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Electro-Mechanical Whole-Heart Digital Twins: A Fully Coupled Multi-Physics Approach. MATHEMATICS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/math9111247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Mathematical models of the human heart are evolving to become a cornerstone of precision medicine and support clinical decision making by providing a powerful tool to understand the mechanisms underlying pathophysiological conditions. In this study, we present a detailed mathematical description of a fully coupled multi-scale model of the human heart, including electrophysiology, mechanics, and a closed-loop model of circulation. State-of-the-art models based on human physiology are used to describe membrane kinetics, excitation-contraction coupling and active tension generation in the atria and the ventricles. Furthermore, we highlight ways to adapt this framework to patient specific measurements to build digital twins. The validity of the model is demonstrated through simulations on a personalized whole heart geometry based on magnetic resonance imaging data of a healthy volunteer. Additionally, the fully coupled model was employed to evaluate the effects of a typical atrial ablation scar on the cardiovascular system. With this work, we provide an adaptable multi-scale model that allows a comprehensive personalization from ion channels to the organ level enabling digital twin modeling.
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Stewart L, Turner NA. Channelling the Force to Reprogram the Matrix: Mechanosensitive Ion Channels in Cardiac Fibroblasts. Cells 2021; 10:990. [PMID: 33922466 PMCID: PMC8145896 DOI: 10.3390/cells10050990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac fibroblasts (CF) play a pivotal role in preserving myocardial function and integrity of the heart tissue after injury, but also contribute to future susceptibility to heart failure. CF sense changes to the cardiac environment through chemical and mechanical cues that trigger changes in cellular function. In recent years, mechanosensitive ion channels have been implicated as key modulators of a range of CF functions that are important to fibrotic cardiac remodelling, including cell proliferation, myofibroblast differentiation, extracellular matrix turnover and paracrine signalling. To date, seven mechanosensitive ion channels are known to be functional in CF: the cation non-selective channels TRPC6, TRPM7, TRPV1, TRPV4 and Piezo1, and the potassium-selective channels TREK-1 and KATP. This review will outline current knowledge of these mechanosensitive ion channels in CF, discuss evidence of the mechanosensitivity of each channel, and detail the role that each channel plays in cardiac remodelling. By better understanding the role of mechanosensitive ion channels in CF, it is hoped that therapies may be developed for reducing pathological cardiac remodelling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Neil A. Turner
- Discovery and Translational Science Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK;
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Darkow E, Rog-Zielinska EA, Madl J, Brandel A, Siukstaite L, Omidvar R, Kohl P, Ravens U, Römer W, Peyronnet R. The Lectin LecA Sensitizes the Human Stretch-Activated Channel TREK-1 but Not Piezo1 and Binds Selectively to Cardiac Non-myocytes. Front Physiol 2020; 11:457. [PMID: 32499717 PMCID: PMC7243936 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The healthy heart adapts continuously to a complex set of dynamically changing mechanical conditions. The mechanical environment is altered by, and contributes to, multiple cardiac diseases. Mechanical stimuli are detected and transduced by cellular mechano-sensors, including stretch-activated ion channels (SAC). The precise role of SAC in the heart is unclear, in part because there are few SAC-specific pharmacological modulators. That said, most SAC can be activated by inducers of membrane curvature. The lectin LecA is a virulence factor of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and essential for P. aeruginosa-induced membrane curvature, resulting in formation of endocytic structures and bacterial cell invasion. We investigate whether LecA modulates SAC activity. TREK-1 and Piezo1 have been selected, as they are widely expressed in the body, including cardiac tissue, and they are “canonical representatives” for the potassium selective and the cation non-selective SAC families, respectively. Live cell confocal microscopy and electron tomographic imaging were used to follow binding dynamics of LecA, and to track changes in cell morphology and membrane topology in human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells and in giant unilamellar vesicles (GUV). HEK cells were further transfected with human TREK-1 or Piezo1 constructs, and ion channel activity was recorded using the patch-clamp technique. Finally, freshly isolated cardiac cells were used for studies into cell type dependency of LecA binding. LecA (500 nM) binds within seconds to the surface of HEK cells, with highest concentration at cell-cell contact sites. Local membrane invaginations are detected in the presence of LecA, both in the plasma membrane of cells (by 17 min of LecA exposure) as well as in GUV. In HEK cells, LecA sensitizes TREK-1, but not Piezo1, to voltage and mechanical stimulation. In freshly isolated cardiac cells, LecA binds to non-myocytes, but not to ventricular or atrial cardiomyocytes. This cell type specific lack of binding is observed across cardiomyocytes from mouse, rabbit, pig, and human. Our results suggest that LecA may serve as a pharmacological tool to study SAC in a cell type-preferential manner. This could aid tissue-based research into the roles of SAC in cardiac non-myocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Darkow
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Eva A Rog-Zielinska
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Josef Madl
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Annette Brandel
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lina Siukstaite
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ramin Omidvar
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Peter Kohl
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ursula Ravens
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Winfried Römer
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Rémi Peyronnet
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Galice S, Bers DM, Sato D. Stretch-Activated Current Can Promote or Suppress Cardiac Alternans Depending on Voltage-Calcium Interaction. Biophys J 2017; 110:2671-2677. [PMID: 27332125 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2016.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2015] [Revised: 05/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac alternans has been linked to the onset of ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia, leading to life-threatening arrhythmias. Here, we investigated the effects of stretch-activated currents (ISAC) on alternans using a physiologically detailed model of the ventricular myocyte. We found that increasing ISAC suppresses alternans if the voltage-Ca coupling is positive or the alternans is voltage driven. However, for electromechanically discordant alternans, which occurs when the alternans is Ca driven with negative voltage-Ca coupling, increasing ISAC promotes Ca alternans. In addition, if action potential duration-Ca transients show quasiperiodicity, we observe a biphasic effect of ISAC, i.e., suppressing quasiperiodic oscillation at small stretch but promoting electromechanically discordant alternans at larger stretch. Our results demonstrate how ISAC interacts with coupled voltage-Ca dynamical systems with respect to alternans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Galice
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Donald M Bers
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Daisuke Sato
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis, Davis, California.
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5
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Alonso S, Bär M, Echebarria B. Nonlinear physics of electrical wave propagation in the heart: a review. REPORTS ON PROGRESS IN PHYSICS. PHYSICAL SOCIETY (GREAT BRITAIN) 2016; 79:096601. [PMID: 27517161 DOI: 10.1088/0034-4885/79/9/096601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The beating of the heart is a synchronized contraction of muscle cells (myocytes) that is triggered by a periodic sequence of electrical waves (action potentials) originating in the sino-atrial node and propagating over the atria and the ventricles. Cardiac arrhythmias like atrial and ventricular fibrillation (AF,VF) or ventricular tachycardia (VT) are caused by disruptions and instabilities of these electrical excitations, that lead to the emergence of rotating waves (VT) and turbulent wave patterns (AF,VF). Numerous simulation and experimental studies during the last 20 years have addressed these topics. In this review we focus on the nonlinear dynamics of wave propagation in the heart with an emphasis on the theory of pulses, spirals and scroll waves and their instabilities in excitable media with applications to cardiac modeling. After an introduction into electrophysiological models for action potential propagation, the modeling and analysis of spatiotemporal alternans, spiral and scroll meandering, spiral breakup and scroll wave instabilities like negative line tension and sproing are reviewed in depth and discussed with emphasis on their impact for cardiac arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Alonso
- Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt, Abbestr. 2-12 10587, Berlin, Germany. Department of Physics, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Av. Dr. Marañón 44, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain
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6
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Abstract
Popdc (Popeye-domain-containing) genes encode membrane-bound proteins and are abundantly present in cardiac myocytes and in skeletal muscle fibres. Functional analysis of Popdc1 (Bves) and Popdc2 in mice and of popdc2 in zebrafish revealed an overlapping role for proper electrical conduction in the heart and maintaining structural integrity of skeletal muscle. Popdc proteins mediate cAMP signalling and modulate the biological activity of interacting proteins. The two-pore channel TREK-1 interacts with all three Popdc proteins. In Xenopus oocytes, the presence of Popdc proteins causes an enhanced membrane transport leading to an increase in TREK-1 current, which is blocked when cAMP levels are increased. Another important Popdc-interacting protein is caveolin 3, and the loss of Popdc1 affects caveolar size. Thus a family of membrane-bound cAMP-binding proteins has been identified, which modulate the subcellular localization of effector proteins involved in organizing signalling complexes and assuring proper membrane physiology of cardiac myocytes.
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Radszuweit M, Alvarez-Lacalle E, Bär M, Echebarria B. Cardiac contraction induces discordant alternans and localized block. PHYSICAL REVIEW. E, STATISTICAL, NONLINEAR, AND SOFT MATTER PHYSICS 2015; 91:022703. [PMID: 25768527 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.91.022703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
In this paper we use a simplified model of cardiac excitation-contraction coupling to study the effect of tissue deformation on the dynamics of alternans, i.e., alternations in the duration of the cardiac action potential, that occur at fast pacing rates and are known to be proarrhythmic. We show that small stretch-activated currents can produce large effects and cause a transition from in-phase to off-phase alternations (i.e., from concordant to discordant alternans) and to conduction blocks. We demonstrate numerically and analytically that this effect is the result of a generic change in the slope of the conduction velocity restitution curve due to electromechanical coupling. Thus, excitation-contraction coupling can potentially play a relevant role in the transition to reentry and fibrillation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Radszuweit
- Weierstrass Institute for Applied Analysis and Stochastics Mohrenstrasse 39, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - E Alvarez-Lacalle
- Departament de Física Aplicada, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya.BarcelonaTech, Av. Dr. Marañón 44-50, E-08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Bär
- Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt, 10587 Berlin, Germany
| | - B Echebarria
- Departament de Física Aplicada, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya.BarcelonaTech, Av. Dr. Marañón 44-50, E-08028, Barcelona, Spain
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He M, Mu J, Liu F, Ren K, Wang Y, Guo T, Wang D. Effects of a high salt intake and potassium supplementation on QT interval dispersion in normotensive healthy subjects. Intern Med 2015; 54:295-301. [PMID: 25748738 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.54.2297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
To evaluate the effects of dietary sodium intake on QT interval dispersion (QTd) in normotensive healthy subjects and assess the protective effects of dietary potassium. Methods All subjects were sequentially maintained on a protocol with a three-day baseline investigation, seven-day low-salt period (3 g/day (d), NaCL), seven-day salt loading period (18 g/d, NaCL) and a seven-day salt loading with potassium supplementation period (4.5 g/d, KCL). On the last day of each period, 24-hour urine samples were collected, the blood pressure values were measured and an electrocardiogram was recorded. The QT interval, QTd and T peak-T end interval (Tp-Te) were subsequently measured and calculated. Patients Sixty-four normotensive subjects, men and women, ranging from 28 to 60 years of age, were enrolled. Results There were no great fluctuations in heart rate after salt loading, whereas the systolic blood pressure (SBP, mmHg) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP, mmHg) increased and the corrected QT interval (QTc), corrected QT interval dispersion (QTdc) and Tp-Te values were significantly prolonged compared to that observed in the low-salt period (SBP, 118.6 ± 13.5 vs. 111.7 ± 11.3, p<0.01; DBP, 76.9 ± 8.6 vs. 71.7 ± 7.7, p<0.01; QTdc, 60.3 ± 19.4 vs. 55.6 ± 19.4, p<0.05; Tp-Te, 83.0 ± 10.1 vs. 79.8 ± 8.5, p<0.01). Surprisingly, all of these changes were reversed by potassium supplementation (SBP, 114.5 ± 12.3 vs.118.6 ± 13.5, p<0.01; DBP, 72.2 ± 7.9 vs.76.9 ± 8.6, p<0.01;QTd, 42.6 ± 15.1 vs. 47.4 ± 19.0, p<0.05; QTdc, 52.2 ± 18.0 vs. 60.3 ± 19.4, p<0.05; Tp-Te, 79.1 ± 8.5 vs. 83.0 ± 10.1, p<0.01). Conclusion Salt loading prolongs the QT interval, QTd and Tp-Te, while dietary potassium supplementation reverses these alterations. These findings suggest that potassium supplementation may improve variation in the healing time and prevent arrhythmia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingjun He
- Department of Cardiovascular, First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
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9
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Biswas A, Manivannan M, Srinivasan MA. Vibrotactile sensitivity threshold: nonlinear stochastic mechanotransduction model of the Pacinian Corpuscle. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON HAPTICS 2015; 8:102-13. [PMID: 25398183 DOI: 10.1109/toh.2014.2369422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Based on recent discoveries of stretch and voltage activated ion channels in the receptive area of the Pacinian Corpuscle (PC), this paper describes a two-stage mechanotransduction model of its near threshold Vibrotactile (VT) sensitivity valid over 10 Hz to a few kHz. The model is based on the nonlinear and stochastic behavior of the ion channels represented as dependent charge sources loaded with membrane impedance. It simulates the neural response of the PC considering the morphological and statistical properties of the receptor potential and action potential with the help of an adaptive relaxation pulse frequency modulator. This model also simulates the plateaus and nonmonotonic saturation of spike rate characteristics. The stochastic simulation based on the addition of mechanical and neural noise describes that the VT Sensitivity Threshold (VTST) at higher frequencies is more noise dependent. Above 800 Hz even a SNR = 150 improves the neurophysiological VTST more than 3 dBμ. In that frequency range, an absence of the entrainment threshold and a lower sensitivity index near the absolute threshold make the upper bound of the psychophysical VTST more dependent on the experimental protocol and physical set-up. This model can be extended to simulate the neural response of a group of PCs.
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10
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Seo K, Inagaki M, Hidaka I, Fukano H, Sugimachi M, Hisada T, Nishimura S, Sugiura S. Relevance of cardiomyocyte mechano-electric coupling to stretch-induced arrhythmias: optical voltage/calcium measurement in mechanically stimulated cells, tissues and organs. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2014; 115:129-39. [PMID: 25084395 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2014.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2014] [Accepted: 07/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Stretch-induced arrhythmias are multi-scale phenomena in which alterations in channel activities and/or calcium handling lead to the organ level derangement of the heart rhythm. To understand how cellular mechano-electric coupling (MEC) leads to stretch-induced arrhythmias at the organ level, we developed stretching devices and optical voltage/calcium measurement techniques optimized to each cardiac level. This review introduces these experimental techniques of (1) optical voltage measurement coupled with a carbon-fiber technique for single isolated cardiomyocytes, (2) optical voltage mapping combined with motion tracking technique for myocardial tissue/whole heart preparations and (3) real-time calcium imaging coupled with a laser optical trap technique for cardiomyocytes. Following the overview of each methodology, results are presented. We conclude that individual MEC in cardiomyocytes can be heterogeneous at the ventricular level, especially when moderate amplitude mechanical stretches are applied to the heart, and that this heterogeneous MEC can evoke focal excitation that develops into re-entrant arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinya Seo
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Masashi Inagaki
- Department of Cardiovascular Dynamics, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Osaka 565-0873, Japan.
| | - Ichiro Hidaka
- Division of Physical and Health Education, Graduate School of Education, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
| | - Hana Fukano
- Department of Human and Engineered Environmental Studies, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8563, Japan.
| | - Masaru Sugimachi
- Department of Cardiovascular Dynamics, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Osaka 565-0873, Japan.
| | - Toshiaki Hisada
- Department of Human and Engineered Environmental Studies, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8563, Japan.
| | - Satoshi Nishimura
- Research Division of Cell and Molecular Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan; Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Translational Systems Biology and Medicine Initiative, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan.
| | - Seiryo Sugiura
- Department of Human and Engineered Environmental Studies, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8563, Japan.
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Takahashi K, Naruse K. Stretch-activated BK channel and heart function. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2013; 110:239-44. [PMID: 23281538 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2012.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The heart is an organ that is exposed to extreme dynamic mechanical stimuli. From birth till death, the heart indefinitely repeats periodic contraction and dilation, i.e., shortening and elongation of cardiomyocytes. Mechanical stretch elicits a change in heart rate and may cause arrhythmia if it is excessive. Thus, mechanosensitivity is crucial to heart function. The molecule that is substantially involved in mechanosensitivity is a stretch-activated ion channel. Among several ion channels believed to be activated by stretch in the heart, the stretch-activated KCa (SAKCA) channel, a member of the group of large conductance (Big Potassium, BK) channels, shows a mechanosensitive (MS) response to membrane stretch. As BK channels respond to voltage and intracellular calcium concentration with large conductance, they are considered to be involved in repolarization after depolarization. Some BK channels are known to be activated by stretch and are expressed in a number of cells, including human osteoblasts and guinea pig intestinal neurons. The SAKCA channel was found to be sensitive to stretch in the chick heart. Given that the cardiomyocyte is unremittingly exposed to contraction and dilation and that it generates action potential and its contractility is modulated by intracellular calcium concentration, the SAKCA channel, which is dependent voltage and calcium, may be involved in action potential generation. It was recently reported that a BK channel is involved in the modulation of heart rate in the mouse. Further studies regarding the role of MS BK channels, including SAKCA, in the modulation of heart rate and contractility are expected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Takahashi
- Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan.
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12
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An increased TREK-1-like potassium current in ventricular myocytes during rat cardiac hypertrophy. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2013; 61:302-10. [PMID: 23232841 DOI: 10.1097/fjc.0b013e318280c5a9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
To elucidate the expression and identify the functional changes of 2 pore domain potassium channel TREK-1 during cardiac hypertrophy in rats, left ventricular hypertrophy was induced by subcutaneous injection with isoproterenol. Western blot was used to detect the expression of TREK-1 channel protein, and inside-out and whole-cell recordings were used to record TREK-1 currents. The results showed that TREK-1 protein expression in endocardium was slightly higher than that in epicardium in control left ventricles. However, it was obviously upregulated by 89.8% during hypertrophy, 2.3-fold higher than in epicardium. Mechanical stretch, intracellular acidification, and arachidonic acid could activate a TREK-1-like current in cardiomyocytes. The slope conductances of cardiac TREK-1 and CHO/TREK-1 channels were 123 ± 7 and 113 ± 17 pS, respectively. The TREK-1 inhibitor L-3-n-butylphthalide (10 μM) reduced the currents in CHO/TREK-1 cells, normal cardiomyocytes, and hypertrophic cardiomyocytes by 48.5%, 54.3%, and 55.5%, respectively. The percentage of L-3-n-butylphthalide-inhibited outward whole-cell current in hypertrophic cardiomyocytes (23.7%) was larger than that in normal cardiomyocytes (14.2%). The percentage of chloroform-activated outward whole-cell current in hypertrophic cardiomyocytes (58.3%) was also larger than normal control (40.2%). Our results demonstrated that in hypertrophic rats, TREK-1 protein expression in endocardium was specifically increased and the ratio of TREK-1 channel current in cardiac outward currents was also enhanced. TREK-1 might balance potassium ion flow during hypertrophy and might be a potential drug target for heart protection.
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Caldwell JC, Mamas MA. Heart failure, diastolic dysfunction and atrial fibrillation; mechanistic insight of a complex inter-relationship. Heart Fail Rev 2012; 17:27-33. [PMID: 21103928 DOI: 10.1007/s10741-010-9204-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) commonly coexist, and their co-presence is associated with adverse outcomes relating to thromboembolic events, HF progression, hospitalisation and death. Diastolic dysfunction (DD) is also frequently present in patients with HF and is an independent predictor of hospitalisation and mortality. The presence of DD is a strong predictor of incident AF in patients with HF. In this review, we provide mechanistic insight into pathophysiological processes that frequently promote the occurrence of AF, HF and DD and outline the yin-yang relationship between AF, DD and HF. More recently, invasive studies have also shown that asymptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) is a common phenomenon in HF patients. We examine complex inter-relationships between PAF, HF and DD and speculate upon the possible clinical influence of undiagnosed PAF in HF patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Caldwell
- Manchester Heart Centre, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester, UK.
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14
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Huang H, Wang W, Liu P, Jiang Y, Zhao Y, Wei H, Niu W. TRPC1 expression and distribution in rat hearts. Eur J Histochem 2012; 53:e26. [PMID: 22073358 PMCID: PMC3167335 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2009.e26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/09/2009] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) proteins have been identified as a family of plasma membrane calcium-permeable channels. TRPC proteins can be activated by various stimuli and act as cellular sensors in mammals. Stretch-activated ion channels (SACs) have been proposed to underlie cardiac mechano-electric feedback (MEF), although the molecular entity of SAC remains unknown. There is evidence suggesting that transient receptor potential canonical 1 (TRPC1) is a stretch-activated ion channel. As a non-selective cation channel, TRPC1 may cause stretch-induced depolarization and arrhythmia and thus may contribute to the MEF of the heart. In this study, we examined the expression patterns of TRPC1 in detail at both the mRNA and protein levels in rat hearts. We isolated total RNA from the left and right atria, and the left and right ventricles, and detected TRPC1 mRNA in these tissues using reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). To study the protein localization and targeting, we performed immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence labeling with the antibody against TRPC1. TRPC1 was detected in the cardiomyocytes of the ventricle and atrium at both the mRNA and protein levels. The cell membrane and T-tubule showed strong fluorescence labeling in the ventricular myocytes. Purkinje cells, the endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells of the coronary arterioles also displayed TRPC1 labeling. No TRPC1 was detected in fibroblasts. In conclusion, TRPC1 is widely expressed in the rat heart, including in working cells, Purkinje cells and vascular cells, suggesting that it plays an important role in the heart. The specific distribution pattern offered a useful insight into its function in adult rat ventricular cells. Further investigations are needed to clarify the role of TRPC1 in regulating cardiac activity, including cardiac MEF.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Huang
- Department of Physiology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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15
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Lindinger MI, Leung M, Trajcevski KE, Hawke TJ. Volume regulation in mammalian skeletal muscle: the role of sodium-potassium-chloride cotransporters during exposure to hypertonic solutions. J Physiol 2011; 589:2887-99. [PMID: 21486779 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2011.206730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Controversy exists as to whether mammalian skeletal muscle is capable of volume regulation in response to changes in extracellular osmolarity despite evidence that muscle fibres have the required ion transport mechanisms to transport solute and water in situ. We addressed this issue by studying the ability of skeletal muscle to regulate volume during periods of induced hyperosmotic stress using single, mouse extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle fibres and intact muscle (soleus and EDL). Fibres and intact muscles were loaded with the fluorophore, calcein, and the change in muscle fluorescence and width (single fibres only) used as a metric of volume change. We hypothesized that skeletal muscle exposed to increased extracellular osmolarity would elicit initial cellular shrinkage followed by a regulatory volume increase (RVI) with the RVI dependent on the sodium–potassium–chloride cotransporter (NKCC). We found that single fibres exposed to a 35% increase in extracellular osmolarity demonstrated a rapid, initial 27–32% decrease in cell volume followed by a RVI which took 10-20 min and returned cell volume to 90–110% of pre-stimulus values. Within intact muscle, exposure to increased extracellular osmolarity of varying degrees also induced a rapid, initial shrinkage followed by a gradual RVI, with a greater rate of initial cell shrinkage and a longer time for RVI to occur with increasing extracellular tonicities. Furthermore, RVI was significantly faster in slow-twitch soleus than fast-twitch EDL. Pre-treatment of muscle with bumetanide (NKCC inhibitor) or ouabain (Na+,K+-ATPase inhibitor), increased the initial volume loss and impaired the RVI response to increased extracellular osmolarity indicating that the NKCC is a primary contributor to volume regulation in skeletal muscle. It is concluded that mouse skeletal muscle initially loses volume then exhibits a RVI when exposed to increases in extracellular osmolarity. The rate of RVI is dependent on the degree of change in extracellular osmolarity, is muscle specific, and is dependent on the functioning of the NKCC and Na+, K+-ATPase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael I Lindinger
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 2W1.
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16
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Mechanosensitive channels in striated muscle and the cardiovascular system: not quite a stretch anymore. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2009; 54:116-22. [PMID: 19597371 DOI: 10.1097/fjc.0b013e3181aa233f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Stretch-activated or mechanosensitive channels transduce mechanical forces into ion fluxes across the cell membrane. These channels have been implicated in several aspects of cardiovascular physiology including regulation of blood pressure, vasoreactivity, and cardiac arrhythmias, as well as the adverse remodeling associated with cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. This review discusses mechanosensitive channels in skeletal muscle and the cardiovascular system and their role in disease pathogenesis. We describe the regulation of gating of mechanosensitive channels including direct mechanisms and indirect activation by signaling pathways, as well as the influence on activation of these channels by the underlying cytoskeleton and scaffolding proteins. We then focus on the role of transient receptor potential channels, several of which have been implicated as mechanosensitive channels, in the pathogenesis of adverse cardiac remodeling and as potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of heart failure.
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17
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Huang H, Wei H, Liu P, Wang W, Sachs F, Niu W. A simple automated stimulator of mechanically induced arrhythmias in the isolated rat heart. Exp Physiol 2009; 94:1054-61. [PMID: 19592413 DOI: 10.1113/expphysiol.2009.048660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Transient stretching of the ventricle can trigger arrhythmias and evoke ventricular fibrillation, especially when the stimulation occurs in the vulnerable period. To explore the sensitivity of small hearts we used a commercial pressure servo to study the kinetic relationship of left ventricular pressure to excitability and arrhythmias in the rat heart. Stimulation protocols were readily composed on the computer and programmed to vary the stimulus amplitude and timing relative to pacing. The pressure-induced premature ventricular excitations were similar to those observed in larger hearts, but the convenience of using small hearts allows the use of inexpensive transgenic animals to explore the molecular basis of transduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixia Huang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, People's Republic of China
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18
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Stretch-activated potassium channels in hypotonically induced blebs of atrial myocytes. J Membr Biol 2008; 226:17-25. [PMID: 19015804 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-008-9135-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2008] [Accepted: 10/08/2008] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Stress in the lipids of the cell membrane may be responsible for activating stretch-activated channels (SACs) in nonspecialized sensory cells such as cardiac myocytes, where they are likely to play a role in cardiac mechanoelectric feedback. We examined the influence of the mechanical microenvironment on the gating of stretch-activated potassium channels (SAKCs) in rat atrial myocytes. The goal was to examine the role of the cytoskeleton in the gating process. We recorded from blebs that have minimal cytoskeleton and cells treated with cytochalasin B (cyto-B) to disrupt filamentous actin. Histochemical and electron microscopic techniques confirmed that the bleb membrane was largely free of F-actin. Channel currents showed mechanosensitivity and potassium selectivity and were activated by low pH and arachidonic acid, similar to properties of TREK-1. Some patches showed a time-dependent decrease in current that may be adaptation or inactivation, and since this decrease appeared in control cells and blebs, it is probably not the result of adaptation in the cytoskeleton. Cyto-B treatment and blebbing caused an increase in background channel activity, suggesting a transfer of stress from actin to bilayer and then to the channel. The slope sensitivity of gating before and after cyto-B treatment was similar to that of blebs, implying the characteristic change of dimensions associated with channel gating was the same in the three mechanical environments. The mechanosensitivity of SAKCs appears to be the result of interaction with membrane lipids and not of direct involvement of the cytoskeleton.
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Youm JB, Leem CH, Zhang YH, Kim N, Han J, Earm YE. Modeling of arrhythmogenic automaticity induced by stretch in rat atrial myocytes. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIETY AND THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF PHARMACOLOGY 2008; 12:267-74. [PMID: 19967066 DOI: 10.4196/kjpp.2008.12.5.267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Since first discovered in chick skeletal muscles, stretch-activated channels (SACs) have been proposed as a probable mechano-transducer of the mechanical stimulus at the cellular level. Channel properties have been studied in both the single-channel and the whole-cell level. There is growing evidence to indicate that major stretch-induced changes in electrical activity are mediated by activation of these channels. We aimed to investigate the mechanism of stretch-induced automaticity by exploiting a recent mathematical model of rat atrial myocytes which had been established to reproduce cellular activities such as the action potential, Ca(2+) transients, and contractile force. The incorporation of SACs into the mathematical model, based on experimental results, successfully reproduced the repetitive firing of spontaneous action potentials by stretch. The induced automaticity was composed of two phases. The early phase was driven by increased background conductance of voltage-gated Na(+) channel, whereas the later phase was driven by the reverse-mode operation of Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchange current secondary to the accumulation of Na(+) and Ca(2+) through SACs. These results of simulation successfully demonstrate how the SACs can induce automaticity in a single atrial myocyte which may act as a focus to initiate and maintain atrial fibrillation in concert with other arrhythmogenic changes in the heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Boum Youm
- National Research Laboratory for Mitochondrial Signaling, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, College of Medicine, Inje University, Busan 614-735, Korea
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20
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Iscla I, Wray R, Blount P. On the structure of the N-terminal domain of the MscL channel: helical bundle or membrane interface. Biophys J 2008; 95:2283-91. [PMID: 18515388 PMCID: PMC2517020 DOI: 10.1529/biophysj.107.127423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2007] [Accepted: 05/12/2008] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanosensitive channel of large conductance, MscL, serves as a biological emergency release valve protecting bacteria from acute osmotic downshock and is to date the best characterized mechanosensitive channel. A well-recognized and supported model for Escherichia coli MscL gating proposes that the N-terminal 11 amino acids of this protein form a bundle of amphipathic helices in the closed state that functionally serves as a cytoplasmic second gate. However, a recently reexamined crystal structure of a closed state of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis MscL shows these helices running along the cytoplasmic surface of the membrane. Thus, it is unclear if one structural model is correct or if they both reflect valid closed states. Here, we have systematically reevaluated this region utilizing cysteine-scanning, in vivo functional characterization, in vivo SCAM, electrophysiological studies, and disulfide-trapping experiments. The disulfide-trapping pattern and functional studies do not support the helical bundle and second-gate hypothesis but correlate well with the proposed structure for M. tuberculosis MscL. We propose a functional model that is consistent with the collective data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Iscla
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas 75390-9040, USA
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21
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Zhang H, Shepherd N, Creazzo TL. Temperature-sensitive TREK currents contribute to setting the resting membrane potential in embryonic atrial myocytes. J Physiol 2008; 586:3645-56. [PMID: 18566002 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2008.153395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
TREK channels belong to the superfamily of two-pore-domain K(+) channels and are activated by membrane stretch, arachidonic acid, volatile anaesthetics and heat. TREK-1 is highly expressed in the atrium of the adult heart. In this study, we investigated the role of TREK-1 and TREK-2 channels in regulating the resting membrane potential (RMP) of isolated chicken embryonic cardiac myocytes. At room temperature, the average RMP of embryonic day (ED) 11 atrial myocytes was -22 +/- 2 mV. Raising the temperature to 35 degrees C hyperpolarized the membrane to -69 +/- 2 mV and activated a large outwardly rectifying K(+) current that was relatively insensitive to conventional K(+) channel inhibitors (TEA, 4-AP and Ba(2+)) but completely inhibited by tetracaine (200 microM), an inhibitor of TREK channels. The heat-induced hyperpolarization was mimicked by 10 microM arachidonic acid, an agonist of TREK channels. There was little or no inwardly rectifying K(+) current (I(K1)) in the ED11 atrial cells. In marked contrast, ED11 ventricular myocytes exhibited a normal RMP (-86.1 +/- 3.4 mV) and substantial I(K1), but no temperature- or tetracaine-sensitive K(+) currents. Both RT-PCR and real-time PCR further demonstrated that TREK-1 and TREK-2 are highly and almost equally expressed in ED11 atrium but much less expressed in ED11 ventricle. In addition, immunofluorescence demonstrated TREK-1 protein in the membrane of atrial myocytes. These data indicate the presence and function of TREK-1 and TREK-2 in the embryonic atrium. Moreover, we demonstrate that TREK-like currents have an essential role in determining membrane potential in embryonic atrial myocytes, where I(K1) is absent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hengtao Zhang
- Jean and George Brumley, Jr. Neonatal-Perinatal Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics/Division of Neonatology, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3179, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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22
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Nishimura S, Seo K, Nagasaki M, Hosoya Y, Yamashita H, Fujita H, Nagai R, Sugiura S. Responses of single-ventricular myocytes to dynamic axial stretching. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2008; 97:282-97. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2008.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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23
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Mechanical modulation of atrial flutter cycle length. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2008; 97:417-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2008.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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24
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McNary TG, Sohn K, Taccardi B, Sachse FB. Experimental and computational studies of strain-conduction velocity relationships in cardiac tissue. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2008; 97:383-400. [PMID: 18406453 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2008.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Velocity of electrical conduction in cardiac tissue is a function of mechanical strain. Although strain-modulated velocity is a well established finding in experimental cardiology, its underlying mechanisms are not well understood. In this work, we summarized potential factors contributing to strain-velocity relationships and reviewed related experimental and computational studies. We presented results from our experimental studies on rabbit papillary muscle, which supported a biphasic relationship of strain and velocity under uni-axial straining conditions. In the low strain range, the strain-velocity relationship was positive. Conduction velocity peaked with 0.59 m/s at 100% strain corresponding to maximal force development. In the high strain range, the relationship was negative. Conduction was reversibly blocked at 118+/-1.8% strain. Reversible block occurred also in the presence of streptomycin. Furthermore, our studies revealed a moderate hysteresis of conduction velocity, which was reduced by streptomycin. We reconstructed several features of the strain-velocity relationship in a computational study with a myocyte strand. The modeling included strain-modulation of intracellular conductivity and stretch-activated cation non-selective ion channels. The computational study supported our hypotheses, that the positive strain-velocity relationship at low strain is caused by strain-modulation of intracellular conductivity and the negative relationship at high strain results from activity of stretch-activated channels. Conduction block was not reconstructed in our computational studies. We concluded this work by sketching a hypothesis for strain-modulation of conduction and conduction block in papillary muscle. We suggest that this hypothesis can also explain uni-axially measured strain-conduction velocity relationships in other types of cardiac tissue, but apparently necessitates adjustments to reconstruct pressure or volume related changes of velocity in atria and ventricles.
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Affiliation(s)
- T G McNary
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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25
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Belmonte S, Morad M. 'Pressure-flow'-triggered intracellular Ca2+ transients in rat cardiac myocytes: possible mechanisms and role of mitochondria. J Physiol 2008; 586:1379-97. [PMID: 18187469 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2007.149294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac myocytes, in the intact heart, are exposed to shear/fluid forces during each cardiac cycle. Here we describe a novel Ca(2+) signalling pathway, generated by 'pressurized flows' (PFs) of solutions, resulting in the activation of slowly developing ( approximately 300 ms) Ca(2+) transients lasting approximately 1700 ms at room temperature. Though subsequent PFs (applied some 10-30 s later) produced much smaller or undetectable responses, such transients could be reactivated following caffeine- or KCl-induced Ca(2+) releases, suggesting that a small, but replenishable, Ca(2+) pool serves as the source for their activation. PF-triggered Ca(2+) transients could be activated in Ca(2+)-free solutions or in solutions that block voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels, stretch-activated channels (SACs), or the Na(+)-Ca(2+) exchanger (NCX), using Cd(2+), Gd(3+), or Ni(2+), respectively. PF-triggered Ca(2+) transients were significantly smaller in quiescent than in electrically paced myocytes. Paced Ca(2+) transients activated at the peak of PF-triggered Ca(2+) transients were not significantly smaller than those produced normally, suggesting functionally separate Ca(2+) pools for paced and PF-triggered transients. Suppression of nitric oxide (NO) or IP(3) signalling pathways did not alter the PF-triggered Ca(2+) transients. On the other hand, mitochondrial metabolic uncoupler FCCP, in the presence of oligomycin (to prevent ATP depletion), reversibly suppressed PF-triggered Ca(2+) transients, as did the mitochondrial Ca(2+) uniporter (mCU) blocker, Ru360. Reducing agent DTT and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger tempol, as well as mitochondrial NCX (mNCX) blocker CGP-37157, inhibited PF-triggered Ca(2+) transients. In rhod-2 AM-loaded and permeabilized cells, confocal imaging of mitochondrial Ca(2+) showed a transient increase in Ca(2+) on caffeine exposure and a decrease in mitochondrial Ca(2+) on application of PF pulses of solution. These signals were strongly suppressed by either Na(+)-free or CGP-37157-containing solutions, implicating mNCX in mediating the Ca(2+) release process. We conclude that subjecting rat cardiac myocytes to pressurized flow pulses of solutions triggers the release of Ca(2+) from a store that appears to access mitochondrial Ca(2+).
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Belmonte
- Department of Pharmacology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, USA
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26
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Filtered signal-averaged P-wave duration during pneumoperitoneum in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy: A reflection of pathophysiological cardiac changes. Surg Endosc 2007; 22:221-7. [DOI: 10.1007/s00464-007-9676-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2006] [Revised: 01/29/2007] [Accepted: 02/24/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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27
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Lotshaw DP. Biophysical, pharmacological, and functional characteristics of cloned and native mammalian two-pore domain K+ channels. Cell Biochem Biophys 2007; 47:209-56. [PMID: 17652773 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-007-0007-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/1999] [Revised: 11/30/1999] [Accepted: 11/30/1999] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian family of two-pore domain K+ (K2P) channel proteins are encoded by 15 KCNK genes and subdivided into six subfamilies on the basis of sequence similarities: TWIK, TREK, TASK, TALK, THIK, and TRESK. K2P channels are expressed in cells throughout the body and have been implicated in diverse cellular functions including maintenance of the resting potential and regulation of excitability, sensory transduction, ion transport, and cell volume regulation, as well as metabolic regulation and apoptosis. In recent years K2P channel isoforms have been identified as important targets of several widely employed drugs, including: general anesthetics, local anesthetics, neuroprotectants, and anti-depressants. An important goal of future studies will be to identify the basis of drug actions and channel isoform selectivity. This goal will be facilitated by characterization of native K2P channel isoforms, their pharmacological properties and tissue-specific expression patterns. To this end the present review examines the biophysical, pharmacological, and functional characteristics of cloned mammalian K2P channels and compares this information with the limited data available for native K2P channels in order to determine criteria which may be useful in identifying ionic currents mediated by native channel isoforms and investigating their pharmacological and functional characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- David P Lotshaw
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115, USA.
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28
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Gottlieb PA, Suchyna TM, Sachs F. Properties and Mechanism of the Mechanosensitive Ion Channel Inhibitor GsMTx4, a Therapeutic Peptide Derived from Tarantula Venom. CURRENT TOPICS IN MEMBRANES 2007; 59:81-109. [PMID: 25168134 DOI: 10.1016/s1063-5823(06)59004-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Mechanosensitive ion channels (MSCs) are found in all types of cells ranging from Escherichia coli to morning glories to humans. They seem to fall into two families: those in specialized receptors, such as the hair cells of the cochlea, and those in cells not clearly differentiated for sensory duty. The physiological function of the channels in nonspecialized cells has not been demonstrated, although their activity has been demonstrated innumerable times in vitro. The only specific reagent to block MSCs isGsMTx4, a 4-kDa peptide isolated from tarantula venom. Despite being isolated from venom, it is nontoxic to mice. GsMTx4 is specific for an MSC subtype, the nonselective cation channels that may be members of the transient receptor potential (TRP) family. GsMTx4 acts as a gating modifier, increasing the energy of the open state relative to the closed state. The mirror image D enantiomer of GsMTx4 is equally active, so mode of action is not via the traditional lock and key model. GsMTx4 probably acts in the boundary lipid of the channel by changing local curvature and mechanically stressing the channel toward the closed state. Despite the lack of definitive physiological data on the function of the cationic MSCs, GsMTx4 may prove useful as a drug or lead compound that can affect physiological processes. These processes would be those driven by mechanical stress, such as blood vessel autoregulation, stress-induced contraction of smooth muscle, and Ca(2+) loading in muscular dystrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip A Gottlieb
- The Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Center for Single Molecule Biophysics, SUNY at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14214
| | - Thomas M Suchyna
- The Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Center for Single Molecule Biophysics, SUNY at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14214
| | - Frederick Sachs
- The Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Center for Single Molecule Biophysics, SUNY at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14214
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29
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Iscla I, Levin G, Wray R, Blount P. Disulfide trapping the mechanosensitive channel MscL into a gating-transition state. Biophys J 2007; 92:1224-32. [PMID: 17114217 PMCID: PMC1783893 DOI: 10.1529/biophysj.106.090316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2006] [Accepted: 10/20/2006] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanosensitive channel of large conductance, MscL, serves as a biological emergency release valve protecting bacteria from acute osmotic downshock, and is to date the best characterized mechanosensitive channel. The N-terminal region of the protein has been shown to be critical for function by random, site-directed, and deletion mutagenesis, yet is structurally poorly understood. One model proposes that the extreme N-termini form a cluster of amphipathic helices that serves as a cytoplasmic second gate, separated from the pore-forming transmembrane domain by a "linker". Here, we have utilized cysteine trapping of single-cysteine mutated channels to determine the proximity, within the homopentameric complex, of residues within and just peripheral to this proposed linker. Our results indicate that all residues in this region can form disulfide bridges, and that the percentage of dimers increases when the channel is gated in vivo. Functional studies suggest that oxidation traps one of these mutated channels, N15C, into a gating-transition state that retains the capacity to obtain both fully open and closed states. The data are not easily explained by current models for the smooth transition from closed-to-open states, but predict that an asymmetric movement of one or more of the subunits commonly occurs upon gating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Iscla
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas-Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390-9040, USA
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30
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Bowman CL, Gottlieb PA, Suchyna TM, Murphy YK, Sachs F. Mechanosensitive ion channels and the peptide inhibitor GsMTx-4: history, properties, mechanisms and pharmacology. Toxicon 2007; 49:249-70. [PMID: 17157345 PMCID: PMC1852511 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2006.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Sensing the energy from mechanical inputs is ubiquitous--and perhaps the oldest form of biological energy transduction. However, the tools available to probe the mechanisms of transduction are far fewer than for the chemical and electric field sensitive transducers. The one pharmacological tool available for mechansensitive ion channels (MSCs) is a peptide (GsMTx-4) isolated from venom of the tarantula, Grammostola spatulata, that blocks cationic MSCs found in non-specialized eukaryotic tissues. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of GsMTx-4, and discuss the inevitable crosstalk between the MSC behavior and the mechanical properties of the cell cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles L Bowman
- Center for Single Molecule Biophysics and The Department of Physiology and Biophysics, SUNY at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA.
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31
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Suchyna TM, Sachs F. Mechanosensitive channel properties and membrane mechanics in mouse dystrophic myotubes. J Physiol 2007; 581:369-87. [PMID: 17255168 PMCID: PMC2075208 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2006.125021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Muscular dystrophy is associated with increased activity of mechanosensitive channels (MSCs) and increased cell calcium levels. MSCs in patches from mdx mouse myotubes have higher levels of resting activity, compared to patches from wild-type mice, and a pronounced latency of activation and deactivation. Measurements of patch capacitance and geometry reveal that the differences are linked to cortical membrane mechanics rather than to differences in channel gating. We found unexpectedly that patches from mdx mice are strongly curved towards the pipette tip by actin pulling normal to the membrane. This force produces a substantial tension (approximately 5 mN m(-1)) that can activate MSCs in the absence of overt stimulation. The inward curvature of patches from mdx mice is eliminated by actin inhibitors. Applying moderate suction to the pipette flattens the membrane, reducing tension, and making the response appear to be stretch inactivated. The pronounced latency to activation in patches from mdx mice is caused by the mechanical relaxation time required to reorganize the cortex from inward to outward curvature. The increased latency is equivalent to a three-fold increase in cortical viscosity. Disruption of the cytoskeleton by chemical or mechanical means eliminates the differences in kinetics and curvature between patches from wild-type and mdx mice. The stretch-induced increase in specific capacitance of the patch, approximately 80 fF microm(-2), far exceeds the specific capacitance of bilayers, suggesting the presence of stress-sensitive access to large pools of membrane, possibly caveoli, T-tubules or portions of the gigaseal. In mdx mouse cells the intrinsic gating property of fast voltage-sensitive inactivation is lost. It is robust in wild-type mouse cells (observed in 50% of outside-out patches), but never observed in mdx cells. This link between dystrophin and inactivation may lead to increased background cation currents and Ca2+ influx. Spontaneous Ca2+ transients in mdx mouse cells are sensitive to depolarization and are inhibited by the specific MSC inhibitor GsMTx4, in both the D and L forms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M Suchyna
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Center for Single Molecule Biophysics, State University New York (SUNY) at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA.
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32
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Petrov E, Martinac B. Modulation of channel activity and gadolinium block of MscL by static magnetic fields. EUROPEAN BIOPHYSICS JOURNAL: EBJ 2006; 36:95-105. [PMID: 17089151 DOI: 10.1007/s00249-006-0109-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2006] [Revised: 09/18/2006] [Accepted: 10/10/2006] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The magnetic field of the Earth has for long been known to influence the behaviour and orientation of a variety of living organisms. Experimental studies of the magnetic sense have, however, been impaired by the lack of a plausible cellular and/or molecular mechanism providing meaningful explanation for detection of magnetic fields by these organisms. Recently, mechanosensitive (MS) ion channels have been implied to play a role in magnetoreception. In this study we have investigated the effect of static magnetic fields (SMFs) of moderate intensity on the activity and gadolinium block of MscL, the bacterial MS channel of large conductance, which has served as a model channel to study the basic physical principles of mechanosensory transduction in living cells. In addition to showing that direct application of the magnetic field decreased the activity of the MscL channel, our study demonstrates for the first time that SMFs can reverse the effect of gadolinium, a well-known blocker of MS channels. The results of our study are consistent with a notion that (1) the effects of SMFs on the MscL channels may result from changes in physical properties of the lipid bilayer due to diamagnetic anisotropy of phospholipid molecules and consequently (2) cooperative superdiamagnetism of phospholipid molecules under influence of SMFs could cause displacement of Gd(3+) ions from the membrane bilayer and thus remove the MscL channel block.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgeny Petrov
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
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Magra M, Hughes S, El Haj AJ, Maffulli N. VOCCs and TREK-1 ion channel expression in human tenocytes. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2006; 292:C1053-60. [PMID: 17035301 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00053.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Mechanosensitive and voltage-gated ion channels are known to perform important roles in mechanotransduction in a number of connective tissues, including bone and muscle. It is hypothesized that voltage-gated and mechanosensitive ion channels also may play a key role in some or all initial responses of human tenocytes to mechanical stimulation. However, to date there has been no direct investigation of ion channel expression by human tenocytes. Human tenocytes were cultured from patellar tendon samples harvested from five patients undergoing routine total knee replacement surgery (mean age: 66 yr; range: 63-73 yr). RT-PCR, Western blotting, and whole cell electrophysiological studies were performed to investigate the expression of different classes of ion channels within tenocytes. Human tenocytes expressed mRNA and protein encoding voltage-operated calcium channel (VOCC) subunits (Ca alpha(1A), Ca alpha(1C), Ca alpha(1D), Ca alpha(2)delta(1)) and the mechanosensitive tandem pore domain potassium channel (2PK(+)) TREK-1. They exhibit whole cell currents consistent with the functional expression of these channels. In addition, other ionic currents were detected within tenocytes consistent with the expression of a diverse array of other ion channels. VOCCs and TREK channels have been implicated in mechanotransduction signaling pathways in numerous connective tissue cell types. These mechanisms may be present in human tenocytes. In addition, human tenocytes may express other channel currents. Ion channels may represent potential targets for the pharmacological management of chronic tendinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merzesh Magra
- Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine, Keele University School of Medicine, Hartshill, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 7QB, UK
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Li W, Kohl P, Trayanova N. Myocardial ischemia lowers precordial thump efficacy: an inquiry into mechanisms using three-dimensional simulations. Heart Rhythm 2006; 3:179-86. [PMID: 16443533 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2005.10.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2005] [Accepted: 10/31/2005] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Precordial thump is the first International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation-prescribed procedure for advanced life support in witnessed cardiac arrest. Success rates vary and, according to clinical evidence, are significantly reduced under ischemic conditions. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to elucidate the mechanisms involved in termination of ventricular tachycardia (VT) by precordial thump and its decreased rate of success in ischemia using a three-dimensional realistic model of electrical behavior in the rabbit ventricles. METHODS The electrophysiologic effect of precordial thump was represented by recruitment of mechanosensitive channels in the regions affected by precordial thump. In normoxia, precordial thump opened cation nonselective stretch-activated channels (SAC-NS, reversal potential -20 mV). In ischemia, precordial thump was assumed to additionally activate ATP-sensitive K+ (K(ATP)) channels (reversal potential -95 mV). Ten randomly selected cases of VT were used, and for each case the effect of precordial thump on VT was examined for normoxia and under ischemic conditions of varying severity. RESULTS Precordial thump was found to have a 60% success rate in normoxia and 30% in ischemia. Results demonstrate that precordial thump-induced SAC-NS opening in normoxia reduced heterogeneity in transmembrane potential by partially repolarizing excited tissue and depolarizing resting myocardium, potentially causing foci of excitation that eradicate the excitable gap, thus facilitating VT termination. Decreased precordial thump efficacy in ischemia was caused by recruitment of K(ATP), which diminished the depolarizing effect of SAC-NS on resting tissue and caused pronounced action potential shortening, thus facilitating establishment of reentry. CONCLUSION This study provides mechanistic insight into precordial thump mechanisms and its reduced clinical utility in patients with myocardial ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weihui Li
- Biomedical Engineering, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70118, USA.
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Honoré E, Patel AJ, Chemin J, Suchyna T, Sachs F. Desensitization of mechano-gated K2P channels. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2006; 103:6859-64. [PMID: 16636285 PMCID: PMC1458984 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0600463103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuronal mechano-gated K2P channels TREK-1 and TRAAK show pronounced desensitization within 100 ms of membrane stretch. Desensitization persists in the presence of cytoskeleton disrupting agents, upon patch excision, and when channels are expressed in membrane blebs. Mechanosensitive currents evoked with a variety of complex stimulus protocols were globally fit to a four-state cyclic kinetic model in detailed balance, without the need to introduce adaptation of the stimulus. However, we show that patch stress can be a complex function of time and stimulation history. The kinetic model couples desensitization to activation, so that gentle conditioning stimuli do not cause desensitization. Prestressing the channels with pressure, amphipaths, intracellular acidosis, or the E306A mutation reduces the peak-to-steady-state ratio by changing the preexponential terms of the rate constants, increasing the steady-state current amplitude. The mechanical responsivity can be accounted for by a change of in-plane area of approximately 2 nm2 between the closed and open conformations. Desensitization and its regulation by chemical messengers is predicted to condition the physiological role of K2P channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Honoré
- *Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Unité Mixte de Recherche 6097, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 660 Route des Lucioles, 06560 Valbonne, France; and
- To whom correspondence may be addressed. E-mail:
or
| | - Amanda Jane Patel
- *Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Unité Mixte de Recherche 6097, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 660 Route des Lucioles, 06560 Valbonne, France; and
| | - Jean Chemin
- L’Institut de Génétique Humaine, Unité Propre de Recherche 1142, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 141 Rue de la Cardonille, 34396 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - Thomas Suchyna
- Single Molecule Biophysics, 301 Cary Hall, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14214
| | - Frederick Sachs
- Single Molecule Biophysics, 301 Cary Hall, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14214
- To whom correspondence may be addressed. E-mail:
or
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Suchyna TM, Besch SR, Sachs F. Dynamic regulation of mechanosensitive channels: capacitance used to monitor patch tension in real time. Phys Biol 2005; 1:1-18. [PMID: 16204817 DOI: 10.1088/1478-3967/1/1/001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
All cells, from bacteria to human, are mechanically sensitive. The most rapid of these membrane protein transducers are mechanosensitive ion channels, ionic pores in the membrane that open and close in response to membrane tension. In specific sensory organs, these channels serve the senses of touch and hearing, and inform the central nervous system about the filling of hollow organs such as the bladder. Non-specialized cells use these channels to report on changes in cell volume and local strain. To preserve dynamic sensitivity, sensory receptors adapt to steady-state stimuli. Here we show that in rat astrocytes, the most abundant cells in the brain, this apparent adaptation to the stimulus is actually an inactivation. We have been able to track the time course of local strain by measuring attofarad changes in membrane capacitance and show that it is not correlated with loss of channel activity. The reduction in current with time is caused by an increased occupancy of low conductance states, and a reduction in the probability of opening, not a relaxation of local stress. The occupancy of these substates depends on the integrity of the cell's cytoplasm. However, while disruption of the cytoskeleton leads to a loss of inactivation, it leaves activation unaffected. The activation process is voltage-insensitive, closely correlated with changes in capacitance, and seems to arise solely from stress in the bilayer. The inactivation rate decreases with depolarization, and kinetic analysis suggests that the process involves multiple cytoplasmic ligands. Surprisingly, multivalent ions such as Gd(+3) and Ca(+2) that bind to the lipids and affect channel gating, do not affect the strain-induced increase in membrane capacitance; contrary to expectations, membrane elasticity is unchanged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M Suchyna
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, SUNY at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA.
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Gilmour RF, Zipes DP. Mechanisms of disease: new mechanisms of antiarrhythmic actions. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 1:37-41. [PMID: 16265258 DOI: 10.1038/ncpcardio0024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2004] [Accepted: 09/20/2004] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac arrhythmias are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in many developed countries. Despite intensive investigation, the cellular mechanisms for most cardiac arrhythmias have not been clearly established. As a consequence, drug therapy for most forms of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias remains largely empirical and ineffective, leading to the increased use of nonpharmacologic treatments. Clearly, new approaches to the prevention of cardiac arrhythmias are needed. Here we review the current experimental basis for several promising antiarrhythmic strategies, with a focus on those targeted against atrial and ventricular fibrillation. Although none of these strategies is yet ready for clinical application, they provide a basis for cautious optimism that effective pharmacologic therapy for fatal cardiac rhythm disturbances could be forthcoming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert F Gilmour
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
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Trayanova N, Li W, Eason J, Kohl P. Effect of stretch-activated channels on defibrillation efficacy. Heart Rhythm 2005; 1:67-77. [PMID: 15851121 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2004.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2003] [Accepted: 01/26/2004] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to explore whether defibrillation threshold elevation could be caused by sustained recruitment of stretch-activated channels (SACs) and, if so, what are the underlying mechanisms. BACKGROUND Clinical studies have demonstrated that patients with dilated and overloaded ventricles have elevated defibrillation threshold. Prolonged ventricular stretch has been suggested as a possible factor in defibrillation threshold elevation; however, its role remains unclear. METHODS A two-dimensional finite-element bidomain model of ventricular defibrillation was used in the study. Retaining the geometrical parameters in the model, defibrillation dose-response curves were constructed with and without SACs to isolate the effect of stretch on shock outcome. RESULTS Simulations demonstrate that SAC activation leads to flattening of dose-response curve and increases in defibrillation threshold and effective dose for defibrillation by 31.4% and 18.8%, respectively. Examination of the electrophysiologic properties associated with sustained SAC recruitment pinpointed the main mechanisms responsible for the decrease in defibrillation efficacy. The lower conduction velocity of the shock-induced break excitations and the more positive transmembrane potential at the end of the effective refractory period in the tissue with SACs are proposed as main reasons for defibrillation threshold elevation. CONCLUSIONS Demonstrating the contribution of SACs to defibrillation threshold elevation identifies SACs as an attractive pharmaceutical target to reduce defibrillation threshold in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Trayanova
- Biomedical Engineering, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70118, USA.
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Kong CR, Bursac N, Tung L. Mechanoelectrical excitation by fluid jets in monolayers of cultured cardiac myocytes. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2005; 98:2328-36; discussion 2320. [PMID: 15731396 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.01084.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the prevailing view of mechanoelectric feedback (MEF) in the heart is in terms of longitudinal cell stretch, other mechanical forces are considerable during the cardiac cycle, including intramyocardial pressure and shear stress. Their contribution to MEF is largely unknown. In this study, mechanical stimuli in the form of localized fluid jet pulses were applied to neonatal rat ventricular cells cultured as confluent monolayers. Such pulses result in pressure and shear stresses (but not longitudinal stretch) in the monolayer at the point of impingement. The goal was to determine whether these mechanical stimuli can trigger excitation, initiate a propagated wave, and induce reentry. Cells were stained with the voltage-sensitive dye RH237, and multi-site optical mapping was used to record the spread of electrical activity in isotropic and anisotropic monolayers. Pulses (10 ms) with velocities ranging from 0.3 to 1.8 m/s were applied from a 0.4-mm diameter nozzle located 1 mm above the cell monolayer. Fluid jet pulses resulted in circular wavefronts that propagated radially from the stimulus site. The likelihood for mechanical stimulation was quantified as an average stimulus success rate (ASSR). ASSR increased with jet amplitude and time waited between stimuli and decreased with the application of gadolinium and streptomycin, blockers of stretch-activated channels, but not with nifedipine, a blocker of the L-type Ca channel. Absence of cellular injury was confirmed by smooth propagation maps and propidium iodide stains. In rare instances, the mechanical pulse resulted in the induction of reentrant activity. We conclude that mechanical stimuli other than stretch can evoke action potentials, propagated activity, and reentrant arrhythmia in two-dimensional sheets of cardiac cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chae-Ryon Kong
- Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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Abstract
Connexins form gap junction channels that provide a hydrophilic path between cell interiors. Some connexins, particularly the lens connexins, Cx46 and Cx50 and their orthologs, can form functional hemichannels in nonjunctional membranes. These hemichannels are a nonselective conduit to the extracellular medium and may jeopardize cell survival. The physiological function of hemichannels has remained elusive, but it has been postulated that hemichannels are involved in ATP-release caused by mechanical stimulation. Here we show with single-channel and whole cell electrophysiological studies that Cx46 hemichannels are mechanosensitive, like other families of ion channels and membrane-bound enzymes. The hemichannel response to mechanical stress is bipolar. At negative potentials stress opens the channel, and at positive potentials stress closes it. Physiologically, Cx46 hemichannels may assist accommodation of the ocular lens by providing a transient path for volume flow as the lens changes shape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Bao
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida 33136, USA
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Ostrow LW, Sachs F. Mechanosensation and endothelin in astrocytes--hypothetical roles in CNS pathophysiology. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 48:488-508. [PMID: 15914254 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresrev.2004.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2003] [Revised: 08/19/2004] [Accepted: 09/09/2004] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Endothelin (ET) is a potent autocrine mitogen produced by reactive and neoplastic astrocytes. ET has been implicated in the induction of astrocyte proliferation and other transformations engendered by brain pathology, and in promoting the malignant behavior of astrocytomas. Reactive astrocytes containing ET are found in the periphery/penumbra of a wide array of CNS pathologies. Virtually all brain pathology deforms the surrounding parenchyma, either by direct mass effect or edema. Mechanical stress is a well established stimulus for ET production and release by other cell types, but has not been well studied in the brain. However, numerous studies have illustrated that astrocytes can sense mechanical stress and translate it into chemical messages. Furthermore, the ubiquitous reticular meshwork formed by interconnected astrocytes provides an ideal morphology for sensing and responding to mechanical disturbances. We have recently demonstrated stretch-induced ET production by astrocytes in vitro. Inspired by this finding, the purpose of this article is to review the literature on (1) astrocyte mechanosensation, and (2) the endothelin system in astrocytes, and to consider the hypothesis that mechanical induction of the ET system may influence astrocyte functioning in CNS pathophysiology. We conclude by discussing evidence supporting future investigations to determine whether specific inhibition of stretch-activated ion channels may represent a novel strategy for treating or preventing CNS disturbances, as well as the relevance to astrocyte-derived tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyle W Ostrow
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, S.U.N.Y. at Buffalo, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
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Abstract
Potassium (K+) channels exist in all three domains of organisms: eubacteria, archaebacteria, and eukaryotes. In higher animals, these membrane proteins participate in a multitude of critical physiological processes, including food and fluid intake, locomotion, stress response, and cognitive functions. Metabolic regulatory factors such as O2, CO2/pH, redox equivalents, glucose/ATP/ADP, hormones, eicosanoids, cell volume, and electrolytes regulate a diverse group of K+ channels to maintain homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Dong Tang
- Department of Physiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA.
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Kohl P, Ravens U. Cardiac mechano-electric feedback: past, present, and prospect. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2003; 82:3-9. [PMID: 12732264 DOI: 10.1016/s0079-6107(03)00022-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Mechanical effects on heart rhythm have been known to the clinical community for well over a century, and documented cases include both arrhythmogenic and pro-rhythmic consequences of mechanical stimulation. The intracardiac pathway that leads from changes in the cardiac mechanical environment to altered electrical activity is referred to as mechano-electric feedback (MEF). Fundamental research into the mechanisms underlying cardiac MEF is 'engineering-intensive', and much of the current insight would have been impossible without the introduction of novel techniques for the study of isolated cardiac cells. Clinical and basic research into MEF have developed over different time scales, often uninformed of each other, and utilizing disparate concepts and terminology. Bridging the gap between the two domains is not straightforward, as physicians and scientists tend to publish in different journals and attend different meetings. There is, however, a growing interest in 're-uniting' the clinic and basic MEF research, as witnessed by an increasing number of dedicated journal issues and international meetings, including events hosted by major European and American professional organisations such as the ESC and NASPE. Last year alone saw an international workshop on Cardiac MEF & Arrhythmias at Oxford, as well as dedicated sessions at NASPE's 23rd annual meeting in San Diego, CardioStim 2002 in Nice, and the UK Physiological Society meeting in Leeds. This volume of Progress in Biophysics and Molecular Biology incorporates clinical and basic science results, and it is fitting that its publication coincides with a special session on cardiac MEF at the 2003 meeting of NASPE.
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Baumgarten CM, Clemo HF. Swelling-activated chloride channels in cardiac physiology and pathophysiology. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2003; 82:25-42. [PMID: 12732266 DOI: 10.1016/s0079-6107(03)00003-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Characteristics and functions of the cardiac swelling-activated Cl current (I(Cl,swell)) are considered in physiologic and pathophysiologic settings. I(Cl,swell) is broadly distributed throughout the heart and is stimulated not only by osmotic and hydrostatic increases in cell volume, but also by agents that alter membrane tension and direct mechanical stretch. The current is outwardly rectifying, reverses between the plateau and resting potentials (E(m)), and is time-independent over the physiologic voltage range. Consequently, I(Cl,swell) shortens action potential duration, depolarizes E(m), and acts to decrease cell volume. Because it is activated by stimuli that also activate cation stretch-activated channels, I(Cl,swell) should be considered as a potential effector of mechanoelectrical feedback. I(Cl,swell) is activated in ischemic and non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathies and perhaps during ischemia and reperfusion. I(Cl,swell) plays a role in arrhythmogenesis, myocardial injury, preconditioning, and apoptosis of myocytes. As a result, I(Cl,swell) potentially is a novel therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clive M Baumgarten
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298-0551, USA. clive.baumgarten.vcu.edu
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Calaghan SC, Belus A, White E. Do stretch-induced changes in intracellular calcium modify the electrical activity of cardiac muscle? PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2003; 82:81-95. [PMID: 12732270 DOI: 10.1016/s0079-6107(03)00007-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Stretch of the myocardium influences the shape and amplitude of the intracellular Ca(2+)([Ca(2+)](i)) transient. Under isometric conditions stretch immediately increases myofilament Ca(2+) sensitivity, increasing force production and abbreviating the time course of the [Ca(2+)](i) transient (the rapid response). Conversely, muscle shortening can prolong the Ca(2+) transient by decreasing myofilament Ca(2+) sensitivity. During the cardiac cycle, increased ventricular dilation may increase myofilament Ca(2+) sensitivity during diastolic filling and the isovolumic phase of systole, but enhance the decrease in myofilament Ca(2+) sensitivity during the systolic shortening of the ejection phase. If stretch is maintained there is a gradual increase in the amplitude of the Ca(2+) transient and force production, which takes several minutes to develop fully (the slow response). The rapid and slow responses have been reported in whole hearts and single myocytes. Here we review stretch-induced changes in [Ca(2+)](i) and the underlying mechanisms. Myocardial stretch also modifies electrical activity and the opening of stretch-activated channels (SACs) is often used to explain this effect. However, the myocardium has many ionic currents that are regulated by [Ca(2+)](i) and in this review we discuss how stretch-induced changes in [Ca(2+)](i) can influence electrical activity via the modulation of these Ca(2+)-dependent currents. Our recent work in single ventricular myocytes has shown that axial stretch prolongs the action potential. This effect is sensitive to either SAC blockade by streptomycin or the buffering of [Ca(2+)](i) with BAPTA, suggesting that both SACs and [Ca(2+)](i) are important for the full effects of axial stretch on electrical activity to develop.
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Affiliation(s)
- S C Calaghan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, West Yorkshire, UK
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