NMDA receptor activity downregulates KCC2 resulting in depolarizing GABAA receptor-mediated currents

KCC2 is a neuron-specific K(+)-Cl(-) co-transporter that maintains a low intracellular Cl(-) concentration that is essential for hyperpolarizing inhibition mediated by GABA(A) receptors. Deficits in KCC2 activity occur in disease states associated with pathophysiological glutamate release. However, the mechanisms by which elevated glutamate alters KCC2 function are unknown. The phosphorylation of KCC2 residue Ser940 is known to regulate its surface activity. We found that NMDA receptor activity and Ca(2+) influx caused the dephosphorylation of Ser940 in dissociated rat neurons, leading to a loss of KCC2 function that lasted longer than 20 min. Protein phosphatase 1 mediated the dephosphorylation events of Ser940 that coincided with a deficit in hyperpolarizing GABAergic inhibition resulting from the loss of KCC2 activity. Blocking dephosphorylation of Ser940 reduced the glutamate-induced downregulation of KCC2 and substantially improved the maintenance of hyperpolarizing GABAergic inhibition. Reducing the downregulation of KCC2 therefore has therapeutic potential in the treatment of neurological disorders.     

Endothelin-B receptor-mediated Ca2+ signaling in human melanocytes

 The mechanism of an endothelin-1- (ET-1-) induced intracellular Ca²⁺ ([Ca²⁺]_i) increase and the receptor subtype(s) responsible for this effect in single human melanocytes were studied using fura-2/AM. ET-1 induced a transient increase in [Ca²⁺]_i in a concentration-dependent manner. The transient [Ca²⁺]_i increase was followed by a sustained plateau level of [Ca²⁺]_i which was higher than the initial [Ca²⁺]_i level. IRL-1620, a specific ET-B receptor agonist, increased [Ca²⁺]_i in a dose-dependent manner. BQ-788, a specific ET-B receptor antagonist, abolished the ET-1-induced [Ca²⁺]_i increase, but BQ-123, a specific ET-A receptor antagonist, failed to prevent it. U73122, an inhibitor of phospholipase C (PLC), inhibited the ET-1-induced [Ca²⁺]_i rise in a dose-dependent manner. Prior depletion of intracellular Ca²⁺ stores with thapsigargin, an inhibitor of Ca²⁺-ATPase of the endoplasmic reticulum, abolished the ET-1-induced Ca²⁺ transient, whereas removal of extracellular Ca²⁺ with EGTA eliminated the sustained rise. These results suggest that in cultured human melanocytes the binding of ET-1 to ET-B receptors and the subsequent activation of PLC mediate ET-1-induced [Ca²⁺]_i increase. The transient [Ca²⁺]_i increase is attributed to mobilization of Ca²⁺ from inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-sensitive intracellular Ca²⁺ stores, and the sustained [Ca²⁺]_i level may be related to the influx of extracellular Ca²⁺. Received: 21 July 1997 / Received after revision and accepted: 16 September 1997     

The role of Ca2+ in the generation of spontaneous astrocytic Ca2+ oscillations

Astrocytes in the rat thalamus display spontaneous [Ca²⁺]_i oscillations that are due to intracellular release, but are not dependent on neuronal activity. In this study we have investigated the mechanisms involved in these spontaneous [Ca²⁺]_i oscillations using slices loaded with Fluo-4 AM (5 μM) and confocal microscopy. Bafilomycin A1 incubation had no effect on the number of spontaneous [Ca²⁺]_i oscillations indicating that they were not dependent on vesicular neurotransmitter release. Oscillations were also unaffected by ryanodine. Phospholipase C (PLC) inhibition decreased the number of astrocytes responding to metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) activation but did not reduce the number of spontaneously active astrocytes, indicating that [Ca²⁺]_i increases are not due to membrane-coupled PLC activation. Spontaneous [Ca²⁺]_i increases were abolished by an IP3 receptor antagonist, whilst the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor chelerythrine chloride prolonged their duration, indicating a role for PKC and inositol 1,4,5,-triphosphate receptor activation. BayK8644 increased the number of astrocytes exhibiting [Ca²⁺]_i oscillations, and prolonged the responses to mGluR activation, indicating a possible effect on store-operated Ca²⁺ entry. Increasing [Ca²⁺]_o increased the number of spontaneously active astrocytes and the number of transients exhibited by each astrocyte. Inhibition of the endoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ ATPase by cyclopiazonic acid also induced [Ca²⁺]_i transients in astrocytes indicating a role for cytoplasmic Ca²⁺ in the induction of spontaneous oscillations. Incubation with 20 μM Fluo-4 reduced the number of astrocytes exhibiting spontaneous increases.

This study indicates that Ca²⁺ has a role in triggering Ca²⁺ release from an inositol 1,4,5,-triphosphate sensitive store in astrocytes during the generation of spontaneous [Ca²⁺]_i oscillations.     

Induction of Ca2+ oscillations by selective,U73122-mediated,depletion of inositol-trisphosphate-sensitive Ca2+ stores in rabbit pancreatic acinar cells

The effect of the putative inhibitor of phospholipase C activity, U73122, on the Ca²⁺ sequestering and releasing properties of internal Ca²⁺ stores was studied in both permeabilized and intact rabbit pancreatic acinar cells. U73122 dose dependently inhibited ATP-dependent Ca²⁺ uptake in the inositol (1,4,5)-trisphosphate-[Ins(1,4,5)P ₃]-sensitive, but not the Ins(1,4,5)P ₃-insensitive, Ca²⁺ store in acinar cells permeabilized by saponin treatment. In a suspension of intact acinar cells, loaded with the fluorescent Ca²⁺ indicator, Fura-2, U73122 alone evoked a transient increase in average free cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i,av), which was largely independent of external Ca²⁺. Addition of U73122 to cell suspensions prestimulated with either cholecystokinin octapeptide or JMV-180 revealed an inverse relationship in size between the U73122- and the agonistevoked [Ca²⁺]_i,av transient. Moreover, thapsigargin-induced inhibition of intracellular Ca²⁺-ATPase activity resulted in a [Ca²⁺]_i,av transient, the size of which was not different following maximal prestimulation with either U73122 or agonist. These observations suggest that U73122 selectively affects the Ins(1,4,5)P ₃- casu quo agonist-sensitive internal Ca²⁺ store, whereas thapsigargin affects both the Ins(1,4,5)P ₃-sensitive and -insensitive Ca²⁺ store. Digital-imaging microscopy of Fura-2-loaded acinar cells demonstrated that U73122, in contrast to thapsigargin, evoked sustained oscillatory changes in [Ca²⁺]_i. The U73122-evoked oscillations were abolished in the absence of external Ca²⁺. The ability of U73122 to generate external Ca²⁺-dependent Ca²⁺ oscillations suggests that depletion of the agonistsensitive store leads to an increase in Ca²⁺ permeability of the plasma membrane and that the Ins(1,4,5)P ₃-insensitive Ca²⁺ pool is necessary for the Ca²⁺ oscillations.     

Mitochondrial Ca2+ buffering in hypoglossal motoneurons from mouse

A variety of studies demonstrated a crucial role of mitochondria for clearance of Ca²⁺ loads in motoneurons. However, previous reports rarely addressed the potential influence of cell dialysis during patch-clamp recordings or temperature on mitochondrial processes. We therefore developed a protocol allowing investigation of Ca²⁺ dynamics in “undisturbed” AM-ester loaded hypoglossal motoneurons in a slice preparation. By comparing our findings to previous results, we argue against a significant disturbance of mitochondrial buffering by cell dialysis. By varying bath temperatures between 19 and 32 °C, we show that temperature alters the rate of mitochondrial uptake but not the relative contribution to maintenance of Ca²⁺ homeostasis. The results further indicate that mitochondria in hypoglossal motoneurons participate in intracellular Ca²⁺ regulation at concentrations much lower than has been generally observed for other neurons or neuroendocrine cells. Taken together, our findings further support the important role of mitochondria as regulators of Ca²⁺ homeostasis in motoneurons.     

Metabotropic receptor-mediated Ca2+ signaling elevates mitochondrial Ca2+ and stimulates oxidative metabolism in hippocampal slice cultures

Metabotropic receptors modulate numerous cellular processes by intracellular Ca2+ signaling, but less is known about their role in regulating mitochondrial metabolic function within the CNS. In this study, we demonstrate in area CA3 of rat organotypic hippocampal slice cultures that glutamatergic, serotonergic, and muscarinic metabotropic receptor ligands, namely trans-azetidine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid, alpha-methyl-5-hydroxytryptamine, and carbachol, transiently increase mitochondrial Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]m) as recorded by changes in Rhod-2 fluorescence, stimulate mitochondrial oxidative metabolism as revealed by elevations in NAD(P)H fluorescence, and induce K+ outward currents as monitored by rapid increases in extracellular K+ concentration ([K+]o). Carbachol (1-1,000 microM) elevated NAD(P)H fluorescence by 相似文献   

Reduced NR2A expression and prolonged decay of NMDA receptor-mediated synaptic current in rat vagal motoneurons following axotomy

To elucidate characteristic changes in the N -methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) receptor on neurons following axotomy, subunit expressions and functional features of the NMDA receptor were examined in the dorsal motor nucleus of vagus (DMV) of rats receiving vagal axotomy at the neck. Western blotting analysis demonstrated that the expression of NR2A decreased 2–3 days after in vivo axotomy, while expression of NR1 and NR2B, NR2C and NR2D subunits did not change significantly. To examine the functional changes, patch clamp recordings in whole-cell mode were employed on the axotomized DMV neurons identified by retrograde labelling with fluorescent dye. The amplitude ratios of ifenprodil-sensitive components of NMDA response and d , l -2-amino-5-phosphovaleric acid (APV)-sensitive evoked postsynaptic current increased after axotomy. In addition, APV-sensitive postsynaptic currents exhibited a longer decay time in identified axotomized vagal motoneurons than in control neurons. No significant differences in the current density of the NMDA response and the peak amplitude of APV-sensitive synaptic currents were observed between axotomized and intact DMV neurons. In conclusion, a decrease in NR2A expression results in the appearance of functional characteristics of the NMDA receptor predominantly containing the NR2B subunit. This might lead to a long-term increase of the susceptibility of neurons to excitotoxicity.     

Characterization of voltage-dependent Ca2+ currents in identified Drosophila motoneurons in situ

Voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels contribute to neurotransmitter release, integration of synaptic information, and gene regulation within neurons. Thus understanding where diverse Ca2+ channels are expressed is an important step toward understanding neuronal function within a network. Drosophila provides a useful model for exploring the function of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels in an intact system, but Ca2+ currents within the central processes of Drosophila neurons in situ have not been well described. The aim of this study was to characterize voltage-dependent Ca2+ currents in situ from identified larval motoneurons. Whole cell recordings from the somata of identified motoneurons revealed a significant influence of extracellular Ca2+ on spike shape and firing rate. Using whole cell voltage clamp, along with blockers of Na+ and K+ channels, a Ca2+-dependent inward current was isolated. The Drosophila genome contains three genes with homology to vertebrate voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels: Dmca1A, Dmca1D, and Dmalpha1G. We used mutants of Dmca1A and Dmca1D as well as targeted expression of an RNAi transgene to Dmca1D to determine the genes responsible for the voltage-dependent Ca2+ current recorded from two identified motoneurons. Our results implicate Dmca1D as the major contributor to the voltage-dependent Ca2+ current recorded from the somatodendritic processes of motoneurons, whereas Dmca1A has previously been localized to the presynaptic terminal where it is essential for neurotransmitter release. Altered firing properties in cells from both Dmca1D and Dmca1A mutants indicate a role for both genes in shaping firing properties.     

Involvement of the ryanodine-sensitive Ca2+ store in GLP-1-induced Ca2+ oscillations in insulin-secreting HIT cells

We investigated intracellular Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)) oscillations evoked by glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) in relation to the ryanodine receptor (RyR) and Ca(2+)-induced Ca(2+)release (CICR) mechanism in pancreatic B cell HIT. GLP-1 produced [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations in the cells, both in media with and without Ca(2+), an effect inhibited by ruthenium red and mimicked by 8-Br-cAMPS. In addition, the GLP-1-evoked [Ca(2+)](i) rise was initiated at the local intercellular peripheral cytoplasm, and a resultant expansion of the intercellular space was also observed. Caffeine induced [Ca(2+)](i) elevation in the medium with or without Ca(2+), an effect inhibited by ruthenium red. GLP-1-evoked [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations were also enhanced by IBMX, and eliminated by Rp-8-Br-cAMPS or 20 microM H-89 treatments whereas they were unaffected by 2 microM H-89 treatment. Forskolin caused a transient elevation in [Ca(2+)](i) that was reduced by Rp-8-Br-cAMPS, 2 microM or 20 microM H-89. Our results indicate that GLP-1 initially generated a local [Ca(2+)](i) elevation at the peripheral cytoplasm, subsequently producing [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations that were inhibited by ruthenium red, involving ryanodine-sensitive and cAMP-activated CICR mechanisms. The cytoplasmic levels of cAMP as well as local Ca(2+) might be responsible for [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations.     

Ca2+ oscillations in pancreatic beta-cells exposed to leucine and arginine

Dual-wavelength microfluorometry with the fura-2 indicator was employed for continuous recordings of cytoplasmic Ca2+ (Ca2+i) in individual pancreatic beta-cells isolated from ob/ob-mice. When added to a medium containing 3 mmol l-1 glucose, both 10 mmol l-1 leucine and 20 mmol l-1 arginine induced rises in Ca2+i with periodic fluctuations. In the case of leucine, this increase was preceded by initial lowering followed by high-amplitude oscillations with a periodicity of 2-6 min. In a glucose-free medium arginine had no effect, and leucine was unable to induce more than a single peak of Ca2+i increase. When present at a concentration of 1 mmol l-1, leucine sometimes induced a couple of high-amplitude oscillations at 3 mmol l-1 glucose but lowered Ca2+i permanently in a glucose-free medium. It is likely that the high-amplitude oscillations of Ca2+i are related to the electrical activity of the beta-cells. Provided that some glucose was present, leucine initiated a similar type of Ca2+i response as obtained during glucose-induced insulin release. The observed leucine effect is therefore compatible with a role of glycolysis in generating high-amplitude Ca2+ oscillations and pulsatile insulin release.     

Effect of thapsigargin and caffeine on Ca2+ homeostasis in HeLa cells: implications for histamine-induced Ca2+ oscillations

Several studies have already established that the stimulation of H1 receptors by exogenous histamine induces intracellular Ca²⁺ oscillations in HeLa cells. The molecular mechanism underlying this oscillatory process remains, however, unclear. A series of fura-2 experiments was undertaken in which the nature of the Ca²⁺ pools involved in the histamine-induced Ca²⁺ oscillations was investigated using the tumour promoter agent thapsigargin (TG) and the Ca²⁺-induced Ca²⁺-release promoter, caffeine. The results obtained indicate first that TG causes a gradual increase in cytosolic Ca²⁺ without inducing internal Ca²⁺ oscillations, and second that TG and histamine share common internal Ca²⁺ storage sites. The latter conclusion was derived from experiments performed in the absence of external Ca²⁺, where the addition of TG before histamine resulted in a total inhibition of the Ca²⁺ response linked to H1 receptor stimulation, whereas the addition of histamine before TG decreased by more than 90% the TG-induced Ca²⁺ release. Finally, TG was found to inhibit irreversibly histamine-induced Ca²⁺ oscillations when added to the bathing medium during the oscillatory process. The effect of caffeine at concentrations ranging from 1 mM to 10 mM on intracellular Ca²⁺ homeostasis was also investigated. The results obtained show that caffeine does not affect systematically the internal Ca²⁺ concentration in resting and TG-stimulated HeLa cells, but increases the Ca²⁺ sequestration ability of inositol-trisphosphate (InsP ₃)-related Ca²⁺ stores. These results suggest either that TG acts on InsP ₃-sensitive as well as InsP ₃-insensitive Ca²⁺ pools, so that no final conclusion on the nature of the pools involved in Ca²⁺ spike generation can be currently drawn, or that the contribution of an InsP ₃-insensitive Ca²⁺-induced Ca²⁺-release process is not essential to the Ca²⁺ oscillation machinery in these cells. It is also concluded that a release of Ca²⁺ by caffeine may not be directly accessible to fura-2 measurements in this cellular preparation, but that the inhibitory effect of caffeine on the Ca²⁺ mobilization process triggered by InsP ₃ can be clearly documented using this experimental approach.     

小凹蛋白-1下调人脐静脉内皮细胞外钙敏感受体介导的钙内流的作用机制

 目的：研究小凹蛋白-1(Cav-1) 对人脐静脉内皮细胞(HUVECs)细胞外钙敏感受体(CaR)介导钙内流的作用机制。方法：取2~3代HUVECs,采用细胞膜穴样凹陷(caveolae)结构破坏剂非律平（filipin）和甲基-β-环糊精(MβCD)及Cav-1基因沉默,配合CaR激动剂精胺（spermine）和负性变构调节剂Calhex 231。Fura-2/AM负载检测细胞内Ca2+浓度(［Ca2+］i)。Western blotting检测HUVECs中Cav-1以及CaR蛋白表达,免疫共沉淀技术检测Cav-1和CaR相互作用。用蔗糖密度梯度离心的方法提取并鉴定caveolae,Western blotting检测caveolae的标志蛋白Cav-1和浮舰蛋白1（flotillin-1）及CaR表达。 同时检测胞膜、胞浆和高尔基体标志蛋白：转铁蛋白受体(TfR)、β-肌动蛋白（β-actin）和β-外被体蛋白（β-COP）。检测富含Cav-1膜(CEM)区、非caveolae I区 (NCF I)和II区(NCF II)的Cav-1和CaR表达。结果：（1）细胞外液为含钙液时,Calhex 231完全阻断精胺刺激引起的［Ca2+］i升高(P<0.05),MβCD 可加强精胺升高［Ca2+］i的作用(P<0.05)。不同浓度MβCD 处理后各组Cav-1和CaR相互作用的差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);（2）免疫共沉淀结果显示,各组Cav-1和CaR蛋白表达的差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);（3）与control组比较,spermine+Ca2+组 、filipin+spermine+ Ca2+组和 MβCD+spermine+Ca2+组CEM区的 Cav-1和CaR蛋白表达均降低(P<0.05), NCF I区的 Cav-1和CaR蛋白表达增加(P<0.05),NCF II 区Cav-1蛋白表达增加(P<0.05),而CaR蛋白表达的差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论：在HUVECs中,Cav-1和CaR共定位于同一caveolae区,同时Cav-1对CaR介导的Ca2+内流有下调作用,其机制可能与Cav-1抑制CaR膜定位、促使其向非caveolae区转位及减弱其对激动剂的反应性有关。     

Caffeine-induced oscillations of cytosolic Ca2+ in GH3 pituitary cells are not due to Ca2+ release from intracellular stores but to enhanced Ca2+ influx through voltage-gated Ca2+ channels

Caffeine, a well known facilitator of Ca²⁺-induced Ca²⁺ release, induced oscillations of cytosolic free Ca²⁺ ([Ca²⁺]_i) in GH₃ pituitary cells. These oscillations were dependent on the presence of extracellular Ca²⁺ and blocked by dihydropyridines, suggesting that they are due to Ca²⁺ entry through L-type Ca²⁺ channels, rather than to Ca²⁺ release from the intracellular Ca²⁺ stores. Emptying the stores by treatment with ionomycin or thapsigargin did not prevent the caffeine-induced [Ca²⁺]_i oscillations. Treatment with caffeine occluded phase 2 ([Ca²⁺]_i oscillations) of the action of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) without modifying phase 1 (Ca²⁺ release from the intracellular stores). Caffeine also inhibited the [Ca²⁺]_i increase induced by depolarization with high-K⁺ solutions (56% at 20 mM), suggesting direct inhibition of the Ca²⁺ entry through voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels. We propose that the [Ca²⁺]_i increase induced by caffeine in GH₃ cells takes place by a mechanism similar to that of TRH, i.e. membrane depolarization that increases the firing frequency of action potentials. The increase of the electrical activity overcomes the direct inhibitory effect on voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels with the result of increased Ca²⁺ entry and a rise in [Ca²⁺]_i. Consideration of this action cautions interpretation of previous experiments in which caffeine was assumed to increase [Ca²⁺]_i only by facilitating the release of Ca²⁺ from intracellular Ca²⁺ stores.     

Spontaneous astrocytic Ca2+ oscillations in situ drive NMDAR-mediated neuronal excitation

Astrocytes respond to chemical, electrical and mechanical stimuli with transient increases in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i). We now show that astrocytes in situ display intrinsic [Ca2+]i oscillations that are not driven by neuronal activity. These spontaneous astrocytic oscillations can propagate as waves to neighboring astrocytes and trigger slowly decaying NMDA receptor-mediated inward currents in neurons located along the wave path. These findings show that astrocytes in situ can act as a primary source for generating neuronal activity in the mammalian central nervous system.     

Acetylcholine-induced Ca2+ oscillations are modulated by a Ca2+ regulation of InsP3R2 in rat portal vein myocytes

Oscillations of cytosolic Ca²⁺ levels are believed to have important roles in various metabolic and signalling processes in many cell types. Previously, we have demonstrated that acetylcholine (ACh) evokes Ca²⁺ oscillations in vascular myocytes expressing InsP₃R1 and InsP₃R2, whereas transient responses are activated in vascular myocytes expressing InsP₃R1 alone. The molecular mechanisms underlying oscillations remain to be described in these native smooth muscle cells. Two major hypotheses are proposed to explain this crucial signalling activity: (1) Ca²⁺ oscillations are activated by InsP₃ oscillations; and (2) Ca²⁺ oscillations depend on the regulation of the InsP₃R by both InsP₃ and Ca²⁺. In the present study, we used a fluorescent InsP₃ biosensor and revealed that ACh induced a transient InsP₃ production in all myocytes. Moreover, steady concentrations of 3F-InsP₃, a poorly hydrolysable analogue of InsP₃, and pharmacological activation of PLC evoked Ca²⁺ oscillations. Increasing cytosolic Ca²⁺ inhibited the ACh-induced calcium oscillations but not the transient responses and strongly reduced the 3F-InsP₃-evoked Ca²⁺ response in oscillating cells but not in non-oscillating cells. These results suggest that, in native vascular myocytes, ACh-induced InsP₃ production is transient and Ca²⁺ oscillations depend on a Ca²⁺ modulation of InsP₃R2. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Switch to Ca2+-permeable AMPA and reduced NR2B NMDA receptor-mediated neurotransmission at dorsal horn nociceptive synapses during inflammatory pain in the rat.

Glutamate receptor response properties of nociceptive synapses on neurokinin 1 receptor positive (NK1R+) lamina I neurons were determined 3 days after induction of chronic peripheral inflammation with Freund's Complete Adjuvant (CFA). A significant increase in the AMPAR/NMDAR ratio was found during inflammation, which was associated with a significant reduction in the quantal amplitude of NMDAR-mediated synaptic currents. A significant shortening of the quantal AMPA current decay, a greater inward rectification of the AMPAR-mediated eEPSC amplitude and an increased sensitivity to the Ca2+-permeable AMPAR channel blocker 1-naphthylacetyl spermine (NAS) was also observed, indicating an increase in the contribution of Ca2+-permeable AMPARs at this synapse during inflammation. Furthermore the reduced effectiveness of the NR2B-specific antagonist CP-101,606 on NMDAR-mediated eEPSCs together with a decrease in Mg2+ sensitivity suggests a down regulation of the highly Mg2+-sensitive and high conductance NR2B subunit at this synapse. These changes in glutamatergic receptor function during inflammation support the selective effectiveness of Ca2+-permeable AMPAR antagonists in inflammatory pain models and may underlie the reported ineffectiveness of NR2B antagonists in spinal antinociception.     

钙拮抗剂对高血压大鼠心房肌L-型钙通道和钠-钙离子交换器mRNA的影响

目的:观察钙拮抗剂地尔硫卓对Goldblatt高血压大鼠模型心房肌L-型钙通道α_1C亚单位(CaL-α_1C)和Na^＋-Ca²⁺交换器(NCX)mRNA的变化影响,在基因水平探讨其潜在的意义。方法:Sprague-Dawley大鼠,高血压组用U型银夹夹住左肾动脉,右肾保留;假手术组(S组)只分离左肾动脉,不夹银夹,套尾法监测尾动脉血压。高血压组术后1周开始治疗,分为高剂量地尔硫艹卓组(HD组)、低剂量地尔硫艹卓组(LD组)和对照组(C组),分别于治疗后4周与S组同时处死动物(各6只),RT-PCR半定量分析CaL-α_1C和NCXmRNA的表达量(以GAPDH为内参照)。结果:C组心房肌CaL-α_1C的mRNA水平分别是S组、HD组、LD组的2.5倍、2.4倍、2.1倍(P＜0.01),S组、HD组、LD组之间无显著差别。C组心房肌NCX的mRNA水平分别是S组、HD组、LD组的1.9倍、1.6倍、2.1倍(P＜0.01),S组、HD组、LD组之间无显著差别。结论:肾性高血压大鼠心房肌CaL-α_1C、NCX的mRNA水平均表现为上调,应用钙拮抗剂能够抑制其上调,抑制作用不依赖于血压水平的降低。