Activation of GABAB receptors results in excitatory modulation of calyx terminals in rat semicircular canal cristae.

Previous studies have found GABA in vestibular end organs. However, existence of GABA receptors or possible GABAergic effects on vestibular nerve afferents has not been investigated. The current study was conducted to determine whether activation of GABAB receptors affects calyx afferent terminals in the central region of the cristae of semicircular canals. We used patch-clamp recording in postnatal day 13-18 (P13-P18) Sprague-Dawley rats of either sex. Application of GABAB receptor agonist baclofen inhibited voltage-sensitive potassium currents. This effect was blocked by selective GABAB receptor antagonist CGP 35348. Application of antagonists of small (SK)- and large-conductance potassium (BK) channels almost completely blocked the effects of baclofen. The remaining baclofen effect was blocked by cadmium chloride, suggesting that it could be due to inhibition of voltage-gated calcium channels. Furthermore, baclofen had no effect in the absence of calcium in the extracellular fluid. Inhibition of potassium currents by GABAB activation resulted in an excitatory effect on calyx terminal action potential firing. While in the control condition calyces could only fire a single action potential during step depolarizations, in the presence of baclofen they fired continuously during steps and a few even showed repetitive discharge. We also found a decrease in threshold for action potential generation and a decrease in first-spike latency during step depolarization. These results provide the first evidence for the presence of GABAB receptors on calyx terminals, showing that their activation results in an excitatory effect and that GABA inputs could be used to modulate calyx response properties.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Using in vitro whole cell patch-clamp recordings from calyx terminals in the vestibular end organs, we show that activation of GABAB receptors result in an excitatory effect, with decreased spike-frequency adaptation and shortened first-spike latencies. Our results suggest that these effects are mediated through inhibition of calcium-sensitive potassium channels.

Aldosterone impairs coronary adenosine-mediated vasodilation via reduced functional expression of Ca2+-activated K+ channels.

Elevated plasma aldosterone (Aldo) levels are associated with greater risk of cardiac ischemic events and cardiovascular mortality. Adenosine-mediated coronary vasodilation is a critical cardioprotective mechanism during ischemia; however, whether this response is impaired by increased Aldo is unclear. We hypothesized that chronic Aldo impairs coronary adenosine-mediated vasodilation via downregulation of vascular K+ channels. Male C57BL/6J mice were treated with vehicle (Con) or subpressor Aldo for 4 wk. Coronary artery function, assessed by wire myography, revealed Aldo-induced reductions in vasodilation to adenosine and the endothelium-dependent vasodilator acetylcholine but not to the nitric oxide donor sodium nitroprusside. Coronary vasoconstriction to endothelin-1 and the thromboxane A2 mimetic U-46619 was unchanged by Aldo. Additional mechanistic studies revealed impaired adenosine A2A, not A2B, receptor-dependent vasodilation by Aldo with a tendency for Aldo-induced reduction of coronary A2A gene expression. Adenylate cyclase inhibition attenuated coronary adenosine dilation but did not eliminate group differences, and adenosine-stimulated vascular cAMP production was similar between Con and Aldo mice. Similarly, blockade of inward rectifier K+ channels reduced but did not eliminate group differences in adenosine dilation whereas group differences were eliminated by blockade of Ca2+-activated K+ (KCa) channels that blunted and abrogated adenosine and A2A-dependent dilation, respectively. Gene expression of several coronary KCa channels was reduced by Aldo. Together, these data demonstrate Aldo-induced impairment of adenosine-mediated coronary vasodilation involving blunted A2A-KCa-dependent vasodilation, independent of blood pressure, providing important insights into the link between plasma Aldo and cardiac mortality and rationale for aldosterone antagonist use to preserve coronary microvascular function.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Increased plasma aldosterone levels are associated with worsened cardiac outcomes in diverse patient groups by unclear mechanisms. We identified that, in male mice, elevated aldosterone impairs coronary adenosine-mediated vasodilation, an important cardioprotective mechanism. This aldosterone-induced impairment involves reduced adenosine A2A, not A2B, receptor-dependent vasodilation associated with downregulation of coronary KCa channels and does not involve altered adenylate cyclase/cAMP signaling. Importantly, this effect of aldosterone occurred independent of changes in coronary vasoconstrictor responsiveness and blood pressure.

Involvement of K+ATP and Ca2+ channels in hydrogen sulfide-suppressed ageing of porcine oocytes.

BACKGROUND: Hydrogen sulfide has been shown to improve the quality of oocytes destined for in vitro fertilization. Although hydrogen sulfide is capable of modulating ion channel activity in somatic cells, the role of hydrogen sulfide in gametes and embryos remains unknown. Our observations confirmed the hypothesis that the KATP and L-type Ca2+ ion channels play roles in porcine oocyte ageing and revealed a plausible contribution of hydrogen sulfide to the modulation of ion channel activity. RESULTS: We confirmed the benefits of the activation and suppression of the KATP and L-type Ca2+ ion channels, respectively, for the preservation of oocyte quality. CONCLUSIONS: Our experiments identified hydrogen sulfide as promoting the desired ion channel activity, with the capacity to protect porcine oocytes against cell death. Further experiments are needed to determine the exact mechanism of hydrogen sulfide in gametes and embryos.

Methamphetamine Regulation of Firing Activity of Dopamine Neurons.

Methamphetamine (METH) is a substrate for the dopamine transporter that increases extracellular dopamine levels by competing with dopamine uptake and increasing reverse transport of dopamine via the transporter. METH has also been shown to alter the excitability of dopamine neurons. The mechanism of METH regulation of the intrinsic firing behaviors of dopamine neurons is less understood. Here we identified an unexpected and unique property of METH on the regulation of firing activity of mouse dopamine neurons. METH produced a transient augmentation of spontaneous spike activity of midbrain dopamine neurons that was followed by a progressive reduction of spontaneous spike activity. Inspection of action potential morphology revealed that METH increased the half-width and produced larger coefficients of variation of the interspike interval, suggesting that METH exposure affected the activity of voltage-dependent potassium channels in these neurons. Since METH has been shown to affect Ca2+ homeostasis, the unexpected findings that METH broadened the action potential and decreased the amplitude of afterhyperpolarization led us to ask whether METH alters the activity of Ca2+-activated potassium (BK) channels. First, we identified BK channels in dopamine neurons by their voltage dependence and their response to a BK channel blocker or opener. While METH suppressed the amplitude of BK channel-mediated unitary currents, the BK channel opener NS1619 attenuated the effects of METH on action potential broadening, afterhyperpolarization repression, and spontaneous spike activity reduction. Live-cell total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy, electrophysiology, and biochemical analysis suggest METH exposure decreased the activity of BK channels by decreasing BK-α subunit levels at the plasma membrane. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Methamphetamine (METH) competes with dopamine uptake, increases dopamine efflux via the dopamine transporter, and affects the excitability of dopamine neurons. Here, we identified an unexpected property of METH on dopamine neuron firing activity. METH transiently increased the spontaneous spike activity of dopamine neurons followed by a progressive reduction of the spontaneous spike activity. METH broadened the action potentials, increased coefficients of variation of the interspike interval, and decreased the amplitude of afterhyperpolarization, which are consistent with changes in the activity of Ca2+-activated potassium (BK) channels. We found that METH decreased the activity of BK channels by stimulating BK-α subunit trafficking. Thus, METH modulation of dopamine neurotransmission and resulting behavioral responses is, in part, due to METH regulation of BK channel activity.

Cocaine Exposure Enhances the Activity of Ventral Tegmental Area Dopamine Neurons via Calcium-Impermeable NMDARs.

Potentiation of excitatory inputs onto dopamine neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) induced by cocaine exposure allows remodeling of the mesocorticolimbic circuitry, which ultimately drives drug-adaptive behavior. This potentiation is mediated by changes in NMDAR and AMPAR subunit composition. It remains unknown how this synaptic plasticity affects the activity of dopamine neurons. Here, using rodents, we demonstrate that a single cocaine injection increases the firing rate and bursting activity of VTA dopamine neurons, and that these increases persist for 7 d. This enhanced activity depends on the insertion of low-conductance, Ca2+-impermeable NMDARs that contain GluN3A. Since such receptors are not capable of activating small-conductance potassium channels, the intrinsic excitability of VTA dopamine neurons increases. Activation of group I mGluRs rescues synaptic plasticity and restores small-conductance calcium-dependent potassium channel function, normalizing the firing activity of dopamine neurons. Our study characterizes a mechanism linking drug-evoked synaptic plasticity to neural activity, revealing novel targets for therapeutic interventions. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: We show that cocaine-evoked synaptic changes onto ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine (DA) neurons leads to long-lasting increases in their burst firing. This increase is due to impaired function of Ca2+-activated small-conductance calcium-dependent potassium (SK) channels; SK channels regulate firing of VTA DA neurons, but this regulation was absent after cocaine. Cocaine exposure drives the insertion of GluN3A-containing NMDARs onto VTA DA neurons. These receptors are Ca2+-impermeable, and thus SK channels are not efficiently activated by synaptic activity. In GluN3A knock-out mice, cocaine did not alter SK channel function or VTA DA neuron firing. This study directly links synaptic changes to increased intrinsic excitability of VTA DA neurons after cocaine, and explains how acute cocaine induces long-lasting remodeling of the mesolimbic DA system.

DCEBIO facilitates myogenic differentiation via intermediate conductance Ca2+ activated K+ channel activation in C2C12 myoblasts.

Membrane hyperpolarization is suggested to be a trigger for skeletal muscle differentiation. We investigated whether DCEBIO, an opener of the small/intermediate conductance Ca2+ activated K+ (SKCa/IKCa) channels, increase myogenic differentiation in C2C12 skeletal myoblasts. DCEBIO significantly increased myotube formation, protein expression level of myosin heavy chain II, and mRNA expression level of myogenin in C2C12 myoblasts cultured in differentiation medium. DCEBIO induced myotube formation and hyperpolarization were reduced by the IKCa channel blocker TRAM-34, but not by the SKCa channel blocker apamin. These findings show that DCEBIO increases myogenic differentiation by activating IKCa channels.

Cutaneous blood flow during intradermal NO administration in young and older adults: roles for calcium-activated potassium channels and cyclooxygenase?

Nitric oxide (NO) increases cutaneous blood flow; however, the underpinning mechanism(s) remains to be elucidated. We hypothesized that the cutaneous blood flow response during intradermal administration of sodium nitroprusside (SNP, a NO donor) is regulated by calcium-activated potassium (KCa) channels and cyclooxygenase (COX) in young adults. We also hypothesized that these contributions are diminished in older adults given that aging can downregulate KCa channels and reduce COX-derived vasodilator prostanoids. In 10 young (23 ± 5 yr) and 10 older (54 ± 4 yr) adults, cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) was measured at four forearm skin sites infused with 1) Ringer (Control), 2) 50 mM tetraethylammonium (TEA), a nonspecific KCa channel blocker, 3) 10 mM ketorolac, a nonspecific COX inhibitor, or 4) 50 mM TEA + 10 mM ketorolac via intradermal microdialysis. All skin sites were coinfused with incremental doses of SNP (0.005, 0.05, 0.5, 5, and 50 mM each for 25 min). During SNP administration, CVC was similar at the ketorolac site (0.005-50 mM, all P > 0.05) relative to Control, but lower at the TEA and TEA + ketorolac sites (0.005-0.05 mM, all P < 0.05) in young adults. In older adults, ketorolac increased CVC relative to Control during 0.005-0.05 mM SNP administration (all P < 0.05), but this increase was not observed when TEA was coadministered (all P > 0.05). Furthermore, TEA alone did not modulate CVC during any concentration of SNP administration in older adults (all P > 0.05). We show that during low-dose NO administration (e.g., 0.005-0.05 mM), KCa channels contribute to cutaneous blood flow regulation in young adults; however, in older adults, COX inhibition increases cutaneous blood flow through a KCa channel-dependent mechanism.

Role of Na+-K+-2Cl- Cotransporter 1 in Phenylephrine-Induced Rhythmic Contraction in the Mouse Aorta: Regulation of Na+-K+-2Cl- Cotransporter 1 by Ca2+ Sparks and KCa Channels.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Vasoconstrictor-induced rhythmic contraction of arteries or veins has been observed both in vivo and in vitro. Many studies have reported that gap junctions, ryanodine receptors, Na+, K+-ATPase and other factors are involved in vasoconstrictor-induced rhythmic contraction in vascular smooth muscle. However, the mechanism is still not completely understood. METHODS: We used vessel tension measurements, intracellular recordings and intracellular Cl- concentration ([Cl-]i) measurements to investigate the mechanism underlying phenylephrine (PE)-induced rhythmic contraction in the mouse aorta. RESULTS: We found that Na+-K+-2Cl- cotransporter 1 (NKCC1) inhibitor bumetanide abolished PE-induced rhythmic contraction. The Cl- channel blockers DIDS and niflumic acid initially augmented the amplitude of PE-induced rhythmic contraction but later inhibited the rhythmic contraction. The large Ca2+-activated K+ channel blocker TEA and iberiotoxin increased the amplitude of PE-induced rhythmic contraction. The voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel blocker, nifedipine, and a Ca2+-free solution abolished PE-induced rhythmic contraction. The inhibitor of ryanodine receptors in the sarcoplasmic reticulum, ryanodine, inhibited PE-induced rhythmic contraction. Moreover, bumetanide hyperpolarized the membrane potential of vascular smooth muscle cells in a resting state or after PE pre-treatment. Bumetanide, niflumic acid, ryanodine, iberiotoxin, nifedipine and Ca2+-free buffer significantly suppressed the PE-induced [Cl-]i increase. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that NKCC1 is involved in the formation of PE-induced rhythmic contraction, and we also provide a method with which to indirectly observe the NKCC1 activity in isolated intact mouse thoracic aortas.

Acutely Administered Leptin Increases [Ca2+] i and BK Ca Currents But Does Not Alter Chemosensory Behavior in Rat Carotid Body Type I Cells.

Obesity related pathologies are the health care crisis of our generation. The fat cell derived adipokine leptin has been shown to be a central stimulant of respiration. Very high levels of leptin, however, are associated with the depressed ventilatory phenotype observed in obesity hypoventilation syndrome. Leptin receptors have been identified on carotid body type I cells but how their activation might influence the physiology of these cells is not known.The acute application of leptin evoked calcium signaling responses in isolated type I cells. Cells increased their Fura 2 ratio by 0.074 ± 0.010 ratio units (n = 39, P < 0.001). Leptin also increased the peak membrane currents in 6 of 9 cells increasing the peak macroscopic currents at +10 mV by 61 ± 14 % (p < 0.02). Leptin administered in the presence of the selective BK(Ca) channel inhibitor Paxilline (0.5 µM) failed to increase membrane currents (n = 5). Interestingly, leptin did not significantly alter the resting membrane potential of isolated type I cells (n = 9) and anoxic/acidic depolarizations were unaffected by leptin (n = 7, n = 6).These data suggest that leptin receptors are functional in type I cells but that their acute activation does not alter chemosensory properties. Future studies will use chronic models of leptin dysregulation.

Age-related impairment of conducted dilation in human coronary arterioles.

Conducted vasodilation is essential to coordinate vascular resistance along distances to ensure adequate tissue perfusion. We hypothesized that conducted vasodilation of coronary resistance arteries declines with age. Coronary arterioles were dissected from right atrial appendage of patients (n = 27) undergoing cardiac surgery. Arterioles (~100 µm) were cannulated and pressurized (80 mmHg), and developed spontaneous myogenic tone. Conducted vasodilation was initiated by locally administering the endothelium-dependent agonist bradykinin (BK; 100 µM) ejected from a glass micropipette (~3 µm tip opening, positioned in close proximity to the vessel wall). Diameter changes were measured at local and upstream sites (500 and 1,000 µm from the stimulus) with videomicroscopy. Local administration of BK elicited vasodilation, the magnitude of which increased with the duration of stimulus (69 ± 6, 81 ± 6, 90 ± 2%, after 1, 3, and 5 × 100 ms, respectively). BK-induced dilation remained substantial at upstream sites (500 µm: 53 ± 7%; 1,000 µm: 46 ± 9%). The gap junction uncoupler carbenoxolone or 18-α-glycyrrhetinic acid did not affect local responses, but diminished conducted vasodilation. Inhibitors of small/intermediate conductance calcium-activated potassium channels (SKCa/IKCa), apamin and TRAM34, reduced dilations both at local and remote sites. We found that conducted dilation, but not the local response, was significantly reduced in older (≥64 yr) patients. The nitric oxide (NO) synthesis inhibitor N(ω)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester did not affect local responses, but markedly reduced conducted dilation in younger (<64 yr) individuals. Collectively, we show that human coronary arterioles exhibit SKCa/IKCa-mediated hyperpolarization spread through gap junctions, which contributes to conducted vasodilation initiated by focal application of BK. We demonstrate that conducted dilation declines with age, likely due to reduced NO availability, which plays a permissive role in propagating longitudinal vasomotor signaling.

Vasodilatory effect of 14,15-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid on mesenteric arteries in hypertensive and aged rats.

The objective of this study was to investigate the 14,15-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (14,15-EET)-induced vasodilatations as well as the underlying signaling pathways in rat mesenteric arteries from young, adult and old normotensive (WKY) and hypertensive rats. Protein expressions for prostaglandin EP(1-4) receptors, large conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (BK(Ca)) channels, and adenylate cyclase (AC) were determined together with 14,15-EET-induced vasodilatations in primary- versus secondary-branches of the mesenteric artery. Responses to 14,15-EET were greater in the smaller secondary- versus primary-branches (and also more sensitive with lower EC50) and were reduced in vessels from old (80 weeks) rats as well as from vessels from the spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR). Regardless of age or hypertension responses to 14,15-EET were inhibited by the EP2 antagonist AH6809, BK(Ca) channel inhibitor iberiotoxin, or 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP)-protein kinase A (PKA) pathway antagonists. These data indicate 14,15-EET-induced vasodilatation is mediated via the activation of EP2 receptors and opening of BK(Ca) channels. The expressions of the EP2 receptor and AC were markedly reduced in vessels from SHR as well as old rats, whereas BK(Ca) expression was reduced in old WKY and SHR, but not adult SHR. Furthermore, expression of the p53 protein, an indicator of cell senescence and apoptosis, was elevated in adult and old SHR as well as in old WKY. In summary, attenuated 14,15-EET-induced vasodilatation in mesenteric arteries from old normotensive WKY as well as adult and old SHR is associated with reduced expression of EP2 receptors and AC.

Relaxant effect of all-trans-retinoic acid via NO-sGC-cGMP pathway and calcium-activated potassium channels in rat mesenteric artery.

Intraperitoneal injection of all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) results in a reduction of blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats. However, the mechanisms involved in this effect are not clear. We hypothesized that ATRA may relax resistance arteries. In this study, we found that ATRA relaxed phenylephrine-preconstricted mesenteric arterial rings, which were abrogated by the removal of the endothelium. Pretreatment of endothelium-intact arterial rings with an inhibitor of endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase, N(G)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME), or soluble guanylyl cyclase, 1H-[1,2,4]-oxadiazole-[4,3-α]-quinoxaline-1-one, reduced the vasorelaxant effect of ATRA. Incubation of mesenteric arterial rings with ATRA increased the production of NO and cGMP, which were blocked by N(G)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester. The vasorelaxant effect of ATRA was markedly attenuated in the presence of an inhibitor of big conductance calcium-activated potassium channels (charybdotoxin), but not with an inhibitor of voltage-dependent potassium channel (4-aminopyridine) or ATP-sensitive potassium channel (glibenclamide). Activation of retinoic acid receptors (RARs) with CH55 or retinoic X receptors (RXRs) with LGD1069 induced the vasorelaxation of phenylephrine-preconstricted mesenteric arterial rings. The RAR (BMS493) and RXR (UVI3003) antagonists blocked the ATRA-induced vasorelaxation. The vasorelaxant effect ATRA is physiologically relevant because the intravenous infusion of ATRA decreased blood pressure in normotensive rats. We conclude that ATRA relaxes resistance vessels via both RARs and RXRs receptors that are mediated by the endothelium-dependent NO-cGMP pathway, which may participate in the control of blood pressure.

Effects of Rhynchophylline on relaxation and contraction of the bladder detrusor in rats.

AIM: The aim of this study was to observe the effects of Rhynchophylline (Rhy) on the relaxation and contraction of rat bladder detrusor and urodynamics and determine the changes in the tension of isolated rat bladder muscle strips. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats were randomly divided into four groups: sham-operated, overactive bladder (OAB) model, Rhy-treated, and the control group. Sections of urodynamic testing and electrophysiological OAB indicators of detrusor were measured. The effect of tension on the isolated rat bladder detrusor muscle strips was determined; activators and antagonists of calcium-activated potassium ion channels were detected in vitro using the tension method. The contraction of detrusor muscle strips and the antagonism of acetylcholine due to changes in muscle contraction were observed. RESULTS: The Rhy-treated group significantly decreased the maximum bladder capacity, bladder filling pressure, leak point pressure, contraction frequency, motility index (p < 0.05). The affinity index of Rhy was 4.53 ± 0.22. However, 1 µmol/L to 2 µmol/L Rhy shifts CaCl2 cumulative dose-response curves to the right in a non-parallel manner, showing a non-competitive antagonism. Rhy inhibits detrusor contraction by blocking L-type calcium channels and activating big-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels. A low concentration of Rhy can inhibit muscle contraction caused by intracellular calcium. CONCLUSIONS: Rhy plays an important role in OAB treatment and decreases effectively on sections of urodynamic testing and electrophysiological OAB indicators of detrusor.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-ß/δ, the acute signaling factor in prostacyclin-induced pulmonary vasodilation.

As powerful vasodilators, prostacyclin analogues are presently the mainstay in the treatment of severe pulmonary arterial hypertension. Although the hemodynamic effects of prostacyclin analogues are well known, the molecular mechanism of their acute effects on pulmonary vascular tone and systemic vascular tone remains poorly understood. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-ß/δ (PPARß/δ) was previously identified as a putative receptor responsible for the modulation of target gene expression in response to prostacyclin analogues. The present study investigated the signaling pathway of prostacyclin in human pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs), and sought to define the role of PPARß/δ in the acute vasodilating effect. In human PASMCs, prostacyclin rapidly activated TWIK-related acid-sensitive K channel 1 (TASK-1) and calcium-dependent potassium channels (K(Ca)). This pathway was mediated via the prostanoid I receptor-protein kinase A pathway. The silencing of PPARß/δ demonstrated that the downstream K(Ca) activation was exclusively dependent on PPARß/δ signaling, whereas the activation of TASK-1 was not. In addition, the PPARß/δ-induced activation of K(Ca) was independent of NO. The acute prostacyclin-induced K(Ca) activation is critically dependent on PPARß/δ as a rapid signaling factor. This accounts in part for the vasodilating effect of prostacyclin in pulmonary arteries, and provides insights into a new molecular explanation for the effects of prostanoids.

Effects of Schisandra chinensis extract on the contractility of corpus cavernosal smooth muscle (CSM) and Ca2+ homeostasis in CSM cells.

UNLABELLED: What's known on the subject? And what does the study add? Schisandra chinensis extract (SCE) has been known to have relaxative effects on penile smooth muscle. A recent study showed that SCE could enhance slidenafil citrate-induced relaxation of penile corpus cavernosum. The current study investigated the mechanism of action of SCE and its constituents on corporal smooth muscle cells. And this study shows that SCE induced relaxation of CSM primarily through an endothelium independent pathway and the relaxation effects of SCE on corporal smooth muscle are, in part, due to the activation of K(+) channels and inhibition of TRPC6 channels, resulting in decreased [Ca(2+)]. OBJECTIVE: • To evaluate the relaxant effects of Schisandra chinensis extract (SCE) on corporal tissue in the penis and to investigate the mechanism of action of SCE and its constituents on corporal smooth muscle (CSM) cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: • The fruit of SC was collected and extracted with ethanol. Six SC lignans (schisandrol A, schisandrol B, schisandrin A, schisandrin B, gomisin N, and schisandrin C) were isolated and purified, and the chemical structures were confirmed by (1)H-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and (13)C-NMR data. • Isolated rabbit CSM strips were mounted in an organ-bath system, and the effects of SCE were evaluated. • To estimate the intracellular Ca(2+) level ([Ca(2+)](i)), we used a Fura-2 fluorescent technique, and a conventional whole-cell patch-clamp technique was used to measure the calcium-sensitive K(+) channels (K(Ca)), inward rectifier K(+) channels (K(IR)), and canonical transient receptor potential cation channel 6 (TRPC6) currents. RESULTS: • SCE induced concentration-dependent relaxation in contracted CSM tissue, and the removal of the endothelium did not significantly affect their relaxation potencies. • In CSM cells, extracellular application of SCE significantly increased whole-cell K(Ca) currents (117.4%) and K(IR) currents (110.0%). These effects were completely abolished by charybdotoxin or BaCl(2). • In contrast, carbachol-induced TRPC6 channel activity was significantly inhibited (87.3%) by SCE in green fluorescent protein-TRPC6 pcDNA transfected HEK 293 cells. [Ca(2+)](i) measurements showed that SCE effectively reduced basal [Ca(2+)](i) in both cell lines (CSM cells and A7r5 cells) and the [Arg8]-vasopressin (AVP)-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increase in A7r5 cells. • Among the six SC lignans, schisandrin A and schisandrin B most effectively attenuated the AVP-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increase. CONCLUSIONS: • SCE induced relaxation of CSM that occurred primarily via an endothelium-independent pathway. • The relaxation effects of SCE on CSM were, in part, due to the activation of K(+) channels and inhibition of TRPC6 channels, resulting in decreased [Ca(2+)](i).

H2S relaxes vas deferens smooth muscle by modulating the large conductance Ca2+ -activated K+ (BKCa) channels via a redox mechanism.

INTRODUCTION: Hydrogen sulfide (H(2) S) is generated in mammalian cells mainly by one of the two pyridoxal-5'-phosphate-dependent enzymes, cystathione-γ-lyase (CSE), and cystathione-ß-synthase (CBS) using L-cysteine as the main substrate. In previous studies, we found that CBS and CSE were functionally expressed in vas deferens (VD) and H(2) S-mediated VD smooth muscle relaxation. However, the detail mechanisms that H(2) S-relaxed VD smooth muscle were unknown so far. AIM: The aim of this study is to explore the molecular target sites of H(2) S in VD smooth muscle. METHODS: Isolated rat VD smooth muscle strips were used for tension recording in vitro. Double immunofluorescence staining was used to identify the localization of large conductance Ca(2+) -activated K(+) (BK(Ca)) channels. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Changes in tonic contraction of isolated rat VD smooth muscle strip were measured after the treatment of drugs. The expression of BKca channels in rat VD smooth muscle cells was also assessed. RESULTS: The results showed that L-NG-nitroarginine methyl ester (a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor) did not affect the response of VD to sodium hydrosulphide (NaHS), suggesting that nitric oxide pathway was not involved. Further studies revealed that transient receptor potential (TRP) channels did not contribute to the NaHS-induced relaxant effect. Glibenclamide, an ATP-sensitive K channel blocker, did the same thing, whereas BK(Ca) channel blockers iberiotoxin or tetraethylammonium largely reversed the relaxant effect, suggesting that H(2) S may target BK(Ca) channels. We also confirmed that BK(Ca) channels were localized in VD smooth muscle cells. Then, studies revealed that NaHS-induced VD smooth muscle relaxation was abolished by N-ethylmaleimide, which was widely used as a sulfhydryl alkylation compound protecting thiols from oxidation, whereas DL-Dithiothreitol, a strong reducing agent, did not affect the response of VD to NaHS. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that H(2) S relaxed the VD smooth muscle by targeting BK(Ca) channels via redox-mediated mechanism.

A novel family of insect-selective peptide neurotoxins targeting insect large-conductance calcium-activated K+ channels isolated from the venom of the theraphosid spider Eucratoscelus constrictus.

Spider venoms are actively being investigated as sources of novel insecticidal agents for biopesticide engineering. After screening 37 theraphosid spider venoms, a family of three new "short-loop" inhibitory cystine knot insecticidal toxins (κ-TRTX-Ec2a, κ-TRTX-Ec2b, and κ-TRTX-Ec2c) were isolated and characterized from the venom of the African tarantula Eucratoscelus constrictus. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from cockroach dorsal unpaired median neurons revealed that, despite significant sequence homology with other theraphosid toxins, these 29-residue peptides lacked activity on insect voltage-activated sodium and calcium channels. It is noteworthy that κ-TRTX-Ec2 toxins were all found to be high-affinity blockers of insect large-conductance calcium-activated K(+) (BK(Ca)) channel currents with IC(50) values of 3 to 25 nM. In addition, κ-TRTX-Ec2a caused the inhibition of insect delayed-rectifier K(+) currents, but only at significantly higher concentrations. κ-TRTX-Ec2a and κ-TRTX-Ec2b demonstrated insect-selective effects, whereas the homologous κ-TRTX-Ec2c also resulted in neurotoxic signs in mice when injected intracerebroventricularly. Unlike other theraphosid toxins, κ-TRTX-Ec2 toxins induce a voltage-independent channel block, and therefore, we propose that these toxins interact with the turret and/or loop region of the external entrance to the channel and do not project deeply into the pore of the channel. Furthermore, κ-TRTX-Ec2a and κ-TRTX-Ec2b differ from other theraphotoxins at the C terminus and positions 5 to 6, suggesting that these regions of the peptide contribute to the phyla selectivity and are involved in targeting BK(Ca) channels. This study therefore establishes these toxins as tools for studying the role of BK(Ca) channels in insects and lead compounds for the development of novel insecticides.

Escherichia coli alpha-hemolysin triggers shrinkage of erythrocytes via K(Ca)3.1 and TMEM16A channels with subsequent phosphatidylserine exposure.

alpha-Hemolysin from Escherichia coli (HlyA) readily lyse erythrocytes from various species. We have recently demonstrated that this pore-forming toxin provokes distinct shrinkage and crenation before it finally leads to swelling and lysis of erythrocytes. The present study documents the underlying mechanism for this severe volume reduction. We show that HlyA-induced shrinkage and crenation of human erythrocytes occur subsequent to a significant rise in [Ca(2+)](i). The Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel K(Ca)3.1 (or Gardos channel) is essential for the initial shrinkage, because both clotrimazole and TRAM-34 prevent the shrinkage and potentiate hemolysis produced by HlyA. Notably, the recently described Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) channel TMEM16A contributes substantially to HlyA-induced cell volume reduction. Erythrocytes isolated from TMEM16A(-/-) mice showed significantly attenuated crenation and increased lysis compared with controls. Additionally, we found that HlyA leads to acute exposure of phosphatidylserine in the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane. This exposure was considerably reduced by K(Ca)3.1 antagonists. In conclusion, this study shows that HlyA triggers acute erythrocyte shrinkage, which depends on Ca(2+)-activated efflux of K(+) via K(Ca)3.1 and Cl(-) via TMEM16A, with subsequent phosphatidylserine exposure. This mechanism might potentially allow HlyA-damaged erythrocytes to be removed from the bloodstream by macrophages and thereby reduce the risk of intravascular hemolysis.

Modulation of calcium-activated potassium channels induces cardiogenesis of pluripotent stem cells and enrichment of pacemaker-like cells.

BACKGROUND: Ion channels are key determinants for the function of excitable cells, but little is known about their role and involvement during cardiac development. Earlier work identified Ca(2+)-activated potassium channels of small and intermediate conductance (SKCas) as important regulators of neural stem cell fate. Here we have investigated their impact on the differentiation of pluripotent cells toward the cardiac lineage. METHODS AND RESULTS: We have applied the SKCa activator 1-ethyl-2-benzimidazolinone on embryonic stem cells and identified this particular ion channel family as a new critical target involved in the generation of cardiac pacemaker-like cells: SKCa activation led to rapid remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton, inhibition of proliferation, induction of differentiation, and diminished teratoma formation. Time-restricted SKCa activation induced cardiac mesoderm and commitment to the cardiac lineage as shown by gene regulation, protein, and functional electrophysiological studies. In addition, the differentiation into cardiomyocytes was modulated in a qualitative fashion, resulting in a strong enrichment of pacemaker-like cells. This was accompanied by induction of the sino-atrial gene program and in parallel by a loss of the chamber-specific myocardium. In addition, SKCa activity induced activation of the Ras-Mek-Erk signaling cascade, a signaling pathway involved in the 1-ethyl-2-benzimidazolinone-induced effects. CONCLUSIONS: SKCa activation drives the fate of pluripotent cells toward mesoderm commitment and cardiomyocyte specification, preferentially into nodal-like cardiomyocytes. This provides a novel strategy for the enrichment of cardiomyocytes and in particular, the generation of a specific subtype of cardiomyocytes, pacemaker-like cells, without genetic modification.

Endothelium-dependent cerebral artery dilation mediated by TRPA1 and Ca2+-Activated K+ channels.

Although it is well established that changes in endothelial intracellular [Ca(2+)] regulate endothelium-dependent vasodilatory pathways, the molecular identities of the ion channels responsible for Ca(2+) influx in these cells are not clearly defined. The sole member of the ankyrin (A) transient receptor potential (TRP) subfamily, TRPA1, is a Ca(2+)-permeable nonselective cation channel activated by electrophilic compounds such as acrolein (tear gas), allicin (garlic), and allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) (mustard oil). The present study examines the hypothesis that Ca(2+) influx via TRPA1 causes endothelium-dependent vasodilation. The effects of TRPA1 activity on vascular tone were examined using isolated, pressurized cerebral arteries. AITC induced concentration-dependent dilation of pressurized vessels with myogenic tone that was accompanied by a corresponding decrease in smooth muscle intracellular [Ca(2+)]. AITC-induced dilation was attenuated by disruption of the endothelium and when the TRPA1 channel blocker HC-030031 was present in the arterial lumen. TRPA1 channels were found to be present in native endothelial cells, localized to endothelial cell membrane projections proximal to vascular smooth muscle cells. AITC-induced dilation was insensitive to nitric oxide synthase or cyclooxygenase inhibition but was blocked by luminal administration of the small and intermediate conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel blockers apamin and TRAM34. BaCl(2), a blocker of inwardly rectifying K(+) channels, also inhibited AITC-induced dilation. AITC-induced smooth muscle cell hyperpolarization was blocked by apamin and TRAM34. We conclude that Ca(2+) influx via endothelial TRPA1 channels elicits vasodilation of cerebral arteries by a mechanism involving endothelial cell Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels and inwardly rectifying K(+) channels in arterial myocytes.