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Shenton F, Bewick GS, Banks RW. A study of the expression of small conductance calcium-activated potassium channels (SK1-3) in sensory endings of muscle spindles and lanceolate endings of hair follicles in the rat. PLoS One 2014; 9:e107073. [PMID: 25191752 PMCID: PMC4156425 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0107073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2014] [Accepted: 08/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Processes underlying mechanotransduction and its regulation are poorly understood. Inhibitors of Ca2+-activated K+ channels cause a dramatic increase in afferent output from stretched muscle spindles. We used immunocytochemistry to test for the presence and location of small conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels (SK1-3) in primary endings of muscle spindles and lanceolate endings of hair follicles in the rat. Tissue sections were double immunolabelled with antibodies to one of the SK channel isoforms and to either synaptophysin (SYN, as a marker of synaptic like vesicles (SLV), present in many mechanosensitive endings) or S100 (a Ca2+-binding protein present in glial cells). SK channel immunoreactivity was also compared to immunolabelling for the Na+ ion channel ASIC2, previously reported in both spindle primary and lanceolate endings. SK1 was not detected in sensory terminals of either muscle spindles or lanceolate endings. SK2 was found in the terminals of both muscle spindles and lanceolate endings, where it colocalised with the SLV marker SYN (spindles and lanceolates) and the satellite glial cell (SGC) marker S100 (lanceolates). SK3 was not detected in muscle spindles; by contrast it was present in hair follicle endings, expressed predominantly in SGCs but perhaps also in the SGC: terminal interface, as judged by colocalisation statistical analysis of SYN and S100 immunoreactivity. The possibility that all three isoforms might be expressed in pre-terminal axons, especially at heminodes, cannot be ruled out. Differential distribution of SK channels is likely to be important in their function of responding to changes in intracellular [Ca2+] thereby modulating mechanosensory transduction by regulating the excitability of the sensory terminals. In particular, the presence of SK2 throughout the sensory terminals of both kinds of mechanoreceptor indicates an important role for an outward Ca2+-activated K+ current in the formation of the receptor potential in both types of ending.
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Siddiqui T, Lively S, Ferreira R, Wong R, Schlichter LC. Expression and contributions of TRPM7 and KCa2.3/SK3 channels to the increased migration and invasion of microglia in anti-inflammatory activation states. PLoS One 2014; 9:e106087. [PMID: 25148577 PMCID: PMC4141841 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0106087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2014] [Accepted: 07/31/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Microglia rapidly respond to CNS injury and disease and can assume a spectrum of activation states. While changes in gene expression and production of inflammatory mediators have been extensively described after classical (LPS-induced) and alternative (IL4-induced) microglial activation, less is known about acquired de-activation in response to IL10. It is important to understand how microglial activation states affect their migration and invasion; crucial functions after injury and in the developing CNS. We reported that LPS-treated rat microglia migrate very poorly, while IL4-treated cells migrate and invade much better. Having discovered that the lamellum of migrating microglia contains a large ring of podosomes – microscopic structures that are thought to mediate adhesion, migration and invasion – we hypothesized that IL4 and IL10 would differentially affect podosome expression, gene induction, migration and invasion. Further, based on the enrichment of the KCa2.3/SK3 Ca2+-activated potassium channel in microglial podosomes, we predicted that it regulates migration and invasion. We found both similarities and differences in gene induction by IL4 and IL10 and, while both cytokines increased migration and invasion, only IL10 affected podosome expression. KCa2.3 currents were recorded in microglia under all three activation conditions and KCNN3 (KCa2.3) expression was similar. Surprisingly then, of three KCa2.3 inhibitors (apamin, tamapin, NS8593), only NS8593 abrogated the increased migration and invasion of IL4 and IL10-treated microglia (and invasion of unstimulated microglia). This discrepancy was explained by the observed block of TRPM7 currents in microglia by NS8593, which occurred under all three activation conditions. A similar inhibition of both migration and invasion was seen with a TRPM7 inhibitor (AA-861) that does not block KCa2.3 channels. Thus, we conclude that TRPM7 (not KCa2.3) contributes to the enhanced ability of microglia to migrate and invade when in anti-inflammatory states. This will be an important consideration in developing TRPM7 inhibitors for treating CNS injury.
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Wandall-Frostholm C, Skaarup LM, Sadda V, Nielsen G, Hedegaard ER, Mogensen S, Köhler R, Simonsen U. Pulmonary hypertension in wild type mice and animals with genetic deficit in KCa2.3 and KCa3.1 channels. PLoS One 2014; 9:e97687. [PMID: 24858807 PMCID: PMC4032241 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0097687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2013] [Accepted: 04/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective In vascular biology, endothelial KCa2.3 and KCa3.1 channels contribute to arterial blood pressure regulation by producing membrane hyperpolarization and smooth muscle relaxation. The role of KCa2.3 and KCa3.1 channels in the pulmonary circulation is not fully established. Using mice with genetically encoded deficit of KCa2.3 and KCa3.1 channels, this study investigated the effect of loss of the channels in hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension. Approach and Result Male wild type and KCa3.1−/−/KCa2.3T/T(+DOX) mice were exposed to chronic hypoxia for four weeks to induce pulmonary hypertension. The degree of pulmonary hypertension was evaluated by right ventricular pressure and assessment of right ventricular hypertrophy. Segments of pulmonary arteries were mounted in a wire myograph for functional studies and morphometric studies were performed on lung sections. Chronic hypoxia induced pulmonary hypertension, right ventricular hypertrophy, increased lung weight, and increased hematocrit levels in either genotype. The KCa3.1−/−/KCa2.3T/T(+DOX) mice developed structural alterations in the heart with increased right ventricular wall thickness as well as in pulmonary vessels with increased lumen size in partially- and fully-muscularized vessels and decreased wall area, not seen in wild type mice. Exposure to chronic hypoxia up-regulated the gene expression of the KCa2.3 channel by twofold in wild type mice and increased by 2.5-fold the relaxation evoked by the KCa2.3 and KCa3.1 channel activator NS309, whereas the acetylcholine-induced relaxation - sensitive to the combination of KCa2.3 and KCa3.1 channel blockers, apamin and charybdotoxin - was reduced by 2.5-fold in chronic hypoxic mice of either genotype. Conclusion Despite the deficits of the KCa2.3 and KCa3.1 channels failed to change hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension, the up-regulation of KCa2.3-gene expression and increased NS309-induced relaxation in wild-type mice point to a novel mechanism to counteract pulmonary hypertension and to a potential therapeutic utility of KCa2.3/KCa3.1 activators for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension.
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Berrout J, Mamenko M, Zaika OL, Chen L, Zang W, Pochynyuk O, O'Neil RG. Emerging role of the calcium-activated, small conductance, SK3 K+ channel in distal tubule function: regulation by TRPV4. PLoS One 2014; 9:e95149. [PMID: 24762817 PMCID: PMC3999037 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0095149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2013] [Accepted: 03/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The Ca2+-activated, maxi-K (BK) K+ channel, with low Ca2+-binding affinity, is expressed in the distal tubule of the nephron and contributes to flow-dependent K+ secretion. In the present study we demonstrate that the Ca2+-activated, SK3 (KCa2.3) K+ channel, with high Ca2+-binding affinity, is also expressed in the mouse kidney (RT-PCR, immunoblots). Immunohistochemical evaluations using tubule specific markers demonstrate significant expression of SK3 in the distal tubule and the entire collecting duct system, including the connecting tubule (CNT) and cortical collecting duct (CCD). In CNT and CCD, main sites for K+ secretion, the highest levels of expression were along the apical (luminal) cell membranes, including for both principal cells (PCs) and intercalated cells (ICs), posturing the channel for Ca2+-dependent K+ secretion. Fluorescent assessment of cell membrane potential in native, split-opened CCD, demonstrated that selective activation of the Ca2+-permeable TRPV4 channel, thereby inducing Ca2+ influx and elevating intracellular Ca2+ levels, activated both the SK3 channel and the BK channel leading to hyperpolarization of the cell membrane. The hyperpolarization response was decreased to a similar extent by either inhibition of SK3 channel with the selective SK antagonist, apamin, or by inhibition of the BK channel with the selective antagonist, iberiotoxin (IbTX). Addition of both inhibitors produced a further depolarization, indicating cooperative effects of the two channels on Vm. It is concluded that SK3 is functionally expressed in the distal nephron and collecting ducts where induction of TRPV4-mediated Ca2+ influx, leading to elevated intracellular Ca2+ levels, activates this high Ca2+-affinity K+ channel. Further, with sites of expression localized to the apical cell membrane, especially in the CNT and CCD, SK3 is poised to be a key pathway for Ca2+-dependent regulation of membrane potential and K+ secretion.
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Mu YH, Zhao WC, Duan P, Chen Y, Zhao WD, Wang Q, Tu HY, Zhang Q. RyR2 modulates a Ca2+-activated K+ current in mouse cardiac myocytes. PLoS One 2014; 9:e94905. [PMID: 24747296 PMCID: PMC3991633 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0094905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2013] [Accepted: 03/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In cardiomyocytes, Ca2+ entry through voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels (VDCCs) binds to and activates RyR2 channels, resulting in subsequent Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and cardiac contraction. Previous research has documented the molecular coupling of small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels (SK channels) to VDCCs in mouse cardiac muscle. Little is known regarding the role of RyRs-sensitive Ca2+ release in the SK channels in cardiac muscle. In this study, using whole-cell patch clamp techniques, we observed that a Ca2+-activated K+ current (IK,Ca) recorded from isolated adult C57B/L mouse atrial myocytes was significantly decreased by ryanodine, an inhibitor of ryanodine receptor type 2 (RyR2), or by the co-application of ryanodine and thapsigargin, an inhibitor of the sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA) (p<0.05, p<0.01, respectively). The activation of RyR2 by caffeine increased the IK,Ca in the cardiac cells (p<0.05, p<0.01, respectively). We further analyzed the effect of RyR2 knockdown on IK,Ca and Ca2+ in isolated adult mouse cardiomyocytes using a whole-cell patch clamp technique and confocal imaging. RyR2 knockdown in mouse atrial cells transduced with lentivirus-mediated small hairpin interference RNA (shRNA) exhibited a significant decrease in IK,Ca (p<0.05) and [Ca2+]i fluorescence intensity (p<0.01). An immunoprecipitated complex of SK2 and RyR2 was identified in native cardiac tissue by co-immunoprecipitation assays. Our findings indicate that RyR2-mediated Ca2+ release is responsible for the activation and modulation of SK channels in cardiac myocytes.
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Terentyev D, Rochira JA, Terentyeva R, Roder K, Koren G, Li W. Sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ release is both necessary and sufficient for SK channel activation in ventricular myocytes. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2014; 306:H738-46. [PMID: 24381116 PMCID: PMC3949063 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00621.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2013] [Accepted: 12/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
SK channels are upregulated in human patients and animal models of heart failure (HF). However, their activation mechanism and function in ventricular myocytes remain poorly understood. We aim to test the hypotheses that activation of SK channels in ventricular myocytes requires Ca(2+) release from sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and that SK currents contribute to reducing triggered activity. SK2 channels were overexpressed in adult rat ventricular myocytes using adenovirus gene transfer. Simultaneous patch clamp and confocal Ca(2+) imaging experiments in SK2-overexpressing cells demonstrated that depolarizations resulted in Ca(2+)-dependent outward currents sensitive to SK inhibitor apamin. SR Ca(2+) release induced by rapid application of 10 mM caffeine evoked repolarizing SK currents, whereas complete depletion of SR Ca(2+) content eliminated SK currents in response to depolarizations, despite intact Ca(2+) influx through L-type Ca(2+) channels. Furthermore, voltage-clamp experiments showed that SK channels can be activated by global spontaneous SR Ca(2+) release events Ca(2+) waves (SCWs). Current-clamp experiments revealed that SK overexpression reduces the amplitude of delayed afterdepolarizations (DADs) resulting from SCWs and shortens action potential duration. Immunolocalization studies showed that overexpressed SK channels are distributed both at external sarcolemmal membranes and along the Z-lines, resembling the distribution of endogenous SK channels. In summary, SR Ca(2+) release is both necessary and sufficient for the activation of SK channels in rat ventricular myocytes. SK currents contribute to repolarization during action potentials and attenuate DADs driven by SCWs. Thus SK upregulation in HF may have an anti-arrhythmic effect by reducing triggered activity.
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Egorova PA, Karelina TV, Vlasova OL, Antonov SM, Besprozvanny IB. [The effect of modulators of SK channels on simple spike firing frequency in the discharge of the cerebellar Purkinje cells in laboratory mice]. ZHURNAL EVOLIUTSIONNOI BIOKHIMII I FIZIOLOGII 2014; 50:102-108. [PMID: 25486815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The effect of CyPPA, a positive modulator of small conductance calcium-activated potassium channels of type 3 and 2 (SK3/SK2), and of NS309, an activator of intermediate and small conductance calcium-activated potassium channels (IK/SK), on the activity of cerebellar Purkinje cells was studied in 2-month-old male mice. The use of 1 mM of CyPPA has led to a decrease of simple spike firing frequency in the discharge of Purkinje cells by 25%, on average, during 1 h after application. At the same time, application of 100 μM of NS309 has promoted a decrease in simple spike firing frequency by 47 %, on average, during 1 h after the beginning of the action. The obtained results confirm the hypothesis that SK channels participate in regulation of simple spike firing frequency in the discharge of Purkinje cells and are responsible for restriction of signal frequency. The effect of NS309 on simple spike firing frequency was more pronounced; therefore, the IK/SK channels may be suggested to play the cardinal role in regulation of spike activity of Purkinje cells. Since increasing simple spike frequency in the discharge of Purkinje cells is observed at many disturbances of motor activity, in particular, at spinocerebellar ataxia, it can be suggested that the studied compounds or substances of similar action are of interest as potential medicinal agents.
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Dolga AM, de Andrade A, Meissner L, Knaus HG, Höllerhage M, Christophersen P, Zischka H, Plesnila N, Höglinger GU, Culmsee C. Subcellular expression and neuroprotective effects of SK channels in human dopaminergic neurons. Cell Death Dis 2014; 5:e999. [PMID: 24434522 PMCID: PMC4040692 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2013.530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2013] [Revised: 11/23/2013] [Accepted: 11/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Small-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel activation is an emerging therapeutic approach for treatment of neurological diseases, including stroke, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and schizophrenia. Our previous studies showed that activation of SK channels exerted neuroprotective effects through inhibition of NMDAR-mediated excitotoxicity. In this study, we tested the therapeutic potential of SK channel activation of NS309 (25 μM) in cultured human postmitotic dopaminergic neurons in vitro conditionally immortalized and differentiated from human fetal mesencephalic cells. Quantitative RT-PCR and western blotting analysis showed that differentiated dopaminergic neurons expressed low levels of SK2 channels and high levels of SK1 and SK3 channels. Further, protein analysis of subcellular fractions revealed expression of SK2 channel subtype in mitochondrial-enriched fraction. Mitochondrial complex I inhibitor rotenone (0.5 μM) disrupted the dendritic network of human dopaminergic neurons and induced neuronal death. SK channel activation reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, while it preserved the dendritic network, cell viability and ATP levels after rotenone challenge. Mitochondrial dysfunction and delayed dopaminergic cell death were prevented by increasing and/or stabilizing SK channel activity. Overall, our findings show that activation of SK channels provides protective effects in human dopaminergic neurons, likely via activation of both membrane and mitochondrial SK channels. Thus, SK channels are promising therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease, where dopaminergic cell loss is associated with progression of the disease.
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Fakira AK, Portugal GS, Carusillo B, Melyan Z, Morón JA. Increased small conductance calcium-activated potassium type 2 channel-mediated negative feedback on N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors impairs synaptic plasticity following context-dependent sensitization to morphine. Biol Psychiatry 2014; 75:105-14. [PMID: 23735878 PMCID: PMC3992971 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2013.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2012] [Revised: 04/17/2013] [Accepted: 04/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) is impaired following repeated morphine administration paired with a novel context. This procedure produces locomotor sensitization that can be abolished by blocking calcium (Ca(2+))-permeable alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid receptors (AMPARs) in the hippocampus. However, the mechanisms underlying LTP impairment remain unclear. Here, we investigate the role of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs), AMPARs, and small conductance Ca(2+)-activated potassium type 2 (SK2) channels in LTP induction after context-dependent sensitization to morphine. METHODS Mice were treated with saline or escalating doses of morphine (5, 8, 10, and 15 mg/kg) every 12 hours in a locomotor activity chamber and a challenge dose of 5 mg/kg morphine was given 1 week later. After the challenge, the hippocampi were removed to assay phosphatase 2A (PP2A) activity, NMDAR, and SK2 channel synaptic expression or to perform electrophysiological recordings. RESULTS Impaired hippocampal LTP, which accompanied morphine-induced context-dependent sensitization, could not be restored by blocking Ca(2+)-permeable AMPARs. Context-dependent sensitization to morphine altered hippocampal NMDAR subunit composition and enhanced the SK2 channel-mediated negative feedback on NMDAR. Increased PP2A activity observed following context-dependent sensitization suggests that the potentiated SK2 channel effect on NMDAR was mediated by increased SK2 sensitivity to Ca(2+). Finally, inhibition of SK2 channel or PP2A activity restored LTP. CONCLUSIONS Our studies demonstrate that the SK2 channel-NMDAR feedback loop plays a role in opiate-induced impairment of hippocampal plasticity and that the positive modulation of SK2 channels occurs via increases in PP2A activity. This provides further evidence that small conductance Ca(2+)-activated potassium channels play a role in drug-induced plasticity.
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Fuchs PA. It takes two to tango. Channels (Austin) 2014; 8:167. [PMID: 25469408 PMCID: PMC5210167 DOI: 10.4161/chan.28999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2014] [Accepted: 02/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Benton DCH, Garbarg M, Moss GWJ. The relationship between functional inhibition and binding for K(Ca)2 channel blockers. PLoS One 2013; 8:e73328. [PMID: 24039913 PMCID: PMC3769273 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0073328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2013] [Accepted: 07/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Small conductance calcium-activated potassium channels (KCa2.1,2.2,2.3) are blocked with high affinity by both peptide toxins (e.g. apamin) and small molecule blockers (e.g. UCL 1848). In electrophysiological experiments, apamin shows subtype selectivity with IC50s of ∼100 pM and ∼1 nM for block KCa2.2 and KCa2.3 respectively. In binding studies, however, apamin appears not to discriminate between KCa2.2 and 2.3 and is reported to have a significantly higher (∼20–200-fold) affinity (∼5 pM). This discrepancy between binding and block has been suggested to reflect an unusual mode of action of apamin. However, these binding and electrophysiological block experiments have not been conducted in the same ionic conditions, so it is also possible that the discrepancy arises simply because of differences in experimental conditions. We have now examined this latter possibility. Thus, we measured 125I-apamin binding to intact HEK 293 cells expressing KCa2 channels under the same ionic conditions (i.e. normal physiological conditions) that we also used for current block measurements. We find that binding and block experiments agree well if the same ionic conditions are used. Further, the binding of apamin and other blockers showed subtype selectivity when measured in normal physiological solutions (e.g.125I-apamin bound to KCa2.2 with KL 91±40 pM and to KCa2.3 with KL 711±126 pM, while inhibiting KCa2.2 current at IC50 103±2 pM). We also examined KCa2 channel block in Ca2+ and Mg2+ free solutions that mimic conditions reported in the literature for binding experiments. Under these (non-physiological) conditions the IC50 for apamin block of KCa2.2 was reduced to 20±3 pM. Our results therefore suggest that the apparent discrepancy between blocking and binding reported in the literature can be largely accounted for by the use of non-physiological ionic conditions in binding experiments.
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Chotoo CK, Silverman GA, Devor DC, Luke CJ. A small conductance calcium-activated K+ channel in C. elegans, KCNL-2, plays a role in the regulation of the rate of egg-laying. PLoS One 2013; 8:e75869. [PMID: 24040423 PMCID: PMC3769271 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0075869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2012] [Accepted: 08/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In the nervous system of mice, small conductance calcium-activated potassium (SK) channels function to regulate neuronal excitability through the generation of a component of the medium afterhyperpolarization that follows action potentials. In humans, irregular action potential firing frequency underlies diseases such as ataxia, epilepsy, schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease. Due to the complexity of studying protein function in the mammalian nervous system, we sought to characterize an SK channel homologue, KCNL-2, in C. elegans, a genetically tractable system in which the lineage of individual neurons was mapped from their early developmental stages. Sequence analysis of the KCNL-2 protein reveals that the six transmembrane domains, the potassium-selective pore and the calmodulin binding domain are highly conserved with the mammalian homologues. We used widefield and confocal fluorescent imaging to show that a fusion construct of KCNL-2 with GFP in transgenic lines is expressed in the nervous system of C. elegans. We also show that a KCNL-2 null strain, kcnl-2(tm1885), demonstrates a mild egg-laying defective phenotype, a phenotype that is rescued in a KCNL-2-dependent manner. Conversely, we show that transgenic lines that overexpress KCNL-2 demonstrate a hyperactive egg-laying phenotype. In this study, we show that the vulva of transgenic hermaphrodites is highly innervated by neuronal processes and by the VC4 and VC5 neurons that express GFP-tagged KCNL-2. We propose that KCNL-2 functions in the nervous system of C. elegans to regulate the rate of egg-laying.
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Ni Y, Wang T, Zhuo X, Song B, Zhang J, Wei F, Bai H, Wang X, Yang D, Gao L, Ma A. Bisoprolol reversed small conductance calcium-activated potassium channel (SK) remodeling in a volume-overload rat model. Mol Cell Biochem 2013; 384:95-103. [PMID: 23975505 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-013-1785-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2013] [Accepted: 08/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
A recent study indicated that apamin-sensitive current (I KAS, mediated by apamin-sensitive small conductance calcium-activated potassium channels subunits) density significantly increased in heart failure and led to recurrent spontaneous ventricular fibrillation. While the underlying molecular correlation with SK channels is still undetermined, we hypothesized that they are remodeled in HF and that bisoprolol could reverse the remodeling. Volume-overload models were created on male Sprague-Dawley rats by producing an abdominal arteriovenous fistula. Confocal microscopy, quantitative real-time PCR, and western blot were performed to investigate the expression of SK channels and observe the influence of β-blocker bisoprolol on the expression of SK channels I KAS, and the effect of bisoprolol on I KAS and the sensitivity of I KAS to [Ca(2+)]i at single isolated cells were also explored using whole-cell patch clamp techniques. SK channels were remodeled in HF rats, displaying the significant increase of SK1 and SK3 channel expression. After the treatment of HF rats with bisoprolol, the expression of SK1 and SK3 channels was significantly downregulated, and bisoprolol effectively downregulated I KAS density as well as the sensitivity of I KAS to [Ca(2+)]i. Our data indicated that the expression of SK1 and SK3 increased in HF. Bisoprolol effectively attenuated the change and downregulated I KAS density as well as the sensitivity of I KAS to [Ca(2+)]i.
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Yang WW, Tang YR, Wang Y, Li P, Wang QE, Lin L. [Estradiol regulates the expression of small conductance Ca(2)+ activated K(+) channel 3 in rat colonic smooth muscle cells in an estrogen receptor α-dependent manner]. ZHONGHUA YI XUE ZA ZHI 2013; 93:2367-2371. [PMID: 24300204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the effects and possible mechanism of 17β-estradiol on the expression of small conductance Ca(2+) activated K(+) channel 3 (SK3) in rat colonic smooth muscle cells (SMC). METHODS The SMC isolated from male SD rats by enzymolysis were cultured. And double immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the co-expression of SK3 and α-actin. Colonic SMC were cultured with different concentrations of 17β-estradiol for 24 h or with 50 nmol/L 17β-estradiol at different time points respectively. The expressions of SK3 in colonic SMC were measured by real-time quantitative reverse transcription (qRT)-PCR and Western blotting. The effects of estrogen receptor (ER) inhibitor ICI 182780, albumin bovine serum-17β-estradiol (BSA-E2), ERα selective agonist propyl pyrazole triol (PPT) and ERβ selective agonist diarylpropionitrile (DPN) on SK3 expression were observed. RESULTS Double immunofluorescence staining showed that SK3 and α-actin co-expressed in cultured colonic SMC. The expression of SK3 of 17β-estradiol at different concentration (10, 50 nmol/L) significantly higher than the control group (protein: 0.217 ± 0.030 and 0.321 ± 0.077 vs 0.103 ± 0.063, mRNA: 1.872 ± 0.606 and 2.967 ± 0.659 vs 0.813 ± 0.202, all P < 0.05). And 50 nmol/L was the most effective in vitro concentration. The peak expression of SK3 appeared at 12 and 24 hour (2.91 and 3.30-fold in protein vs 3.46 and 3.37-fold in mRNA respectively, all P < 0.05). The protein levels of SK3 in ICI 182780 plus 17β-estradiol group was less than 17β-estradiol group (0.111 ± 0.050 vs 0.351 ± 0.084, P < 0.05). But it was not influenced by BSA-E2. The expressions of SK3 in PPT and E2 groups were both higher than control group (0.270 ± 0.071, 0.309 ± 0.052 vs 0.087 ± 0.018, both P < 0.05) . However DPN had no effect on SK3 protein levels. CONCLUSIONS SK3 is localized in rat colonic SMC. And 17β-estradiol increases its expression in an ERα-dependent manner.
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Turker I, Yu CC, Chang PC, Chen Z, Sohma Y, Lin SF, Chen PS, Ai T. Amiodarone inhibits apamin-sensitive potassium currents. PLoS One 2013; 8:e70450. [PMID: 23922993 PMCID: PMC3726612 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0070450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2012] [Accepted: 06/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Apamin sensitive potassium current (I KAS), carried by the type 2 small conductance Ca(2+)-activated potassium (SK2) channels, plays an important role in post-shock action potential duration (APD) shortening and recurrent spontaneous ventricular fibrillation (VF) in failing ventricles. OBJECTIVE To test the hypothesis that amiodarone inhibits I KAS in human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK-293) cells. METHODS We used the patch-clamp technique to study I KAS in HEK-293 cells transiently expressing human SK2 before and after amiodarone administration. RESULTS Amiodarone inhibited IKAS in a dose-dependent manner (IC50, 2.67 ± 0.25 µM with 1 µM intrapipette Ca(2+)). Maximal inhibition was observed with 50 µM amiodarone which inhibited 85.6 ± 3.1% of IKAS induced with 1 µM intrapipette Ca(2+) (n = 3). IKAS inhibition by amiodarone was not voltage-dependent, but was Ca(2+)-dependent: 30 µM amiodarone inhibited 81.5±1.9% of I KAS induced with 1 µM Ca(2+) (n = 4), and 16.4±4.9% with 250 nM Ca(2+) (n = 5). Desethylamiodarone, a major metabolite of amiodarone, also exerts voltage-independent but Ca(2+) dependent inhibition of I KAS. CONCLUSION Both amiodarone and desethylamiodarone inhibit I KAS at therapeutic concentrations. The inhibition is independent of time and voltage, but is dependent on the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration. SK2 current inhibition may in part underlie amiodarone's effects in preventing electrical storm in failing ventricles.
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Zhao L, Wang Y, Ma X, Wang Y, Deng X. Oxidative stress impairs IKCa- and SKCa-mediated vasodilatation in mesenteric arteries from diabetic rats. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2013; 33:939-944. [PMID: 23895829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the role of oxidative stress in impaired intermediate-conductance Ca(2+)-activated potassium channels (IKCa)- and small-conductance Ca(2+)-activated potassium channels (SKCa)-mediated relaxation in diabetic resistance arteries. METHODS Rat diabetic model was induced by a high fat and high glucose diet and streptozotocin (STZ) injection. Endothelial function of mesenteric arteries was assessed with the use of wire myography. The expression levels of IKCa and SKCa in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) treated with H2O2 and/or antioxidant alpha lipoic acid (ALA) were measured using Western blotting. RESULTS IKCa- and SKCa-mediated vasodilatation in response to acetylcholine was impaired in the third-order mesenteric arterioles of diabetic rats. In cultured HUVECs, H2O2 significantly decreased the protein expression of IKCa and SKCa. ALA alleviated the impairment of both vasodilatation function of the mesenteric arterioles ex vivo and enhanced the expression of IKCa and SKCa challenged with H2O2 in cultured HUVECs. CONCLUSION Our data demonstrated for the first time that impaired IKCa- and SKCa-mediated vasodilatation in diabetes was induced, at least in part, by oxidative stress via down-regulation of IKCa and SKCa channels.
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Liu Y, Vertommen D, Rider MH, Lai YC. Mammalian target of rapamycin-independent S6K1 and 4E-BP1 phosphorylation during contraction in rat skeletal muscle. Cell Signal 2013; 25:1877-86. [PMID: 23707523 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2013.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2013] [Accepted: 05/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Muscle protein synthesis rates decrease during contraction/exercise, but rapidly increase post-exercise. Previous studies mainly focused on signaling pathways that control protein synthesis during post-exercise recovery, such as mTOR and its downstream targets S6K1 and 4E-BP1. In this study, we investigated the effect of high-frequency electrical stimulation on the phosphorylation state of signaling components controlling protein synthesis in rat skeletal muscle. Electrical stimulation increased S6K1 Thr389 phosphorylation, which was unaffected by Torin1, a selective mTOR inhibitor, suggesting that S6K1 phosphorylation by contraction was mTOR-independent. Phosphorylation of eIF4B Ser422 was also increased during electrical stimulation, which was abrogated by inhibition of MEK/ERK/RSK1 activation. Moreover, although phosphorylation of conventional mTOR sites in 4E-BP1 decreased during contraction, mTOR-independent phosphorylation was also apparent, which was associated with the release of 4E-BP1 from eIF4E. The results indicate mTOR-independent phosphorylation of S6K1 and 4E-BP1 and suggest MEK/ERK/RSK1-dependent phosphorylation of eIF4B during skeletal muscle contraction. These phosphorylation events would keep the translation initiation machinery "primed" in an active state so that protein synthesis could quickly resume post-exercise.
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Zhou T, Wang Y, Guo CK, Zhang WJ, Yu H, Zhang K, Kong WJ. Two distinct channels mediated by m2mAChR and α9nAChR co-exist in type II vestibular hair cells of guinea pig. Int J Mol Sci 2013; 14:8818-31. [PMID: 23615472 PMCID: PMC3676758 DOI: 10.3390/ijms14058818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2013] [Revised: 03/29/2013] [Accepted: 04/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Acetylcholine (ACh) is the principal vestibular efferent neurotransmitter among mammalians. Pharmacologic studies prove that ACh activates a small conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels (KCa) current (SK2), mediated by α9-containing nicotinic ACh receptor (α9nAChR) in mammalian type II vestibular hair cells (VHCs II). However, our studies demonstrate that the m2 muscarinic ACh receptor (m2mAChR) mediates a big conductance KCa current (BK) in VHCs II. To better elucidate the correlation between these two distinct channels in VHCs II of guinea pig, this study was designed to verify whether these two channels and their corresponding AChR subtypes co-exist in the same VHCs II by whole-cell patch clamp recordings. We found that m2mAChR sensitive BK currents were activated in VHCs II isolated by collagenase IA, while α9nAChR sensitive SK2 currents were activated in VHCs II isolated by trypsin. Interestingly, after exposing the patched cells isolated by trypsin to collagenase IA for 3 min, the α9nAChR sensitive SK2 current was abolished, while m2mAChR-sensitive BK current was activated. Therefore, our findings provide evidence that the two distinct channels and their corresponding AChR subtypes may co-exist in the same VHCs II, and the alternative presence of these two ACh receptors-sensitive currents depended on isolating preparation with different enzymes.
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Dolga AM, Netter MF, Perocchi F, Doti N, Meissner L, Tobaben S, Grohm J, Zischka H, Plesnila N, Decher N, Culmsee C. Mitochondrial small conductance SK2 channels prevent glutamate-induced oxytosis and mitochondrial dysfunction. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:10792-804. [PMID: 23430260 PMCID: PMC3624460 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.453522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2013] [Revised: 02/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Small conductance calcium-activated potassium (SK2/K(Ca)2.2) channels are known to be located in the neuronal plasma membrane where they provide feedback control of NMDA receptor activity. Here, we provide evidence that SK2 channels are also located in the inner mitochondrial membrane of neuronal mitochondria. Patch clamp recordings in isolated mitoplasts suggest insertion into the inner mitochondrial membrane with the C and N termini facing the intermembrane space. Activation of SK channels increased mitochondrial K(+) currents, whereas channel inhibition attenuated these currents. In a model of glutamate toxicity, activation of SK2 channels attenuated the loss of the mitochondrial transmembrane potential, blocked mitochondrial fission, prevented the release of proapoptotic mitochondrial proteins, and reduced cell death. Neuroprotection was blocked by specific SK2 inhibitory peptides and siRNA targeting SK2 channels. Activation of mitochondrial SK2 channels may therefore represent promising targets for neuroprotective strategies in conditions of mitochondrial dysfunction.
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Tonini R, Ferraro T, Sampedro-Castañeda M, Cavaccini A, Stocker M, Richards CD, Pedarzani P. Small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels modulate action potential-induced Ca2+ transients in hippocampal neurons. J Neurophysiol 2013; 109:1514-24. [PMID: 23255726 PMCID: PMC3602936 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00346.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2012] [Accepted: 12/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In hippocampal pyramidal neurons, voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels open in response to action potentials. This results in elevations in the intracellular concentration of Ca(2+) that are maximal in the proximal apical dendrites and decrease rapidly with distance from the soma. The control of these action potential-evoked Ca(2+) elevations is critical for the regulation of hippocampal neuronal activity. As part of Ca(2+) signaling microdomains, small-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (SK) channels have been shown to modulate the amplitude and duration of intracellular Ca(2+) signals by feedback regulation of synaptically activated Ca(2+) sources in small distal dendrites and dendritic spines, thus affecting synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus. In this study, we investigated the effect of the activation of SK channels on Ca(2+) transients specifically induced by action potentials in the proximal processes of hippocampal pyramidal neurons. Our results, obtained by using selective SK channel blockers and enhancers, show that SK channels act in a feedback loop, in which their activation by Ca(2+) entering mainly through L-type voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels leads to a reduction in the subsequent dendritic influx of Ca(2+). This underscores a new role of SK channels in the proximal apical dendrite of hippocampal pyramidal neurons.
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Ramírez-Latorre JA. Functional upregulation of Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels in the development of substantia nigra dopamine neurons. PLoS One 2012; 7:e51610. [PMID: 23284723 PMCID: PMC3527479 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0051610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2012] [Accepted: 11/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Many connections in the basal ganglia are made around birth when animals are exposed to a host of new affective, cognitive, and sensori-motor stimuli. It is thought that dopamine modulates cortico-striatal synapses that result in the strengthening of those connections that lead to desired outcomes. We propose that there must be a time before which stimuli cannot be processed into functional connections, otherwise it would imply an effective link between stimulus, response, and reward in uterus. Consistent with these ideas, we present evidence that early in development dopamine neurons are electrically immature and do not produce high-frequency firing in response to salient stimuli. We ask first, what makes dopamine neurons immature? and second, what are the implications of this immaturity for the basal ganglia? As an answer to the first question, we find that at birth the outward current is small (3nS-V), insensitive to Ca(2+), TEA, BK, and SK blockers. Rapidly after birth, the outward current increases to 15nS-V and becomes sensitive to Ca(2+), TEA, BK, and SK blockers. We make a detailed analysis of the kinetics of the components of the outward currents and produce a model for BK and SK channels that we use to reproduce the outward current, and to infer the geometrical arrangement of BK and Ca(2+) channels in clusters. In the first cluster, T-type Ca(2+) and BK channels are coupled within distances of ~20 nm (200 Å). The second cluster consists of L-type Ca(2+) and BK channels that are spread over distances of at least 60 nm. As for the second question, we propose that early in development, the mechanism of action selection is in a "locked-in" state that would prevent dopamine neurons from reinforcing cortico-striatal synapses that do not have a functional experiential-based value.
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Andres MA. Glucose-sensitivity of the afterhyperpolarization potential: role of SK1 channel in insulin-secreting cells. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2012; 178:459-62. [PMID: 22809667 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2012.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2012] [Accepted: 07/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The role of the small-conductance, calcium-activated SK potassium channel in regulating pancreatic β cell function remains controversial with conflicting pharmacological results. In this study, we used current clamp recordings to further characterize the function of SK channels in INS-1 cell line. We compared afterhyperpolarization potential (AHP) responses of SK1-downregulated cells with those of control INS-1 cells. They were tested with and without the presence of glucose. We found that cells in which SK1 channel subunit expression had been downregulated exhibited AHPs in the presence of 20mM glucose while control INS-1 cells had AHPs only in the absence of glucose. Our findings show that the glucose-dependence of the AHP in the rat INS-1 cell line depends only on SK1 channel subunit expression.
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Gaete PS, Lillo MA, Ardiles NM, Pérez FR, Figueroa XF. Ca2+-activated K+ channels of small and intermediate conductance control eNOS activation through NAD(P)H oxidase. Free Radic Biol Med 2012; 52:860-70. [PMID: 22210378 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2011.11.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2011] [Revised: 11/23/2011] [Accepted: 11/30/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels (K(Ca)) and NO play a central role in the endothelium-dependent control of vasomotor tone. We evaluated the interaction of K(Ca) with NO production in isolated arterial mesenteric beds of the rat. In phenylephrine-contracted mesenteries, acetylcholine (ACh)-induced vasodilation was reduced by NO synthase (NOS) inhibition with N(ω)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NA), but in the presence of tetraethylammonium, L-NA did not further affect the response. In KCl-contracted mesenteries, the relaxation elicited by 100 nM ACh or 1 μM ionomycin was abolished by L-NA, tetraethylammonium, or simultaneous blockade of small-conductance K(Ca) (SK(Ca)) channels with apamin and intermediate-conductance K(Ca) (IK(Ca)) channels with triarylmethane-34 (TRAM-34). Apamin-TRAM-34 treatment also abolished 100 nM ACh-activated NO production, which was associated with an increase in superoxide formation. Endothelial cell Ca(2+) buffering with BAPTA elicited a similar increment in superoxide. Apamin-TRAM-34 treatment increased endothelial NOS phosphorylation at threonine 495 (P-eNOS(Thr495)). Blockade of NAD(P)H oxidase with apocynin or superoxide dismutation with PEG-SOD prevented the increment in superoxide and changes in P-eNOS(Thr495) observed during apamin and TRAM-34 application. Our results indicate that blockade of SK(Ca) and IK(Ca) activates NAD(P)H oxidase-dependent superoxide formation, which leads to inhibition of NO release through P-eNOS(Thr495). These findings disclose a novel mechanism involved in the control of NO production.
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Meredith FL, Li GQ, Rennie KJ. Postnatal expression of an apamin-sensitive k(ca) current in vestibular calyx terminals. J Membr Biol 2011; 244:81-91. [PMID: 22057903 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-011-9400-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2011] [Accepted: 10/15/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Afferent innervation patterns in the vestibular periphery are complex, and vestibular afferents show a large variation in their regularity of firing. Calyx fibers terminate on type I vestibular hair cells and have firing characteristics distinct from the bouton fibers that innervate type II hair cells. Whole-cell patch clamp was used to investigate ionic currents that could influence firing patterns in calyx terminals. Underlying K(Ca) conductances have been described in vestibular ganglion cells, but their presence in afferent terminals has not been investigated previously. Apamin, a selective blocker of SK-type calcium-activated K(+) channels, was tested on calyx afferent terminals isolated from gerbil semicircular canals during postnatal days 1-50. Lowering extracellular calcium or application of apamin (20-500 nM) reduced slowly activating outward currents in voltage clamp. Apamin also reduced the action potential afterhyperpolarization (AHP) in whole-cell current clamp, but only after the first two postnatal weeks. K(+) channel expression increased during the first postnatal month, and SK channels were found to contribute to the AHP, which may in turn influence discharge regularity in calyx vestibular afferents.
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Hopf FW, Simms JA, Chang SJ, Seif T, Bartlett SE, Bonci A. Chlorzoxazone, an SK-type potassium channel activator used in humans, reduces excessive alcohol intake in rats. Biol Psychiatry 2011; 69:618-24. [PMID: 21195386 PMCID: PMC3062269 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2010.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2010] [Revised: 10/29/2010] [Accepted: 11/08/2010] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcoholism imposes a tremendous social and economic burden. There are relatively few pharmacological treatments for alcoholism, with only moderate efficacy, and there is considerable interest in identifying additional therapeutic options. Alcohol exposure alters SK-type potassium channel (SK) function in limbic brain regions. Thus, positive SK modulators such as chlorzoxazone (CZX), a US Food and Drug Administration-approved centrally acting myorelaxant, might enhance SK function and decrease neuronal activity, resulting in reduced alcohol intake. METHODS We examined whether CZX reduced alcohol consumption under two-bottle choice (20% alcohol and water) in rats with intermittent access to alcohol (IAA) or continuous access to alcohol (CAA). In addition, we used ex vivo electrophysiology to determine whether SK inhibition and activation can alter firing of nucleus accumbens (NAcb) core medium spiny neurons. RESULTS Chlorzoxazone significantly and dose-dependently decreased alcohol but not water intake in IAA rats, with no effects in CAA rats. Chlorzoxazone also reduced alcohol preference in IAA but not CAA rats and reduced the tendency for rapid initial alcohol consumption in IAA rats. Chlorzoxazone reduction of IAA drinking was not explained by locomotor effects. Finally, NAcb core neurons ex vivo showed enhanced firing, reduced SK regulation of firing, and greater CZX inhibition of firing in IAA versus CAA rats. CONCLUSIONS The potent CZX-induced reduction of excessive IAA alcohol intake, with no effect on the more moderate intake in CAA rats, might reflect the greater CZX reduction in IAA NAcb core firing observed ex vivo. Thus, CZX could represent a novel and immediately accessible pharmacotherapeutic intervention for human alcoholism.
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