Simple one-step procedure for the separation of apolipoproteins A1 and A2 by high-performance liquid chromatography

A simple assay method for apolipoproteins apo A1 and apo A2 by HPLC is introduced. The simple one-step method is based on fractionation of apo A1 and apo A2 from other serum proteins which are precipitated at 100 degrees C and removed by centrifugation. The apo A1 and apo A2 which remain in solution can be recovered and resolved by size-exclusion chromatography without ultracentrifugation and delipidation by an organic solvent. This makes sample preparation easier. The recoveries of apo A1 and apo A2 were 104.26% and 101.04%; the precision (C.V.%) of apo A1 and apo A2 was 0.88 and 1.63 respectively.

First Report of Papaya Leaf Curl Disease in Pakistan

Papaya plants with virus-disease-like symptoms were observed in back yards and commercial groves in Multan, Pakistan. Leaves of the diseased plants displayed downward curling and thickened, dark green veins. Leaf-like enations grew from the base of the diseased leaves. These symptoms are similar to those of cotton leaf curl disease. In addition, diseased papayas were stunted and distorted. Leaf extracts from 3 diseased and 2 healthy papayas were tested in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay against antibodies to geminiviruses. SCRI-52 and SCRI-60, two monoclonal antibodies to Indian cassava mosaic virus (2), reacted positively (more than 7× healthy background) with the diseased samples but not with the healthy ones. Total nucleic acids from the papaya samples were used as templates in polymerase chain reaction with primers F500 and R1800 (1), which are capable of amplifying a region of DNA A component of the whitefly-transmitted geminiviruses. A DNA fragment of approximately 1.4 kb was amplified from the nucleic acids of the diseased but not the healthy papayas. Under high stringency conditions (1), cloned DNA A fragments of both cotton leaf curl virus and cotton leaf crumple virus cross-hybridized with the amplified DNA fragment, but the hybridization signals were much weaker than those of the homologous hybridization. This is the first report of the papaya leaf curl disease in Pakistan. These data demonstrated that a geminivirus may be the causative agent of this papaya disease. We are currently determining the relationship between the geminivirus infecting papaya and cotton leaf curl virus. References: (1) A. Nadeem et al. Mol. Plant Pathol. (On-line: /1997/0612nadeem). (2) M. M. Swanson et al. Ann. Appl. Biol. 211:285, 1992.

Extracellular calcium sensed by a novel cation channel in hippocampal neurons

Extracellular concentrations of Ca2+ change rapidly and transiently in the brain during excitatory synaptic activity. To test whether such changes in Ca2+ can play a signaling role we examined the effects of rapidly lowering Ca2+ on the excitability of acutely isolated CA1 and cultured hippocampal neurons. Reducing Ca2+ excited and depolarized neurons by activating a previously undescribed nonselective cation channel. This channel had a single-channel conductance of 36 pS, and its frequency of opening was inversely proportional to the concentration of Ca2+. The inhibition of gating of this channel was sensitive to ionic strength but independent of membrane potential. The ability of this channel to sense Ca2+ provides a novel mechanism whereby neurons can respond to alterations in the extracellular concentration of this key signaling ion.

COBRA: a sensitive and quantitative DNA methylation assay

We report here on a quantitative technique called COBRA to determine DNA methylation levels at specific gene loci in small amounts of genomic DNA. Restriction enzyme digestion is used to reveal methylation-dependent sequence differences in PCR products of sodium bisulfite-treated DNA as described previously. We show that methylation levels in the original DNA sample are represented by the relative amounts of digested and undigested PCR product in a linearly quantitative fashion across a wide spectrum of DNA methylation levels. In addition, we show that this technique can be reliably applied to DNA obtained from microdissected paraffin-embedded tissue samples. COBRA thus combines the powerful features of ease of use, quantitative accuracy, and compatibility with paraffin sections.

Cyclic nucleotides regulate the activity of L-type calcium channels in smooth muscle cells from rat portal vein

In order to advance our previous findings that the macroscopic slow Ca2+ currents of vascular smooth muscle (VSM) cells are regulated by cyclic nucleotides, the effects of cAMP and cGMP on the activity of single slow (L-type) Ca2+ channels were investigated using cell-attached patch clamp (22-25 degrees C). Freshly isolated VSM cells were obtained from adult male rat portal vein. For the single-channel recordings, the pipette was filled with a solution containing 90 mM Ba2+ and 1 microM Bay-K-8644 solution, and the bath contained 140 mM KCl to "zero" the membrane potential. Depolarizing pulses to 0 mV, from a holding potential (HP) of -80 mV, elicited inward unitary currents. The activity of these channels was completely blocked by superfusion of 10 microM nifedipine. Extracellular perfusion of the single cells with membrane-permeable cGMP and cAMP analogs (8Br-cGMP and 8Br-cAMP) at 1 mM caused a slight inhibition, but higher doses (3 mM), clearly showed an inhibitory effect on the single-channel activity. cAMP (100 microM) stimulated one out of five patches tested, and 100 microM cGMP showed no effect in three patches tested. Compared with control, both cyclic nucleotides at 3 mM decreased the ensemble-averaged currents by 26.7 +/- 4.1% and 37.3 +/- 2.1%, respectively. Unit amplitude and slope conductance were not changed. The normal conductance of the Ca2+ channel was 20.8 +/- 0.04 pS (n = 9), and the conductances in the presence of cAMP (n = 5) and cGMP (n = 6) were 19.3 +/- 0.04 and 20.5 +/- 0.05 pS, respectively. Single-channel kinetic analysis showed that cAMP did not affect the mean open-time, and cGMP slightly decreased the mean open-time. However, both cAMP and cGMP increased the mean closed-time. In addition, cAMP decreased the open probability (NPo) by a factor of 1.7, from 0.26 +/- 0.04 to 0.15 +/- 0.03 (P < 0.05, Student's t-test) and cGMP decreased NPo by a factor of 2.5, from 0.24 +/- 0.08 to 0.10 +/- 0.02 (P < 0.05). H-7, a non-specific protein kinase inhibitor, prevented the inhibitory effects of both cAMP and cGMP on the activity of single Ca2+ channels in rat portal vein cells. The results demonstrate that both cAMP and cGMP inhibit L-type Ca2+ channel activities in VSM cells from rat portal vein. This inhibition may be mediated by the cAMP and cGMP-dependent protein kinase phosphorylation of the L-type Ca2+ channels (or an associated regulatory protein).

Blockade of cocaine sensitization and tolerance by the co-administration of ondansetron, a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, and cocaine

The present experiment evaluated the ability of the 5-HT3 antagonist, ondansetron, administered during chronic cocaine administration, to block the development of sensitization and tolerance induced by the intermittent or continuous administration of cocaine, respectively. Rats were pretreated with 40 mg/kg per day cocaine for 14 days by either SC injections or osmotic minipumps, or 0.9% saline, administered by SC injection. During this chronic (cocaine) treatment, all rats received a daily SC injection of 0-1.0 mg/kg ondansetron. The rats were then withdrawn from the pretreatment regimen for 7 days. On day 7 of withdrawal from the cocaine pretreatment all subjects received a 15.0 mg/kg IP cocaine challenge, and their behavior was then rated according to the modified Ellinwood and Balster scale for 60 min. The results indicated that daily injections of ondansetron had no consistent or significant effect on the subsequent behavioral response to cocaine in the saline control subjects. In contrast, daily injections of ondansetron with cocaine significantly blocked the development of sensitization with an inverted U-shape dose-response curve. In the continuous cocaine group ondansetron injections also attenuated the development of behavioral tolerance. The results therefore indicate that 5-HT3 receptor stimulation during continuous and intermittent cocaine administration is an important link in the development of behavioral tolerance and sensitization.

Genome organization and gene expression of saguaro cactus carmovirus

The complete sequence of the single-stranded, (+)-sense RNA genome of saguaro cactus carmovirus (SCV) has been determined. The 3879 nucleotide genome contains five open reading frames (ORFs). The 5'-proximal ORF encodes a 26 kDa protein (p26) and terminates with an amber codon which is readthrough into an in-frame p57 ORF to generate an 86 kDa fusion protein (p86). Two small, centrally located ORFs encode a 6 kDa protein (p6) and a 9 kDa protein (p9), respectively. The 3'-proximal ORF encodes a 37 kDa (p37) capsid protein (CP). Analysis of the nucleotide and predicted amino acid sequences supports the classification of SCV in the genus Carmovirus in the family Tombusviridae. All predicted SCV proteins are expressed in an in vitro translation system. SCV p26 and the readthrough fusion protein p86 are synthesized from the genomic RNA while p6, p9 and p37 CP ORFs at the 3' half of the genome are expressed from two subgenomic (sg) RNAs. The 5' termini of both sg RNAs have been mapped. The large 1614 nucleotide sg RNA contains the p6 and p9 ORFs as the first and the second ORFs respectively from its 5' end. It directs the synthesis of abundant p6 but a small amount of p9. While a synthetic transcript with the p9 ORF at the 5' end is a more efficient messenger for p9, no corresponding sg RNA has been identified in vivo. The smaller 1396 nucleotide sg RNA contains only the p37 ORF and directs the synthesis of SCV CP.

Space-frequency quantization for wavelet image coding

A new class of image coding algorithms coupling standard scalar quantization of frequency coefficients with tree-structured quantization (related to spatial structures) has attracted wide attention because its good performance appears to confirm the promised efficiencies of hierarchical representation. This paper addresses the problem of how spatial quantization modes and standard scalar quantization can be applied in a jointly optimal fashion in an image coder. We consider zerotree quantization (zeroing out tree-structured sets of wavelet coefficients) and the simplest form of scalar quantization (a single common uniform scalar quantizer applied to all nonzeroed coefficients), and we formalize the problem of optimizing their joint application. We develop an image coding algorithm for solving the resulting optimization problem. Despite the basic form of the two quantizers considered, the resulting algorithm demonstrates coding performance that is competitive, often outperforming the very best coding algorithms in the literature.

Joint space-frequency segmentation using balanced wavelet packet trees for least-cost image representation

We examine the question of how to choose a space varying filterbank tree representation that minimizes some additive cost function for an image. The idea is that for a particular cost function, e.g., energy compaction or quantization distortion, some tree structures perform better than others. While the wavelet tree represents a good choice for many signals, it is generally outperformed by the best tree from the library of wavelet packet frequency-selective trees. The double-tree library of bases performs better still, by allowing different wavelet packet trees over all binary spatial segments of the image. We build on this foundation and present efficient new pruning algorithms for both one- and two-dimensional (1-D and 2-D) trees that will find the best basis from a library that is many times larger than the library of the single-tree or double-tree algorithms. The augmentation of the library of bases overcomes the constrained nature of the spatial variation in the double-tree bases, and is a significant enhancement in practice. Use of these algorithms to select the least-cost expansion for images with a rate-distortion cost function gives a very effective signal adaptive compression scheme. This scheme is universal in the sense that, without assuming a model for the signal or making use of training data, it performs very well over a large class of signal types. In experiments it achieves compression rates that are competitive with the best training-based schemes.

Enhanced LTP in mice deficient in the AMPA receptor GluR2

AMPA receptors (AMPARs) are not thought to be involved in the induction of long-term potentiation (LTP), but may be involved in its expression via second messenger pathways. However, one subunit of the AMPARs, GluR2, is also known to control Ca2+ influx. To test whether GluR2 plays any role in the induction of LTP, we generated mice that lacked this subunit. In GluR2 mutants, LTP in the CA1 region of hippocampal slices was markedly enhanced (2-fold) and nonsaturating, whereas neuronal excitability and paired-pulse facilitation were normal. The 9-fold increase in Ca2+ permeability, in response to kainate application, suggests one possible mechanism for enhanced LTP. Mutant mice exhibited increased mortality, and those surviving showed reduced exploration and impaired motor coordination. These results suggest an important role for GluR2 in regulating synaptic plasticity and behavior.

Platelet-derived growth factor induces a long-term inhibition of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor function

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is a multifunctional protein that plays important roles in many tissues, including the mammalian central nervous system. PDGF and PDGF receptors (PDGFRs) are expressed in virtually every region of the central nervous system where they are involved in the development, survival, growth, and differentiation of both neuronal and glial cells. We now report that a brief activation of PDGFRs produced a long-lasting inhibition of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-dependent excitatory postsynaptic currents in CA1 pyramidal neurons in rat hippocampal slices. PDGF also inhibited NMDA receptors (NMDA-Rs) in cultured hippocampal neurons by a mechanism that involves a decrease in single channel open probability. Non-NMDA receptor function was not affected by PDGF in hippocampal neurons. Experiments with mutant PDGFRs and chelation of intracellular Ca2+ in Xenopus oocytes indicate that this inhibition depends on a phospholipase C-gamma-induced elevation of intracellular Ca2+ levels. The PDGF-induced inhibition of NMDA-Rs is produced by a mechanism different than the well characterized phenomenon of Ca2+-dependent NMDA-R run down because the effect of PDGF was blocked by the phosphatase inhibitor, calyculin A, and was not affected by the microtubule polymerizing agent, phalloidin. Because elevations of PDGF levels are associated with neurological trauma or disease, we propose that PDGF can exert neuroprotective effects by inhibiting NMDA-R-dependent excitotoxicity.

Adaptive transforms for image coding using spatially varying wavelet packets

We introduce a novel, adaptive image representation using spatially varying wavelet packets (WPs), Our adaptive representation uses the fast double-tree algorithm introduced previously (Herley et al., 1993) to optimize an operational rate-distortion (R-D) cost function, as is appropriate for the lossy image compression framework. This involves jointly determining which filter bank tree (WP frequency decomposition) to use, and when to change the filter bank tree (spatial segmentation). For optimality, the spatial and frequency segmentations must be done jointly, not sequentially. Due to computational complexity constraints, we consider quadtree spatial segmentations and binary WP frequency decompositions (corresponding to two-channel filter banks) for application to image coding. We present results verifying the usefulness and versatility of this adaptive representation for image coding using both a first-order entropy rate-measure-based coder as well as a powerful space-frequency quantization-based (SPQ-based) wavelet coder introduced by Xiong et al. (1993).

ATP-Dependent inhibition of Ca2+-activated K+ channels in vascular smooth muscle cells by neuropeptide Y

Neuropeptide Y(NPY) inhibits Ca2+-activated K+ channels reversibly in vascular smooth muscle cells from the rat tail artery. NPY (200 microM) had no effect in the absence of intracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) and when the metabolic poison cyanide-M-chlorophenyl hydrozone (10 microM) was included in the intracellular pipette solution. NPY was also not effective when ATP was substituted by the non-hydrolysable ATP analogue adenosine 5'-[beta gamma-methylene]-triphosphate (AMP-PCP). NPY inhibited Ca2+-activated K+ channel activity when ATP was replaced by adenosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (ATP [gamma-S]) and the inhibition was not readily reversed upon washing. Protein kinase inhibitor (1 microM), a specific inhibitor of adenosine 3', 5'-cyclic monophosphate-dependent protein kinase, had no significant effect on the inhibitory action of NPY. The effect of NPY on single-channel activity was inhibited by the tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein (10 microM) but not by daidzein, an inactive analogue of genistein. These observations suggest that the inhibition by NPY of Ca2+-activated K+ channels is mediated by ATP-dependent phosphorylation. The inhibitory effect of NPY was antagonized by the tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein.

Ca2+ currents in human colonic smooth muscle cells

Voltage-gated Ca2+ currents were investigated in single smooth muscle cells freshly isolated from the circular layer of the human colon (ascending and descending portions) using the whole cell voltage-clamp technique. Tissue samples were obtained at the time of therapeutic surgery. In physiological salt solution (containing 2 mM Ca2+), an inward current was observed when the cell membrane was depolarized in the presence of tetrodotoxin. This current disappeared when Ca2+ was removed from the bath solution and was inhibited when Ca2+ channel blockers were applied, indicating that the inward current was a Ca2+ current (ICa). Changing the holding potential (HP) from -100 mV to more positive potentials (e.g., -60 and -40 mV) markedly decreased the amplitude of ICa. The voltage dependence of steady-state activation and inactivation was represented by Boltzmann distributions; there was a substantial amount of overlap (window current) between -60 and -10 mV. A fast-inactivating ICa component followed by a slow-inactivating ICa component was observed in some cells from both ascending and descending colons. The fast ICa component was observed only when cells were held at -80 or -100 mV, and had a more negative threshold potential (-70 to -60 mV). This component was sensitive to low concentrations of Ni2+ (30 microM) but was resistant to nifedipine (10-20 microM). In contrast, the slow (sustained) ICa component was observed at all HPs (-40 to -100 mV) and had a more positive threshold potential (about -40 mV). This component was insensitive to low concentration of Ni2+ but was sensitive to nifedipine and BAY K 8644.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

A method for accurate determination of terminal sequences of viral genomic RNA

A combination of ligation-anchored PCR and anchored cDNA cloning techniques were used to clone the termini of the saguaro cactus virus (SCV) RNA genome. The terminal sequences of the viral genome were subsequently determined from the clones. The 5' terminus was cloned by ligation-anchored PCR, whereas the 3' terminus was obtained by a technique we term anchored cDNA cloning. In anchored cDNA cloning, an anchor oligonucleotide was prepared by phosphorylation at the 5' end, followed by addition of a dideoxynucleotide at the 3' end to block the free hydroxyl group. The 5' end of the anchor was subsequently ligated to the 3' end of SCV RNA. The anchor-ligated, chimerical viral RNA was then reverse-transcribed into cDNA using a primer complementary to the anchor. The cDNA containing the complete 3'-terminal sequence was converted into ds-cDNA, cloned, and sequenced. Two restriction sites, one within the viral sequence and one within the primer sequence, were used to facilitate cloning. The combination of these techniques proved to be an easy and accurate way to determine the terminal sequences of SCV RNA genome and should be applicable to any other RNA molecules with unknown terminal sequences.

Potassium currents in rat colonic smooth muscle cells and changes during development and aging

In a previous study on freshly isolated single smooth muscle cells from the circular layer of the rat distal colon, we reported that the L-type Ca2+ current density increased during development and gradually declined with further aging [ZI Xiong, N Sperelakis, N Noffsinger, C Fenoglio-Preiser (1993) Am J Physiol 265: C617-C625]. Since K+ current plays a key role in controlling excitability of the cells and hence the motility of the colon, in the present study the voltage-gated K+ channel currents, (IK) were investigated using the whole-cell voltage-clamp technique in colonic myocytes from rats of different ages. A Ca(2+)-sensitive K+ current [IK(Ca)] and two kinds of Ca(2+)-insensitive outward K+ currents were identified and characterized. IK(Ca) was recorded at potentials more positive than -40 mV in Ca(2+)-containing bath solution, and was blocked by Ca2+ channel antagonists and tetraethylammonium ion (TEA+). After removing Ca2+ from the bath solution and using a high ethylenebis(oxonitrilo)tetraacetate (EGTA, 4 mM) concentration in the pipette, two types of Ca(2+)-insensitive IK were recorded. The first and faster component was usually activated at potentials more positive than -50 mV, and was more sensitive to 4-aminopyridine (4-AP). In contrast, the second and slower (delayed) component was activated at potentials more positive than -30 mV, and was more sensitive to TEA. The total density of the Ca(2+)-insensitive IK component decreased dramatically during the neonatal period: from 32.2 +/- 3.2 pA/pF in 3-day-old rats to 17.8 +/- 2.6 pA/pF in 40-day-old rats; there was no further decline during aging (up to 480 days).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Modulation of Ca(2+)-activated K+ channel activity by tyrosine kinase inhibitors in vascular smooth muscle cell

The effects of the tyrosine kinase inhibitors genistein, lavendustin A, and tyrphostin A25 on Ca(2+)-activated K+ channel activities in freshly isolated single vascular smooth muscle cells from the rat tail artery were studied by patch clamp recording technique. Genistein (5-50 microM) and lavendustin A (10 microM) increased whole-cell Ca(2+)-activated K+ channel currents. Increase in single channel activities by genistein and lavendustin A was also observed in excised inside-out patches. Diadzein (15 microM), an inactive analogue of genistein, did not alter channel activities. Tyrphostin A25 (10 nM), which had no significant effect on whole-cell currents in concentrations up to 50 microM, increased the open probability of the channels by 841% in inside-out patches. No potentiation of whole-cell and single channel activities by genistein was observed when ATP was omitted from the intracellular solutions. These observations suggest that tyrosine kinase modulates Ca(2+)-activated K+ channel activities in vascular smooth muscle cells.

Regulation of L-type calcium channels of vascular smooth muscle cells

Vascular tone is regulated by a variety of neurotransmitters, vasoactive hormones and autacoids, and vasoactive drugs. These actions are mediated, at least in part, by actions on the membrane ion channels, exerted either directly or indirectly. In this article, we described evidence that four different protein kinase systems (PK-A, PK-G, PK-C, and Ca2+/CaM-PK) act on and modulate the L-type Ca2+ slow channels in VSM cells and other types of cells. In cardiac muscle, both cAMP/PK-A and cGMP/PK-G have opposing effects. cAMP/PK-A stimulating and cGMP/PK-G inhibiting. In VSM, both cyclic nucleotides and their related kinases act in the same direction, namely both inhibit ICa(L). In skeletal muscle, both cAMP and cGMP also act in the same direction on ICa(L), but to stimulate. Ca2+ channel phosphorylation may be an important mechanism for the cyclic nucleotide-dependent actions of some vasodilators. In cardiac muscle, in addition to the slower indirect pathway--exerted via cAMP/PK-A--there is a faster more-direct pathway for ICa(L) stimulation by the beta-adrenergic receptor. This latter pathway involves direct modulation of the channel activity by the alpha subunit of the Gs-protein (Gs alpha). The two pathways (direct and indirect) are also present in VSM cells, although the indirect pathway produces inhibition of ICa(L)). PK-C and calmodulin-PK also may play roles in regulation of the L-type Ca2+ channels in smooth muscle cells, possibly mediated by phosphorylation of some regulatory-type of protein. Thus, it appears that the L-type Ca2+ slow channel is a complex structure, including perhaps several associated regulatory proteins, which can be regulated by a number of factors intrinsic and extrinsic to the cell (Figs 9, 14).

Neuropeptide Y inhibits Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels in vascular smooth muscle cells from the rat tail artery

The effects of neuropeptide Y (NPY) on the Ca(2+)-activated K+ channel in smooth muscle cells from the rat tail artery were studied by whole-cell and single-channel patch-clamp recording techniques. In the presence of nifedipine (1 microM), whole-cell outward currents through Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels were inhibited by NPY in a dose-dependent manner from 20 to 200 nM. A maximum inhibition to about 48% of the control current could be achieved. Recordings from outside-out patches showed that the open probability of Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels were similarly inhibited by NPY. At 200 nM NPY, the open probability was reduced to about 36% of the control value. NPY did not affect the open times or current amplitude, but increased significantly the short (from 0.49 to 0.58 ms) and long (from 441 to 728 ms) closed times. Inhibition of Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels by NPY may contribute to its excitatory action on vascular smooth muscle cells.

Regulation of slow calcium channels of myocardial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells by cyclic nucleotides and phosphorylation

The slow Ca2+ channels (L-type) of the heart are stimulated by cAMP. Elevation of cAMP produces a very rapid increase in number of slow channels available for voltage activation during excitation. The probability of a Ca2+ channel opening and the mean open time of the channel are increased. Therefore, any agent that increases the cAMP level of the myocardial cell will tend to potentiate ICa, Ca2+ influx, and contraction. The action of cAMP is mediated by PK-A and phosphorylation of the slow Ca2+ channel protein or an associated regulatory protein (stimulatory type). The myocardial slow Ca2+ channels are also regulated by cGMP, in a manner that is opposite or antagonistic to that of cAMP. We have demonstrated this at both the macroscopic level (whole-cell voltage clamp) and the single-channel level. The effect of cGMP is mediated by PK-G and phosphorylation of a protein, as for example, a regulatory protein (inhibitory-type) associated with the Ca2+ channel. Introduction of PK-G intracellularly causes a relatively rapid inhibition of ICa(L) in both chick and rat heart cells. Such inhibition occurs for both the basal and stimulated ICa(L). In addition, the cGMP/PK-G system was reported to stimulate a phosphatase that dephosphorylates the Ca2+ channel. In addition to the slower indirect pathway--exerted via cAMP/PK-A--there is a faster more-direct pathway for ICa(L) stimulation by the beta-adrenergic receptor. This latter pathway involves direct modulation of the channel activity by the alpha subunit (alpha s*) of the Gs-protein. In vascular smooth muscle cells the two pathways (direct and indirect) also appear to be present, although the indirect pathway produces inhibition of ICa(L). PK-C and calmodulin-PK also may play roles in regulation of the myocardial slow Ca2+ channels. Both of these protein kinases stimulate the activity of these channels. Thus, it appears that the slow Ca2+ channel is a complex structure, including perhaps several associated regulatory proteins, which can be regulated by a number of factors intrinsic and extrinsic to the cell, and thereby control can be exercised over the force of contraction of the heart.

Regulation of L-type calcium channels by cyclic nucleotides and phosphorylation in smooth muscle cells from rabbit portal vein

In a previous study, we demonstrated that a high concentration (> or = 1 microM) of isoproterenol (ISO) produced a dual effect on L-type Ca2+ current (ICa(L)) in vascular smooth muscle (VSM) cells from the portal vein: an initial stimulatory action followed by a sustained inhibition. The first stimulatory phase was fast (presumably more direct) and may reflect G-protein gating of the Ca2+ channels. The second inhibitory phase was slower (presumably more indirect) and may be mediated by the adenylate cyclase/cAMP pathway. In order to define further the mechanism for the ISO inhibition of ICa(L), the effects of cyclic nucleotides and their related protein kinases were examined in freshly isolated single smooth muscle cells from the rabbit portal vein using the whole-cell voltage clamp technique. To isolate ICa(L), the pipette solution contained high Cs+ (to block K+ outward current), and the bath contained physiological salt solution. Upon extracellular application of membrane-permeable cAMP and cGMP analogs (8-Br-cAMP and 8-Br-cGMP, 3 mM), ICa(L) was significantly inhibited by 27.9 +/- 5.0 and 33.5 +/- 4.8%, respectively. Forskolin (100 microM) also depressed ICa(L). The protein kinase inhibitor, H-7, prevented the inhibitory effects of both cyclic nucleotides and forskolin. In addition, intracellular application (via the patch pipettes) of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PK-A, catalytic subunit; 1.76 microM) and cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PK-G, 50 nM, pre-activated by 10 microM cGMP) significantly inhibited the peak amplitude of ICa(L) by 45.5 +/- 10 and 43.2 +/- 6.2%, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)