Brain distribution of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger-encoding genes NCX1, NCX2, and NCX3 and their related proteins in the central nervous system

Na+/Ca2+ exchange and regulation of cytoplasmic concentration of calcium in rat cerebellar neurons treated with glutamate

In the present work, the forward and/or reversed Na+/Ca2+ exchange in cerebellar granular cells was suppressed by substitution of Na+o by Li+ before, during, and after exposure to glutamate for varied time and also using the inhibitor KB-R7943 of the reversed exchange. After glutamate challenge for 1 min, Na+o/Li+ substitution did not influence the recovery of low [Ca2+]i in a calcium-free medium. A 1-h incubation with 100 microM glutamate induced in the neurons a biphasic and irreversible [Ca2+]i rise (delayed calcium deregulation (DCD)), enhancement of [Na+]i, and decrease in the mitochondrial potential. If Na+o had been substituted by Li+ before the application of glutamate, i.e. the exchange reversal was suppressed during the exposure to glutamate, the number of cells with DCD was nearly fourfold lowered. However, addition of the Na+/K+-ATPase inhibitor ouabain (0.5 mM) not preventing the exchange reversal also decreased DCD in the presence of glutamate. Both exposures decreased the glutamate-caused loss of intracellular ATP. Glucose deprivation partially abolished protective effects of the Na+o/Li+ substitution and ouabain. KB-R7943 (10 microM) increased 7.4-fold the number of cells with the [Ca2+]i decreased to the basal level after the exposure to glutamate. Thus, reversal of the Na+/Ca2+ exchange reinforced the glutamate-caused perturbations of calcium homeostasis in the neurons and slowed the recovery of the decreased [Ca2+]i in the post-glutamate period. However, for development of DCD, in addition to the exchange reversal, other factors are required, in particular a decrease in the intracellular concentration of ATP.

Altered expression of sodium transporters in ischemic penumbra after focal cerebral ischemia in rats

This study was aimed to examine whether the changes of protein expression of sodium transporters in the ischemic penumbra are associated with the pathogenesis of ischemia-induced brain edema and/or brain cell injury. An experimental model of cerebral ischemia was made by permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) in rats and the changes of protein expression of sodium transporters in the ischemic penumbra were examined by immunoblotting. Extensive infarction was observed in the frontal and parietal cortical and subcortical areas at 3 and 6h after pMCAO. Immunoblotting analyses revealed significantly increased expressions of electrogenic NBC (241 +/- 11% at 3 h and 154 +/- 9% at 6 h, P < 0.05) and NHE1 (144 +/- 3% at 3 h and 170 +/- 9% at 6 h, P < 0.05), compared with sham-operated controls. In contrast, Na-K-ATPase expression (78 +/- 6% at 3 h and 85 +/- 3% at 6 h, P < 0.05) was significantly decreased. The expression of NCX1 was unchanged at 3 h, but was significantly increased at 6 h (141 +/- 3%, P < 0.05). In addition, the expressions of neuronal (NeuN) and astroglial cell (GFAP) proteins were decreased, whereas the expression of oligodendrocyte protein (CNPase) was unchanged. Taken together, the selectively increased expressions of NHE1, electrogenic NBC, and NCX1 and decreased expression of Na-K-ATPase in the ischemic penumbra are likely to contribute to the secondary brain cell damages presumably through intracellular Na(+) accumulation, cell swelling, and intracellular Ca(2+) overload.

Modulation of expression of Na+/Ca2+ exchanger in heart of rat and mouse under stress

AIM

The Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger (NCX) is a major Ca(2+) extrusion system in the plasma membrane of cardiomyocytes and an important component participating on the excitation-contraction coupling process in muscle cells. NCX1 isoform is the most abundant in the heart and is known to be changed after development of ischaemia or myocardial infarction. Objective of this study was to investigate the effect of stress factors (immobilization, cold and short-term hypoxia) on the expression of NCX1, in vivo, in the heart of rat and mouse.

METHODS

We compared gene expression and protein levels of control and stressed animals. The activity of NCX was measured by the whole cell configuration using the patch clamp. We also measured physiological parameters of the heart in physiological conditions and under ischaemia-reperfusion to compare response of control and stressed hearts.

RESULTS

We have found that only strong stress stimulus (hypoxia, immobilization) applied repeatedly for several days elevated the NCX1 mRNA level. Cold, which is a weaker stressor that activates mainly sympathoneural, and only marginally adrenomedullary system did not affect the gene expression of NCX1. Thus, from these results it appears that hormones produced by the adrenal medulla (mainly adrenaline) might be involved in this process. To study possible mechanism of the NCX1 regulation by stress, we focused on the possible role of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical pathway in the activation of catecholamine synthesis in the adrenal medulla. We have already published that cortisol affects activity, but not the gene expression of NCX1. In this work, we used corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) knockout mice, where secretion of corticosterone and subsequently adrenaline is significantly suppressed. As no increase in NCX1 mRNA was observed in CRH knockout mice due to immobilization stress, we proposed that adrenaline (probably regulated via corticosterone) is involved in the regulation of NCX1 gene expression during stress.

CONCLUSIONS

The gene expression and protein levels of the NCX1 are increased by the strong stress stimuli, e.g. hypoxia, or immobilization stress. The activity of NCX1 is decreased. Based on these results, we assume that the gene expression of NCX is increased as a consequence of suppressed activity of this transport system.

ncx1, ncx2, and ncx3 gene product expression and function in neuronal anoxia and brain ischemia

Over the last few years, although extensive studies have focused on the relevant function played by the sodium-calcium exchanger (NCX) during focal ischemia, a thorough understanding of its role still remains a controversial issue. We explored the consequences of the pharmacological inhibition of this antiporter with conventional pharmacological approach, with the synthetic inhibitory peptide, XIP, or with an antisense strategy on the extent of brain damage induced by the permanent occlusion of middle cerebral artery (pMCAO) in rats. Collectively, the results of these studies suggest that ncx1 and ncx3 genes could be play a major role to limit the severity of ischemic damage probably as they act to dampen [Na+]i and [Ca2+]i overload. This mechanism seems to be normally activated in the ischemic brain as we found a selective upregulation of NCX1 and NCX3 mRNA levels in regions of the brain surviving to an ischemic insult. Despite this transcript increase, NCX1, NCX2, and NCX3 proteins undergo an extensive proteolytic degradation in the ipsilateral cerebral hemisphere. All together these results suggest that a rescue program centered on an increase NCX function and expression could halt the progression of the ischemic damage. On the basis of this evidence we directed our attention to the understanding of the transductional and transcriptional pathways responsible for NCX upregulation. To this aim, we are studying whether the brain isoform of Akt, Akt1, which is a downstream effector of neurotrophic factors, such as NGF can, in addition to affecting the other prosurvival cascades, also exert its neuroprotective effect by modulating the expression and activity of ncx1, ncx2, and ncx3 gene products.

BHK cells transfected with NCX3 are more resistant to hypoxia followed by reoxygenation than those transfected with NCX1 and NCX2: Possible relationship with mitochondrial membrane potential

The specific role played by NCX1, NCX2, and NCX3, the three isoforms of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX), has been explored during hypoxic conditions in BHK cells stably transfected with each of these isoforms. Six major findings emerged from the present study: (1) all the three isoforms were highly expressed on the plasma membranes of BHK cells; (2) under physiological conditions, the three NCX isoforms showed similar functional activity; (3) hypoxia plus reoxygenation induced a lower increase of [Ca2+]i in BHK-NCX3-transfected cells than in BHK-NCX1- and BHK-NCX2-transfected cells; (4) NCX3-transfected cells were more resistant to chemical hypoxia plus reoxygenation than NCX1- and NCX2-transfected cells. Interestingly, such augmented resistance was eliminated by CBDMD (10 microM), an inhibitor of NCX and by the specific silencing of the NCX3 isoform; (5) chemical hypoxia plus reoxygenation produced a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential in NCX1- and NCX2-transfected cells, but not in NCX3-transfected cells; (6) the forward mode of operation in NCX3-transfected cells was not affected by ATP depletion, as it occurred in NCX1- and NCX2-transfected cells. Altogether, these results indicate that the brain specifically expressed NCX3 isoform more significantly contributes to the maintenance of [Ca2+]i homeostasis during experimental conditions mimicking ischemia, thereby preventing mitochondrial delta psi collapses and cell death.

The Na+/Ca2+ Exchanger Isoform 3 (NCX3) but Not Isoform 2 (NCX2) and 1 (NCX1) Singly Transfected in BHK Cells Plays a Protective Role in a Model of in Vitro Hypoxia

Chemical hypoxia produces depletion of ATP, intracellular Ca2+ overload, and cell death. The role of Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX), the major plasma membrane Ca2+ extruding system, has been explored in chemical hypoxia using BHK cells stably transfected with the three mammalian NCX isoforms: NCX1, NCX2, and NCX3. Here we report that the three isoforms show similar activity evaluated as [Ca2+]i increase evoked by Na+-free medium exposure in Fura-2-loaded single cells and NCX3 transfected cells are less vulnerable to chemical hypoxia compared to NCX1- and NCX2-transfected cells, suggesting that NCX3 could play a more relevant protective role during chemical hypoxia.

Nonlinear [Ca2+] signaling in dendrites and spines caused by activity-dependent depression of Ca2+ extrusion

Spine Ca2+ triggers the induction of synaptic plasticity and other adaptive neuronal responses. The amplitude and time course of Ca2+ signals specify the activation of the signaling pathways that trigger different forms of plasticity such as long-term potentiation and depression. The shapes of Ca2+ signals are determined by the dynamics of Ca2+ sources, Ca2+ buffers, and Ca2+ extrusion mechanisms. Here we show in rat CA1 pyramidal neurons that plasma membrane Ca2+ pumps (PMCAs) and Na+/Ca2+ exchangers are the major Ca2+ extrusion pathways in spines and small dendrites. Surprisingly, we found that Ca2+ extrusion via PMCA and Na+/Ca2+ exchangers slows in an activity-dependent manner, mediated by intracellular Na+ and Ca2+ accumulations. This activity-dependent depression of Ca2+ extrusion is, in part, attributable to Ca2+-dependent inactivation of PMCAs. Ca2+ extrusion recovers from depression with a time constant of 0.5 s. Depression of Ca2+ extrusion provides a positive feedback loop, converting small differences in stimuli into large differences in Ca2+ concentration. Depression of Ca2+ extrusion produces Ca2+ concentration dynamics that depend on the history of neuronal activity and therefore likely modulates the induction of synaptic plasticity.

Pharmacology of KB-R7943: A Na+-Ca2+ exchange inhibitor

The Na+-Ca2+ exchange (NCX) system plays a pivotal role in regulating intracellular Ca2+ concentration in cardiomyocytes, neuronal cells, kidney and a variety of other cells. It performs a particularly important function in regulating cardiac contractility and electrical activity. One of the leading NCX inhibitors is KB-R9743 (KBR) that appears to exhibit selectivity for Ca2+-influx-mode NCX activity (reverse mode of NCX). In this article we reviewed pharmacology of KBR and provide a brief summary of studies with other NCX inhibitors, such as SEA0400 (SEA) and SN-6 (SN). Potential clinical usefulness of KBR and other NCX inhibitors is still controversial but the reviewed findings may be helpful in designing more selective and clinically useful NCX inhibitors for the treatment of cardiac, neuronal and kidney diseases.

Permanent focal brain ischemia induces isoform-dependent changes in the pattern of Na+/Ca2+ exchanger gene expression in the ischemic core, periinfarct area, and intact brain regions

Dysregulation of sodium [Na+]i and calcium [Ca2+]i homeostasis plays a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of cerebral ischemia. Three gene products of the sodium-calcium exchanger family NCX1, NCX2, and NCX3 couple, in a bidirectional way, the movement of these ions across the cell membrane during cerebral ischemia. Each isoform displays a selective distribution in the rat brain. To determine whether NCX gene expression can be regulated after cerebral ischemia, we used NCX isoform-specific antisense radiolabeled probes to analyze, by radioactive in situ hybridization histochemistry, the pattern of NCX1, NCX2, and NCX3 transcripts in the ischemic core, periinfarct area, as well as in nonischemic brain regions, after 6 and 24 h of permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) in rats. We found that in the focal region, comprising divisions of the prefrontal, somatosensory, and insular cortices, all three NCX transcripts were downregulated. In the periinfarct area, comprising part of the motor cortex and the lateral compartments of the caudate-putamen, NCX2 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) was downregulated, whereas NCX3 mRNA was significantly upregulated. In remote nonischemic brain regions such as the prelimbic and infralimbic cortices, and tenia tecta, both NCX1 and NCX3 transcripts were upregulated, whereas in the medial caudate-putamen only NCX3 transcripts increased. In all these intact regions, NCX2 signal strongly decreased. These results indicate that NCX gene expression is regulated after pMCAO in a differential manner, depending on the exchanger isoform and region involved in the insult. These data may provide a better understanding of each NCX subtype's pathophysiologic role and may allow researchers to design appropriate pharmacological strategies to treat brain ischemia.

Downstream regulatory element antagonist modulator regulates Ca2+ homeostasis and viability in cerebellar neurons

The Na+/Ca2+ exchangers NCX1, NCX2, and NCX3 are vital for the control of cellular Ca2+ homeostasis. Here, we show that a doublet of downstream regulatory element sites in the promoter of the NCX3 gene mediates transcriptional repression of NCX3 by the Ca2+-modulated transcriptional repressor downstream regulatory element antagonist modulator (DREAM). Overexpression of a DREAM EF-hand mutant insensitive to Ca2+ (EFmDREAM) in hippocampus and cerebellum of transgenic mice significantly reduced NCX3 mRNA and protein levels without modifying NCX1 and NCX2 expression. Cerebellar granules from EFmDREAM transgenic mice showed increased levels of cytosolic Ca2+ and were more vulnerable to increased Ca2+ influx after partial opening of voltage-gated plasma membrane Ca2+ channels induced by increasing K+ in the culture medium but survived better in the conditions of reduced Ca2+ influx prevailing in low extracellular K+. Overexpression of NCX3 in EFmDREAM transgenic granules using a lentiviral vector restored the normal survival response to high K+ observed in wild-type granules. Thus, the downregulation of the regulator of Ca2+ homeostasis NCX3 by Ca2+-regulated DREAM is a striking example of the autoregulatory property of the Ca2+ signal in neurons.

Transcriptional regulation by cAMP and Ca2+ links the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger 3 to memory and sensory pathways

The signaling cascades triggered by neurotrophins such as BDNF and by several neurotransmitters and hormones lead to the rapid induction of gene transcription by increasing the intracellular concentration of cAMP and Ca2+. This review examines the mechanisms by which these second messengers control transcriptional initiation at CRE promoters via transcription factor CREB, as well as at DRE sites via transcriptional repressor DREAM. The regulation of the SLC8A3 gene encoding the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger 3 (NCX3) is taken as an example to illustrate both mechanisms since it includes a CRE site in the promoter and several DRE sites in the exon 1 sequence. The upregulation of the NCX3 by Ca2+ signals may be specifically required to establish the Ca2+ balance that regulates several physiological and pathological processes in neurons. The regulatory features and the expression pattern of SLC8A3 gene suggest that NCX3 activity could be crucial in neuronal functions such as memory formation and sensory processing.

Calsequestrin and the calcium release channel of skeletal and cardiac muscle

Calsequestrin is by far the most abundant Ca(2+)-binding protein in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of skeletal and cardiac muscle. It allows the Ca2+ required for contraction to be stored at total concentrations of up to 20mM, while the free Ca2+ concentration remains at approximately 1mM. This storage capacity confers upon muscle the ability to contract frequently with minimal run-down in tension. Calsequestrin is highly acidic, containing up to 50 Ca(2+)-binding sites, which are formed simply by clustering of two or more acidic residues. The Kd for Ca2+ binding is between 1 and 100 microM, depending on the isoform, species and the presence of other cations. Calsequestrin monomers have a molecular mass of approximately 40 kDa and contain approximately 400 residues. The monomer contains three domains each with a compact alpha-helical/beta-sheet thioredoxin fold which is stable in the presence of Ca2+. The protein polymerises when Ca2+ concentrations approach 1mM. The polymer is anchored at one end to ryanodine receptor (RyR) Ca2+ release channels either via the intrinsic membrane proteins triadin and junctin or by binding directly to the RyR. It is becoming clear that calsequestrin has several functions in the lumen of the SR in addition to its well-recognised role as a Ca2+ buffer. Firstly, it is a luminal regulator of RyR activity. When triadin and junctin are present, calsequestrin maximally inhibits the Ca2+ release channel when the free Ca2+ concentration in the SR lumen is 1mM. The inhibition is relieved when the Ca2+ concentration alters, either because of small changes in the conformation of calsequestrin or its dissociation from the junctional face membrane. These changes in calsequestrin's association with the RyR amplify the direct effects of luminal Ca2+ concentration on RyR activity. In addition, calsequestrin activates purified RyRs lacking triadin and junctin. Further roles for calsequestrin are indicated by the kinase activity of the protein, its thioredoxin-like structure and its influence over store operated Ca2+ entry. Clearly, calsequestrin plays a major role in calcium homeostasis that extends well beyond its ability to buffer Ca2+ ions.

The gene for soluble N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor attachment protein alpha is mutated in hydrocephaly with hop gait (hyh) mice

The spontaneous autosomal recessive mouse mutant for hydrocephaly with hop gait (hyh) exhibits dramatic cystic dilation of the ventricles at birth and invariably develops hopping gait. We show that the gene for soluble N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor attachment protein alpha, also known as alpha-SNAP, is mutated in hyh mice. alpha-SNAP plays a key role in a wide variety of membrane fusion events in eukaryotic cells, including the regulated exocytosis of neurotransmitters. Homozygous mutant mice harbor a missense mutation M105I in a conserved residue in one of the alpha-helical domains. We demonstrate that the hyh mutant is not a null allele and is expressed; however, the mutant protein is 40% less abundant in hyh mice. The hyh mutant provides a valuable in vivo model to study vesicle/membrane trafficking and provides insight into the potential roles of alpha-SNAP in embryogenesis and brain development.

Distribution of K+-dependent Na+/Ca2+ exchangers in the rat supraoptic magnocellular neuron is polarized to axon terminals

Neurons are polarized into compartments such as the soma, dendrites, and axon terminals, each of which has highly specialized functions. To test whether Ca2+ is differently handled in different compartments of a neuron, we investigated Ca2+ clearance mechanisms in somata of supraoptic magnocellular neurosecretory cells (MNCs) and in their axon terminals located in neurohypophyses. Using patch-clamp and microfluorometry techniques, Ca2+ transients were evoked by depolarizing pulses. Endogenous Ca2+ binding ratios (kappaS) and Ca2+ clearance rates were calculated from the decay phases of Ca2+ transients according to the single compartment model. Mean values of kappaS were 79 +/- 2.6 in somata of MNCs and 187 +/- 19 in axon terminals. Ca2+ clearance rate in axon terminals, which were calculated from time derivative of Ca2+ decay and the kappaS values, were approximately threefold higher than in somata. In response to external Na+ reduction, Ca2+ clearance rates were reduced by 65% in axon terminals, but did not change in somata. Immunohistochemical assays confirmed that K+-dependent Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCKX2) was specifically localized to neurohypophysial axon terminals and was not found in somata. In somata, inhibition of sarcoendoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) pumps, mitochondrial Ca2+-uniporter, and plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase (PMCA) pumps decreased Ca2+ clearance rate by 48, 27, and 21%, respectively. These results suggest that neurohypophysial axon terminals have greater Ca2+ clearance power than somata because of the specific localization of NCKX2, and that Ca2+ clearance in somata of MNCs is mediated by SERCA pumps, mitochondrial uniporter, and PMCA pumps.

Co-ordinated expression of 5-HT2C receptors with the NCX1 Na+/Ca2+ exchanger in histaminergic neurones

The different roles of Na+/Ca2+ (NCX) exchangers and Na+/Ca2+/K+ (NCKX) exchangers in regulation of the ionic homeostasis in neurones are poorly understood. We have previously shown that serotonin excites histaminergic tuberomamillary (TM) neurones by activation of 5-HT2C-receptors and Na+/Ca2+ exchange. With the help of single-cell RT-PCR (sc-RT-PCR) we have now determined the coexpression pattern of different subtypes of NCX and NCKX with serotonin receptors. The majority of TM neurones express NCX1, NCX2 and NCKX3. Serotonin 2C receptor-mRNA was detected in 70% while 5-HT2A mRNA was found in only 10% of TM neurones. In all neurones expressing the 5-HT2C receptor NCX1-mRNA was present. Double immunostaining revealed the presence of the NCX1 protein in histidine decarboxylase-positive neurones. In the majority of TM neurones one or two out of five isoforms, NCX1.4, NCX1.5, NCX1.7, NCX1.14, NCX1.15, were detected by cDNA sequencing and/or by restriction analysis. The alternative splicing region is important for the Ca2+ sensitivity and presumably for the modulation of NCX1 function by second messengers. We conclude that several exchanger-subtypes can be coexpressed in single neurones and that TM cells are heterogeneous with respect to their calcium homeostasis regulation.

Mechanisms underlying the effects of amphetamine on particulate PKC activity

Amphetamine stimulates particulate protein kinase C (PKC) activity that is associated with the outward-transport of dopamine (DA) (Giambalvo [2003] Synapse 49:125-133). This stimulatory effect requires intracellular calcium ([Ca](i)) and endogenous DA and when DA release is diminished, the inward-transport of amphetamine inhibits PKC activity. This study examines the mechanisms involved. It was found that synaptoneurosomes incubated with amphetamine showed a dose-dependent increase in phospholipase C and A(2) activities. Furthermore, pretreatments with the phospholipase C inhibitor D609 or the phospholipase A(2) inhibitors quinacrine or p-bromophenacylbromide attenuated the amphetamine-induced increase in PKC activity. This suggests that both phospholipases were essential for the amphetamine-induced increase in PKC activity. The Na/Ca antiporter was also involved, since pretreatment with amiloride or benzamil attenuated the amphetamine-induced increase in PKC activity. Since these drugs by themselves increased PKC activity, the return to basal activity after addition of amphetamine suggests that, in the absence of Na/Ca exchange, amphetamine had an inhibitory effect on PKC activity. This inhibitory effect might be due to the activation of phospholipase A(2) through an increase in intracellular pH induced by amphetamine. This was supported by the finding that pretreatment with dimethylamiloride, an inhibitor of the Na/H antiporter that increases intracellular [H(+)], attenuated the effects of amphetamine on PKC activity. Other drugs that decrease intracellular [H(+)] (ammonia, monensin) also inhibited PKC activity without Ca. In contrast to amphetamine, monensin had no effect on PKC activity with Ca. This could be related to its large differential effects on phospholipase A(2) vs. phospholipase C activity. Thus, the monensin-mediated decrease in PKC activity seen without Ca was partially attenuated by pretreatment with quinacrine. Furthermore, when Na/Ca antiporter was inhibited with benzamil, monensin inhibited PKC activity. These results suggest that amphetamine, as well as monensin, may have dual effects on PKC activity, a Ca-dependent stimulatory effect via phospholipase C, and an inhibitory effect via phospholipase A(2).