Vertebral formula and congenital abnormalities of the vertebral column in rabbits.

The aim of this retrospective study of 330 rabbits (164 males, 166 females) was to determine different vertebral formulas and prevalence of congenital vertebral anomalies in rabbits from radiographs of the cervical (C), thoracic (Th), lumbar (L) and sacral (S) segments of the vertebral column. The number of vertebrae in each segment of vertebral column, position of anticlinal vertebra and localisation and type of congenital abnormalities were recorded. In 280/330 rabbits (84.8%) with normal vertebral morphology, seven vertebral formulas were identified: C7/Th12/L7/S4 (252/330, 76.4%), C7/Th12/L6/S4 (11/330, 3.3%), C7/Th13/L7/S4 (8/330, 2.4%), C7/Th12/L7/S5 (4/330, 1.2%), C7/Th12/L8/S4 (3/330, 0.9%), C7/Th12/L7/S6 (1/330, 0.3%) and C7/Th11/L7/S4 (1/330, 0.3%). The anticlinal vertebra was identified as Th10 in 56.4% of rabbits and Th11 in 42.4% of rabbits. Congenital spinal abnormalities were identified in 50/330 (15.2%) rabbits, predominantly as a single pathology (n=44). Transitional vertebrae represented the most common abnormalities (n=41 rabbits) in the thoracolumbar (n=35) and lumbosacral segments (n=6). Five variants of thoracolumbar transitional vertebrae were identified. Cervical butterfly vertebrae were detected in three rabbits. One rabbit exhibited three congenital vertebral anomalies: cervical block vertebra, thoracic hemivertebra and thoracolumbar transitional vertebra. Five rabbits exhibited congenital vertebral abnormalities with concurrent malalignment, specifically cervical kyphosis/short vertebra (n=1), thoracic lordoscoliosis/thoracolumbar transitional vertebrae (n=1), thoracic kyphoscoliosis/wedge vertebrae (n=2) and thoracolumbar lordoscoliosis/thoracolumbar transitional vertebrae/lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (n=1). These findings suggest that vertebral columns in rabbits display a wide range of morphologies, with occasional congenital malformations.

[Canine Elbow Humeroulnar Incongruity Measurements Using Computed Tomography]. / Merení humeroulnární inkongruity loketního kloubu u psu pomocí výpocetní tomografie.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY The purpose of the study is to compare the repeatability and reproducibility of quantitative and subjective evaluation of elbow humeroulnar incongruity (HUI) using computed tomography (CT) on an in vivo canine model. MATERIAL AND METHODS HUI was evaluated on canine (n = 50) elbow joints (n = 100). The computed tomography of elbow joints was performed under intravenous sedation. Multiplanar reconstructions (MPR) were produced. HUI was evaluated on sagittal MPR images subjectively and by measuring the subluxation index (SI). The SI was defined by measuring the distance between the centres of two circles, the shape of which corresponded the most with the shape of the trochlear notch of the ulna at sagittal crest and the shape of humeral trochlea. This distance was divided by the radius of the circle (r) defining the humeral trochlea. HUI was subjectively evaluated based on the width of the joint space at the greatest caudal convexity of the trochlear notch of the ulna. Three categories of HUI were established: 0 (congruent), 1 (moderately incongruent), 2 (strongly incongruent). Measurement and evaluation of HUI was conducted by two evaluators twice at a one-month interval between the first and second measurement. The statistical analysis was carried out using the repeated measures ANOVA and the Cohen s kappa coefficient. RESULTS The mean SI was 11.14 (SD 8.703). The SI values measured by two evaluators were statistically significantly different (p < 0.05). Contrarily, there was no statistically significant difference between the two measurements of the same evaluator (p > 0.05). The subjective evaluation of HUI done by two evaluators showed a mean to substantial agreement (Kappa = 0.53-0.79). There was a substantial to almost perfect agreement between the results of two evaluations carried out by a single evaluator (Kappa = 0.79-0.83). DISCUSSION The radiographic detection of moderate incongruity is unreliable, especially on account of wrongly positioned elbow joint, superposition of bone structures and due to the evaluation of three-dimensional bone structure through a two-dimensional image. Evaluation of humeroulnar congruity by computed tomography (CT) enables to assess the congruity of joints without the superposition of neighbouring bone structures. The quantification of humeroulnar incongruity using the SI does not show a higher degree of agreement between two evaluators as against the subjective evaluation of HUI. On the contrary, the agreement between two measurements of a single evaluator was high in both the cases. CONCLUSIONS Dog is a suitable model animal for evaluation of HUI of elbow joints due to frequent incidence of elbow dysplasia associated with HUI. The quantification of HUI at the expense of subjective evaluation of HUI is often overrated in radiological studies. Key words: dog, elbow, humeroulnar incongruity.

[Treatment of a bone bridge by transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells and chondrocytes in a composite scaffold in pigs: experimental study]. / Lécba kostního mustku transplantací mezenchymových kmenových bunek a chondrocytu v kompozitním nosici u prasat - experimentální studie.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The presented experimental study describes the results of using a combination of allogeneic mesenchymal cells (MSCs) with chondrocytes (CHCs) and a novel scaffold based on type I collagen and chitosan fibres. This biocomposite was transplanted into a defect produced by excision of a bone bridge to induce new cartilaginous tissue formation. The left femur was treated by transplantation into a defect of distal epiphysis; the right femur with implantation of the scaffold only served as control. A better therapeutic result was therefore expected in the left femur - the reduction of growth and angular deformities, and the histological finding of a tissue similar to the cartilage excised from the left femur.. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The miniature pig was selected as an experimental model and 10 pigs were used. Mesenchymal stem cells derived from femoral bone marrow and chondrocytes derived from a sample harvested from the non-weight-bearing articular surface of the distal end of the femur were cultured in medium. The novel scaffold was based on collagen containing chitosan nanofibres. To make manipulation during implantation easier, the cilindrical scaffolds after lyophilisation were again placed in 96-well plates for seeding. The scaffolds before implantation were seeded with 2x106 allogeneic MSCs and 1x106 allogeneic CHCs. The outcomes of treatment were assessed by measuring the length of bone and the degree of distal femoral valgus deformity, and by the histological findings obtained (properties and maturity of the newly-formed tissue, detection of type II collagen, PAS reaction). RESULTS: The right and left legs were examined for longitudinal bone growth and the valgus angle and compared. The treated left leg showed a higher average value for longitudinal growth than the untreated right leg (p = 0.004). The average degree of angular deformity was lower in the left leg than in the right leg (p = 0.008). The microscopic findings showed that a tissue similar to hyaline cartilage was more frequently present in the femoral bone defect of the left leg, as compared with that of the right leg. Type II collagen was detected more frequently and at higher amounts on the left than the right side (p = 0.033). The PAS reaction was positive in all left limbs, with a high degree of positivity in 80 % of them, while this was not achieved in any of the right limbs (p = 0.001). DISCUSSION: The use of stem cells in the indication reported here has only been the matter of time since the information on encouraging results in neurology and cardiology was published. First studies with positive results have soon been reported. The initial hydrogel scaffolds were based on tissue adhesives. However, they were not stable enough and were difficult to handle during surgery. In further studies, therefore, the use was made of a three-dimensional scaffold with a self-supporting structure of collagen fibres. This structure also facilitated its hydrodynamic seeding with MSCs and CHCs, which is an effective and sparing procedure for the transplanted cells. Studies concerned with MSCs and/or CHCs transplantation for re - pair of a physeal defect following bone bridge excision, i.e. for bone bridge treatment, in a broader experimental design, however, are still missing. CONCLUSION: Transplantation of a composite scaffold seeded with mesenchymal stem cells and chondrocytes into a physeal defect following bone bridge excision prevented growth disturbance and angular deformity development in the distal femoral epi - physis. In comparison with the control group, it resulted in a more frequent production of a tissue similar to hyaline cartilage, with a cell formation reminiscent of a typical columnar arrangement of the growth plate. Key words: mesenchymal stem cells, growth plate, bone bridge, scaffold.

Mechanism of disopyramide-induced hypoglycaemia in a patient with Type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Disopyramide, an antiarrhythmia drug, has been reported to cause hypoglycaemia. Pre-existing factors that increase the concentration of the drug in the blood increase the risk of hypoglycaemia. Furthermore, other factors can also increase the risk of hypoglycaemia even when disopyramide levels are in the therapeutic range. It has been proposed that disopyramide-induced hypoglycaemia is caused by inhibition of the pancreatic B-cell K(ATP) channels. CASE REPORT: We report a case of severe disopyramide-induced hypoglycaemia in a 62-year-old woman with Type 2 diabetes taking low-dose glimepiride treatment. She had not experienced hypoglycaemia prior to the start of disopyramide therapy. No further hypoglycaemic episodes occurred following withdrawal of disopyramide therapy. FUNCTIONAL STUDY: Current recordings of K(ATP) channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes showed that at their estimated therapeutic concentrations, disopyramide and glimepiride inhibited K(ATP) channels by about 50-60%. However, when both drugs were applied together, K(ATP) channels were almost completely closed (approximately 95%). Such dramatic inhibition of K(ATP) channels is sufficient to cause B-cell membrane depolarization and stimulate insulin secretion. CONCLUSIONS: Disopyramide therapy is not recommended for patients treated with K(ATP) channel inhibitors.

Use of 3D geometry modeling of osteochondrosis-like iatrogenic lesions as a template for press-and-fit scaffold seeded with mesenchymal stem cells.

Computed tomography (CT) is an effective diagnostic modality for three-dimensional imaging of bone structures, including the geometry of their defects. The aim of the study was to create and optimize 3D geometrical and real plastic models of the distal femoral component of the knee with joint surface defects. Input data included CT images of stifle joints in twenty miniature pigs with iatrogenic osteochondrosis-like lesions in medial femoral condyle of the left knee. The animals were examined eight and sixteen weeks after surgery. Philips MX 8000 MX and View workstation were used for scanning parallel plane cross section slices and Cartesian discrete volume creation. On the average, 100 slices were performed in each stifle joint. Slice matrices size was 512 x 512 with slice thickness of 1 mm. Pixel (voxel) size in the slice plane was 0.5 mm (with average accuracy of +/-0.5 mm and typical volume size 512 x 512 x 100 voxels). Three-dimensional processing of CT data and 3D geometrical modelling, using interactive computer graphic system MediTools formerly developed here, consisted of tissue segmentation (raster based method combination and 5 % of manual correction), vectorization by the marching-cubes method, smoothing and decimation. Stifle- joint CT images of three individuals of different body size (small, medium and large) were selected to make the real plastic models of their distal femurs from plaster composite using rapid prototyping technology of Zcorporation. Accuracy of the modeling was +/- 0.5 mm. The real plastic models of distal femurs can be used as a template for developing custom made press and fit scaffold implants seeded with mesenchymal stem cells that might be subsequently implanted into iatrogenic joint surface defects for articular cartilage-repair enhancement.

Membrane ion channels and diabetes.

Type-2, or non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus is a serious disease that is now widespread throughout Western society. Glucose intolerance, or failure of glucose to stimulate insulin secretion, is a primary factor in the manifestation of this disease and is likely to be due to the failure of glucose metabolism to stimulate pancreatic beta-cell electrical activity, calcium influx, and insulin secretion. In this review we describe how ion channels regulate the electrical behaviour of the beta-cell and how the membrane potential depolarises in response to a rise in glucose metabolism. Central to these electrical events is the inhibition of ATP-sensitive potassium channel by ATP, and we summarise recent advances in our understanding of the properties of this ion channel in coupling beta-cell metabolism to electrical activity. We discuss the mechanism, specificity, and clinical implications of the pharmacological inhibition of KATP channels by sulphonyureas and other antidiabetic drugs. The roles of other ion channels in regulating electrical activity are considered, and also their potential use as targets for drug action in treating beta-cell disorders.

Effect of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha ligand fenofibrate on K(v) channels in the insulin-secreting cell line HIT-T15.

Ligands for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors alpha (PPARalpha) are clinically used for the treatment of patients with hyperlipidemia. As we have previously shown, a synthetic ligand of PPARalpha, fenofibrate, has a stimulatory effect on insulin secretion in clonal hamster insulinoma beta-cell line HIT-T15 cells. We have also demonstrated that fenofibrate directly inhibits ATP-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channels, an effect independent of PPARalpha. In this study, fenofibrate was shown to be able to reduce voltage-dependent K(+) (K(v)) channel currents in voltage-independent manner. Therefore, fenofibrate may modulate insulin secretion not only via inhibition of K(ATP) channels but also via reduction of the K(v) channel current.

A genetic and physiological study of impaired glucose homeostasis control in C57BL/6J mice.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: C57BL/6J mice exhibit impaired glucose tolerance. The aims of this study were to map the genetic loci underlying this phenotype, to further characterise the physiological defects and to identify candidate genes. METHODS: Glucose tolerance was measured in an intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test and genetic determinants mapped in an F2 intercross. Insulin sensitivity was measured by injecting insulin and following glucose disposal from the plasma. To measure beta cell function, insulin secretion and electrophysiological studies were carried out on isolated islets. Candidate genes were investigated by sequencing and quantitative RNA analysis. RESULTS: C57BL/6J mice showed normal insulin sensitivity and impaired insulin secretion. In beta cells, glucose did not stimulate a rise in intracellular calcium and its ability to close KATP channels was impaired. We identified three genetic loci responsible for the impaired glucose tolerance. Nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase (Nnt) lies within one locus and is a nuclear-encoded mitochondrial proton pump. Expression of Nnt is more than sevenfold and fivefold lower respectively in C57BL/6J liver and islets. There is a missense mutation in exon 1 and a multi-exon deletion in the C57BL/6J gene. Glucokinase lies within the Gluchos2 locus and shows reduced enzyme activity in liver. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: The C57BL/6J mouse strain exhibits plasma glucose intolerance reminiscent of human type 2 diabetes. Our data suggest a defect in beta cell glucose metabolism that results in reduced electrical activity and insulin secretion. We have identified three loci that are responsible for the inherited impaired plasma glucose tolerance and identified a novel candidate gene for contribution to glucose intolerance through reduced beta cell activity.

Characterisation of new KATP-channel mutations associated with congenital hyperinsulinism in the Finnish population.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: ATP-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channels are crucial for the regulation of insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells and mutations in either the Kir6.2 or SUR1 subunit of this channel can cause congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI). The aim of this study was to analyse the functional consequences of four CHI mutations (A1457T, V1550D and L1551V in SUR1, and K67N in Kir6.2) recently identified in the Finnish population. METHODS: Wild type or mutant Kir6.2 and SUR1 subunits were coexpressed in Xenopus oocytes. The functional properties of the channels were examined by measuring currents in intact oocytes or giant inside-out membrane patches. Surface expression was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbance assay, using HA-epitope-tagged subunits. RESULTS: Two mutations (A1457T and V1550D) prevented trafficking of the channel to the plasma membrane. The L1551V mutation reduced surface expression 40-fold, and caused loss of MgADP and diazoxide activation. Both these factors will contribute to the lack of K(ATP) current activation observed in response to metabolic inhibition in intact oocytes. The L1551V mutation also increased the channel open probability, thereby producing a reduction in ATP-sensitivity (from 10 micro mol/l to 120 micro mol/l). The fourth mutation (K67N mutation in Kir6.2) did not affect surface expression nor alter the properties of K(ATP) channels in excised patches, but resulted in a reduced K(ATP) current amplitude in intact cells on metabolic inhibition, through an unidentified mechanism. CONCLUSION/INTERPRETATION: The four CHI mutations disrupted K(ATP) channel activity by different mechanisms. Our results are discussed in relation to the CHI phenotype observed in patients with these mutations.

Mutations within the P-loop of Kir6.2 modulate the intraburst kinetics of the ATP-sensitive potassium channel.

The ATP-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channel exhibits spontaneous bursts of rapid openings, which are separated by long closed intervals. Previous studies have shown that mutations at the internal mouth of the pore-forming (Kir6.2) subunit of this channel affect the burst duration and the long interburst closings, but do not alter the fast intraburst kinetics. In this study, we have investigated the nature of the intraburst kinetics by using recombinant Kir6.2/SUR1 K(ATP) channels heterologously expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Single-channel currents were studied in inside-out membrane patches. Mutations within the pore loop of Kir6.2 (V127T, G135F, and M137C) dramatically affected the mean open time (tau(o)) and the short closed time (tauC1) within a burst, and the number of openings per burst, but did not alter the burst duration, the interburst closed time, or the channel open probability. Thus, the V127T and M137C mutations produced longer tau(o), shorter tauC1, and fewer openings per burst, whereas the G135F mutation had the opposite effect. All three mutations also reduced the single-channel conductance: from 70 pS for the wild-type channel to 62 pS (G135F), 50 pS (M137C), and 38 pS (V127T). These results are consistent with the idea that the K(ATP) channel possesses a gate that governs the intraburst kinetics, which lies close to the selectivity filter. This gate appears to be able to operate independently of that which regulates the long interburst closings.

Gliclazide produces high-affinity block of KATP channels in mouse isolated pancreatic beta cells but not rat heart or arterial smooth muscle cells.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Sulphonylureas stimulate insulin secretion by closing ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels in the pancreatic beta-cell membrane. KATP channels are also found in other tissues, including heart and smooth muscle, where they link cellular metabolism to electrical activity. The sulphonylurea gliclazide blocks recombinant beta-cell KATP channels (Kir6.2/SUR1) but not heart (Kir6.2/SUR2A) or smooth muscle (Kir6.2/SUR2B) KATP channels with high potency. In this study, we examined the specificity of gliclazide for the native (as opposed to recombinant) KATP channels in beta cells, heart and smooth muscle. METHODS: The action of the drug was studied by whole-cell current recordings of native KATP channels in isolated pancreatic beta-cells and myocytes from heart and smooth muscle. RESULTS: Gliclazide blocked whole-cell beta-cell KATP currents with an IC50 of 184 +/- 30 nmol/l (n = 6-10) but was much less effective in cardiac and smooth muscle (IC50s of 19.5 +/- 5.4 micromol/l (n = 6-12) and 37.9 +/- 1.0 micromol/l (n = 5-10), respectively). In all three tissues, the action of the drug on whole-cell KATP currents was rapidly reversible. In inside-out patches on beta-cells, gliclazide (1 micromol/l) produced a maximum of 66 +/- 13 % inhibition (n = 5), compared with more than 98 % block in the whole-cell configuration. CONCLUSION/INTERPRETATION: Gliclazide is a high-potency sulphonylurea which shows specificity for the pancreatic beta-cell KATP channel over heart and smooth muscle. In this respect, it differs from glibenclamide. The difference in the maximal block observed in the excised patch and whole-cell recordings from beta-cells, may be due to the absence of intracellular Mg-nucleotides in the excised patch experiments.

Effects of mitiglinide (S 21403) on Kir6.2/SUR1, Kir6.2/SUR2A and Kir6.2/SUR2B types of ATP-sensitive potassium channel.

1. We have investigated the mechanism of action of the novel anti-diabetic agent mitiglinide (S 21403) on Kir6.2/SUR1, Kir6.2/SUR2A and Kir6.2/SUR2B types of ATP-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channel. These possess a common pore-forming subunit, Kir6.2, and different regulatory sulphonylurea receptor (SUR) subunits. It is believed that they correspond to native K(ATP) channels in pancreatic beta-cells, heart and non-vascular smooth muscle, respectively. 2. Kir6.2 was coexpressed with SUR1, SUR2A or SUR2B in Xenopus oocytes and macroscopic currents were recorded in giant inside-out membrane patches. Mitiglinide was added to the intracellular membrane surface. 3. Mitiglinide inhibited Kir6.2/SUR currents at two sites: a low-affinity site on Kir6.2 and a high-affinity site on SUR. Low-affinity inhibition was similar for all three types of K(ATP) channel but high-affinity inhibition was greater for Kir6.2/SUR1 currents (IC(50), 4 nM) than for Kir6.2/SUR2A or Kir6.2/SUR2B currents (IC(50), 3 and 5 microM, respectively). 4. Inhibition of Kir6.2/SUR1 currents was only slowly reversible on the time scale of electrophysiological experiments. 5. Kir6.2/SUR1-S1237Y currents, which previously have been shown to lack high affinity tolbutamide inhibition, resembled Kir6.2/SUR2 currents in being unaffected by 100 nM but blocked by 10 microM mitiglinide. 6. Our results show that mitiglinide is a high-affinity drug that shows a 1000 fold greater affinity for the beta-cell type than the cardiac and smooth muscle types of K(ATP) channel, when measured in excised patches.

Interaction of stilbene disulphonates with cloned K(ATP) channels.

In this study, we tested the effects of the stilbene disulphonates DIDS and SITS on three different types of cloned K(ATP) channel (Kir6.2/SUR1, Kir6.2/SUR2A and Kir6.2DeltaC) heterologously expressed in Xenopus oocytes, with the aim of identifying the part of the channel which is involved in mediating disulphonate inhibition. We found that the inhibitory site(s) for these drugs lies within the Kir6.2 subunit of the channel, although its properties are further modulated by the sulphonylurea (SUR) subunit. In particular, SUR2A reduces both the rate and extent of block, by impairing the ability of DIDS binding to produce channel closure. The disulphonate-binding site interacts with the ATP inhibitory site on Kir6.2 because ATP is able to protect against irreversible channel inhibition by disulphonates. This effect is not mimicked by tolbutamide (at a concentration that interacts with Kir6.2) and is abolished by mutations that render the channel ATP insensitive. A number of point mutations in both the N and C termini of Kir6.2 reduced the extent and reversibility of channel inhibition by SITS. The results are consistent with the idea that residue C42 of Kir6.2 is likely to be involved in covalently linking of SITS to the channel. Other types of Kir channel (Kir1.1, Kir2.1 and Kir4.1) were also irreversibly blocked by DIDS, suggesting that these channels may share common binding sites for these stilbene disulphonates.

Direct photoaffinity labeling of Kir6.2 by [gamma-(32)P]ATP-[gamma]4-azidoanilide.

ATP-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channels are under complex regulation by intracellular ATP and ADP. The potentiatory effect of MgADP is conferred by the sulfonylurea receptor subunit of the channel, SUR, whereas the inhibitory effect of ATP appears to be mediated via the pore-forming subunit, Kir6.2. We have previously reported that Kir6.2 can be directly labeled by 8-azido-[gamma-(32)P]ATP. However, the binding affinity of 8-azido-ATP to Kir6.2 was low probably due to modification at 8' position of adenine. Here we demonstrate that Kir6.2 can be directly photoaffinity labeled with higher affinity by [gamma-(32)P]ATP-[gamma]4-azidoanilide ([gamma-(32)P]ATP-AA), containing an unmodified adenine ring. Photoaffinity labeling of Kir6.2 by [gamma-(32)P]ATP-AA is not affected by the presence of Mg(2+), consistent with Mg(2+)-independent ATP inhibition of K(ATP) channels. Interestingly, SUR1, which can be strongly and specifically photoaffinity labeled by 8-azido-ATP, was not photoaffinity labeled by ATP-AA. These results identify key differences in the structure of the nucleotide binding sites on SUR1 and Kir6.2.

Quantal analysis of 5-hydroxytryptamine release from mouse pancreatic beta-cells.

1. A combination of patch-clamp, amperometric and fluorimetric methods were used to investigate the Ca2+ dependence and kinetics of secretion from pancreatic beta-cells elicited by voltage-gated Ca2+ entry. 2. Whether measured by the change in cell capacitance or by amperometric detection of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) release, the voltage dependence of the amount of secretion mirrored that of both the peak Ca2+ current and Ca2+ entry. 3. The magnitude of secretion elicited by a single pulse could be entirely accounted for by a readily releasable pool of approximately 200 vesicles. Neither depression nor potentiation of release was observed with 0.1 Hz pulse trains. 4. Transient amperometric currents were detected, which occurred independently of each other and were attributed to the fusion of single vesicles. 5. The time course of the macroscopic amperometric current could be accurately reconstructed by convolution of the all-events latency distribution and the unitary amperometric current. 6. In response to membrane depolarisation, secretion was initiated with a variable latency: approximately 95 % of the first secretory events occurred at least 50 ms after the start of the voltage pulse (and Ca2+ influx). Secretion fell rapidly on membrane repolarisation, even though the average intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) was still elevated. 7. The [Ca2+] in the locality of the release site was estimated from the all-events latency distribution. [Ca2+] rose during a voltage pulse and secretion was elicited at > 0.4 microM and peaked at approximately 2-10 microM.

Interaction of vanadate with the cloned beta cell K(ATP) channel.

Vanadate is used as a tool to trap magnesium nucleotides in the catalytic site of ATPases. However, it has also been reported to activate ATP-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channels in the absence of nucleotides. K(ATP) channels comprise Kir6.2 and sulfonylurea receptor subunits (SUR1 in pancreatic beta cells, SUR2A in cardiac and skeletal muscle, and SUR2B in smooth muscle). We explored the effect of vanadate (2 mM), in the absence and presence of magnesium nucleotides, on different types of cloned K(ATP) channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Currents were recorded from inside-out patches. Vanadate inhibited Kir6.2/SUR1 currents by approximately 50% but rapidly activated Kir6.2/SUR2A ( approximately 4-fold) and Kir6. 2/SUR2B ( approximately 2-fold) currents. Mutations in SUR that abolish channel activation by magnesium nucleotides did not prevent the effects of vanadate. Studies with chimeric SUR indicate that the first six transmembrane domains account for the difference in both the kinetics and the vanadate response of Kir6.2/SUR1 and Kir6. 2/SUR2A. Boiling the vanadate solution, which removes the decavanadate polymers, largely abolished both stimulatory and inhibitory actions of vanadate. Our results demonstrate that decavanadate modulates K(ATP) channel activity via the SUR subunit, that this modulation varies with the type of SUR, that it differs from that produced by magnesium nucleotides, and that it involves transmembrane domains 1-6 of SUR.

Involvement of the n-terminus of Kir6.2 in coupling to the sulphonylurea receptor.

1. ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels are composed of pore-forming Kir6.2 and regulatory SUR subunits. ATP inhibits the channel by interacting with Kir6.2, while sulphonylureas block channel activity by interaction with a high-affinity site on SUR1 and a low-affinity site on Kir6.2. MgADP and diazoxide interact with SUR1 to promote channel activity. 2. We examined the effect of N-terminal deletions of Kir6.2 on the channel open probability, ATP sensitivity and sulphonylurea sensitivity by recording macroscopic currents in membrane patches excised from Xenopus oocytes expressing wild-type or mutant Kir6.2/SUR1. 3. A 14 amino acid N-terminal deletion (DeltaN14) did not affect the gating, ATP sensitivity or tolbutamide block of a truncated isoform of Kir6.2, Kir6.2DeltaC26, expressed in the absence of SUR1. Thus, the N-terminal deletion does not alter the intrinsic properties of Kir6.2. 4. When Kir6.2DeltaN14 was coexpressed with SUR1, the resulting KATP channels had a higher open probability (Po = 0.7) and a lower ATP sensitivity (Ki = 196 microM) than wild-type (Kir6.2/SUR1) channels (Po = 0.32, Ki = 28 microM). High-affinity tolbutamide block was also abolished. 5. Truncation of five or nine amino acids from the N-terminus of Kir6.2 also enhanced the open probability, and reduced both the ATP sensitivity and the fraction of high-affinity tolbutamide block, although to a lesser extent than for the DeltaN14 deletion. Site-directed mutagenesis suggests that hydrophobic residues in Kir6. 2 may be involved in this effect. 6. The reduced ATP sensitivity of Kir6.2DeltaN14 may be explained by the increased Po. However, when the Po was decreased (by ATP), tolbutamide was unable to block Kir6. 2DeltaN14/SUR1-K719A,K1385M currents, despite the fact that the drug inhibited Kir6.2-C166S/SUR1-K719A,K1385M currents (which in the absence of ATP have a Po of > 0.8 and are not blocked by tolbutamide). Thus the N-terminus of Kir6.2 may be involved in coupling sulphonylurea binding to SUR1 to closure of the Kir6.2 pore.

Direct effects of tolbutamide on mitochondrial function, intracellular Ca2+ and exocytosis in pancreatic beta-cells.

Using the whole-cell voltage-clamp method to measure ATP-sensitive K+(KATP) currents, changes in cell capacitance to measure secretion and microfluorimetry to monitor intracellular Ca2+ and mitochondrial function, we have investigated the direct effect of sulphonylureas on exocytosis in pancreatic beta-cells. Tolbutamide (100 microM) and 100 nM 4-beta-12-phorbolmyristate-13-acetate (PMA), which activates the protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms found in beta-cells, potentiated exocytosis in a non-additive manner. These effects were blocked by down-regulation of PKC. Our data support the idea that tolbutamide can potentiate secretion from beta-cells via a PKC-dependent pathway. Because PKC and sulphonylureas can modulate the activity of KATP channels, we explored whether the above effects are caused by inhibition of this channel. PMA increased whole-cell KATP currents but did not affect their sensitivity to tolbutamide. Down-regulation of PKC affected neither the magnitude nor the tolbutamide sensitivity of the KATP current. Both tolbutamide and the mitochondrial uncoupler FCCP (1 microM) mobilized intracellular Ca2+ and prolonged Ca2+ transients elicited by cholinergic mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ stores. Tolbutamide (0.1-0.5 mM), like FCCP, depolarized the mitochondrial membrane potential and activated KATP currents. We suggest that sulphonylureas can directly potentiate exocytosis by impairing mitochondrial function and Ca2+ handling, which ultimately leads to activation of Ca2+-dependent enzymes such as PKC.