Inhibitors of Ca2+ and K+ transport enhance intracellular killing of M. tuberculosis by non-killing macrophages

BACKGROUND

Human monocyte-derived macrophages that have little killing activity of their own kill intracellular Staphylococcus aureus when cultured in the presence of inhibitors of calcium and potassium efflux pumps. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of inhibitors such as ouabain, reserpine and verapamil in the killing activity of macrophages infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Macrophages obtained from peripheral blood were infected with M. tuberculosis ATCC27294 H37Rv and treated with reserpine, ouabain and verapamil.

RESULTS

After three days post-infection, macrophages treated with the inhibitors demonstrated an enhancement of the killing activity destroying the internalized bacteria.

CONCLUSION

Whereas drugs that target the bacterium are predicted to lose effectiveness due to mutation of the bacterial target, drugs that enhance killing by macrophages that normally do not kill mycobacteria may yield a more effective form of infections therapy caused by multidrug resistant M. tuberculosis.

Investigation of the vasorelaxant effects of 3-(5'-hydroxymethyl-2'-furyl)-1-benzyl indazole (YC-1) and diethylamine/nitric oxide (DEA/NO) on the human radial artery used as coronary bypass graft

The radial artery (RA) is used as a spastic coronary bypass graft. This study was designed to investigate the mechanism of vasorelaxant effects of YC-1 (3-(5'-hydroxymethyl-2'-furyl)-1-benzyl indazole), a nitric oxide (NO)-independent soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) activator, and DEA/NO (diethylamine/nitric oxide), a NO-nucleophile adduct, on the human RA. RA segments (n = 25) were obtained from coronary artery bypass grafting patients and were divided into 3-4 mm vascular rings. Using the isolated tissue bath technique, the endothelium-independent vasodilatation function was tested in vitro by the addition of cumulative concentrations of YC-1 (10-10 to 3 x 10-7 mol/L) and DEA/NO (10-8 to 3 x 10-5 mol/L) following vasocontraction by phenylephrine in the presence or absence of 10-5 mol/L ODQ (1H-(1,2,4)oxadiazole(4,3-a)quinoxalin-1-one), the selective sGC inhibitor, 10-7 mol/L iberiotoxin, a blocker of Ca2+-activated K+ channels, or 10-5 mol/L ODQ plus 10-7 mol/L iberiotoxin. We also evaluated the effect of YC-1 and DEA/NO on the cGMP levels in vascular rings obtained from human radial artery (n = 6 for each drug). YC-1 (10-10 to 3 x 10-7 mol/L) and DEA/NO (10-8 to 3 x 10-5 mol/L) caused the concentration-dependent vasorelaxation in RA rings precontracted with phenylephrine (10-5 mol/L) (n = 20 for each drug). Pre-incubation of RA rings with ODQ, iberiotoxin, or ODQ plus iberiotoxin significantly inhibited the vasorelaxant effect of YC-1, but the inhibitor effect of ODQ plus iberiotoxin was significantly more than that of ODQ and iberiotoxin alone (p < 0.05). The vasorelaxant effect of DEA/NO almost completely abolished in the presence of ODQ and iberiotoxin plus ODQ, but did not significantly change in the presence of iberiotoxin alone (p > 0.05). The pEC50 value of DEA/NO was significantly lower than those for YC-1 (p < 0.01), with no change Emax values in RA rings. In addition, YC-1-stimulated RA rings showed more elevation in cGMP than that of DEA/NO (p < 0.05). These findings indicate that YC-1 is a more potent relaxant than DEA/NO in the human RA. The relaxant effects of YC-1 could be due to the stimulation of the sGC and Ca2+-sensitive K+channels, whereas the relaxant effects of DEA/NO could be completely due to the stimulation of the sGC. YC-1 and DEA/NO may be effective as vasodilator for the short-term treatment of perioperative spasm of coronary bypass grafts.

Investigational agents for sickle cell disease

Developments in the treatment of sickle cell disease (SCD) have not kept pace with advances in understanding the pathophysiology of this haemoglobinopathy. Drugs undergoing preclinical and clinical assessment for the therapy of these globin gene disorders are discussed in this article. Beginning with investigational agents for treatment of SCD as a whole, the discussion proceeds to drugs being developed for specific manifestations or iatrogenic complications. Despite being licensed in the USA, the prototype antisickling agent, hydroxycarbamide, has not attained worldwide clinical use because of concerns about long-term toxicity. The less toxic decitabine, which (as with hydroxycarbamide) increases fetal haemoglobin level, cannot be administered orally; therefore, the search continues for effective and safe antisickling drugs that can be taken orally. The naturally occurring benzaldehyde 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfural has shown promising antisickling properties in vitro, and when administered to transgenic sickle mice. These effects are surpassed by the new synthetic pyridyl derivatives of benzaldehyde. Studies in humans with SCD are required to assess the clinical efficacy of these benzaldehydes. Niprisan, another antisickling agent with significant clinical efficacy and an attractive safety profile, is undergoing further development. The prospects of antiadhesion therapy in SCD are demonstrated by a recombinant protein containing the Fc fragment of IgG fused to the natural ligand for selectins: the conjugate significantly inhibited blood vessel occlusion in transgenic sickle mice. Whereas the orally administrable iron-chelating agent deferasirox is likely to increasingly take the place of desferioxamine (which can only be given parenterally), effective treatment of priapism in SCD remains a distressing challenge.

Role of Ca2+-dependent potassium channels in in vitro anandamide-mediated mesenteric vasorelaxation in rats with biliary cirrhosis

BACKGROUND/AIM

Anandamide can activate potassium (K(+)) channels to induce an endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation in normal rat mesenteric arteries. Cannabinoids contribute partly to the splanchnic vasodilation in cirrhosis. This study investigated the roles of vascular K(+) channels in anandamide-induced mesenteric vasorelaxation in isolated rat cirrhotic vessels.

METHODS

The effects of the pretreatment of AM251, a specific CB(1) receptor antagonist, were assessed on the vascular reactivity to phenylephrine (PE), potassium chloride (KCl), acetylcholine (ACh) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP). Additionally, cannabinoid (CB(1) and CB(2)) receptors' protein expression and the effects of different K(+) channel blockers on vascular reactivity to anandamide were also studied.

RESULTS

Cirrhotic mesenteric arteries showed an overexpression of CB(1) receptor associated with hyporeactivity to PE and KCl, and hyper-response to ACh, SNP and anandamide. Pretreatment with AM251 significantly improved the hyporeactivity to KCl and ameliorated the hyper-response to ACh in cirrhotic vessels. Increased relaxation response to anandamide was suppressed by combinations of vascular Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) channel blockers (including apamin+charybdotoxin+iberiotoxin or apamin+TRAM-34+iberiotoxin) (TRAM-34, 1-[(2-chlorophenyl)diphenylmethyl]-1H-pyrazole).

CONCLUSIONS

In cirrhotic mesenteric arteries, vascular CB(1) receptor and anandamide contribute to the in vitro hyporeactivity to KCl. In addition, hyper-response to ACh may probably act through the modulation of vascular Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) channels.

Serotonin Modulates Dendritic Calcium Influx in Commissural Interneurons in the Mouse Spinal Locomotor Network

Commissural interneurons (CINs) help to coordinate left–right alternating bursting activity during fictive locomotion in the neonatal mouse spinal cord. Serotonin (5-HT) plays an active role in the induction of fictive locomotion in the isolated spinal cord, but the cellular targets and mechanisms of its actions are relatively unknown. We investigated the possible role of serotonin in modifying dendritic calcium currents, using a combination of two-photon microscopy and patch-clamp recordings, in identified CINs in the upper lumbar region. Dendritic calcium responses to applied somatic voltage-clamp steps were measured using fluorescent calcium indicator imaging. Serotonin evoked significant reductions in voltage-dependent dendritic calcium influx in about 40% of the dendritic sites studied, with no detectable effect in the remaining sites. We also detected differential effects of serotonin in different dendritic sites of the same neuron; serotonin could decrease voltage-sensitive calcium influx at one site, with no effect at a nearby site. Voltage-clamp studies confirmed that serotonin reduces the voltage-dependent calcium current in CINs. Current-clamp experiments showed that the serotonin-evoked decreases in dendritic calcium influx were coupled with increases in neuronal excitability; we discuss possible mechanisms by which these two seemingly opposing results can be reconciled. This research demonstrates that dendritic calcium currents are targets of serotonin modulation in a group of spinal interneurons that are components of the mouse locomotor network.

Role of 20-HETE in the hypoxia-induced activation of Ca2+-activated K+ channel currents in rat cerebral arterial muscle cells

The mechanism of sensing hypoxia and hypoxia-induced activation of cerebral arterial Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (K(Ca)) channel currents and vasodilation is not known. We investigated the roles of the cytochrome P-450 4A (CYP 4A) omega-hydroxylase metabolite of arachidonic acid, 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE), and generation of superoxide in the hypoxia-evoked activation of the K(Ca) channel current in rat cerebral arterial muscle cells (CAMCs) and cerebral vasodilation. Patch-clamp analysis of K(+) channel current identified a voltage- and Ca(2+)-dependent 238 +/- 21-pS unitary K(+) currents that are inhibitable by tetraethylammonium (TEA, 1 mM) or iberiotoxin (100 nM). Hypoxia (<2% O(2)) reversibly enhanced the open-state probability (NP(o)) of the 238-pS unitary K(Ca) current in cell-attached patches. This effect of hypoxia was not observed on unitary K(Ca) currents recorded from either excised inside-out or outside-out membrane patches. Inhibition of CYP 4A omega-hydroxylase activity increased the NP(o) of K(Ca) single-channel current. Hypoxia reduced the basal endogenous level of 20-HETE by 47 +/- 3% as well as catalytic formation of 20-HETE in cerebral arterial muscle homogenates as determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. The concentration of authentic 20-HETE was reduced when incubated with the superoxide donor KO(2). Exogenous 20-HETE (100 nM) attenuated the hypoxia-induced activation of the K(Ca) current in CAMCs. Hypoxia did not augment the increase in NP(o) of K(Ca) channel current induced by suicide inhibition of endogenous CYP 4A omega-hydroxylase activity with 17-octadecynoic acid. In pressure (80 mmHg)-constricted cerebral arterial segments, hypoxia induced dilation that was partly attenuated by 20-HETE or by the K(Ca) channel blocker TEA. Exposure to hypoxia caused the generation of intracellular superoxide as evidenced by intense staining of arterial muscle with the fluorescent probe hydroethidine, by quantitation using fluorescent HPLC analysis, and by attenuation of the hypoxia-induced activation of the K(Ca) channel current by superoxide dismutation. These results suggest that the exposure of CAMCs to hypoxia results in the generation of superoxide and reduction in endogenous level of 20-HETE that may account for the hypoxia-induced activation of arterial K(Ca) channel currents and cerebral vasodilation.

Potential biochemical therapy of glioma cancer

Glioma is a highly invasive, rapidly spreading form of brain cancer that is resistant to surgical and medical treatment. The recent progresses made in intracellular and ion channels of glioma cells provide a potential new approach for biochemical therapy of brain tumor. In this paper, we reviewed clinical data on chemotherapy by temozolomide and results from new studies on voltage-gated potassium channels, large-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels, volume-activated chloride channels, glioma-specific chloride channel and their modulators. These new findings may represent future directions for brain tumor studies and treatment.

Electrophysiological properties of human adipose tissue-derived stem cells

Human adipose tissue-derived stem cells (hASCs) represent a potentially valuable cell source for clinical therapeutic applications. The present study was designed to investigate properties of ionic channel currents present in undifferentiated hASCs and their impact on hASCs proliferation. The functional ion channels in hASCs were analyzed by whole-cell patch-clamp recording and their mRNA expression levels detected by RT-PCR. Four types of ion channels were found to be present in hASCs: most of the hASCs (73%) showed a delayed rectifier-like K(+) current (I(KDR)); Ca(2+)-activated K(+) current (I(KCa)) was detected in examined cells; a transient outward K(+) current (I(to)) was recorded in 19% of the cells; a small percentage of cells (8%) displayed a TTX-sensitive transient inward sodium current (I(Na.TTX)). RT-PCR results confirmed the presence of ion channels at the mRNA level: Kv1.1, Kv2.1, Kv1.5, Kv7.3, Kv11.1, and hEAG1, possibly encoding I(KDR); MaxiK, KCNN3, and KCNN4 for I(KCa); Kv1.4, Kv4.1, Kv4.2, and Kv4.3 for I(to) and hNE-Na for I(Na.TTX). The I(KDR) was inhibited by tetraethyl ammonium (TEA) and 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), which significantly reduced the proliferation of hASCs in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05), as suggested by bromodeoxyurindine (BrdU) incorporation. Other selective potassium channel blockers, including linopiridine, iberiotoxin, clotrimazole, and apamin also significantly inhibited I(KDR). TTX completely abolished I(Na.TTX). This study demonstrates for the first time that multiple functional ion channel currents such as I(KDR), I(KCa), I(to), and I(Na.TTX) are present in undifferentiated hASCs and their potential physiological function in these cells as a basic understanding for future in vitro experiments and in vivo clinical investigations.

[Roles of potassium channel in effects of resveratrol on isolated myocardial contractility and heart rate research in guinea pig]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effects of resvaratrol derivatives on spontaneous HR and CF of isolated guinea pig atrium.

METHOD

The dose-effect curve of resvaratrol was observed. The possible mechanism of potassium channels responsible for changes of CF and HR after administering with resvaratrol was measured.

RESULT

Resvaratrol reduced the spontaneous HR and weakened the CF in a dose-dependent manner ranging from 10(-6) to 3 x 10(-4) mol x L(-1) (P < 0.05). As compared with Res group, the effects were partly blocked by Gli (P < 0.05) and TEA (P < 0.01), but not blocked by 4-AP, BaCl2, Atropine.

CONCLUSION

Resvaratrol can induce negative chronotropic action and negative (inotropic action. The mechanism(s) may relate to the opening of K(ATP) and Kc(Ca).

Role of K+ channels in the regulation of electrical spontaneous activity of the mouse small intestine

The roles of K(+) channels in the regulation of slow waves and pacemaker potentials recorded from mouse small intestine were investigated using intracellular recording techniques in the presence of nifedipine. Iberiotoxin (0.1 microM) and charybdotoxin (0.1 microM) had no effect on the generation of slow waves recorded from circular smooth muscle cells. Apamin (0.3 microM) depolarized the membrane and decreased the amplitude of early, rapid repolarization of slow waves, without altering the amplitude, frequency, duration, or maximum rate of rise of the initial upstroke phase (dV/dt(max)). The early, rapid repolarization was enhanced by phenylephrine (15 microM). 4-Aminopyridine (4-AP, 5 mM) depolarized the membrane and increased the amplitude and dV/dt(max) of slow waves. Both apamin and 4-AP depolarized the membrane and decreased the amplitude and dV/dt(max) of pacemaker potentials recorded from interstitial cells of Cajal distributed in the myenteric region (ICC-MY). Membrane depolarization with a high-K(+) solution decreased the amplitude and dV/dt(max) of slow waves. These results suggest that apamin-sensitive K(+) conductance and 4-AP-sensitive K(+) conductance may contribute to the resting membrane potential of circular smooth muscle cells. The early, rapid repolarization of slow waves appears to result from the opening of apamin-sensitive K(+) conductance. 4-AP-sensitive K(+) conductance is likely to be activated in the initial upstroke component (primary component) of slow waves. In ICC-MY, membrane depolarization induced by apamin or 4-AP may result from electrotonic spread from smooth muscle cells.

Modulation by simvastatin of iberiotoxin-sensitive, Ca2+-activated K+ channels of porcine coronary artery smooth muscle cells

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Statins (3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase inhibitors) have been demonstrated to reduce cardiovascular mortality. It is unclear how the expression level of HMG CoA reductase in cardiovascular tissues compares with that in cells derived from the liver. We hypothesized that this enzyme exists in different cardiovascular tissues, and simvastatin modulates the vascular iberiotoxin-sensitive Ca2+-activated K(+) (BK(Ca)) channels.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHES

Expression of HMG CoA reductase in different cardiovascular preparations was measured. Effects of simvastatin on BK(Ca) channel gatings of porcine coronary artery smooth muscle cells were evaluated.

KEY RESULTS

Western immunoblots revealed the biochemical existence of HMG CoA reductase in human cardiovascular tissues and porcine coronary artery. In porcine coronary artery smooth muscle cells, extracellular simvastatin (1, 3 and 10 microM) (hydrophobic), but not simvastatin Na+ (hydrophilic), inhibited the BK(Ca) channels with a minimal recovery upon washout. Isopimaric acid (10 microM)-mediated enhancement of the BK(Ca) amplitude was reversed by external simvastatin. Simvastatin Na+ (10 microM, applied internally), markedly attenuated isopimaric acid (10 microM)-induced enhancement of the BK(Ca) amplitude. Reduced glutathione (5 mM; in the pipette solution) abolished simvastatin -elicited inhibition. Mevalonolactone (500 microM) and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (20 microM) only prevented simvastatin (1 and 3 microM)-induced responses. simvastatin (10 microM ) caused a rottlerin (1 microM)-sensitive (cycloheximide (10 microM)-insensitive) increase of PKC-delta protein expression.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Our results demonstrated the biochemical presence of HMG CoA reductase in different cardiovascular tissues, and that simvastatin inhibited the BK(Ca) channels of the arterial smooth muscle cells through multiple intracellular pathways.

Relaxing effects of 5-oxo-ETE on human bronchi involve BKCa channel activation

The present study investigated the ability of 5-oxo-EicosaTetraEnoic acid (5-oxo-ETE) for modulating airway smooth muscle (ASM) tone in human bronchi. 5-Oxo-ETE induced a concentration-dependent relaxing effect on human bronchi pre-contracted with methacholine (MCh) and arachidonic acid (AA). This relaxing response was highly sensitive to Iberiotoxin (IbTx), a large conducting Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel (BK(Ca)) inhibitor. Furthermore, microelectrode measurements revealed that 5-oxo-ETE (0.1-10 microM) hyperpolarizes the membrane potential of human bronchial ASM cells. These hyperpolarizing effects were also inhibited in the presence of 10nM IbTx. Lastly, 5-oxo-ETE was shown to directly activate reconstituted BK(Ca) channels derived from human airway smooth muscles. In summary, the 5-oxo-ETE eicosanoid activates a specific K(+) conductance, involved in membrane hyperpolarization, which in turn reduces Ca(2+) entry and facilitates relaxation of smooth muscle cells.

Effects of methyl beta-cyclodextrin on EDHF responses in pig and rat arteries; association between SK(Ca) channels and caveolin-rich domains

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The small and intermediate conductance, Ca2+-sensitive K+ channels (SK(Ca) and IK(Ca), respectively) which are pivotal in the EDHF pathway may be differentially activated. The importance of caveolae in the functioning of IK(Ca) and SK(Ca) channels was investigated.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

The effect of the caveolae-disrupting agent methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (MbetaCD) on IK(Ca) and SK(Ca) localization and function was determined.

KEY RESULTS

EDHF-mediated, SK(Ca)-dependent myocyte hyperpolarizations evoked by acetylcholine in rat mesenteric arteries (following blockade of IK(Ca) with TRAM-34) were inhibited by MbetaCD. Hyperpolarizations evoked by direct SK(Ca) channel activation (using NS309 in the presence of TRAM-34) were also inhibited by MbetaCD, an effect reversed by cholesterol. In contrast, IK(Ca)-dependent hyperpolarizations (in the presence of apamin) were unaffected by MbetaCD. Similarly, in porcine coronary arteries, EDHF-mediated, SK(Ca)-dependent (but not IK(Ca)-dependent) endothelial cell hyperpolarizations evoked by substance P were inhibited by MbetaCD. In mesenteric artery homogenates subjected to sucrose-density centrifugation, caveolin-1 and SK3 (SK(Ca)) proteins but not IK1 (IK(Ca)) protein migrated to the buoyant, caveolin-rich fraction. MbetaCD pretreatment redistributed caveolin-1 and SK3 proteins into more dense fractions. In immunofluorescence images of porcine coronary artery endothelium, SK3 (but not IK1) and caveolin-1 were co-localized. Furthermore, caveolin-1 immunoprecipitates prepared from native porcine coronary artery endothelium contained SK3 but not IK1 protein.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

These data provide strong evidence that endothelial cell SK(Ca) channels are located in caveolae while the IK(Ca) channels reside in a different membrane compartment. These studies reveal cellular organisation as a further complexity in the EDHF pathway signalling cascade.

Thromboxane A2 inhibition of SKCa after NO synthase block in rat middle cerebral artery

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

NO/prostanoid independent, EDHF-mediated hyperpolarization and dilation in rat middle cerebral arteries is mediated solely by endothelial cell IK(Ca). However, when the NO-pathway is also active, both SK(Ca) and IK(Ca) contribute to EDHF responses. As the SK(Ca) component can be inhibited by stimulation of thromboxane A(2) (TxA(2)) TP receptors and NO has the potential ability to inhibit thromboxane synthesis, we investigated whether TxA(2) might explain loss of functional input from SK(Ca) during NOS inhibition in cerebral arteries.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Rat middle cerebral arteries were mounted in a wire myograph. Endothelium-dependent responses to the PAR2 agonist, SLIGRL were assessed as simultaneous changes in smooth muscle membrane potential and tension.

KEY RESULTS

Responses were obtained in the presence of L-NAME as appropriate. Inhibition of TP receptors with either ICI 192,605 or SQ 29,548, did not affect EDHF mediated hyperpolarization and relaxation, but in their presence neither TRAM-34 nor apamin (to block IK(Ca) and SK(Ca) respectively) individually affected the EDHF response. However, in combination they virtually abolished it. Similar effects were obtained in the presence of the thromboxane synthase inhibitor, furegrelate, which additionally revealed an iberiotoxin-sensitive residual EDHF hyperpolarization and relaxation in the combined presence of TRAM-34 and apamin.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

In the rat middle cerebral artery, inhibition of NOS leads to a loss of the SK(Ca) component of EDHF responses. Either antagonism of TP receptors or block of thromboxane synthase restores an input through SK(Ca). These data indicate that NO normally enables SK(Ca) activity in rat middle cerebral arteries.

Anti-arrhythmic effects of I (Na), I (Kr), and combined I (Kr)-I (CaL) blockade in an experimental model of acute stretch-related atrial fibrillation

INTRODUCTION

Atrial dilatation is commonly associated with atrial fibrillation (AF), but the electrophysiological mechanisms and the implications for anti-arrhythmic therapy are poorly understood. In a model of acute stretch-related AF in isolated rabbit hearts, we evaluated the electrophysiological effects of three different anti-arrhythmic drugs: dofetilide, flecainide and BRL-32872 (associating I (Kr) and I (CaL) blocking properties).

METHODS

After 30 min of sustained stretch-related AF, we perfused BRL 10-7 M, BRL 3.10-7 M, BRL 10-6 M, flecainide 2.4 10-6 M and dofetilide 10-7 M and iteratively measured atrial effective refractory periods (ERPs), AF inducibility and AF cycle length (AFCL) 15, 30 and 60 min after drug perfusion, respectively.

RESULTS

After a significant shortening of the ERPs by acute atrial stretch in the five groups individually (p < 0.001, stretch vs baseline for each group individually), drug perfusion led to a strong lengthening of AFCL, a very significant prolongation of ERPs (p < 0.001 vs stretch) and a reduction of AF inducibility (p < 0.01 vs control group) for each of the five experimental groups. The relative ERP increase was comparable in all groups, whereas a significantly lower AF inducibility was observed in the BRL 10-6 M group (p < 0.05 vs other BRL concentrations).

CONCLUSION

In a model of acute stretch-related AF, dofetilide, flecainide and BRL-32872 terminated AF and prevented its immediate reinduction after having comparatively prolonged AFCL and ERPs. These comparative results suggest that those drugs are equally efficacious, albeit with different mechanisms, in the setting of acute atrial stretch.

Calcium-activated potassium channels mediated blood-brain tumor barrier opening in a rat metastatic brain tumor model

Background

The blood-brain tumor barrier (BTB) impedes the delivery of therapeutic agents to brain tumors. While adequate delivery of drugs occurs in systemic tumors, the BTB limits delivery of anti-tumor agents into brain metastases.

Results

In this study, we examined the function and regulation of calcium-activated potassium (K_Ca) channels in a rat metastatic brain tumor model. We showed that intravenous infusion of NS1619, a K_Ca channel agonist, and bradykinin selectively enhanced BTB permeability in brain tumors, but not in normal brain. Iberiotoxin, a K_Ca channel antagonist, significantly attenuated NS1619-induced BTB permeability increase. We found K_Ca channels and bradykinin type 2 receptors (B2R) expressed in cultured human metastatic brain tumor cells (CRL-5904, non-small cell lung cancer, metastasized to brain), human brain microvessel endothelial cells (HBMEC) and human lung cancer brain metastasis tissues. Potentiometric assays demonstrated the activity of K_Ca channels in metastatic brain tumor cells and HBMEC. Furthermore, we detected higher expression of K_Ca channels in the metastatic brain tumor tissue and tumor capillary endothelia as compared to normal brain tissue. Co-culture of metastatic brain tumor cells and brain microvessel endothelial cells showed an upregulation of K_Ca channels, which may contribute to the overexpression of K_Ca channels in tumor microvessels and selectivity of BTB opening.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that K_Ca channels in metastatic brain tumors may serve as an effective target for biochemical modulation of BTB permeability to enhance selective delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs to metastatic brain tumors.

Smooth muscle mediates circumferential conduction of hyperpolarization and relaxation to focal endothelial cell activation in large coronary arteries

Longitudinal conduction of endothelium-dependent vasodilatation is mediated by intercellular spread of hyperpolarization via gap junctions along the endothelium. If similar electrical signals from the endothelium conduct around the circumference of arteries via smooth muscle cells, then, both longitudinal and circumferential spread of such signals would make it possible for a wide annulus of a large blood vessel like an epicardial coronary artery to dilate to local stimuli. To examine this in vitro, we developed a dual-chambered organ bath in which both membrane potential and force are independently determined in endothelium-intact and -denuded regions of a single annulus of artery. Hyperpolarizations and relaxations to endothelium-dependent vasodilators like bradykinin (BK) and substance P in smooth muscle cells immediately beneath the local endothelium-intact region (local responses) are conducted via smooth muscle cells around the circumference of the artery. The local relaxation was partially inhibited by the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, N(G)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NOARG), and subsequently abolished by further treatment with a combination of two characteristic inhibitors of endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization-the Ca2+ -activated potassium channel (KCa) channel inhibitors, apamin and charybdotoxin. The conducted hyperpolarizations and relaxations to BK were unaffected by L-NOARG, but were abolished by apamin and charybdotoxin. In conclusion, these studies demonstrate for the first time that NO acts only as a local vasodilator, whereas endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization (EDH) causes local and remote vasodilatation in large coronary arteries. We propose that such a remote EDH-dependent signalling mechanism compensates for the loss of the local NO-dependent vasodilatation in diseased arteries.

Depletion of membrane cholesterol eliminates the Ca2+-activated component of outward potassium current and decreases membrane capacitance in rat uterine myocytes

Changes in membrane cholesterol content have potent effects on cell signalling and contractility in rat myometrium and other smooth muscles. We have previously shown that depletion of cholesterol with methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (MCD) disrupts caveolar microdomains. The aim of this work was to determine the mechanism underlying the increase in Ca(2+) signalling and contractility occurring in the myometrium with MCD. Patch clamp data obtained on freshly isolated myocytes from the uterus of day 19-21 rats showed that outward K(+) current was significantly reduced by MCD. Membrane capacitance was also reduced. Cholesterol-saturated MCD had no effect on the amplitude of outward current suggesting that the reduction in the outward current was due to cholesterol depletion induced by MCD rather than a direct inhibitory action of MCD on the K(+) channels. Confocal visualization of the membrane bound indicator Calcium Green C18, revealed internalization of the surface membrane with MCD treatment. Large conductance, Ca(2+)-sensitive K(+) channel proteins have been shown to localize to caveolae. When these channels were blocked by iberiotoxin outward current was significantly reduced in the uterine myocytes; MCD treatment reduced the density of outward current. Following reduction of outward current by MCD pretreatment, iberiotoxin was unable to produce any additional decrease in the current, suggesting a common target. MCD treatment also increased the amplitude and frequency of spontaneous rises in cytosolic Ca(2+) level ([Ca(2+)](i) transients) in isolated myocytes. In intact rat myometrium, MCD treatment increased Ca(2+) signalling and contractility, consistent with previous findings, and this effect was also found to be reduced by BK channel inhibition. These data suggest that (1) disruption of cholesterol-rich microdomains and caveolae by MCD leads to a decrease in the BK channel current thus increasing cell excitability, and (2) the changes in membrane excitability produced by MCD underlie the changes found in Ca(2+) signalling and uterine contractility.

TRAM-34 inhibits nonselective cation channels

TRAM-34 has been demonstrated to inhibit intermediate-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels in a wide variety of cell types, including immune cells. In the present study, we investigated effects of TRAM-34 on microglial cells stimulated with lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC). LPC-induced increases in the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration of microglial cells were effectively reduced in the presence of TRAM-34. At a concentration of 1 microM, TRAM-34 inhibited LPC-induced Ca(2+) signals by 60%. The TRAM-34-induced reduction of LPC-induced Ca(2+) increases cannot be related to the inhibition of Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels. In contrast to TRAM-34, the Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel inhibitor charybdotoxin did not affect LPC-induced increases in the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration of microglial cells. Patch clamp experiments revealed a direct inhibitory effect of TRAM-34 on nonselective cation channels. Half-maximal inhibition of LPC-induced nonselective cation currents was determined at 38 nM TRAM-34. These data indicate that TRAM-34 may cause additional effects on immune cells that are unrelated to the well-described inhibition of Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels.

Dose-escalation study of ICA-17043 in patients with sickle cell disease

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To determine the dose tolerance, safety, and pharmacokinetics of a single oral dose of ICA-17043 in patients with sickle cell disease.

DESIGN

Phase I, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-dose, dose-escalation study.

SETTING

Four university medical centers.

PATIENTS

Twenty-eight patients with sickle cell disease, aged 18-60 years, who were otherwise healthy and in a noncrisis state.

INTERVENTION

Patients in three separate dose cohorts--50 mg, 100 mg, and 150 mg--received single doses of ICA-17043 or placebo.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The mean area under the concentration-time curve from time zero extrapolated to infinity (AUC(0-infinity)) for ICA-17043 increased in a dose-related manner (11,827, 19,697, and 30,676 ng.hr/ml for 50, 100, and 150 mg, respectively). Overall mean half-life was 12.8 days. Mean peak plasma concentrations rose between the 50- and 100-mg dose levels but plateaued at 150 mg (59.1, 108.7, and 109.1 ng/ml, respectively). Weekly pharmacokinetic and safety assessments were conducted in each patient during the follow-up phase for 56 days. No dose-limiting adverse events were noted in any of the patients.

CONCLUSION

Total systemic exposure of ICA-17043 after a single oral dose, as measured by AUC(0-infinity), increased nearly proportionally with the dose. The rate of absorption, however, appeared to be delayed at doses greater than 100 mg. With the long half-life of ICA-17043 demonstrated in this study, once-daily dosing is probably adequate to maintain steady-state plasma concentrations. In addition, single doses of ICA-17043 were well tolerated.

Testosterone Relaxes Isolated Human Radial Artery by Potassium Channel Opening Action

Preliminary clinical studies of testosterone therapy in male patients with coronary artery disease obtained promising results. However, little is known about the in vitro effects of testosterone in human isolated arteries. We investigated the effect of testosterone on contractile tone of human isolated radial artery (RA). Testosterone was added (0.1 - 300 microM ) cumulatively to organ baths after precontraction with KCl (45 mM) and phenylephrine (PE, 10 microM). Testosterone-induced relaxations were tested in the presence of the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin (10 microM), nitric oxide synthase inhibitor N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 100 microM), non-selective large conductance Ca(2+)-activated and voltage-sensitive K(+) channel inhibitor tetraethylammonium (TEA, 1 mM), ATP-sensitive K(+) channel inhibitor glibenclamide (GLI, 10 microM), and voltage-sensitive K(+) channel inhibitor 4-aminopyridine (4-AP, 1 mM). Testosterone produced relaxation in human RA (E(max): 53.03 +/- 2.76% and 66.83 +/- 1.97% of KCl and PE-induced contraction, respectively). Except for GLI, the relaxation to testosterone is affected by neither K(+) channel inhibitors (TEA, BaCl(2), and 4-AP), L-NAME, nor indomethacin. We report for the first time that supraphysiological concentrations of testosterone induces relaxation in RA. This response may occur in part via ATP-sensitive K(+) channel opening action.

[Effect of paxilline on Ca(2+)-dependent K+ current in smooth muscle cells isolated from rat vas deferens]

The properties of the outward Ca(2+)-dependent K+ current (KCa) were investigated in single smooth muscle cells (SMCs) isolated from epididymal part of the rat vas deferens (RVD) using amphotericin B perforated patch-clamp technique. The complex kinetic of the net outward current elicited by positive voltage steps from -80 mV to +40 mV suggested the presence of several components of this current. KCa current was separated from the net outward current by removal of Ca2+ from the external solution. KCa was characterized by slow kinetics of current activation and decay. Mycotoxin paxilline, the selective blocker of the large conductance KCa channels, inhibited KCa current in a dose-dependent manner. At the concentration of 70 nM paxilline evoked 50% inhibition of KCa and at 1 mkM complete suppression of KCa current was achieved. The blocking effect of low concentrations of a nonselective KCa channels inhibitor tetraethylammonium (TEA) was compared to that of paxilline. The external application of 0.3 mM TEA inhibited KCa current similarly to 1 mkM of paxilline. Finally, we studied the effect of paxilline on the resting membrane potential ofRVD SMCs. Paxilline (1 mkM) did not affect the membrane potential of SMCs with the resting potential in the range of -60 to -40 mV. However, at potentials more positive than -40 mV application of paxilline significantly (up to 15 mV) depolarized the membrane of SMCs. These results suggest that the large conductance KCa channels in RVD SMCs do not contribute to the resting membrane potential but could serve as a hyperpolarizing mechanism at the significant membrane depolarizations.

[Involvement of voltge dependent potassium channels in rabbit corpus cavernosum responses to oxidative stress]

Previously we have demonstrated that oxidative stress produces a complex response of the rabbit corporal smooth muscle cells consisting of transient relaxation followed by contraction. We used 4-AP and TEA, selective blockers for voltage- and Ca(2+)-dependent K+ channels to investigate possible contribution of these channels in maintaining of basal cavernosal tone as well as in mediating of contractile response caused by oxidative stress. TEA in concentration of 1 mmol/l caused contraction of corporal smooth muscle. Application of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the presence of TEA caused contraction similar to that in control conditions. This argues against involvement of Ca(2+)-dependent K+ channels in contractile response caused by oxidative stress. On the other hand, contractile response on inhibition of Ca(2+)-dependent K+ channels suggests their contribution in maintaining of corporal tone. 4-AP in concentration of 5 mmol/l caused contraction resembling that, evoked by TEA. Thus, voltage-dependent similar to Ca(2+)-dependent K+ channels contribute to corporal tone. In the presence of 4-AP H2O2 induced contraction was essentially decreased. The most probable explanation of this result is that population of channels modulated by 4-AP and H2O2 is common for both factors. We previously reported that H2O2 induced contraction could be inhibited by indometacine. Together these results suggest, that H2O2 induced contraction could be a result of inhibition of 4-AP-sensitive voltage-dependent K+ channels that is mediated by metabolite products of arachinoide acid via cyclooxigenase pathway.

Catecholamine secretion from rat foetal adrenal chromaffin cells and hypoxia sensitivity

The adrenal medulla chromaffin cells (AMCs) secrete catecholamines in response to various types of stress. We examined the hypoxia-sensitivity of catecholamine secretion by rat foetal chromaffin cells in which the innervation by the splanchnic nerve is not established. The experiments were performed in primary cultured cells from two different ages of foetuses (F15 and F19). Membrane potential of AMCs was monitored with the patch clamp technique, and the catecholamine secretion was detected by amperometry. We found that: (1) AMCs from F19 foetuses showed hypoxia-induced catecholamine release. (2) This hypoxia-induced secretion is produced by membrane depolarization generated by an inhibition of Ca(2+)-activated K(+) current [I (K(Ca))] current. (3) Chromaffin precursor cells from F15 foetuses secrete catecholamine. The quantal release is calcium-dependent, but the size of the quantum is reduced. (4) In the precursor cells, a hypoxia-induced membrane hyperpolarization is originated by an ATP-sensitive K(+) current [I (K(ATP))] activation. (5) During the prenatal period, at F15, the percentage of the total outward current for I (K(ATP)) and I (K(Ca)) was 50 and 29.5%, respectively, whereas at F19, I (K(ATP)) is reduced to 14%, and I (K(Ca)) became 64% of the total current. We conclude that before birth, the age-dependent hypoxia response of chromaffin cells is modulated by the functional activity of K(ATP) and K(Ca) channels.

Overlapping pharmacology of Ca2+-activated Cl- and K+ channels

Research into Ca2+-activated Cl- channels is hampered by the inability to decipher their molecular identity and the fact that all extant Cl- channel blockers have effects on other ion channels. Most notably, Cl- channel blockers such as the fenamates (e.g. niflumic acid and flufenamic acid) activate Ca2+-dependent K+ channels, although other pharmacological overlaps have been discovered. In this article, we highlight the complex pharmacology of Ca2+-activated Cl- channels and the caveats associated with using these blockers--a necessary requirement because many researchers use Cl- channel blockers as probes for Cl- channel activity. Moreover, we discuss the argument for a common structural motif between Ca2+-activated Cl- channels and Ca2+-dependent K+ channels, which has led to the possibility that the molecular identity of Cl- channels will be revealed by research in this new direction, in addition to the use of existing candidates such as the CLCA, Bestrophin and tweety genes.