Characterization of Glutathione Dithiophosphates as Long-Acting H2S Donors.

Considering the important cytoprotective and signaling roles but relatively narrow therapeutic index of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), advanced H2S donors are required to achieve a therapeutic effect. In this study, we proposed glutathione dithiophosphates as new combination donors of H2S and glutathione. The kinetics of H2S formation in dithiophosphate solutions suggested a continuous H2S release by the donors, which was higher for the dithiophosphate of reduced glutathione than oxidized glutathione. The compounds, unlike NaHS, inhibited the proliferation of C2C12 myoblasts at submillimolar concentrations due to an efficient increase in intracellular H2S. The H2S donors more profoundly affected reactive oxygen species and reduced glutathione levels in C2C12 myocytes, in which these parameters were elevated compared to myoblasts. Oxidized glutathione dithiophosphate as well as control donors exerted antioxidant action toward myocytes, whereas the effect of reduced glutathione dithiophosphate at (sub-)micromolar concentrations was rather modulating. This dithiophosphate showed an enhanced negative inotropic effect mediated by H2S upon contraction of the atrial myocardium, furthermore, its activity was prolonged and reluctant for washing. These findings identify glutathione dithiophosphates as redox-modulating H2S donors with long-acting profile, which are of interest for further pharmacological investigation.

Short chain fatty acids and colon motility in a mouse model of irritable bowel syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is defined as a multifactorial disorder associated with visceral hypersensitivity, altered gut motility and dysfunction of the brain-gut axis. Gut microbiota and its metabolites are proposed as possible etiological factors of IBS. Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) induce both inhibitory and stimulatory action on colon motility, however, their effects on the IBS model were not investigated. The aim of our study was to investigate the level of SFCAs in feces and their effects on colon motility in a mouse model of IBS. METHODS: IBS model was induced in mice by intracolonic infusion of 1% acetic acid during the early postnatal period. Mice colon hypersensitivity was assessed by the threshold of the abdominal withdrawal reflex in response to colorectal distention. Colon contractility was studied using proximal colon specimens in isometric conditions. Transit rates were assessed by the pellet propulsion in the isolated colon. Concentrations of SCFAs in feces were measured using gas-liquid chromatography. RESULTS: The concentration of SCFAs in feces of IBS model mice was higher compared to the control group. Visceral sensitivity to colorectal distension and colonic transit rate were increased indicating IBS with predominant diarrhea. The frequency and amplitude of spontaneous contractions of proximal colon segments from IBS mice were higher, but carbachol induced contractions were lower compared to control. During acute application of SCFAs (sodium propionate, sodium acetate or butyric acid) dose-dependently (0.5-30 mM) decreased tonic tension, frequency and amplitude of spontaneous and carbachol-evoked contractions. In the mouse IBS group the inhibitory effects SCFAs on spontaneous and carbachol-evoked contractions were less pronounced. At the same time intraluminal administration of butyrate (5 mM) increased the transit rate in the colon of both groups, but its stimulatory effect was more pronounced in mouse IBS model group. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that the increased transit rate in the mouse IBS model group is associated with a disbalance of activating and inhibiting action of SCFAs due to chronically elevated SCFA levels, which may impact the pathogenesis of IBS with predominant diarrhea syndrome.

Hydrogen sulfide induces hyperpolarization and decreases the exocytosis of secretory granules of rat GH3 pituitary tumor cells.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on the membrane potential, action potential discharge and exocytosis of secretory granules in neurosecretory pituitary tumor cells (GH3). The H2S donor - sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) induced membrane hyperpolarization, followed by truncation of spontaneous electrical activity and decrease of the membrane resistance. The NaHS effect was dose-dependent with an EC50 of 152 µM (equals effective H2S of 16-19 µM). NaHS effects were not altered after inhibition of maxi conductance calcium-activated potassium (BK) channels by tetraethylammonium or paxilline, but were significantly reduced after inhibition or activation of ATP-dependent potassium channels (KATP) by glibenclamide or by diazoxide, respectively. In whole-cell recordings NaHS increased the amplitude of KATP currents, induced by hyperpolarizing pulses and subsequent application of glibenclamide decreased currents to control levels. Using the fluorescent dye FM 1-43 exocytosis of secretory granules was analyzed in basal and stimulated conditions (high K(+) external solution). Prior application of NaHS decreased the fluorescence of the cell membrane in both conditions which links with activation of KATP currents (basal secretion) and activation of KATP currents and BK-currents (stimulated exocytosis). We suggest that H2S induces hyperpolarization of GH3 cells by activation of KATP channels which results in a truncation of spontaneous action potentials and a decrease of hormone release.

Effects of Hyperhomocysteinemia on the Platelet-Driven Contraction of Blood Clots.

Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is associated with thrombosis, but the mechanistic links between them are not understood. We studied effects of homocysteine (Hcy) on clot contraction in vitro and in a rat model of HHcy. Incubation of blood with exogenous Hcy for 1 min enhanced clot contraction, while 15-min incubation led to a dose-dependent suppression of contraction. These effects were likely due to direct Hcy-induced platelet activation followed by exhaustion, as revealed by an increase in fibrinogen-binding capacity and P-selectin expression determined by flow cytometry. In the blood of rats with HHcy, clot contraction was enhanced at moderately elevated Hcy levels (10-50 µM), while at higher Hcy levels (>50 µM), the onset of clot contraction was delayed. HHcy was associated with thrombocytosis combined with a reduced erythrocyte count and hypofibrinogenemia. These data suggest that in HHcy, platelets get activated directly and indirectly, leading to enhanced clot contraction that is facilitated by the reduced content and resilience of fibrin and erythrocytes in the clot. The excessive platelet activation can lead to exhaustion and impaired contractility, which makes clots larger and more obstructive. In conclusion, HHcy modulates blood clot contraction, which may comprise an underappreciated pro- or antithrombotic mechanism.

Hydrogen sulfide increases calcium-activated potassium (BK) channel activity of rat pituitary tumor cells.

Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) is the third gasotransmitter found to be produced endogenously in living cells to exert physiological functions. Large conductance (maxi) calcium-activated potassium channels (BK), which play an important role in the regulation of electrical activity in many cells, are targets of gasotransmitters. We examined the modulating action of H(2)S on BK channels from rat GH(3) pituitary tumor cells using patch clamp techniques. Application of sodium hydrogen sulfide as H(2)S donor to the bath solution in whole cell experiments caused an increase of calcium-activated potassium outward currents. In single channel recordings, H(2)S increased BK channel activity in a concentration-dependent manner. Hydrogen sulfide induced a reversible increase in channel open probability in a voltage-dependent, but calcium independent manner. The reducing agent, dithiothreitol, prevented the increase of open probability by H(2)S, whereas, the oxidizing agent thimerosal increased channel open probability in the presence of H(2)S. Our data show that H(2)S augments BK channel activity, and this effect can be linked to its reducing action on sulfhydryl groups of the channel protein.

Characterization of gut contractility and microbiota in patients with severe chronic constipation.

Chronic constipation (CC) is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders worldwide. Its pathogenesis, however, remains largely unclear. The purpose of the present work was to gain an insight into the role of contractility and microbiota in the etiology of CC. To this end, we studied spontaneous and evoked contractile activity of descending colon segments from patients that have undergone surgery for refractory forms of CC. The juxta-mucosal microbiota of these colon samples were characterized with culture-based and 16S rRNA sequencing techniques. In patients with CC the spontaneous colonic motility remained unchanged compared to the control group without dysfunction of intestinal motility. Moreover, contractions induced by potassium chloride and carbachol were increased in both circular and longitudinal colonic muscle strips, thus indicating preservation of contractile apparatus and increased sensitivity to cholinergic nerve stimulation in the constipated intestine. In the test group, the gut microbiota composition was assessed as being typically human, with four dominant bacterial phyla, namely Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria, as well as usual representation of the most prevalent gut bacterial genera. Yet, significant inter-individual differences were revealed. The phylogenetic diversity of gut microbiota was not affected by age, sex, or colonic anatomy (dolichocolon, megacolon). The abundance of butyrate-producing genera Roseburia, Coprococcus, and Faecalibacterium was low, whereas conventional probiotic genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria were not decreased in the gut microbiomes of the constipated patients. As evidenced by our study, specific microbial biomarkers for constipation state are absent. The results point to a probable role played by the overall gut microbiota at the functional level. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive characterization of CC pathogenesis, finding lack of disruption of motor activity of colonic smooth muscle cells and insufficiency of particular members of gut microbiota usually implicated in CC.

The role of cGMP-dependent signaling pathway in synaptic vesicle cycle at the frog motor nerve terminals.

The role of cGMP-dependent pathways in synaptic vesicle recycling in motor nerve endings during prolonged high-frequency stimulation was studied at frog neuromuscular junctions using electrophysiological and fluorescent methods. An increase of intracellular cGMP concentration (8-Br-cGMP or 8-pCPT-cGMP) significantly reduced the cycle time for synaptic vesicles through the enhancement of vesicular traffic rate from the recycling pool to the readily releasable pool and acceleration of fast endocytosis. Pharmacological inhibition of soluble guanylate cyclase or protein kinase G slowed down the rate of recycling as well as endocytosis of synaptic vesicles. The results suggest that cGMP-PKG-dependent pathway serves a significant function in the control of vesicular cycle in frog motor terminals.

A potential role for T-type calcium channels in homocysteinemia-induced peripheral neuropathy.

Homocysteinemia is a metabolic condition characterized by abnormally high level of homocysteine in the blood and is considered to be a risk factor for peripheral neuropathy. However, the cellular mechanisms underlying toxic effects of homocysteine on the processing of peripheral nociception have not yet been investigated comprehensively. Here, using a rodent model of experimental homocysteinemia, we report the causal association between homocysteine and the development of mechanical allodynia. Homocysteinemia-induced mechanical allodynia was reversed on pharmacological inhibition of T-type calcium channels. In addition, our in vitro studies indicate that homocysteine enhances recombinant T-type calcium currents by promoting the recycling of Cav3.2 channels back to the plasma membrane through a protein kinase C-dependent signaling pathway that requires the direct phosphorylation of Cav3.2 at specific loci. Altogether, these results reveal an unrecognized signaling pathway that modulates the expression of T-type calcium channels, and may potentially contribute to the development of peripheral neuropathy associated with homocysteinemia.

Modulation of neurotransmitter release by carbon monoxide at the frog neuro-muscular junction.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an endogenous gaseous messenger, which regulates numerous physiological functions in a wide variety of tissues. Using extracellular microelectrode recording from frog neuro-muscular preparation the mechanisms of exogenous and endogenous CO action on evoked quantal acetyl-choline (Ach) release were studied. It was shown that CO application increases Ach-release in dose-dependent manner without changes in pre-synaptic Na+ and K+ currents. The effect of exogenous CO on Ach-release was decreased by prior application of guanylate cyclase inhibitor ODQ and prevented by application of a cyclic guanylate monophosphate (cGMP) analog 8Br-cGMP. Pre-treatment of the preparation with adenylate cyclase inhibitor MDL-12330A has completely abolished the effect of CO, whereas elevation of intracellular level of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) mimicked and eliminated CO action. Application of cGMP-activated phosphodiesterase-2 inhibitor EHNA did not prevent CO action, whereas inhibition of cGMP-inhibited phosphodiesterase-3 by quazinone has partially blocked the effect of CO. Utilizing immuno-histochemical methods CO-producing enzyme heme-oxygenase-2 (HO-2) was shown to be expressed in skeletal muscle fibers, mostly in sub-sarcolemmal region, karyolemma and sarcoplasmic reticulum. Zn-protoporphirin-IX, the selective HO-2 blocker, has depressed Ach-release, suggesting the tonic activating effect of endogenous CO on pre-synaptic function. These results suggest that facilitatory effect of CO on Ach-release is mediated by elevation of intracellular cAMP level due to activation of adenylate cyclase and decrease of cAMP breakdown. As such, endogenous skeletal muscle-derived CO mediates tonic retrograde up-regulation of neuro-transmitter release at the frog neuro-muscular junction.

Hydrogen sulfide inhibits giant depolarizing potentials and abolishes epileptiform activity of neonatal rat hippocampal slices.

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an endogenous gasotransmitter with neuroprotective properties that participates in the regulation of transmitter release and neuronal excitability in various brain structures. The role of H2S in the growth and maturation of neural networks however remains unclear. The aim of the present study is to reveal the effects of H2S on neuronal spontaneous activity relevant to neuronal maturation in hippocampal slices of neonatal rats. Sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) (100µM), a classical donor of H2S produced a biphasic effect with initial activation and subsequent concentration-dependent suppression of network-driven giant depolarizing potentials (GDPs) and neuronal spiking activity. Likewise, the substrate of H2S synthesis l-cysteine (1mM) induced an initial increase followed by an inhibition of GDPs and spiking activity. Our experiments indicate that the increase in initial discharge activity by NaHS is evoked by neuronal depolarization which is partially mediated by a reduction of outward K+ currents. The subsequent decrease in the neuronal activity by H2S appears to be due to the rightward shift of activation and inactivation of voltage-gated Na+ currents, thus preventing network activity. NaHS also reduced N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA)-mediated currents, without essential effect on AMPA/kainate or GABAA-mediated currents. Finally, H2S abolished the interictal-like events induced by bicuculline. In summary, our results suggest that through the inhibitory action on voltage-gated Na+ channels and NMDA receptors, H2S prevents the enhanced neuronal excitability typical to early hippocampal networks.

Age-Dependent, Subunit Specific Action of Hydrogen Sulfide on GluN1/2A and GluN1/2B NMDA Receptors.

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an endogenously produced neuroactive gas implicated in many key processes in the peripheral and central nervous system. Whereas the neuroprotective role of H2S has been shown in adult brain, the action of this messenger in newborns remains unclear. One of the known targets of H2S in the nervous system is the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptor which can be composed of different subunits with distinct functional properties. In the present study, using patch clamp technique, we compared the effects of the H2S donor sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS, 100 µM) on hippocampal NMDA receptor mediated currents in rats of the first and third postnatal weeks. This was supplemented by testing effects of NaHS on recombinant GluN1/2A and GluN1/2B NMDA receptors expressed in HEK293T cells. The main finding is that NaHS action on NMDA currents is age-dependent. Currents were reduced in newborns but increased in older juvenile rats. Consistent with an age-dependent switch in NMDA receptor composition, in HEK239T cells expressing GluN1/2A receptors, NaHS increased NMDA activated currents associated with acceleration of desensitization and decrease of the deactivation rate. In contrast, in GluN1/2B NMDA receptors, which are prevalent in newborns, NaHS decreased currents and reduced receptor deactivation without effect on the desensitization rate. Adenylate cyclase inhibitor MDL-12330A (10 µM) did not prevent the age-dependent effects of NaHS on NMDA evoked currents in pyramidal neurons of hippocampus. The reducing agent dithiothreitol (DTT, 2 mM) applied on HEK293T cells prevented facilitation induced by NaHS on GluN1/2A NMDA receptors, however in GluN1/2B NMDA receptors the inhibitory effect of NaHS was still observed. Our data indicate age-dependent effect of H2S on NMDA receptor mediated currents determined by glutamate receptor subunit composition. While the inhibitory action of H2 on GluN1/2B receptors could limit the excessive activation in early age, the enhanced functionality of GluN1/2A receptor in the presence of this gasotransmitter can enlarge synaptic efficacy and promote synaptic plasticity in adults.

Homocysteine augments BK channel activity and decreases exocytosis of secretory granules in rat GH3 cells.

In this study, we investigated the effects of L-homocysteine (Hcy) on maxi calcium-activated potassium (BK) channels and on exocytosis of secretory granules in GH3 rat pituitary-derived cells. A major finding of our study indicates that short-term application of Hcy increased the open probability of oxidized BK channels in inside-out recordings. Whole-cell recordings show that extracellular Hcy also augmented BK currents during long-term application. Furthermore, Hcy decreased the exocytosis of secretory granules. This decrease was partially prevented by the BK channel inhibitor paxilline and fully prevented by N-acetylcysteine, a reactive oxygen species scavenger. Taken together, our data show that elevation of cellular Hcy level induces oxidative stress, increases BK channel activity, and decreases exocytosis of secretory granules. These findings may provide insight into some of the developmental impairments and neurotoxicity associated with Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy), a disease arising due to abnormally elevated levels of Hcy in the plasma.

Oxidative Stress and Maxi Calcium-Activated Potassium (BK) Channels.

All cells contain ion channels in their outer (plasma) and inner (organelle) membranes. Ion channels, similar to other proteins, are targets of oxidative impact, which modulates ion fluxes across membranes. Subsequently, these ion currents affect electrical excitability, such as action potential discharge (in neurons, muscle, and receptor cells), alteration of the membrane resting potential, synaptic transmission, hormone secretion, muscle contraction or coordination of the cell cycle. In this chapter we summarize effects of oxidative stress and redox mechanisms on some ion channels, in particular on maxi calcium-activated potassium (BK) channels which play an outstanding role in a plethora of physiological and pathophysiological functions in almost all cells and tissues. We first elaborate on some general features of ion channel structure and function and then summarize effects of oxidative alterations of ion channels and their functional consequences.

Carbon monoxide modulates electrical activity of murine myocardium via cGMP-dependent mechanisms.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is critical in cell signaling, and inhalation of gaseous CO can impact cardiovascular physiology. We have investigated electrophysiological effects of CO and their potential cGMP-dependent mechanism in isolated preparations of murine myocardium. The standard microelectrode technique was used to record myocardial action potentials (APs). Exogenous CO (0.96 × 10(-4)-4.8 × 10(-4) M) decreased AP duration in atrial and ventricular tissue and accelerated pacemaking activity in sinoatrial node. Inhibitors of heme oxygenases (zinc and tin protoporphyrin IX), which are responsible for endogenous CO production, induced the opposite effects. Inhibitor of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), ODQ (10(-5) M) halved CO-induced AP shortening, while sGC activator azosidnone (10(-5) M-3 × 10(-4) M) and cGMP analog BrcGMP (3 × 10(-4) M) induced the same effects as CO. To see if CO effects are attributed to differential regulation of phosphodiesterase 2 (PDE2) and 3 (PDE3), we used inhibitors of these enzymes. Milrinone (2 × 10(-6) M), selective inhibitor of cGMP-downregulated PDE3, blocked CO-induced rhythm acceleration. EHNA(2 × 10(-6) M), which inhibits cGMP-upregulated PDE2, attenuated CO-induced AP shortening, but failed to induce any positive chronotropic effect. Our findings indicate that PDE2 activity prevails in working myocardium, while PDE3 is more active in sinoatrial node. The results suggest that cardiac effects of CO are at least partly attributed to activation of sGC and subsequent elevation of cGMP intracellular content. In sinoatrial node, this leads to PDE3 inhibition, increased cAMP content, and positive chronotropy, while it also causes PDE2 stimulation in working myocardium, thereby enhancing cAMP degradation and producing AP shortening. Thus, CO induces significant alterations of cardiac electrical activity via cGMP-dependent mechanism and should be considered as a novel regulator of cardiac electrophysiology.

Phosphorylation of BK channels modulates the sensitivity to hydrogen sulfide (H2S).

INTRODUCTION: Gases, such as nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), or hydrogen sulfide (H2S), termed gasotransmitters, play an increasingly important role in understanding of how electrical signaling of cells is modulated. H2S is well-known to act on various ion channels and receptors. In a previous study we reported that H2S increased calcium-activated potassium (BK) channel activity. AIMS: The goal of the present study is to investigate the modulatory effect of BK channel phosphorylation on the action of H2S on the channel as well as to recalculate and determine the H2S concentrations in aqueous sodium hydrogen sulfide (NaHS) solutions. METHODS: Single channel recordings of GH3, GH4, and GH4 STREX cells were used to analyze channel open probability, amplitude, and open dwell times. H2S was measured with an anion selective electrode. RESULTS: The concentration of H2S produced from NaHS was recalculated taking pH, temperature salinity of the perfusate, and evaporation of H2S into account. The results indicate that from a concentration of 300 µM NaHS, only 11-13%, i.e., 34-41 µM is effective as H2S in solution. GH3, GH4, and GH4 STREX cells respond differently to phosphorylation. BK channel open probability (Po) of all cells lines used was increased by H2S in ATP-containing solutions. PKA prevented the action of H2S on channel Po in GH4 and GH4 STREX, but not in GH3 cells. H2S, high significantly increased Po of all PKG pretreated cells. In the presence of PKC, which lowers channel activity, H2S increased channel Po of GH4 and GH4 STREX, but not those of GH3 cells. H2S increased open dwell times of GH3 cells in the absence of ATP significantly. A significant increase of dwell times with H2S was also observed in the presence of okadaic acid. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that phosphorylation by PKG primes the channels for H2S activation and indicate that channel phosphorylation plays an important role in the response to H2S.

Carbon monoxide modulates electrical activity of murine myocardium via cGMP-dependent mechanisms

Carbon monoxide (CO) is critical in cell signaling, and inhalation of gaseous CO can impact cardiovascular physiology. We have investigated electrophysiological effects of CO and their potential cGMP-dependent mechanism in isolated preparations of murine myocardium. The standard microelectrode technique was used to record myocardial action potentials (APs). Exogenous CO (0.96 × 10−4–4.8 × 10−4 M) decreased AP duration in atrial and ventricular tissue and accelerated pacemaking activity in sinoatrial node. Inhibitors of heme oxygenases (zinc and tin protoporphyrin IX), which are responsible for endogenous CO production, induced the opposite effects. Inhibitor of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), ODQ (10−5 M) halved CO-induced AP shortening, while sGC activator azosidnone (10−5 M-3 × 10−4 M) and cGMP analog BrcGMP (3 × 10−4 M) induced the same effects as CO. To see if CO effects are attributed to differential regulation of phosphodiesterase 2 (PDE2) and 3 (PDE3), we used inhibitors of these enzymes. Milrinone (2 × 10−6 M), selective inhibitor of cGMP-downregulated PDE3, blocked CO-induced rhythm acceleration. EHNA(2 × 10−6 M), which inhibits cGMP-upregulated PDE2, attenuated CO-induced AP shortening, but failed to induce any positive chronotropic effect. Our findings indicate that PDE2 activity prevails in working myocardium, while PDE3 is more active in sinoatrial node. The results suggest that cardiac effects of CO are at least partly attributed to activation of sGC and subsequent elevation of cGMP intracellular content. In sinoatrial node, this leads to PDE3 inhibition, increased cAMP content, and positive chronotropy, while it also causes PDE2 stimulation in working myocardium, thereby enhancing cAMP degradation and producing AP shortening. Thus, CO induces significant alterations of cardiac electrical activity via cGMP-dependent mechanism and should be considered as a novel regulator of cardiac electrophysiology