in brain macrophages

Deactivation of brain macrophages (microglia) by transforming growth factor- (TGF-) is characterized by enhanced Kv1.3 K⁺ channel expression. The intracellular mechanisms by which TGF- causes K⁺ channel upregulation in microglia have remained unclear. We show here that the protein kinase inhibitor H7 abolishes TGF--induced increases in delayed rectifier K⁺ current density. However, this effect cannot be related to inhibition of protein kinase C (PKC) or protein kinase A (PKA) activity, because specific PKC and PKA inhibitors did not exhibit effects identical to H7. TGF--induced Kv1.3 channel expression was also unaffected by inhibitors of tyrosine kinase, Ca²⁺/calmodulin kinase II and mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase ERK. In contrast, delayed rectifier K⁺ current density was larger in TGF--stimulated cells pretreated with the p38 MAP kinase inhibitor SB203580 or the phosphatidylinositol 3-OH (PI3) kinase inhibitor wortmannin, suggesting that both p38 MAP kinase and PI3 kinase regulate negatively the upregulation of Kv1.3 K⁺ channels in TGF--treated microglial cells.     

Tubular transport processes in proximal tubules of hypothyroid rats. Lack of relationship between thyroidal dependent rise of isotonic fluid reabsorption and Na+−K+-ATPase activity

Hypothyroid rats reconstituted with 10 g/kg b.w. per day of tri-iodothironine (T₃) for 4 days resulted in normal free T₃ and TSH levels. FT₃ levels were: 0.53±0.3 pg/ml in hypothyroid rats; 2.78±1.21 pg/ml in hormone reconstituted rats and 2.90±0.90 pg/ml in euthyroid rats. TSH levels were 3,508±513 g/ml in hypothyroid rats; 1,008±204 g/ml in reconstituted rats and 270±184 ng/ml in euthyroid rats.When hypothyroid rats were reconstituted with 50 g T₃/kg b.w. per day, TSH levels were nearly normal after 4 days (1,157±621 ng/ml). However FT₃ levels after 1–4 days were always higher than in euthyroid rats.Hypothyroid rats show a decrease in isotonic fluid reabsorption (J _v) in the proximal tubule (1.50±0.08 versus 4.96±0.23 10^–2 nl·mm^–1·s^–1 in euthyroid animals). 1 day after T₃ (10 g/kg b.w./day) injectionJ _v was increased significantly to 2.05±0.20 10^–2 nl·mm^–1·s^–1 and continued to increase during 4 days of T₃ reconstitution.When 50 g T₃/kg b.w./day was used,J _v increased to 2.75±0.07 after 1 day and to 3.10±0.42 10^–2 nl·mm^–1·s^–1 after 4 days.J _v was never reaching a value close to that of euthyroid rats because the tubular radius in hypothyroid rats (14.7±1.8 m) is less than that of euthyroid rats (19.2±0.5 m). The radius in hypothyroid rats treated with T₃ was unchanged over a 4 day course with either high or low doses of T₃.Na⁺–K⁺-ATPase activity was found to be 2.91±0.16 M P_i/h×mg protein in homogenates of kidney cortex from hypothyroid rats. Treatment of hypothyroid rats with 10 g or 50 g of T₃ resulted in an initial decrease in ATPase activity, followed by an increase to base level in hypothyroid rats with 10 g and a significantly higher level with 50 g. This decrease in ATPase activity was contrasted to the increase inJ _v.These data indicate that there is a dissociation between the effects of physiological doses of thyroid hormones on proximal tubular reabsorption and the effects of T₃ on Na⁺–K⁺-ATPase activity of kidney cortex. This leads to question the relationship between sodium transport and ATPase activity under physiological doses of thyroid hormones. An early effect of physiological doses of thyroid hormones on brush border Na⁺ permeability is suggested.     

G-protein-mediated regulation of a Ca2+-dependent K+ channel in cultured vascular endothelial cells

The purpose of the present study was to determine the mechanism by which bradykinin activates the small conductance, inwardly rectifying, Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ channel (K_Ca) found in cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells. Channel activity was studied using the patch-clamp technique in whole-cell, cell-attached, inside-out and outside-out configurations. Channel conductance at potentials positive to 0 mV was 10±2 pS and at potentials negative to 0 mV 30±3 pS (n=7) when examined in symmetrical K⁺ (150 mmol/l) solutions. The channel open probability (P _o) was only weakly voltage dependent changing approximately 0.2 units over 160 mV. In contrast, raising the intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration from 100 nmol/l to 10 mol/l at –60 mV produced a graded increase in channel P _o from 0.15 to 0.96; the concentration required for half-maximum response (apparent K_0.5) was 719 nmol/l. At a constant Ca²⁺ concentration, application of guanosine triphosphate (GTP) to the cytoplasmic surface of the patch increased channel P _o. This effect was dependent upon the simultaneous presence of both GTP and Mg²⁺, and was reversed by the subsequent application of the guanosine diphosphate (GDP) analogue, guanosine-5-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) (GDPS). The hydrolysis-resistant GTP analogue, guanosine-5-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTPS), induced a long-lasting increase in channel P _o. In the presence of Mg²⁺-GTP, the apparent K_0.5 for Ca²⁺ decreased from a control value of 722 nmol/l to 231 nmol/l. Addition of bradykinin to outside-out patches previously exposed to intracellular Mg²⁺-GTP further enhanced K_Ca activity, shifting the apparent K_0.5 for Ca²⁺ from 228 nmol/l to 107 nmol/l. This activation by bradykinin was not observed in patches following prior exposure to GDPS. These results suggest that bradykinin can activate the K_Ca channel of vascular endothelial cells via a G-protein-mediated change in the sensitivity of the channel for Ca²⁺. We postulate that vasoactive agonists may use this mechanism to maintain an elevated K⁺ permeability as the intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration returns towards normal resting levels.     

Blockade of dopamine storage,but not of dopamine synthesis,prevents activation of a tolbutamide-sensitive K+ channel in the guinea-pig substantia nigra

The substantia nigra has one of the highest levels of ATP-sensitive K⁺ channel in the brain. Since this channel is controlled by cell metabolism, the aim of this study was to see how closely it is associated with nigral dopamine systems, which are decreased in Parkinson's disease. In a sub-population of neurons within the rostral substantia nigra pars compacta of the guinea-pig, a brief period of hypoxia resulted in a tolbutamide (100–500 M) sensitive hyperpolarisation [input resistance (IR) decrease from 144.88±14.04 M pre-hypoxia to 105.91±13.25 M during hypoxia]. Maximal blockade of this decrease was seen in presence of 500 m tolbutamide [IR decrease only from 161.35±32.82 M to 155.02±34.29 M]. Reserpine (which depletes dopamine stores) but not -methyl-para-tyrosine (which decreases de novo synthesis of dopamine) caused a marked attenuation of this hyperpolarisation [IR decrease only from 163.32±44.42 M pre-hypoxia to 154.42±50.97 M during hypoxia]. This observation suggests that blockade of dopamine storage, but not of de novo synthesis, leads to a loss of responsiveness of certain mid-brain neurons to hypoxia, rendering them potentially more susceptible to subsequent degeneration. The possible link between nigral dopamine systems and ATP-sensitive K⁺ channels is discussed.     

Evidence for Na+/Ca2+ exchange in isolated smooth muscle cells: a fura-2 study

Isolated smooth muscle cells (SMC) from guinea pig taenia coli were employed. Suspension of cells were externally loaded in saline with the fluorescent calcium indicators quin-2/AM or fura-2/AM at 20–40 M or 4 M respectively, resulting in an estimated intracellular concentration of 100–200 M for quin-2 or 10–20 M fura-2 (free acid). On addition of 100 M carbachol or high K _o ⁺ (80 mM) depolarization, fura-2 loaded cells contracted (104±47 m,n=121 rest: 39±13 m,n=59 contracted) identically to control (103±35 m,n=232 rest: 39±16 m,n=89 contracted) cells, whereas quin-2 loaded cells were unresponsive to these protocols and there was no significant length change. The Ca _i ²⁺ of fura-2 loaded cells was 100±18 nM (mean±SD,n=15) and was not significantly different from quin-2 loaded cells 107±26 nM (n=13). Treatment of fura-2 loaded cells with 100 M ouabain saline for 10–60 min progressively elevated the Ca _i ²⁺ to a mean of 266±83 nM (n=15). Reduction of Na _p ⁺ (96% Li⁺ replaced) significantly increased Ca _i ²⁺ to 317±77 nM (n=8). After pretreatment with ouabain (100 M), Na _o ⁺ replacement (Li⁺) increased Ca _i ²⁺ at a significantly faster rate [3.6 nM min^–1 (control) cf. 19.8 nM min^–1 (ouabain)].