Correlation between G protein activation and reblocking kinetics of Ca2+ channel currents in rat sensory neurons

Structure and regulation of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels

Voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels mediate Ca(2+) entry into cells in response to membrane depolarization. Electrophysiological studies reveal different Ca(2+) currents designated L-, N-, P-, Q-, R-, and T-type. The high-voltage-activated Ca(2+) channels that have been characterized biochemically are complexes of a pore-forming alpha1 subunit of approximately 190-250 kDa; a transmembrane, disulfide-linked complex of alpha2 and delta subunits; an intracellular beta subunit; and in some cases a transmembrane gamma subunit. Ten alpha1 subunits, four alpha2delta complexes, four beta subunits, and two gamma subunits are known. The Cav1 family of alpha1 subunits conduct L-type Ca(2+) currents, which initiate muscle contraction, endocrine secretion, and gene transcription, and are regulated primarily by second messenger-activated protein phosphorylation pathways. The Cav2 family of alpha1 subunits conduct N-type, P/Q-type, and R-type Ca(2+) currents, which initiate rapid synaptic transmission and are regulated primarily by direct interaction with G proteins and SNARE proteins and secondarily by protein phosphorylation. The Cav3 family of alpha1 subunits conduct T-type Ca(2+) currents, which are activated and inactivated more rapidly and at more negative membrane potentials than other Ca(2+) current types. The distinct structures and patterns of regulation of these three families of Ca(2+) channels provide a flexible array of Ca(2+) entry pathways in response to changes in membrane potential and a range of possibilities for regulation of Ca(2+) entry by second messenger pathways and interacting proteins.

G protein modulation of recombinant P/Q-type calcium channels by regulators of G protein signalling proteins

1. Fast synaptic transmission is triggered by the activation of presynaptic Ca2+ channels which can be inhibited by Gbetagamma subunits via G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR). Regulators of G protein signalling (RGS) proteins are GTPase-accelerating proteins (GAPs), which are responsible for >100-fold increases in the GTPase activity of G proteins and might be involved in the regulation of presynaptic Ca2+ channels. In this study we investigated the effects of RGS2 on G protein modulation of recombinant P/Q-type channels expressed in a human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cell line using whole-cell recordings. 2. RGS2 markedly accelerates transmitter-mediated inhibition and recovery from inhibition of Ba2+ currents (IBa) through P/Q-type channels heterologously expressed with the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M2 (mAChR M2). 3. Both RGS2 and RGS4 modulate the prepulse facilitation properties of P/Q-type Ca2+ channels. G protein reinhibition is accelerated, while release from inhibition is slowed. These kinetics depend on the availability of G protein alpha and betagamma subunits which is altered by RGS proteins. 4. RGS proteins unmask the Ca2+ channel beta subunit modulation of Ca2+ channel G protein inhibition. In the presence of RGS2, P/Q-type channels containing the beta2a and beta3 subunits reveal significantly altered kinetics of G protein modulation and increased facilitation compared to Ca2+ channels coexpressed with the beta1b or beta4 subunit.

Modulation of N-type calcium channel activity by G-proteins and protein kinase C

N-type voltage-gated calcium channel activity in rat superior cervical ganglion neurons is modulated by a variety of pathways. Activation of heterotrimeric G-proteins reduces whole-cell current amplitude, whereas phosphorylation by protein kinase C leads to an increase in current amplitude. It has been proposed that these two distinct pathways converge on the channel's pore-forming alpha(1B) subunit, such that the actions of one pathway can preclude those of the other. In this study, we have characterized further the actions of PKC on whole-cell barium currents in neonatal rat superior cervical ganglion neurons. We first examined whether the effects of G-protein-mediated inhibition and phosphorylation by PKC are mutually exclusive. G-proteins were activated by including 0.4 mM GTP or 0.1 mM GTP-gamma-S in the pipette, and PKC was activated by bath application of 500 nM phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). We found that activated PKC was unable to reverse GTP-gamma-S-induced inhibition unless prepulses were applied, indicating that reversal of inhibition by phosphorylation appears to occur only after dissociation of the G-protein from the channel. Once inhibition was relieved, activation of PKC was sufficient to prevent reinhibition of current by G-proteins, indicating that under phosphorylating conditions, channels are resistant to G-protein-mediated modulation. We then examined what effect, if any, phosphorylation by PKC has on N-type barium currents beyond antagonizing G-protein-mediated inhibition. We found that, although G-protein activation significantly affected peak current amplitude, fast inactivation, holding-potential-dependent inactivation, and voltage-dependent activation, when G-protein activation was minimized by dialysis of the cytoplasm with 0.1 mM GDP-beta-S, these parameters were not affected by bath application of PMA. These results indicate that, under our recording conditions, phosphorylation by PKC has no effect on whole-cell N-type currents, other than preventing inhibition by G-proteins.

Relief of G-protein inhibition of calcium channels and short-term synaptic facilitation in cultured hippocampal neurons

G-protein inhibition of voltage-gated calcium channels can be transiently relieved by repetitive physiological stimuli. Here, we provide evidence that such relief of inhibition contributes to short-term synaptic plasticity in microisland-cultured hippocampal neurons. With G-protein inhibition induced by the GABA(B) receptor agonist baclofen or the adenosine A1 receptor agonist 2-chloroadenosine, short-term synaptic facilitation emerged during action potential trains. The facilitation decayed with a time constant of approximately 100 msec. However, addition of the calcium channel inhibitor Cd(2+) at 2-3 microM had no such effect and did not alter baseline synaptic depression. As expected of facilitation from relief of channel inhibition, analysis of miniature EPSCs implicated presynaptic modulation, and elevating presynaptic Ca(2+) entry blunted the facilitation. Most telling was the near occlusion of synaptic facilitation after selective blockade of P/Q- but not N-type calcium channels. This was as predicted from experiments using recombinant calcium channels expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells; we found significantly stronger relief of G-protein inhibition in recombinant P/Q- versus N-type channels during action potential trains. G-protein inhibition in HEK 293 cells was induced via recombinant M2 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors activated by carbachol, an acetylcholine analog. Thus, relief of G-protein inhibition appears to produce a novel form of short-term synaptic facilitation in cultured neurons. Similar short-term synaptic plasticity may be present at a wide variety of synapses, as it could occur during autoreceptor inhibition by glutamate or GABA, heterosynaptic inhibition by GABA, tonic adenosine inhibition, and in many other instances.

delta opioid receptor modulation of several voltage-dependent Ca(2+) currents in rat sensory neurons

Endogenous enkephalins and delta opiates affect sensory function and pain sensation by inhibiting synaptic transmission in sensory circuits via delta opioid receptors (DORs). DORs have long been suspected of mediating these effects by modulating voltage-dependent Ca(2+) entry in primary sensory neurons. However, not only has this hypothesis never been validated in these cells, but in fact several previous studies have only turned up negative results. By using whole-cell current recordings, we show that the delta enkephalin analog [D-Ala(2), D-Leu(5)]-enkephalin (DADLE) inhibits, via DORs, L-, N-, P-, and Q-high voltage-activated Ca(2+) channel currents in cultured rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. The percentage of responding cells was remarkably high (75%) within a novel subpopulation of substance P-containing neurons compared with the other cells (18-35%). DADLE (1 microM) inhibited 32% of the total barium current through calcium channels (I(Ba)). A delta (naltrindole, 1 microM), but not a mu (beta-funaltrexamine, 5 microM), antagonist prevented the DADLE response, whereas a DOR-2 subtype (deltorphin-II, 100 nM), but not a DOR-1 (DPDPE, 1 microM), agonist mimicked the response. L-, N-, P-, and Q-type currents contributed, on average, 18, 48, 14, and 16% to the total I(Ba) and 19, 50, 26, and 20% to the DADLE-sensitive current, respectively. The drug-insensitive R-type current component was not affected by the agonist. This work represents the first demonstration that DORs modulate Ca(2+) entry in sensory neurons and suggests that delta opioids could affect diverse Ca(2+)-dependent processes linked to Ca(2+) influx through different high-voltage-activated channel types.

Kinetic study of N-type calcium current modulation by delta-opioid receptor activation in the mammalian cell line NG108-15

The voltage-dependent inhibition of N-type Ca2+ channel current by the delta-opioid agonist [D-pen2, D-pen5]-enkephalin (DPDPE) was investigated in the mammalian cell line NG108-15 with 10 microM nifedipine to block L-type channels, with whole-cell voltage clamp methods. In in vitro differentiated NG108-15 cells DPDPE reversibly decreased omega-conotoxin GVIA-sensitive Ba2+ currents in a concentration-dependent way. Inhibition was maximal with 1 microM DPDPE (66% at 0 mV) and was characterized by a slowing of Ba2+ current activation at low test potentials. Both inhibition and kinetic slowing were attenuated at more positive potentials and could be relieved up to 90% by strong conditioning depolarizations. The kinetics of removal of inhibition (de-inhibition) and of its retrieval (re-inhibition) were also voltage dependent. Both de-inhibition and re-inhibition were single exponentials and, in the voltage range from -20 to +10 mV, had significantly different time constants at a given membrane potential, the time course of re-inhibition being faster than that of de-inhibition. The kinetics of de-inhibition at -20 mV and of reinhibition at -40 mV were also concentration dependent, both processes becoming slower at lower agonist concentrations. The rate of de-inhibition at +80/+120 mV was similar to that of Ca2+ channel activation at the same potentials measured during application of DPDPE (approximately 7 ms), both processes being much slower than channel activation in controls (<1 ms). Moreover, the amplitude but not the time course of tail currents changed as the depolarization to +80/+120 mV was made longer. The state-dependent properties of DPDPE Ca2+ channel inhibition could be simulated by a model that assumes that inhibition by DPDPE results from voltage- and concentration-dependent binding of an inhibitory molecule to the N-type channel.

Regulators of G protein signaling attenuate the G protein-mediated inhibition of N-type Ca channels

Regulators of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins bind to the alpha subunits of certain heterotrimeric G proteins and greatly enhance their rate of GTP hydrolysis, thereby determining the time course of interactions among Galpha, Gbetagamma, and their effectors. Voltage-gated N-type Ca channels mediate neurosecretion, and these Ca channels are powerfully inhibited by G proteins. To determine whether RGS proteins could influence Ca channel function, we recorded the activity of N-type Ca channels coexpressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells with G protein-coupled muscarinic (m2) receptors and various RGS proteins. Coexpression of full-length RGS3T, RGS3, or RGS8 significantly attenuated the magnitude of receptor-mediated Ca channel inhibition. In control cells expressing alpha1B, alpha2, and beta3 Ca channel subunits and m2 receptors, carbachol (1 microM) inhibited whole-cell currents by approximately 80% compared with only approximately 55% inhibition in cells also expressing exogenous RGS protein. A similar effect was produced by expression of the conserved core domain of RGS8. The attenuation of Ca current inhibition resulted primarily from a shift in the steady state dose-response relationship to higher agonist concentrations, with the EC50 for carbachol inhibition being approximately 18 nM in control cells vs. approximately 150 nM in RGS-expressing cells. The kinetics of Ca channel inhibition were also modified by RGS. Thus, in cells expressing RGS3T, the decay of prepulse facilitation was slower, and recovery of Ca channels from inhibition after agonist removal was faster than in control cells. The effects of RGS proteins on Ca channel modulation can be explained by their ability to act as GTPase-accelerating proteins for some Galpha subunits. These results suggest that RGS proteins may play important roles in shaping the magnitude and kinetics of physiological events, such as neurosecretion, that involve G protein-modulated Ca channels.

Ca2+ channel beta3 subunit enhances voltage-dependent relief of G-protein inhibition induced by muscarinic receptor activation and Gbetagamma

The Ca2+ channel beta subunit has been shown to reduce the magnitude of G-protein inhibition of Ca2+ channels. However, neither the specificity of this action to different forms of G-protein inhibition nor the mechanism underlying this reduction in response is known. We have reported previously that coexpression of the Ca2+ channel beta3 subunit causes M2 muscarinic receptor-mediated inhibition of alpha1B Ca2+ currents to become more voltage-dependent. We report here that the beta3 subunit increases the rate of relief of inhibition produced by a depolarizing prepulse and also shifts the voltage dependency of this relief to more hyperpolarized voltages; these effects are likely to be responsible for the reduction of inhibitory response of alpha1B channels to G-protein-mediated inhibition seen after coexpression of the Ca2+ channel beta3 subunit. Additionally, the beta3 subunit alters the rate and voltage dependency of relief of the inhibition produced by coexpressed Gbeta1gamma1, in a manner similar to the changes it produces in relief of M2 receptor-induced inhibition. We conclude that the Ca2+ channel beta3 subunit reduces the magnitude of G-protein inhibition of alpha1B Ca2+ channels by enhancing the rate of dissociation of the G-protein betagamma subunit from the Ca2+ channel alpha1B subunit.

Multiple neurological abnormalities in mice deficient in the G protein Go

The G protein Go is highly expressed in neurons and mediates effects of a group of rhodopsin-like receptors that includes the opioid, alpha2-adrenergic, M2 muscarinic, and somatostatin receptors. In vitro, Go is also activated by growth cone-associated protein of Mr 43,000 (GAP43) and the Alzheimer amyloid precursor protein, but it is not known whether this occurs in intact cells. To learn about the roles that Go may play in intact cells and whole body homeostasis, we disrupted the gene encoding the alpha subunits of Go in embryonic stem cells and derived Go-deficient mice. Mice with a disrupted alphao gene (alphao-/- mice) lived but had an average half-life of only about 7 weeks. No Goalpha was detectable in homogenates of alphao-/- mice by ADP-ribosylation with pertussis toxin. At the cellular level, inhibition of cardiac adenylyl cyclase by carbachol (50-55% at saturation) was unaffected, but inhibition of Ca2+ channel currents by opioid receptor agonist in dorsal root ganglion cells was decreased by 30%, and in 25% of the alphao-/- cells examined, the Ca2+ channel was activated at voltages that were 13.3 +/- 1.7 mV lower than in their counterparts. Loss of alphao was not accompanied by appearance of significant amounts of active free betagamma dimers (prepulse test). At the level of the living animal, Go-deficient mice are hyperalgesic (hot-plate test) and display a severe motor control impairment (falling from rotarods and 1-inch wide beams). In spite of this deficiency, alphao-/- mice are hyperactive and exhibit a turning behavior that has them running in circles for hours on end, both in cages and in open-field tests. Except for one, all alphao-/- mice turned only counterclockwise. These findings indicate that Go plays a major role in motor control, in motor behavior, and in pain perception and also predict involvement of Go in Ca2+ channel regulation by an unknown mechanism.

The Ca2+ channel beta3 subunit differentially modulates G-protein sensitivity of alpha1A and alpha1B Ca2+ channels

We have shown previously that the Ca2+ channel beta3 subunit is capable of modulating tonic G-protein inhibition of alpha1A and alpha1B Ca2+ channels expressed in oocytes. Here we determine the modulatory effect of the Ca2+ channel beta3 subunit on M2 muscarinic receptor-activated G-protein inhibition and whether the beta3 subunit modulates the G-protein sensitivity of alpha1A and alpha1B currents equivalently. To compare the relative inhibition by muscarinic activation, we have used successive ACh applications to remove the large tonic inhibition of these channels. We show that the resulting rebound potentiation results entirely from the loss of tonic G-protein inhibition; although the currents are temporarily relieved of tonic inhibition, they are still capable of undergoing inhibition through the muscarinic pathway. Using this rebound protocol, we demonstrate that the inhibition of peak current amplitude produced by M2 receptor activation is similar for alpha1A and alpha1B calcium currents. However, the contribution of the voltage-dependent component of inhibition, characterized by reduced inhibition at very depolarized voltage steps and the relief of inhibition by depolarizing prepulses, was slightly greater for the alpha1B current than for the alpha1A current. After co-expression of the beta3 subunit, the sensitivity to M2 receptor-induced G-protein inhibition was reduced for both alpha1A and alpha1B currents; however, the reduction was significantly greater for alpha1A currents. Additionally, the difference in the voltage dependence of inhibition of alpha1A and alpha1B currents was heightened after co-expression of the Ca2+ channel beta3 subunit. Such differential modulation of sensitivity to G-protein modulation may be important for fine tuning release in neurons that contain both of these Ca2+ channels.

On the role of endogenous G-protein beta gamma subunits in N-type Ca2+ current inhibition by neurotransmitters in rat sympathetic neurones

1. Using whole-cell and perforated-patch recordings, we have examined the part played by endogenous G-protein beta gamma subunits in neurotransmitter-mediated inhibition of N-type Ca2+ channel current (ICa) in dissociated rat superior cervical sympathetic neurones. 2. Expression of the C-terminus domain of beta-adrenergic receptor kinase 1 (beta ARK1), which contains the consensus motif (QXXER) for binding G beta gamma, reduced the fast (pertussis toxin (PTX)-sensitive) and voltage-dependent inhibition of ICa by noradrenaline and somatostatin, but not the slow (PTX-insensitive) and voltage-independent inhibition induced by angiotensin II. beta ARK1 peptide reduced GTP-gamma-S-induced voltage-dependent and PTX-sensitive inhibition of ICa but not GTP-gamma-S-mediated voltage-independent inhibition. 3. Overexpression of G beta 1 gamma 2, which mimicked the voltage-dependent inhibition by reducing ICa density and enhancing basal facilitation, occluded the voltage-dependent noradrenaline- and somatostatin-mediated inhibitions but not the inhibition mediated by angiotensin II. 4. Co-expression of the C-terminus of beta ARK1 with beta 1 and gamma 2 subunits prevented the effects of G beta gamma dimers on basal Ca2+ channel behaviour in a manner consistent with the sequestering of G beta gamma. 5. The expression of the C-terminus of beta ARK1 slowed down reinhibition kinetics of ICa following conditioning depolarizations and induced long-lasting facilitation by cumulatively sequestering beta gamma subunits. 6. Our findings identify endogenous G beta gamma as the mediator of the voltage-dependent, PTX-sensitive inhibition of ICa induced by both noradrenaline and somatostatin but not the voltage-independent. PTX-insensitive inhibition by angiotensin II. They also support the view that voltage-dependent inhibition results from a direct G beta gamma-Ca2+ channel interaction.

Facilitation of N-type calcium current is dependent on the frequency of action potential-like depolarizations in dissociated cholinergic basal forebrain neurons of the guinea pig

Voltage-dependent inhibition of high voltage-activated (HVA) calcium currents by G-proteins can be transiently relieved (facilitated) by strong depolarizing prepulses. However, with respect to the physiological significance of facilitation, it remains to be established if it can be induced by action potentials (AP) in central neurons. With the use of whole-cell recordings of dissociated cholinergic basal forebrain neurons of the guinea pig, it is shown that the GTPgammaS-inhibited HVA currents that occur through N-ethylmaleimide (NEM)-sensitive Gi-Go subtypes of G-proteins can be facilitated. Furthermore, although different types of HVA channels are present in these neurons, facilitation occurred mostly through disinhibition of the N-type current. On the basis of data indicating that the recovery from facilitation was relatively slow, we tested if more physiological stimuli that crudely mimicked APs (2 msec long depolarizations to 40 mV from a holding of -50 mV) potentially could induce facilitation of HVA currents inhibited by GTPgammaS and cholinergic agonists. Indeed, evidence is provided that the extent of facilitation is dependent on both the number and frequency of AP-like depolarizations. These results suggest that firing rates and patterns of discharge of neurons could influence their responsiveness to transmitters acting on N-type HVA calcium channels.

Multiple structural elements in voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels support their inhibition by G proteins

Molecular determinants of Ca2+ channel responsiveness to inhibition by receptor-coupled G proteins were investigated in Xenopus oocytes. The inhibitory response of alpha1B (N-type) channels was much larger than alpha1A (P/Q-type) channels, while alpha1C (L-type) channels were unresponsive. Differences in both degree and speed of inhibition were accounted for by variations in inhibitor off-rate. We tested proposals that inhibitory G protein and Ca2+ channel beta subunits compete specifically at the I-II loop. G protein-mediated inhibition remained unaltered in alpha1B subunits containing a point mutation in the I-II loop segment critical for Ca2+ channel beta subunit binding, and in chimeras where the I-II loop of alpha1B was replaced with counterparts from alpha1A or alpha1c. Full interconversion between modulatory behaviors of alpha1B and alpha1A was achieved only by swapping both motif I and the C-terminus in combination. Thus, essential structural elements for G protein modulation reside in multiple Ca2+ channel domains.

Voltage-dependent modulation of single N-Type Ca2+ channel kinetics by receptor agonists in IMR32 cells

The voltage-dependent inhibition of single N-type Ca(2+) channels by noradrenaline (NA) and the delta-opioid agonist D-Pen(2)-D-Pen (5)-enkephalin (DPDPE) was investigated in cell-attached patches of human neuroblastoma IMR32 cells with 100 mM Ba(2+) and 5 microM nifedipine to block L-type channels. In 70% of patches, addition of 20 microM NA + 1 microM DPDPE delayed markedly the first channel openings, causing a four- to fivefold increase of the first latency at +20 mV. The two agonists or NA alone decreased also by 35% the open probability (P(o)), prolonged partially the mean closed time, and increased the number of null sweeps. In contrast, NA + DPDPE had little action on the single-channel conductance (19 versus 19.2 pS) and minor effects on the mean open time. Similarly to macroscopic Ba(2+) currents, the ensemble currents were fast activating at control but slowly activating and depressed with the two agonists. Inhibition of single N-type channels was effectively removed (facilitated) by short and large depolarizations. Facilitatory pre-pulses increased P(o) significantly and decreased fourfold the first latency. Ensemble currents were small and slowly activating before pre-pulses and became threefold larger and fast decaying after facilitation. Our data suggest that slowdown of Ca(2+) channel activation by transmitters is mostly due to delayed transitions from a modified to a normal (facilitated) gating mode. This single-channel gating modulation could be well simulated by a Monte Carlo method using previously proposed kinetic models predicting marked prolongation of first channel openings.

Selective inhibition of high voltage-activated L-type and Q-type Ca2+ currents by serotonin in rat melanotrophs

1. Whole-cell Ca2+ currents (ICa) from cultured rat melanotrophs were identified by their sensitivity to Ca2+ channel blockers, and their modulation by serotonin (5-HT) was studied. All cells displayed high voltage-activated (HVA; > -30 mV) Ca2+ currents. A low voltage-activated (LVA; > -60 mV) Ca2+ current was detected in 92% of the cells. 2. The whole-cell ICa was insensitive to omega-conotoxin GVIA (0.5-1 microM) indicating the absence of N-type Ca2+ channels. 3. At a holding potential (Vh) of -70 mV, the L-type channel blocker nifedipine reduced ICa in a dose-dependent manner with a half-maximal effective concentration (IC50) of 28 nM. The L-type current represented 39% of the total ICa. 4. omega-Agatoxin IVA (omega-Aga IVA) produced a biphasic dose-dependent inhibition of ICa, with IC50 values of 0.4 and 91 nM, indicating the presence of P-type and Q-type Ca2+ channels, which accounted respectively for 16 and 45% of the total ICa. The P-type current was also blocked by synthetic funnel-web spider toxin (sFTX 3.3; 1-10 microM) and was present only in a subpopulation (60-70%) of cells. 5. All cells possessed a Ca2+ current which was resistant to nifedipine (10 microM) and omega-Aga IVA (50 nM). This current was not affected by Ni2+ (40 microM) but was abolished by a low concentration of Cd2+ (10 microM) and by omega-conotoxin MVIIC (1 microM) indicating that it was a Q-type Ca2+ current. 6. 5-HT (10 microM) inhibited the whole-cell ICa in 70% of the cells tested (n = 120) by activating 5-HT1A and 5-HT2C receptors. 5-HT produced either a kinetic slowing of the activation phase (37% of the cells) or a scaling down (14% of the cells) of ICa. In the majority of cells (49%) both types of inhibition were found to coexist. 7. The effects of 5-HT were voltage dependent, rendered irreversible when GTP-gamma-S (30 microM) was present in the pipette solution and abolished by pretreatment of the cells with pertussis toxin (PTX; 150 ng ml-1, 18 h). 8. Low concentrations of omega-Aga IVA (20 nM), which blocked mainly P-type channels, did not reduce the effect of 5-HT on ICa. The scaling down effect of 5-HT on ICa was eliminated in the presence of nifedipine (10 microM) and the kinetic slowing effect of 5-HT persisted after blockade of L- and P-type channels but was abolished by omega-conotoxin MVIIC (1 microM). 9. We conclude that rat melanotrophs possess functional L-, P- and Q-type Ca2+ channels and that 5-HT inhibits selectively L-type and Q-type Ca2+ currents with different modalities. These effects are voltage dependent and mediated by a PTX-sensitive G-protein.

Facilitation of Ca2+ current in excitable cells

Voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels are one of the main routes for the entry of Ca2+ into excitable cells. These channels are unique in cell-signalling terms in that they can transduce an electrical signal (membrane depolarization) via Ca2+ entry into a chemical signal, by virtue of the diverse range of intracellular Ca(2+)-dependent enzymes and processes. In a variety of cell types, currents through voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels can be increased in amplitude by a number of means. Although the term facilitation was originally defined as an increase of Ca2+ current resulting from one or a train of prepulses to depolarizing voltages, there is a great deal of overlap between facilitation by this means and enhancement by other routes, such as phosphorylation.

The modulation of calcium channel currents recorded from adult rat dorsal raphe neurones by 5-HT1A receptor or direct G-protein activation

The effect 5-HT1A receptor activation on the temperature dependence of HVA calcium channel currents has been studied in acutely isolated DR neurones, using barium as the charge carrier. 8-OH-DPAT caused a reduction in the temperature dependence of the peak current amplitude. However the most dramatic effect of 8-OH-DPAT was a large reduction in Q10 for the current activation rate. This also occurred with direct G-protein activation using GTP gamma S. In the presence of GTP gamma S, current activation became bi-exponential, rather than mono-exponential as in the control situation. The time constants of both components were significantly slower than the controls, and the Q10 for both components was significantly lower. GDP beta S had no effect on the temperature dependence or kinetics of activation of HVA current. Depolarizing prepulses applied prior to test pulses were able to reverse the action of 8-OH-DPAT on the Q10 of the activation rate. When prepulses were applied to cells containing GTP gamma S, the activation rate Q10 was similar to control values. We postulate that the highly significant reduction in activation rate Q10, seen with both 8-OH-DPAT and GTP gamma S, is as a result of a change in the mechanism underlying activation of HVA channels on depolarization. Contrary to previous models of calcium current modulation our results show that the mechanisms responsible for slowed activation by transmitters and facilitation of the residual current by depolarizing prepulses have little in common. We present a new model of transmitter modulation of HVA current, consistent with a mechanistic approach to channel subunit structure.

ATP and G proteins affect the runup of the Ca2+ current in bovine chromaffin cells

The Ca2+ current recorded by the whole-cell technique in chromaffin cells shows, before the often described rundown, a transient facilitation or runup. Initial current amplitude was 570 +/- 165 pA and then it increased by 49 +/- 23% (n = 19, SD) over 2 +/- 1 min in the absence of adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP). In the presence of ATP, this process occurred with the same magnitude but it was slowed in a dose-dependent manner, lasting 17 +/- 2 min with 2 mM ATP (n = 8). Since adenosine 5'-diphosphate (ADP) does not reproduce this ATP effect, a complex series of phosphorylations is likely to intervene and we show that, at least, a cAMP-dependent i.e., cyclic adenosine monophosphate) phosphorylation occurs. Pertussis toxin (PTX) pretreatment yielded an already maximal Ca2+ current (around 1000 pA) at the time of the patch rupture, which only slightly increased thereafter (10%, n = 11). Also, guanosine 5'-diphosphate (GDP) and guanosine 5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) (GDP[ beta s]), induced a fast runup, which was absent in the presence of GTP. Furthermore, we show that facilitation does not occur in the presence of dihydrophyridine (DHP) antagonists. Globally, our data suggest that an ATP-dependent phosphorylation stabilizes the inhibitory control exerted by a PTX-sensitive G protein and, as a result, slows down the facilitation of L-type Ca2+ channels. The recruitment of L-type channels can also be facilitated by the application of a DHP agonist or a depolarizing prepulse protocol.l We show that these processes are only effective over a period which parallels the runup and are not additive to it.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Serotonin modulates the voltage dependence of delayed rectifier and Shaker potassium channels in Drosophila photoreceptors

We describe the in situ modulation of potassium channels in a semi-intact preparation of the Drosophila retina. In whole-cell recordings of photoreceptors, rapidly inactivating Shaker channels are characterized by a conspicuously negative voltage operating range; together with a delayed rectifier, these channels are specifically modulated by the putative efferent neurotransmitter serotonin. Contrary to most potassium channel modulations, serotonin induced a reversible positive shift in the voltage operating range, of +30 mV for the Shaker channels and +10-14 mV for the delayed rectifier. The maximal current amplitudes were unaffected. Modulation was not affected by the subunit-specific Shaker mutations ShE62 and T(1;Y)W32 or a null mutation of the putative modulatory subunit eag. The modulation of both channels was mimicked by intracellularly applied GTP gamma S.

Muscarine inhibits high-threshold calcium currents with two distinct modes in rat embryonic hippocampal neurons

1. Ca2+ channel modulation by muscarine was investigated in primary cultured embryonic rat hippocampal neurons using the whole-cell variant of the patch-clamp technique. 2. Muscarine produced a reversible and concentration-dependent decrease in the Ba2+ current amplitude. In 65% of neurons sensitive to the agonist, current inhibition was time and voltage dependent, being maximal between -20 and 0 mV and decreasing at depolarizing potentials. In the remaining 35% of neurons, the effects of muscarine were voltage independent, inhibition being constant in a wide potential range between -20 and +80 mV. 3. Different receptors might be involved in the two modes of modulation. Muscarine-induced voltage-dependent inhibition of Ba2+ current was best suppressed by the muscarinic receptor antagonist 4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methyl-piperidine methiodide (81% suppression), while voltage-independent inhibition was best suppressed by AFDX116 (75% suppression). 4. In cells treated with omega-conotoxin (omega-CgTX), the voltage-independent mode of inhibition was strongly prevented, suggesting that the two modulatory mechanisms (voltage dependent and voltage independent) operate on separate classes of high-voltage-activated (HVA) Ca2+ channels. 5. A pertussis toxin-sensitive G-protein is involved in both modes of action of muscarine, since both modes were prevented by pretreatment of the cells with 50 ng ml-1 pertussis toxin. 6. Both modes of modulation were mimicked in different cells by intracellular application of GTP-gamma-S. However, the onset of voltage-independent inhibition was about 5 times slower than that of voltage-dependent inhibition, suggesting involvement of a more complex metabolic pathway for the former mode of channel modulation. 7. Relief of the voltage-dependent inhibition was obtained by depolarizing voltage prepulses and occurred with kinetics that depended on agonist concentration. 8. The voltage-dependent inhibition could be simulated by a kinetic model in which the time course of Ca2+ entry was assumed to be regulated by both the concentration of muscarine and membrane potential.

Concentration dependence of neurotransmitter effects on calcium current kinetics in frog sympathetic neurones

1. Noradrenaline (NA) slows the activation kinetics of N-type calcium channels, via G proteins. It has been suggested that the G proteins act by binding directly to the calcium channels. If the slow kinetics reflect binding and unbinding of G proteins, the rates should depend on the concentration of activated G protein. 2. We used different concentrations of NA, and increasing durations of intracellular dialysis with GTP-gamma-S, to vary the concentration of activated G protein. 3. At depolarized potentials (-20 or -10 mV), the slow activation kinetics showed no detectable concentration dependence. This analysis required correction for effects of inactivation on the measured time constants. 4. At -80 mV, reinhibition of calcium channel current was more rapid for larger responses. Thus, the effect appears to be concentration dependent at -80 mV, but not at more depolarized voltages. 5. This voltage dependence is actually expected from kinetic principles: the binding step is rate limiting when the position of equilibrium is toward the bound state (at -80 mV), but not when equilibrium favours unbinding (when the channel is open). 6. During inhibition, the channel appears to 'sense' directly the concentration of the modulator, possibly active G proteins.

Sensory neuron N-type calcium currents are inhibited by both voltage-dependent and -independent mechanisms

The voltage dependence of gamma-aminobutyric-acid- and norepinephrine-induced inhibition of N-type calcium current in cultured embryonic chick dorsal-root ganglion neurons was studied with whole-cell voltage-clamp recording. The inhibitory action of the neurotransmitters was comprised of at least two distinct modulatory components, which were separable on the basis of their differential voltage dependence. The first component, which we term "kinetic slowing", is associated with a slowing of the activation kinetics--an effect that subsides during a test pulse. The kinetic-slowing component is largely reversed at depolarized voltages (i.e., it is voltage-dependent). The second component, which we term "steady-state inhibition", is by definition not associated with a change in activation kinetics and is present throughout the duration of a test pulse. The steady-state inhibition is not reversed at depolarized voltages (i.e., it is voltage-independent). Although the two components can be separated on the basis of their voltage dependence, they appear to be indistinguishable in their time courses for onset and recovery as well as their rates of desensitization following multiple applications of transmitter. Furthermore, neither component requires cell dialysis, as both are observed using perforated-patch as well as whole-cell recording configurations. The co-existence in nerve terminals of both voltage-dependent and -independent mechanisms to modulate calcium channel function could offer a means of differentially controlling synaptic transmission under conditions of low- and high-frequency presynaptic discharge.

Voltage dependence of G-protein-mediated inhibition of high-voltage-activated calcium channels in rat pituitary melanotropes

Dopamine D2 receptor stimulation inhibited high-threshold, slowly inactivating (L-type) barium currents of isolated, rat pituitary melanotropes in primary culture. The extent of inhibition depended on the concentration of LY 171555 applied. Current activation in the presence of LY 171555 was described by two time constants, a fast one, also observed under control conditions, and a slow one, induced by LY 171555. The slow time constant did not depend on the concentration of LY 171555. Guanosine-5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (100 microM) induced a similar inhibition of the barium currents. Depolarizing prepulses more positive than -20 mV counteracted the inhibition induced by LY 171555 as well as guanosine-5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate). The voltage dependence and time course of this disinhibition were obtained. The results suggest that the slow time course of activation during current inhibition reflects a voltage-dependent conversion of the channel from the inhibited state to an available state. This voltage dependence is probably an intrinsic property of the calcium channel. The voltage-dependent rate constants of a first-order kinetic model which describes the voltage-dependent inhibition and disinhibition were estimated.

G-protein control of voltage dependence as well as gating of muscarinic metabotropic channels in guinea-pig ileum

1. Voltage-dependent properties of muscarinic receptor cationic current activated by carbachol in single smooth muscle cells have been studied using patch-clamp recording techniques. Cells were obtained by enzymic digestion from the longitudinal muscle layer of guinea-pig small intestine. 2. The inward cationic current showed a pronounced U-shaped current-voltage relationship (inward current negative). The relationship of cationic conductance to voltage could be described by a Boltzman distribution which was shifted 36 mV in the negative direction on the voltage axis by increasing fractional receptor occupancy (by increasing agonist concentration from 3 to 300 microM), and in the positive direction by desensitization during prolonged application of agonist. Cationic channels opened by low and high concentrations of carbachol at the same potential do not have identical properties. 3. Release of GTP within the cell, by flash photolysis of an inert caged precursor, had the same effect on the current-voltage relationship as increasing receptor occupancy by the agonist. Release of GDP beta S by flash photolysis had the opposite effect. 4. These various results could be explained if cationic channel opening upon receptor activation required binding of at least one alpha-GTP subunit, but the position of the activation curve on the voltage axis depended critically on the concentration of activated G-protein alpha-subunits in the cell.

Reevaluation of Ca2+ channel types and their modulation in bullfrog sympathetic neurons

With 90 mM Ba2+, the main Ca2+ current in frog sympathetic neurons peaks near +30 mV and is blocked by omega-conotoxin GVIA (omega-CgTx). It is modulated by norepinephrine (NE) in a voltage-dependent manner via a membrane-delimited mechanism. Surprisingly, a different current dominates at more negative voltages (-30 to +10 mV). That novel current is not sensitive to selective blockers of L- or N-type channels (respectively, dihydropyridines or omega-CgTx) and is inhibited weakly if at all by NE. It is selectively inactivated at -40 mV and is selectively blocked by Ni2+, whereas Cd2+ is slightly more potent against the main current. The novel current is associated with a 19 pS channel (0.6 pA at 0 mV). This channel may have been misidentified as the single-channel correlate of the whole-cell N-type Ca2+ current in some previous studies.

ATP modulation of calcium channels in chromaffin cells

1. The effects of externally applied micromolar concentrations of adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) on Ca2+ currents (ICa) were studied in whole-cell clamped adrenaline-secreting chromaffin cells. 2. Ca2+ currents in chromaffin cells activated at about -40 mV, reached a maximum at 0 mV and had an apparent reversal potential at +50 to +60 mV, indicating the existence of only high voltage-activated Ca2+ channels. 3. ATP blocked Ca2+ current rapidly, reversibly and in a concentration-dependent manner (10(-9)-10(-4) M). 4. ATP did not completely block Ca2+ current even at the highest concentrations used (100 microM). The remaining component of Ca2+ current was characterized by slower activation and inactivation kinetics. 5. ATP blocked ICa even in the presence of nisoldipine and/or omega-conotoxin GVIA, suggesting that its modulatory role is not specific for L- and/or N-type Ca2+ channels. 6. Other adenine nucleotides also blocked the Ca2+ current partially. The order of potencies was ATP > or = ADP > AMP >> adenosine, indicating that the ATP effects are most probably mediated by a P2-type purinergic receptor. 7. Dialysis of the cells with an intracellular solution containing 1 mM guanosine 5'-O-thiodiphosphate (GDP-beta-S) or pre-incubation of the cells with pertussis toxin (PTX) blocked the inhibitory effects of ATP. 8. Intracellular application of the non-hydrolysable GTP analogue guanosine 5'-O-(3'-thiotriphosphate) (GTP-gamma-S; 50 microM) also decreased ICa in a manner similar to that seen for ATP and significantly reduced the ATP inhibitory effect. 9. Conditioning pulses to potentials positive to +80 mV partly reversed the inhibitory effects of ATP on the Ca2+ current. The prepulse-induced enhancement of ICa depended on [GTP]i-related G protein activity such that concentrations larger than 200 microM GTP, or GTP-gamma-S (50 microM) were required for significant prepulse potentiation of the Ca2+ current, while dialysis with GDP-beta-S prevented it. 10. We conclude that the ATP, co-released with catecholamines in the intact adrenal gland, may inhibit the secretory process by down-regulating the Ca2+ channel via a P2-type purinergic receptor coupled to a PTX-sensitive G protein.

Modulation of Ca2+ channels by protein kinase C in rat central and peripheral neurons: disruption of G protein-mediated inhibition

Activation of protein kinase C (PKC) reduced G protein-dependent inhibition of Ca2+ channels by glutamate, GA-BAB, adenosine, muscarinic, alpha-adrenergic, and LHRH receptors in a variety of central and peripheral neurons. PKC stimulation also relieved the inhibitory effect of internal GTP gamma S and reduced tonic G protein-mediated inhibition observed with internal GTP in the absence of transmitter receptor agonist. Basal Ca2+ channel currents were enhanced by PKC stimulation in most neurons studied. The PKC-induced enhancement of basal current was voltage dependent, and enhanced currents displayed altered kinetics. Inhibition of G proteins with GDP beta S attenuated the PKC-induced enhancement of basal Ca2+ channel current. These results show that PKC regulates the inhibitory effects of G proteins, possibly by disrupting the coupling of G proteins to Ca2+ channels. The PKC-induced enhancement of Ca2+ channel current results, at least in part, from the removal of tonic G protein-mediated inhibition.

G-proteins involved in the calcium channel signalling system

Various mechanisms have been identified by which hormones and neurotransmitters interacting with seven transmembrane alpha-helical spanning segments receptors modulate the activity of ion channels. All of the mechanisms involve heterotrimeric G-proteins; the best documented are hormonal modulations of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels in cardiac, neuronal and endocrine cells. Recent studies using antisense oligonucleotide probes allow the exact identification of the G-proteins involved in these signal transduction pathways.

GABAB receptor inhibition of P-type Ca2+ channels in central neurons

P-type Ca2+ channels in cerebellar Purkinje neurons were inhibited by GABA and the GABAB receptor agonist baclofen. Inhibition of P-type Ca2+ channel current involved changes in voltage dependence and kinetics. Baclofen induced a slow phase of activation and altered tail current kinetics, and inhibition could be partly overcome by large depolarizations. These effects were mimicked by internal application of GTP gamma S, which also made the action of baclofen irreversible. In spinal cord neurons, use of selective channel blockers showed that baclofen inhibited both P-type and N-type Ca2+ channels, but not L-type Ca2+ channels; a high threshold current resistant to blockers of P-type, N-type, and L-type channels was also modulated by baclofen. These results show that stimulation of GABAB receptors in central neurons can modulate P-type Ca2+ channels through a G protein-mediated mechanism similar to the one linked to N-type Ca2+ channels.

Altered prevalence of gating modes in neurotransmitter inhibition of N-type calcium channels

G protein-mediated inhibition of voltage-activated calcium channels by neurotransmitters has important consequences for the control of synaptic strength. Single-channel recordings of N-type calcium channels in frog sympathetic neurons reveal at least three distinct patterns of gating, designated low-Po, medium-Po, and high-Po modes according to their probability of being open (Po) at -10 millivolts. The high-Po mode is responsible for the bulk of divalent cation entry in the absence of neurotransmitter. Norepinephrine greatly decreased the prevalence of high-Po gating and increased the proportion of time a channel exhibited low-Po behavior or no activity at all, which thereby reduced the overall current. Directly observed patterns of transition between the various modes suggest that activated G protein alters the balance between modal behaviors that freely interconvert even in the absence of modulatory signaling.

Membrane-delimited cell signaling complexes: direct ion channel regulation by G proteins

Ion channels are signaling molecules and by themselves perform no work. In this regard they are unlike the usual membrane enzyme effectors for G proteins. The pathways of G protein receptor, G protein and ion channels are, therefore, purely informational in function. Because a single G protein may have several ion channels as effectors, the effects should be coordinated and this seems to be the case. Inhibition of Ca2+ current and stimulation of K+ currents would have a greater impact than either alone. Additional flexibility is provided by spontaneous noise in the complexes of G protein receptor, G protein, and ion channel. By having a non-zero setpoint, the range of control is extended and the responses become bi-directional.

Prostaglandin modulation of Ca2+ channels in rat sympathetic neurones is mediated by guanine nucleotide binding proteins

1. The effects of prostaglandins on whole-cell Ca2+ currents of acutely isolated and short-term cultured adult rat superior cervical ganglion neurones were investigated using the patch-clamp technique. 2. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) produced a rapid, reversible and concentration-dependent reduction of the sympathetic neurone Ca2+ current. The effects of PGE2 were both voltage and time dependent. The relationship between Ca2+ current inhibition and test potential was 'bell' shaped with maximal inhibition occurring near the potential where the Ca2+ current amplitude was maximal (ca + 10 mV). In the presence of PGE2, the Ca2+ current rising phase was slower and biphasic at potentials between 0 and +40 mV. 3. Prolonged (> 2 min) application of 1 microM PGE2 resulted in a desensitization of the response. Similarly, repeated short (ca 1 min) applications of 1 microM PGE2 resulted in a progressive tachyphylaxis of the response. 4. A concentration-response curve for PGE2 was well described by a single-site binding isotherm. The concentration producing half-maximal block (IC50) and the maximal attainable reduction of the Ca2+ current were 7.8 nM and 48%, respectively. 5. When compared at a concentration of 1 microM, PGF2 alpha was less potent (33% inhibition) than PGE2 but otherwise produced similar effects. In contrast, 1 microM PGD2 had negligible effects. 6. Activation curves, as derived from tail current amplitudes, were described by the sum of two Boltzmann functions in both the presence and absence of PGE2. In the presence of PGE2, the activation curve was shifted toward more depolarized potentials. Most of the shift could be accounted for by a decrease in the fractional amplitude of the current component activated at hyperpolarized potentials along with a concomitant increase in the component activated at depolarized potentials. The deactivation time constant (0.33 ms), measured at -40 mV, was not altered by PGE2. 7. The majority of the Ca2+ current inhibition produced by PGE2 was relieved by depolarizing conditioning pre-pulses to +80 mV for 50 ms. 8. Dialysis of sympathetic neurones with a pipette solution containing 2.0 mM guanosine 5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) (GDP-beta-S) abolished the effects of PGE2 on the Ca2+ current. Pretreatment of the neurones overnight with pertussis toxin significantly, but incompletely, decreased the Ca2+ current inhibition produced by PGE2. 9. The prolonged Ca2+ tail current component induced by the dihydropyridine Ca2+ channel 'agonist' (+)202-791 (2 microM) was unaffected by 1 microM PGE2. 10. PGE2 partially inhibited the Ca2+ current component remaining after pretreatment of the neurones with 10 microM omega-conotoxin.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Inwardly rectifying potassium conductances in AtT-20 clonal pituitary cells

We have detected two inwardly rectifying potassium conductances in AtT-20 clonal corticotrophs, a cell line derived from the mouse pituitary gland. An agonist-independent potassium conductance was activated by voltage steps negative to the reversal potential for potassium (VK) and was completely blocked by 1 mM barium in the bathing solution. The conductance was transient and inactivated completely with a time constant of about 80 ms. Reducing the external sodium concentration from 140 mM to 14 mM attenuated inactivation. In the presence of 100 nM somatostatin an inwardly rectifying conductance, which reversed at potentials close to VK, was also elicited. This conductance exhibited a maximal slope conductance that increased with increasing extracellular potassium. Rectification depends on both voltage and extracellular potassium concentration (Vm-VK). The inward current induced by somatostatin during voltage steps negative to VK was completely blocked by 1 mM extracellular barium, whereas the outward somatostatin-induced current activated at the holding current, which was about 30 mV positive to VK, was unaffected by 1 mM extracellular barium. The muscarinic agonist carbachol (10 microM) also induces an inwardly rectifying conductance of similar magnitude to that induced by somatostatin. Since the agonist-independent potassium current exhibits sodium-dependent inactivation, whereas the hormone-induced current does not inactivate, these currents are probably carried by different populations of potassium channels.

Neuromodulation

The ability of the nervous system to respond to the environment and to learn depends upon the tuning of neuronal electrical activity, loosely called neuromodulation. The substrates for electrical activity and, therefore, neuromodulation are ion channels which may be either synaptic or extrasynaptic. Neuromodulation is dynamic and most frequently involves neurotransmitters and hormones acting via G-protein-coupled pathways.

Ca2+ channels: diversity of form and function

The past year has seen some significant advances in our understanding of the structural and functional properties of neuronal voltage-gated Ca2+ channels. Molecular cloning and protein purification studies have identified structural components, and expression studies are beginning to define the biophysical and pharmacological properties of the cloned channels. A number of studies of native Ca2+ channels show that the concept of channel modulation includes gating by both voltage and ligands.