An ATP-sensitive K(+) conductance in dissociated neurones from adult rat intracardiac ganglia

The role of the tripartite synapse in the heart: how glial cells may contribute to the physiology and pathophysiology of the intracardiac nervous system

One of the major roles of the intracardiac nervous system (ICNS) is to act as the final site of signal integration for efferent information destined for the myocardium to enable local control of heart rate and rhythm. Multiple subtypes of neurons exist in the ICNS where they are organized into clusters termed ganglionated plexi (GP). The majority of cells in the ICNS are actually glial cells; however, despite this, ICNS glial cells have received little attention to date. In the central nervous system, where glial cell function has been widely studied, glia are no longer viewed simply as supportive cells but rather have been shown to play an active role in modulating neuronal excitability and synaptic plasticity. Pioneering studies have demonstrated that in addition to glia within the brain stem, glial cells within multiple autonomic ganglia in the peripheral nervous system, including the ICNS, can also act to modulate cardiovascular function. Clinically, patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing catheter ablation show high plasma levels of S100B, a protein produced by cardiac glial cells, correlated with decreased AF recurrence. Interestingly, S100B also alters GP neuron excitability and neurite outgrowth in the ICNS. These studies highlight the importance of understanding how glial cells can affect the heart by modulating GP neuron activity or synaptic inputs. Here, we review studies investigating glia both in the central and peripheral nervous systems to discuss the potential role of glia in controlling cardiac function in health and disease, paying particular attention to the glial cells of the ICNS.

Rapamycin Re-Directs Lysosome Network, Stimulates ER-Remodeling, Involving Membrane CD317 and Affecting Exocytosis, in Campylobacter Jejuni-Lysate-Infected U937 Cells

The Gram-negative Campylobacter jejuni is a major cause of foodborne gastroenteritis in humans worldwide. The cytotoxic effects of Campylobacter have been mainly ascribed to the actions of the cytolethal distending toxin (CDT): it is mandatory to put in evidence risk factors for sequela development, such as reactive arthritis (ReA) and Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS). Several researches are directed to managing symptom severity and the possible onset of sequelae. We found for the first time that rapamycin (RM) is able to largely inhibit the action of C. jejuni lysate CDT in U937 cells, and to partially avoid the activation of specific sub-lethal effects. In fact, we observed that the ability of this drug to redirect lysosomal compartment, stimulate ER-remodeling (highlighted by ER–lysosome and ER–mitochondria contacts), protect mitochondria network, and downregulate CD317/tetherin, is an important component of membrane microdomains. In particular, lysosomes are involved in the process of the reduction of intoxication, until the final step of lysosome exocytosis. Our results indicate that rapamycin confers protection against C. jejuni bacterial lysate insults to myeloid cells.

Pathophysiological Mechanisms in Migraine and the Identification of New Therapeutic Targets

Migraine is a strongly disabling disease characterized by a unilateral throbbing headache lasting for up to 72 h for each individual attack. There have been many theories on the pathophysiology of migraine throughout the years. Currently, the neurovascular theory dominates, suggesting clear involvement of the trigeminovascular system. The most recent data show that a migraine attack most likely originates in the hypothalamus and activates the trigeminal nucleus caudalis (TNC). Although the mechanisms are unknown, activation of the TNC leads to peripheral release of calcitonin gene-related protein (CGRP), most likely from C-fibers. During the past year monoclonal antibodies against CGRP or the CGRP receptor have emerged as the most promising targets for migraine therapy, and at the same time established the strong involvement of CGRP in the pathophysiology of migraine. The viewpoint presented here focuses further on the activation of the CGRP receptor on the sensory Aδ-fiber, leading to the sensation of pain. The CGRP receptor activates adenylate cyclase, which leads to an increase in cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). We hypothesize that cAMP activates the hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels, triggering an action potential sensed as pain. The mechanisms behind migraine pain on a molecular level, particularly their importance to cAMP, provide clues to potential new anti-migraine targets. In this article we focus on the development of targets related to the CGRP system, and further include novel targets such as the pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP) system, the serotonin 5-HT_1F receptor, purinergic receptors, HCN channels, adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channels (K_ATP), and the glutaminergic system.

Diet Modulation Restores Autophagic Flux in Damaged Skeletal Muscle Cells

OBJECTIVES

Autophagy is a physiological and highly regulated mechanism, crucial for cell homeostasis maintenance. Its impairment seems to be involved in the onset of several diseases, including muscular dystrophies, myopathies and sarcopenia. According to few papers, chemotherapeutic drug treatment is able to trigger side effects on skeletal muscle tissue and, among these, a defective autophagic activation, which leads to the persistence of abnormal organelles within cells and, finally, to myofiber degeneration. The aim of this work is to find a strategy, based on diet modulation, to prevent etoposide-induced damage, in a model of in vitro skeletal muscle cells.

METHODS

Glutamine supplementation and nutrient deprivation have been chosen as pre-treatments to counteract etoposide effect, a chemotherapeutic drug known to induce oxidative stress and cell death. Cell response has been evaluated by means of morpho-functional, cytofluorimetric and molecular analyses.

RESULTS

Etoposide treated cells, if compared to control, showed dysfunctional mitochondria presence, ER stress and lysosomal compartment damage, confirmed by molecular investigations.

CONCLUSIONS

Interestingly, both dietary approaches were able to rescue myofiber from etoposide-induced damage. Glutamine supplementation, in particular, seemed to be a good strategy to preserve cell ultrastructure and functionality, by preventing the autophagic impairment and partially restoring the normal lysosomal activity, thus maintaining skeletal muscle homeostasis.

Monocyte Response to Different Campylobacter jejuni Lysates Involves Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and the Lysosomal⁻Mitochondrial Axis: When Cell Death Is Better Than Cell Survival

Campylobacter jejuni is a Gram-negative spiral-shaped bacterium, commonly associated with gastroenteritis in humans. It explicates its virulence also by the cytolethal distending toxin (CDT), able to cause irreversible cell cycle arrest. Infection by C. jejuni may result in the development of the Guillain⁻Barré Syndrome, an acute peripheral neuropathy. Symptoms of this disease could be caused by CDT-induced cell death and a subsequent inflammatory response. We tested C. jejuni lysates from different strains on donor monocytes: in fact, monocytes are potent producers of both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, playing a major role in innate immunity and in non-specific host responses. We found, by cytometric and confocal analyses, that mitochondria and lysosomes were differently targeted: The C. jejuni strain that induced the most relevant mitochondrial alterations was the ATCC 33291, confirming an intrinsic apoptotic pathway, whereas the C. jejuni ISS 1 wild-type strain mostly induced lysosomal alterations. Lysates from all strains induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in monocytes, suggesting that ER stress was not associated with CDT but to other C. jejuni virulence factors. The ER data were consistent with an increase in cytosolic Ca2+ content induced by the lysates. On the contrary, the changes in lysosomal acidic compartments and p53 expression (occurring together from time 0, T0, to 24 h) were mainly due to CDT. The loss of p53 may prevent or impede cell death and it was not observable with the mutant strain. CDT not only was responsible for specific death effects but also seemed to promote an apoptotic stimuli-resisting pathway.

Reactive oxygen species modulate neuronal excitability in rat intrinsic cardiac ganglia

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced as by-products of oxidative metabolism and occur in the heart during ischemia and coronary artery reperfusion. The effects of ROS on the electrophysiological properties of intracardiac neurons were investigated in the intracardiac ganglion (ICG) plexus in situ and in dissociated neurons from neonatal and adult rat hearts using the whole-cell patch clamp recording configuration. Bath application of ROS donors, hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) and tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) hyperpolarized, and increased the action potential duration of both neonatal and adult ICG neurons. This action was also recorded in ICG neurons in an adult in situ ganglion preparation. H(2)O(2) and t-BHP also inhibited voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC) currents and shifted the current-voltage (I-V) relationship to more hyperpolarized potentials. In contrast, H(2)O(2) increased the amplitude of the delayed rectifier K(+) current in neonatal ICG neurons. In neonatal ICG neurons, bath application of either superoxide dismutase (SOD) or catalase, scavengers of ROS, prior to H(2)O(2) attenuated the hyperpolarizing shift but not the inhibition of VGCC by H(2)O(2). In contrast, in adult ICG neurons, application of SOD alone had no effect upon either VGCC current amplitude or the I-V relationship, whereas application of SOD prior to H(2)O(2) exposure abolished both the H(2)O(2)-mediated hyperpolarizing shift and inhibition. These data indicate that ROS alter depolarization-activated Ca(2+) and K(+) conductances which underlie neuronal excitability of ICG neurons. This affects action potential duration and therefore probably modifies autonomic control of the heart during ischemia/reperfusion.

Opposing effects of spinal nerve ligation on calcium-activated potassium currents in axotomized and adjacent mammalian primary afferent neurons

Calcium-activated potassium channels regulate AHP and excitability in neurons. Since we have previously shown that axotomy decreases I(Ca) in DRG neurons, we investigated the association between I(Ca) and K((Ca)) currents in control medium-sized (30-39 microM) neurons, as well as axotomized L5 or adjacent L4 DRG neurons from hyperalgesic rats following L5 SNL. Currents in response to AP waveform voltage commands were recorded first in Tyrode's solution and sequentially after: 1) blocking Na(+) current with NMDG and TTX; 2) addition of K((Ca)) blockers with a combination of apamin 1 microM, iberiotoxin 200 nM, and clotrimazole 500 nM; 3) blocking remaining K(+) current with the addition of 4-AP, TEA-Cl, and glibenclamide; and 4) blocking I(Ca) with cadmium. In separate experiments, currents were evoked (HP -60 mV, 200 ms square command pulses from -100 to +50 mV) while ensuring high levels of activation of I(K(Ca)) by clamping cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration with pipette solution in which Ca(2+) was buffered to 1 microM. This revealed I(K(Ca)) with components sensitive to apamin, clotrimazole and iberiotoxin. SNL decreases total I(K(Ca)) in axotomized (L5) neurons, but increases total I(K(Ca)) in adjacent (L4) DRG neurons. All I(K(Ca)) subtypes are decreased by axotomy, but iberiotoxin-sensitive and clotrimazole-sensitive current densities are increased in adjacent L4 neurons after SNL. In an additional set of experiments we found that small-sized control DRG neurons also expressed iberiotoxin-sensitive currents, which are reduced in both axotomized (L5) and adjacent (L4) neurons.

CONCLUSIONS

Axotomy decreases I(K(Ca)) due to a direct effect on K((Ca)) channels. Axotomy-induced loss of I(Ca) may further potentiate current reduction. This reduction in I(K(Ca)) may contribute to elevated excitability after axotomy. Adjacent neurons (L4 after SNL) exhibit increased I(K(Ca)) current.

Developmental Changes in Electrophysiological Properties and Synaptic Transmission in Rat Intracardiac Ganglion Neurons

We charted postnatal changes in the intrinsic electrophysiological properties and synaptic responses of rat intrinsic cardiac ganglion (ICG) neurons. We developed a whole-mount ganglion preparation of the excised right atrial ganglion plexus. Using intracellular recordings and nerve stimulation we tested the hypothesis that substantial transformations in the intrinsic electrical characteristics and synaptic transmission accompany postnatal development. Membrane potential ( Em) did not change but time constant (τ) and cell capacitance increased with postnatal development. Accordingly, input resistance ( Rin) decreased but specific membrane resistance ( Rm) increased postnatally. Comparison of the somatic active membrane properties revealed significant changes in electrical phenotype. All neonatal neurons had somatic action potentials (APs) with small overshoots and small afterhyperpolarizations (AHPs). Adult neurons had somatic APs with large overshoots and large AHP amplitudes. The range of AHP duration was larger in adults than in neonates. The AP characteristics of juvenile neurons resembled those of adults, with the exception of AHP duration, which fell midway between neonate and adult values. Phasic, multiply adapting, and tonic evoked discharge activities were recorded from ICG neurons. Most neurons displayed phasic discharge at each developmental stage. All neurons received excitatory synaptic inputs from the vagus or interganglionic nerve trunk(s), the strength of which did not change significantly with postnatal age. The changes in the electrophysiological properties of the postganglionic neuron suggest that increased complexity of parasympathetic regulation of cardiac function accompanies postnatal development.

NO stimulation of ATP-sensitive potassium channels: Involvement of Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway and contribution to neuroprotection

ATP-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channels regulate insulin release, vascular tone, and neuronal excitability. Whether these channels are modulated by NO, a membrane-permeant messenger in various physiological and pathological processes, is not known. The possibility of NO signaling via K(ATP) channel modulation is of interest because both NO and K(ATP) have been implicated in physiological functions such as vasodilation and neuroprotection. In this report, we demonstrate a mechanism that leads to K(ATP) activation via NO/Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. By monitoring K(ATP) single-channel activities from human embryonic kidney 293 cell-attached patches expressing sulfonylurea receptor 2B and Kir6.2, we found K(ATP) stimulation by NO donor Noc-18, a specific NO effect abolished by NO scavenger 2-phenyl-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide (PTIO) but not guanylyl cyclase inhibitor 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ). NO stimulation of K(ATP) is indirect and requires Ras and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase activities. Blockade of Ras activation by pharmacological means or by coexpressing either a dominant-negative or an S-nitrosylation-site mutant Ras protein significantly abrogates the effects of NO. Inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase abolishes the NO activation of K(ATP) but suppression of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase does not. The NO precursor l-Arg also stimulates K(ATP) via endogenous NO synthase and the Ras signaling pathway. In addition, in rat hippocampal neurons, the protective effect of ischemic preconditioning induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation requires K(ATP) and NO synthase activity during preconditioning. Thus, neuroprotection caused by NO released during the short episode of sublethal ischemia may be mediated partly by K(ATP) stimulation.

Electrophysiological analysis of ATP-sensitive potassium channels in mammalian cells and Xenopus oocytes

This unit describes general methodologies for the characterization of ATP-sensitive K+ channels and the study of ligand-channel interactions in native tissues and clonal cell lines by electrophysiological techniques. Detailed protocols on how to establish patch-clamp single-channel and whole-cell current recording are presented. Two-electrode voltage clamp techniques for studying ATP-sensitive K+ channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes are also included.

ATP-sensitive potassium channels in rat primary afferent neurons: the effect of neuropathic injury and gabapentin

ATP-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) currents were examined in dorsal root ganglion neurons from neuropathic and control rats using whole-cell voltage clamp recordings. K(ATP) channel openers (diazoxide and pinacidil) enhanced, and the blocker glibenclamide inhibited an outward current in control neurons in a manner dependent on the pipette ATP concentration. Analysis of reversal potentials showed that this current is carried by K(+) ions. Outward current in cells from rats with peripheral nerve injury was not sensitive to modulators of K(ATP) channels. Gabapentin, a putative K(ATP) channel opener, had minimal effect on currents in either group of neurons. We conclude that normal primary afferent neurons express K(ATP) channels that conduct current which is eliminated by peripheral nerve injury. Gabapentin does not affect this current significantly.

Neural control of the heart: developmental changes in ionic conductances in mammalian intrinsic cardiac neurons

The expression and properties of ionic channels were investigated in dissociated neurons from neonatal and adult rat intracardiac ganglia. Changes in the hyperpolarization-activated and ATP-sensitive K+ conductances during postnatal development and their role in neuronal excitability were examined. The hyperpolarization-activated nonselective cation current, Ih, was observed in all neurons studied and displayed slow time-dependent rectification. An inwardly rectifying K+ current, IK(IR), was present in a population of neurons from adult but not neonatal rats and was sensitive to block by extracellular Ba2+ Using the perforated-patch recording configuration, an ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) conductance was identified in > or = 50% of intracardiac neurons from adult rats. Levcromakalim evoked membrane hyperpolarization, which was inhibited by the sulphonylurea drugs, glibenclamide and tolbutamide. Exposure to hypoxic conditions also activated a membrane current similar to that induced by levcromakalim and was inhibited by glibenclamide. Changes in the complement of ion channels during postnatal development may underlie observed differences in the function of intracardiac ganglion neurons during maturation. Furthermore, activation of hyperpolarization-activated and KATP channels in mammalian intracardiac neurons may play a role in neural regulation of the mature heart and cardiac function during ischaemia-reperfusion.

Histamine promotes excitability in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells by inhibiting an M-current

The current study has investigated the electrophysiological responses evoked by histamine in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells using perforated-patch techniques. Histamine caused a transient hyperpolarization followed by a sustained depolarization of 7.2 +/- 1.4 mV associated with an increase in spontaneous action potential frequency. The hyperpolarization was abolished after depleting intracellular Ca(2+) stores with thapsigargin (100 nM), and was reduced by 40 % with apamin (100 nM). Membrane resistance increased by about 60 % during the histamine-induced depolarization suggesting inhibition of a K(+) channel. An inward current relaxation, typical of an M-current, was observed in response to negative voltage steps from a holding potential of -30 mV. This current reversed at -81.6 +/- 1.8 mV and was abolished by the M-channel inhibitor linopirdine (100 microM). During application of histamine, the amplitude of M-currents recorded at a time corresponding with the sustained depolarization was reduced by 40 %. No inward current rectification was observed in the range -150 to -70 mV, and glibenclamide (10 microM) had no effect on either resting membrane potential or the response to histamine. The results show that an M-current is present in bovine chromaffin cells and that this current is inhibited during sustained application of histamine, resulting in membrane depolarization and increased discharge of action potentials. These results demonstrate for the first time a possible mechanism coupling histamine receptors to activation of voltage-operated Ca(2+) channels in these cells.