大电导钙激活钾通道对平滑肌的调控作用研究进展

钾通道是组织器官中的一种重要通道,几乎所有的组织中都有该通道的分布,并且它在调节细胞功能方面起着极其重要的作用,例如动作电位的形成和信号传导等。大电导钙激活钾通道(BKca/Maxi K)以其广泛的分布,以及参与调节多种细胞功能吸引了更多研究者的关注。BKca/Maxi K的激活可导致细胞膜的超极化,从而抑制电压依赖性钙通道的激活,抑制钙离子内流,引起平滑肌舒张。近年来研究发现,BKca/Maxi K的激活、失活和变异与多种疾病的发病有关,BKca/Maxi K对心血管平滑肌、子宫平滑肌、呼吸道平滑肌和阴茎勃起等具有调控作用,尤其是其基因疗法对阴茎勃起障碍的治疗逐渐显现出较大的优势。     

大电导钙激活钾通道对血管平滑肌的作用

大电导钙激活钾通道(BKCa)是血管平滑肌细胞膜电位的主要离子通道,在血管的舒缩及调节细胞功能方面发挥着重要的作用。BKCa通道的激活可使细胞膜发生超极化,从而抑制电压依赖性钙通道的激活及抑制钙离子内流,导致平滑肌舒张。近年来研究发现,BKCa通道的激活、失活和变异与多种疾病的发病有关,如BKCa对糖尿病、失血性休克、高血压、妊娠期高血压疾病等具有调控作用。     

脱氢表雄甾酮对COPD大鼠支气管平滑肌细胞钙激活性钾通道的激活作用

目的:对比研究正常及慢性阻塞性肺病(COPD)大鼠支气管平滑肌细胞钙激活性钾(KCa)通道的活性,观察脱氢表雄甾酮(DHEA)对COPD大鼠支气管平滑肌细胞KCa通道的作用。方法:38只雄性SD大鼠随机分为对照组(n=20)和COPD组(n=18),在相对密闭舱内吸入纸烟建立COPD动物模型,采用急性酶分离法分离大鼠支气管平滑肌细胞,应用膜片钳技术,在对称性高钾溶液中,于急性分离的大鼠支气管平滑肌细胞的内面向外式膜片上,分离出KCa电流,比较COPD和对照组的活性,记录DHEA对COPD大鼠支气管平滑肌细胞膜KCa通道活性的激活作用。结果:COPD组KCa活性明显比正常组低(P<0.01),DHEA可明显激活COPD组大鼠支气管平滑肌的KCa电流(P<0.01)。结论:COPD大鼠支气管平滑肌细胞KCa通道活性降低可能在COPD发病机制中起着一定作用,DHEA可以直接激活COPD大鼠支气管平滑肌KCa活性,松驰COPD大鼠支气管平滑肌。     

平滑肌细胞膜的钙激活Cl~-通道

在多种平滑肌上都已发现Ｃａ２＋激活Ｃｌ－通道。胞内游离钙升高是钙激活氯通道的必要条件。多种刺激剂诱导胞内钙库释放钙而同时激活钾通道［ＩＫ（Ｃａ）］和氯通道［ＩＣｌ（Ｃａ）］。平滑肌细胞上激活ＩＣｌ（Ｃａ）的［Ｃａ２＋］ｉ阈值因动物种属和组织差异而不同。用荧光指示剂直接测定大鼠门静脉平滑肌细胞上的［Ｃａ２＋］ｉ得出激活ＩＫ（Ｃａ）的最小［Ｃａ２＋］ｉ应大于７０～８０μｍｏｌ·Ｌ－１,比激活ＩＣｌ（Ｃａ）的最低浓度１８０μｍｏｌ·Ｌ－１要小,因此认为ＩＫ（Ｃａ）要比ＩＣｌ（Ｃａ）对［Ｃａ２＋］ｉ更敏感。胞外钙通过电压依赖性钙通道进入胞内,［Ｃａ２＋］ｉ升高也能激活氯通道。Ｇ蛋白与某些受体偶联激活胞内第二信使ＩＰ３而激活氯通道。钙激活氯通道的电导很小,从全细胞电流分析应小于１０ｐＳ。平滑肌细胞上的氯平衡电位（ＥＣｌ）正于静息膜电位,因此Ｃｌ－通道开放Ｃｌ－外流驱动膜电位向ＥＣｌ方向靠近,形成膜的去极化。Ｃａ２＋激活Ｃｌ－通道开放使细胞膜去极化并引起细胞的兴奋,这种通道在由激素或神经递质引起平滑肌细胞的兴奋过程中起重要作用。     

平滑肌细胞膜的钙激活Cl^1通道

在多种平滑肌上都已发现Ｃａ＾２＋激活Ｃｌ＾－通道。胞内游离钙升高是钙激活氯通道的必要条件。多种刺激剂诱导胞内钙库释放钙而同时激活钾通道〖ＩＫ（Ｃａ）〗和氯通道〖ＩＣｌ（Ｃａ）〗。平滑肌细胞上激活ＩＣｌ（Ｃａ）的〖Ｃａ＾２＋〗ｉ阈值因动物种属和组织差异而不同。用荧光指示剂直接测定大鼠门静脉平滑肌细胞上的〖Ｃａ＾２＋〗ｉ得出激活Ｉｋ（Ｃａ）的最小〖Ｃａ＾２＋〗ｉ应大于７０～８０μｍｏｌ．Ｌ＾－１,比激     

Rho激酶在高血压中的作用及其与容积调节性氯通道的关系

高血压血管平滑肌重构伴随Rho/Rho激酶通路的激活,抑制Rho激酶可逆转血管平滑肌增生以及血压升高。同时,在高血压中有容积调节性氯通道开放,这与Rho激酶通路激活有关。该文就高血压过程中Rho激酶与容积调节性氯通道的关系做一综述。     

茜草素激活Wistar大鼠肾叶间动脉平滑肌细胞大电导钙激活钾通道

目的研究茜草素对大电导钙激活钾通道(large conductance calcium activated potassium channels,BKCa)的调节作用。方法在快速分离的Wistar大鼠肾叶间动脉平滑肌细胞上,应用膜片钳技术研究茜草素对BKCa介导的外向电流的调节情况。结果BK_(Ca)特异性抑制剂伊比利亚毒素(ib TX)抑制茜草素的增强作用(P<0.01);去除细胞外液中的钙离子,L-钙通道抑制剂尼莫地平(nimodipine)、钙离子螯合剂BAPTA-AM和ryanodine均能抑制茜草素对肾叶间动脉平滑肌细胞外向电流的增强作用(P<0.05)。结论茜草素通过激活L-钙通道,促进钙离子由细胞膜外进入胞质,内流的钙离子进一步激活ryanodine受体,引起胞质中钙离子浓度快速升高,激活平滑肌细胞膜BK_(Ca)通道。     

肺源性心脏病发病机制及治疗新观念

慢性肺源性心脏病(肺心病)发生的先决条件是肺动脉高压,有效地控制和降低肺动脉高压可明显影响慢性肺心病患者自然病程和预后。随着现代医学的发展,对慢性肺心病、肺动脉高压的致病机制及治疗有了新的认识。现综述如下。1 肺动脉平滑肌细胞钾通道活性降低 肺动脉平滑肌细胞(SMCs)钾通道有三个亚型,即钙激活性钾通道(Kca)、电压依赖性钾通道(Kv)和ATP敏感性钾通道(Katp)。李为民等研究显示,肺动脉高压患者红细胞Ca2 -     

糖尿病大鼠冠状动脉平滑肌细胞中大电导钙离子激活钾通道电流和钙离子浓度变化

目的探讨糖尿病大鼠冠状动脉平滑肌细胞中大电导钙离子激活钾通道(BK通道)电流及钙离子浓度的变化。方法 40只SD大鼠随机均分为正常对照组(A组)和糖尿病组(B组)。采用链脲霉素腹腔内注射建立糖尿病大鼠模型,酶消化法分离冠状动脉平滑肌细胞,全细胞膜片钳实验和荧光测定方法分别检测冠状动脉平滑肌细胞BK通道电流和钙离子浓度。结果与A组相比,当刺激电压大于60mV时,B组冠状动脉平滑肌细胞BK通道电流密度明显下降(P<0.05);A组冠状动脉平滑肌细胞内钙离子浓度明显低于B组[(103±23)nmol/L vs.(193±22)nmol/L](P<0.05)。结论冠状动脉平滑肌细胞中BK通道电流下降及细胞内钙离子浓度升高可能是糖尿病冠状动脉功能损伤的重要原因。     

Changes of large conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channel current and cytosolic calcium concentrations in coronary artery smooth muscle cells of rats with diabetes

目的 探讨糖尿病大鼠冠状动脉平滑肌细胞中大电导钙离子激活钾通道(BK通道)电流及钙离子浓度的变化.方法 40只SD大鼠随机均分为正常对照组(A组)和糖尿病组(B组).采用链脲霉素腹腔内注射建立糖尿病大鼠模型,酶消化法分离冠状动脉平滑肌细胞,全细胞膜片钳实验和荧光测定方法分别检测冠状动脉平滑肌细胞BK通道电流和钙离子浓度.结果 与A组相比,当刺激电压大于60 mV时,B组冠状动脉平滑肌细胞BK通道电流密度明显下降(P＜0.05);A组冠状动脉平滑肌细胞内钙离子浓度明显低于B组[(103±23) nmol/L vs.(193±22) nmol/L](P＜0.05).结论 冠状动脉平滑肌细胞中BK通道电流下降及细胞内钙离子浓度升高可能是糖尿病冠状动脉功能损伤的重要原因.     

Analysis of Ca2+ entry channels in endothelin-1-induced contraction of rat aorta using new blockers

1) We have recently shown that endothelin-1 (ET-1) activates two types of Ca(2+)-permeable nonselective cation channels (designated NSCC-1 and NSCC-2) and store-operated Ca2+ channel (SOCC). These channels can be pharmacologically discriminated using Ca2+ channel blockers such as SK&F 96365 and LOE 908. Here we characterized Ca2+ entry channels involved in ET-1-induced contractions of rat thoracic aortic rings and increases in the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) of single smooth muscle cells using these blockers. 2) LOE 908 or a blocker of voltage-operated Ca2+ channel nifedipine had no effect on the contractions and increases in [Ca2+]i induced by thapsigargin, whereas SK&F 96365 abolished them. 3) The contractions and increases in [Ca2+]i induced by ET-1 depended on extracellular Ca2+ but were resistant to nifedipine. The responses to lower concentrations (< or = 0.1 nM) of ET-1 were abolished by either SK&F 96365 or LOE 908. The responses to higher concentrations (> or = 1 nM) were abolished by SK&F 96365, but were partially resistant to LOE 908. 4) These results show that the contractions and increases in [Ca2+]i of rat aortic smooth muscles at lower concentrations of ET-1 involve only one Ca2+ entry channel which is sensitive to SK&F 96365 and LOE 908 (NSCC-2), whereas those at higher concentrations of ET-1 involve another Ca2+ entry channel which is sensitive to SK&F 96365 but resistant to LOE 908 (SOCC) in addition to the former channel.     

Pharmacological characterization of Ca2+ entry channels in endothelin-1-induced contraction of rat aorta using LOE 908 and SK&F 96365.

We have recently shown that endothelin-1 (ET-1) activates two types of Ca2+-permeable nonselective cation channels (designated NSCC-1 and NSCC-2) and store-operated Ca2+ channel (SOCC). These channels can be pharmacologically discriminated using Ca2+ channel blockers such as SK&F 96365 and LOE 908. Here we characterized Ca2+ entry channels involved in ET-1-induced contractions of rat thoracic aortic rings and increases in the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) of single smooth muscle cells using these blockers. LOE 908 or a blocker of voltage-operated Ca2+ channel nifedipine had no effect on the contractions and increases in [Ca2+]i induced by thapsigargin or ionomycin, whereas SK&F 96365 abolished them. The contractions and increases in [Ca2+]i induced by ET-1 depended on extracellular Ca2+ but were resistant to nifedipine. The responses to lower concentrations (< or =0.1 nM) of ET-1 were abolished by either SK&F 96365 or LOE 908. The responses to higher concentrations (> or = 1 nM) were abolished by SK&F 96365, but were partially resistant to LOE 908. SK&F 96365 inhibited the LOE 908-resistant contractions induced by higher concentrations of ET-1 with IC50 values similar to those for contractions induced by thapsigargin or ionomycin. These results show that the contractions and increases in [Ca2+]i of rat aortic smooth muscles at lower concentrations of ET-1 involve only one Ca2+ entry channel which is sensitive to SK&F 96365 and LOE 908 (NSCC-2), whereas those at higher concentrations of ET-1 involve another Ca2+ entry channel which is sensitive to SK&F 96365 but resistant to LOE 908 (SOCC) in addition to the former channel.     

Azithromycin inhibits muscarinic 2 receptor‐activated and voltage‐activated Ca2+ permeant ion channels and Ca2+ sensitization,relaxing airway smooth muscle contraction

Azithromycin (AZM) has been used for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); however, the effects and underlying mechanisms of AZM remain largely unknown. The effects of AZM on airway smooth muscles (ASMs) and the underlying mechanisms were studied using isometric muscle force measurements, the examination of lung slices, imaging, and patch‐clamp techniques. AZM completely inhibited acetylcholine (ACH)‐induced precontraction of ASMs in animals (mice, guinea pigs, and rabbits) and humans. Two other macrolide antibiotics, roxithromycin and Klaricid, displayed a decreased inhibitory activity, and the aminoglycoside antibiotics penicillin and streptomycin did not have an inhibitory effect. Precontractions were partially inhibited by nifedipine (selective inhibitor of L‐type voltage‐dependent Ca²⁺ channels (LVDCCs)), Pyr3 (selective inhibitor of TRPC3 and/or STIM/Orai channels, which are nonselective cation channels (NSCCs)), and Y‐27632 (selective inhibitor of Rho‐associated kinase (ROCK)). Moreover, LVDCC‐ and NSCC‐mediated currents were inhibited by AZM, and the latter were suppressed by the muscarinic (M) 2 receptor inhibitor methoctramine. AZM inhibited LVDCC Ca²⁺ permeant ion channels, M2 receptors, and TRPC3 and/or STIM/Orai, which decreased cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentrations and led to muscle relaxation. This relaxation was also enhanced by the inhibition of Ca²⁺ sensitization. Therefore, AZM has potential as a novel and potent bronchodilator. The findings of this study improve the understanding of the effects of AZM on asthma and COPD.     

Osteoclast ion channels: potential targets for antiresorptive drugs

This review summarizes the types of ion channels that have been identified in osteoclasts and considers their potential as targets for therapeutic agents aimed at the treatment of osteoporosis and other bone disorders. We focus on channels that have been identified using molecular and electrophysiological approaches. Numerous ion channels have been characterized, including K(+), H(+), Na(+), nonselective cation and Cl(-) channels. K(+) channels include an inward rectifier K(+) channel (Kir2.1) that is regulated by G proteins, and a transient outward rectifier K(+) channel (Kv1.3) that is regulated by cell-matrix interactions and by extracellular cations such as Ca(2+) and H(+). In addition, two classes of Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels have been described--large and intermediate conductance channels, which are activated by increases of cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration. Other channels include stretch-activated nonselective cation channels and voltage-activated H(+) channels. A recent revelation is the presence of ligand-gated channels in osteoclasts, including P2X nucleotide receptors and glutamate-activated channels. Osteoclasts also exhibit an outwardly rectifying Cl(-) current that is activated by cell swelling. Kir2.1 and Cl(-) channels may be essential for resorptive activity because they provide pathways to compensate for charge accumulation arising from the electrogenic transport of H(+). As in other cell types, osteoclast ion channels also play important roles in setting the membrane potential, signal transduction and cell volume regulation. These channels represent potential targets for the development of antiresorptive drugs.     

Receptor-operated cation channels formed by TRPC4 and TRPC5

TRPC4 and TRPC5 form cation channels that contribute to phospholipase C-dependent Ca²⁺ entry following stimulation of G-protein-coupled receptors or receptor tyrosine kinases. Surprisingly, in different studies, TRPC4 and TRPC5 have been shown to form either store-operated channels with a relatively high Ca²⁺ permeability, or nonselective cation channels activated independently of store depletion. In this review, we summarize and discuss data on the regulation and permeability properties of TRPC4 and TRPC5, and data on native channels that might be composed of these isoforms.     

Physiological roles and properties of potassium channels in corporal smooth muscle

Decreased penile vascular resistance induced by corporal smooth muscle relaxation is the most important step in penile erection. The heightened tone of the corporal smooth muscles is considered a major cause in impotence. Modulation of corporal smooth muscle tone is a complex process requiring the integration of a host of intracellular events and extracellular signals. In intracellular events of corporal smooth muscle cell, the potassium channels and calcium channels play a major role. Functionally, potassium channels are important regulators of smooth muscle membrane potential in response to depolarizing stimuli and they counteract calcium channels. Potassium channels have been shown to play a fundamental role in both the physiologic and pathophysiologic regulation of smooth muscle tone in diverse tissues. Among the several subtypes of potassium channels, the calcium-sensitive (K(Ca)) or maxi-K potassium channel subtypes are thought to be the most physiologically relevant in human corporal smooth muscle. Because of the physiological role of maxi-K channels in human corporal smooth muscles, we investigated the maxi-K channels for the genetic therapy of erectile dysfunction. These data indicate that naked hSlo DNA of maxi-K channels is quite easily incorporated into corporal smooth muscle and expression of the maxi-K hSlo cDNA appeared to be sustained for 1-4 months postinjection. These results show the possibility of a similar genetic strategy of potassium channels in humans.     

Contribution of Rho-kinase to membrane excitability of murine colonic smooth muscle

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The Rho-kinase pathway regulates agonist-induced contractions in several smooth muscles, including the intestine, urinary bladder and uterus, via dynamic changes in the Ca²⁺ sensitivity of the contractile apparatus. However, there is evidence that Rho-kinase also modulates other cellular effectors such as ion channels.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

We examined the regulation of colonic smooth muscle excitability by Rho-kinase using conventional microelectrode recording, isometric force measurements and patch-clamp techniques.

KEY RESULTS

The Rho-kinase inhibitors, Y-27632 and H-1152, decreased nerve-evoked on- and off-contractions elicited at a range of frequencies and durations. The Rho-kinase inhibitors decreased the spontaneous contractions and the responses to carbachol and substance P independently of neuronal inputs, suggesting Y-27632 acts directly on smooth muscle. The Rho-kinase inhibitors significantly reduced the depolarization in response to carbachol, an effect that cannot be due to regulation of Ca²⁺ sensitization. Patch-clamp experiments showed that Rho-kinase inhibitors reduce GTPγS-activated non-selective cation currents.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

The Rho-kinase inhibitors decreased contractions evoked by nerve stimulation, carbachol and substance P. These effects were not solely due to inhibition of the Ca²⁺ sensitization pathway, as the Rho-kinase inhibitors also inhibited the non-selective cation conductances activated by excitatory transmitters. Thus, Rho-kinase may regulate smooth muscle excitability mechanisms by regulating non-selective cation channels as well as changing the Ca²⁺ sensitivity of the contractile apparatus.     

TRP Channels in Respiratory Pathophysiology: The Role of Oxidative,Chemical Irritant and Temperature Stimuli

There is rapidly growing evidence indicating multiple and important roles of Ca²⁺-permeable cation TRP channels in the airways, both under normal and disease conditions. The aim of this review was to summarize the current knowledge of TRP channels in sensing oxidative, chemical irritant and temperature stimuli by discussing expression and function of several TRP channels in relevant cell types within the respiratory tract, ranging from sensory neurons to airway smooth muscle and epithelial cells. Several of these channels, such as TRPM2, TRPM8, TRPA1 and TRPV1, are discussed in much detail to show that they perform diverse, and often overlapping or contributory, roles in airway hyperreactivity, inflammation, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other respiratory disorders. These include TRPM2 involvement in the disruption of the bronchial epithelial tight junctions during oxidative stress, important roles of TRPA1 and TRPV1 channels in airway inflammation, hyperresponsiveness, chronic cough, and hyperplasia of airway smooth muscles, as well as TRPM8 role in COPD and mucus hypersecretion. Thus, there is increasing evidence that TRP channels not only function as an integral part of the important endogenous protective mechanisms of the respiratory tract capable of detecting and ensuring proper physiological responses to various oxidative, chemical irritant and temperature stimuli, but that altered expression, activation and regulation of these channels may also contribute to the pathogenesis of respiratory diseases.     

Effects of U-37883A on intracellular Ca2+ -activated large-conductance K+ channels in pig proximal urethral myocytes

Kinetic studies of U-37883A (4-morpholinecarboximidine-N-1-adamantyl-N'-cyclohexyl-hydrochloride), a vascular ATP-sensitive K+ channel (KATP channel) blocker, were performed on pig urethral myocytes to investigate inhibitory effects on large-conductance intracellular Ca2+ -sensitive K+ channels (i.e., BKCa channels; 225 pS K+ channels) by use of single-channel recordings (outside-out and inside-out configuration). BKCa channels in pig urethral smooth muscles showed extracellular iberiotoxin (300 nM) sensitivity and voltage dependency. The alpha subunit of BKCa channel proteins was detected in the membrane fraction by use of Western blot technique. Application of U-37883A (> or =10 microM) reduced the activity of BKCa channels in a concentration-dependent manner, not only by decreasing mean openlife time but also by prolonging the mean closed time. These results shows that U-37883A affects channels other than the vascular KATP channel, and demonstrates how it inhibits the activities of BKCa channels in urethral smooth muscles.     

TRP channels in airway smooth muscle as therapeutic targets

Cation channels are of fundamental importance in regulating the function of airway smooth cells especially bronchoconstriction in response to spasmogens, and are therefore key players in the pathogenesis of asthma. To date, the identity of these cation channels remains a mystery. However, the recently emerged transient receptor potential (TRP) cation channel family has provided several promising channel candidates. The identification of the key TRP channels involved in regulating airway smooth muscle contractility, and therefore airway tone, could provide new and exciting prospects for the development of novel therapies for the treatment of airway diseases such as asthma.