On the mechanism of beta-adrenergic regulation of the Ca channel in the guinea-pig heart

Protein kinase A: A potential marker of sympathovagal imbalance in heart failure

Mitigation of cardiac autonomic dysregulation by neuromodulation technologies is emerging as a new therapeutic modality of heart failure (HF). This recent progress has necessitated the identification of a biomarker for the quantification of sympathovagal balance, the potential target of 'neuromodulation' strategies. The currently available autonomic nervous system assessment parameters do not truly reflect the sympathovagal balance of the ventricle. Protein kinase A (PKA) is an intracellular enzyme that plays a major role in the pathophysiology of functional and structural ventricular remodeling in HF. Interestingly, sympathetic and parasympathetic activations exert reciprocal influence on the activity of PKA. The current review attempts to evaluate the potential concept and feasibility of using in vitro assessment of PKA activity as a marker of sympathovagal balance in HF.

Computational modeling approaches to cAMP/PKA signaling in cardiomyocytes

The cAMP/PKA pathway is a fundamental regulator of excitation-contraction coupling in cardiomyocytes. Activation of cAMP has a variety of downstream effects on cardiac function including enhanced contraction, accelerated relaxation, adaptive stress response, mitochondrial regulation, and gene transcription. Experimental advances have shed light on the compartmentation of cAMP and PKA, which allow for control over the varied targets of these second messengers and is disrupted in heart failure conditions. Computational modeling is an important tool for understanding the spatial and temporal complexities of this system. In this review article, we outline the advances in computational modeling that have allowed for deeper understanding of cAMP/PKA dynamics in the cardiomyocyte in health and disease, and explore new modeling frameworks that may bring us closer to a more complete understanding of this system. We outline various compartmental and spatial signaling models that have been used to understand how β-adrenergic signaling pathways function in a variety of simulation conditions. We also discuss newer subcellular models of cardiovascular function that may be used as templates for the next phase of computational study of cAMP and PKA in the heart, and outline open challenges which are important to consider in future models.

Monensin-Induced Increase in Intracellular Na+ Induces Changes in Na+ and Ca2+ Currents and Regulates Na+-K+ and Na+-Ca2+ Transport in Cardiomyocytes

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Monensin, an Na ionophore, increases intracellular Na ([Na]i). Alteration of [Na]i influences ion transport through the sarcolemmal membrane. So far, the effects of monensin on ventricular myocytes have not been examined in detail. The main objective of this study was to elucidate the mechanism via which monensin-evoked increases in [Na]i affect the membrane potential and currents in ventricular myocytes of guinea pigs.

METHODS

Membrane potentials and currents were measured using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique in single myocytes. The concentration of intracellular Ca ([Ca]i) was evaluated by measuring fluorescence intensity of Fluo-4.

RESULTS

Monensin (10-5M) shortened the action potential duration (APD) and reduced the amplitude of the plateau phase. In addition, monensin decreased the sodium current (INa) and shifted the inactivation curve to the hyperpolarized direction. Moreover, it decreased the L-type calcium current (ICa). However, this effect was attenuated by increasing the buffering capacity of [Ca]i. The Na-Ca exchange current (INa-Ca) was activated particularly in the reverse mode. Na-K pump current (INa-K) was also activated. Notably, the inward rectifying K current (IK1) was not affected, and the change in the delayed outward K current (IK) was not evident.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that the monensin-induced shortened APD and reduced amplitude of the plateau phase are primarily due to the decrease in the ICa, the activation of the reverse mode of INa-Ca, and the increased INa-K, and second due to the decreased INa. The IK and the IK1 may not be associated with the abovementioned changes induced by monensin. The elevation of [Na]i can exert multiple influences on electrophysiological phenomena in cardiac myocytes.

Dopamine outside the brain: The eye, cardiovascular system and endocrine pancreas

Dopamine (DA) and DA receptors (DR) have been extensively studied in the central nervous system (CNS), but their role in the periphery is still poorly understood. Here we summarize data on DA and DRs in the eye, cardiovascular system and endocrine pancreas, three districts where DA and DA-related drugs have been studied and the expression of DR documented. In the eye, DA modulates ciliary blood flow and aqueous production, which impacts on intraocular pressure and glaucoma. In the cardiovascular system, DA increases blood pressure and heart activity, mostly through a stimulation of adrenoceptors, and induces vasodilatation in the renal circulation, possibly through D1R stimulation. In pancreatic islets, beta cells store DA and co-release it with insulin. D1R is mainly expressed in beta cells, where it stimulates insulin release, while D2R is expressed in both beta and delta cells (in the latter at higher level), where it inhibits, respectively, insulin and somatostatin release. The formation of D2R-somatostatin receptor 5 heteromers (documented in the CNS), might add complexity to the system. DA may exert both direct autocrine effects on beta cells, and indirect paracrine effects through delta cells and somatostatin. Bromocriptine, an FDA approved drug for diabetes, endowed with both D1R (antagonistic) and D2R (agonistic) actions, may exert complex effects, resulting from the integration of direct effects on beta cells and paracrine effects from delta cells. A full comprehension of peripheral DA signaling deserves further studies that may generate innovative therapeutic drugs to manage conditions such as glaucoma, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.

The gene product of a Trypanosoma equiperdum ortholog of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase regulatory subunit is a monomeric protein that is not capable of binding cyclic nucleotides

The full gene sequence encoding for the Trypanosoma equiperdum ortholog of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) regulatory (R) subunits was cloned. A poly-His tagged construct was generated [TeqR-like(His)₈], and the protein was expressed in bacteria and purified to homogeneity. The size of the purified TeqR-like(His)₈ was determined to be ∼57,000 Da by molecular exclusion chromatography indicating that the parasite protein is a monomer. Limited proteolysis with various proteases showed that the T. equiperdum R-like protein possesses a hinge region very susceptible to proteolysis. The recombinant TeqR-like(His)₈ did not bind either [³H] cAMP or [³H] cGMP up to concentrations of 0.40 and 0.65 μM, respectively, and neither the parasite protein nor its proteolytically generated carboxy-terminal large fragments were capable of binding to a cAMP-Sepharose affinity column. Bioinformatics analyses predicted that the carboxy-terminal region of the trypanosomal R-like protein appears to fold similarly to the analogous region of all known PKA R subunits. However, the protein amino-terminal portion seems to be unrelated and shows homology with proteins that contained Leu-rich repeats, a folding motif that is particularly appropriate for protein-protein interactions. In addition, the three-dimensional structure of the T. equiperdum protein was modeled using the crystal structure of the bovine PKA R^Iα subunit as template. Molecular docking experiments predicted critical changes in the environment of the two putative nucleotide binding clefts of the parasite protein, and the resulting binding energy differences support the lack of cyclic nucleotide binding in the trypanosomal R-like protein.

Activation of PKA in cell requires higher concentration of cAMP than in vitro: implications for compartmentalization of cAMP signalling

cAMP is a ubiquitous second messenger responsible for the cellular effects of multiple hormones and neurotransmitters via activation of its main effector, protein kinase A (PKA). Multiple studies have shown that the basal concentration of cAMP in several cell types is about 1 μM. This value is well above the reported concentration of cAMP required to half-maximally activate PKA, which measures in the 100–300 nM range. Several hypotheses have been suggested to explain this apparent discrepancy including inaccurate measurements of intracellular free cAMP, inaccurate measurement of the apparent activation constant of PKA or shielding of PKA from bulk cytosolic cAMP via localization of the enzyme to microdomains with lower basal cAMP concentration. However, direct experimental evidence in support of any of these models is limited and a firm conclusion is missing. In this study we use multiple FRET-based reporters for the detection of cAMP and PKA activity in intact cells and we establish that the sensitivity of PKA to cAMP is almost twenty times lower when measured in cell than when measured in vitro. Our findings have important implications for the understanding of compartmentalized cAMP signalling.

Mechanisms of the cyclic nucleotide cross-talk signaling network in cardiac L-type calcium channel regulation

Regulation of L-type Calcium (Ca2+) Channel (LCC) gating is critical to shaping the cardiac action potential (AP) and triggering the initiation of excitation-contraction (EC) coupling in cardiac myocytes. The cyclic nucleotide (cN) cross-talk signaling network, which encompasses the β-adrenergic and the Nitric Oxide (NO)/cGMP/Protein Kinase G (PKG) pathways and their interaction (cross-talk) through distinctively-regulated phosphodiesterase isoenzymes (PDEs), regulates LCC current via Protein Kinase A- (PKA) and PKG-mediated phosphorylation. Due to the tightly-coupled and intertwined biochemical reactions involved, it remains to be clarified how LCC gating is regulated by the signaling network from receptor to end target. In addition, the large number of EC coupling-related phosphorylation targets of PKA and PKG makes it difficult to quantify and isolate changes in L-type Ca2+ current (ICaL) responses regulated by the signaling network. We have developed a multi-scale, biophysically-detailed computational model of LCC regulation by the cN signaling network that is supported by experimental data. LCCs are modeled with functionally distinct PKA- and PKG-phosphorylation dependent gating modes. The model exhibits experimentally observed single channel characteristics, as well as whole-cell LCC currents upon activation of the cross-talk signaling network. Simulations show 1) redistribution of LCC gating modes explains changes in whole-cell current under various stimulation scenarios of the cN cross-talk network; 2) NO regulation occurs via potentiation of a gating mode characterized by prolonged closed times; and 3) due to compensatory actions of cross-talk and antagonizing functions of PKA- and PKG-mediated phosphorylation of LCCs, the effects of individual inhibitions of PDEs 2, 3, and 4 on ICaL are most pronounced at low levels of β-adrenergic stimulation. Simulations also delineate the contribution of the following two mechanisms to overall LCC regulation, which have otherwise been challenging to distinguish: 1) regulation of PKA and PKG activation via cN cross-talk (Mechanism 1); and 2) LCC interaction with activated PKA and PKG (Mechanism 2). These results provide insights into how cN signals transduced via the cN cross-talk signaling network are integrated via LCC regulation in the heart.

Dissection of the Effects of Quercetin on Mouse Myocardium

Quercetin is a plant flavonoid with several biological activities. This study aimed to describe quercetin effects on contractile and electrophysiological properties of the cardiac muscle as well as on calcium handling. Quercetin elicited positive inotropism that was significantly reduced by propranolol indicating an involvement of the sympathetic nervous system. In cardiomyocytes, 30 μM quercetin increased I_Ca,L at 0 mV from -0.95 ± 0.01 A/F to -1.21 ± 0.08 A/F. The membrane potential at which 50% of the channels are activated (V_0.5 ) shifted towards more negative potentials from -13.06 ± 1.52 mV to -19.26 ± 1.72 mV and did not alter the slope factor. Furthermore, quercetin increased [Ca²⁺ ]_i transient by 28% when compared to control. Quercetin accelerated [Ca²⁺ ]_i transient decay time, which could be attributed to SERCA activation. In resting cardiomyocytes, quercetin did not change amplitude or frequency of Ca²⁺ sparks. In isolated heart, quercetin increased heart rate and decreased PRi, QTc and duration of the QRS complex. Thus, we showed that quercetin activates β-adrenoceptors, leading to increased L-type Ca²⁺ current and cell-wide intracellular Ca²⁺ transient without visible changes in Ca²⁺ sparks.

Regulation of Cardiac Calcium Channels in the Fight-or-Flight Response

Intracellular calcium transients generated by activation of voltage-gated calcium (CaV) channels generate local signals, which initiate physiological processes such as secretion, synaptic transmission, and excitation-contraction coupling. Regulation of calcium entry through CaV channels is crucial for control of these physiological processes. In this article, I review experimental results that have emerged over several years showing that cardiac CaV1.2 channels form a local signaling complex, in which their proteolytically processed distal C-terminal domain, an A-Kinase Anchoring Protein, and cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) interact directly with the transmembrane core of the ion channel through the proximal C-terminal domain. This signaling complex is the substrate for β-adrenergic up-regulation of the CaV1.2 channel in the heart during the fight-or-flight response. Protein phosphorylation of two sites at the interface between the distal and proximal C-terminal domains contributes importantly to control of basal CaV1.2 channel activity, and phosphorylation of Ser1700 by PKA at that interface up-regulates CaV1.2 activity in response to β-adrenergic signaling. Thus, the intracellular C-terminal domain of CaV1.2 channels serves as a signaling platform, mediating beat-to-beat physiological regulation of channel activity and up-regulation by β-adrenergic signaling in the fight-or-flight response.

Adenosine triphosphate regulates the activity of guinea pig Cav1.2 channel by direct binding to the channel in a dose-dependent manner

The present study is to investigate the mechanism by which ATP regulates Cav1.2 channel activity. Ventricular tissue was obtained from adult guinea pig hearts using collagenase. Ca(2+) channel activity was monitored using the patch-clamp technique. Proteins were purified using wheat germ agglutinin-Sepharose, and the concentration was determined using the Coomassie brilliant blue technique. ATP binding to the Cav1.2 channel was examined using the photoaffinity method. EDA-ATP-biotin maintains Ca(2+) channel activity in inside-out membrane patches. ATP directly bound to the Cav1.2 channel in a dose-dependent manner, and at least two molecules of ATP bound to one molecule of the Cav1.2 channel. Low levels of calmodulin (CaM) increased ATP binding to the Cav1.2 channel, but higher levels of CaM decreased ATP binding to the Cav1.2 channel. In addition, Ca(2+) was another regulator for ATP binding to the Cav1.2 channel. Furthermore, ATP bound to GST-fusion peptides of NH2-terminal region (amino acids 6-140) and proximal COOH-terminal region (amino acids 1,509-1,789) of the main subunit (α1C) of the Cav1.2 channel. Our data suggest that ATP might regulate Cav1.2 channel activity by directly binding to the Cav1.2 channel in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the ATP-binding effect to the Cav1.2 channel was both CaM- and Ca(2+) dependent.

Attenuated response of L-type calcium current to nitric oxide in atrial fibrillation

AIM

Nitric oxide (NO) synthesized by cardiomyocytes plays an important role in the regulation of cardiac function. Here, we studied the impact of NO signalling on calcium influx in human right atrial myocytes and its relation to atrial fibrillation (AF).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Right atrial appendages (RAAs) were obtained from patients in sinus rhythm (SR) and AF. The biotin-switch technique was used to evaluate endogenous S-nitrosylation of the α1C subunit of L-type calcium channels. Comparing SR to AF, S-nitrosylation of Ca(2+) channels was similar. Direct effects of the NO donor S-nitroso-N-acetyl-penicillamine (SNAP) on L-type calcium current (ICa,L) were studied in cardiomyocytes with standard voltage-clamp techniques. In SR, ICa,L increased with SNAP (100 µM) by 48%, n/N = 117/56, P < 0.001. The SNAP effect on ICa,L involved activation of soluble guanylate cyclase and protein kinase A. Specific inhibition of phosphodiesterase (PDE)3 with cilostamide (1 µM) enhanced ICa,L to a similar extent as SNAP. However, when cAMP was elevated by PDE3 inhibition or β-adrenoceptor stimulation, SNAP reduced ICa,L, pointing to cGMP-cAMP cross-regulation. In AF, the stimulatory effect of SNAP on ICa,L was attenuated, while its inhibitory effect on isoprenaline- or cilostamide-stimulated current was preserved. cGMP elevation with SNAP was comparable between the SR and AF group. Moreover, the expression of PDE3 and soluble guanylate cyclase was not reduced in AF.

CONCLUSION

NO exerts dual effects on ICa,L in SR with an increase of basal and inhibition of cAMP-stimulated current, and in AF NO inhibits only stimulated ICa,L. We conclude that in AF, cGMP regulation of PDE2 is preserved, but regulation of PDE3 is lost.

Regulation of cardiac L-type Ca²⁺ channel CaV1.2 via the β-adrenergic-cAMP-protein kinase A pathway: old dogmas, advances, and new uncertainties

In the heart, adrenergic stimulation activates the β-adrenergic receptors coupled to the heterotrimeric stimulatory Gs protein, followed by subsequent activation of adenylyl cyclase, elevation of cyclic AMP levels, and protein kinase A (PKA) activation. One of the main targets for PKA modulation is the cardiac L-type Ca²⁺ channel (CaV1.2) located in the plasma membrane and along the T-tubules, which mediates Ca²⁺ entry into cardiomyocytes. β-Adrenergic receptor activation increases the Ca²⁺ current via CaV1.2 channels and is responsible for the positive ionotropic effect of adrenergic stimulation. Despite decades of research, the molecular mechanism underlying this modulation has not been fully resolved. On the contrary, initial reports of identification of key components in this modulation were later refuted using advanced model systems, especially transgenic animals. Some of the cardinal debated issues include details of specific subunits and residues in CaV1.2 phosphorylated by PKA, the nature, extent, and role of post-translational processing of CaV1.2, and the role of auxiliary proteins (such as A kinase anchoring proteins) involved in PKA regulation. In addition, the previously proposed crucial role of PKA in modulation of unstimulated Ca²⁺ current in the absence of β-adrenergic receptor stimulation and in voltage-dependent facilitation of CaV1.2 remains uncertain. Full reconstitution of the β-adrenergic receptor signaling pathway in heterologous expression systems remains an unmet challenge. This review summarizes the past and new findings, the mechanisms proposed and later proven, rejected or disputed, and emphasizes the essential issues that remain unresolved.

Phosphorylation sites required for regulation of cardiac calcium channels in the fight-or-flight response

L-type Ca(2+) currents conducted by CaV1.2 channels initiate excitation-contraction coupling in the heart. Their activity is increased by β-adrenergic/cAMP signaling via phosphorylation by PKA in the fight-or-flight response, but the sites of regulation are unknown. We describe the functional role of phosphorylation of Ser1700 and Thr1704-sites of phosphorylation by PKA and casein kinase II at the interface between the proximal and distal C-terminal regulatory domains. Mutation of both residues to Ala in STAA mice reduced basal L-type Ca(2+) currents, due to a small decrease in expression and a substantial decrease in functional activity. The increase in L-type Ca(2+) current caused by isoproterenol was markedly reduced at physiological levels of stimulation (3-10 nM). Maximal increases in calcium current at nearly saturating concentrations of isoproterenol (100 nM) were also significantly reduced, but the mutation effects were smaller, suggesting that alternative regulatory mechanisms are engaged at maximal levels of stimulation. The β-adrenergic increase in cell contraction was also diminished. STAA ventricular myocytes exhibited arrhythmic contractions in response to isoproterenol, and up to 20% of STAA cells failed to sustain contractions when stimulated at 1 Hz. STAA mice have reduced exercise capacity, and cardiac hypertrophy is evident at 3 mo. We conclude that phosphorylation of Ser1700 and Thr1704 is essential for regulation of basal activity of CaV1.2 channels and for up-regulation by β-adrenergic signaling at physiological levels of stimulation. Disruption of phosphorylation at those sites leads to impaired cardiac function in vivo, as indicated by reduced exercise capacity and cardiac hypertrophy.

Calpain inhibition reduces amplitude and accelerates decay of the late sodium current in ventricular myocytes from dogs with chronic heart failure

Calpain is an intracellular Ca²⁺ -activated protease that is involved in numerous Ca²⁺ dependent regulation of protein function in many cell types. This paper tests a hypothesis that calpains are involved in Ca²⁺ -dependent increase of the late sodium current (I_NaL) in failing heart. Chronic heart failure (HF) was induced in 2 dogs by multiple coronary artery embolization. Using a conventional patch-clamp technique, the whole-cell I_NaL was recorded in enzymatically isolated ventricular cardiomyocytes (VCMs) in which I_NaL was activated by the presence of a higher (1μM) intracellular [Ca²⁺] in the patch pipette. Cell suspensions were exposed to a cell- permeant calpain inhibitor MDL-28170 for 1–2 h before I_NaL recordings. The numerical excitation-contraction coupling (ECC) model was used to evaluate electrophysiological effects of calpain inhibition in silico. MDL caused acceleration of I_NaL decay evaluated by the two-exponential fit (τ₁ = 42±3.0 ms τ₂ = 435±27 ms, n = 6, in MDL vs. τ₁ = 52±2.1 ms τ₂ = 605±26 control no vehicle, n = 11, and vs. τ₁ = 52±2.8 ms τ₂ = 583±37 ms n = 7, control with vehicle, P<0.05 ANOVA). MDL significantly reduced I_NaL density recorded at –30 mV (0.488±0.03, n = 12, in control no vehicle, 0.4502±0.0210, n = 9 in vehicle vs. 0.166±0.05pA/pF, n = 5, in MDL). Our measurements of current-voltage relationships demonstrated that the I_NaL density was decreased by MDL in a wide range of potentials, including that for the action potential plateau. At the same time the membrane potential dependency of the steady-state activation and inactivation remained unchanged in the MDL-treated VCMs. Our ECC model predicted that calpain inhibition greatly improves myocyte function by reducing the action potential duration and intracellular diastolic Ca²⁺ accumulation in the pulse train.

Truncation of murine CaV1.2 at Asp 1904 increases CaV1.3 expression in embryonic atrial cardiomyocytes

Cardiac CaV1.2 channels play a critical role in cardiac function. It has been proposed that the carboxyl-terminal intracellular tail of the CaV1.2 channel is the target of Ca(2+)-dependent and Ca(2+)-independent regulation of the channel. Recent studies on C-terminal truncated forms of the CaV1.2 channel reported neonatal death, reduced CaV1.2 current, and failure of β-adrenergic stimulation of these channels in ventricular cardiomyocytes (CMs). Here, we used atrial CMs at embryonic day 18.5 that expressed a C-terminal truncated form of the CaV1.2 channel (Stop/Stop). Surprisingly, the atrial CMs showed robust L-type Ca(2+) currents which could be stimulated by forskolin, an activator of adenylyl cyclase. These currents exhibited a left-ward shift in the voltage-dependent activation curve and a reduced sensitivity to the Ca(2+) channel blocker isradipine as compared to currents in wild-type atrial CMs. RT-PCR analysis revealed normal levels of mRNA for the CaV1.2 channel but a twofold increase in the level of mRNA for the CaV1.3 channel in the Stop/Stop atrium as compared to wild-type atrium. A Western blot analysis indicated an increase of CaV1.3 protein in the Stop/Stop atrium. We suggest that, in contrast to Stop/Stop ventricular CMs, Stop/Stop atrial CMs can compensate the functional loss of the truncated CaV1.2 channel with an upregulation of the CaV1.3 channel.

Increased intracellular magnesium attenuates β-adrenergic stimulation of the cardiac Ca(V)1.2 channel

Increases in intracellular Mg²⁺ (Mg²⁺_i), as observed in transient cardiac ischemia, decrease L-type Ca²⁺ current of mammalian ventricular myocytes (VMs). However, cardiac ischemia is associated with an increase in sympathetic tone, which could stimulate L-type Ca²⁺ current. Therefore, the effect of Mg²⁺_i on L-type Ca²⁺ current in the context of increased sympathetic tone was unclear. We tested the impact of increased Mg²⁺_i on the β-adrenergic stimulation of L-type Ca²⁺ current. Exposure of acutely dissociated adult VMs to higher Mg²⁺_i concentrations decreased isoproterenol stimulation of the L-type Ca²⁺ current from 75 ± 13% with 0.8 mM Mg²⁺_i to 20 ± 8% with 2.4 mM Mg²⁺_i. We activated this signaling cascade at different steps to determine the site or sites of Mg²⁺_i action. Exposure of VMs to increased Mg²⁺_i attenuated the stimulation of L-type Ca²⁺ current induced by activation of adenylyl cyclase with forskolin, inhibition of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases with isobutylmethylxanthine, and inhibition of phosphoprotein phosphatases I and IIA with calyculin A. These experiments ruled out significant effects of Mg²⁺_i on these upstream steps in the signaling cascade and suggested that Mg²⁺_i acts directly on Ca_V1.2 channels. One possible site of action is the EF-hand in the proximal C-terminal domain, just downstream in the signaling cascade from the site of regulation of Ca_V1.2 channels by protein phosphorylation on the C terminus. Consistent with this hypothesis, Mg²⁺_i had no effect on enhancement of Ca_V1.2 channel activity by the dihydropyridine agonist (S)-BayK8644, which activates Ca_V1.2 channels by binding to a site formed by the transmembrane domains of the channel. Collectively, our results suggest that, in transient ischemia, increased Mg²⁺_i reduces stimulation of L-type Ca²⁺ current by the β-adrenergic receptor by directly acting on Ca_V1.2 channels in a cell-autonomous manner, effectively decreasing the metabolic stress imposed on VMs until blood flow can be reestablished.

Endocytic regulation of voltage-dependent potassium channels in the heart

Understanding the regulation of cardiac ion channels is critical for the prevention of arrhythmia caused by abnormal excitability. Ion channels can be regulated by a change in function (qualitative) and a change in number (quantitative). Functional changes have been extensively investigated for many ion channels including cardiac voltage-dependent potassium channels. By contrast, the regulation of ion channel numbers has not been widely examined, particularly with respect to acute modulation of ion channels. This article briefly summarizes stimulus-induced endocytic regulation of major voltage-dependent potassium channels in the heart. The stimuli known to cause their endocytosis include receptor activation, drugs, and low extracellular [K(+)], following which the potassium channels undergo either clathrin-mediated or caveolin-mediated endocytosis. Receptor-mediated endocytic regulation has been demonstrated for Kv1.2, Kv1.5, KCNQ1 (Kv7.1), and Kv4.3, while drug-induced endocytosis has been demonstrated for Kv1.5 and hERG. Low [K(+)](o)-induced endocytosis might be unique for hERG channels, whose electrophysiological characteristics are known to be under strong influence of [K(+)](o). Although the precise mechanisms have not been elucidated, it is obvious that major cardiac voltage-dependent potassium channels are modulated by endocytosis, which leads to changes in cardiac excitability.

Increased Ca(2+) leak and spatiotemporal coherence of Ca(2+) release in cardiomyocytes during beta-adrenergic stimulation

beta-Adrenergic receptor (beta-AR) stimulation of cardiac muscle has been proposed to enhance Ca(2+) release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) through ryanodine receptors (RyRs). However, the anticipated increase in RyR Ca(2+) sensitivity has proven difficult to study in intact cardiomyocytes, due to accompanying alterations in SR Ca(2+) content, inward Ca(2+) current (I(Ca)) and diastolic cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)). Here, we studied whole-cell Ca(2+) release and spontaneous Ca(2+) leak (Ca(2+) sparks) in guinea-pig ventricular myocytes with confocal Ca(2+) imaging before and during beta-AR stimulation by isoproterenol (Iso), but under otherwise nearly identical experimental conditions. The extent of SR Ca(2+) loading was controlled under whole-cell voltage-clamp conditions. UV flash-induced uncaging of Ca(2+) from DM-nitrophen was employed as an invariant trigger for whole-cell Ca(2+) release. At matched SR Ca(2+) content, we found that Iso enhanced the spatiotemporal coherence of whole-cell Ca(2+) release, evident from spatially intercorrelated release and accelerated release kinetics that resulted in moderately (20%) increased release amplitude. This may arise from higher RyR Ca(2+) sensitivity, and was also reflected in spontaneous SR Ca(2+) leak. At comparable SR Ca(2+) content and cytosolic [Ca(2+)](i), we observed an approximately 4-fold increase in Ca(2+) spark frequency in Iso that also appeared in quiescent cells within 2 min without increased SR Ca(2+) content. This was likely to have been mediated by Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMKII), rather than cAMP dependent protein kinase (PKA). We conclude that Iso increases the propensity of RyRs to open, both in response to rapid elevations of [Ca(2+)](i) and at diastolic [Ca(2+)](i). While this could be beneficial in enhancing and synchronizing systolic whole-cell SR Ca(2+) release, the same behaviour could also be proarrhythmogenic during diastole.

Using computational modeling to predict arrhythmogenesis and antiarrhythmic therapy

The use of computational modeling to predict arrhythmia and arrhythmogensis is a relatively new field, but has nonetheless dramatically enhanced our understanding of the physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms that lead to arrhythmia. This review summarizes recent advances in the field of computational modeling approaches with a brief review of the evolution of cellular action potential models, and the incorporation of genetic mutations to understand fundamental arrhythmia mechanisms, including how simulations have revealed situation specific mechanisms leading to multiple phenotypes for the same genotype. The review then focuses on modeling drug blockade to understand how the less-than-intuitive effects some drugs have to either ameliorate or paradoxically exacerbate arrhythmia. Quantification of specific arrhythmia indicies are discussed at each spatial scale, from channel to tissue. The utility of hERG modeling to assess altered repolarization in response to drug blockade is also briefly discussed. Finally, insights gained from Ca(2+) dynamical modeling and EC coupling, neurohumoral regulation of cardiac dynamics, and cell signaling pathways are also reviewed.

Cytoplasmic cAMP concentrations in intact cardiac myocytes

In cardiac myocytes there is evidence that activation of some receptors can regulate protein kinase A (PKA)-dependent responses by stimulating cAMP production that is limited to discrete intracellular domains. We previously developed a computational model of compartmentalized cAMP signaling to investigate the feasibility of this idea. The model was able to reproduce experimental results demonstrating that both beta(1)-adrenergic and M(2) muscarinic receptor-mediated cAMP changes occur in microdomains associated with PKA signaling. However, the model also suggested that the cAMP concentration throughout most of the cell could be significantly higher than that found in PKA-signaling domains. In the present study we tested this counterintuitive hypothesis using a freely diffusible fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based biosensor constructed from the type 2 exchange protein activated by cAMP (Epac2-camps). It was determined that in adult ventricular myocytes the basal cAMP concentration detected by the probe is approximately 1.2 muM, which is high enough to maximally activate PKA. Furthermore, the probe detected responses produced by both beta(1) and M(2) receptor activation. Modeling suggests that responses detected by Epac2-camps mainly reflect what is happening in a bulk cytosolic compartment with little contribution from microdomains where PKA signaling occurs. These results support the conclusion that even though beta(1) and M(2) receptor activation can produce global changes in cAMP, compartmentation plays an important role by maintaining microdomains where cAMP levels are significantly below that found throughout most of the cell. This allows receptor stimulation to regulate cAMP activity over concentration ranges appropriate for modulating both higher (e.g., PKA) and lower affinity (e.g., Epac) effectors.

Modulation of late sodium current by Ca2+, calmodulin, and CaMKII in normal and failing dog cardiomyocytes: similarities and differences

Augmented and slowed late Na(+) current (I(NaL)) is implicated in action potential duration variability, early afterdepolarizations, and abnormal Ca(2+) handling in human and canine failing myocardium. Our objective was to study I(NaL) modulation by cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) in normal and failing ventricular myocytes. Chronic heart failure was produced in 10 dogs by multiple sequential coronary artery microembolizations; 6 normal dogs served as a control. I(NaL) fine structure was measured by whole cell patch clamp in ventricular myocytes and approximated by a sum of fast and slow exponentials produced by burst and late scattered modes of Na(+) channel gating, respectively. I(NaL) greatly enhanced as [Ca(2+)](i) increased from "Ca(2+) free" to 1 microM: its maximum density increased, decay of both exponentials slowed, and the steady-state inactivation (SSI) curve shifted toward more positive potentials. Testing the inhibition of CaMKII and CaM revealed similarities and differences of I(NaL) modulation in failing vs. normal myocytes. Similarities include the following: 1) CaMKII slows I(NaL) decay and decreases the amplitude of fast exponentials, and 2) Ca(2+) shifts SSI rightward. Differences include the following: 1) slowing of I(NaL) by CaMKII is greater, 2) CaM shifts SSI leftward, and 3) Ca(2+) increases the amplitude of slow exponentials. We conclude that Ca(2+)/CaM/CaMKII signaling increases I(NaL) and Na(+) influx in both normal and failing myocytes by slowing inactivation kinetics and shifting SSI. This Na(+) influx provides a novel Ca(2+) positive feedback mechanism (via Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger), enhancing contractions at higher beating rates but worsening cardiomyocyte contractile and electrical performance in conditions of poor Ca(2+) handling in heart failure.

Simulation analysis of intracellular Na+ and Cl− homeostasis during β1-adrenergic stimulation of cardiac myocyte

To quantitatively understand intracellular Na+ and Cl- homeostasis as well as roles of Na+/K+ pump and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator Cl- channel (ICFTR) during the beta1-adrenergic stimulation in cardiac myocyte, we constructed a computer model of beta1-adrenergic signaling and implemented it into an excitation-contraction coupling model of the guinea-pig ventricular cell, which can reproduce membrane excitation, intracellular ion changes (Na+, K+, Ca2+ and Cl-), contraction, cell volume, and oxidative phosphorylation. An application of isoproterenol to the model cell resulted in the shortening of action potential duration (APD) after a transient prolongation, the increases in both Ca2+ transient and cell shortening, and the decreases in both Cl- concentration and cell volume. These results are consistent with experimental data. Increasing the density of ICFTR shortened APD and augmented the peak amplitudes of the L-type Ca2+ current (ICaL) and the Ca2+ transient during the beta1-adrenergic stimulation. This indirect inotropic effect was elucidated by the increase in the driving force of ICaL via a decrease in plateau potential. Our model reproduced the experimental data demonstrating the decrease in intracellular Na+ during the beta-adrenergic stimulation at 0 or 0.5 Hz electrical stimulation. The decrease is attributable to the increase in Na+ affinity of Na+/K+ pump by protein kinase A. However it was predicted that Na+increases at higher beating rate because of larger Na+ influx through forward Na+/Ca2+ exchange. It was demonstrated that dynamic changes in Na+ and Cl- fluxes remarkably affect the inotropic action of isoproterenol in the ventricular myocytes.

Verrucotoxin, a stonefish venom, modulates calcium channel activity in guinea-pig ventricular myocytes

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Stonefish (Synanceia genus) are commonly found in shallow waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. The venom of stonefish is stored in the dorsal fine spines and contains a proteinaceous toxin, verrucotoxin (VTX). The stings produced by the spines induce intense pain, respiratory weakness, damage to the cardiovascular system, convulsions and paralysis, sometimes leading to death. Although there are many studies on VTX, the mechanism(s) underlying the VTX-mediated cardiotoxicity is not yet fully understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the modulation of ion channels in cardiac tissue by VTX.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

The effects of VTX on changes in the voltage or current in guinea-pig ventricular myocytes were investigated using a patch clamp method.

KEY RESULTS

VTX (10 microg ml(-1)) prolonged the action potential duration by 2.5-fold. VTX increased L-type Ca(2+) currents (I (Ca(L))) in a concentration-dependent manner with a EC(50) value of 7 microg ml(-1) and a maximum increase of 3.1-fold. The non-selective beta-adrenoceptor antagonist, propranolol (1 microM) and the selective beta(1)-adrenoceptor antagonist, CGP20712A (10 microM) each abolished the effect of VTX (100 microg ml(-1)) on I (Ca(L)). Furthermore, the protein kinase A (PKA) antagonists H-89 (10 microM) and Rp-8-Br-cAMPS (30 microM) inhibited the effect of VTX on I (Ca(L)).

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

VTX modulates Ca(2+) channel activity through the beta-adrenoceptor-cAMP-PKA pathway.

Compartmentation of cAMP signaling in cardiac myocytes: a computational study

Receptor-mediated changes in cAMP production play an essential role in sympathetic and parasympathetic regulation of the electrical, mechanical, and metabolic activity of cardiac myocytes. However, responses to receptor activation cannot be easily ascribed to a uniform increase or decrease in cAMP activity throughout the entire cell. In this study, we used a computational approach to test the hypothesis that in cardiac ventricular myocytes the effects of beta(1)-adrenergic receptor (beta(1)AR) and M(2) muscarinic receptor (M(2)R) activation involve compartmentation of cAMP. A model consisting of two submembrane (caveolar and extracaveolar) microdomains and one bulk cytosolic domain was created using published information on the location of beta(1)ARs and M(2)Rs, as well as the location of stimulatory (G(s)) and inhibitory (G(i)) G-proteins, adenylyl cyclase isoforms inhibited (AC5/6) and stimulated (AC4/7) by G(i), and multiple phosphodiesterase isoforms (PDE2, PDE3, and PDE4). Results obtained with the model indicate that: 1), bulk basal cAMP can be high ( approximately 1 microM) and only modestly stimulated by beta(1)AR activation ( approximately 2 microM), but caveolar cAMP varies in a range more appropriate for regulation of protein kinase A ( approximately 100 nM to approximately 2 microM); 2), M(2)R activation strongly reduces the beta(1)AR-induced increases in caveolar cAMP, with less effect on bulk cAMP; and 3), during weak beta(1)AR stimulation, M(2)R activation not only reduces caveolar cAMP, but also produces a rebound increase in caveolar cAMP following termination of M(2)R activity. We conclude that compartmentation of cAMP can provide a quantitative explanation for several aspects of cardiac signaling.

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors and ATP modulate the conversion of smooth muscle L-type Ca2+ channels toward a second open state

Properties of smooth and cardiac L-type Ca2+ channels differ prominently in several physiological aspects, including sympathetic modulation. To assess the possible underlying mechanisms, we applied the whole cell patch-clamp technique to guinea pig detrusor smooth muscle cells, in which only L-type Ca2+ channel currents are observed in practice. During depolarization to large positive potentials, the conformation of the majority of L-type Ca2+ channels is converted from the normal (O1) to a second open state (O2), which undergoes little inactivation during depolarization. Extracellular application of genistein, a known tyrosine kinase inhibitor, significantly attenuated the voltage-dependent conversion of Ca2+ channels to O2, accompanied by reduction of availability, whereas genistin, an inactive analog, had little effect. In the absence of ATP in the patch pipette, intracellular application of either genistein or tyrphostin-47 suppressed the conversion to O2. Computer calculation revealed that the acceleration of the O1 to an inactivated state qualitatively reconstructs the unique effects of PTK inhibitors antagonized by ATP. We concluded that under normal conditions smooth muscle L-type Ca2+ channels are already modulated by tyrosine-kinase and ATP-related mechanism(s) and thereby easily achieve the second conversion, which yields voltage-dependent modulation of L-type Ca2+ current analogous to that in cardiac myocytes during beta-adrenoceptor stimulation.

Reducing ryanodine receptor open probability as a means to abolish spontaneous Ca2+ release and increase Ca2+ transient amplitude in adult ventricular myocytes

The aim of this work was to investigate whether it is possible to remove arrhythmogenic Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum that occurs in calcium overload without compromising normal systolic release. Exposure of rat ventricular myocytes to isoproterenol (1 micromol/L) resulted in an increased amplitude of the systolic Ca2+ transient and the appearance of waves of diastolic Ca2+ release. Application of tetracaine (25 to 50 micromol/L) decreased the frequency or abolished the diastolic Ca2+ release. This was accompanied by an increase in the amplitude of the systolic Ca2+ transient. Cellular Ca2+ flux balance was investigated by integrating Ca2+ entry (on the L-type Ca2+ current) and efflux (on Na-Ca2+ exchange). Isoproterenol increased Ca2+ influx but failed to increase Ca2+ efflux during systole (because of the abbreviation of the duration of the Ca2+ transient). To match this increased influx the bulk of Ca2+ efflux occurred via Na-Ca2+ exchange during a diastolic Ca2+ wave. Subsequent application of tetracaine increased systolic Ca2+ efflux and abolished the diastolic efflux. The increase of systolic efflux in tetracaine resulted from both increased amplitude and duration of the systolic Ca2+ transient. In the presence of isoproterenol, those Ca2+ transients preceded by diastolic release were smaller than those where no diastolic release had occurred. When tetracaine was added, the amplitude of the Ca2+ transient was similar to those in isoproterenol with no diastolic release and larger than those preceded by diastolic release. We conclude that tetracaine increases the amplitude of the systolic Ca2+ transient by removing the inhibitory effect of diastolic Ca2+ release.

Effects of AMP579 and adenosine on L-type Ca2+ current in isolated rat ventricular myocytes

AIM

To compare the effects of AMP579 and adenosine on L-type Ca2+ current (I(Ca-L)) in rat ventricular myocytes and explore the mechanism by which AMP579 acts on I(Ca-L).

METHODS

I(Ca-L) was recorded by patch-clamp technique in whole-cell configuration.

RESULTS

Adenosine (10 nmol/L to 50 micromol/L) showed no effect on basal I(Ca-L), but it inhibited the I(Ca-L) induced by isoproterenol 10 nmol/L in a concentration-dependent manner with the IC(50) of 13.06 micromol/L. Similar to adenosine, AMP579 also showed an inhibitory effect on the I(Ca-L) induced by isoproterenol. AMP579 and adenosine (both in 10 micromol/L) suppressed isoproterenol-induced ICa-L by 11.1% and 5.2%, respectively. In addition, AMP579 had a direct inhibitory effect on basal I(Ca-L) in a concentration-dependent manner with IC50 (1.17 micromol/L). PD116948 (30 micromol/L), an adenosine A1 receptor blocker, showed no action on the inhibitory effect of AMP579 on basal I(Ca-L). However, GF109203X (0.4 micromol/L), a special protein kinase C (PKC) blocker, could abolish the inhibitory effect of AMP579 on basal I(Ca-L). So the inhibitory effect of AMP579 on basal I(Ca-L) was induced through activating PKC, but not linked to adenosine A1 receptor.

CONCLUSION

AMP579 shows a stronger inhibitory effect than adenosine on the I(Ca-L) induced by isoproterenol. AMP579 also has a strong inhibitory effect on basal I(Ca-L) in rat ventricular myocytes. Activation of PKC is involved in the inhibitory effect of AMP579 on basal I(Ca-L) at downstream-mechanism.

Genomic and non-genomic regulation of L-type calcium channels in rat ventricle by thyroid hormone

Hyperthyroidism is associated with low exercise tolerance despite high cardiac output and sometimes with the development of heart failure. L-type calcium channels may play a role in the mechanism, but this has not been fully understood. We examined the effects of thyroid hormone on gene expression and function of L-type calcium channels in rat ventricles by the ribonuclease protection assay and whole-cell patch-clamp technique, respectively. The effects of bisoprolol, beta-blocking agent, on the regulation of calcium channel by thyroid hormone was also studied. In hyperthyroid animals, the mRNA of the calcium channel alpha1c subunit was reduced on day 4, compared with that in euthyroid animals, and remained low on day 8. Bisoprolol did not affect the thyroid hormone mediated decrease in alpha1c subunit mRNA. While L-type calcium current was greater in hyperthyroid than euthyroid myocytes on day 4, it was smaller on day 8. In addition, the isoproterenol-induced increase in calcium current in euthyroid rats was attenuated in hyperthyroid rats. Acetylcholine decreased calcium current in hyperthyroid myocytes, but not in euthyroid myocytes. In conclusion, L-type calcium current was increased by thyroid hormone in rat ventricular myocytes by the activation of the adenylate cyclase cascade, despite a decreased calcium channel gene expression. These genomic and non-genomic modifications may play an important role in the association of high cardiac output with low exercise tolerance, and in the development of heart failure in hyperthyroidism.

Regulation of L-type Ca2+ channels in the heart: overview of recent advances

Regulation of L-type Ca2+ channels is complex, because many factors, such as phosphorylation, divalent cations, and proteins, specified or unspecified, have been shown to affect the channel activities. An additional complication is that these factors interact with one another to achieve final outcomes. Recent molecular technologies have helped to shed light on the mechanisms governing the activity of L-type Ca2+ channels. In this review article, three major topics concerning regulation of L-type Ca2+ channels in the heart are discussed, i.e. c-AMP dependent channel phosphorylation, role of magnesium (Mg2+), and the phenomenon of channel run-down.

Muscarinic regulation of cardiac ion channels

The parasympathetic component of the autonomic nervous system plays an important role in the physiological regulation of cardiac function by exerting significant influence over the initiation as well as propagation of electrical impulses, in addition to being able to regulate contractile force. These effects are mediated in whole or in part through changes in ion channel activity that occur in response to activation of M(2) muscarinic cholinergic receptors following release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. The coupling of M(2) receptor activation to most changes in cardiac ion channel function can be explained by one of two general paradigms. The first involves direct G protein-dependent regulation of ion channel activity. The second involves indirect regulation of ion channel activity through modulation of cAMP-dependent responses. This review focuses on recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms by which M(2) muscarinic receptor activation both inhibits and facilitates cAMP-dependent ion channel responses in the heart.

Potentiation of slow component of delayed rectifier K(+) current by cGMP via two distinct mechanisms: inhibition of phosphodiesterase 3 and activation of protein kinase G

1. Regulation of the slowly activating component of delayed rectifier K(+) current (I(Ks)) by intracellular guanosine 3'5' cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) was investigated in guinea-pig sino-atrial (SA) node cells using the whole-cell patch-clamp method. 2. When a cell was dialyzed with pipette solution containing 100 micro M cGMP, I(Ks) started to gradually increase and reached a maximum increase of a factor of 2.37 +/- 0.39 (n = 4) about 10-15 min after rupture of patch membrane. Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP, 100 nM) also potentiated I(Ks), consistent with intracellular cGMP-induced enhancement of I(Ks). 3. Bath application of a selective blocker of the cGMP-inhibited phosphodiesterase (PDE3) milrinone (100 microM) enhanced I(Ks) by a factor of 1.50 +/- 0.09 (n = 4) but failed to further enhance I(Ks) after a maximum stimulation by intracellular cGMP (100 microM), suggesting that blockade of PDE3 activity is involved in the enhancement of I(Ks). A potent but nonspecific PDE inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX, 100 microM) further increased I(Ks) stimulated by 100 microM milrinone, indicating that PDE subtypes other than PDE3 are also involved in the regulation of basal I(Ks) in guinea-pig SA node cells. 4. Bath application of 100 microM 8-bromoguanosine 3'5' cyclic monophosphate (8-Br-cGMP) increased I(Ks) by a factor of 1.48 +/- 0.11 (n = 5) and this stimulatory effect was totally abolished by cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) inhibitor KT-5823 (500 nM), suggesting that the activation of PKG also mediates cGMP-induced potentiation of I(Ks). 5. These results strongly suggest that intracellular cGMP potentiates I(Ks) not only by blocking PDE3 but also by activating PKG in guinea-pig SA node cells.

On the role of phosphatase in regulation of cardiac L-type calcium current by cyclic GMP

Does cGMP, via protein kinase G, inhibit cAMP-stimulated Ca(2+) current (I(Ca(L))) in mammalian ventricular myocytes by phosphorylating the calcium channel at a site different from that acted on by cAMP or by dephosphorylating the calcium channel through phosphatase(s)? We tested these possibilities in guinea pig ventricular myocytes superfused with Tyrode's solution (35 degrees C) and dialyzed with adenosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) ([ATPgammaS](pip)). ATPgammaS is a kinase substrate but thiophosphorylated proteins are not phosphatase substrates. With 5 mM [ATPgammaS](pip), I(Ca(L)) increased gradually over 20 to 25 min and then rapidly in the presence of 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine. 8-Bromo-cGMP (8-Br-cGMP; 1 mM) did not inhibit I(Ca(L)) significantly (-3 +/- 11.8%, n = 21) in contrast to results with ATP dialysis (). Similar results were obtained with 0.1 mM carbachol (CCh). I(Ca(L)) increased after longer dialysis (>/=40 min) with ATPgammaS; again, 8-Br-cGMP had no effect. Also, isoproterenol (ISO) did not stimulate and CCh, alone or in the presence of ISO, did not inhibit I(Ca(L)). Block of CCh effect by ATPgammaS, although consistent with cGMP action in muscarinic inhibition, could be explained by guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTPgammaS) formation from ATPgammaS via nucleoside diphosphate kinase. GTPgammaS uncouples muscarinic and beta-adrenoceptors from intracellular effectors. Failure of 8-Br-cGMP to reduce I(Ca(L)) irreversibly excludes calcium channel phosphorylation as an inhibitory mechanism. We propose that cGMP inhibits I(Ca(L)) by activating phosphatase(s) in guinea pig ventricular myocytes.

Electrophysiological analysis of the negative chronotropic effect of endothelin-1 in rabbit sinoatrial node cells

1. Electrophysiological effects of endothelin-1 (ET-1) were studied in rabbit sinoatrial node (SAN) using conventional microelectrode and whole-cell voltage and current recordings. 2. In rabbit SAN, RT-PCR detected ET(A) endothelin receptor mRNA. ET-1 (100 nM) increased the cycle length of action potentials (APs) from 305 +/- 15 to 388 +/- 25 ms; this effect was antagonised by the ET(A) receptor-selective antagonist BQ-123 (1 microM). ET-1 increased AP duration (APD50) by 22%, depolarised the maximum diastolic potential (MDP) from -59 +/- 1 to -53 +/- 2 mV, shifted the take-off potential by +5 mV and decreased the pacemaker potential (PMP) slope by 15%. Under exactly the same experimental conditions, ET-1 caused a positive chronotropic effect in guinea-pig SAN with a decrease of 13% in APD50, a shift of -4 mV in the take-off potential and an increase of 8% in the PMP slope. 3. Rabbit SAN exhibited two major cell types, distinguished both by their appearances and by their electrophysiological responses to ET-1. Whereas the spontaneous pacing rate and the PMP slope were similarly decreased by ET-1 (10 nM) in both cell types, ET-1 depolarised MDP from -67 +/- 1 to -62 +/- 4 mV in spindle-shaped cells but hyperpolarised it from -73 +/- 1 to -81 +/- 3 mV in rod-shaped cells. ET-1 decreased APD50 by 8 and 52% and shifted the take-off potential by +5 and -9 mV in spindle- and rod-shaped cells, respectively. 4. ET-1 decreased the high-threshold calcium current (I(CaL)) by about 50% in both cell types, without affecting its voltage dependence, and decreased the delayed rectifier K+ current (I(K)) with significant shifts (of +4.7 and +14.0 mV in spindle- and rod-shaped cells, respectively) in its voltage dependence. It was exclusively in rod-shaped cells that ET-1 activated a sizeable amount of time-independent inward-rectifying current. 5. The hyperpolarisation-activated current (I(f)), observed exclusively in spindle-shaped cells, was significantly increased by ET-1 at membrane potentials between -74.7 and -84.7 mV whereas it was significantly decreased at more negative potentials. ET-1 significantly decreased the slope of the current-voltage (I-V) relation of the I(f) tail without changing its half-maximum voltage. 6. The overall negative chronotropic influence of ET-1 on the whole rabbit SAN is interpreted as resulting from the integration of its different actions on spindle- and rod-shaped SAN cells through electrotonic interaction.

The action of isoprenaline on the electrophysiological properties of hypertrophied left ventricular myocytes

The electrophysiological effects of the beta-agonist, isoprenaline, on hypertrophied left ventricular myocardium were measured to understand better the arrhythmic effects of beta-stimulation on the hypertrophied heart. Left ventricular hypertrophy was induced in guinea-pigs by constriction of the thoracic aorta. An age-matched sham-operated group served as controls. Isolated myocytes were held under voltage- and current clamp and the effect of isoprenaline on the L-type Ca2+ current, I(Ca), a Cl- current, I(Cl), and action potential morphology were measured. Cardiac growth was mirrored by cellular hypertrophy. I(Ca) and I(Cl) current density were reduced as myocyte hypertrophy progressed. The augmentation of I(Ca) and I(Cl) by isoprenaline was also reduced in hypertrophy, but no other characteristics of the two currents, or the dose-dependency of the action of isoprenaline were a function of cardiac growth. Isoprenaline prolonged the action potential, but to a smaller extent in hypertrophied myocytes. This difference in action potential prolongation was abolished by glibenclamide. The changes to I(Ca) and I(Cl) in hypertrophy would not tend to increase triggered activity in this situation. Under maximum inotropic stimulation hypertrophied myocytes show action potential changes which are consistent with intracellular ATP depletion, and which could enhance the likelihood of re-entrant circuits. A simple diffusion model for oxygen is constructed to demonstrate the possibility of cellular hypoxia in hypertrophied myocytes.

Bimodal regulation of Na(+)--Ca(2+) exchanger by beta-adrenergic signaling pathway in shark ventricular myocytes

In shark heart, the Na(+)--Ca(2+) exchanger serves as a major pathway for both Ca(2+) influx and efflux, as there is only rudimentary sarcoplasmic reticulum in these hearts. The modulation of the exchanger by a beta-adrenergic agonist in whole-cell clamped ventricular myocytes was compared with that of the Na(+)--Ca(2+) exchanger blocker KB-R7943. Application of 5 microM isoproterenol and 10 microM KB-R7943 suppressed both the inward and the outward Na(+)--Ca(2+) exchanger current (I(Na--Ca)). The isoproterenol effect was mimicked by 10 microM forskolin. Isoproterenol and forskolin shifted the reversal potential (E(rev)) of I(Na--Ca) by approximately -23 mV and -30 mV, respectively. An equivalent suppression of outward I(Na--Ca) by KB-R7943 to that by isoproterenol produced a significantly smaller shift in E(rev) of about --4 mV. The ratio of inward to outward exchanger currents was also significantly larger in isoproterenol- than in control- and KB-R7943-treated myocytes. Our data suggest that the larger ratio of inward to outward exchanger currents as well as the larger shift in E(rev) with isoproterenol results from the enhanced efficacy of Ca(2+) efflux via the exchanger. The protein kinase A-mediated bimodal regulation of the exchanger in parallel with phosphorylation of the Ca(2+) channel and enhancement of its current may have evolved to satisfy the evolutionary needs for accelerated contraction and relaxation in hearts of animals with vestigial sarcoplasmic Ca(2+) release stores.

Bimodal regulation of Na+-Ca2+ exchanger by -adrenergic signaling pathway in shark ventricular myocytes

In shark heart, the Na(+)--Ca(2+) exchanger serves as a major pathway for both Ca(2+) influx and efflux, as there is only rudimentary sarcoplasmic reticulum in these hearts. The modulation of the exchanger by a beta-adrenergic agonist in whole-cell clamped ventricular myocytes was compared with that of the Na(+)--Ca(2+) exchanger blocker KB-R7943. Application of 5 microM isoproterenol and 10 microM KB-R7943 suppressed both the inward and the outward Na(+)--Ca(2+) exchanger current (I(Na--Ca)). The isoproterenol effect was mimicked by 10 microM forskolin. Isoproterenol and forskolin shifted the reversal potential (E(rev)) of I(Na--Ca) by approximately -23 mV and -30 mV, respectively. An equivalent suppression of outward I(Na--Ca) by KB-R7943 to that by isoproterenol produced a significantly smaller shift in E(rev) of about --4 mV. The ratio of inward to outward exchanger currents was also significantly larger in isoproterenol- than in control- and KB-R7943-treated myocytes. Our data suggest that the larger ratio of inward to outward exchanger currents as well as the larger shift in E(rev) with isoproterenol results from the enhanced efficacy of Ca(2+) efflux via the exchanger. The protein kinase A-mediated bimodal regulation of the exchanger in parallel with phosphorylation of the Ca(2+) channel and enhancement of its current may have evolved to satisfy the evolutionary needs for accelerated contraction and relaxation in hearts of animals with vestigial sarcoplasmic Ca(2+) release stores.

Species- and temperature-dependency of the decrease in myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity induced by beta-adrenergic stimulation

Although beta-adrenergic stimulation has been shown in many studies to decrease myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity in various types of cardiac muscle such as rat and rabbit ventricles, other studies disagree with this conclusion. In the present study, we aimed to explain these contradictory findings. We examined the effect of beta-adrenoceptor stimulation on Ca2+ sensitivity using guinea pig and rat ventricles. We performed the experiment at two different temperatures and compared the results. In guinea pig ventricles, isoproterenol and forskolin did not alter the relationship between [Ca2+]i and muscle force during the relaxation phase of tetanic contraction at either 24 degrees C or 30 degrees C. In rat ventricles, in contrast, isoproterenol shifted the [Ca2+]i-force curve to the right at 24 degrees C, but not at 30 degrees C. In guinea pig ventricles permeabilized by alpha-toxin, in which the cAMP/PK-A system is intact, the addition of cAMP did not decrease Ca2+ sensitivity. These results suggest that there are species- and temperature-dependent differences in the regulation of myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity by beta-adrenergic stimulation.

Tyrosine phosphatase inhibitors selectively antagonize beta-adrenergic receptor-dependent regulation of cardiac ion channels

beta-Adrenergic receptor stimulation regulates the activity of several different cardiac ion channels through an adenylate cyclase/cAMP/protein kinase A-dependent mechanism. Previous work has suggested that basal tyrosine kinase activity attenuates the beta-adrenergic responsiveness of these cardiac ion channels, supporting the idea that tyrosine phosphorylation exerts an inhibitory effect at some point in the common signaling pathway. To determine which element in the beta-adrenergic pathway is regulated by tyrosine kinase activity, we studied the effects of various protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) inhibitors on the cAMP-dependent regulation of the L-type Ca(2+) current in guinea pig ventricular myocytes. Three such compounds, sodium orthovanadate, peroxovanadate, and bpV(phen), had no effect on the basal Ca(2+) current, yet each caused a pronounced inhibition of the Ca(2+) current stimulated by the beta-adrenergic receptor agonist isoproterenol. These observations are consistent with the idea that basal tyrosine kinase activity is capable of inhibiting beta-adrenergic responses. However, these PTP inhibitors had no effect on cAMP-dependent stimulation of the Ca(2+) current via activation of adenylate cyclase with forskolin or activation of H(2)-histaminergic receptors with histamine. These results are consistent with the idea that inhibition of PTP activity produces an inhibitory effect involving a tyrosine kinase-dependent mechanism acting selectively at the level of the beta-adrenergic receptor. This signaling mechanism does not seem to be linked to tyrosine kinase activity associated with insulin and insulin-like growth factor receptors, because acute exposure to agonists of these receptors did not inhibit isoproterenol regulation of the Ca(2+) current.

L-type Ca2+ current as the predominant pathway of Ca2+ entry during I(Na) activation in beta-stimulated cardiac myocytes

In the present study Ca2+ entry via different voltage-dependent membrane channels was examined with a fluorescent Ca2+ indicator before and after beta-adrenergic stimulation. To clearly distinguish between Ca2+ influx and Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum the Ca2+ store was blocked with 0.1 microM thapsigargin and 10 microM ryanodine. Omitting Na+ from the pipette filling solution minimized Ca2+ entry via Na+-Ca2+ exchange. Individual guinea-pig ventricular myocytes were voltage clamped in the whole-cell configuration of the patch-clamp technique and different membrane currents were activated using specific voltage protocols. The intracellular Ca2+ concentration was simultaneously recorded with a laser-scanning confocal microscope using fluo-3 as a Ca2+ indicator. Ca2+ entry pathways were discriminated using pharmacological blockers under control conditions and during beta-adrenergic stimulation with 1 microM isoproterenol (isoprenaline) in the bathing solution or 100 microM cAMP in the patch-clamp pipette. Isoproterenol or cAMP potentiated the Ca2+ influx signals recorded during L-type Ca2+ current activation but, more interestingly, also during Na+ current (INa) activation. The Ca2+ influx signal arising from L-type Ca2+ current activation was usually blocked by 50 microM Cd2+. However, the Ca2+ influx signal elicited by the Na+ current activation protocol was only curtailed to 56.4 +/- 28.2 % by 100 microM Ni2+ but was reduced to 17.9 +/- 15.1 % by 50 microM Cd2+ and consistently eliminated by 5 mM Ni2+. The pronounced Cd2+ and moderate Ni2+ sensitivity of the Ca2+ influx signals suggested that the predominant source of Ca2+ influx during the Na+ current activation - before and during beta-adrenergic stimulation - was a spurious activation of the L-type Ca2+ current, presumably due to voltage escape during Na+ current activation. Calculations based on the relationship between Ca2+ current and fluorescence change revealed that, on average, we could reliably detect rapid Ca2+ concentration changes as small as 5.4 +/- 0.7 nM. Thus, we can estimate an upper limit for the Ca2+ permeability of the phosphorylated TTX-sensitive Na+ channels which is less than 0.04:1 for Ca2+ ions flowing through Na+ channels via the proposed 'slip-mode' Ca2+ conductance. Therefore the slip-mode Ca2+ conductance of Na+ channels does not contribute noticeably to the Ca2+ signals observed in our experiments.

Electropharmacological effects of UK-1745, a novel cardiotonic drug, in guinea-pig ventricular myocytes

Effects of (2RS, 3SR)-2-aminomethyl-2,3,7,8-tetrahydro-2,3,5,8, 8-pentamethyl-6H-furo-[2,3-e] indol-7-one hydrochloride (UK-1745), a novel cardiotonic drug with beta-adrenoceptor blocking property and antiarrhythmic activity, on the action potentials of isolated papillary muscles and the membrane currents of single ventricular myocytes of guinea pigs were examined and compared with those of milrinone using conventional microelectrode and patch-clamp techniques. In papillary muscles, UK-1745 (3-100 microM) produced a mild positive inotropic response and depressed the maximum upstroke velocity of the action potential (V(max)) at 100 microM. Milrinone, a phosphodiesterase III inhibitor, markedly shortened the action potential duration with a significant increase in developed tension. In enzymatically-dissociated ventricular myocytes, UK-1745 failed to increase the L-type Ca(2+) current (I(Ca)) at 10 and 30 microM and rather decreased I(Ca) at 100 microM. The high concentration of UK-1745 slightly inhibited the delayed rectifier K(+) current (I(K)). Although UK-1745 antagonized the isoproterenol-induced increase in I(Ca), it potentiated the histamine-induced increase in I(Ca). On the other hand, milrinone per se significantly increased I(Ca) and markedly enhanced the isoproterenol-induced increase in I(Ca). It can be concluded that UK-1745 is a unique cardiotonic drug possessing beta-adrenoceptor blocking and weak phosphodiesterase-inhibitory actions in addition to direct inhibitory actions on the Na(+), Ca(2+) and K(+) channels with its high concentrations.

Dynamic nonlinear vago-sympathetic interaction in regulating heart rate

Although the characteristics of the static interactions between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems in regulating heart rate have been well established, how the dynamic interaction modulates the heart rate response remains unknown. Thus, we investigated the dynamic interaction by estimating the transfer function from nerve stimulation to heart rate, using band-limited Gaussian white noise, in anesthetized rabbits. Concomitant tonic vagal stimulation at 5 and 10 Hz increased the gain of the transfer function relating dynamic sympathetic stimulation to heart rate by 55.0%+/-40.1% and 80.7%+/-50.5%, respectively (P < 0.05). Concomitant tonic sympathetic stimulation at 5 and 10 Hz increased the gain of the transfer function relating dynamic vagal stimulation to heart rate by 18.2%+/-17.9% and 24.1%+/-18.0%, respectively (P < 0.05). Such bidirectional augmentation was also observed during simultaneous dynamic stimulation of the sympathetic and vagal nerves independent of their stimulation patterns. Because of these characteristics, changes in sympathetic or vagal tone alone can alter the dynamic heart rate response to stimulation of the other nerve. We explained this phenomenon by assuming a sigmoidal static relationship between autonomic nerve activity and heart rate. To confirm this assumption, we identified the static and dynamic characteristics of heart rate regulation by a neural network analysis, using large-amplitude Gaussian white noise input. To examine the mechanism involved in the bidirectional augmentation, we increased cytosolic adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) at the postjunctional effector site by applying pharmacological interventions. The cAMP accumulation increased the gain of the transfer function relating dynamic vagal stimulation to heart rate. Thus, accumulation of cAMP contributes, at least in part, to the sympathetic augmentation of the dynamic vagal control of heart rate.

G(i) protein-mediated functional compartmentalization of cardiac beta(2)-adrenergic signaling

In contrast to beta(1)-adrenoreceptor (beta(1)-AR) signaling, beta(2)-AR stimulation in cardiomyocytes augments L-type Ca(2+) current in a cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA)-dependent manner but fails to phosphorylate phospholamban, indicating that the beta(2)-AR-induced cAMP/PKA signaling is highly localized. Here we show that inhibition of G(i) proteins with pertussis toxin (PTX) permits a full phospholamban phosphorylation and a de novo relaxant effect following beta(2)-AR stimulation, converting the localized beta(2)-AR signaling to a global signaling mode similar to that of beta(1)-AR. Thus, beta(2)-AR-mediated G(i) activation constricts the cAMP signaling to the sarcolemma. PTX treatment did not significantly affect the beta(2)-AR-stimulated PKA activation. Similar to G(i) inhibition, a protein phosphatase inhibitor, calyculin A (3 x 10(-8) M), selectively enhanced the beta(2)-AR but not beta(1)-AR-mediated contractile response. Furthermore, PTX and calyculin A treatment had a non-additive potentiating effect on the beta(2)-AR-mediated positive inotropic response. These results suggest that the interaction of the beta(2)-AR-coupled G(i) and G(s) signaling affects the local balance of protein kinase and phosphatase activities. Thus, the additional coupling of beta(2)-AR to G(i) proteins is a key factor causing the compartmentalization of beta(2)-AR-induced cAMP signaling.