Inhibition of astrocyte gap junctional communication by ATP depletion is reversed by calcium sequestration

Ca2+-dependent rapid uncoupling of astrocytes upon brief metabolic stress

Astrocytic gap junctional coupling is a major element in neuron-glia interaction. There is strong evidence that impaired coupling is involved in neurological disorders. Reduced coupling was, e.g., demonstrated for core regions of ischemic stroke that suffer from massive cell death. In the surrounding penumbra, cells may recover, but recovery is hampered by spreading depolarizations, which impose additional metabolic stress onto the tissue. Spreading depolarizations are characterized by transient breakdown of cellular ion homeostasis, including pH and Ca2+, which might directly affect gap junctional coupling. Here, we exposed acute mouse neocortical tissue slices to brief metabolic stress and examined its effects on the coupling strength between astrocytes. Changes in gap junctional coupling were assessed by recordings of the syncytial isopotentiality. Moreover, quantitative ion imaging was performed in astrocytes to analyze the mechanisms triggering the observed changes. Our experiments show that a 2-minute perfusion of tissue slices with blockers of glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation causes a rapid uncoupling in half of the recorded cells. They further indicate that uncoupling is not mediated by the accompanying (moderate) intracellular acidification. Dampening large astrocytic Ca2+ loads by removal of extracellular Ca2+ or blocking Ca2+ influx pathways as well as a pharmacological inhibition of calmodulin, however, prevent the uncoupling. Taken together, we conclude that astrocytes exposed to brief episodes of metabolic stress can undergo a rapid, Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent uncoupling. Such uncoupling may help to confine and reduce cellular damage in the ischemic penumbra in vivo.

Applicability of Scrape Loading-Dye Transfer Assay for Non-Genotoxic Carcinogen Testing

Dysregulation of gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) is recognized as one of the key hallmarks for identifying non-genotoxic carcinogens (NGTxC). Currently, there is a demand for in vitro assays addressing the gap junction hallmark, which would have the potential to eventually become an integral part of an integrated approach to the testing and assessment (IATA) of NGTxC. The scrape loading-dye transfer (SL-DT) technique is a simple assay for the functional evaluation of GJIC in various in vitro cultured mammalian cells and represents an interesting candidate assay. Out of the various techniques for evaluating GJIC, the SL-DT assay has been used frequently to assess the effects of various chemicals on GJIC in toxicological and tumor promotion research. In this review, we systematically searched the existing literature to gather papers assessing GJIC using the SL-DT assay in a rat liver epithelial cell line, WB-F344, after treating with chemicals, especially environmental and food toxicants, drugs, reproductive-, cardio- and neuro-toxicants and chemical tumor promoters. We discuss findings derived from the SL-DT assay with the known knowledge about the tumor-promoting activity and carcinogenicity of the assessed chemicals to evaluate the predictive capacity of the SL-DT assay in terms of its sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for identifying carcinogens. These data represent important information with respect to the applicability of the SL-DT assay for the testing of NGTxC within the IATA framework.

The Protein Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Tyrphostin 23 Strongly Accelerates Glycolytic Lactate Production in Cultured Primary Astrocytes

Tyrphostin 23 (T23) is a well-known inhibitor of protein tyrosine kinases. To investigate potential acute effects of T23 on the viability and the glucose metabolism of brain cells, we exposed cultured primary rat astrocytes to T23 for up to 4 h. While the viability and the morphology of the cultured astrocytes were not acutely affected by the presence of T23 in concentrations of up to 300 µM, this compound caused a rapid, time- and concentration-dependent increase in glucose consumption and lactate release. Maximal effects on glycolytic flux were found for incubations with 100 µM T23 for 2 h which doubled both glucose consumption and lactate production. The stimulation of glycolytic flux by T23 was reversible, completely abolished upon removal of the compound and not found in presence of other known inhibitors of endocytosis. Structurally related compounds such as tyrphostin 25 and catechol or modulators of AMP kinase activity did neither affect the basal nor the T23-stimulated lactate production by astrocytes. In contrast, the presence of the phosphatase inhibitor vanadate completely abolished the stimulation by T23 of astrocytic lactate production in a concentration-dependent manner. These data suggest that T23-sensitive phosphorylation/dephosphorylation events are involved in the regulation of astrocytic glycolysis.

ATP-sensitive K(+) channels (Kir6.1/SUR1) regulate gap junctional coupling in cochlear-supporting cells

Using the double whole-cell patch-clamp technique, we found that the absence of intracellular ATP led to gap junction uncoupling in cochlear-supporting Hensen cells. The uncoupling was observed as a progressive reduction of the gap junctional electrical conductance from a starting value of approximately 40 nS to less than 0.04 nS within 10-20 min. The conductance rundown was partly avoided by at least 3 mM ATP and completely suppressed by 5 mM ATP or 5'-adenylyl-imidodiphosphate (AMP-PNP), the non-hydrolysable ATP analog, in the pipette filling solution, suggesting that ATP was needed as ligand and not as a hydrolysable energy supplier or substrate for enzymatic reactions. The effect of intracellular ATP was mimicked by the external application of barium, a nonselective blocker of inwardly rectifying K(+) (Kir) channels, and glibenclamide, an inhibitor of the ATP-sensitive Kir channels (KATP). Moreover a Ba(2+)-sensitive whole-cell inward current was observed in absence of internal ATP. We propose that the internal ATP kept the KATP channels in a closed state, thereby maintaining the gap junction coupling of Hensen cells. The immunostaining of guinea pig cochlear tissue revealed for the first time the expression of the KATP channel subunits Kir6.1 and SUR1 in Hensen cells and supported the proposed hypothesis. The results suggest that KATP channels, as regulator of the gap junction coupling in Hensen cells, could be the physiological link between the metabolic state of the supporting cells and K(+) recycling in the organ of Corti.

Minireview: intraislet regulation of insulin secretion in humans

The higher organization of β-cells into spheroid structures termed islets of Langerhans is critical for the proper regulation of insulin secretion. Thus, rodent β-cells form a functional syncytium that integrates and propagates information encoded by secretagogues, producing a "gain-of-function" in hormone release through the generation of coordinated cell-cell activity. By contrast, human islets possess divergent topology, and this may have repercussions for the cell-cell communication pathways that mediate the population dynamics underlying the intraislet regulation of insulin secretion. This is pertinent for type 2 diabetes mellitus pathogenesis, and its study in rodent models, because environmental and genetic factors may converge on these processes in a species-specific manner to precipitate the defective insulin secretion associated with glucose intolerance. The aim of the present minireview is therefore to discuss the structural and functional underpinnings that influence insulin secretion from human islets, and the possibility that dyscoordination between individual β-cells may play an important role in some forms of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Intracellular magnesium-dependent modulation of gap junction channels formed by neuronal connexin36

Gap junction (GJ) channels composed of Connexin36 (Cx36) are widely expressed in the mammalian CNS and form electrical synapses between neurons. Here we describe a novel modulatory mechanism of Cx36 GJ channels dependent on intracellular free magnesium ([Mg(2+)]i). We examined junctional conductance (gj) and its dependence on transjunctional voltage (Vj) at different [Mg(2+)]i in cultures of HeLa or N2A cells expressing Cx36. We found that Cx36 GJs are partially inhibited at resting [Mg(2+)]i. Thus, gj can be augmented or reduced by lowering or increasing [Mg(2+)]i, respectively. Similar changes in gj and Vj-gating were observed using MgATP or K2ATP in pipette solutions, which increases or decreases [Mg(2+)]i, respectively. Changes in phosphorylation of Cx36 or in intracellular free calcium concentration were not involved in the observed Mg(2+)-dependent modulation of gj. Magnesium ions permeate the channel and transjunctional asymmetry in [Mg(2+)]i resulted in asymmetric Vj-gating. The gj of GJs formed of Cx26, Cx32, Cx43, Cx45, and Cx47 was also reduced by increasing [Mg(2+)]i, but was not increased by lowering [Mg(2+)]i; single-channel conductance did not change. We showed that [Mg(2+)]i affects both open probability and the number of functional channels, likely through binding in the channel lumen. Finally, we showed that Cx36-containing electrical synapses between neurons of the trigeminal mesencephalic nucleus in rat brain slices are similarly affected by changes in [Mg(2+)]i. Thus, this novel modulatory mechanism could underlie changes in neuronal synchronization under conditions in which ATP levels, and consequently [Mg(2+)]i, are modified.

Subsets of ATP-sensitive potassium channel (KATP) inhibitors increase gap junctional intercellular communication in metastatic cancer cell lines independent of SUR expression

Gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) regulates cellular homeostasis by propagating signaling molecules, exchanging cellular metabolites, and coupling electrical signals. In cancer, cells exhibit altered rates of GJIC which may play a role in neoplastic progression. K(ATP) channels help maintain membrane polarity and linkages between K(ATP) channel activity and rates of GJIC have been established. The mechanistic relationship has not been fully elucidated. We report the effects of treatment with multiple K(ATP) antagonist compounds on GJIC in metastatic cell lines demonstrating an increase in communication rates following treatment with compounds possessing specificities towards the SUR2 subunit of K(ATP). These effects remained consistent using cell lines with different expression levels of SUR1 and SUR2, suggesting possible off target effects on GJIC by these compounds.

Morphological and electrical properties of oligodendrocytes in the white matter of the corpus callosum and cerebellum

In the central nervous system, electrical signals passing along nerve cells are speeded by cells called oligodendrocytes, which wrap the nerve cells with a fatty layer called myelin. This layer is important for rapid information processing, and is often lost in disease, causing mental or physical impairment in multiple sclerosis, stroke, cerebral palsy and spinal cord injury. The myelin speeds the information flow in two ways, by decreasing the capacitance of the nerve cell and by increasing its membrane resistance, but little is known about the latter aspect of myelin function. By recording electrically from oligodendrocytes and imaging their morphology we characterised the geometry and, for the first time, the resistance of myelin in the brain. This revealed differences between the properties of oligodendrocytes in two brain areas and established that the resistance of myelin is sufficiently high to prevent significant slowing of the nerve electrical signal by current leakage through the myelin.

Enhancement of gap junctional intercellular communication of normal human dermal fibroblasts cultured on polystyrene dishes grafted with poly-N-isopropylacrylamide

Technology developed to allow recovery of cells without enzyme treatment, involving a dish grafted with a thermoreactive polymer gel of poly-N-isopropylacrylamide (PIPAAm), was found to significantly enhance gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) in normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF cells). NHDF cells were cultured for 4 days on PIPAAm-grafted dishes irradiated with various doses of electron beams, and GJIC was assayed by the scrape-loading dye transfer method. The area of dye transfer was greater in the PIPAAm-grafted dishes than in the control culture dishes, indicating that the PIPAAm-grafted dishes enhanced the GJIC of NHDF cells. Connexin-43 (Cx43) expression was analyzed because Cx43 is considered to be a main component of the gap junctional channel. PIPAAm-grafted dishes irradiated with 100, 250, or 500 kGy of electron beams showed significantly enhanced expression of Cx43-NP, Cx43-P1, and especially Cx43-P2. Enhanced expression of Cx43-P2, a functional transmembrane protein, may be related to the promotion of GJIC. These results suggest that the PIPAAm-grafted dish not only enables the enzyme-free recovery of a cell monolayer for use in the construction of a three-dimensional artificial tissue, but also significantly contributes to the enhancement of GJIC, which may partly promote tissue strength on the surface of the PIPAAm-grafted dish.

Gap junction blockage limits intercellular spreading of astrocytic apoptosis induced by metabolic depression

Astrocytes are highly coupled by gap junction channels, which allow transfer of intracellular signalling molecules and metabolites between connected cells. Astrocytic gap junctions remain open during ischemic conditions as previously demonstrated in vitro and in situ. In this study, we investigated the effect of gap junction blockage on iodoacetate-induced ATP depression and cell death progression in astrocytes in primary rat hippocampal cultures. We demonstrated that blockage of gap junctions during iodoacetate-induced inhibition of the glycolysis induced an earlier onset of the ATP depression. Moreover, initiation of apoptotic processes, demonstrated by binding of Annexin V, was critically dependent on the ATP levels. The apoptotic event was also shown to spread and involve neighbouring cells, a process that was inhibited by blockage of gap junction communication. Chelating intracellular calcium using BAPTA-AM decelerated the iodoacetate-induced ATP depression. The chelation also decelerated the spreading of apoptotic processes. Inhibition of caspases did not alter the expansion of cell groups being Annexin V positive. However, the proportion of Annexin V positive cells also being propidium iodide positive was increased after caspase inhibition. The results show that inhibition of gap junctions during cellular metabolic depression interferes with the metabolic status and cell death progression in astrocytes.

Lactate utilization by brain cells and its role in CNS development

We studied the role played by lactate as an important substrate for the brain during the perinatal period. Under these circumstances, lactate is the main substrate for brain development and is used as a source of energy and carbon skeletons. In fact, lactate is used actively by brain cells in culture. Neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes use lactate as a preferential substrate for both energy purposes and as precursor of lipids. Astrocytes use lactate and other metabolic substrates for the synthesis of oleic acid, a new neurotrophic factor. Oligodendrocytes mainly use lactate as precursor of lipids, presumably those used to synthesize myelin. Neurons use lactate as a source of energy and as precursor of lipids. During the perinatal period, neurons may use blood lactate directly to meet the need for the energy and carbon skeletons required for proliferation and differentiation. During adult life, however, the lactate used by neurons may come from astrocytes, in which lactate is the final product of glycogen breakdown. It may be concluded that lactate plays an important role in brain development.

Distribution of calcium ions in the mixed synapses of Mauthner neurons in the goldfish in normal conditions, in exhaustion, and in conditions of adaptation to exhaustion

The aim of this study was to investigate the structure of large myelinated club terminals of Mauthner neurons (MN) in the goldfish at different levels of functional activity and the distribution within these synapses of calcium ions as assessed using a modified pyroantimonate method. In intact preparations, calcium pyroantimonate precipitates were not seen in gap junctions (GJ) or desmosome-like contacts (DLC). Fibrillar bridges in DLC clefts were not contrasted. After natural stimulation, which induces long-term adaptation in MN, GJ showed electron-dense precipitates lining the whole cleft. Granules and clumps of precipitate were also seen in DLC clefts, with intense deposition on bridges. Increases in calcium ion concentrations to and above the levels detectable by the pyroantimonate method are known to block electrotonic transmission; filamentous actin is known to conduct the electrotonic signal as a cation current. The staining of DLC bridges with calcium pyroantimonate is therefore evidence for an association between calcium ions and actin molecules, as DLC bridges consist of actin, i.e., we have obtained evidence for the functioning of bridges as electrotonic transsynaptic shunts at the moment of fixation. These data lead to the conclusion that DLC in mixed synapses, apart from the known adhesive functions, also have a communication function. This appears in extreme conditions, allowing the synapse to maintain or change its conductivity according to ongoing need.

Alterations in metabolism and gap junction expression may determine the role of astrocytes as ?good samaritans? or executioners

Our knowledge of astroglia and their physiological and pathophysiological role(s) in the central nervous system (CNS) has grown during the past decade, revealing a complex picture. It is becoming increasingly clear that glia play a significant role in the homeostasis and function of the CNS and that neurons should no longer be considered the only cell type that responds, both rapidly and slowly, to electrochemical activity. We discuss recent advances in the field with an emphasis on the impact of hypoxia and ischemia on astrocytic metabolism and the functional relationship between glucose metabolism and gap junctions in astrocytes. We also address the controversy over whether astrocytic gap junctions mediate protection or killing of neurons during or after hypoxic or ischemic insults.

Reversible connexin 43 dephosphorylation during hypoxia and reoxygenation is linked to cellular ATP levels

Altered gap junction coupling of cardiac myocytes during ischemia may contribute to development of lethal arrhythmias. The phosphoprotein connexin 43 (Cx43) is the major constituent of gap junctions. Dephosphorylation of Cx43 and uncoupling of gap junctions occur during ischemia, but the significance of Cx43 phosphorylation in this setting is unknown. Here we show that Cx43 dephosphorylation in synchronously contracting myocytes during ischemia is reversible, independent of hypoxia, and closely associated with cellular ATP levels. Cx43 became profoundly dephosphorylated during hypoxia only when glucose supplies were limited and was completely rephosphorylated within 30 minutes of reoxygenation. Similarly, direct reduction of ATP by various combinations of metabolic inhibitors and by ouabain was closely paralleled by loss of phosphoCx43 and recovery of phosphoCx43 accompanied restoration of ATP. Dephosphorylation of Cx43 could not be attributed to hypoxia, acid pH or secreted metabolites, or to AMP-activated protein kinase; moreover, the process was selective for Cx43 because levels of phospho-extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 were increased throughout. Rephosphorylation of Cx43 was not dependent on new protein synthesis, or on activation of protein kinases A or G, ERK1/2, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, or Jun kinase; however, broad-spectrum protein kinase C inhibitors prevented Cx43 rephosphorylation while also sensitizing myocytes to reoxygenation-mediated cell death. We conclude that Cx43 is reversibly dephosphorylated and rephosphorylated during hypoxia and reoxygenation by a novel mechanism that is sensitive to nonlethal fluctuations in cellular ATP. The role of this regulated phosphorylation in the adaptation to ischemia remains to be determined.

The metabolic inhibitor antimycin A can disrupt cell-to-cell communication by an ATP- and Ca(2+)-independent mechanism

In cardiac myocytes of new-born rats, the degree of intercellular communication through gap junctional channels closely depends on the metabolic state of the cells. In contrast, in stably transfected HeLa cells expressing rat cardiac connexin43 (Cx43, the main channel-forming protein present in ventricular myocytes), a major part of junctional communication persisted in ATP-depleted conditions, in the presence of a metabolic inhibitor (KCN) or of a broad spectrum inhibitor of protein kinases (H7). However, another metabolic inhibitor, antimycin A, which like cyanide inhibits electron transfer in the respiratory chain, totally interrupted cell-to-cell communication between Cx43-HeLa cells, even in whole-cell conditions, when ATP (5 mM) was present. Antimycin A caused a modest increase in cytosolic calcium concentration; however, junctional uncoupling still occurred when this rise was prevented. Conditions of ischemic insult (e.g. ischemia or chemical hypoxia) frequently cause the activation of protein kinases, particularly of Src and MAP kinases, and such activations are known to markedly disrupt gap junctional communication. Antimycin-induced junctional uncoupling occurred even in the presence of inhibitors of these kinases. Antimycin A appears able to cause junctional uncoupling either through the ATP depletion it induces as a metabolic poison or via a direct action on gap junction constituents.

Antimycin A-induced defenestration in rat hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells

Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) possess fenestrae arranged in sieve plates. Hepatic endothelial fenestrae are open pores approximately 100 to 200 nm in diameter. Alterations in their number or diameter by hormones, xenobiotics, and diseases have important implications for hepatic microcirculation and function. Numerous reports of hepatotoxin-induced defenestration suggest that the cytoskeleton and the energy status of hepatic endothelial cells play a key role in the regulation of fenestrae. Therefore, we investigated the effect of antimycin A, an inhibitor of mitochondrial energy production, on the number of fenestrae in cultured LSECs using high-resolution microscopy and immunocytochemistry. Prolonged incubation (greater than 30 min) with antimycin A resulted in defenestrated cells and coincided with the appearance of F-actin dots, whereas the distribution of G-actin remained unchanged. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) was depleted dramatically to less than 5% within 30 minutes within the LSECs. After treatment with antimycin A, unusual elevated fenestrated complexes were apparent, organized as a meshwork of anastomosing fenestrae at the center of and above the sieve plates. The position and appearance of these novel structures and their association with defenestration suggest that they are implicated in the process of defenestration. In conclusion, the results of experiments with antimycin A suggest that ATP is needed to maintain fenestrae and the underlying fenestrae-associated cytoskeleton rings that maintain fenestrae patency. Antimycin A-induced defenestration of LSECs is associated with the development of a structure in the sieve plate that appears to be intrinsically involved in defenestration.

Increase in gap junctional intercellular communication by high molecular weight hyaluronic acid associated with fibroblast growth factor 2 and keratinocyte growth factor production in normal human dermal fibroblasts

The effects of different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid (HA), a major component of extracellular matrix, on gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) in normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF cells) were investigated. NHDF cells were cultured for 4 days with different molecular weights of HA and then the extent of GJIC was assessed by the scrape-loading dye transfer method, using Lucifer yellow. The area of dye transfer was greater in the dishes coated with HA than in those to which HA was added. Thus, NHDF cells cultured on surfaces coated with high molecular weight (HMW) HA (MW, 800 kDa) showed greatly enhanced GJIC. Furthermore, another aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different molecular weights of HA on the production of FGF-2 and KGF, because both are important cytokines produced by NHDF cells. When FGF-2 and KGF cultured levels of cell extracts and media were determined by ELISA, both levels were significantly enhanced when cells were grown on plates coated with HMW HA. This finding indicated that the function of gap junction channels in NHDF cells grown on plates coated with HMW HA may promote the biosynthesis of growth factors such as FGF-2 and KGF.

The Astrocentric Hypothesis: proposed role of astrocytes in consciousness and memory formation

Consciousness is self-awareness. This process is closely associated with attention and working memory, a special form of short-term memory, which is vital when solving explicit task. Edelman has equated consciousness as the "remembered present" to highlight the importance of this form of memory (G.M. Edelman, Bright Air, Brilliant Fire, Basic Books, New York, 1992). The majority of other memories are recollections of past events that are encoded, stored, and brought back into consciousness if appropriate for solving new problems. Encoding prior experiences into memories is based on the salience of each event (A.R. Damasio, Descartes' Error, G.P. Putnam's Sons, New York, 1994; G.M. Edelman, Bright Air, Brilliant Fire, Basic Books, New York, 1992). It is proposed that protoplasmic astrocytes bind attended sensory information into consciousness and store encoded memories. This conclusion is supported by research conducted by gliobiologist over the past 15 years.

Kir6.1 is the principal pore-forming subunit of astrocyte but not neuronal plasma membrane K-ATP channels

ATP-sensitive potassium channels (K-ATP channels) directly couple the energy state of a cell to its excitability, are activated by hypoxia, and have been suggested to protect neurons during disturbances of energy metabolism such as transient ischemic attacks or stroke. Molecular studies have demonstrated that functional K-ATP channels are octameric protein complexes, consisting of four sulfonylurea receptor proteins and four pore-forming subunits which are members of the Kir6 family of inwardly rectifying potassium channels. Here we show, using specific antibodies against the two known pore-forming subunits (Kir6.1 and Kir6.2) of K-ATP channels, that only Kir6.1 and not Kir6.2 subunits are expressed in astrocytes. In addition to a minority of neurons, Kir6.1 protein is present on hippocampal, cortical, and cerebellar astrocytes, tanycytes, and Bergmann glial cells. We also provide ultrastructural evidence that Kir6.1 immunoreactivity is primarily localized to distal perisynaptic and peridendritic astrocyte plasma membrane processes, and we confirm the presence of functional K-ATP channels in Bergmann glial cells by slice-patch-clamp experiments. The identification of Kir6.1 as the principal pore-forming subunit of plasma membrane K-ATP channels in astrocytes suggests that these glial K-ATP channels act in synergy with neuronal Kir6.2-mediated K-ATP channels during metabolic challenges in the brain.

Endogenous protein phosphatase 1 runs down gap junctional communication of rat ventricular myocytes

Gap junctional channels are essential for normal cardiac impulse propagation. In ventricular myocytes of newborn rats, channel opening requires the presence of ATP to allow protein kinase activities; otherwise, channels are rapidly deactivated by the action of endogenous protein phosphatases (PPs). The lack of influence of Mg(2+) and of selective PP2B inhibition is not in favor of the involvements of Mg(2+)-dependent PP2C and PP2B, respectively, in the loss of channel activity. Okadaic acid (1 microM) and calyculin A (100 nM), both inhibitors of PP1 and PP2A activities, significantly retarded the loss of channel activity. However, a better preservation was obtained in the presence of selective PP1 inhibitors heparin (100 microg/ml) or protein phosphatase inhibitor 2 (I2; 100 nM). Conversely, the stimulation of endogenous PP1 activity by p-nitrophenyl phosphate, in the presence of ATP, led to a progressive fading of junctional currents unless I2 was simultaneously added. Together, these results suggest that a basal phosphorylation-dephosphorylation turnover regulates gap junctional communication which is rapidly deactivated by PP1 activity when the phosphorylation pathway is hindered.

Regulation of astrocyte gap junctions by hypoxia-reoxygenation

Confluent cultures of rat cortical astrocytes were subjected to 12-h hypoxia (<1% O(2)) followed by reoxygenation. Just after hypoxia, the cellular distribution, phosphorylation state and levels of connexin43 (Cx43), as well as the extent of dye coupling were as in control conditions. Nonetheless, 15-30 min after reoxygenation, dye coupling was transiently reduced by approximately 70%. The reduction in dye coupling occurred without changes in the state of phosphorylation or levels of Cx43. Nevertheless, it was correlated with a decrease in Cx43 reactivity found at membrane appositions and the appearance of intracellular Cx43-positive vesicle-like structures of variable size, suggesting internalization of gap junction channels. Reoxygenation-induced cellular uncoupling and redistribution of Cx43 were prevented by melatonin (500 microM), a potent-free radical scavenger, or indomethacin (50 microM), an inhibitor of the cyclooxygenase-dependent arachidonic acid metabolism. In astrocytes cultured under normoxia, the state of phosphorylation of Cx43 was not affected by antimycin A, a blocker of the mitochondrial oxidative metabolism, but phosphorylation was drastically reduced by iodoacetate, a blocker of anaerobic glycolysis. Thus, these results strongly suggest that reoxygenation-induced uncoupling is mediated by arachidonic acid byproducts that induce, at least, disorganization of Cx43 gap junction channels.

ATP counteracts the rundown of gap junctional channels of rat ventricular myocytes by promoting protein phosphorylation

1. The degree of cell-to-cell coupling between ventricular myocytes of neonatal rats appeared well preserved when studied in the perforated version of the patch clamp technique or, in double whole-cell conditions, when ATP was present in the patch pipette solution. In contrast, when ATP was omitted, the amplitude of junctional current rapidly declined (rundown). 2. To examine the mechanism(s) of ATP action, an 'internal perfusion technique' was adapted to dual patch clamp conditions, and reintroduction of ATP partially reversed the rundown of junctional channels. 3. Cell-to-cell communication was not preserved by a non-hydrolysable ATP analogue (5'-adenylimidodiphosphate, AMP-PNP), indicating that the effect most probably did not involve direct interaction of ATP with the channel-forming proteins. 4. An ATP analogue supporting protein phosphorylation but not active transport processes (adenosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate), ATPgammaS) maintained normal intercellular communication, suggesting that the effect was due to kinase activity rather than to altered intracellular Ca2+. 5. A broad spectrum inhibitor of endogenous serine/threonine protein kinases (H7) reversibly reduced the intercellular coupling. A non-specific exogenous protein phosphatase (alkaline phosphatase) mimicked the effects of ATP deprivation. The non-specific inhibition of endogenous protein phosphatases resulted in the preservation of substantial cell-to-cell communication in ATP-free conditions. 6. The activity of gap junctional channels appears to require both the presence of ATP and protein kinase activity to counteract the tonic activity of endogenous phosphatase(s).

Functional specialization and topographic segregation of hippocampal astrocytes

Astrocytes have been suggested to play several roles in the complex control of brain microenvironment. However, they have been generally considered to constitute a homogeneous population of cells. Here we show that at least three electrophysiologically distinct types of astrocytes can be found in the mature hippocampus. These subpopulations of glia were characterized by expression of different ion currents. In astrocytes exposed to elevated K+, Cs+ prevented influx of K+ only in cells with inwardly rectifying currents (IIR). The topographic distribution of glia with Cs+-sensitive inward rectifying currents (involved in K+ buffering) was nonuniform. Cs+-sensitive astrocytes were predominantly found in CA3 radiatum, whereas most CA1 astrocytes were Cs+-insensitive. Functional significance of the spatial segregation of glial cells with inward rectification was addressed in slices that were bathed in Cs+-containing media. Under these conditions, neuronal stimulation induced spontaneous epileptiform activity, which first appeared in CA3 and was then synaptically propagated to CA1. Intracellular labeling of astrocytes with biocytin revealed that CA1 astrocytes are characterized by a high degree of cell-to-cell coupling; in contrast, cell labeling in CA3 revealed smaller groups and occasionally individual cells. Three individual biocytin-labeled cells had electrophysiological properties indistinguishable from Cs+-sensitive astrocytes but had morphology typical of oligodendroglia. These results provide evidence for a role of K+ uptake via IIR into astrocytes. The segregated expression of potassium channels in a subpopulation of astrocytes suggests that functionally specialized cell types are involved in K+ homeostasis.

The K-ATP channel regulates the effect of Ca2+ on gap junction permeability in cultured astrocytes

Using the scrape-loading technique we show that tolbutamide and glybenzcyclamide, two inhibitors of the K+ channel sensitive to ATP (K-ATP channel), partially prevent the inhibition of gap junction permeability promoted by Ca2+ in cultured astrocytes. This effect was dose-dependent, reaching a maximum at 400 microM and 1 microM of tolbutamide and glybenzcyclamide, respectively. The presence of the Ca2+ ionophore A-23187 strongly reduced the concentration of Ca2+ required to block gap junction permeability but did not abolish the effect of tolbutamide and glybenzcyclamide. These results suggest that the effect of these two compounds are not brought about by control of the intracellular concentration of Ca2+ but probably by the promotion of plasma membrane depolarization.

Heterogeneity of astrocyte resting membrane potentials and intercellular coupling revealed by whole-cell and gramicidin-perforated patch recordings from cultured neocortical and hippocampal slice astrocytes

Astrocytes are thought to regulate the extracellular potassium concentration by mechanisms involving both voltage-dependent and transport-mediated ion fluxes combined with intercellular communication via gap junctions. Mechanisms regulating resting membrane potential (RMP) play a fundamental role in determining glial contribution to buffering of extracellular potassium and uptake of potentially toxic neurotransmitters. We have investigated the passive electrophysiological properties of cultured neocortical astrocytes and astrocytes recorded in hippocampal slices from 18-25 d postnatal rats. These experiments revealed a wide range of astrocyte RMPs that were independent of developmental factors, length of culturing, cellular morphology, the electrophysiological techniques used (whole-cell vs perforated recording), cell-specific expression of Na+/2HCO3- co-transporters, or voltage-dependent Na+ channels. Exposure of cultured astrocytes to differentiation-inducing factors (such as cAMP) or inhibition of proliferation (by serum deprivation) did not significantly influence RMP. Expression of ATP-sensitive potassium channels was absent in these glia; thus, K(ATP)-related mechanisms did not contribute to cell resting potential. In both cultured and slice astrocytes, spontaneous electrophysiological changes were commonly observed. These reversible events, which resulted in differential sensitivity to potassium channel blockers (cesium and barium) and sudden current-voltage profile changes, were attributable to dynamic changes in cell-to-cell coupling, as confirmed by recordings from isolated pairs of cells. We conclude that the heterogeneity of astrocytic RMP and intercellular coupling both in culture and in situ are intrinsic properties of glia that may contribute to transcellular transport of potassium. We propose a model in which spatial buffering may be facilitated by heterogeneous mechanisms controlling glial RMP in combination with dynamic changes in intercellular coupling.