A voltage-dependent K+ channel controlling the membrane potential in frog oocytes

The fungal alkaloid Okaramine-B activates an L-glutamate-gated chloride channel from Ixodes scapularis, a tick vector of Lyme disease

A novel L-glutamate-gated anion channel (IscaGluCl1) has been cloned from the black-legged tick, Ixodes scapularis, which transmits multiple pathogens including the agents of Lyme disease and human granulocytic anaplasmosis. When mRNA encoding IscaGluCl1 was expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes, we detected robust 50-400 nA currents in response to 100 μM L-glutamate. Responses to L-glutamate were concentration-dependent (pEC₅₀ 3.64 ± 0.11). Ibotenate was a partial agonist on IscaGluCl1. We detected no response to 100 μM aspartate, quisqualate, kainate, AMPA or NMDA. Ivermectin at 1 μM activated IscaGluCl1, whereas picrotoxinin (pIC₅₀ 6.20 ± 0.04) and the phenylpyrazole fipronil (pIC₅₀ 6.90 ± 0.04) showed concentration-dependent block of the L-glutamate response. The indole alkaloid okaramine B, isolated from fermentation products of Penicillium simplicissimum (strain AK40) grown on okara pulp, activated IscaGluCl1 in a concentration-dependent manner (pEC₅₀ 5.43 ± 0.43) and may serve as a candidate lead compound for the development of new acaricides.

Membrane currents in the oocyte of the toad Bufo arenarum

The amphibian oocyte cell model is widely used for heterologous expression of ionic channels and receptors. Little is known, however, about the physiology of oocyte cell models other than Xenopus laevis. In this study, the two-electrode voltage clamp technique was used to assess the most common electrical patterns of oocytes of the South American toad Bufo arenarum. Basal membrane resistance, resting potential, and ionic currents were determined in this cell model. The oocyte transmembrane resistance was 0.35 M(Omega), and the resting potential in normal saline was about -33 mV with a range between -20 mV and -50 mV. This is, to our knowledge, the first attempt to begin an understanding of the ion transport mechanisms of Bufo arenarum oocytes. This cell model may provide a viable alternative to the expression of ion channels, in particular those endogenously observed in Xenopus laevis oocytes.

Modulation of a calcium-activated chloride current by Maitotoxin

The effect of Maitotoxin (MTX) on the calcium-activated chloride current (ICl-Ca) from Xenopus oocytes was studied, applying the two-electrode voltage clamp technique. MTX increased the current amplitude at all the voltages explored and reduced the time to reach the maximum current level (time to peak). At low toxin concentrations (15 pM), both effects were fully reversible. Activation of ICl-Ca by MTX was secondary to the increment in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration induced by this toxin, since incubation of the oocytes with the cell-permeant Ca2+ chelator BAPTA-AM, greatly reduced the effect of MTX on ICl-Ca. Furthermore, external chloride ions removal also diminished the MTX effect on the current, strongly suggesting that the main current activated by MTX is ICl-Ca. Subsequent applications of a fixed toxin concentration after toxin washout resulted in enhanced ICl-Ca, suggesting that the toxin effect potentiates.

Effects of barium, lanthanum and gadolinium on endogenous chloride and potassium currents in Xenopus oocytes

1. The effects of multivalent cations on membrane currents recorded from Xenopus oocytes were studied. 2. The hyperpolarization-activated chloride current was reversibly blocked by lanthanum; half-maximal block occurred at a concentration of 8 microM. Zinc, cadmium, cobalt and nickel were less potent than lanthanum, and gadolinium, manganese, barium and strontium had no effect at a concentration of 100 microM. 3. The calcium-activated chloride current was blocked by gadolinium (50 microM), and lanthanum, cadmium, cobalt, nickel and manganese were equally effective. The actions of gadolinium and lanthanum were almost irreversible, while partial (30-80%) recovery was observed with the other cations. Zinc (100 microM) had no effect. 4. In lanthanum (100 microM), membrane depolarizations from -70 mV activated an outward potassium current that was partially blocked by barium (0.1-2 mM). The barium-sensitive current was confined to potentials less negative than -70 mV. The current consisted of a time-independent as well as a time-dependent component, the latter of which had voltage dependence similar to the M-current. 5. It is proposed that lanthanum, gadolinium and barium can usefully separate these endogenous membrane currents in Xenopus oocytes.

InsP3-dependent Ca2+ oscillations linked to activation of voltage-dependent H+ conductance in Rana esculenta oocytes

In normal medium supplemented with 10 mM tetraethylammonium chloride (TEACl), membrane depolarizations of immature Rana esculenta oocytes elicited an oscillatory outward current associated with a voltage-dependent H+ current (IH+). The voltage threshold of these oscillations was 22 +/- 5 (n = 10). The oscillations were blocked by intracellular injection of ethylene glycol-O,O'-bis-(2-acetaminoethyl)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA), by application of 1 mM of 4-acetamido-4'-isocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (SITS), by caffeine (1 mM), and by the intracellular injection of heparin, suggesting that they arose from calcium release from inositol trisphosphate (InsP3)-sensitive stores, monitored by a calcium-dependent chloride current (IClCa2+). The oscillations were independent of the external calcium concentration, and the depolarizations did not affect the InsP3 level. Ni2+, a IH+ inhibitor, blocked the oscillations. Extracellular alkalinization, which lowered the voltage threshold of IH+ and increased its amplitude, also lowered the voltage threshold of the oscillations and increased their amplitude, whereas extracellular acidification produced opposite effects. We suggest that the oscillations are linked to activation of IH+ through a pH-dependent sensitization of InsP3 receptors.

A voltage-dependent and pH-sensitive proton current in Rana esculenta oocytes

Voltage clamp technique was used to study macroscopic ionic currents in Rana esculenta oocytes. Depolarization steps led to the activation of a single type of outward current (Iout) when contaminant potassium and calcium-dependent chloride currents were pharmacologically inhibited. The voltage threshold of Iout activation was 10 mV and this current, which did not inactivate, presented a deactivation the time constant of 73 +/- 21 msec (n = 26) corresponding to a membrane voltage of -60 mV. Its reversal potential (Erev) was dependent on the magnitude of the depolarization and also on pulse duration. These changes in Erev were thought to reflect intracellular ion depletion occurring during activation of the remaining outward current. Furthermore, the activation threshold of Iout was clearly affected by modifications in extracellular and intracellular H+ concentrations. Indeed, intracellular alkalinization (evoked by external application of ammonium chloride) or extracellular acidification induced a rightward shift in the activation threshold while intracellular acidification (evoked by external application of sodium acetate) or extracellular alkalinization shifted this threshold toward a more negative value. Lastly, Iout was dramatically reduced by divalent cations such as Cd2+, Ni2+ or Zn2+ and was strongly decreased by 4 Aminopyridine (4-AP), well-known H+ current antagonists already described in many cell types. Therefore, it was suggested that the outward current was prominently carried by H+ ions, which may play a key role in the regulation of intracellular pH and subsequent pH dependent processes in Rana oocyte.

A monovalent cationic conductance that is blocked by extracellular divalent cations in Xenopus oocytes

1. Native Xenopus oocytes were voltage clamped and exposed to Ringer solutions containing low concentrations of divalent cations. Oocytes, held at -60 mV, developed a reversible non-inactivating smooth inward current (Ic) associated with an increase in membrane conductance. 2. Ic was selectively carried by cations (Na+, K+), indicating that the current was not the result of a non-specific membrane breakdown, but was due instead to removal of a blocking effect of divalent cations on a specific population of endogenous ionic channels located in the oocyte membrane. 3. The blocking effects of Ca2+ and Mg2+ were voltage dependent, implying action at a binding site within the pore of the cationic channel. For example, the half-maximal inhibition (IC50) of Ic by Ca2+ was 61 microM in oocytes held at -60 mV and 212 microM in oocytes held at 0 mV. 4. The Ic channels could be unblocked by depolarization of the membrane even in the presence of physiological concentrations of Ca2+ or Mg2+. The unblocking of the channels was observed as a slowly developing outward current. 5. The novel cationic current was substantially reduced following in vitro maturation of oocytes by treatment with progesterone (10 microM, 4-5 h). 6. The physiological role of Ic channels remains to be elucidated. Nonetheless, their characteristics explain the ionic basis of the sensitivity of oocytes to reductions in extracellular divalent cations and raise the possibility that the channels play a role in calcium homeostasis.

Alteration of voltage-dependence of Shaker potassium channel by mutations in the S4 sequence

Voltage-dependent potassium, sodium and calcium ion channels may share a common mechanism of activation, in which the conserved S4 sequence acts as the primary voltage sensor. Site-directed mutagenesis of the S4 sequence of the Shaker potassium channel and electrophysiological analysis suggest that voltage-dependent activation involves the S4 sequence but is not solely due to electrostatic interactions.

Activation of protein kinase C by phorbol ester induces downregulation of the Na+/K(+)-ATPase in oocytes of Xenopus laevis

Full-grown prophase-arrested oocytes of Xenopus laevis were treated with 50 nM phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), an activator of protein kinase C, or with 50 nM 4 alpha-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate (4 alpha PDD) that does not activate protein kinase C. The effect on membrane currents and capacitance, inulin uptake and ouabain binding, and on membrane morphology were analyzed. (i) During application of PMA, current generated by the Na+/K+ pump decreases; in addition, Cl- and K+ channels become inhibited. This general decrease in membrane conductance reaches steady state after about 60 min. 4 alpha PDD was ineffective. (ii) Ouabain binding experiments demonstrate that PMA (K1/2 = 7 nM), but not 4 alpha PPD, induces a reduction of the number of pump molecules in the surface membrane. Permeabilization of oocytes by digitonin plus 0.02% SDS renders all binding sites present prior to PMA treatment again accessible for ouabain. The KD value for ouabain binding is not influenced. 4 alpha PDD was ineffective. (iii) Exposure of oocytes to PMA reduces membrane capacitance and stimulates uptake of inulin suggesting an increase in endocytosis. Electron micrographs show that PMA reduces the number and length of microvilli, leading finally to a smooth membrane surface with a reduced surface area. From these results we conclude that stimulation of protein kinase C leads to downregulation of the sodium pump. A major portion of this inhibition is brought about by reduction in area of surface membrane with a concomitant internalization of pump molecules. In addition to this mode of downregulation, a direct effect of stimulation of protein kinase C on the pump molecule cannot be excluded.

Interaction of monovalent cations with tetrodotoxin and saxitoxin binding at sodium channels of frog myelinated nerve

Na currents and Na-current fluctuations were measured in myelinated frog nerve fibres to study interactions between monovalent externally applied cations and the binding of the Na-channel blockers tetrodotoxin (TTX) or saxitoxin (STX). Adding 110 mM NaCl to Ringer's solution increased the maximum peak Na conductance by a factor of 2.51 in the presence of 12 nM TTX and by a factor of 2.43 in the presence of 4 nM STX. According to the analysis of Na-current fluctuations this increase of the Na conductance is mainly caused by an increase of the number N of unblocked Na channels per node, while the conductance of a single channel saturates in the hyperosmolar solutions. The increase of N is interpreted by displacement of TTX or STX from Na channels by external Na+. Relief of TTX blockage was also observed by adding 110 mM chloride salts of Li+, hydrazine+, guanidine+ and K+ to Ringer, but not in Ringer + 110 mM tetramethylammonium chloride or 250 mM sucrose. The increase of N by the external cations is a saturating function of the permeability of the Na channel to these ions. The results are interpreted by a toxin receptor in a superficial prefilter to the Na channel, which contributes to cation discrimination at the outer channel region.

A delayed rectifier potassium current in Xenopus oocytes

A delayed voltage-dependent K+ current endogenous to Xenopus oocytes has been investigated by the voltage-clamp technique. Both activation and inactivation of the K+ current are voltage-dependent processes. The K+ currents were activated when membrane potential was depolarized from a holding potential of -90 to -50 mV. The peak current was reached within 150 ms at membrane potential of +30 mV. Voltage-dependent inactivation of the current was observed by depolarizing the membrane potential from -50 to 0 mV at 10-mV increments. Voltage-dependent inactivation was a slow process with a time constant of 16.5 s at -10 mV. Removal of Ca2+ from the bath has no effect on current amplitudes, which indicates that the current is Ca2+)-insensitive. Tail current analysis showed that reversal potentials were shifted by changing external K+ concentration, as would be expected for a K(+)-selective channel. The current was sensitive to quinine, a K+ channel blocker, with a Ki of 35 microM. The blockade of quinine is voltage-independent in the range of -20 to +60 mV. Whereas oocytes from the same animal have a relatively homogeneous current distribution, average amplitude of the K+ current varied among oocytes from different animals from 30 to 400 nA at membrane potential of +30 mV. Our results indicate the presence of the endogenous K+ current in Xenopus oocytes with characteristics of the delayed rectifier found in some nerve and muscle cells.

A slowly inactivating potassium current in native oocytes of Xenopus laevis

Membrane currents were recorded in voltage-clamped oocytes of Xenopus laevis in response to voltage steps. We describe results obtained in oocytes obtained from one donor frog, which showed an unusually large outward current upon depolarization. Measurements of reversal potentials of tail currents in solutions of different K+ concentration indicated that this current is carried largely by K+ ions. It was strongly reduced by extracellular application of tetraethylammonium, though not by Ba2+ or 4-aminopyridine. Removal of surrounding follicular cells did not reduce the K+ current, indicating that it arises across the oocyte membrane proper. Activation of the K+ conductance was first detected with depolarization to about -12 mV, increased with a limiting voltage sensitivity of 3 mV for an e-fold change in current, and was half-maximally activated at about +10 mV. The current rose following a single exponential timecourse after depolarization, with a time constant that shortened from about 400 ms at -10 mV to about 15 ms at +80 mV. During prolonged depolarization the current inactivated with a time constant of about 4 s, which did not alter greatly with potential. The K+ current was independent of Ca2+, as it was not altered by addition of 10 mM Mn2+ to the bathing medium, or by intracellular injection of EGTA. Noise analysis of K+ current fluctuations indicated that the current is carried by channels with a unitary conductance of about 20 ps and a mean open lifetime of about 300 ms (at room temperature and potential of +10 to +20 mV).

Cloning of a membrane protein that induces a slow voltage-gated potassium current

A rat kidney messenger RNA that induces a slowly activating, voltage-dependent potassium current on its expression in Xenopus oocytes was identified by combining molecular cloning with an electrophysiological assay. The cloned complementary DNA encodes a novel membrane protein that consists of 130 amino acids with a single putative transmembrane domain. This protein differs from the known ion channel proteins but is involved in the induction of selective permeation of potassium ions by membrane depolarization.

A calcium-independent chloride current activated by hyperpolarization in Xenopus oocytes

Hyperpolarization of oocytes of Xenopus laevis usually elicits mainly passive currents. However, when polarized to potentials more negative than about -100 mV, oocytes obtained from some donors show a relatively well maintained current that is carried mainly by chloride ions. This response does not depend upon external calcium, and is thus clearly different from the calcium-dependent transient chloride current previously described.

Structure-activity relationship of amiloride analogs as blockers of epithelial Na channels: II. Side-chain modifications

The overall on- and off-rate constants for blockage of epithelial Na channels by amiloride analogs were estimated by noise analysis of the stationary Na current traversing frog skin epithelium. The (2-position) side chain structure of amiloride was varied in order to obtain structure/rate constant relationships. Hydrophobic chain elongations (benzamil and related compounds of high blocking potency) increase the stability of the blocking complex (lowered off-rate), explained by attachment of the added phenyl moiety to a hydrophobic area near the site of side chain interaction with the channel protein. Some other chain modifications show that the on-rate, which is smaller than a diffusion-limited rate, varies with side chain structure. In several cases this effect is not attributable to steric hindrance on encounter, and implies that the side chain interacts briefly with the channel protein (encounter complex) before the main blocking position of the molecule is attained. The encounter complex must be labile since the overall rate constants of blockage are not concentration-dependent. In two cases, changes at the 2-position side chain and at other ring ligands, with known effects on the blocking rate constants, could be combined in one analog. The rate constants of blocking by the resulting compounds indicate that the structural changes have additive effects in terms of activation energies. Along with other observations (voltage dependence of the rate constants and competition with the transported Na ion), these results suggest a blocking process of at least two steps. It appears that initially the 2-position side chain invades the outward-facing channel entrance, establishing a labile complex. Then the molecule is either released completely (no block) or the 6-ligand of the pyrazine ring gains access to its receptor counterpart, thus establishing the blocking complex, the lifetime of which is strongly determined by the electronegativity of the 6-ligand.

The use of Xenopus oocytes for the study of ion channels

Recently, in addition to the "traditional" research on meiotic reinitiation and fertilization mechanisms, the oocytes of the African frog Xenopus laevis have been exploited for the study of numerous aspects of ion channel function and regulation, such as the properties of several endogenous voltage-dependent channels and the involvement of second messengers in mediation of neurotransmitter-evoked membrane responses. In addition, injection of these cells with exogenous messenger RNA results in production and functional expression of foreign membranal proteins, including various voltage- and neurotransmitter-operated ion channels originating from brain, heart, and other excitable tissues. This method provides unique opportunities for the study of the structure, function, and regulation of these channels. A multidisciplinary approach is required, involving molecular biology, electrophysiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, and cytology.

Resting membrane potential and inward current properties of mouse ovarian oocytes and eggs

The electrical properties of the membrane of the ovarian oocyte at the germinal vesicle (GV) stage and of the ovulated egg of the mouse have been studied using a two-microelectrode voltage-clamp technique. The stable resting potential measured with a single electrode was -38.2 +/- 2.8 mV SE (18 oocytes, 5 animals) and -27.8 +/- 1.4 mV SE (28 eggs, 8 animals) in a solution containing 20 mM [Ca2+]0. The lower values appear to be strongly affected by damage due to electrode insertion. However, there was no evidence of the resting potential being more negative than -40 to -50 mV. Voltage-dependent inward current could not be activated from a holding potential (Vh) close to the resting potential. When Vh was set at -90 mV, depolarizing pulses activated a transient inward current in both oocytes and eggs. The threshold voltage, peak voltage and inactivation vs potential curve were very similar in oocytes and eggs. On the other hand, the current amplitude appeared reduced in ovulated eggs, whilst times to peak and inactivation time constants in eggs were significantly longer than in oocytes. In oocytes the inward current was blocked by 10 mM Co2+ and decreased by lowering [Ca2+]0 to 5 mM similarly to the results reported for eggs. It therefore appears that GV ovarian oocytes possess Ca2+ channels which differ from those present in eggs mainly with respect to their kinetic properties. The physiological role of this inward current remains obscure in both preparations since they are almost completely inactivated at the resting potential.