Angiotensin II activates intermediate-conductance Ca2+ -activated K+ channels in arterial smooth muscle cells

Angiostensin II (Ang II) regulates the migration and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells. Recent studies indicate that intermediate-conductance Ca2+ -activated K+ (IKca) channels have an important role in cell migration and proliferation. It is not known, however, whether the action of Ang II is linked to IKca channel regulation. Here, we investigated the modulation of IKca channels by Ang II in artery smooth muscle cells. Functional IKca channel expression in cultured embryonic rat aorta smooth muscle (A10) cells was studied using the patch-clamp technique. These cells predominantly express IKca channels. In contrast, large-conductance Ca2+ -activated K+ (BKca) currents were rarely observed in excised patches. Ang II increased the IKca current in a contration-dependent manner. Losartan (1.0 microM), an AT1 selective antagonist, abolished the activation of IKca channels by Ang II. Pretreatment with 100 microM myristoylated protein kinase C inhibitor peptide 20-28 or 10 microM GF109203X completely abolished the AngII-induced activation of IKca currents, whereas the action of Ang II was not prevented in the presence of 100 microM Rp-cyclic 3', 5'-hydrogen phosphotiate adenosine triethylammonium, a protein kinase A inhibitor, or 1.0 microM KT-5823, a protein kinase G inhibitor. A membrane permeant analogue of diacylglycerol 1, 2-dioctanoyl-sn-glycerol (10 microM) induced the activation of IKca currents. These data suggest that Ang II activates IKca channels through the activation of protein kinase C, and the AT1 receptor is involved in the regulation of these channels.     

Rapid stimulation causes electrical remodeling in cultured atrial myocytes

OBJECTIVE: Rapid stimulation causes electrical remodeling in the intact atrium, with shortening of action potential duration (APD), down-regulation of L-type Ca2+ currents (I(Ca,L)), and increased vulnerability to atrial fibrillation (AF). The essential elements required for this process are currently unknown. We tested the hypothesis that rapid stimulation of cardiomyocytes in vitro is sufficient to recapitulate the remodeling process, and that atrial cells subjected to rapid pacing in culture would display changes similar to those that occur in vivo. METHODS: Atrial (HL-1) cells were cultured in the presence of rapid field stimulation (300 beats per min) for 24 h. Action potentials and ionic currents were recorded from stimulated cells, as well as control cells cultured in parallel, using whole-cell voltage-clamp techniques. RESULTS: Rapid stimulation of atrial cells for 24 h significantly shortened APD. HL-1 cells displayed both I(Ca,L) blocked by nimodipine, and T-type Ca2+ currents (I(Ca,T)) sensitive to mibefradil. Rapid activation in culture caused down-regulation of I(Ca,L), while I(Ca,T) was similarly reduced. Multiple outward currents were present in response to a depolarizing voltage-clamp protocol, and rapid pacing resulted in up-regulation of the rapidly-activating delayed rectifier K+ current, I(Kr). CONCLUSIONS: Rapid stimulation of atrial cells in culture produces electrical remodeling, recapitulating principal phenotypic features of atrial tachycardia remodeling in vivo. Our results demonstrate that an important component of this process is cell autonomous, given that in vivo conditions are not required for the development of electrical remodeling.     

Ghrelin reduces voltage-gated potassium currents in GH3 cells via cyclic GMP pathways

Ghrelin is an endogeneous growth hormone secretagogue (GHS) causing release of GH from pituitary somatotropes through the GHS receptor. Secretion of GH is linked directly to intracellular free Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i), which is determined by Ca²⁺ influx and release from intracellular Ca²⁺ storage sites. Ca²⁺ influx is via voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels, which are activated by cell depolarization. Membrane potential is mainly determined by transmembrane K⁺ channels. The present study investigates the in vitro effect of ghrelin on membrane voltage-gated K⁺ channels in the GH₃ rat somatotrope cell line. Nystatin-perforated patch clamp recording was used to record K⁺ currents under voltage-clamp conditions. In the presence of Co²⁺ (1 mM, Ca²⁺ channel blocker) and tetrodotoxin (1 μM, Na⁺ channel blocker) in the bath solution, two types of voltage-gated K⁺ currents were characterized on the basis of their biophysical kinetics and pharmacological properties. We observed that transient K⁺ current (I _A) represented a significant proportion of total K⁺ currents in some cells, whereas delayed rectifier K⁺ current (I _K) existed in all cells. The application of ghrelin (10 nM) reversibly and significantly decreased the amplitude of both I _A and I _K currents to 48% and 64% of control, respectively. Application of apamin (1 μM, SK channel blocker) or charybdotoxin (1 μM, BK channel blocker) did not alter the K⁺ current or the response to ghrelin. The ghrelin-induced reduction in K⁺ currents was not affected by PKC and PKA inhibitors. KT5823, a specific PKG inhibitor, totally abolished the K⁺ current response to ghrelin. These results suggest that ghrelininduced reduction of voltage-gated K⁺ currents in GH₃ cells is mediated through a PKG-dependent pathway. A decrease in voltage-gated K⁺ currents may increase the frequency, duration, and amplitude of action potentials and contribute to GH secretion from somatotropes.     

Inhibition of ultra-rapid delayed rectifier K+ current by verapamil in human atrial myocytes

Verapamil is a widely used Ca(2+) channel antagonist in the treatment of cardiovascular disorders including atrial arrhythmias. However, it is unknown whether the drug would inhibit the repolarization currents transient outward K(+) current (I(to1)) and ultra-rapid delayed rectifier K(+) current (I(Kur)) in human atrium. With whole-cell patch configuration, we evaluated effects of verapamil on I(to1) and I(Kur) in isolated human atrial myocytes. It was found that verapamil did not decrease I(to1) at 1-50 microM. However, verapamil reversibly inhibited I(Kur) in a concentration-dependent manner (IC(50) = 3.2 microM). At test potential of +50 mV, 5 microM verapamil decreased I(Kur) by 61.3 +/- 7.5%. Verapamil significantly accelerated inactivation of I(Kur), suggesting an open channel block mechanism. The results indicate that verapamil significantly blocks the repolarization K(+) current I(Kur), but not I(to1), in human atrial atrium, which may account at least in part for the atrial effect of the drug.     

慢性缺氧抑制肺动脉平滑肌细胞钾通道活性

目的研究慢性缺氧性肺动脉高压发生机制中钾通道活性改变的作用，及其开放剂卡吗克林（ｃｒｏｍａｋａｌｉｍ）对钾通道活性的调控作用。方法２０只Ｗｉｓｔａｒ大鼠随机分为对照组１０只和缺氧组１０只，缺氧组大鼠缺氧３周，每天缺氧８小时；运用急性酶分离法对Ｗｉｓｔａｔ大鼠肺动脉平滑肌细胞进行了分离；应用膜片钳小片膜单通道技术，分别对正常和慢性缺氧３周大鼠的肺动脉平滑肌细胞的钾离子通道进行了测定；记录并比较了两组大鼠肺动脉平滑肌细胞钙、ＡＴＰ激活性钾通道（Ｋ＋ＣａＡＴＰ）和延迟整流性钾通道的活性，并观察了ｃｒｏｍａｋａｌｉｍ对缺氧组大鼠钾通道的影响。结果慢性缺氧组大鼠肺动脉平滑肌细胞钙、ＡＴＰ激活性钾通道（Ｋ＋ＣａＡＴＰ）和延迟整流性钾通道的活性均比正常组低，ｃｒｏｍａｋａｌｉｍ可使慢性缺氧组Ｋ＋ＣａＡＴＰ的活性明显增高（Ｐ均＜０．０１）。结论慢性缺氧可明显抑制大鼠肺动脉平滑肌细胞钾通道活性，这可能在慢性缺氧性肺动脉高压的发病机制中发挥重要的作用，钾通道开放剂ｃｒｏｍａｋａｌｉｍ可作为降低缺氧性肺动脉高压的有效药物。     

Nitric oxide activation of a potassium channel (BK(Ca)) in feline lower esophageal sphincter

AIM:To assess the effect of nitric oxide (NO) on the large conductance potassium channel (BKCa) in isolated circular (CM) and sling (SM) muscle cells and muscle strips from the cat lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to determine its regulation of resting tone and relaxation.METHODS:Freshly enzymatically-digested and isolated circular smooth muscle cells were prepared from each LES region.To study outward K + currents,the perforated patch clamp technique was employed.To assess LES resting tone and relaxation,muscle strips were mounted in perfused organ baths.RESULTS:(1) Electrophysiological recordings from isolated cells:(a) CM was more depolarized than SM (-39.7 ± 0.8mV vs-48.1 ± 1.6 mV,P < 0.001),and maximal outward current was similar (27.1 ± 1.5 pA/pF vs 25.7 ± 2.0 pA/pF,P > 0.05);(b) The NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) increased outward currents only in CM (25.9 ± 1.9 to 46.7 ± 4.2 pA/pF,P < 0.001) but not SM (23.2 ± 3.1 to 27.0 ± 3.4 pA/pF,P > 0.05);(c) SNP added in the presence of the BK Ca antagonist iberiotoxin (IbTX) produced no increase in the outward current in CM (17.0 ± 2.8 vs 13.7 ± 2.2,P > 0.05);and (d) L-NNA caused a small insignificant inhibition of outward K + currents in both muscles;and (2) Muscle strip studies:(a) Blockade of the nerves with tetrodotoxin (TTX),or BK Ca with IbTX had no significant effect on resting tone of either muscle;and (b) SNP reduced tone in both muscles,and was unaffected by the presence of TTX or IbTX.CONCLUSION:Exogenous NO activates BK Ca only in CM of the cat.However,as opposed to other species,exogenous NO-induced relaxation is predominantly by a non-BK Ca mechanism,and endogenous NO has minimal effect on resting tone.     

急性缺氧抑制大鼠肺动脉平滑肌细胞钙ATP钾通道

目的研究急性缺氧对大鼠肺动脉平滑肌细胞钾通道活性的影响，以探讨钾通道活性改变在急性低氧性肺血管收缩（ＨＰＶ）反应中所起的作用。方法应用膜片钳单通道技术，在对称性高钾溶液中，于急性酶分离的大鼠单个肺动脉平滑肌细胞的内面向外式膜片（ｉｎｓｉｄｅｏｕｔｐａｔｃｈ）上，记录外向性钾通道电流，并用常氧和低氧的细胞浴液持续灌流肺动脉平滑肌细胞，以观察其对外向性钾通道电流的影响。结果在记录的外向性钾电流中，证实了一种电流为钙、ＡＴＰ激活性钾通道（Ｋ＋ＣａＡＴＰ）；用低氧的细胞浴液灌流肺动脉平滑肌细胞可明显抑制这种钙、ＡＴＰ激活性钾通道的活性（Ｐ＜０．０１）。而钾通道开放剂卡吗克啉（ｃｒｏｍａｋａｌｉｍ）对低氧所抑制的肺动脉平滑肌细胞钙、ＡＴＰ激活性钾通道具有明显的激活作用（Ｐ＜０．０１）。结论急性低氧可通过对钙、ＡＴＰ激活性钾通道的抑制作用，使肺动脉平滑肌细胞膜发生去极化，肺动脉收缩而导致急性肺血管阻力增加，进而产生肺动脉高压。肺动脉平滑肌细胞钙、ＡＴＰ激活性钾通道活性的降低，可能在低氧性肺血管收缩反应中起着重要的作用。Ｃｒｏｍａｋａｌｉｍ可作为拮抗低氧性肺血管收缩的有效药物之一。     

Hydrogen peroxide reduces lower esophageal sphincter tone in human esophagitis

BACKGROUND & AIMS: We have previously used the normal lower esophageal sphincter (N-LES) of human organ donors to examine the physiologic signal transduction of lower esophageal sphincter (LES) circular muscle. Now, for the first time, we have obtained a human LES specimen with esophagitis (E-LES) and characterized its pathophysiologic mechanical and inflammatory profiles. METHODS: E-LES was examined histologically, and its in vitro circular muscle contraction and production of inflammatory mediators were compared with those of N-LES. RESULTS: E-LES exhibited scattered erosions and displayed inflammatory cells in the epithelial layer, basal zone hyperplasia, and elongation of lamina propria papillae, characteristic of chronic reflux esophagitis. E-LES muscle strips developed lower in vitro tone (0.78 g) than N-LES (3.3 +/- 0.2 g). E-LES tone was essentially restored to normal by the H2O2 scavenger catalase, suggesting that H2O2 was responsible for reduction of tone. NOX5 cDNA was higher and H2O2 levels were 4 times higher in E-LES circular muscle (0.85 nmol/mg protein) than in N-LES (0.19 +/- 0.05 nmol/mg protein). When N-LES smooth muscle was incubated in H2O2 (70 micromol/L, 2 hours), platelet activating factor (PAF), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and F2-isoprostane increased 2.5, 5.2, and 36 times, respectively. In E-LES, levels of PAF, PGE2, and F2-isoprostane were 4, 6, and 40 times, respectively, higher than in N-LES. PAF, PGE2, and F2 isoprostane produced dose-dependent reductions in tone of N-LES muscle strips. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that an excessive production of H2O2 triggers an increased production of PAF, PGE2, and F2-isoprostane, which are responsible for reducing LES tone in human esophagitis.     

Action potential prolongation in cardiac myocytes of old rats is an adaptation to sustain youthful intracellular Ca2+ regulation

Advanced age in rats is accompanied by reduced expression of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ pump (SERCA-2). The amplitudes of intracellular Ca2+ (Ca2+(i)) transients and contractions in ventricular myocytes isolated from old (23-24-months) rats (OR), however, are similar to those of young (4-6-months) rat myocytes (YR). OR myocytes also manifest slowed inactivation of L-type Ca2+ current (I(CaL)) and marked prolongation of action potential (AP) duration. To determine whether and how age-associated AP prolongation preserves the Ca2+(i) transient amplitude in OR myocytes, we employed an AP-clamp technique with simultaneous measurements of I(CaL) (with Na+ current, K+ currents and Ca2+ influx via sarcolemmal Na+-Ca2+ exchanger blocked) and Ca2+(i) transients in OR rat ventricular myocytes dialyzed with the fluorescent Ca2+ probe, indo-1. Myocytes were stimulated with AP-shaped voltage clamp waveforms approximating the configuration of prolonged, i.e. the native, AP of OR cells (AP-L), or with short AP waveforms (AP-S), typical of YR myocytes. Changes in SR Ca2+ load were assessed by rapid, complete SR Ca2+ depletions with caffeine. As expected, during stimulation with AP-S vs AP-L, peak I(CaL) increased, by 21+/-4%, while the I(CaL) integral decreased, by 19+/-3% (P<0.01 for each). Compared to AP-L, stimulation of OR myocytes with AP-S reduced the amplitudes of the Ca2+(i) transient by 31+/-6%, its maximal rate of rise (+dCa2+(i)/dt(max); a sensitive index of SR Ca2+ release flux) by 37+/-4%, and decreased the SR Ca2+ load by 29+/-4% (P<0.01 for each). Intriguingly, AP-S also reduced the maximal rate of the Ca2+(i) transient relaxation and prolonged its time to 50% decline, by 35+/-5% and 33+/-7%, respectively (P<0.01 for each). During stimulation with AP-S, the gain of Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release (CICR), indexed by +dCa2+(i)/dt(max)/I(CaL), was reduced by 46+/-4% vs AP-L (P<0.01). We conclude that the effects of an application of a shorter AP to OR myocytes to reduce +dCa2+(i)/dt(max) and the Ca2+ transient amplitude are attributable to a reduction in SR Ca2+ load, presumably due to a reduced I(CaL) integral and likely also to an increased Ca2+ extrusion via sarcolemmal Na+-Ca2+ exchanger. The decrease in the Ca2+(i) transient relaxation rate in OR cells stimulated with shorter APs may reflect a reduction of Ca2+/calmodulin-kinase II-regulated modulation of Ca2+ uptake via SERCA-2, consequent to a reduced local Ca2+ release in the vicinity of SERCA-2, also attributable to reduced SR Ca2+ load. Thus, the reduction of CICR gain during stimulation with AP-S is the net result of both a diminished SR Ca2+ release and an increased peak I(CaL). These results suggest that ventricular myocytes of old rats utilize AP prolongation to preserve an optimal SR Ca2+ loading, CICR gain and relaxation of Ca2+(i) transients.     

Dendroaspis natriuretic peptide relaxes gastric antral circular smooth muscle of guinea-pig through the cGMP/cGMP-dependent protein kinase pathway

AIM： To systematically investigate if cGMP/cGMPdependent protein kinase G （PKG） signaling pathway may participate in dendroaspis natriuretic peptide （DNP）-induced relaxation of gastric circular smooth muscle.
METHODS： The content of cGMP in guinea pig gastric antral smooth muscle tissue and perfusion solution were measured using radioimmunoassay; spontaneous contraction of gastric antral circular muscles recorded using a 4-channel physiograph; and Ca^2＋-activated K^＋ currents （IK（Ca）） and spontaneous transient outward currents （STOCs） in isolated gastric antral myocytes were recorded using the whole-cell patch clamp technique.
RESULTS： DNP markedly enhanced cGMP levels in gastric antral smooth muscle tissue and in the perfusion medium. DNP induced relaxation in gastric antral circular smooth muscle, which was inhibited by KT5823, a cGMP-dependent PKG inhibitor. DNP increased IK（Ca）. This effect was almost completely blocked by KT5823, and partially blocked by LY83583, an inhibitor of guanylate cyclase to change the production of cGMP. DNP also increased STOCs. The effect of DNP on STOCs was abolished in the presence of KT5823, but not affected by KT-5720, a PKA-specific inhibitor.
CONCLUSION： DNP activates IK（ca） and relaxes guinea-pig gastric antral circular smooth muscle via the cGMP/PKG-dependent singling axis instead of cAMP/ PKA pathway.     

Opening of Ca-activated K channels is involved in ischemic preconditioning in canine hearts

Brief periods of ischemia that precede sustained ischemia can markedly reduce infarct size (IS), a phenomenon that is known as ischemic preconditioning (IP). Several investigators have shown that elevation of the intracellular Ca(2+) level ([Ca(2+)](i)) during the antecedent brief periods of ischemia triggers the cardioprotective mechanism of IP. Since opening of Ca(2+) activated K(+) (K(Ca)) channels is reported to be cardioprotective, we hypothesized that these channels may be involved in the cardioprotective mechanism of IP. In anesthetized open-chest dogs, myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury was created by occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) for 90 min followed by 6 h of reperfusion. First, we showed that the treatment with NS1619, a K(Ca) channel opener, reduced IS (IS in NS1619 group and control group, 19.8 +/- 5.5% vs. 45.4 +/- 3.5% of the area at risk, P < 0.05). Next, four cycles coronary occlusion for 5 min and reperfusion (IP) were performed before the 90-min occlusion with or without the infusion of potent K(Ca) channel inhibitors, iberiotoxin (IbTX) and charybdotoxin (ChTX). IP markedly reduced IS (IS in the IP group was 8.2 +/- 1.8%, P < 0.01 vs. control group). Infusion of either of K(Ca) channel blockers during IP blunted the IS-limiting effect of IP (IS in the IP + IbTX and IP + ChTX groups was 30.7 +/- 7.0% and 35.5 +/- 3.7%, respectively, P < 0.05, vs. IP group). However, the cardioprotective effect of IP was not blunted by the treatment with ChTX when treated only during reperfusion (14.0 +/- 4.1%). Thus, we conclude that the opening of K(Ca) channel is involved in early trigger phase of the molecular mechanism of IP.     

Mesoridazine: an open-channel blocker of human ether-a-go-go-related gene K+ channel

Mesoridazine, a phenothiazine antipsychotic agent, prolongs the QT interval of the cardiac electrocardiogram and is associated with Torsade de pointes-type arrhythmias. In this study, we examined the effects of mesoridazine on human ether-a-go-go-related gene (HERG) K+ currents. HERG channels were stably expressed in human embryonic kidney 293 cells and studied using standard whole-cell patch-clamp technique (37 degrees C). Mesoridazine blocked HERG currents in a concentration-dependent manner (IC50 550 nM at 0 mV); block increased significantly over the voltage range where HERG activates and saturated at voltages eliciting maximal HERG channel activation. Tonic block of HERG current by mesoridazine (1.8 microM) was minimal (< 2-4%). The rate of the onset of HERG channel block was rapid and dose dependent (tau = 54 +/- 7 ms at 0 mV and 1.8 microM mesoridazine), but not significantly affected by test potentials ranging from -30 to +30 mV. The V1/2 for steady-state activation was shifted from -31.2 +/- 1.0 to -39.2 +/- 0.5 mV (P < 0.01). The apparent rate of HERG channel deactivation was significantly reduced (fast tau = 153 +/- 8 vs. 102 +/- 6 ms at -50 mV, P < 0.01; slow tau = 1113 +/- 63 vs. 508 +/- 27 ms, P < 0.01). The inactivation kinetics and voltage dependence of steady-state inactivation of the HERG channel were not significantly altered by mesoridazine. These findings demonstrate that mesoridazine is a potent and rapid open-channel blocker of HERG channels. This block would explain the QT prolongation seen clinically at therapeutic concentrations (0.3-3.6 microM).     

Sarcoplasmic reticulum K(+) channels from human and sheep atrial cells display a specific electro-pharmacological profile

It has recently been proposed that the Ca(2+) uptake by the SR is inhibited by blocking Cl(-) and/or K(+) movements across this intracellular membrane. We have characterised the functional and pharmacological profile of the SR K(+) channel derived from human and sheep atrial cells. Mammalian atrial SR preparations were subjected to [(3)H]-ryanodine binding assays, SDS-PAGE analysis and channel protein reconstitution into planar lipid bilayers. Assessment of [(3)H]-ryanodine binding on the SR Ca(2+) release channel revealed that it was inhibited by both Ruthenium Red and Mg(2+) with IC(50) values of 4.11 microM and 9.12 m M, respectively. In crude populations as well as in all SR-enriched fractions, activity of K(+) selective channels was recorded. This channel displayed a high conductance value of 193 and 185 pS for human and sheep preparations respectively. Gating and conducting behaviours of this channel were unaffected by the addition of up to 5m M 4-Aminopyridine (4-AP), 100 n M Iberiotoxin (IbTX), 10 microM E-4031 and 30 microM amiodarone. However, 100n M Dendrotoxin (gamma-DTX) largely increase the occurrence of the SR K(+) channel subconducting states without an effect on the main unitary conductance. These results demonstrate that the SR K(+) channel, present in all mammalian atrial SR membranes tested (as assessed by [(3)H]-ryanodine binding and its typical inhibition by ruthenium red and the magnesium), displays different properties than those classically described for cardiac sarcolemmal K(+) channels. Despite the fact that the biophysical properties of the SR K(+) channel are well known, its molecular identity remains to be ascertained.     

Microfluidic glucose stimulation reveals limited coordination of intracellular Ca2+ activity oscillations in pancreatic islets

The pancreatic islet is a functional microorgan involved in maintaining normoglycemia through regulated secretion of insulin and other hormones. Extracellular glucose stimulates insulin secretion from islet beta cells through an increase in redox state, which can be measured by NAD(P)H autofluorescence. Glucose concentrations over approximately 7 mM generate synchronous oscillations in beta cell intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), which lead to pulsatile insulin secretion. Prevailing models assume that the pancreatic islet acts as a functional syncytium, and the whole islet [Ca2+]i response has been modeled in terms of islet bursting and pacemaker models. To test these models, we developed a microfluidic device capable of partially stimulating an islet, while allowing observation of the NAD(P)H and [Ca2+]i responses. We show that beta cell [Ca2+]i oscillations occur only within regions stimulated with more than approximately 6.6 mM glucose. Furthermore, we show that tolbutamide, an antagonist of the ATP-sensitive K+ channel, allows these oscillations to travel farther into the nonstimulated regions of the islet. Our approach shows that the extent of Ca2+ propagation across the islet depends on a delicate interaction between the degree of coupling and the extent of ATP-sensitive K+-channel activation and illustrates an experimental paradigm that will have utility for many other biological systems.     

Dendroaspis natriuretic peptide relaxes gastric antral circular smooth muscle of guinea-pig through the cGIvlP/cGMP-dependent protein kinase pathway

AIM: To systematically investigate if cGMP/cGMPdependent protein kinase G (PKG) signaling pathway may participate in dendroaspis natriuretic peptide (DNP)-induced relaxation of gastric circular smooth muscle.METHODS: The content of cGMP in guinea pig gastric antral smooth muscle tissue and perfusion solution were measured using radioimmunoassay,spontaneous contraction of gastric antral circular muscles recorded using a 4-channel physiograph; and Ca2 -activated K currents (Ik(Ca)and spontaneous transient outward currents (STOCs) in isolated gastric antral myocytes were recorded using the whole-cell patch clamp technique.]RESULTS: DNP markedly enhanced cGMP levels in gastric antral smooth muscle tissue and in the perfusion medium.DNP induced relaxation in gastric antral circular smooth muscle,which was inhibited by KT5823,a cGMP-dependent PKG inhibitor.DNP increased IK(Ca)* This effect was almost completely blocked by KT5823,and partially blocked by LY83583,an inhibitor of guanylate cyclase to change the production of cGMP.DNP also increased STOCs.The effect of DNP on STOCs was abolished in the presence of KT5823,but not affected by KT-5720,a PKA-specific inhibitor.CONCLUSION: DNP activates IK(Ca) and relaxes guinea-pig gastric antral circular smooth muscle via the cGMP/PKG-dependent singling axis instead of cAMP/PKA pathway.     

Molecular basis of Kir6.2 mutations associated with neonatal diabetes or neonatal diabetes plus neurological features

Inwardly rectifying potassium channels (Kir channels) control cell membrane K(+) fluxes and electrical signaling in diverse cell types. Heterozygous mutations in the human Kir6.2 gene (KCNJ11), the pore-forming subunit of the ATP-sensitive (K(ATP)) channel, cause permanent neonatal diabetes mellitus (PNDM). For some mutations, PNDM is accompanied by marked developmental delay, muscle weakness, and epilepsy (severe disease). To determine the molecular basis of these different phenotypes, we expressed wild-type or mutant (R201C, Q52R, or V59G) Kir6.2/sulfonylurea receptor 1 channels in Xenopus oocytes. All mutations increased resting whole-cell K(ATP) currents by reducing channel inhibition by ATP, but, in the simulated heterozygous state, mutations causing PNDM alone (R201C) produced smaller K(ATP) currents and less change in ATP sensitivity than mutations associated with severe disease (Q52R and V59G). This finding suggests that increased K(ATP) currents hyperpolarize pancreatic beta cells and impair insulin secretion, whereas larger K(ATP) currents are required to influence extrapancreatic cell function. We found that mutations causing PNDM alone impair ATP sensitivity directly (at the binding site), whereas those associated with severe disease act indirectly by biasing the channel conformation toward the open state. The effect of the mutation on ATP sensitivity in the heterozygous state reflects the different contributions of a single subunit in the Kir6.2 tetramer to ATP inhibition and to the energy of the open state. Our results also show that mutations in the slide helix of Kir6.2 (V59G) influence the channel kinetics, providing evidence that this domain is involved in Kir channel gating, and suggest that the efficacy of sulfonylurea therapy in PNDM may vary with genotype.     

Relative abundance of alpha2 Na(+) pump isoform influences Na(+)-Ca(2+) exchanger currents and Ca(2+) transients in mouse ventricular myocytes

In the mouse, genetic reduction in the Na(+), K(+)-ATPase alpha1 or alpha2 isoforms results in different functional phenotypes: heterozygous alpha2 isolated hearts are hypercontractile, whereas heterozygous alpha1 hearts are hypocontractile. We examined Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchange (NCX) currents in voltage clamped myocytes (pipette [Na(+)]=15 mM) induced by abrupt removal of extracellular Na(+). In wild-type (WT) myocytes, peak exchanger currents were 0.59+/-0.04 pA/pF (mean+/-S.E.M., n=10). In alpha1(+/-) myocytes (alpha2 isoform increased by 54%), NCX current was reduced to 0.33+/-0.05 (n=9, P<0.001) indicating a lower subsarcolemmal [Na(+)]. In alpha2(+/-) myocytes (alpha2 isoform reduced by 54%), the NCX current was increased to 0.89+/-0.11 (n=8, P=0.03). The peak sarcolemmal Na(+) pump currents activated by abrupt increase in [K(+)](o) to 4 mM in voltage clamped myocytes in which the Na(+) pump had been completely inhibited for 5 min by exposure to 0 [K(+)](o) were similar in alpha1(+/-) (0.86+/-0.12, n=10) and alpha2(+/-) myocytes (0.94+/-0.08 pA/pF, n=16), and were slightly but insignificantly reduced relative to WT (1.03+/-0.05, n=24). The fluo-3 [Ca(2+)](i) transient (F/F(o)) in WT myocytes paced at 0.5 Hz was 2.18+/-0.09, n=34, was increased in alpha2(+/-) myocytes (F/F(o)=2.56+/-0.14, n=24, P=0.02), and was decreased in alpha1(+/-) myocytes (F/F(o)=1.93+/-0.08, n=28, P<0.05). Thus the alpha2 isoform rather than the alpha1 appears to influence Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger currents [Ca(2+)](i) transients, and contractility. This finding is consistent with the proposal that alpha2 isoform of the Na pump preferentially alters [Na(+)] in a subsarcolemmal micro-domain adjacent to Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger molecules and SR Ca(2+) release sites.