Depolarization of rat brain synaptosomes increases phosphorylation of voltage-sensitive sodium channels

Proteomic profiling of the phosphoproteins in the rat thalamus, hippocampus and frontal lobe after propofol anesthesia

Background

Propofol is a safe and effective intravenous anesthetic that is widely used for the induction and maintenance of anesthesia during surgery. However, the mechanism by which propofol exerts its anesthetic effect remains unknown. The rapid onset of phosphorylation modifications coincides with that of propofol anesthesia.

Methods

Propofol-anesthetized rat models were built and phosphorylated proteins in the thalamus, hippocampus and frontal lobe were enriched the to analyze the changes in these phosphoproteins after propofol anesthesia.

Results

Sixteen of these phosphoprotein spots were successfully identified using MALDI-TOF MS and a subsequent comparative sequence search in the Mascot database. Of these proteins, keratin 18 and the tubulin 2c chain are cytoskeletal proteins; keratin 18 and gelsolin are relevant to alcohol drowsiness. Based on Western blot analysis, we also confirmed that the phosphorylation of these proteins is directly induced by propofol, indicating that propofol anesthesia may be relevant to cytoskeletal proteins and alcohol drowsiness.

Conclusions

These identified propofol-induced phosphorylations of proteins provide meaningful contributions for further studying the anesthetic mechanism of propofol.

Regulation/modulation of sensory neuron sodium channels

The pseudounipolar sensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) give rise to peripheral branches that convert thermal, mechanical, and chemical stimuli into electrical signals that are transmitted via central branches to the spinal cord. These neurons express unique combinations of tetrodotoxin-sensitive (TTX-S) and tetrodotoxin-resistant (TTX-R) Na(+) channels that contribute to the resting membrane potential, action potential threshold, and regulate neuronal firing frequency. The small-diameter neurons (<25 μm) isolated from the DRG represent the cell bodies of C-fiber nociceptors that express both TTX-S and TTX-R Na(+) currents. The large-diameter neurons (>35 μm) are typically low-threshold A-fibers that predominately express TTX-S Na(+) currents. Peripheral nerve damage, inflammation, and metabolic diseases alter the expression and function of these Na(+) channels leading to increases in neuronal excitability and pain. The Na(+) channels expressed in these neurons are the target of intracellular signaling cascades that regulate the trafficking, cell surface expression, and gating properties of these channels. Post-translational regulation of Na(+) channels by protein kinases (PKA, PKC, MAPK) alter the expression and function of the channels. Injury-induced changes in these signaling pathways have been linked to sensory neuron hyperexcitability and pain. This review examines the signaling pathways and regulatory mechanisms that modulate the voltage-gated Na(+) channels of sensory neurons.

Regulation of sodium channel activity by phosphorylation

Voltage-gated sodium channels carry the major inward current responsible for action potential depolarization in excitable cells as well as providing additional inward current that modulates overall excitability. Both their expression and function is under tight control of protein phosphorylation by specific kinases and phosphatases and this control is particular to each type of sodium channel. This article examines the impact and mechanism of phosphorylation for isoforms where it has been studied in detail in an attempt to delineate common features as well as differences.

Voltage-dependent and Src-mediated regulation of NMDA receptor single channel outward currents in cortical neurons

A voltage-dependent but Ca2+-independent regulation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor outward activity was studied at the single channel level using outside-out patches of cultured mouse cortical neurons. Unlike the inward activity associated with Ca2+ and Na+ influx, the NMDA receptor outward K+ conductance was unaffected by changes in Ca2+ concentration. Following a depolarizing pre-pulse, the single channel open probability (NP o), amplitude, and open duration of the NMDA inward current decreased, whereas the same pre-depolarization increased those parameters of the NMDA outward current (pre-pulse facilitation). The outward NP o was increased by the pre-pulse facilitation, disregarding Ca2+ changes. The voltage-current relationships of the inward and outward currents were shifted by the pre-depolarization toward opposite directions. The Src family kinase inhibitor, PP1, and the Src kinase antibody, but not the anti-Fyn antibody, blocked the pre-pulse facilitation of the NMDA outward activity. On the other hand, a hyperpolarizing pre-pulse showed no effect on NMDA inward currents but inhibited outward currents (pre-pulse depression). Application of Src kinase, but not Fyn kinase, prevented the pre-pulse depression. We additionally showed that a depolarization pre-pulse potentiated miniature excitatory synaptic currents (mEPSCs). The effect was blocked by application of the NMDA receptor antagonist AP-5 during depolarization. These data suggest a voltage-sensitive regulation of NMDA receptor channels mediated by Src kinase. The selective changes in the NMDA receptor-mediated K+ efflux may represent a physiological and pathophysiological plasticity at the receptor level in response to dynamic changes in the membrane potential of central neurons.

Regulation of Na v channels in sensory neurons

Voltage-gated Na(+) channels have an essential role in the biophysical properties of nociceptive neurons. Factors that regulate Na(+) channel function are of interest from both pathophysiological and therapeutic perspectives. Increasing evidence indicates that changes in expression or inappropriate modulation of these channels leads to electrical instability of the cell membrane and the inappropriate spontaneous activity that is observed following nerve injury, and that this might contribute to neuropathic pain. The role of Na(v) channels in nociception depends on modulation by factors such as auxiliary beta-subunits, cytoskeletal proteins and the phosphorylation state of neurons. In this review we describe the modulation of Na(v) channels on sensory neurons by auxiliary beta-subunits, protein kinases and cytoskeletal proteins.

Dopamine receptor activation can reduce voltage-gated Na+ current by modulating both entry into and recovery from inactivation

We tested whether dopamine receptor activation modulates the voltage-gated Na+ current of goldfish retinal ganglion cells, using a fast voltage-clamp amplifier, perforated-patch whole cell mode, and a physiological extracellular Na+ concentration. As found in other cells, activators of D1-type dopamine receptors and of protein kinase A reduced the amplitude of current activated by depolarizations from resting potential without altering the current kinetics or activation range. However, D1-type dopamine receptor activation also accelerated the rate of entry into inactivation during subthreshold depolarizations and slowed the rate of recovery from inactivation after single, brief depolarizations. Our results provide the first evidence in any preparation that D1-type receptor activation can produce both of these latter effects.

Calcineurin in memory and bidirectional plasticity

The molecular mechanisms of learning and memory, and the underlying bidirectional changes in synaptic plasticity that sustain them largely implicate protein kinases and phosphatases. Specifically, Ca(2+)-dependent kinases and phosphatases actively control neuronal processing by forming a tightly regulated balance in which they oppose each other. In this balance, calcineurin (PP2B) is a critical protein phosphatase whose main function is to negatively modulate learning, memory, and plasticity. It acts by dephosphorylating numerous substrates in different neuronal compartments. This review outlines some of CN neuronal targets and their implication in synaptic functions, and describes the role of CN in the acquisition, storage, retrieval, and extinction of memory, as well as in bidirectional plasticity.

A role for phosphorylation in the maintenance of resurgent sodium current in cerebellar purkinje neurons

Cerebellar Purkinje neurons express voltage-gated, tetrodotoxin (TTX)-sensitive sodium channels that not only open and inactivate rapidly during depolarization but also reopen during repolarization, carrying an unusual "resurgent" sodium current. Expression of Na(V)1.6 alpha subunits appears necessary but not sufficient to generate this component of current; Purkinje cells without Na(V)1.6 lack resurgent current, but resurgent current is absent from many other Na(V)1.6-expressing neurons. These observations raise the question of how modulation or modification of the Na(V)1.6 subunit may lead to production of resurgent current. Previous studies have suggested that sodium channels of Purkinje neurons are subject to a rapid, voltage-dependent, open channel block by an endogenous particle whose unbinding allows resurgent current to flow. To investigate the nature of this block, we recorded TTX-sensitive sodium currents in outside-out patches from Purkinje cells acutely isolated from mice. In all patches, step depolarizations evoked transient current, and step repolarizations evoked resurgent current. The amplitudes of the transient and resurgent currents were highly correlated across patches (R(2) > 0.99), suggesting that the blocking agent is closely associated with the channel. Intracellular protease eliminated fast inactivation, indicating that the blocking element, like the fast inactivation gate, may be proteinaceous. Intracellular application of alkaline phosphatase abolished resurgent current and significantly slowed inactivation of transient current. The phosphatase inhibitor vanadate reduced these effects. Together, the results suggest that constitutive phosphorylation of the sodium channel complex of Purkinje neurons is necessary to maintain a functional blocking element and produce resurgent sodium current.

Phorbol ester-induced inhibition of potassium currents in rat sensory neurons requires voltage-dependent entry of calcium

The whole cell patch-clamp technique was used to examine the effects of protein kinase C (PKC) activation (via the phorbol ester, phorbol 12,13 dibutyrate, PDBu) on the modulation of potassium currents (I(K)) in cultured capsaicin-sensitive neurons isolated from dorsal root ganglia from embryonic rat pups and grown in culture. PDBu, in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, reduced I(K) measured at +60 mV by approximately 30% if the holding potential (V(h)) was -20 or -47 mV but had no effect if V(h) was -80 mV. The PDBu-induced inhibition of I(K) was blocked by pretreatment with the PKC inhibitor bisindolylmaleimide I and I(K) was unaffected by 4-alpha phorbol, indicating that the suppression of I(K) was mediated by PKC. The inhibition of I(K) by 100 nM PDBu at a V(h) of -50 mV was reversed over several minutes if V(h) was changed to -80 mV. In addition, intracellular perfusion with 5 mM bis-(o-aminophenoxy)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA) or pretreatment with omega-conotoxin GVIA or Cd(2+)-Ringer, but not nifedipine, prevented the PDBu-induced suppression of I(K) at -50 mV, suggesting that a voltage-dependent influx of calcium through N-type calcium channels was necessary for the activation of PKC. The potassium channel blockers tetraethylammonium (TEA, 10 mM) and 4-aminopyridine (4-AP, 3 mM and 30 microM) reduced I(K), but only TEA attenuated the ability of PDBu to further inhibit the current, suggesting that the I(K) modified by PDBu was sensitive to TEA. Interestingly, in the presence of 3 mM or 30 microM 4-AP, 100 nM PDBu inhibited I(K) when V(h) was -80 mV. Thus 4-AP promotes the capacity of PDBu to reduce I(K) at -80 mV. We find that activation of PKC inhibits I(K) in rat sensory neurons and that voltage-dependent calcium entry is necessary for the development and maintenance of this inhibition.

Effects of serine/threonine protein phosphatases on ion channels in excitable membranes

This review deals with the influence of serine/threonine-specific protein phosphatases on the function of ion channels in the plasma membrane of excitable tissues. Particular focus is given to developments of the past decade. Most of the electrophysiological experiments have been performed with protein phosphatase inhibitors. Therefore, a synopsis is required incorporating issues from biochemistry, pharmacology, and electrophysiology. First, we summarize the structural and biochemical properties of protein phosphatase (types 1, 2A, 2B, 2C, and 3-7) catalytic subunits and their regulatory subunits. Then the available pharmacological tools (protein inhibitors, nonprotein inhibitors, and activators) are introduced. The use of these inhibitors is discussed based on their biochemical selectivity and a number of methodological caveats. The next section reviews the effects of these tools on various classes of ion channels (i.e., voltage-gated Ca(2+) and Na(+) channels, various K(+) channels, ligand-gated channels, and anion channels). We delineate in which cases a direct interaction between a protein phosphatase and a given channel has been proven and where a more complex regulation is likely involved. Finally, we present ideas for future research and possible pathophysiological implications.

Vinpocetine selectively inhibits neurotransmitter release triggered by sodium channel activation

The effects of vinpocetine on internal Na+ (Na(i)), cAMP accumulation, internal Ca2+ (Ca(i)) and excitatory amino acid neurotransmitters release, under resting and under depolarized conditions, was investigated in rat striatum synaptosomes. Veratridine (20 microM) or high K+ (30 mM) were used as depolarizing agents. Results show that vinpocetine in the low microM range inhibits the elevation of Na(i), the elevation of Ca(i) and the release of glutamate and aspartate induced by veratridine depolarization. In contrast, vinpocetine fails to inhibit the rise of Ca(i) and the neurotransmitter release induced by high K+, which are both TTX insensitive responses. Results also show that the inhibition exerted by vinpocetine on all the above veratridine-induced responses is not reflected in PDE activity. Our interpretation of these results is that vinpocetine inhibits neurotransmitter release triggered by veratridine activation of voltage sensitive Na+ channels, but not that triggered by a direct activation of VSCC. Thus, the main mechanism involved in the neuroprotective action of vinpocetine in the CNS is unlikely to be due to a direct inhibition of Ca2+ channels or PDE enzymes, but rather the inhibition of presynaptic Na+ channel-activation unchained responses.

Voltage-dependent neuromodulation of Na+ channels by D1-like dopamine receptors in rat hippocampal neurons

Activation of D1-like dopamine (DA) receptors reduces peak Na+ current in acutely isolated hippocampal neurons through phosphorylation of the alpha subunit of the Na+ channel by cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA). Here we report that neuromodulation of Na+ currents by DA receptors via PKA is voltage-dependent in the range of -110 to -70 mV and is also sensitive to concurrent activation of protein kinase C (PKC). Depolarization enhanced the ability of D1-like DA receptors to reduce peak Na+ currents via the PKA pathway. Similar voltage-dependent modulation was observed when PKA was activated directly with the membrane-permeant PKA activator DCl-cBIMPS (cBIMPS; 20 microM), indicating that the membrane potential dependence occurs downstream of PKA. PKA activation caused only a small (-2.9 mV) shift in the voltage dependence of steady-state inactivation and had no effect on slow inactivation or on the rates of entry into the fast or slow inactivated states, suggesting that another mechanism is responsible for coupling of membrane potential changes to PKA modulation. Activation of PKC with a low concentration of the membrane-permeant diacylglycerol analog oleylacetyl glycerol also potentiated modulation by SKF 81297 or cBIMPS, and these effects were most striking at hyperpolarized membrane potentials where PKA modulation was not stimulated by membrane depolarization. Thus, activation of D1-like DA receptors causes a strong reduction in Na+ current via the PKA pathway, but it is effective primarily when it is combined with depolarization or activation of PKC. The convergence of these three distinct signaling modalities on the Na+ channel provides an intriguing mechanism for integration of information from multiple signaling pathways in the hippocampus and CNS.

Age-dependent differences in glutamate-induced phosphorylation systems in rat hippocampal slices

Glutamate receptor induced changes in the activity of different phosphorylation systems were measured in hippocampal slices from 12- and 56-day-old rats, by determining the endogenous phosphorylation of 2.5% perchloric acid (PCA) soluble proteins. We identified among these proteins an 85, 80 kDa and the tau protein as specific substrates for protein kinase A (PKA), MARCKS, and neurogranin as specific substrates for protein kinase C (PKC), and prostaglandin-D-synthase as substrate for casein kinase II (CKII). In addition, a 35 kDa protein was phosphorylated by calcium/calmodulin dependent kinase II and protein kinase C and a 21 kDa protein was a substrate for all investigated kinases. The basal endogenous phosphorylation of 2.5% PCA soluble proteins changed during development qualitatively and quantitatively. Thus, the phosphorylation degree of nearly all proteins declines during maturation. Activation of mGluR induced an increased phosphorylation of PKA, PKC, and CKII substrates in hippocampal slices from 12-day-old rats, but in slices of 56-day-old rats only PKA and to a lower extent PKC substrates were affected. In contrast, stimulation of NMDA receptors led to an enhancement of CKII and PKA dependent phosphorylation only in slices of young animals, whereas the endogenous phosphorylation of some proteins in adult slices was actually decreased. These data showing developmental changes in the coupling of metabotropic and ionotropic glutamate receptors to different phosphorylation systems are discussed in the light of altered physiological properties of the mature hippocampus.

Activation of a metabotropic glutamate receptor and protein kinase C reduce the extent of inactivation of the K+ channel Kv1.1/Kvbeta1.1 via dephosphorylation of Kv1.1

Various brain K+ channels, which may normally exist as complexes of alpha (pore-forming) and beta (auxiliary) subunits, were subjected to regulation by metabotropic glutamate receptors. Kv1.1/Kvbeta1.1 is a voltage-dependent K+ channel composed of alpha and beta proteins that are widely expressed in the brain. Expression of this channel in Xenopus oocytes resulted in a current that had fast inactivating and noninactivating components. Previously we showed that basal and protein kinase A-induced phosphorylation of the alpha subunit at Ser-446 decreases the fraction of the noninactivating component. In this study we investigated the effect of protein kinase C (PKC) on the channel. We showed that a PKC-activating phorbol ester (phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)) increased the noninactivating fraction via activation of a PKC subtype that was inhibited by staurosporine and bisindolylmaleimide but not by calphostin C. However, it was not a PKC-induced phosphorylation but rather a dephosphorylation that mediated the effect. PMA reduced the basal phosphorylation of Ser-446 significantly in plasma membrane channels and failed to affect the inactivation of channels having an alpha subunit that was mutated at Ser-446. Also, the activation of coexpressed mGluR1a known to activate phospholipase C mimicked the effect of PMA on the inactivation via induction of dephosphorylation at Ser-446. Thus, this study identified a potential neuronal pathway initiated by activation of metabotropic glutamate receptor 1a coupled to a signaling cascade that possibly utilized PKC to induce dephosphorylation and thereby to decrease the extent of inactivation of a K+ channel.