ATP mediates both activation and inhibition of K(ATP) channel activity via cAMP-dependent protein kinase in insulin-secreting cell lines

Anticonvulsant effects of ivermectin on pentylenetetrazole- and maximal electroshock-induced seizures in mice: the role of GABAergic system and KATP channels

Introduction

Ivermectin (IVM) is an antiparasitic medicine that exerts its function through glutamate-gated chloride channels and GABA_A receptors predominantly. There is paucity of information on anti-seizure activity of IVM. Moreover, the probable pharmacological mechanisms underlying this phenomenon have not been identified.

Materials and methods

In this study, pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced clonic seizures and maximal electroshock (MES)-induced tonic-clonic seizure models, respectively in mice was utilized to inquire whether IVM could alter clonic seizure threshold (CST) and seizure susceptibility. To assess the underlying mechanism behind the anti-seizure activity of IVM, we used positive and negative allosteric modulators of GABA_A (diazepam and flumazenil, respectively) as well as K_ATP channel opener and closer (cromakalim and glibenclamide, respectively). Data are provided as mean ± S.E.M. After the performance of the variance homogeneity test, a one-way and two-way analysis of variance was used. Fisher's exact test was performed in case of MES. P-value less than 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results

and Discussion: Our data showed that IVM (0.5, 1, 5, and 10 mg/kg, i.p.) increased CST. Furthermore, flumazenil 0.25 mg/kg, i.p. and glibenclamide 1 mg/kg, i.p., could inhibit the anticonvulsant effects of IVM. Supplementary, an ineffective dose of diazepam 0.02 mg/kg, i.p. or cromakalim 10 μg/kg, i.p. were able to enhance the anticonvulsant effects of IVM. Besides, we figure out that the IVM (1 and 5 mg/kg, i.p.) could delay the onset of first clonic seizure and also might decrease the frequency of clonic seizures induced by PTZ (85 mg/kg, i.p.). Finally, IVM could prevent the incidence and death in MES-induced tonic-clonic seizures.

Conclusion

Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that IVM may exert anticonvulsant effects against PTZ- and MES-induced seizures in mice that might be mediated by GABA_A receptors and K_ATP channels.

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Ivermectin exerts anticonvulsant effects on PTZ-induced clonic seizures.

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Ivermectin prevents MES-induced tonic-clonic seizures in mice.

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Ivermectin has the most anticonvulsant effects in doses of 1 and 5 mg/kg in mice.

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These anticonvulsant effects may be mediated through the GABAergic system.

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ATP-sensitive potassium channels could play a role in these anti-seizure effects.

Pancreatic regulation of glucose homeostasis

In order to ensure normal body function, the human body is dependent on a tight control of its blood glucose levels. This is accomplished by a highly sophisticated network of various hormones and neuropeptides released mainly from the brain, pancreas, liver, intestine as well as adipose and muscle tissue. Within this network, the pancreas represents a key player by secreting the blood sugar-lowering hormone insulin and its opponent glucagon. However, disturbances in the interplay of the hormones and peptides involved may lead to metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) whose prevalence, comorbidities and medical costs take on a dramatic scale. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to uncover and understand the mechanisms underlying the various interactions to improve existing anti-diabetic therapies and drugs on the one hand and to develop new therapeutic approaches on the other. This review summarizes the interplay of the pancreas with various other organs and tissues that maintain glucose homeostasis. Furthermore, anti-diabetic drugs and their impact on signaling pathways underlying the network will be discussed.

Regulation of microRNA-375 by cAMP in pancreatic β-cells

MicroRNA-375 (miR-375) is necessary for proper formation of pancreatic islets in vertebrates and is necessary for the development of β-cells in mice, but regulation of miR-375 in these cells is poorly understood. Here, we show that miR-375 is transcriptionally repressed by the cAMP-protein kinase A (PKA) pathway and that this repression is mediated through a block in RNA polymerase II binding to the miR-375 promoter. cAMP analogs that are PKA selective repress miR-375, as do cAMP agonists and the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, exendin-4. Repression of the miR-375 precursor occurs rapidly in rat insulinoma INS-1 832/13 cells, within 15 min after cAMP stimulation, although the mature microRNA declines more slowly due to the kinetics of RNA processing. Repression of miR-375 in isolated rat islets by exendin-4 also occurs slowly, after several hours of stimulation. Glucose is another reported antagonist of miR-375 expression, although we demonstrate here that glucose does not target the microRNA through the PKA pathway. As reported previously, miR-375 negatively regulates insulin secretion, and attenuation of miR-375 through the cAMP-PKA pathway may boost the insulin response in pancreatic β-cells.

Activation of the K(ATP) channel by Mg-nucleotide interaction with SUR1

The mechanism of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive potassium (K_ATP) channel activation by Mg-nucleotides was studied using a mutation (G334D) in the Kir6.2 subunit of the channel that renders K_ATP channels insensitive to nucleotide inhibition and has no apparent effect on their gating. K_ATP channels carrying this mutation (Kir6.2-G334D/SUR1 channels) were activated by MgATP and MgADP with an EC₅₀ of 112 and 8 µM, respectively. This activation was largely suppressed by mutation of the Walker A lysines in the nucleotide-binding domains of SUR1: the remaining small (∼10%), slowly developing component of MgATP activation was fully inhibited by the lipid kinase inhibitor LY294002. The EC₅₀ for activation of Kir6.2-G334D/SUR1 currents by MgADP was lower than that for MgATP, and the time course of activation was faster. The poorly hydrolyzable analogue MgATPγS also activated Kir6.2-G334D/SUR1. AMPPCP both failed to activate Kir6.2-G334D/SUR1 and to prevent its activation by MgATP. Maximal stimulatory concentrations of MgATP (10 mM) and MgADP (1 mM) exerted identical effects on the single-channel kinetics: they dramatically elevated the open probability (P_O > 0.8), increased the mean open time and the mean burst duration, reduced the frequency and number of interburst closed states, and eliminated the short burst states. By comparing our results with those obtained for wild-type K_ATP channels, we conclude that the MgADP sensitivity of the wild-type K_ATP channel can be described quantitatively by a combination of inhibition at Kir6.2 (measured for wild-type channels in the absence of Mg²⁺) and activation via SUR1 (determined for Kir6.2-G334D/SUR1 channels). However, this is not the case for the effects of MgATP.

Phosphorylation regulates an inwardly rectifying ATP-sensitive K(+)- conductance in proximal tubule cells of frog kidney

K(+) channels in the renal proximal tubule play an important role in salt reabsorption. Cells of the frog proximal tubule demonstrate an inwardly rectifying, ATP-sensitive K(+) conductance that is inhibited by Ba(2+), G(Ba). In this paper we have investigated the importance of phosphorylation state on the activity of G(Ba) in whole-cell patches. In the absence of ATP, G(Ba) decreased over time; this fall in G(Ba) involved phosphorylation, as rundown was inhibited by alkaline phosphatase and was accelerated by the phosphatase inhibitor F(-)(10 mM: ). Activation of PKC using the phorbol ester PMA accelerated rundown via a mechanism that was dependent on phosphorylation. In contrast, the inactive phorbol ester PDC slowed rundown. Inclusion of the PKC inhibitor PKC-ps in the pipette inhibited rundown. These data indicate that PKC-mediated phosphorylation promotes channel rundown. Rundown was prevented by the inclusion of PIP-2 in the pipette. PIP-2 also abrogated the PMA-mediated increase in rundown, suggesting that regulation of G(Ba) by PIP-2 occurred downstream of PKC-mediated phosphorylation. G-protein activation inhibited G(Ba), with initial currents markedly reduced in the presence of GTPgammas. These properties are consistent with G(Ba) being a member of the ATP-sensitive K(+) channel family.

cAMP sensor Epac as a determinant of ATP-sensitive potassium channel activity in human pancreatic beta cells and rat INS-1 cells

The Epac family of cAMP-regulated guanine nucleotide exchange factors (cAMPGEFs, also known as Epac1 and Epac2) mediate stimulatory actions of the second messenger cAMP on insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells. Because Epac2 is reported to interact in vitro with the isolated nucleotide-binding fold-1 (NBF-1) of the beta-cell sulphonylurea receptor-1 (SUR1), we hypothesized that cAMP might act via Epac1 and/or Epac2 to inhibit beta-cell ATP-sensitive K+ channels (K(ATP) channels; a hetero-octomer of SUR1 and Kir6.2). If so, Epac-mediated inhibition of K(ATP) channels might explain prior reports that cAMP-elevating agents promote beta-cell depolarization, Ca2+ influx and insulin secretion. Here we report that Epac-selective cAMP analogues (2'-O-Me-cAMP; 8-pCPT-2'-O-Me-cAMP; 8-pMeOPT-2'-O-Me-cAMP), but not a cGMP analogue (2'-O-Me-cGMP), inhibit the function of K(ATP) channels in human beta cells and rat INS-1 insulin-secreting cells. Inhibition of K(ATP) channels is also observed when cAMP, itself, is administered intracellularly, whereas no such effect is observed upon administration N6-Bnz-cAMP, a cAMP analogue that activates protein kinase A (PKA) but not Epac. The inhibitory actions of Epac-selective cAMP analogues at K(ATP) channels are mimicked by a cAMP agonist (8-Bromoadenosine-3', 5'-cyclic monophosphorothioate, Sp-isomer, Sp-8-Br-cAMPS), but not a cAMP antagonist (8-Bromoadenosine-3', 5'-cyclic monophosphorothioate, Rp-isomer, Rp-8-Br-cAMPS), and are abrogated following transfection of INS-1 cells with a dominant-negative Epac1 that fails to bind cAMP. Because both Epac1 and Epac2 coimmunoprecipitate with full-length SUR1 in HEK cell lysates, such findings delineate a novel mechanism of second messenger signal transduction in which cAMP acts via Epac to modulate ion channel function, an effect measurable as the inhibition of K(ATP) channel activity in pancreatic beta cells.

ATP-sensitive K+ channels: regulation of bursting by the sulphonylurea receptor, PIP2 and regions of Kir6.2

ATP-sensitive K+ channels composed of the pore-forming protein Kir6.2 and the sulphonylurea receptor SUR1 are inhibited by ATP and activated by Phosphatidylinositol Bisphosphate (PIP2). Residues involved in binding of these ligands to the Kir6.2 cytoplasmic domain have been identified, and it has been hypothesized that gating mechanisms involve conformational changes in the regions of the bundle crossing and/or the selectivity filter of Kir6.2. Regulation of Kir6.2 by SUR1, however, is not well-understood, even though this process is ATP and PIP2 dependent. In this study, we investigated the relationship between channel regulation by SUR1 and PIP2 by comparing a number of single and double mutants known to affect open probability (P(o)), PIP2 affinity, and sulphonylurea and MgADP sensitivity. When coexpressed with SUR1, the Kir6.2 mutant C166A, which is characterized by a P(o) value close to 0.8, exhibits no sulphonylurea or MgADP sensitivity. However, when P(o) was reduced by combining mutations at the PIP2-sensitive residues R176 and R177 with C166A, sulphonylurea and MgADP sensitivities were restored. These effects correlated with a dramatic decrease in PIP2 affinity, as assessed by PIP2-induced channel reactivation and inhibition by neomycin, an antagonist of PIP2 binding. Based on macroscopic and single-channel data, we propose a model in which entry into the high-P(o) bursting state by the C166A mutation or by SUR1 depends on the interaction of PIP2 with R176 and R177 and, to a lesser extent, R54. In conjunction with this PIP2-dependent process, SUR1 also regulates channel activity via a PIP2-independent, but MgADP-dependent process.

PKA-dependent and PKA-independent pathways for cAMP-regulated exocytosis

Stimulus-secretion coupling is an essential process in secretory cells in which regulated exocytosis occurs, including neuronal, neuroendocrine, endocrine, and exocrine cells. While an increase in intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) is the principal signal, other intracellular signals also are important in regulated exocytosis. In particular, the cAMP signaling system is well known to regulate and modulate exocytosis in a variety of secretory cells. Until recently, it was generally thought that the effects of cAMP in regulated exocytosis are mediated by activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), a major cAMP target, followed by phosphorylation of the relevant proteins. Although the involvement of PKA-independent mechanisms has been suggested in cAMP-regulated exocytosis by pharmacological approaches, the molecular mechanisms are unknown. Newly discovered cAMP-GEF/Epac, which belongs to the cAMP-binding protein family, exhibits guanine nucleotide exchange factor activities and exerts diverse effects on cellular functions including hormone/transmitter secretion, cell adhesion, and intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization. cAMP-GEF/Epac mediates the PKA-independent effects on cAMP-regulated exocytosis. Thus cAMP regulates and modulates exocytosis by coordinating both PKA-dependent and PKA-independent mechanisms. Localization of cAMP within intracellular compartments (cAMP compartmentation or compartmentalization) may be a key mechanism underlying the distinct effects of cAMP in different domains of the cell.

Mechanisms underlying regulation of a barium-sensitive K+ conductance by ATP in single proximal tubule cells isolated from frog kidney

K(+) channels play an important role in pump-leak coupling and volume regulation in the renal proximal tubule. Previous experiments have identified a barium-sensitive K(+) conductance (G(Ba)) in proximal tubule cells isolated from frog kidneys. In this paper we examine the regulation of G(Ba) by ATP. G(Ba) was measured in single cells isolated from frog kidney using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. G(Ba) was activated by 2 mM: intracellular ATP. This activation was enhanced by inhibition of protein kinase C and attenuated by inhibition of protein kinase A, indicating reciprocal regulation by these kinases. Activation by ATP was reduced in the presence of a hypertonic bath solution, suggesting that cell swelling was required. However, after activation to steady-state, G(Ba )was not sensitive to cell-volume changes. Hypotonic shock-induced volume regulation was inhibited by barium and quinidine, inhibitors of G(Ba). The effect of maximal inhibitory concentrations of barium and quinidine on volume regulation was similar and addition of both blockers together did not augment the inhibitory response. G(Ba) was also activated by ADP, via a mechanism dependent on the presence of Mg(2+). However, the responses to ADP and ATP were not additive, suggesting that these nucleotides may share a common mechanism of activation. The regulation of G(Ba) by ATP was biphasic, with a half-maximal activating concentration of 0.89 mM and a half maximal inhibitory concentration of 6.71 mM. The sensitivity to nucleotides suggests that G(Ba) may be regulated by the metabolic state of the cell. Furthermore, the sensitivity to solution osmolality, coupled with the blocker profile of inhibition of volume regulation, suggests that G(Ba) could play a role in volume regulation.

Physiological and pathophysiological roles of ATP-sensitive K+ channels

ATP-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channels are present in many tissues, including pancreatic islet cells, heart, skeletal muscle, vascular smooth muscle, and brain, in which they couple the cell metabolic state to its membrane potential, playing a crucial role in various cellular functions. The K(ATP) channel is a hetero-octamer comprising two subunits: the pore-forming subunit Kir6.x (Kir6.1 or Kir6.2) and the regulatory subunit sulfonylurea receptor SUR (SUR1 or SUR2). Kir6.x belongs to the inward rectifier K(+) channel family; SUR belongs to the ATP-binding cassette protein superfamily. Heterologous expression of differing combinations of Kir6.1 or Kir6.2 and SUR1 or SUR2 variant (SUR2A or SUR2B) reconstitute different types of K(ATP) channels with distinct electrophysiological properties and nucleotide and pharmacological sensitivities corresponding to the various K(ATP) channels in native tissues. The physiological and pathophysiological roles of K(ATP) channels have been studied primarily using K(ATP) channel blockers and K(+) channel openers, but there is no direct evidence on the role of the K(ATP) channels in many important cellular responses. In addition to the analyses of naturally occurring mutations of the genes in humans, determination of the phenotypes of mice generated by genetic manipulation has been successful in clarifying the function of various gene products. Recently, various genetically engineered mice, including mice lacking K(ATP) channels (knockout mice) and mice expressing various mutant K(ATP) channels (transgenic mice), have been generated. In this review, we focus on the physiological and pathophysiological roles of K(ATP) channels learned from genetic manipulation of mice and naturally occurring mutations in humans.

Regulation of cloned ATP-sensitive K channels by phosphorylation, MgADP, and phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate (PIP(2)): a study of channel rundown and reactivation

Kir6.2 channels linked to the green fluorescent protein (GFP) (Kir6. 2-GFP) have been expressed alone or with the sulfonylurea receptor SUR1 in HEK293 cells to study the regulation of K(ATP) channels by adenine nucleotides, phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate (PIP(2)), and phosphorylation. Upon excision of inside-out patches into a Ca(2+)- and MgATP-free solution, the activity of Kir6.2-GFP+SUR1 channels spontaneously ran down, first quickly within a minute, and then more slowly over tens of minutes. In contrast, under the same conditions, the activity of Kir6.2-GFP alone exhibited only slow rundown. Thus, fast rundown is specific to Kir6.2-GFP+SUR1 and involves SUR1, while slow rundown is a property of both Kir6.2-GFP and Kir6.2-GFP+SUR1 channels and is due, at least in part, to Kir6.2 alone. Kir6. 2-GFP+SUR1 fast phase of rundown was of variable amplitude and led to increased ATP sensitivity. Excising patches into a solution containing MgADP prevented this phenomenon, suggesting that fast rundown involves loss of MgADP-dependent stimulation conferred by SUR1. With both Kir6.2-GFP and Kir6.2-GFP+SUR1, the slow phase of rundown led to further increase in ATP sensitivity. Ca(2+) accelerated this process, suggesting a role for PIP(2) hydrolysis mediated by a Ca(2+)-dependent phospholipase C. PIP(2) could reactivate channel activity after a brief exposure to Ca(2+), but not after prolonged exposure. However, in both cases, PIP(2) reversed the increase in ATP sensitivity, indicating that PIP(2) lowers the ATP sensitivity by increasing P(o) as well as by decreasing the channel affinity for ATP. With Kir6.2-GFP+SUR1, slow rundown also caused loss of MgADP stimulation and sulfonylurea inhibition, suggesting functional uncoupling of SUR1 from Kir6.2-GFP. Ca(2+) facilitated the loss of sensitivity to MgADP, and thus uncoupling of the two subunits. The nonselective protein kinase inhibitor H-7 and the selective PKC inhibitor peptide 19-36 evoked, within 5-15 min, increased ATP sensitivity and loss of reactivation by PIP(2) and MgADP. Phosphorylation of Kir6.2 may thus be required for the channel to remain PIP(2) responsive, while phosphorylation of Kir6.2 and/or SUR1 is required for functional coupling. In summary, short-term regulation of Kir6.2+SUR1 channels involves MgADP, while long-term regulation requires PIP(2) and phosphorylation.

Molecular biology of adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channels

KATP channels are a newly defined class of potassium channels based on the physical association of an ABC protein, the sulfonylurea receptor, and a K+ inward rectifier subunit. The beta-cell KATP channel is composed of SUR1, the high-affinity sulfonylurea receptor with multiple TMDs and two NBFs, and KIR6.2, a weak inward rectifier, in a 1:1 stoichiometry. The pore of the channel is formed by KIR6.2 in a tetrameric arrangement; the overall stoichiometry of active channels is (SUR1/KIR6.2)4. The two subunits form a tightly integrated whole. KIR6.2 can be expressed in the plasma membrane either by deletion of an ER retention signal at its C-terminal end or by high-level expression to overwhelm the retention mechanism. The single-channel conductance of the homomeric KIR6.2 channels is equivalent to SUR/KIR6.2 channels, but they differ in all other respects, including bursting behavior, pharmacological properties, sensitivity to ATP and ADP, and trafficking to the plasma membrane. Coexpression with SUR restores the normal channel properties. The key role KATP channel play in the regulation of insulin secretion in response to changes in glucose metabolism is underscored by the finding that a recessive form of persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia of infancy (PHHI) is caused by mutations in KATP channel subunits that result in the loss of channel activity. KATP channels set the resting membrane potential of beta-cells, and their loss results in a constitutive depolarization that allows voltage-gated Ca2+ channels to open spontaneously, increasing the cytosolic Ca2+ levels enough to trigger continuous release of insulin. The loss of KATP channels, in effect, uncouples the electrical activity of beta-cells from their metabolic activity. PHHI mutations have been informative on the function of SUR1 and regulation of KATP channels by adenine nucleotides. The results indicate that SUR1 is important in sensing nucleotide changes, as implied by its sequence similarity to other ABC proteins, in addition to being the drug sensor. An unexpected finding is that the inhibitory action of ATP appears to be through a site located on KIR6.2, whose affinity for ATP is modified by SUR1. A PHHI mutation, G1479R, in the second NBF of SUR1 forms active KATP channels that respond normally to ATP, but fail to activate with MgADP. The result implies that ATP tonically inhibits KATP channels, but that the ADP level in a fasting beta-cell antagonizes this inhibition. Decreases in the ADP level as glucose is metabolized result in KATP channel closure. Although KATP channels are the target for sulfonylureas used in the treatment of NIDDM, the available data suggest that the identified KATP channel mutations do not play a major role in diabetes. Understanding how KATP channels fit into the overall scheme of glucose homeostasis, on the other hand, promises insight into diabetes and other disorders of glucose metabolism, while understanding the structure and regulation of these channels offers potential for development of novel compounds to regulate cellular electrical activity.

The sulphonylurea receptor SUR1 regulates ATP-sensitive mouse Kir6.2 K+ channels linked to the green fluorescent protein in human embryonic kidney cells (HEK 293)

1. Using a chimeric protein comprising the green fluorescent protein (GFP) linked to the C-terminus of the K+ channel protein mouse Kir6.2 (Kir6.2-C-GFP), the interactions between the sulphonylurea receptor SUR1 and Kir6.2 were investigated in transfected human embryonic kidney cells (HEK 293) by combined imaging and patch clamp techniques. 2. HEK 293 cells transfected with mouse Kir6.2-C-GFP and wild-type Kir6.2 exhibited functional K+ channels independently of SUR1. These channels were inhibited by ATP (IC50 = 150 microM), but were not responsive to stimulation by ADP or inhibition by sulphonylureas. Typically 15 +/- 7 active channels were found in an excised patch. 3. The distribution of Kir6.2-C-GFP protein was investigated by imaging of GFP fluorescence. There was a lamellar pattern of fluorescence labelling inside the cytoplasm (presumably associated with the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi apparatus) and intense punctate labelling near the cell membrane, but little fluorescence was associated with the plasma membrane. 4. In contrast, cells co-transfected with Kir6.2-C-GFP and SUR1 exhibited intense uniform plasma membrane labelling, and the lamellar and punctate labelling seen without SUR1 was no longer prominent. 5. In cells co-transfected with Kir6.2-C-GFP and SUR1, strong membrane labelling was associated with very high channel activity, with 484 +/- 311 active channels per excised patch. These K+ channels were sensitive to inhibition by ATP (IC50 = 17 microM), stimulated by ADP and inhibited by sulphonylureas. 6. We conclude that co-expression of SUR1 and Kir6.2 generates channels with the properties of native KATP channels. In addition, SUR1 promotes uniform insertion of Kir6.2-C-GFP into the plasma membrane and a 35-fold increase in channel activity, suggesting that SUR1 facilitates protein trafficking of Kir6.2 into the plasma membrane.

Role of tyrosine phosphorylation in leptin activation of ATP-sensitive K+ channels in the rat insulinoma cell line CRI-G1

1. Using whole-cell and cell-attached recording configurations, the role of phosphorylation in leptin activation of ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels was examined in the rat CRI-G1 insulinoma cell line. 2. Whole-cell current clamp recordings demonstrated that, following dialysis with the non-hydrolysable ATP analogue 5'-adenylylimidodiphosphate (AMP-PNP; 3-5 mM), the leptin-induced hyperpolarization and increase in K+ conductance were completely inhibited. 3. Under current clamp conditions, application of the broad-spectrum protein kinase inhibitor H-7 (10 microM) had no effect on the resting membrane potential or slope conductance of CRI-G1 insulinoma cells and did not occlude the actions of leptin. 4. Application of the tyrosine kinase inhibitors genistein (10 microM), tyrphostin B42 (10 microM) and herbimycin A (500 nM) all resulted in activation of KATP channels. In cell-attached recordings, the presence of tyrphostin B42 (10 microM) in the pipette solution activated tolbutamide-sensitive KATP channels in CRI-G1 cells. In contrast, the inactive analogues of genistein and tyrphostin B42 were without effect. 5. The serine/threonine-specific protein phosphatase inhibitors okadaic acid (50 nM) and cyclosporin A (1 microM) did not prevent or reverse leptin activation of KATP channels. In contrast, whole-cell dialysis with the tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor orthovanadate (500 microM) prevented the actions of both leptin and tyrphostin B42. 6. In conclusion, leptin activation of KATP channels appears to require inhibition of tyrosine kinases and subsequent dephosphorylation. This process is likely to occur prior to activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) as wortmannin prevented activation of KATP channels by tyrphostin B42.

Effects of extracellular calcium on electrical bursting and intracellular and luminal calcium oscillations in insulin secreting pancreatic beta-cells

The extracellular calcium concentration has interesting effects on bursting of pancreatic beta-cells. The mechanism underlying the extracellular Ca2+ effect is not well understood. By incorporating a low-threshold transient inward current to the store-operated bursting model of Chay, this paper elucidates the role of the extracellular Ca2+ concentration in influencing electrical activity, intracellular Ca2+ concentration, and the luminal Ca2+ concentration in the intracellular Ca2+ store. The possibility that this inward current is a carbachol-sensitive and TTX-insensitive Na+ current discovered by others is discussed. In addition, this paper explains how these three variables respond when various pharmacological agents are applied to the store-operated model.

Two K(+)-selective conductances in single proximal tubule cells isolated from frog kidney are regulated by ATP

1. The whole-cell and single channel patch clamp techniques were used to identify K(+)-selective conductances in single proximal tubule cells isolated from frog kidney and to examine their ATP sensitivity. Whole-cell currents were inhibited by the K+ channel inhibitors Ba2+ and quinidine in a dose-dependent manner. Addition of Ba2+ alone, quinidine alone, or both inhibitors together revealed two separate conductances, one of which was blocked by both Ba2+ and quinidine (GBa)1, the other being sensitive to quinidine alone (Gquin). 2. With Na(+)-containing Ringer solution in the bath and K(+)-containing Ringer solution in the pipette, both currents were selective for K+ over Na+. The K+ : Na+ selectivity ratio of GBa was around 50:1, while that of Gquin was 4:1. In symmetrical KCl solutions GBa showed inward rectification, while Gquin demonstrated outward rectification. 3. In the absence of pipette ATP, both GBa and Gquin ran down over 10 min. However, when 2 mM ATP was included in the pipette GBa increased, while Gquin remained unchanged. 4. Single channel studies demonstrated that a basolateral K+ channel shared several of the characteristics of GBa. It was inhibited by both Ba2+ and quinidine, underwent run-down in excised patches in the absence of ATP, and was activated by ATP. 5. We conclude that cells of the frog proximal tubule contain at least two distinct K(+)-selective conductances, both of which are regulated by ATP, and which may be involved in pump-leak coupling.

Regulation of an outwardly rectifying Cl- conductance in single proximal tubule cells isolated from frog kidney

1. A previous study has identified a Cl- conductance (GCl) in single proximal tubule cells isolated from frog kidney, which was activated by a protein kinase C (PKC)-dependent mechanism. 2. The whole-cell patch clamp technique was employed to examine further the properties and regulation of GCl. 3. GCl showed outward rectification, outward conductance was significantly greater than the inward conductance (56.1 +/- 15.6 vs. 16.8 +/- 6.4 microS cm-2, respectively, n = 8). DIDS (4,4'-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulphonic acid) blocked GCl in a dose- and voltage-dependent manner. 4. Other anions permeated the conductance. The anion selectivity sequence, I- > Br- > Cl- > gluconate, followed Eisenman's sequence I. 5. GCl could be activated by ATP. This process was dependent on ATP hydrolysis and channel phosphorylation. 6. G-protein activation inhibited the ATP-dependent activation of GCl. 7. These data support the hypothesis that activation of GCl by an increase in cell volume is dependent on ATP hydrolysis and channel phosphorylation via PKC.

Actions of neurotransmitters and other messengers on Ca2+ channels and K+ channels in smooth muscle cells

Ion channels play key roles in determining smooth muscle tone by setting the membrane potential and allowing Ca2+ influx. Perhaps not surprisingly, therefore, they also provide targets for neurotransmitters and other messengers that act on smooth muscle. Application of patch-clamp and molecular biology techniques and the use of selective pharmacology has started to provide a wealth of information on the ion channel systems of smooth muscle cells, revealing complexity and functional significance. Reviewed are the actions of messengers (e.g., noradrenaline, acetylcholine, endothelin, angiotensin II, neuropeptide Y, 5-hydroxytryptamine, histamine, adenosine, calcitonin gene-related peptide, substance P, prostacyclin, nitric oxide and oxygen) on specific types of ion channel in smooth muscle, the L-type calcium channel, and the large conductance Ca(2+)-activated, ATP-sensitive, delayed rectifier and apamin-sensitive K+ channels.

Mediation by intracellular calcium-dependent signals of hypoxic hyperpolarization in rat hippocampal CA1 neurons in vitro

In response to oxygen deprivation, CA1 pyramidal neurons show a hyperpolarization (hypoxic hyperpolarization), which is associated with a reduction in neuronal input resistance. The role of extra- and intracellular Ca2+ ions in hypoxic hyperpolarization was investigated. The hypoxic hyperpolarization was significantly depressed by tolbutamide (100 microM); moreover, the response was reversed in its polarity in medium containing tolbutamide (100 microM), low Ca2+ (0.25 mM), and Co2+ (2 mM), suggesting that the hypoxic hyperpolarization is mediated by activation of both ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels and Ca(2+)-dependent K+ channels. The hypoxic depolarization in medium containing tolbutamide, low Ca2+, and Co2+ is probably due to inhibition of the electrogenic Na(+)-K+ pump and concomitant accumulation of interstitial K+. Hypoxic hyperpolarizations were depressed in either low Ca2+ (0.25 or 1.25 mM) or high Ca2+ (5 or 7.5 mM) medium (control: 2.5 mM), indicating that there is an optimal extracellular Ca2+ concentration required to produce the hypoxic hyperpolarization. Bis-(o-aminophenoxy)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA)-AM (50-100 microM), procaine (300 microM), or ryanodine (10 microM) significantly depressed the hypoxic hyperpolarization, suggesting that Ca2+ released from intracellular Ca+ stores may have an important role in the generation of hypoxic hyperpolarization. The high-affinity calmodulin inhibitor N-(6-amino-hexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphthalenesulfonomide hydrochloride (W-7) (5 microM) completely blocked, whereas the low-affinity calmodulin inhibitor N-(6-aminohexyl)-1-naphthalenesulfonomide hydrochloride (W-5) (50 microM) did not affect, the hypoxic hyperpolarization. The calmodulin inhibitor trifluoperazine (50 microM) also suppressed the hypoxic hyperpolarization. In addition, calcium/ calmodulin kinase II inhibitor 1-[N,O-bis (1,5-isoquinol-inesulfonyl)-N-methyl-L-tyrosyl]-4-phenyl-pip erazine (KN-62) (10 microM) markedly depressed the amplitude and net outward current of the hypoxic hyperpolarization without affecting the reversal potential. In contrast, neither the myosin light chain kinase inhibitor 1-(5-iodonaphthalene-1-sulfonyl)-1H-hexa-hydro-1,4-diazepin hydrochloride (ML-7) (10 microM) nor the protein kinase A inhibitor N-[2-(p-bromocinnamyl-amino) ethyl]-5-isoquinolinesulfonamide (H-89) (1 microM) significantly altered the hypoxic hyperpolarization. These results suggest that calmodulin kinase II, which is activated by calmodulin, may contribute to the generation of the hypoxic hyperpolarization. In conclusion, the present study indicates that, in the majority of hippocampal CA1 neurons, the hypoxic hyperpolarization is due to activation of both KATP channels and Ca(2+)-dependent K+ channels.

Regulation of cardiac Na+,Ca2+ exchange and KATP potassium channels by PIP2

Cardiac Na+,Ca2+ exchange is activated by a mechanism that requires hydrolysis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) but is not mediated by protein kinases. In giant cardiac membrane patches, ATP acted to generate phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) from phosphatidylinositol (PI). The action of ATP was abolished by a PI-specific phospholipase C (PLC) and recovered after addition of exogenous PI; it was reversed by a PIP2-specific PLC; and it was mimicked by exogenous PIP2. High concentrations of free Ca2+ (5 to 20 microM) accelerated reversal of the ATP effect, and PLC activity in myocyte membranes was activated with a similar Ca2+ dependence. Aluminum reversed the ATP effect by binding with high affinity to PIP2. ATP-inhibited potassium channels (KATP) were also sensitive to PIP2, whereas Na+,K+ pumps and Na+ channels were not. Thus, PIP2 may be an important regulator of both ion transporters and channels.

ATP-sensitive K+ channels in the kidney

ATP-sensitive K+ channels (KATP channels) form a link between the metabolic state of the cell and the permeability of the cell membrane for K+ which, in turn, is a major determinant of cell membrane potential. KATP channels are found in many different cell types. Their regulation by ATP and other nucleotides and their modulation by other cellular factors such as pH and kinase activity varies widely and is fine-tuned for the function that these channels have to fulfill. In most excitable tissues they are closed and open when cell metabolism is impaired; thereby the cell is clamped in the resting state which saves ATP and helps to preserve the structural integrity of the cell. There are, however, notable exceptions from this rule; in pancreatic beta-cells, certain neurons and some vascular beds, these channels are open during the normal functioning of the cell. In the renal tubular system, KATP channels are found in the proximal tubule, the thick ascending limb of Henle's loop and the cortical collecting duct. Under physiological conditions, these channels have a high open probability and play an important role in the reabsorption of electrolytes and solutes as well as in K+ homeostasis. The physiological role of their nucleotide sensitivity is not entirely clear; one consequence is the coupling of channel activity to the activity of the Na-K-ATPase (pump-leak coupling), resulting in coordinated vectorial transport. In ischemia, however, the reduced ATP/ADP ratio would increase the open probability of the KATP channels independently from pump activity; this is particularly dangerous in the proximal tubule, where 60 to 70% of the glomerular ultrafiltrate is reabsorbed. The pharmacology of KATP channels is well developed including the sulphonylureas as standard blockers and the structurally heterogeneous family of channel openers. Blockers and openers, exemplified by glibenclamide and levcromakalim, show a wide spectrum of affinities towards the different types of KATP channels. Recent cloning efforts have solved the mystery about the structure of the channel: the KATP channels in the pancreatic beta-cell and in the principal cell of the renal cortical collecting duct are heteromultimers, composed of an inwardly rectifying K+ channel and sulphonylurea binding subunit(s) with unknown stoichiometry. The proteins making up the KATP channel in these two cell types are different (though homologous), explaining the physiological and pharmacological differences between these channel subtypes.

Functional interaction between K(ATP) channels and the Na(+)-K(+) pump in metabolically inhibited heart cells of the guinea-pig

1. Transmembrane current through ATP-regulated K(+) channels (IK(ATP)) was measured in ventricular heart cells of the guinea-pig in the whole-cell and cell-attached patch configurations under conditions of metabolic poisoning with the mitochondrial uncoupler 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP). 2. Maintained exposure of the cells to DNP resulted in a transient appearance of whole-cell IK(ATP) When IK(ATP) had reached several nanoamps, blocking the forward-running Na(+)-K(+) pump with 0.5 mM strophanthidin decreased IK(ATP) after a delay. The time course of this decrease could be described by a single exponential function, which yielded a time constant(T)of 4.51+/- 1.89 s (n=8). 3. Hyperpolarization from 0 mV to -100 or -150 mV for 2 s caused IK(ATP) (measured at 0 mV) to decrease by 34.2 +/- 14.1 % (n = 8) and 37.6 +/- 9.4% (n = 8), respectively. After the hyperpolarizing pulse, IK(ATP) returned to its higher initial level within a couple of seconds. 4. Driving the pump backwards by removing the extracellular K(+) ions caused the permanent disappearance of DNP-induced IK(ATP). 5. Application of 0.5 mM strophanthidin in the absence of external K(+) ions induced a transient increase in IK(ATP), as did washing out the glycoside (n = 5). 6. When pump action was inhibited by using Na(+), K(+)-free Tyrode solution (see Methods) in the bath, strophanthidin did not have a comparable direct effect on IK(ATP). 7. In cell-attached patches, strophanthidin applied via the bath caused a reduction in IK(ATP) with a similar time course to that in whole-cell experiments. This suggests that the interaction between the pump molecules and the K(ATP) channels is not restricted to closely neighbouring molecules. 8. The data support the hypothesis that [ATP] at the cytosolic face of the membrane may drop to practically zero, thereby passing an 'ATP window' in which the channels first open and then close, and that the submembrane [ATP] is readily controlled by the cytosolic [ATP].

Glucagon induces Ca2+-dependent increase of reduced pyridine nucleotides in mouse pancreatic beta-cells

Glucagon enhances the electrical activity of pancreatic beta-cells. The mechanism of the glucagon-evoked enhancement of electrical activity was investigated in terms of glucose metabolism. ICR mice aged 6-12 weeks were used for experiments. Intracellular Ca2+ increased in parallel with the enhancement of electrical activity. The stimulating effect of glucagon on Ca2+ oscillation was suppressed by calmodulin-antagonists (Chlorpromazine, W-7, and trifluoperazine). To trace the glucagon-evoked change in glucose metabolism, the reduced pyridine nucleotide (NAD(P)H) fluorescence was monitored using the microfluorometry with the excitation of 360 nm and the emission of 465 nm in islet cell clusters mainly consisting of beta-cells. In the presence of 2.5 mM Ca2+ glucagon (8.6 X 10(-8) M) increased the NAD(P)H fluorescence, while in the absence of Ca2+ the hormone had no effect on the fluorescence. Extracellular Ca2+ removal from the glucagon-containing perifusion solution decreased the fluorescence to the level which had been attained before glucagon was added. Chlorpromazine (10 microM) reversed the glucagon-induced increase of NAD(P)H fluorescence as well as removing Ca2+ W-7 (15 microM) and trifluoperazine (30 microM) also suppressed the glucagon-induced increase of NAD(P)H. These results suggest that Ca2+/calmodulin system is involved in the acceleration of glycogenolysis by glucagon in beta-cells. On the basis of these observations, the mechanism of glucagon-induced enhancement of electrical activity and the relative ineffectiveness of glucagon at low glucose concentrations were discussed.

View of K+ secretion through the apical K channel of cortical collecting duct

The apical small-conductance K+ channel plays an important role in renal K+ secretion, as evidenced by the presence of the extensive modulatory pathways. Figure 3 summarizes the current understanding of the mechanisms that modulate the apical small-conductance K+ channel. Stimulation of adenylate cyclase enhances channel activity and consequently K+ secretion. In contrast, increases in intracellular Ca2+ concentration and activation of Ca(2+)-dependent signal transduction pathways inhibit the K+ channel and thus decrease K+ secretion. The vasopressin-induced stimulation of K+ secretion in CCD results at least in part from cAMP-dependent signal transduction pathways. The Ca(2+)-dependent signal transduction pathway is responsible for modulatory coupling between Na+ pump turnover and apical K+ conductance when the Na+ pump is inhibited.

Role of cyclic AMP and protein kinase A in K+ channel activation by calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the guinea-pig ureter

1. The aim of this study was to assess whether agents that interfere with the intracellular actions of cAMP and activation of protein kinase A (PKA) prevent the inhibitory action of human alpha-calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the guinea-pig ureter smooth muscle. The action of CGRP was compared to that of the K+ channel opener, cromakalim, and the adenylyl cyclase activator, forskolin, toward electrical field stimulation- (EFS) induced myogenic twitch contractions of the ureter. To further verify the role of cAMP in the action of CGRP, we also studied the effect of stable cAMP analogues and of the phosphodiesterase inhibitor, 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX). 2. Maximally effective concentrations of CGRP (0.1 microM) or forskolin (10 microM) produced a transient suppression of twitches. Cromakalim (3 microM) likewise produced a prompt suppression of twitches that in most cases exceeded 15 min. The early suppressant effect of CGRP or forskolin was inhibited by 1 or 10 microM glibenclamide; about 30% of the effect of CGRP was glibenclamide-resistant. The effect of cromakalim was totally suppressed by glibenclamide. 3. The inhibitory effect of CGRP was concentration-dependently reduced by low concentrations of barium chloride (IC50 63 microM), which blocked with similar potency the inhibitory action of cromakalim (IC50 60 microM). Glibenclamide (10 nM-10 microM) concentration-dependently inhibited the effect of CGRP and cromakalim with IC50S of 0.13 and 0.72 microM, respectively. 4. The cAMP analogues dibutyrye-cAMP (1-3 mM), 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)cAMP (0.3-1 mM) and Sp-cAMP monophosphothioate (0.1-0.3 mM) were either ineffective or poorly effective in inhibiting twitches. The cGMP analog, 8Br-cGMP (100-300 microM) produced a slowly developing, glibenclamide (1 microM)-resistant partial inhibition (25-30%) of twitches. 5. IBMX (1-300 microM) produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of twitches (EC50 16 microM). IBMX (100 microM) produced a large (peak 91%) and transient inhibition: glibenclamide (1 microM) blocked the early peak of the inhibitory action of IBMX, similar to the effect observed toward CGRP and forskolin.

Cardiac ATP-sensitive K+ channels: regulation by intracellular nucleotides and K+ channel-opening drugs

ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels are present at high density in membranes of cardiac cells where they regulate cardiac function during cellular metabolic impairment. KATP channels have been implicated in the shortening of the action potential duration and the cellular loss of K+ that occurs during metabolic inhibition. KATP channels have been associated with the cardioprotective mechanism of ischemia-related preconditioning. Intracellular ATP (ATPi) is the main regulator of KATP channels. ATPi has two functions: 1) to close the channel (ligand function) and 2) in the presence of Mg2+, to maintain the activity of KATP channels (presumably through an enzymatic reaction). KATP channel activity is modulated by intracellular nucleoside diphosphates that antagonize the ATPi-induced inhibition of channel opening or induce KATP channels to open. How nucleotides will affect KATP channels depends on the state of the channel. K+ channel-opening drugs are pharmacological agents that enhance KATP channel activity through different mechanisms and have great potential in the management of cardiovascular conditions. KATP channel activity is also modulated by neurohormones. Adenosine, through the activation of a GTP-binding protein, antagonizes the ATPi-induced channel closure. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that underlie KATP channel regulation should prove essential to further define the function of KATP channels and to elucidate the pharmacological regulation of this channel protein. Since the molecular structure of the KATP channel has now become available, it is anticipated that major progress in the KATP channel field will be achieved.

The involvement of ATP-sensitive potassium channels in beta-adrenoceptor-mediated vasorelaxation in the rat isolated mesenteric arterial bed

1. We have used the isolated buffer-perfused superior mesenteric arterial bed of the rat to assess the involvement of ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels in the vasorelaxant responses to beta-adrenoceptor agonists. 2. The vasorelaxant potencies of the non-selective beta-adrenoceptor agonist, isoprenaline, the beta 1-adrenoceptor agonist, dobutamine and the beta 2-adrenoceptor agonist, terbutaline were all significantly (P < 0.05) reduced (isoprenaline, ED50 = 265 +/- 31 pmol v. 1.05 +/- 0.42 nmol; dobutamine, ED50 = 294 +/- 67 pmol v. 497 +/- 115 pmol; terbutaline, ED50 = 157 +/- 26 nmol v. 452 +/- 120 nmol) in the presence of the KATP-channel blocker, glibenclamide. 3. The presence of glibenclamide only weakly influenced the vasorelaxant properties of salbutamol, a beta 2-adrenoceptor agonist, while those of verapamil, a beta-adrenoceptor-independent vasorelaxant, were unaffected. 4. In radioligand binding experiments, glibenclamide (1 nM-100 microM) did not displace any specific [3H]-dihydroalprenolol binding from rat beta-adrenoceptors. Therefore, glibenclamide does not bind to beta-adrenoceptors at the concentration used in the present investigation. 5. Vasorelaxant responses to dibutyryl cyclic AMP, the cell permeable analogue of cyclic AMP, were also unaffected by glibenclamide, indicating that the coupling of beta-adrenoceptors to KATP-channels occurs independently of the elevation of intracellular cyclic AMP. 6. We have shown that a significant element of the vasorelaxant responses to both beta 1- and beta 2-adrenoceptor activation involves the opening of KATP-channels. In conclusion, KATP-channels may play a physiological role in beta-adrenoceptor-mediated vasodilatation.

Characterization of the G protein coupling of a somatostatin receptor to the K+ATP channel in insulin-secreting mammalian HIT and RIN cell lines

1. The G protein-mediated coupling of a somatostatin (somatotropin-releasing inhibitory factor; SRIF) receptor to the ATP-dependent K+ channel (K+ATP channel) has been studied in insulin-secreting cells using the patch clamp technique. 2. In excised outside-out patches, the concentration-dependent stimulation of the K+ATP channel by SRIF was biphasic. Stimulation reached a maximum at 15 nM (EC50 = 5.5 nM), then decayed to a minimum at 50 nM and returned to maximum stimulation at 500 nM. 3. In cell-attached patches, bath-applied SRIF caused K+ATP channel stimulation in most experiments. In a few cases, however, SRIF suppressed channel activity, a response that was reversed by addition of dibutyryl cyclic AMP (DBcAMP). Channel stimulation by SRIF or by DBcAMP did not occur in the presence of glucose. 4. In excised inside-out patches, the alpha-subunits of Gi or G(o)-type G proteins stimulated the K+ATP channel (EC50 = 29 and 42 pM, respectively). The K+ATP channel stimulation by alpha i- or alpha o-subunits had no effect on the concentration-dependent inhibition by ATP. 5. In excised inside-out patches, K+ATP channel activity was reduced by inhibitors of protein kinase C (PKC) and stimulated by a PKC activator. The stimulatory effect of PKC was unaffected by the presence of pertussis toxin, but stimulation by exogenous alpha-subunits of the G protein Gi or G(o) was prevented by PKC inhibitors. 6. From these data we deduce that SRIF can affect K+ATP channel activity directly via a membrane-delimited pathway or indirectly via a pathway requiring diffusible messengers. In the former case, alpha i/alpha o may either enhance PLC activity, stimulating PKC and thus inducing K+ATP channel phosphorylation with consequent increase of activity, or channel phosphorylation by PKC may facilitate a direct stimulation of the channel by alpha i/alpha o. In the latter case, an alpha i/alpha o-induced fall in cAMP contributes to reduced PKA-mediated phosphorylation and suppression of channel activity.

Characterization of the G protein coupling of a glucagon receptor to the KATP channel in insulin-secreting cells

The G-protein-mediated coupling of a glucagon receptor to ATP-dependent K channels--KATP--has been studied in insulin-secreting cells using the patch clamp technique. In excised outside-out patches, KATP channel activity was inhibited by low concentrations of glucagon (IC50 = 2.4 nM); the inhibitory effect vanished at concentrations greater than 50 nM. In cell-attached patches, inhibition by bath-applied glucagon was seen most often, although stimulation was observed in a few cases. A dual action of the hormone is proposed to resolve these apparently divergent results. In excised inside-out patches, KATP channel activity was inhibited by addition of beta gamma subunits purified from either erythrocyte or retina (IC50 = 50 pM and 1 nM, respectively). Subsequent exposure of the patch to alpha i or alpha o reversed this effect. In excised inside-out patches, increasing Mg2+ in the bath stimulated the channel activity between 0 and 0.5 nM, but blocked it at higher concentrations (IC50 = 2.55 mM). In most cases (70%), GTP had a stimulatory effect at concentrations up to 100 microns. However, in three cases, similar GTP levels had clear inhibitory effects. In excised inside-out patches, cholera toxin (CTX) caused channel inhibition. Although the effect could not be reversed by removal of the toxin, the activity was restored by subsequent addition of purified alpha i or alpha o. These results are compatible with a model whereby channel inhibition by activated Gs-coupled receptors occurs, at least in part, via association of the beta gamma subunits of Gs with alpha i/alpha o subunits and deactivation of the alpha i/alpha o-dependent stimulatory pathway. On the basis of this hypothesis, a model is developed to describe the effects of G proteins on the KATP channel, as well as to account for the concentration-dependent stimulation and inhibition of KATP channel by Mg2+. An interpretation of the ability of glucagon to potentiate, but not initiate, insulin release is also given in terms of this model and the effects of ATP on KATP channels.

ATP-sensitive K+ channels in heart muscle cells first open and subsequently close at maintained anoxia

In ventricular myocardial cells of the guinea pig and the mouse, anoxia caused after a mean latency of 439 +/- 141 s and 129 +/- 23 s (mean +/- S.E.M.), respectively, a large current through KATP-channels. This current disappeared within several seconds when reoxygenating the cells but decayed also completely at maintained anoxia. The kinetics of the latter process, however, were much slower and obeyed an approximately monoexponential time course with time constants in the range of 30 s. The results suggest that in the ischaemic myocardium KATP-channels contribute only to the initial phase of extracellular K+ accumulation.

Regulation of ROMK1 K+ channel activity involves phosphorylation processes

An inwardly rectifying, ATP-regulated K+ channel with a distinctive molecular architecture, ROMK1, was recently cloned from rat kidney. Using patch clamp techniques, we have investigated the regulation of ROMK1 with particular emphasis on phosphorylation/dephosphorylation processes. Spontaneous channel rundown occurred after excision of membrane patches into ATP-free bath solutions in the presence of Mg2+. Channel rundown was almost completely abolished after excision of patches into either Mg(2+)-free bathing solutions or after preincubation with the broad-spectrum phosphatase inhibitor, orthovanadate, in the presence of Mg2+. MgATP preincubation also inhibited channel rundown in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the effect of the specific phosphatase inhibitors okadaic acid (1 microM) and calyculin A (1 microM) was also investigated. The presence of either okadaic acid or calyculin A failed to inhibit channel rundown. Taken together, these data suggest that rundown of ROMK1 involves a Mg(2+)-dependent dephosphorylation process. Channel activity was also partially restored after the addition of MgATP to the bath solution. Addition of exogenous cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) catalytic subunit led to a further increase in channel open probability. Addition of Na2ATP, in the absence of Mg2+, was ineffective, suggesting that restoration of channel activity is a Mg(2+)-dependent process. Addition of the specific PKA inhibitor, PKI, to the bath solution led to a partial, reversible inhibition in channel activity. Thus, PKA-dependent phosphorylation processes are involved in the modulation of channel activity. This observation is consistent with the presence of potential PKA phosphorylation sites on ROMK1.

Enhancement of ATP-sensitive potassium current in cat ventricular myocytes by beta-adrenoreceptor stimulation

1. To address the questions of whether beta-adrenoreceptor stimulation can augment ATP-sensitive potassium current (IK(ATP)), and what the mechanism of such an effect might be, action potentials and whole-cell ionic currents were recorded from adult cat cardiac ventricular myocytes using a conventional whole-cell patch technique. 2. An outwardly directed, ohmic, non-inactivating, glyburide (10 microM)-sensitive current reversing near the reversal potential for potassium (EK) developed slowly (10-25 min) in cells dialysed with an ATP-free pipette (intracellular) solution. During this time, action potential duration markedly decreased while the resting membrane potential hyperpolarized closer to EK. Extended (> 30 min) periods of internal dialysis with ATP-free solution eventually resulted in run-down of the outward current. 3. Externally applied isoprenaline (1 microM) caused a rapidly developing (< or = 60 s), sustained enhancement of a glyburide (10 microM)-sensitive IK(ATP) in cells internally dialysed with ATP-free solution. IK(ATP) remained elevated even after the isoprenaline was removed, and subsequent applications of the beta-agonist failed to increase IK(ATP) further. Half-maximal isoprenaline stimulation of IK(ATP) occurred at a concentration of approximate of 1.5 nM. 4. Pretreatment with propranolol (1 microM) prevented the enhancement of IK(ATP) by a beta-agonist. 5. Isoprenaline-induced IK(ATP) could be blocked by either internal application of GDP-beta-S (2-5 mM) or pretreatment with cholera toxin (1-10 microgram ml-1, > 18 h). Pretreatment with pertussis toxin (1-2 microgram ml-1, > 18 h) did not attenuate the isoprenaline response, whereas internally applied GTP-gamma-S (100 microM) or F- (20 mM) caused IK(ATP) to increase rapidly in the absence of the beta-agonist. 6. Although externally applied forskolin (10 microM) also stimulated IK(ATP), neither 1,9-dideoxyforskolin (10 microM) nor 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)-cAMP (200 microM) had any effect on the current. Internal application of the adenylate cyclase inhibitor 2'-deoxyadenosine-3'-monophosphate (100 microM) resulted in a reduction in the response to isoprenaline, while internal application of a protein kinase A inhibitor (PKI5-24, 22.5 microM) did not attenuate the response to the beta-agonist. 7. IK(ATP) developed slowly during internal dialysis with ATP-free solution.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Single-channel properties and regulation of pinacidil/glibenclamide-sensitive K+ channels in follicular cells from Xenopus oocyte

Follicular oocytes from Xenopus laevis contain K+ channels that are activated by members of the recently recognized class of vasorelaxants that includes the pinacidil derivative P1060. These channels are blocked by antidiabetic sulphonylureas such as glibenclamide. Opening of the glibenclamide-sensitive K+ channels with P1060 promotes follicular oocyte maturation. Whole-cell and single-channel patch-clamp configurations were used to monitor K+ channel activity in isolated follicular cells. In the presence of micromolar concentrations of intracellular Mg2+ATP, P1060 activated a whole-cell K+ current that was blocked by glibenclamide. The P1060 response was depressed by millimolar concentrations of intracellular ATP and ATP[gamma S]. Single-channel recordings identified two different types of K+ channel. These channels differed in their unitary conductances (19 pS and 150 pS), in their sensitivities to internal Ca2+, to charybdotoxin and to pinacidil and glibenclamide. Only the Ca(2+)-independent K+ channel (19 pS) was activated by the pinacidil derivative and blocked by glibenclamide. Opening of the 19-pS glibenclamide-sensitive K+ channel by P1060 critically required the presence of a low concentration of Mg2+ATP in the intracellular medium. The 19-pS K+ channel was opened by increasing intracellular cAMP. Similar effects were obtained by intracellular application of the catalytic subunit of protein kinase A in the presence of micromolar concentrations of Mg2+ATP. Both acetylcholine and the phorbol ester phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate blocked the 19-pS K+ channel after it was activated by P1060.

The ATP-sensitive K+ channel

A small conductance K+ channel, that is inactivated by ATP, was recently found in the inner membrane of rat liver mitochondria (Inoue et al., 1991). This finding clearly indicates that a variety of K+ channels, showing ATP-sensitivity, are widely distributed. ATP is an important compound in view of its participation in oxidative phosphorylation and as the source of high-energy phosphate for nearly every energy-requiring reaction in the cell. Therefore, it is easy to speculate that transducing the ATP concentration within a cell into an electrical signal is vital for most living cells. The opening of the ATP-sensitive K+ channel by a decrease in the ATP level shifts the membrane potential in a negative direction and in general depresses cell function. The closing of the channel by an increase in ATP depolarizes the membrane and enhances membrane excitability. It might be speculated that a sequence of amino acids common for the binding site of ATP is preserved and combined with different types of K+ channels, so that the gating with ATP is quite similar between different K+ channels, but the conductance properties are different. The large variability in the value of K1/2ATP in the same cells or between different tissues might be due to modulation of the reaction of ATP and the binding site. These ideas will be substantiated by clarifying the molecular structure of the ATP-sensitive K+ channel in the near future. The molecular mechanisms for the selective channel blockers, sulfonylureas, and for the K+ channel openers should also be clarified.

Intracellular ATP modifies the voltage dependence of the fast transient outward K+ current in Lymnaea stagnalis neurones

1. The action of intracellular ATP on the fast transient outward K+ current (A-current) was studied in dialysed voltage-clamped Lymnaea stagnalis neurones. 2. When introduced intracellularly in millimolar concentrations ATP caused a shift of the steady-state inactivation curve along the voltage axis in the direction of positive potentials and decreased A-current at all test voltages. 3. Intracellular treatment with an inhibitor of ATP synthesis, sodium arsenate, led to the opposite changes. The action of arsenate was not reversed upon its removal. After wash-out of arsenate ATP restored the initial voltage dependence. 4. Addition of Mg2+ to the solution weakened the action of ATP in proportion to the Mg2+: ATP concentration ratio. On the other hand, in neurones pretreated with arsenate, Mg2+ did not affect the ATP action. 5. When a mixture of glycolytic substrates was applied after arsenate wash-out the activation and inactivation curves shifted towards positive voltages. A substrate of oxidative phosphorylation was ineffective in the same conditions. 6. Non-hydrolysable analogues of ATP, adenosine-5'-O-gamma-thiotriphosphate and adenylyl imidodiphosphate, did not mimic the ATP action. This means that the ATP effect is mediated by some enzymatic process(es). 7. Elevation of total cytosolic Ca2+ concentration as well as intracellular application of agents increasing intracellular free Ca2+ reduced A-current amplitude but failed to alter its voltage dependence. Therefore, ATP action cannot be related to activation of Ca2+ transport. 8. Treatment of the neurones with alkaline phosphatase evoked a shift of the inactivation voltage dependence towards hyperpolarizing potentials and increased the A-current amplitudes at all test voltages. 9. The data indicate that a change in intracellular ATP concentration modulates the A-current voltage dependence. The effect of ATP is probably the result of phosphorylation of a channel protein or some associated proteins, but lowering of free Mg2+ concentration cannot be excluded. The possible physiological significance of the phenomenon is discussed.

Pancreatic beta-cells are rendered glucose-competent by the insulinotropic hormone glucagon-like peptide-1(7-37)

Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM, type 2 diabetes) is a disorder of glucose homeostasis characterized by hyperglycaemia, peripheral insulin resistance, impaired hepatic glucose metabolism, and diminished glucose-dependent secretion of insulin from pancreatic beta-cells. Glucagon-like-peptide-1(7-37) (GLP-1) is an intestinally derived hormone that may be useful for the treatment of NIDDM because it acts in vivo to increase the level of circulating insulin, and thus lower the concentration of blood glucose. This therapeutic effect may result from the ability of GLP-1 to compensate for a defect in the glucose signalling pathway that regulates insulin secretion from beta-cells. In support of this concept we report here that GLP-1 confers glucose sensitivity to glucose-resistant beta-cells, a phenomenon we term glucose competence. Induction of glucose competence by GLP-1 results from its synergistic interaction with glucose to inhibit metabolically regulated potassium channels that are also targeted for inhibition by sulphonylurea drugs commonly used in the treatment of NIDDM. Glucose competence allows membrane depolarization, the generation of action potentials, and Ca2+ influx, events that are known to trigger insulin secretion.

Potassium channel modulation in rat portal vein by ATP depletion: a comparison with the effects of levcromakalim (BRL 38227)

1. The effects of levcromakalim and of adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) depletion on membrane potential and ionic currents were studied in freshly-dispersed smooth muscle cells of rat portal vein by use of combined voltage- and current-clamp techniques. 2. Levcromakalim (1 microM) induced a glibenclamide-sensitive, non-inactivating K-current (IKCO) and simultaneously inhibited the slow, transient outward, delayed rectifier K-current (ITO). Levcromakalim also hyperpolarized the portal vein cells by approximately 20 mV. 3. Reduction of intracellular ATP by removal of glucose and carboxylic acids from the recording pipette and of glucose from the bath fluid, induced a slowly-developing, non-inactivating and glibenclamide-sensitive K-current (Imet) within 60-300 s after breaking the membrane patch. Imet reached peak amplitude after 300-900 s, remained at a plateau for 200-800 s and then slowly ran down. At the peak of Imet, the cells were hyperpolarized by approximately 20 mV and their input conductance was increased by 42%. 4. At the time of maximum development of Imet, the delayed rectifier current, ITO, was reduced by 48%. 5. In the absence of glucose and carboxylic acids, addition of 1 microM free ATP to the recording pipette almost doubled the magnitude of Imet. At a holding potential of -10 mV, Imet was increased from 124 +/- 11 pA to 228 +/- 54 pA whereas the time-course of development and run-down of Imet was unaffected. 6. During the development and after the run-down of Imet, levcromakalim (1-10 microM) failed to induce IKCO. 7. Stationary fluctuation analysis of the current noise associated with Imet revealed a unitary conductance of between 10-20 pS in a physiological potassium gradient. A second contaminating current with an underlying unitary conductance of approximately 150 pS remained after Imet had run down. 8. It is concluded that IKCO induced by levcromakalim and Imet are carried by the same population of relatively small conductance, glibenclamide-sensitive K-channels. The open state of these is increased by procedures designed to lower intracellular ATP concentrations. 9. The simultaneous inhibition of the delayed rectifier current (ITO) by both levcromakalim and during the development of Imet is highly significant. It suggests that levcromakalim could modify the interaction of ATP with sites linked to more than one type of K-channel. This results in the opening of those channels which underlie IKCO (and which are normally inhibited by ATP binding) together with the modulation of phosphorylation-dependent channels such as those which underlie ITO.

5-Hydroxydecanoate inhibits ATP-sensitive K+ channel currents in guinea-pig single ventricular myocytes

We investigated the effect of 5-hydroxydecanoate, a novel antiarrhythmic agent, on the electrical activity of guinea-pig ventricular myocytes. The outward K+ current increased by lowering the intracellular ATP concentration (0.5 mM) was efficiently blocked by 5-hydroxydecanoate when recording in the whole cell configuration with the application of voltage ramps. The increase in the time-independent outward K+ current induced by reducing intracellular ATP to 0 mM was also blocked by 5-hydroxydecanoate (10 or 100 microM) and by tolbutamide (1 mM). Using the single channel recording technique, we found that 5-hydroxydecanoate blocked ATP-sensitive K+ channels when its channel open probability was increased by 1 mM ATP together with 1 mM ADP or by an intracellular pH of 6.6. These conditions are well documented to reflect metabolic changes in the early stages of myocardial ischemic attack. These results suggest that 5-hydroxydecanoate could inhibit ATP-sensitive K+ channels, resulting in an antiarrhythmic effect specifically on ischemic hearts.

Nucleotide-dependent activation of KATP channels by diazoxide in CRI-G1 insulin-secreting cells

1. Patch-clamp recording techniques were used, to examine the effects of diazoxide on KATP currents in CRI-G1 insulin-secreting cells in the presence of non-hydrolysable nucleotides. 2. In the presence of non- or slowly-hydrolyzed ATP analogues, bathing the intracellular aspect of cell-free membrane patches diazoxide inhibited KATP channel activity. 3. Under whole-cell recording conditions, with various non-hydrolysable nucleotides present intracellularly (after dialysis), diazoxide induced KATP current activation. The largest activation occurred with Mg-adenylyl-(beta, gamma-methylene) diphosphate (Mg-AMP-PCP) present in the dialysing solution. This activation was diazoxide- and nucleotide-concentration-dependent. 4. In the absence of Mg2+, or in the presence of manganese (Mn2+) ions intracellularly, diazoxide did not induce KATP current activation, regardless of the species of nucleotide present in the pipette. 5. Intracellularly applied trypsin prevented the activation of KATP currents by diazoxide in the presence of Mg-AMP-PCP, an effect reversed by co-application of intracellular polymethylsulphonyl fluoride with the trypsin. 6. The application, by dialysis, of a CRI-G1 cell lysate, with negligible Mg-ATP, resulted in a substantial activation of the KATP current by diazoxide. 7. It is concluded that diazoxide can activate KATP channel currents by two separate pathways, one requiring a phosphorylation process, the other the presence of an intracellular protein coupled with a Mg-purine nucleotide.

ATP-sensitive K+ conductance in pancreatic zymogen granules: block by glyburide and activation by diazoxide

The properties of transporters (or channels) for monovalent cations in the membrane of isolated pancreatic zymogen granules were characterized with an assay measuring bulk cation influx driven by a proton diffusion potential. The proton diffusion potential was generated by suspending granules in an isotonic monovalent cation/acetate solution and increasing the proton conductance of the membrane with a protonophore. Monovalent cation conductance had the sequence Rb+ > K+ > NA+ > Cs+ > LI+ > N-methyl glucamine+. The conductance could be inhibited by Ca2+, Mg2+, Ba2+, and pharmacological agents such as quinine, quinidine, glyburide and tolbutamide, but not by 5 mM tetra-ethyl ammonium or 5 mM 4-aminopyridine, when applied to the cytosolic surface of the granule membrane. Over 50% of K+ conductance could be inhibited by millimolar concentrations of ATP or MgATP. The inhibition by MgATP, but not by ATP itself, was reversed by the K+ channel opener diazoxide. The inhibitory effect is probably by a noncovalent interaction since it could be mimicked by nonhydrolyzable analogs of ATP and by ADP. The reversal of MgATP inhibition by diazoxide may be mediated by phosphorylation since it was not affected by dilution, and was blocked by the protein kinase inhibitor H7. The properties of the K+ conductance of pancreatic zymogen granule membranes are similar to those of ATP-sensitive K+ channels found in the plasma membrane of insulin-secreting islet cells, neurons, muscle, and renal cells.

ATP-sensitive potassium channels and myocardial ischemia: why do they open?

There is evidence that the "ATP-sensitive" potassium channel opens, at least during the early stages of myocardial ischemia, despite relatively high ATP levels. Thus, channel opening may partially contribute to potassium efflux and accumulation of extracellular potassium, but probably much more profoundly to electrical abnormalities associated with ischemia, including the development of lethal arrhythmias. Several factors are discussed that may promote a significant open-channel probability of the channel, in spite of relatively high levels of ATP. It is argued that, even with a very low open probability, the magnitude of total membrane current carried by these channels may be substantial (comparable to other potassium currents) because of the high density and conductance of the ATP-sensitive potassium channel. Finally, it is shown how the ATP-sensitive potassium channel may play a role in various tissue types, ranging from the physiological to the pathophysiological. This potassium channel is therefore increasingly targeted for drug development and research.

A cAMP-dependent protein kinase inhibitor modulates the blocking action of ATP and 5-hydroxydecanoate on the ATP-sensitive K+ channel

We studied the blocking mechanism of 5-hydroxydecanoate, a novel antiarrhythmic agent, on the ATP-sensitive K+ channel in the single ventricular myocytes using the inside-out patch clamp technique. The channel activity in response to 5-hydroxydecanoate varied with each membrane patch corresponding to the sensitivity to ATP. In this condition the exogenous application of cAMP or cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) obviously recovered the ATP-sensitive K+ channel activity after channel deactivation. By contrast, in membrane patches exhibited low sensitivity to ATP, endogenous cAMP-dependent protein kinase inhibitor (PKI) depressed the channel activity and restored the inhibitory action of 5-hydroxydecanoate and ATP on the channel. These results suggest that PKA-PKI system is involved in the regulatory mechanism of gating activity of the ATP-sensitive K+ channel and the blocking action of 5-hydroxydecanoate and ATP appears to be exerted by potentiating the inhibitory action of PKI on the channel.

Guanosine diphosphate activates an adenosine 5'-triphosphate-sensitive K+ channel in the rabbit portal vein

1. Properties of the pinacidil-sensitive K+ channel in the smooth muscle of the rabbit portal vein were investigated using cell-attached and inside- and outside-out patch clamp techniques. 2. In the cell-attached patch configuration, a K+ channel with a unitary conductance of 150 pS could be recorded when physiological salt solution (PSS) was in the pipette and high-K+ solution was in the bath. Tetraethylammonium (TEA; less than 1 mM) and charybdotoxin (CTX; greater than 50 nM) inhibited the 150 pS K+ channel from the outside of the membrane. This channel was activated by an increase in the concentrations of intracellular Ca2+ but not by pinacidil (less than or equal to 500 microM). 3. In the cell-attached patch configuration, bath application of pinacidil (greater than 3 microM) activated a K+ channel (ATP-sensitive K+ channel) with a unitary conductance of 15 pS and the enhancing action of pinacidil was blocked by glibenclamide. However, in the cell-free patch configuration, pinacidil (100 microM) failed to open the 15 pS K+ channel. With pinacidil in the pipette, the 15 pS K+ channel was completely inactivated within 5 s of the excision of the membrane. Opening of the 15 pS K+ channel also disappeared after saponin treatment (50 micrograms/ml). 4. In the cell-free patch configuration, application of guanosine 5'-diphosphate (GDP; greater than 100 microM) re-activated the inactivated 15 pS K+ channel only when pinacidil was present either in the pipette or bath. GDP increased the mean open time and open probability of the 15 pS K+ channel in a concentration-dependent manner. Simultaneous application of MgCl2 (less than or equal to 1 mM) with GDP did not modify the GDP-induced activation. Neither GDP nor GTP (1 mM) had any effect on the 150 pS K+ channel. 5. Guanosine 5'-triphosphate (GTP; 1 mM) activated the 15 pS K+ channel to a lesser extent that did GDP. Other guanine nucleotides (guanosine 5'-monophosphate, GMP, 1 mM; guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate), GTP gamma S, 100 microM; and guanosine 5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate), GDP beta S, 1 mM) failed to activate the 15 pS K+ channel. However, GDP beta S, but not GMP or GTP gamma S, inhibited this channel when it was activated by 1 mM-GDP. 6. In the presence of pinacidil, adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP; greater than or equal to 10 microM) inhibited the ATP-sensitive K+ channel when it was activated by 1 mM-GDP.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

ATP dependence of KATP channel kinetics in isolated membrane patches from rat ventricle

The dependence of KATP channel activity on [ATP] has been examined in isolated membrane patches from rat ventricular myocytes. The steady-state [ATP] dependence of channel open probability could be described by a sigmoidal relationship with the ki ([ATP] causing half-maximal inhibition of open probability) = 25 microM and Hill coefficient of 2. Description of channel open- and closed-time distributions required at least 2, and 3, time constants, respectively. Long open-channel lifetimes decreased with [ATP]; unconditional mean channel closed-times increased with [ATP]. Step decrease (jump) in bathing [ATP] resulted in a delay (of up to hundreds of milliseconds) followed by a pseudo-exponential rise of current (with a time constant of up to hundreds of milliseconds). The time course of channel current after changes of [ATP] (or the ATP-analogue AMP-PNP) was shown to be predominantly determined by the time course of diffusion into the tip of the electrode and to the membrane. This time course of diffusion of ATP into the pipette tip had to be taken into account when analyzing the current response to [ATP] steps. Several possible kinetic models of the ATP-dependent regulation of channel activity were considered. Adequate explanation of the data required a model with sequential ATP-binding sites. The model can account for the time course of channel opening after steps of [ATP], as well as for the steady-state dependence of P0 on [ATP]. The model predicts [ATP]-dependent closed and open lifetimes as were observed experimentally.