Altered functional responses by PAR1 agonist in murine dextran sodium sulphate-treated colon.

Protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR1) is highly expressed in murine colonic smooth muscles. Responses to PAR1 activation are complex and result from responses in multiple cell types. We investigated whether PAR1 responses are altered in inflamed colon induced by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-treatment. Colitis was induced in C57BL/6 mice by administration of 3% DSS in drinking water for 7 days. Measurements of isometric force, transmembrane potentials from impaled smooth muscle cells, quantitative PCR and Western blots were performed. Thrombin, an activator of PAR1, caused transient hyperpolarization and relaxation of untreated colons, but these responses decreased in DSS-treated colons. Apamin caused depolarization and increased contractions of muscles from untreated mice. This response was decreased in DSS-treated colons. Expression of Kcnn3 and Pdgfra also decreased in DSS-treated muscles. A second phase of thrombin responses is depolarization and increased contractions in untreated muscles. However, thrombin did cause depolarization in DSS-treated colon, yet it increased colonic contractions. The latter effect was associated with enhanced expression of MYPT1 and CPI-17. The propagation velocity and frequency of colonic migrating motor complexes in DSS-treated colon was significantly higher compared to control colons. In summary, DSS treatment causes loss of transient relaxations due to downregulation of SK3 channels in PDGFRα+ cells and may increase contractile responses due to increased Ca2+ sensitization of smooth muscle cells via PAR1 activation.

Changes in interstitial cells and gastric excitability in a mouse model of sleeve gastrectomy.

Obesity is a critical risk factor of several life-threatening diseases and the prevalence in adults has dramatically increased over the past ten years. In the USA the age-adjusted prevalence of obesity in adults was 42.4%, i.e., with a body mass index (BMI, weight (kg)/height (m)2) that exceeds 30 kg/m2. Obese individuals are at the higher risk of obesity-related diseases, co-morbid conditions, lower quality of life, and increased mortality more than those in the normal BMI range i.e., 18.5-24.9 kg/m2. Surgical treatment continues to be the most efficient and scientifically successful treatment for obese patients. Sleeve gastrectomy or vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) is a relatively new gastric procedure to reduce body weight but is now the most popular bariatric operation. To date there have been few studies examining the changes in the cellular components and pacemaker activity that occur in the gastric wall following VSG and whether normal gastric activity recovers following VSG. In the present study we used a murine model to investigate the chronological changes of gastric excitability including electrophysiological, molecular and morphological changes in the gastric musculature following VSG. There is a significant disruption in specialized interstitial cells of Cajal in the gastric antrum following sleeve gastrectomy. This is associated with a loss of gastric pacemaker activity and post-junctional neuroeffector responses. Over a 4-month recovery period there was a gradual return in interstitial cells of Cajal networks, pacemaker activity and neural responses. These data describe for the first time the changes in gastric interstitial cells of Cajal networks, pacemaker activity and neuroeffector responses and the time-dependent recovery of ICC networks and normalization of motor activity and neural responses following VSG.

Propulsive colonic contractions are mediated by inhibition-driven poststimulus responses that originate in interstitial cells of Cajal.

The peristaltic reflex is a fundamental behavior of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract in which mucosal stimulation activates propulsive contractions. The reflex occurs by stimulation of intrinsic primary afferent neurons with cell bodies in the myenteric plexus and projections to the lamina propria, distribution of information by interneurons, and activation of muscle motor neurons. The current concept is that excitatory cholinergic motor neurons are activated proximal to and inhibitory neurons are activated distal to the stimulus site. We found that atropine reduced, but did not block, colonic migrating motor complexes (CMMCs) in mouse, monkey, and human colons, suggesting a mechanism other than one activated by cholinergic neurons is involved in the generation/propagation of CMMCs. CMMCs were activated after a period of nerve stimulation in colons of each species, suggesting that the propulsive contractions of CMMCs may be due to the poststimulus excitation that follows inhibitory neural responses. Blocking nitrergic neurotransmission inhibited poststimulus excitation in muscle strips and blocked CMMCs in intact colons. Our data demonstrate that poststimulus excitation is due to increased Ca2+ transients in colonic interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) following cessation of nitrergic, cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-dependent inhibitory responses. The increase in Ca2+ transients after nitrergic responses activates a Ca2+-activated Cl− conductance, encoded by Ano1, in ICC. Antagonists of ANO1 channels inhibit poststimulus depolarizations in colonic muscles and CMMCs in intact colons. The poststimulus excitatory responses in ICC are linked to cGMP-inhibited cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) phosphodiesterase 3a and cAMP-dependent effects. These data suggest alternative mechanisms for generation and propagation of CMMCs in the colon.

Role of detrusor PDGFRα+ cells in mouse model of cyclophosphamide-induced detrusor overactivity.

Cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced cystitis is a rodent model that shares many features common to the cystitis occurring in patients, including detrusor overactivity (DO). Platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha positive (PDGFRα+) cells have been proposed to regulate muscle excitability in murine bladders during filling. PDGFRα+ cells express small conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels (predominantly SK3) that provide stabilization of membrane potential during filling. We hypothesized that down-regulation of the regulatory functions of PDGFRα+ cells and/or loss of PDGFRα+ cells generates the DO in CYP-treated mice. After CYP treatment, transcripts of Pdgfrα and Kcnn3 and PDGFRα and SK3 protein were reduced in detrusor muscle extracts. The distribution of PDGFRα+ cells was also reduced. Inflammatory markers were increased in CYP-treated detrusor muscles. An SK channel agonist, CyPPA, increased outward current and hyperpolarization in PDGFRα+ cells. This response was significantly depressed in PDGFRα+ cells from CYP-treated bladders. Contractile experiments and ex vivo cystometry showed increased spontaneous contractions and transient contractions, respectively in CYP-treated bladders with a reduction of apamin sensitivity, that could be attributable to the reduction in the SK conductance expressed by PDGFRα+ cells. In summary, PDGFRα+ cells were reduced and the SK3 conductance was downregulated in CYP-treated bladders. These changes are consistent with the development of DO after CYP treatment.

Ca2+ signalling in interstitial cells of Cajal contributes to generation and maintenance of tone in mouse and monkey lower oesophageal sphincters.

The lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) generates tone and prevents reflux of gastric contents. LES smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are relatively depolarised, facilitating activation of Cav 1.2 channels to sustain contractile tone. We hypothesised that intramuscular interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC-IM), through activation of Ca2+ -activated Cl- channels (ANO1), set membrane potentials of SMCs favourable for activation of Cav 1.2 channels. In some gastrointestinal muscles, ANO1 channels in ICC-IM are activated by Ca2+ transients, but no studies have examined Ca2+ dynamics in ICC-IM within the LES. Immunohistochemistry and qPCR were used to determine expression of key proteins and genes in ICC-IM and SMCs. These studies revealed that Ano1 and its gene product, ANO1, are expressed in c-Kit+ cells (ICC-IM) in mouse and monkey LES clasp muscles. Ca2+ signalling was imaged in situ, using mice expressing GCaMP6f specifically in ICC (Kit-KI-GCaMP6f). ICC-IM exhibited spontaneous Ca2+ transients from multiple firing sites. Ca2+ transients were abolished by cyclopiazonic acid or caffeine but were unaffected by tetracaine or nifedipine. Maintenance of Ca2+ transients depended on Ca2+ influx and store reloading, as Ca2+ transient frequency was reduced in Ca2+ free solution or by Orai antagonist. Spontaneous tone of LES muscles from mouse and monkey was reduced ∼80% either by Ani9, an ANO1 antagonist or by the Cav 1.2 channel antagonist nifedipine. Membrane hyperpolarisation occurred in the presence of Ani9. These data suggest that intracellular Ca2+ activates ANO1 channels in ICC-IM in the LES. Coupling of ICC-IM to SMCs drives depolarisation, activation of Cav 1.2 channels, Ca2+ entry and contractile tone. KEY POINTS: The lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) generates contractile tone preventing reflux of gastric contents into the oesophagus. LES smooth muscle cells (SMCs) display depolarised membrane potentials facilitating activation of L-type Ca2+ channels. Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) express Ca2+ -activated Cl- channels encoded by Ano1 in mouse and monkey LES. Ca2+ signalling in ICC activates ANO1 currents in ICC. ICC displayed spontaneous Ca2+ transients in mice from multiple firing sites in each cell and no entrainment of Ca2+ firing between sites or between cells. Inhibition of ANO1 channels with a specific antagonist caused hyperpolarisation of mouse LES and inhibition of tone in monkey and mouse LES muscles. Our data suggest a novel mechanism for LES tone in which Ca2+ transient activation of ANO1 channels in ICC generates depolarising inward currents that conduct to SMCs to activate L-type Ca2+ currents, Ca2+ entry and contractile tone.

Molecular and functional characterization of detrusor PDGFRα positive cells in spinal cord injury-induced detrusor overactivity.

Volume accommodation occurs via a novel mechanism involving interstitial cells in detrusor muscles. The interstitial cells in the bladder are PDGFRα+, and they restrain the excitability of smooth muscle at low levels and prevents the development of transient contractions (TCs). A common clinical manifestation of spinal cord injury (SCI)-induced bladder dysfunction is detrusor overactivity (DO). Although a myogenic origin of DO after SCI has been suggested, a mechanism for development of SCI-induced DO has not been determined. In this study we hypothesized that SCI-induced DO is related to loss of function in the regulatory mechanism provided by PDGFRα+ cells. Our results showed that transcriptional expression of Pdgfra and Kcnn3 was decreased after SCI. Proteins encoded by these genes also decreased after SCI, and a reduction in PDGFRα+ cell density was also documented. Loss of PDGFRα+ cells was due to apoptosis. TCs in ex vivo bladders during filling increased dramatically after SCI, and this was related to the loss of regulation provided by SK channels, as we observed decreased sensitivity to apamin. These findings show that damage to the mechanism restraining muscle contraction during bladder filling that is provided by PDGFRα+ cells is causative in the development of DO after SCI.

Characterization of the A-type potassium current in murine gastric fundus smooth muscles.

Transient outward, or "A-type," currents are rapidly inactivating voltage-gated potassium currents that operate at negative membrane potentials. A-type currents have not been reported in the gastric fundus, a tonic smooth muscle. We used whole cell voltage clamp to identify and characterize A-type currents in smooth muscle cells (SMCs) isolated from murine fundus. A-type currents were robust in these cells with peak amplitudes averaging 1.5 nA at 0 mV. Inactivation was rapid with a time constant of 71 ms at 0 mV; recovery from inactivation at -80 mV was similarly rapid with a time constant of 75 ms. A-type currents in fundus were blocked by 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), flecainide, and phrixotoxin-1 (PaTX1). Remaining currents after 4-AP and PaTX1 displayed half-activation potentials that were shifted to more positive potentials and showed incomplete inactivation. Currents after tetraethylammonium (TEA) displayed half inactivation at -48.1 ± 1.0 mV. Conventional microelectrode and contractile experiments on intact fundus muscles showed that 4-AP depolarized membrane potential and increased tone under conditions in which enteric neurotransmission was blocked. These data suggest that A-type K+ channels in fundus SMCs are likely active at physiological membrane potentials, and sustained activation of A-type channels contributes to the negative membrane potentials of this tonic smooth muscle. Quantitative analysis of Kv4 expression showed that Kcnd3 was dominantly expressed in fundus SMCs. These data were confirmed by immunohistochemistry, which revealed Kv4.3-like immunoreactivity within the tunica muscularis. These observations indicate that Kv4 channels likely form the A-type current in murine fundus SMCs.

Low-voltage-activated inward current in murine antral smooth muscle cells is an artifact.

Two types of voltage-dependent inward currents were evoked by depolarization in murine antral smooth muscle cells (SMCs) bathed in Ca2+-containing physiological solution: high-voltage-activated (HVA) and low-voltage-activated (LVA) inward currents. We examined whether the LVA current was due to: 1) T-type Ca2+ channels, 2) Ca2+-activated Cl-channels, 3) nonselective cation channels (NSCC), or 4) voltage-dependent K+ channels. Replacement of external Ca2+ (2 mM) with equimolar Ba2+ increased the amplitude of the HVA current but blocked the LVA current. Nicardipine blocked the HVA current, and in the presence of nicardipine, T-type Ca2+ blockers failed to block LVA current. A Cl- channel antagonist had little effect on LVA current. Cation-free external solution completely abolished both HVA and LVA currents. Addition of Ca2+ to the solution restored only HVA currents. Addition of K+ (5 mM) to otherwise cation-free solution induced LVA current that reversed at -20 mV. These data suggest that LVA current is not due to T-type Ca2+ channels, Ca2+-activated Cl- channels, or NSCC. A-type K+ (KA) currents and delayed rectifying K+ (KDR) currents can be resolved in antral SMCs dialyzed with a solution containing 140 mM K+. When cells were exposed to high K+ external solution and dialyzed with Cs+-rich solution in the presence of nicardipine, LVA current was evoked and reversed at positive potentials. LVA currents were blocked by K+ channel blockers, 4-aminopyridine, and tetraethylammonium. In conclusion, LVA inward currents can be generated by K+ influx via KA channels in murine antral SMCs when cells were dialyzed with Cs+-rich solution.

Corrigendum: Na+/Ca2+ Exchange and Pacemaker Activity of Interstitial Cells of Cajal.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00230.].

Identification and classification of interstitial cells in the mouse renal pelvis.

KEY POINTS: Platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α (PDGFRα) is a novel biomarker along with smooth myosin heavy chain for the pacemaker cells (previously termed 'atypical' smooth muscle cells) in the murine and cynomolgus monkey pelvis-kidney junction. PDGFRα+ cells present in adventitial and urothelial layers of murine renal pelvis do not express smooth muscle myosin heavy chain (smMHC) but are in close apposition to nerve fibres. Most c-Kit+ cells in the renal pelvis are mast cells. Mast cells (CD117+ /CD45+ ) are more abundant in the proximal renal pelvis and pelvis-kidney junction regions whereas c-Kit+ interstitial cells (CD117+ /CD45- ) are found predominantly in the distal renal pelvis and ureteropelvic junction. PDGFRα+ cells are distinct from c-Kit+ interstitial cells. A subset of PDGFRα+ cells express the Ca2+ -activated Cl- channel, anoctamin-1, across the entire renal pelvis. Spontaneous Ca2+ transients were observed in c-Kit+ interstitial cells, smMHC+ PDGFRα cells and smMHC- PDGFRα cells using mice expressing genetically encoded Ca2+ sensors. ABSTRACT: Rhythmic contractions of the renal pelvis transport urine from the kidneys into the ureter. Specialized pacemaker cells, termed atypical smooth muscle cells (ASMCs), are thought to drive the peristaltic contractions of typical smooth muscle cells (TSMCs) in the renal pelvis. Interstitial cells (ICs) in close proximity to ASMCs and TSMCs have been described, but the role of these cells is poorly understood. The presence and distributions of platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α+ (PDGFRα+ ) ICs in the pelvis-kidney junction (PKJ) and distal renal pelvis were evaluated. We found PDGFRα+ ICs in the adventitial layers of the pelvis, the muscle layer of the PKJ and the adventitia of the distal pelvis. PDGFRα+ ICs were distinct from c-Kit+ ICs in the renal pelvis. c-Kit+ ICs are a minor population of ICs in murine renal pelvis. The majority of c-Kit+ cells were mast cells. PDGFRα+ cells in the PKJ co-expressed smooth muscle myosin heavy chain (smMHC) and several other smooth muscle gene transcripts, indicating these cells are ASMCs, and PDGFRα is a novel biomarker for ASMCs. PDGFRα+ cells also express Ano1, which encodes a Ca2+ -activated Cl- conductance that serves as a primary pacemaker conductance in ICs of the GI tract. Spontaneous Ca2+ transients were observed in c-Kit+ ICs, smMHC+ PDGFRα cells and smMHC- PDGFRα cells using genetically encoded Ca2+ sensors. A reporter strain of mice with enhanced green fluorescent protein driven by the endogenous promotor for Pdgfra was shown to be a powerful new tool for isolating and characterizing the phenotype and functions of these cells in the renal pelvis.

Na+/Ca2 + Exchange and Pacemaker Activity of Interstitial Cells of Cajal.

Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) are pacemaker cells that generate electrical slow waves in gastrointestinal (GI) smooth muscles. Slow waves organize basic motor patterns, such as peristalsis and segmentation in the GI tract. Slow waves depend upon activation of Ca2+-activated Cl- channels (CaCC) encoded by Ano1. Slow waves consist of an upstroke depolarization and a sustained plateau potential that is the main factor leading to excitation-contraction coupling. The plateau phase can last for seconds in some regions of the GI tract. How elevated Ca2+ is maintained throughout the duration of slow waves, which is necessary for sustained activation of CaCC, is unknown. Modeling has suggested a role for Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) in regulating CaCC currents in ICC, so we tested this idea on murine intestinal ICC. ICC of small and large intestine express NCX isoforms. NCX3 is closely associated with ANO1 in ICC, as shown by immunoprecipitation and proximity ligation assays (PLA). KB-R7943, an inhibitor of NCX, increased CaCC current in ICC, suggesting that NCX, acting in Ca2+ exit mode, helps to regulate basal [Ca2+] i in these cells. Shifting NCX into Ca2+ entry mode by replacing extracellular Na+ with Li+ increased spontaneous transient inward currents (STICs), due to activation of CaCC. Stepping ICC from -80 to -40 mV activated slow wave currents that were reduced in amplitude and duration by NCX inhibitors, KB-R7943 and SN-6, and enhanced by increasing the NCX driving force. SN-6 reduced the duration of clustered Ca2+ transients that underlie the activation of CaCC and the plateau phase of slow waves. Our results suggest that NCX participates in slow waves as modeling has predicted. Dynamic changes in membrane potential and ionic gradients during slow waves appear to flip the directionality of NCX, facilitating removal of Ca2+ during the inter-slow wave interval and providing Ca2+ for sustained activation of ANO1 during the slow wave plateau phase.

A novel postsynaptic signal pathway of sympathetic neural regulation of murine colonic motility.

Transcriptome data revealed α1 adrenoceptors (ARs) expression in platelet-derived growth factor receptor α+ cells (PDGFRα+ cells) in murine colonic musculature. The role of PDGFRα+ cells in sympathetic neural regulation of murine colonic motility was investigated. Norepinephrine (NE), via α1A ARs, activated a small conductance Ca2+ -activated K+ (SK) conductance, evoked outward currents and hyperpolarized PDGFRα+ cells (the α1A AR-SK channel signal pathway). α1 AR agonists increased intracellular Ca2+ transients in PDGFRα+ cells and inhibited spontaneous phasic contractions (SPCs) of colonic muscle through activation of a SK conductance. Sympathetic nerve stimulation inhibited both contractions of distal colon and propulsive contractions represented by the colonic migrating motor complexes (CMMCs) via the α1A AR-SK channel signal pathway. Postsynaptic signaling through α1A ARs in PDGFRα+ cells is a novel mechanism that conveys part of stress responses in the colon. PDGFRα+ cells appear to be a primary effector of sympathetic neural regulation of murine colonic motility.

Expression of Alpha-type Platelet-derived Growth Factor Receptor-influenced Genes Predicts Clinical Outcome in Glioma.

BACKGROUND: Alpha-type platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFRα) is a cell surface tyrosine kinase receptor for members of the platelet-derived growth factor family. PDGFRα plays an important role in the regulation of several biological processes and contributes to the pathophysiology of a broad range of human cancers, including glioma. Here, we hypothesize that the genes directly or indirectly influenced by PDGFRα might be useful for prognosis in glioma. METHODS: By comparing the genome-wide gene expression pattern between PDGFRα+ and PDGFRα- cells from human oligodendrocyte progenitor, we defined the genes potentially influenced by PDGFRα. RESULTS: The PDGFRα-influenced genes are strongly associated with cancer-related pathways. We subsequently developed a prognostic gene signature derived from the PDGFRα-influenced genes. This gene signature is able to predict clinical outcome of glioma. This signature is also independent of traditional prognostic factors of glioma. Resampling tests indicate that the prognostic power of this gene signature outperforms random gene sets selected from human genome. More importantly, this signature is superior to the random gene signatures selected from glioma related genes. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the absence of clear elucidation of molecular mechanisms, this study suggests the vital role of PDGFRα in carcinogenesis. Furthermore, the PDGFRα-based gene signature provides a promising prognostic tool for glioma and validates PDGFRα as a novel and effective therapeutic target in human cancers.

Na-K-2Cl Cotransporter and Store-Operated Ca2+ Entry in Pacemaking by Interstitial Cells of Cajal.

Pacemaker depolarization in interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) is believed to be induced by Ca2+ transients and activation of anoctamin-1 (Ano1) channels in the plasma membrane. However, block of store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) or the Na-K-2Cl cotransporter (NKCC1) terminates pacemaker activity in ICC, indicating these transporters are involved in the initiation or maintenance of pacemaker activity. We hypothesized that SOCE contributes to pacemaker depolarization by maintaining [Ca2+] in the endoplasmic reticulum, which is the underlying source of Ca2+ transients for activation of Ano1. NKCC1 maintains the Cl- gradient supporting the driving force for inward current mediated by Ano1. Currently mechanisms sustaining release of Ca2+ and activation of Ano1 channels during the plateau phase of slow waves are unknown, but the reverse mode of the Na+/Ca2+ exchange may contribute. We generated a mathematical model of pacemaker activity based on current empirical observations from ICC of mouse small intestine that incorporates functions of SOCE and NKCC1. This model reproduces experimental findings, suggesting roles for SOCE and Ano1 channels: blocking of either NKCC1 or SOCE in our model terminates pacemaker activity. Direct contribution of NKCC1 to pacemaker activity in a beat-to-beat manner is not predicted by our model. Instead, NKCC1 plays a maintenance role supporting the driving force for Cl- efflux. Incorporation of SOCE allows the model to drive pacemaker activity without a diastolic depolarization, as observed in cardiac pacemaking. Further biological experiments are necessary to validate and further refine the roles of NKCC1, Na+/Ca2+ exchange, and Ano1 in the pacemaker mechanism of ICC.

The Piezo2 ion channel is mechanically activated by low-threshold positive pressure.

Recent parallel studies clearly indicated that Merkel cells and the mechanosensitive piezo2 ion channel play critical roles in the light-touch somatosensation. Moreover, piezo2 was suggested to be a light-touch sensing ion channel without a role in pain sensing in mammals. However, biophysical characteristics of piezo2, such as single channel conductance and sensitivities to various mechanical stimuli, are unclear, hampering a precise understanding of its role in touch sensation. Here, we describe the biophysical properties of piezo2 in human Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC)-13 cells; piezo2 is a low-threshold, positive pressure-specific, curvature-sensitive, mechanically activated cation channel with a single channel conductance of ~28.6 pS. Application of step indentations under the whole-cell mode of the patch-clamp technique, and positive pressures ≥5 mmHg under the cell-attached mode, activated piezo2 currents in MCC-13 and human embryonic kidney 293 T cells where piezo2 was overexpressed. By contrast, application of a negative pressure failed to activate piezo2 in these cells, whereas both positive and negative pressure activated piezo1 in a similar manner. Our results are the first to demonstrate single channel recordings of piezo2. We anticipate that our findings will be a starting point for a more sophisticated understanding of piezo2 roles in light-touch sensation.

An ex vivo bladder model with detrusor smooth muscle removed to analyse biologically active mediators released from the suburothelium.

KEY POINTS: Studies of urothelial cells, bladder sheets or lumens of filled bladders have suggested that mediators released from urothelium into suburothelium (SubU)/lamina propria (LP) activate mechanisms controlling detrusor excitability. None of these approaches, however, has enabled direct assessment of availability of mediators at SubU/LP during filling. We developed an ex vivo mouse bladder preparation with intact urothelium and SubU/LP but no detrusor, which allows direct access to the SubU/LP surface of urothelium during filling. Pressure-volume measurements during filling demonstrated that bladder compliance is governed primarily by the urothelium. Measurements of purine mediators in this preparation demonstrated asymmetrical availability of purines in lumen and SubU/LP, suggesting that interpretations based solely on intraluminal measurements of mediators may be inaccurate. The preparations are suitable for assessments of release, degradation and transport of mediators in SubU/LP during bladder filling, and are superior to experimental approaches previously used for urothelium research. ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to develop a decentralized (ex vivo) detrusor smooth muscle (DSM)-denuded mouse bladder preparation, a novel model that enables studies on availability of urothelium-derived mediators at the luminal and anti-luminal aspects of the urothelium during filling. Urinary bladders were excised from C57BL6/J mice and the DSM was removed by fine-scissor dissection without touching the mucosa. Morphology and cell composition of the preparation wall, pressure-volume relationships during filling, and fluorescent dye permeability of control, protamine sulfate- and lipopolysaccharide-treated denuded bladders were characterized. The preparation wall contained intact urothelium and suburothelium (SubU)/lamina propria (LP) and lacked the DSM and the serosa. The utility of the model for physiological research was validated by measuring release, metabolism and transport of purine mediators at SubU/LP and in bladder lumen during filling. We determined asymmetrical availability of purines (e.g. ATP, ADP, AMP and adenosine) in lumen and at SubU/LP during filling, suggesting differential mechanisms of release, degradation and bilateral transurothelial transport of purines during filling. Some observations were validated in DSM-denuded bladder of the cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis). The novel model was superior to current models utilized to study properties of the urothelium (e.g. cultured urothelial cells, bladder mucosa sheets mounted in Ussing chambers or isolated bladder strips in organ baths) in that it enabled direct access to the vicinity of SubU/LP during authentic bladder filling. The model is particularly suitable for understanding local mechanisms of urothelium-DSM connectivity and for broad understanding of the role of urothelium in regulating continence and voiding.

The functional role of protease-activated receptors on contractile responses by activation of Ca2+ sensitization pathways in simian colonic muscles.

It has been known that activation of protease-activated receptors (PARs) affects gastrointestinal motility. In this study, we tested the effects of PAR agonists on electrical and contractile responses and Ca2+ sensitization pathways in simian colonic muscles. The Simian colonic muscle was initially hyperpolarized by PAR agonists. After the transient hyperpolarization, simian colonic muscle repolarized to the control resting membrane potential (RMP) without a delayed depolarization. Apamin significantly reduced the initial hyperpolarization, suggesting that activation of small conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (SK) channels is involved in the initial hyperpolarization. In contractile experiments, PAR agonists caused an initial relaxation followed by an increase in contractions. These delayed contractile responses were not matched with the electrical responses that showed no after depolarization of the RMP. To investigate the possible involvement of Rho-associated protein kinase 2 (ROCK) pathways in the PAR effects, muscle strips were treated with ROCK inhibitors, which significantly reduced the PAR agonist-induced contractions. Furthermore, PAR agonists increased MYPT1 phosphorylation, and ROCK inhibitors completely blocked MYPT1 phosphorylation. PAR agonists alone had no effect on CPI-17 phosphorylation. In the presence of apamin, PAR agonists significantly increased CPI-17 phosphorylation, which was blocked by protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors suggesting that Ca2+ influx is increased by apamin and is activating PKC. In conclusion, these studies show that PAR activators induce biphasic responses in simian colonic muscles. The initial inhibitory responses by PAR agonists are mainly mediated by activation of SK channels and delayed contractile responses are mainly mediated by the CPI-17 and ROCK Ca2+ sensitization pathways in simian colonic muscles. NEW & NOTEWORTHY In the present study, we found that the contractile responses of simian colonic muscles to protease-activated receptor (PAR) agonists are different from the previously reported contractile responses of murine colonic muscles. Ca2+ sensitization pathways mediate the contractile responses of simian colonic muscles to PAR agonists without affecting the membrane potential. These findings emphasize novel mechanisms of PAR agonist-induced contractions possibly related to colonic dysmotility in inflammatory bowel disease.

SOCE mediated by STIM and Orai is essential for pacemaker activity in the interstitial cells of Cajal in the gastrointestinal tract.

Electrical pacemaker activity generates phasic contractions and motility patterns such as segmentation and peristalsis in the gastrointestinal tract. Pacemaker currents are generated in interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), which release Ca2+ from intracellular stores that stimulates Ca2+-activated Cl- channels (CaCCs) in the plasma membrane. Thus, Ca2+ stores must be maintained to sustain pacemaker activity. Store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) facilitates the refilling of Ca2+ stores by a mechanism dependent upon interactions between STIM and Orai proteins. We investigated the role of SOCE in ICC pacemaker activity. Reintroduction of extracellular Ca2+ in store-depleted ICC resulted in CaCC activation. Blocking CaCCs revealed an inwardly rectifying current with properties of a Ca2+ release-activated current (ICRAC). An inhibitory peptide that interfered with the STIM-Orai interaction blocked ICRAC in HEK 293 cells expressing STIM1 and Orai1 and blocked spontaneous transient inward currents (STICs) and slow wave currents in ICC. STICs, which are fundamental pacemaker events in ICC, were blocked by an Orai antagonist. Imaging of Ca2+ transients linked to pacemaker activity in ICC in intact muscles showed that the Orai antagonist blocked Ca2+ transients in ICC. These data suggest that Ca2+ recovery through STIM-Orai interactions is necessary to maintain ICC pacemaker activity.

The cells and conductance mediating cholinergic neurotransmission in the murine proximal stomach.

KEY POINTS: Enteric neurotransmission is essential for gastrointestinal (GI) motility, although the cells and conductances responsible for post-junctional responses are controversial. The calcium-activated chloride conductance (CaCC), anoctamin-1 (Ano1), was expressed by intramuscular interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC-IM) in proximal stomach and not resolved in smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Cholinergic nerve fibres were closely apposed to ICC-IM. Conductances activated by cholinergic stimulation in isolated ICC-IM and SMCs were determined. A CaCC was activated by carbachol in ICC-IM and a non-selective cation conductance in SMCs. Responses to cholinergic nerve stimulation were studied. Excitatory junction potentials (EJPs) and mechanical responses were evoked in wild-type mice but absent or greatly reduced with knockout/down of Ano1. Drugs that block Ano1 inhibited the conductance activated by carbachol in ICC-IM and EJPs and mechanical responses in tissues. The data of the present study suggest that electrical and mechanical responses to cholinergic nerve stimulation are mediated by Ano1 expressed in ICC-IM and not SMCs. ABSTRACT: Enteric motor neurotransmission is essential for normal gastrointestinal (GI) motility. Controversy exists regarding the cells and ionic conductance(s) that mediate post-junctional neuroeffector responses to motor neurotransmitters. Isolated intramuscular ICC (ICC-IM) and smooth muscle cells (SMCs) from murine fundus muscles were used to determine the conductances activated by carbachol (CCh) in each cell type. The calcium-activated chloride conductance (CaCC), anoctamin-1 (Ano1) is expressed by ICC-IM but not resolved in SMCs, and CCh activated a Cl- conductance in ICC-IM and a non-selective cation conductance in SMCs. We also studied responses to nerve stimulation using electrical-field stimulation (EFS) of intact fundus muscles from wild-type and Ano1 knockout mice. EFS activated excitatory junction potentials (EJPs) in wild-type mice, although EJPs were absent in mice with congenital deactivation of Ano1 and greatly reduced in animals in which the CaCC-Ano1 was knocked down using Cre/loxP technology. Contractions to cholinergic nerve stimulation were also greatly reduced in Ano1 knockouts. SMCs cells also have receptors and ion channels activated by muscarinic agonists. Blocking acetylcholine esterase with neostigmine revealed a slow depolarization that developed after EJPs in wild-type mice. This depolarization was still apparent in mice with genetic deactivation of Ano1. Pharmacological blockers of Ano1 also inhibited EJPs and contractile responses to muscarinic stimulation in fundus muscles. The data of the present study are consistent with the hypothesis that ACh released from motor nerves binds muscarinic receptors on ICC-IM with preference and activates Ano1. If metabolism of acetylcholine is inhibited, ACh overflows and binds to extrajunctional receptors on SMCs, eliciting a slower depolarization response.

Molecular and functional characterization of inwardly rectifying K+ currents in murine proximal colon.

KEY POINTS: Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) from murine colonic muscles express genes encoding inwardly rectifying K+ channels. Transcripts of Kcnj2 (Kir2.1), Kcnj4 (Kir2.3), Kcnj14 (Kir2.4), Kcnj5 (Kir3.4), Kcnj8 (Kir 6.1) and Kcnj11 (Kir6.2) were found in colonic ICC. A conductance with properties consistent with Kir2 channels was observed in ICC but not in smooth muscle cells (SMC). Despite expression of gene transcripts, G-protein gated K+ channel (Kir3) and KATP (Kir6) currents were not resolved in ICC. KATP is a conductance prominent in SMC. Kir2 antagonist caused depolarization of freshly dispersed ICC and colonic smooth muscles, suggesting that this conductance is active under resting conditions in colonic muscles. The conclusion of the present study is that ICC express the Ba2+ -sensitive, inwardly rectifying K+ conductance in colonic muscles. This conductance is most probably a result of heterotetramers of Kir2 gene products, with this regulating resting potentials and the excitability of colonic muscles. ABSTRACT: Membrane potentials of gastrointestinal muscles are important because voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels in smooth muscle cells (SMC) provide the Ca2+ that triggers contraction. Regulation of membrane potential is complicated because SMC are electrically coupled to interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) and PDGFRα+ cells. Activation of conductances in any of these cells affects the excitability of the syncytium. We explored the role of inward rectifier K+ conductances in colonic ICC that might contribute to regulation of membrane potential. ICC expressed Kcnj2 (Kir2.1), Kcnj4 (Kir2.3), Kcnj14 (Kir2.4), Kcnj5 (Kir3.4), Kcnj8 (Kir 6.1) and Kcnj11 (Kir6.2). Voltage clamp experiments showed activation of inward current when extracellular K+ ([K+ ]o ) was increased. The current was inwardly rectifying and inhibited by Ba2+ (10 µm) and ML-133 (10 µm). A similar current was not available in SMC. The current activated in ICC by elevated [K+ ]o was not affected by Tertiapin-Q. Gßγ, when dialysed into cells, failed to activate a unique, Tertiapin-Q-sensitive conductance. Freshly dispersed ICC showed no evidence of functional KATP . Pinacidil failed to activate current and the inward current activated by elevated [K+ ]o was insensitive to glibenclamide. Under current clamp, ML-133 caused the depolarization of isolated ICC and also that of cells impaled with microelectrodes in intact muscle strips. These findings show that ICC, when isolated freshly from colonic muscles, expressed a Ba2+ -sensitive, inwardly rectifying K+ conductance. This conductance is most probably a result of the expression of multiple Kir2 family paralogues, and the inwardly rectifying conductance contributes to the regulation of resting potentials and excitability of colonic muscles.