P-type voltage-dependent calcium channel mediates presynaptic calcium influx and transmitter release in mammalian synapses.

We have studied the effect of the purified toxin from the funnel-web spider venom (FTX) and its synthetic analog (sFTX) on transmitter release and presynaptic currents at the mouse neuromuscular junction. FTX specifically blocks the omega-conotoxin- and dihydropyridine-insensitive P-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel (VDCC) in cerebellar Purkinje cells. Mammalian neuromuscular transmission, which is insensitive to N- or L-type Ca2+ channel blockers, was effectively abolished by FTX and sFTX. These substances blocked the muscle contraction and the neurotransmitter release evoked by nerve stimulation. Moreover, presynaptic Ca2+ currents recorded extracellularly from the interior of the perineural sheaths of nerves innervating the mouse levator auris muscle were specifically blocked by both natural toxin and synthetic analogue. In a parallel set of experiments, K(+)-induced Ca45 uptake by brain synaptosomes was also shown to be blocked or greatly diminished by FTX and sFTX. These results indicate that the predominant VDCC in the motor nerve terminals, and possibly in a significant percentage of brain synapses, is the P-type channel.     

Spatial localization of calcium channels in giant fiber lobe neurons of the squid (Loligo opalescens).

Whole-cell voltage clamp was used to investigate the properties and spatial distribution of fast-deactivating (FD) Ca channels in squid giant fiber lobe (GFL) neurons. Squid FD Ca channels are reversibly blocked by the spider toxin omega-Agatoxin IVA with an IC50 of 240-420 nM with no effect on the kinetics of Ca channel gating. Channels with very similar properties are expressed in both somatic and axonal domains of cultured GFL neurons, but FD Ca channel conductance density is higher in axonal bulbs than in cell bodies at all times in culture. Channels presumably synthesized during culture are preferentially expressed in the growing bulbs, but bulbar Ca conductance density remains constant while Na conductance density increases, suggesting that processes determining the densities of Ca and Na channels in this extrasomatic domain are largely independent. These observations suggest that growing axonal bulbs in cultured GFL neurons are not composed entirely of "axonal" membranes because FD Ca channels are absent from the giant axon in situ but, rather, suggest a potential role for FD Ca channels in mediating neurotransmitter release at the motor terminals of the giant axon.     

L- and T-type Ca2+ channels in canine cardiac Purkinje cells. Single-channel demonstration of L-type Ca2+ window current.

Canine cardiac Purkinje cells contain both L- and T-type calcium currents, yet the single Ca2+ channels have not been characterized from these cells. Additionally, previous studies have shown an overlap between the steady-state inactivation and activations curves for L-type Ca2+ currents, suggesting the presence of L-type Ca2+ "window" current. We used the on-cell, patch-clamp technique to study Ca2+ channels from isolated cardiac Purkinje cells. Patches contained one or more Ca2+ channels 75% of the time. L-type channels were seen in 69% and T-type channels in 73% of these patches. With 110 mM Ba2+ as the charge carrier, the conductances of the L- and T-type Ca2+ channels were 24.2 +/- 0.8 pS (n = 9) and 9.0 +/- 0.5 pS (n = 8), respectively (mean +/- SEM). With 110 mM Ca2+ as the charge carrier, the conductance of the L-type Ca2+ channel decreased to 9.7 +/- 1.2 pS (n = 4), whereas the T-type Ca2+ channel conductance was unchanged. Voltage-dependent inactivation was shown for both L- and T-type Ca2+ channels, although for L-type Ca2+ channel with Ba2+ as the charge carrier, inactivation took at least 30 seconds at a potential of +40 mV. After channel inactivation was complete, L-type Ca2+ channel reopenings were observed following repolarizing steps into the window voltage range. Thus, our data identify both L- and T-type Ca2+ channels in cardiac Purkinje cells and demonstrate, at the single-channel level, L-type channel transitions expected for a window current. Window current may play an important role in shaping the action potential and in arrhythmogenesis.     

Reconstitution in planar lipid bilayers of a Ca2+-dependent K+ channel from transverse tubule membranes isolated from rabbit skeletal muscle.

Addition of membrane vesicles prepared from transverse tubule (T-tubule) membranes of rabbit skeletal muscle to the aqueous phase of a planar lipid bilayer induces a stepwise increase in conductance. This conductance is both voltage and Ca2+ dependent. At 1 mM Ca2+, the steady-state conductance is maximal at voltages higher than +20 mV and decreases for more negative voltages. (Voltages refer to the side to which the vesicles are added, cis) Decreasing the Ca2+ concentration reversibly shifts the conductance-voltage curve toward the right along the voltage axis. Furthermore, Ca2+ can activate the conductance only if added to the cis compartment. Neither Mg2+, Ba2+, nor Cd2+ can activate the conductance induced by T-tubule vesicles. Addition of 5 mM tetraethylammonium ion to the trans, but not the cis, side abolishes the T-tubule-induced conductance. The Ca2+-dependent conductance appears as a consequence of ionic channel formation. Single-channel activity appears in bursts followed by periods of time in which the channel remains "silent". The conductance of the open channel averages 226 pS in 0.1 M KC1 and is voltage and Ca2+ independent. However, the fraction of time that the channel remains in the open state is voltage and Ca2+ dependent in a manner that parallels the voltage and Ca2+ dependence of the multichannel membrane. The channel is 6.6 times more permeable to K+ than to Na+ and is impermeable to C1-.     

Ca2+-activated synexin forms highly selective, voltage-gated Ca2+ channels in phosphatidylserine bilayer membranes.

Synexin, a cytosolic protein that mediates Ca2+-dependent membrane fusion, was incorporated into acidic phospholipid bilayers, formed at the tip of a patch pipet. The pipet was filled with a high-Ca2+ solution (50 mM) and immersed in a chamber containing a low-Ca2+ solution (1 mM). Brief exposures of the bilayer to synexin increased the capacitance of the bilayer by a factor of 10 and decreased the membrane resistance by a factor of 20. Reduction of Ca2+ in the chamber to 1 microM caused an abrupt increase in the current required to hold the pipet potential at 0 mV. Under certain conditions channel events could be detected, often occurring in bursts. Consistently, open-time histograms were found to be voltage-dependent and to exhibit one time constant in the time range examined here. The slope conductance for the synexin channel was estimated as 10.2 +/- 2.1 pS for the large Ca2+ gradient with low chamber Ca2+. However, for symmetrical, low-Cl- solutions containing 25 mM Ca2+ the conductance was 26.5 +/- 5.2 pS. Ion-replacement studies showed the synexin channel to much prefer Ca2+ over Ba2+ or Mg2+. Cd2+, a potent blocker of other voltage-gated Ca2+ channels at 100 microM, blocked synexin channels only at very high concentrations (greater than or equal to 10 mM). Similarly, nifedipine, an inhibitor of the nonactivating Ca2+ channel, was effective only at extremely high concentrations (greater than 300 microM). The high selectivity for Ca2+ and the lack of response of the channel to various drugs known to block Ca2+ channels thus distinguish the synexin channel from other types of Ca2+ channels hitherto reported.     

Role of the C2A domain of synaptotagmin in transmitter release as determined by specific antibody injection into the squid giant synapse preterminal.

Squid synaptotagmin (Syt) cDNA, including its open reading frame, was cloned and polyclonal antibodies were obtained in rabbits immunized with glutathione S-transferase (GST)-Syt-C2A. Binding assays indicated that the antibody, anti-Syt-C2A, recognized squid Syt and inhibited the Ca(2+)-dependent phospholipid binding to the C2A domain. This antibody, when injected into the preterminal at the squid giant synapse, blocked transmitter release in a manner similar to that previously reported for the presynaptic injection of members of the inositol high-polyphosphate series. The block was not accompanied by any change in the presynaptic action potential or the amplitude or voltage dependence of the presynaptic Ca2+ current. The postsynaptic potential was rather insensitive to repetitive presynaptic stimulation, indicating a direct effect of the antibody on the transmitter release system. Following block of transmitter release, confocal microscopical analysis of the preterminal junction injected with rhodamine-conjugated anti-Syt-C2A demonstrated fluorescent spots at the inner surface of the presynaptic plasmalemma next to the active zones. Structural analysis of the same preparations demonstrated an accumulation of synaptic vesicles corresponding in size and distribution to the fluorescent spots demonstrated confocally. Together with the finding that such antibody prevents Ca2+ binding to a specific receptor in the C2A domain, these results indicate that Ca2+ triggers transmitter release by activating the C2A domain of Syt. We conclude that the C2A domain is directly related to the fusion of synaptic vesicles that results in transmitter release.     

Characteristics of two basolateral potassium channel populations in human colonic crypts.

The basolateral membrane of human colonic crypt cells contains Ca2+ and cAMP activated, Ba2+ blockable, low conductance (23 pS) K+ channels, which probably play an important part in intestinal Cl- secretion. This study has defined more clearly the basolateral K+ conductive properties of human colonic crypts using patch clamp recording techniques. High conductance (138 pS) K+ channels were seen in 25% of patches (one or two channels per patch), and significantly inhibited by the addition of 5 mM Ba2+, 1 mM quinidine or 20 mM tetraethylammonium chloride (TEA) to the cytosolic side of excised inside-out patches, whereas 1 mM diphenylamine-2-carboxylic acid (DPC) had no effect. In contrast, clusters of the 23 pS K+ channel (two to six channels per patch) were present in > 75% of patches, and channel activity was inhibited by quinidine and DPC, but not by TEA. Activity of the 138 pS K+ channel in inside-out patches was abolished almost completely by removal of bath Ca2+, but in contrast with its effect on the 23 pS K+ channel, addition of 0.1 mM carbachol had no effect on the 138 pS K+ channel in cell attached patches. It is concluded that human colonic crypt cells possess two discrete basolateral K+ channel populations, which can be distinguished by their responses to K+ channel blockers, and their different sensitivities to changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration.     

Multiple types of Ca2+ currents in single canine Purkinje cells

Whole-cell Ca2+ channel currents were recorded from isolated single canine Purkinje and ventricular cells to determine whether there were multiple types of Ca2+ channels in these two cell types, as in many other excitable tissues. The experimental conditions were such that currents other than Ca2+ channel currents were largely suppressed. The charge carrier was either Ca2+ or Ba2+ (5mM). In every canine Purkinje cell studied (n = 36), we saw T and L Ca2+ channel currents that are similar to their counterparts in other tissues. Neither current was affected by tetrodotoxin (30 microM), but both were reduced by Mn2+ (5mM). Ni2+ (50 microM) blocked T more than L current. Nisoldipine (1 microM) apparently abolished the L current but also decreased the T current by 50%. Substitution of Ba2+ for Ca2+ augmented and prolonged L current but did not affect T current significantly. At 36 degrees C and with 5 mM [Ca2+]o, T current inactivated over a voltage range from -70 to -30 mV whereas L current inactivated between -30 and +20 mV. T current was detectable in only some of the ventricular cells studied (8 out of 12). In these cells the ratio of maximal T current to maximal L current (0.2 +/- 0.1, n = 8) was lower than the T/L ratio in Purkinje cells (0.6 +/- 0.2, n = 6). The density of peak L current in ventricular cells (7.5 +/- 1.7 pA/pF, n = 8) was higher than that in Purkinje cells (4.4 +/- 3.4 pA/pF, n = 6). Therefore, in ventricular cells the L current is the main Ca2+ current whereas in Purkinje cells, the T current also contributes significantly to membrane electrical activity. In Purkinje cells, beta-adrenoceptor stimulation by isoproterenol (1 microM) increased L current but did not affect T current. On the other hand, in 70% (7 out of 10) of the Purkinje cells, alpha-adrenoceptor stimulation by 10 microM norepinephrine (in the presence of 2 microM propranolol) increased the T current. Our observations show that the distribution of the two types of Ca2+ channels in canine ventricle is heterogeneous and that the two types of Ca2+ channels are modulated by catecholamines by different receptors.     

Patch clamp recordings of single ion channel activation by gonadotrophin-releasing hormone in ovine pituitary gonadotrophs

Gonadotrophs of the ovine pars tuberalis have been studied using the patch clamp technique for recording of single ion channel currents. We report that gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) acts on these cells to open an inward-current cation channel which is permeable to Ca2+. When measured in cell-attached patches with 5 mM extracellular Ca2+, the GnRH-activated channel has a unit slope conductance of 8.0 +/- 2.6 pS (range 4-14 pS). The channel conductance is increased to 13.6 +/- 2.4 pS when the external medium contains 95 mM Ba2+ as the charge carrier. GnRH action appears to be mediated through an internal messenger system, since GnRH does not need to be in direct contact with these channels in order to cause their opening. This internal messenger system is unlikely to be Ca2+ itself. In addition, two other voltage-dependent outward-current channels have also been detected, both of which are permeable to K+, but differentiated in the cell-attached recording mode by widely different conductance values of 20-30 and 100-120 pS, respectively, and a reversal potential of -90 to -100 mV. The higher conductance channel is sensitive to internal Ca2+, and its probability of opening is increased in the presence of GnRH.     

Barium-induced LH release from chicken pituitary cells: synergism with phorbol ester

Barium is known to elicit secretion in a number of cell systems. The mechanism of Ba2+ stimulation of LH release in cultured chicken pituitary cells was investigated in the present study. Barium-stimulated LH release was inhibited by extracellular Ca2+, indicating that Ba2+ does not act by stimulating Ca2+ entry. Simultaneous stimulation of the cells with Ba2+ and phorbol ester produced a synergistic response, similar to the synergism obtained with phorbol ester and treatments which increase cytosolic Ca2+. Both Ba2+-stimulated LH release and the synergism of Ba2+ with phorbol ester were inhibited by calcium channel blockers (Co2+, methoxyverapamil and nifedipine) and by calmodulin antagonists (trifluoperazine and chlorpromazine). These results indicate that the actions of Ba2+ are dependent on its entry through Ca2+ channels, and suggest that calmodulin activation is necessary for the synergism between Ba2+ and phorbol ester. Thus, synergism does not result from a direct effect of divalent cations on C-kinase.     

Impaired motor coordination and Purkinje cell excitability in mice lacking calretinin

In the cerebellum, the parallel fiber-Purkinje cell synapse can undergo long-term synaptic plasticity suggested to underlie motor learning and resulting from variations in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i). Ca2+ binding proteins are enriched in the cerebellum, but their role in information processing is not clear. Here, we show that mice deficient in calretinin (Cr-/-) are impaired in tests of motor coordination. An impairment in Ca2+ homeostasis in Cr-/- Purkinje cells was supported by the high Ca2+-saturation of calbindin-D28k in these cells. The firing behavior of Purkinje cells is severely affected in Cr-/- alert mice, with alterations of simple spike firing rate, complex spike duration, and simple spike pause. In contrast, in slices, transmission at parallel fiber- or climbing fiber-Purkinje cell synapses is unaltered, indicating that marked modifications of the firing behavior in vivo can be undetectable in slice. Thus, these results show that calretinin plays a major role at the network level in cerebellar physiology.     

P-type Ca2+ channels mediate excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmitter release in crayfish muscle.

The toxin fraction (FTX) and peptide omega-Aga-IVA from the venom of the funnel-web spider Agelenopsis aperta, as well as a synthetic analogue of FTX, specifically block the P-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel (VDCC). The effects of these toxins on synaptic transmission were studied in the neuromuscular synapses of the crayfish opener muscle, which has a single excitatory and a single inhibitory motoneuron. FTX selectively and reversibly blocked excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic currents and potentials in a dose-dependent manner. FTX had no effect on (i) resting and postsynaptic membrane conductance, (ii) postsynaptic L-type VDCC, and (iii) both glutamate- and gamma-aminobutyric acid-induced postsynaptic responses. Mean amplitude and frequency of miniature postsynaptic potentials were unchanged by FTX. The postsynaptic VDCC was inhibited by nifedipine, a selective dihydropyridine antagonist of L-type VDCC, whereas synaptic transmission was unaffected. Transmission was also undisturbed by omega-conotoxin, suggesting that N-type VDCCs are not involved. The peptide omega-Aga-IVA blocked excitatory and inhibitory transmission without affecting postsynaptic VDCC. Synaptic transmission was also blocked by synthetic FTX. We conclude that presynaptic P-type VDCCs are involved in both evoked excitatory and inhibitory transmitter release in crayfish neuromuscular synapses.     

Purified skeletal muscle 1,4-dihydropyridine receptor forms phosphorylation-dependent oligomeric calcium channels in planar bilayers.

The purified 1,4-dihydropyridine receptor from skeletal muscle has been incorporated into planar bilayers, and its channel characteristics have been investigated. Conductances showed the characteristics of an L-type Ca2+ channel: divalent cation selectivity (PBa/PNa approximately equal to 30), blockage of Na+ conductance by micromolar Ca2+, and blockage of the Ca2+ channel by D890 and by Cd2+. The alpha 1 subunit of the receptor must be phosphorylated by the cAMP-dependent protein kinase to give channel activity. BAY K 8644 did not activate nonphosphorylated channels, and (+)-PN200-110 caused dramatic prolongation of mean open times when applied after phosphorylation. Channel properties were found to be dependent on association of receptor molecules in the bilayer. Single receptor molecules form channels of 0.9 pS (100 mM Ba2+) and show no voltage-dependent gating. Upon association, both voltage-dependent gating and higher conductance events are recovered; stabilized conductance levels assume values of even multiples of 0.9 pS, predominately 7.5 and 15 pS and multiples of these values up to 60 pS. Thus, individual channels become functionally coupled (synchronous opening and closing) with association, reinstating the characteristics of one larger unitary channel. It is concluded that the L-type Ca2+ channel represents an oligomer of 1,4-dihydropyridine-receptor protein complexes, each of which constitutes a channel, where the array of channels (oligochannel) opens and closes in concerted action.     

Micromolar-affinity benzodiazepine receptors regulate voltage-sensitive calcium channels in nerve terminal preparations.

Benzodiazepines in micromolar concentrations significantly inhibit depolarization-sensitive Ca2+ uptake in intact nerve-terminal preparations. Benzodiazepine inhibition of Ca2+ uptake is concentration dependent and stereospecific. Micromolar-affinity benzodiazepine receptors have been identified and characterized in brain membrane and shown to be distinct from nanomolar-affinity benzodiazepine receptors. Evidence is presented that micromolar, and not nanomolar, benzodiazepine binding sites mediate benzodiazepine inhibition of Ca2+ uptake. Irreversible binding to micromolar benzodiazepine binding sites also irreversibly blocked depolarization-dependent Ca2+ uptake in synaptosomes, indicating that these compounds may represent a useful marker for identifying the molecular components of Ca2+ channels in brain. Characterization of benzodiazepine inhibition of Ca2+ uptake demonstrates that these drugs function as Ca2+ channel antagonists, because benzodiazepines effectively blocked voltage-sensitive Ca2+ uptake inhibited by Mn2+, Co2+, verapamil, nitrendipine, and nimodipine. These results indicate that micromolar benzodiazepine binding sites regulate voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels in brain membrane and suggest that some of the neuronal stabilizing effects of micromolar benzodiazepine receptors may be mediated by the regulation of Ca2+ conductance.     

Incorporation of calcium channels from cardiac sarcolemmal membrane vesicles into planar lipid bilayers.

When purified porcine cardiac sarcolemmal membrane vesicles are incorporated into planar lipid bilayers formed at the tip of patch electrode pipettes, individual divalent cation channels can be monitored. Channel activity is increased in the presence of the Ca2+ channel agonist Bay K 8644, is voltage dependent, and selects for divalent cations over anions. The activity does not inactivate because it is maintained during prolonged depolarizations. Determination of divalent cation selectivity from the reversal potential of single-channel currents indicates a relative permeability ratio for Ba/Ca/Mg of 1:0.45:0.08. Mean channel conductance in 0.1 M Ba2+/0.01 M Mg2+ is 8 pS. Channels are reversibly blocked by the Ca2+ channel inhibitor nitrendipine, and inhibition can be competitively antagonized by Bay K 8644. Binding studies with 3H-labeled D-600 demonstrate the presence of high-affinity receptors for D-600 in sarcolemmal membranes (Kd = 6.4 X 10(-9) M; Bmax = 3 pmol per mg of protein). In addition, experiments with resolved D-600 stereoisomers indicate that (-)D-600 is at least 25-fold more potent than (+)D-600 in competing for this aralkyl amine receptor. Consistent with this, (-)D-600 is much more effective than the (+) isomer in inhibiting bilayer-incorporated channels. These results demonstrate that the divalent cation channel that has been reconstituted in planar lipid bilayers possesses many of the characteristics of voltage-regulated Ca2+ channels in heart and suggest that receptors for Ca2+ entry blockers are functionally associated with this channel.     

Voltage-dependent Ca2+ influx into right-side-out plasma membrane vesicles isolated from wheat roots: characterization of a putative Ca2+ channel.

We report on the identification of a voltage-dependent Ca2+ transport system that mediates Ca2+ influx across the plasma membrane (PM) of wheat (Triticum aestivum) root cells. The experimental approach involved the imposition of transmembrane electrical potentials (via K+ diffusion potentials) in populations of purified, right-side-out PM vesicles isolated from wheat roots. Using 45Ca2+ to quantify Ca2+ influx into the PM vesicles, the voltage-dependent characteristics of Ca2+ transport were found to be similar to those exhibited by L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels in animal cells. The putative PM Ca2+ channel opened upon depolarization of the membrane potential, and Ca2+ flux increased to a maximum upon further depolarization and then decreased back to zero upon further successive depolarizations. This channel was found to be selective for Ca2+ over Mg2+, Sr2+, K+, and Na+; was blocked by very low concentrations of La3+; was unaffected by high concentrations of the K+ channel blocker tetraethylammonium; and exhibited Michaelis-Menten-type transport kinetics. Based on these transport properties, we argue that this transport system is a PM Ca2+ channel. We suggest that the use of radiotracer flux analysis of voltage-clamped PM vesicles derived from plant roots is a straightforward approach for the characterization of certain voltage-gated ion channels functioning in cellular membranes of higher plant cells.     

Are the presynaptic membrane particles the calcium channels?

The number of large intramembrane particles associated with sites of synaptic vesicle release at the squid giant synapse was determined and compared to the average maximal presynaptic calcium current in order to derive an estimate of the conductance each particle would have if it were a calcium channel. This value, 0.21 pS, compares favorably with conductances of calcium channels in other preparations, substantiating the idea that the large intramembrane particles, which are concentrated at "active zones," represent calcium channels.     

A Ca2+-activated channel from Xenopus laevis oocyte membranes reconstituted into planar bilayers.

Plasma membrane fractions from Xenopus laevis oocytes were incorporated into planar lipid bilayers. We show the existence of numerous Ca2+-activated nonspecific channels that are more permeable to anions. These channels are activated by Ca2+ at micromolar concentration but not by Mg2+, Zn2+, or Mn2+, even at millimolar concentrations. Decreasing Ca2+ concentration to less than 1 microM decreases the time of channel opening until channels close completely in the absence of Ca2+ and in the presence of EGTA. I- and Br- are more permeable through this channel than Cl-. The time during which the channels remain open is also voltage-dependent, with the channels switching off at higher voltages in both polarities. Single-channel activity shows a conductance of 380 pS in 1 M NaCl and 1 mM CaCl2, with an average open lifetime of 1.5 s at 40 mV. Similar channels are found in different stages of oocyte maturation. These observations support the hypothesis that an increase in oocyte-free Ca2+ activates directly these channels, and the resultant Cl- efflux forms the ionic basis for the fertilization potential in X. laevis.     

Crosstalk between voltage-independent Ca2+ channels and L-type Ca2+ channels in A7r5 vascular smooth muscle cells at elevated intracellular pH: evidence for functional coupling between L-type Ca2+ channels and a 2-APB-sensitive cation channel

This study was designed to investigate the role of voltage-independent and voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels in the Ca2+ signaling associated with intracellular alkalinization in A7r5 vascular smooth muscle cells. Extracellular administration of ammonium chloride (20 mmol/L) resulted in elevation of intracellular pH and activation of a sustained Ca2+ entry that was inhibited by 2-amino-ethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB, 200 micromol/L) but not by verapamil (10 micro;mol/L). Alkalosis-induced Ca2+ entry was mediated by a voltage-independent cation conductance that allowed permeation of Ca2+ (PCa/PNa approximately 6), and was associated with inhibition of L-type Ca2+ currents. Alkalosis-induced inhibition of L-type Ca2+ currents was dependent on the presence of extracellular Ca2+ and was prevented by expression of a dominant-negative mutant of calmodulin. In the absence of extracellular Ca2+, with Ba2+ or Na+ as charge carrier, intracellular alkalosis failed to inhibit but potentiated L-type Ca2+ channel currents. Inhibition of Ca2+ currents through voltage-independent cation channels by 2-APB prevented alkalosis-induced inhibition of L-type Ca2+ currents. Similarly, 2-APB prevented vasopressin-induced activation of nonselective cation channels and inhibition of L-type Ca2+ currents. We suggest the existence of a pH-controlled Ca2+ entry pathway that governs the activity of smooth muscle L-type Ca2+ channels due to control of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent negative feedback regulation. This Ca2+ entry pathway exhibits striking similarity with the pathway activated by stimulation of phospholipase-C-coupled receptors, and may involve a similar type of cation channel. We demonstrate for the first time the tight functional coupling between these voltage-independent Ca2+ channels and classical voltage-gated L-type Ca2+ channels.     

Properties of a potassium channel in cultured human gastric cells (HGT-1) possessing specific omeprazole binding sites.

The HGT-1 human gastric cell line is similar to acid secreting parietal cells in that it possesses H2 receptors, histamine sensitive adenyl cyclase, and Cl- channels, which are activated by histamine by a cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) dependent mechanism. To discover if HGT-1 cells have additional properties found in parietal cells, [3H]omeprazole and patch clamp recording techniques were used to evaluate specific omeprazole binding sites and K+ channels in the plasma membrane. HGT-1 cells exhibited [3H]omeprazole binding in the non-stimulated state, which increased 100% in the presence of 1 mM histamine. High conductance (about 155 pS) K+ channels were active spontaneously in 17% of cell attached or excised inside out patches in non-stimulated subconfluent HGT-1 cells. In inside out patches, channel activity increased fivefold during depolarisation, ion substitution experiments confirmed that the channels were highly selective for K+, and channel activity was almost abolished by removal of Ca2+ or addition of 5 mM Ba2+. In quiescent cell attached patches, 0.1 mM dibutyryl cAMP failed to activate K+ channels. In contrast, 6.7 microM A23187 (a Ca2+ ionophore) increased intracellular Ca2+ concentration from mean (SEM) 14 (3) nM to 248 (30) nM and activated K+ channels in 21% of patches. It is concluded that the plasma membrane of HGT-1 cells possesses (a) specific 3H-omeprazole binding sites, which may reflect the omeprazole sensitive H+,K(+)-ATPase present in gastric parietal cells; and (b) Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels, which may be located in the basolateral membrane of human gastric parietal cells and play a part in acid secretion triggered by Ca(2+)-mediated secretory agonists.