The effect of prostaglandin E1 on ion currents of NG108-15 cells

The action of prostaglandins on ion channels

Prostaglandins, in particular PGE(2) and prostacyclin PGI(2) have diverse biological effects. Most importantly, they are involved in inflammation and pain. Prostaglandins in nano- and micromolar concentrations sensitize nerve cells, i.e. make them more sensitive to electrical or chemical stimuli. Sensitization arises from the effect of prostaglandins on ion channels and occurs both at the peripheral terminal of nociceptors at the site of tissue injury (peripheral sensitization) and at the synapses in the spinal cord (central sensitization). The first step is the binding of prostaglandins to receptors in the cell membrane, mainly EP and IP receptors. The receptors couple via G proteins to enzymes such as adenylate cyclase and phospholipase C (PLC). Activation of adenylate cyclase leads to increase of cAMP and subsequent activation of protein kinase A (PKA) or PKA-independent effects of cAMP, e.g. mediated by Epac (=exchange protein activated by cAMP). Activation of PLC causes increase of inositol phosphates and increase of cytosolic calcium. This article summarizes the effects of PGE(2), PGE(1), PGI2 and its stable analogues on non-selective cation channels and sodium, potassium, calcium and chloride channels. It describes the mechanism responsible for the facilitatory or inhibitory prostaglandin effects on ion channels. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for the development of useful new analgesics.

ONO-54918-07, a stable prostacyclin analogue, mimics the effect of prostaglandin PGE1 on NG108-15 cells

The aim of this study was to explore the effect of 0NO-54918-07, a stable prostacyclin analogue, on the current-voltage (IV) curve and the intracellular Ca2+ concentration [Ca2+]i of NG108-15 neuroblastoma x glioma hybrid cells. The IV curve was measured with ramp pulses from -70 to 0 mV, and [Ca2+]i was determined with Fura 2. Bath application of 0.2 muM ONO-54918-07 reversibly increased the holding current at -70 mV by -81.1 +/- 14.8 pA (mean +/- SEM, n = 35) and the slope of the IV curve between -70 and -50 mV by the factor 2.24 +/- 0.24. The effect of 0.2 microM prostaglandin PGE1 was similar (DeltaI (hold) = -96.1 +/- 29.9 pA, g/g (control) = 2.72 +/- 0.44, n = 9). ONO-54918-07 concentrations of 0.04, 2 and 6 microM were also effective. From the dose-response curve, the concentration for the half maximal effect was obtained as 0.054 microM. When cells did not respond to ONO-54918-07, an effect could sometimes be elicited by a ramp pulse or by a second ONO-54918-07 application 30-50 min after the first. The effect of ONO-54918-07 was not affected by pre-treatment with the EP1 antagonists ONO-8713 or SC-51089. However, a 14-40 min pre-treatment with 1 microM RO3244794, a selective prostacyclin receptor (IP) antagonist, abolished the effect of 0.2 microM PGE1. The effect of 0.2 microM ONO-54918-07 vanished completely in the presence of 5 microM RO32446794. ONO-54918-07 and PGE1 produced a slow increase in [Ca2+]i that lasted at least 6 min. Delta[Ca2+]i induced by both substances reached approximately 12% of the peak Delta[Ca2+]i induced by application of bradykinin. In only a few cells, PGE1 produced a brief, transient rise of [Ca2+]i. Using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, a prominent expression of the IP was detected in NG108-15 cells. It is concluded that ONO-54918-07 mimics the effect of PGE1, supporting the notion that the PGE1 effect on NG108-15 cells is mediated by IP receptors.