1
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Kawai F. Somatic ion channels and action potentials in olfactory receptor cells and vomeronasal receptor cells. J Neurophysiol 2024; 131:455-471. [PMID: 38264787 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00137.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Olfactory receptor cells are primary sensory neurons that catch odor molecules in the olfactory system, and vomeronasal receptor cells catch pheromones in the vomeronasal system. When odor or pheromone molecules bind to receptor proteins expressed on the membrane of the olfactory cilia or vomeronasal microvilli, receptor potentials are generated in their receptor cells. This initial excitation is transmitted to the soma via dendrites, and action potentials are generated in the soma and/or axon and transmitted to the central nervous system. Thus, olfactory and vomeronasal receptor cells play an important role in converting chemical signals into electrical signals. In this review, the electrophysiological characteristics of ion channels in the somatic membrane of olfactory receptor cells and vomeronasal receptor cells in various species are described and the differences between the action potential dynamics of olfactory receptor cells and vomeronasal receptor cells are compared.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fusao Kawai
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
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2
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Zhao D, Pinares-Garcia P, McKenzie CE, Bleakley LE, Forster IC, Wong VHY, Nguyen CTO, Scheffer IE, Reid CA, Bui BV. Retinal Dysfunction in a Mouse Model of HCN1 Genetic Epilepsy. J Neurosci 2023; 43:2199-2209. [PMID: 36813574 PMCID: PMC10039744 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1615-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic variants in HCN1 are associated with a range of epilepsy syndromes including a developmental and epileptic encephalopathy. The recurrent de novo HCN1 pathogenic variant (M305L) results in a cation leak, allowing the flux of excitatory ions at potentials where the wild-type channels are closed. The Hcn1M294L mouse recapitulates patient seizure and behavioral phenotypes. As HCN1 channels are highly expressed in rod and cone photoreceptor inner segments, where they shape the light response, mutated channels are likely to impact visual function. Electroretinogram (ERG) recordings from male and female mice Hcn1M294L mice revealed a significant decrease in the photoreceptor sensitivity to light, as well as attenuated bipolar cell (P2) and retinal ganglion cell responses. Hcn1M294L mice also showed attenuated ERG responses to flickering lights. ERG abnormalities are consistent with the response recorded from a single female human subject. There was no impact of the variant on the structure or expression of the Hcn1 protein in the retina. In silico modeling of photoreceptors revealed that the mutated HCN1 channel dramatically reduced light-induced hyperpolarization, resulting in more Ca2+ flux during the response when compared with the wild-type situation. We propose that the light-induced change in glutamate release from photoreceptors during a stimulus will be diminished, significantly blunting the dynamic range of this response. Our data highlight the importance of HCN1 channels to retinal function and suggest that patients with HCN1 pathogenic variants are likely to have a dramatically reduced sensitivity to light and a limited ability to process temporal information.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Pathogenic variants in HCN1 are emerging as an important cause of catastrophic epilepsy. HCN1 channels are ubiquitously expressed throughout the body, including the retina. Electroretinogram recordings from a mouse model of HCN1 genetic epilepsy showed a marked decrease in the photoreceptor sensitivity to light and a reduced ability to respond to high rates of light flicker. No morphologic deficits were noted. Simulation data suggest that the mutated HCN1 channel blunts light-induced hyperpolarization and consequently limits the dynamic range of this response. Our results provide insights into the role HCN1 channels play in retinal function as well as highlighting the need to consider retinal dysfunction in disease caused by HCN1 variants. The characteristic changes in the electroretinogram open the possibility of using this tool as a biomarker for this HCN1 epilepsy variant and to facilitate development of treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da Zhao
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paulo Pinares-Garcia
- Early Development Division, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville 3010, Victoria, Australia
| | - Chaseley E McKenzie
- Early Development Division, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville 3010, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lauren E Bleakley
- Early Development Division, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville 3010, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ian C Forster
- Early Development Division, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville 3010, Victoria, Australia
| | - Vickie H Y Wong
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christine T O Nguyen
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ingrid E Scheffer
- Early Development Division, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville 3010, Victoria, Australia
- Epilepsy Research Centre, Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne/Austin Health, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville 3052, VIC Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville 3052, Victoria Australia
| | - Christopher A Reid
- Early Development Division, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville 3010, Victoria, Australia
- Epilepsy Research Centre, Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne/Austin Health, Heidelberg 3084, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bang V Bui
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Victoria, Australia
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3
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Inamdar SM, Lankford CK, Baker SA. Photoreceptor Ion Channels in Signaling and Disease. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1415:269-276. [PMID: 37440044 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-27681-1_39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Photoreceptors (PRs) in the neural retina convert photon capture into an electrical signal that is communicated across a chemical synapse to second-order neurons in the retina and on through the rest of the visual pathway. This information is decoded in the visual cortex to create images. The activity of PRs depends on the concerted action of several voltage-gated ion channels that will be discussed in this chapter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivangi M Inamdar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
| | - Colten K Lankford
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Sheila A Baker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
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4
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Accili E. When Is a Potassium Channel Not a Potassium Channel? FUNCTION (OXFORD, ENGLAND) 2022; 3:zqac052. [PMID: 36325512 PMCID: PMC9614928 DOI: 10.1093/function/zqac052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Ever since they were first observed in Purkinje fibers of the heart, funny channels have had close connections to potassium channels. Indeed, funny channels were initially thought to produce a potassium current in the heart called I K2. However, funny channels are completely unlike potassium channels in ways that make their contributions to the physiology of cells unique. An important difference is the greater ability for sodium to permeate funny channels. Although it does not flow through the funny channel as easily as does potassium, sodium does permeate well enough to allow for depolarization of cells following a strong hyperpolarization. This is critical for the function of funny channels in places like the heart and brain. Computational analyses using recent structures of the funny channels have provided a possible mechanism for their unusual permeation properties.
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5
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Mäki-Marttunen T, Mäki-Marttunen V. Excitatory and inhibitory effects of HCN channel modulation on excitability of layer V pyramidal cells. PLoS Comput Biol 2022; 18:e1010506. [PMID: 36099307 PMCID: PMC9506642 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendrites of cortical pyramidal cells are densely populated by hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels, a.k.a. Ih channels. Ih channels are targeted by multiple neuromodulatory pathways, and thus are one of the key ion-channel populations regulating the pyramidal cell activity. Previous observations and theories attribute opposing effects of the Ih channels on neuronal excitability due to their mildly hyperpolarized reversal potential. These effects are difficult to measure experimentally due to the fine spatiotemporal landscape of the Ih activity in the dendrites, but computational models provide an efficient tool for studying this question in a reduced but generalizable setting. In this work, we build upon existing biophysically detailed models of thick-tufted layer V pyramidal cells and model the effects of over- and under-expression of Ih channels as well as their neuromodulation. We show that Ih channels facilitate the action potentials of layer V pyramidal cells in response to proximal dendritic stimulus while they hinder the action potentials in response to distal dendritic stimulus at the apical dendrite. We also show that the inhibitory action of the Ih channels in layer V pyramidal cells is due to the interactions between Ih channels and a hot zone of low voltage-activated Ca2+ channels at the apical dendrite. Our simulations suggest that a combination of Ih-enhancing neuromodulation at the proximal part of the apical dendrite and Ih-inhibiting modulation at the distal part of the apical dendrite can increase the layer V pyramidal excitability more than either of the two alone. Our analyses uncover the effects of Ih-channel neuromodulation of layer V pyramidal cells at a single-cell level and shed light on how these neurons integrate information and enable higher-order functions of the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuomo Mäki-Marttunen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Simula Research Laboratory, Oslo, Norway
- * E-mail:
| | - Verónica Mäki-Marttunen
- Cognitive Psychology Unit, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Leiden, Leiden, Netherlands
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6
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Ahrari S, Ozturk TN, D'Avanzo N. ION BEHAVIOUR IN THE SELECTIVITY FILTER OF HCN1 CHANNELS. Biophys J 2022; 121:2206-2218. [PMID: 35474263 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channels (HCNs) are responsible for the generation of pacemaker currents (If or Ih) in cardiac and neuronal cells. Despite the overall structural similarity to voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels, HCNs show much lower selectivity for K+ over Na+ ions. This increased permeability to Na+ is critical to their role in membrane depolarization. HCNs can also select between Na+ and Li+ ions. Here we investigate the unique ion selectivity properties of HCNs using molecular dynamics simulations. Our simulations suggest that the HCN1 pore is flexible and dilated compared to Kv channels with only one stable ion binding site within the selectivity filter. We also observe that ion coordination and hydration differ within the HCN1 selectivity filter compared to those in Kv and CNG channels. Additionally, the C358T mutation further stabilizes the symmetry of the binding site and provides a more fit space for ion coordination, particularly for Li+. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic-nucleotide gated (HCN) channels represent the molecular correlate of the currents If or Ih in cardiomyocytes and neurons. Here we study the unique low conductance and semi-selective properties of HCNs. The conductance and selectivity mechanisms of ion channels are tightly associated with their physiological role and contribute to the specific properties of the excitable cells in which they are expressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajjad Ahrari
- Département de pharmacologie et physiologie, Université de Montréal, 2960 Chemin de la Tour, Montréal, Canada, H3T 1J4
| | - Tugba N Ozturk
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University in St. Louis, 223 McDonnell Sciences Building, St. Louis, US, 63110; Theoretical Molecular Biophysics Laboratory, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, Maryland, 20814
| | - Nazzareno D'Avanzo
- Département de pharmacologie et physiologie, Université de Montréal, 2960 Chemin de la Tour, Montréal, Canada, H3T 1J4.
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7
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Light responses of mammalian cones. Pflugers Arch 2021; 473:1555-1568. [PMID: 33742309 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-021-02551-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cone photoreceptors provide the foundation of most of human visual experience, but because they are smaller and less numerous than rods in most mammalian retinas, much less is known about their physiology. We describe new techniques and approaches which are helping to provide a better understanding of cone function. We focus on several outstanding issues, including the identification of the features of the phototransduction cascade that are responsible for the more rapid kinetics and decreased sensitivity of the cone response, the roles of inner-segment voltage-gated and Ca2+-activated channels, the means by which cones remain responsive even in the brightest illumination, mechanisms of cone visual pigment regeneration in constant light, and energy consumption of cones in comparison to that of rods.
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8
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Li L, Zhao H, Xie H, Akhtar T, Yao Y, Cai Y, Dong K, Gu Y, Bao J, Chen J, Zhang M, Zhong K, Xu W, Xue T. Electrophysiological characterization of photoreceptor-like cells in human inducible pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal organoids during in vitro maturation. STEM CELLS (DAYTON, OHIO) 2021; 39:959-974. [PMID: 33662144 DOI: 10.1002/stem.3363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Retinal organoids (ROs) derived from human inducible pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) exhibit considerable therapeutic potential. However, current quality control of ROs during in vitro differentiation is largely limited to the detection of molecular markers, often by immunostaining, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays and sequencing, often without proper functional assessments. As such, in the current study, we systemically characterized the physiological maturation of photoreceptor-like cells in hiPSC-derived ROs. By performing patch-clamp recordings from photoreceptor-like cells in ROs at distinct differentiation stages (ie, Differentiation Day [D]90, D150, and D200), we determined the electrophysiological properties of the plasma membrane and several characteristic ion channels closely associated with the physiological functions of the photoreceptors. Ionic hallmarks, such as hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels and cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels, matured progressively during differentiation. After D200 in culture, these characteristic currents closely resembled those in macaque or human native photoreceptors. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the hyperpolarization-activated inward current/depolarization-activated outward current ratio (I-120 /I+40 ), termed as the inward-outward current (IOC) ratio hereon, accurately represented the maturity of photoreceptors and could serve as a sensitive indicator of pathological state. Thus, this study provides a comprehensive dataset describing the electrophysiological maturation of photoreceptor-like cells in hiPSC-derived ROs for precise and sensitive quality control during RO differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyun Li
- Eye Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, People's Republic of China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Huan Zhao
- School of Biology, Food, and Environment, Hefei University, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Haohuan Xie
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Tasneem Akhtar
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yichuan Yao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Cai
- Eye Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Dong
- Eye Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yonghao Gu
- Eye Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin Bao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, People's Republic of China.,Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, People's Republic of China.,Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jutao Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, People's Republic of China.,Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Mei Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, People's Republic of China.,Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Zhong
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Anhui Province for High Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiping Xu
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunotherapy and Nutrition Therapy, Hefei, People's Republic of China.,The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Tian Xue
- Eye Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, People's Republic of China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, People's Republic of China.,Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, People's Republic of China.,Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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9
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Ingram NT, Sampath AP, Fain GL. Membrane conductances of mouse cone photoreceptors. J Gen Physiol 2020; 152:e201912520. [PMID: 31986199 PMCID: PMC7054858 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.201912520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Vertebrate photoreceptor cells respond to light through a closure of CNG channels located in the outer segment. Multiple voltage-sensitive channels in the photoreceptor inner segment serve to transform and transmit the light-induced outer-segment current response. Despite extensive studies in lower vertebrates, we do not know how these channels produce the photoresponse of mammalian photoreceptors. Here we examined these ionic conductances recorded from single mouse cones in unlabeled, dark-adapted retinal slices. First, we show measurements of the voltage dependence of the light response. After block of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels, the light-dependent current was nearly linear within the physiological range of voltages with constant chord conductance and a reversal potential similar to that previously determined in lower vertebrate photoreceptors. At a dark resting membrane potential of -45 mV, cones maintain a standing Ca2+ current (iCa) between 15 and 20 pA. We characterized the time and voltage dependence of iCa and a calcium-activated anion channel. After constitutive closure of the CNG channels by the nonhydrolysable analogue GTP-γ-S, we observed a light-dependent increase in iCa followed by a Ca2+-activated K+ current, both probably the result of feedback from horizontal cells. We also recorded the hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) conductance (ih) and measured its current-voltage relationship and reversal potential. With small hyperpolarizations, ih activated with a time constant of 25 ms; activation was speeded with larger hyperpolarizations. Finally, we characterized two voltage-gated K+-conductances (iK). Depolarizing steps beginning at -10 mV activated a transient, outwardly rectifying iK blocked by 4-AP and insensitive to TEA. A sustained iK isolated through subtraction was blocked by TEA but was insensitive to 4-AP. The sustained iK had a nearly linear voltage dependence throughout the physiological voltage range of the cone. Together these data constitute the first comprehensive study of the channel conductances of mouse photoreceptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norianne T. Ingram
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Jules Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Alapakkam P. Sampath
- Department of Ophthalmology and Jules Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Gordon L. Fain
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Jules Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA
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10
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Van Hook MJ, Nawy S, Thoreson WB. Voltage- and calcium-gated ion channels of neurons in the vertebrate retina. Prog Retin Eye Res 2019; 72:100760. [PMID: 31078724 PMCID: PMC6739185 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2019.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In this review, we summarize studies investigating the types and distribution of voltage- and calcium-gated ion channels in the different classes of retinal neurons: rods, cones, horizontal cells, bipolar cells, amacrine cells, interplexiform cells, and ganglion cells. We discuss differences among cell subtypes within these major cell classes, as well as differences among species, and consider how different ion channels shape the responses of different neurons. For example, even though second-order bipolar and horizontal cells do not typically generate fast sodium-dependent action potentials, many of these cells nevertheless possess fast sodium currents that can enhance their kinetic response capabilities. Ca2+ channel activity can also shape response kinetics as well as regulating synaptic release. The L-type Ca2+ channel subtype, CaV1.4, expressed in photoreceptor cells exhibits specific properties matching the particular needs of these cells such as limited inactivation which allows sustained channel activity and maintained synaptic release in darkness. The particular properties of K+ and Cl- channels in different retinal neurons shape resting membrane potentials, response kinetics and spiking behavior. A remaining challenge is to characterize the specific distributions of ion channels in the more than 100 individual cell types that have been identified in the retina and to describe how these particular ion channels sculpt neuronal responses to assist in the processing of visual information by the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Van Hook
- Truhlsen Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Scott Nawy
- Truhlsen Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA; Department Pharmacology & Experimental Neuroscience(2), University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Wallace B Thoreson
- Truhlsen Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA; Department Pharmacology & Experimental Neuroscience(2), University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
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11
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Abstract
Potassium channels that exhibit the property of inward rectification (Kir channels) are present in most cells. Cloning of the first Kir channel genes 25 years ago led to recognition that inward rectification is a consequence of voltage-dependent block by cytoplasmic polyamines, which are also ubiquitously present in animal cells. Upon cellular depolarization, these polycationic metabolites enter the Kir channel pore from the intracellular side, blocking the movement of K+ ions through the channel. As a consequence, high K+ conductance at rest can provide very stable negative resting potentials, but polyamine-mediated blockade at depolarized potentials ensures, for instance, the long plateau phase of the cardiac action potential, an essential feature for a stable cardiac rhythm. Despite much investigation of the polyamine block, where exactly polyamines get to within the Kir channel pore and how the steep voltage dependence arises remain unclear. This Minireview will summarize current understanding of the relevance and molecular mechanisms of polyamine block and offer some ideas to try to help resolve the fundamental issue of the voltage dependence of polyamine block.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin G Nichols
- From the Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Center for the Investigation of Membrane Excitability Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - Sun-Joo Lee
- From the Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Center for the Investigation of Membrane Excitability Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri 63110
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12
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Putrenko I, Yip R, Schwarz SKW, Accili EA. Cation and voltage dependence of lidocaine inhibition of the hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated HCN1 channel. Sci Rep 2017; 7:1281. [PMID: 28455536 PMCID: PMC5430837 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-01253-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2015] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Lidocaine is known to inhibit the hyperpolarization-activated mixed cation current (Ih) in cardiac myocytes and neurons, as well in cells transfected with cloned Hyperpolarization-activated Cyclic Nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels. However, the molecular mechanism of Ih inhibition by this drug has been limitedly explored. Here, we show that inhibition of Ih by lidocaine, recorded from Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells expressing the HCN1 channel, reached a steady state within one minute and was reversible. Lidocaine inhibition of Ih was greater at less negative voltages and smaller current amplitudes whereas the voltage-dependence of Ih activation was unchanged. Lidocaine inhibition of Ih measured at −130 mV (a voltage at which Ih is fully activated) was reduced, and Ih amplitude was increased, when the concentration of extracellular potassium was raised to 60 mM from 5.4 mM. By contrast, neither Ih inhibition by the drug nor Ih amplitude at +30 mV (following a test voltage-pulse to −130 mV) were affected by this rise in extracellular potassium. Together, these data indicate that lidocaine inhibition of Ih involves a mechanism which is antagonized by hyperpolarizing voltages and current flow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Putrenko
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Raymond Yip
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Stephan K W Schwarz
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Anesthesia, St. Paul's Hospital/Providence Health Care, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Eric A Accili
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
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13
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HCN2 Channels: A Permanent Open State and Conductance Changes. J Membr Biol 2014; 248:67-81. [DOI: 10.1007/s00232-014-9742-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2014] [Accepted: 09/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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14
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Pan Y, Bhattarai S, Modestou M, Drack AV, Chetkovich DM, Baker SA. TRIP8b is required for maximal expression of HCN1 in the mouse retina. PLoS One 2014; 9:e85850. [PMID: 24409334 PMCID: PMC3883711 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0085850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2013] [Accepted: 10/31/2013] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels are cation-selective channels present in retina, brain and heart. The activity of HCN channels contributes to signal integration, cell excitability and pacemaker activity. HCN1 channels expressed in photoreceptors participate in keeping light responses transient and are required for normal mesopic vision. The subcellular localization of HCN1 varies among cell types. In photoreceptors HCN1 is concentrated in the inner segments while in other retinal neurons, HCN1 is evenly distributed though the cell. This is in contrast to hippocampal neurons where HCN1 is concentrated in a subset of dendrites. A key regulator of HCN1 trafficking and activity is tetratricopeptide repeat-containing Rab8b interacting protein (TRIP8b). Multiple splice isoforms of TRIP8b are expressed throughout the brain and can differentially regulate the surface expression and activity of HCN1. The purpose of the present study was to determine which isoforms of TRIP8b are expressed in the retina and to test if loss of TRIP8b alters HCN1 expression or trafficking. We found that TRIP8b colocalizes with HCN1 in multiple retina neurons and all major splice isoforms of TRIP8b are expressed in the retina. Photoreceptors express three different isoforms. In TRIP8b knockout mice, the ability of HCN1 to traffic to the surface of retinal neurons is unaffected. However, there is a large decrease in the total amount of HCN1. We conclude that TRIP8b in the retina is needed to achieve maximal expression of HCN1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Pan
- Department of Biochemistry, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Sajag Bhattarai
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Modestos Modestou
- Department of Biochemistry, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Arlene V. Drack
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Dane M. Chetkovich
- The Ken & Ruth Davee Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurosciences and Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Sheila A. Baker
- Department of Biochemistry, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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15
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Abbas SY, Hamade KC, Yang EJ, Nawy S, Smith RG, Pettit DL. Directional summation in non-direction selective retinal ganglion cells. PLoS Comput Biol 2013; 9:e1002969. [PMID: 23516351 PMCID: PMC3597528 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1002969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2012] [Accepted: 01/21/2013] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cells receive inputs from multiple bipolar cells which must be integrated before a decision to fire is made. Theoretical studies have provided clues about how this integration is accomplished but have not directly determined the rules regulating summation of closely timed inputs along single or multiple dendrites. Here we have examined dendritic summation of multiple inputs along On ganglion cell dendrites in whole mount rat retina. We activated inputs at targeted locations by uncaging glutamate sequentially to generate apparent motion along On ganglion cell dendrites in whole mount retina. Summation was directional and dependent13 on input sequence. Input moving away from the soma (centrifugal) resulted in supralinear summation, while activation sequences moving toward the soma (centripetal) were linear. Enhanced summation for centrifugal activation was robust as it was also observed in cultured retinal ganglion cells. This directional summation was dependent on hyperpolarization activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels as blockade with ZD7288 eliminated directionality. A computational model confirms that activation of HCN channels can override a preference for centripetal summation expected from cell anatomy. This type of direction selectivity could play a role in coding movement similar to the axial selectivity seen in locust ganglion cells which detect looming stimuli. More generally, these results suggest that non-directional retinal ganglion cells can discriminate between input sequences independent of the retina network. Visual information is coded by the output of retinal ganglion cells. Through evolution retinal ganglion cells acquired unique properties that allowed them to transmit to the brain such signals as direction of movement. The quest for the cellular mechanism of the detection of movement by retinal ganglion cells has been the holy grail of research on direction selectivity. In this study we have found a mechanism that allows individual non-direction selective On retinal ganglion cells to code sequences of excitatory inputs moving either away or toward the soma. We observed that inputs moving away from the soma resulted in enhanced, supralinear EPSP summation. Evidence from computational modeling suggests that expression of a specific set of voltage-dependent channels in dendrites introduces nonlinearities that could give a ganglion cell the ability to code looming motion. We predict that in a retinal network, such a directional tuning mechanism, together with asymmetric presynaptic inhibition, could be the building block for the development of more complex detection of visual motion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Y. Abbas
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Khaldoun C. Hamade
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Ellen J. Yang
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Scott Nawy
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Robert G. Smith
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Diana L. Pettit
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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16
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Macri V, Angoli D, Accili EA. Architecture of the HCN selectivity filter and control of cation permeation. Sci Rep 2012; 2:894. [PMID: 23189243 PMCID: PMC3506978 DOI: 10.1038/srep00894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2012] [Accepted: 11/05/2012] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyperpolarization-activated Cyclic Nucleotide-modulated (HCN) channels are similar in structure and function to voltage-gated potassium channels. Sequence similarity and functional analyses suggest that the HCN pore is potassium channel-like, consisting of a selectivity filter and an activation gate at the outer and inner ends, respectively. In GYG-containing potassium channels, the selectivity filter sequence is 'T/S-V/I/L/T-GYG', forming a row of four binding sites through which potassium ions flow. In HCNs, the equivalent residues are 'C-I-GYG', but whether they also form four cation binding sites is not known. Here, we focus on the anomalous filter residue of HCNs, the cysteine located at the inner side of the selectivity filter. In potassium channels, this position is occupied by threonine or serine and forms the fourth and most internal ion binding site of the selectivity filter. We find that this cysteine in HCNs does not contribute to permeation or form a fourth binding site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Macri
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, V6T 1Z3, Canada
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17
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Korenbrot JI. Speed, sensitivity, and stability of the light response in rod and cone photoreceptors: facts and models. Prog Retin Eye Res 2012; 31:442-66. [PMID: 22658984 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2012.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2011] [Revised: 05/19/2012] [Accepted: 05/21/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The light responses of rod and cone photoreceptors in the vertebrate retina are quantitatively different, yet extremely stable and reproducible because of the extraordinary regulation of the cascade of enzymatic reactions that link photon absorption and visual pigment excitation to the gating of cGMP-gated ion channels in the outer segment plasma membrane. While the molecular scheme of the phototransduction pathway is essentially the same in rods and cones, the enzymes and protein regulators that constitute the pathway are distinct. These enzymes and regulators can differ in the quantitative features of their functions or in concentration if their functions are similar or both can be true. The molecular identity and distinct function of the molecules of the transduction cascade in rods and cones are summarized. The functional significance of these molecular differences is examined with a mathematical model of the signal-transducing enzymatic cascade. Constrained by available electrophysiological, biochemical and biophysical data, the model simulates photocurrents that match well the electrical photoresponses measured in both rods and cones. Using simulation computed with the mathematical model, the time course of light-dependent changes in enzymatic activities and second messenger concentrations in non-mammalian rods and cones are compared side by side.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan I Korenbrot
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94920, USA.
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18
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Gerard E, Hochstrate P, Dierkes PW, Coulon P. Functional properties and cell type specific distribution of I(h) channels in leech neurons. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 215:227-38. [PMID: 22189766 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.062836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The hyperpolarisation-activated cation current (I(h)) has been described in many vertebrate and invertebrate species and cell types. In neurons, I(h) is involved in rhythmogenesis, membrane potential stabilisation and many other functions. In this work, we investigate the distribution and functional properties of I(h) in identified leech neurons of intact segmental ganglia. We found I(h) in the mechanosensory touch (T), pressure (P) and noxious (N) neurons, as well as in Retzius neurons. The current displayed its largest amplitude in P neurons and we investigated its biophysical and pharmacological properties in these cells. I(h) was half-maximally activated at -65 mV and fully activated at -100 mV. The current mutually depended on both Na(+) and K(+) with a permeability ratio p(Na)/p(K) of ∼0.21. The reversal potential was approximately -35 mV. The time course of activation could be approximated by a single time constant of ∼370 ms at -60 mV, but required two time constants at -80 mV of ∼80 and ∼560 ms. The current was half-maximally blocked by 0.3 mmol l(-1) Cs(+) but was insensitive to the bradycardic agent ZD7288. The physiological function of this channel could be a subtle alteration of the firing behaviour of mechanosensory neurons as well as a stabilisation of the resting membrane potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ednan Gerard
- Institut für Neurobiologie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
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19
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Della Santina L, Piano I, Cangiano L, Caputo A, Ludwig A, Cervetto L, Gargini C. Processing of retinal signals in normal and HCN deficient mice. PLoS One 2012; 7:e29812. [PMID: 22279546 PMCID: PMC3261154 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0029812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2011] [Accepted: 12/06/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigates the role of two different HCN channel isoforms in the light response of the outer retina. Taking advantage of HCN-deficient mice models and of in vitro (patch-clamp) and in vivo (ERG) recordings of retinal activity we show that HCN1 and HCN2 channels are expressed at distinct retinal sites and serve different functions. Specifically, HCN1 operate mainly at the level of the photoreceptor inner segment from where, together with other voltage sensitive channels, they control the time course of the response to bright light. Conversely, HCN2 channels are mainly expressed on the dendrites of bipolar cells and affect the response to dim lights. Single cell recordings in HCN1−/− mice or during a pharmacological blockade of Ih show that, contrary to previous reports, Ikx alone is able to generate the fast initial transient in the rod bright flash response. Here we demonstrate that the relative contribution of Ih and Ikx to the rods' temporal tuning depends on the membrane potential. This is the first instance in which the light response of normal and HCN1- or HCN2-deficient mice is analyzed in single cells in retinal slice preparations and in integrated full field ERG responses from intact animals. This comparison reveals a high degree of correlation between single cell current clamp data and ERG measurements. A novel picture emerges showing that the temporal profile of the visual response to dim and bright luminance changes is separately determined by the coordinated gating of distinct voltage dependent conductances in photoreceptors and bipolar cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ilaria Piano
- G. B. Bietti Foundation for Ophthalmology, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Cangiano
- Department of Physiological Science, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Antonella Caputo
- Department of Physiological Science, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Andreas Ludwig
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology Friedrich-Alexander University, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Luigi Cervetto
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobiology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Claudia Gargini
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobiology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- * E-mail:
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20
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P-loop residues critical for selectivity in K channels fail to confer selectivity to rabbit HCN4 channels. PLoS One 2009; 4:e7712. [PMID: 19890386 PMCID: PMC2766643 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0007712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2009] [Accepted: 10/09/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
HCN channels are thought to be structurally similar to Kv channels, but show much lower selectivity for K+. The ∼3.3 Å selectivity filter of K+ channels is formed by the pore-lining sequence XT(V/I)GYG, with X usually T, and is held stable by key residues in the P-loop. Differences in the P-loop sequence of HCN channels (eg. the pore-lining sequence L478C479IGYG) suggest these residues could account for differences in selectivity between these channel families. Despite being expressed, L478T/C479T HCN4 channels did not produce current. Since threonine in the second position is highly conserved in K+ channels, we also studied C479T channels. Based on permeability ratios (PX/PK), C479T HCN4 channels (K+(1)>Rb+(0.85)>Cs+(0.59)>Li+(0.50)≥Na+(0.49)) were less selective than WT rabbit HCN4 (K+(1)>Rb+(0.48)>Cs+(0.31)≥Na+(0.29)>Li+(0.03)), indicating that the TIGYG sequence is insufficient to confer K+ selectivity to HCN channels. C479T HCN4 channels had an increased permeability to large organic cations than WT HCN4 channels, as well as increased unitary K+ conductance, and altered channel gating. Collectively, these results suggest that HCN4 channels have larger pores than K+ channels and replacement of the cysteine at position 479 with threonine further increases pore size. Furthermore, selected mutations in other regions linked previously to pore stability in K+ channels (ie. S475D, S475E and F471W/K472W) were also unable to confer K+ selectivity to C479T HCN4 channels. Our findings establish the presence of the TIGYG pore-lining sequence does not confer K+ selectivity to rabbit HCN4 channels, and suggests that differences in selectivity of HCN4 versus K+ channels originate from differences outside the P-loop region.
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21
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Biel M, Wahl-Schott C, Michalakis S, Zong X. Hyperpolarization-activated cation channels: from genes to function. Physiol Rev 2009; 89:847-85. [PMID: 19584315 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00029.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 719] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels comprise a small subfamily of proteins within the superfamily of pore-loop cation channels. In mammals, the HCN channel family comprises four members (HCN1-4) that are expressed in heart and nervous system. The current produced by HCN channels has been known as I(h) (or I(f) or I(q)). I(h) has also been designated as pacemaker current, because it plays a key role in controlling rhythmic activity of cardiac pacemaker cells and spontaneously firing neurons. Extensive studies over the last decade have provided convincing evidence that I(h) is also involved in a number of basic physiological processes that are not directly associated with rhythmicity. Examples for these non-pacemaking functions of I(h) are the determination of the resting membrane potential, dendritic integration, synaptic transmission, and learning. In this review we summarize recent insights into the structure, function, and cellular regulation of HCN channels. We also discuss in detail the different aspects of HCN channel physiology in the heart and nervous system. To this end, evidence on the role of individual HCN channel types arising from the analysis of HCN knockout mouse models is discussed. Finally, we provide an overview of the impact of HCN channels on the pathogenesis of several diseases and discuss recent attempts to establish HCN channels as drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Biel
- Center for Integrated Protein Science CIPS-M and Zentrum für Pharmaforschung, Department Pharmazie, Pharmakologie für Naturwissenschaften, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstr. 5-13, Munich D-81377, Germany.
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22
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Low-conductance HCN1 ion channels augment the frequency response of rod and cone photoreceptors. J Neurosci 2009; 29:5841-53. [PMID: 19420251 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.5746-08.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) ion channels are expressed in several tissues throughout the body, including the heart, the CNS, and the retina. HCN channels are found in many neurons in the retina, but their most established role is in generating the hyperpolarization-activated current, I(h), in photoreceptors. This current makes the light response of rod and cone photoreceptors more transient, an effect similar to that of a high-pass filter. A unique property of HCN channels is their small single-channel current, which is below the thermal noise threshold of measuring electronics. We use nonstationary fluctuation analysis (NSFA) in the intact retina to estimate the conductance of single HCN channels, revealing a conductance of approximately 650 fS in both rod and cone photoreceptors. We also analyze the properties of HCN channels in salamander rods and cones, from the biophysical to the functional level, showing that HCN1 is the predominant isoform in both cells, and demonstrate how HCN1 channels speed up the light response of both rods and cones under distinct adaptational conditions. We show that in rods and cones, HCN channels increase the natural frequency response of single cells by modifying the photocurrent input, which is limited in its frequency response by the speed of a molecular signaling cascade. In doing so, HCN channels form the first of several systems in the retina that augment the speed of the visual response, allowing an animal to perceive visual stimuli that change more quickly than the underlying photocurrent.
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23
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Moriondo A, Rispoli G. The contribution of cationic conductances to the potential of rod photoreceptors. EUROPEAN BIOPHYSICS JOURNAL: EBJ 2009; 39:889-902. [PMID: 19234695 DOI: 10.1007/s00249-009-0419-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2008] [Revised: 01/27/2009] [Accepted: 02/02/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The contribution of cationic conductances in shaping the rod photovoltage was studied in light adapted cells recorded under whole-cell voltage- or current-clamp conditions. Depolarising current steps (of size comparable to the light-regulated current) produced monotonic responses when the prepulse holding potential (V (h)) was -40 mV (i.e. corresponding to the membrane potential in the dark). At V (h) = -60 mV (simulating the steady-state response to an intense background of light) current injections <35 pA (mimicking a light decrement) produced instead an initial depolarisation that declined to a plateau, and voltage transiently overshot V (h) at the stimulus offset. Current steps >40 pA produced a steady depolarisation to approximately -16 mV at both V (h). The difference between the responses at the two V (h) was primarily generated by the slow delayed-rectifier-like K(+) current (I (Kx)), which therefore strongly affects both the photoresponse rising and falling phase. The steady voltage observed at both V (h) in response to large current injections was instead generated by Ca-activated K(+) channels (I (KCa)), as previously found. Both I (Kx) and I (KCa) oppose the cation influx, occurring at the light stimulus offset through the cGMP-gated channels and the voltage-activated Ca(2+) channels (I (Ca)). This avoids that the cation influx could erratically depolarise the rod past its normal resting value, thus allowing a reliable dim stimuli detection, without slowing down the photovoltage recovery kinetics. The latter kinetics was instead accelerated by the hyperpolarisation-activated, non-selective current (I (h)) and I (Ca). Blockade of all K(+) currents with external TEA unmasked a I (Ca)-dependent regenerative behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Moriondo
- Dipartimento di Biologia ed Evoluzione, Sezione di Fisiologia e Biofisica, National Institute of Neuroscience and Neuroscience Center, Università di Ferrara, Via L. Borsari 46, Ferrara, Italy
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24
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Knop GC, Seeliger MW, Thiel F, Mataruga A, Kaupp UB, Friedburg C, Tanimoto N, Müller F. Light responses in the mouse retina are prolonged upon targeted deletion of the HCN1 channel gene. Eur J Neurosci 2008; 28:2221-30. [PMID: 19019198 DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2008.06512.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Hyperpolarization-activated and cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels contribute to pacemaker activity, and co-determine the integrative behaviour of neurons and shape their response to synaptic stimulation. Four channel isoforms, HCN1-4, have been described in mammals. Recent studies showed particularly strong expression of HCN1 channels in rods and cones of the rat retina, suggesting that HCN1 channels are involved in the shaping of light responses in both types of photoreceptors. Therefore, the loss of HCN1 channels should lead to pronounced changes in light-induced electrical responses under both scotopic and photopic conditions. This was tested using a mouse transgenic approach. We used immunohistochemistry and patch-clamp recording to study the distribution of HCN1 channels in the mouse retina. HCN1 channels were strongly expressed in rod and cone photoreceptors, as well as in some bipolar, amacrine and ganglion cell types. In electroretinograms (ERGs) from animals in which the HCN1 channel gene had been knocked out, the b-wave amplitudes were unaltered (scotopic conditions) or somewhat reduced (photopic conditions), whereas the duration of both scotopic and photopic ERG responses was strikingly prolonged. Our data suggest that in visual information processing, shortening and shaping of light responses by activation of HCN1 at the level of the photoreceptors is an important step in both scotopic and photopic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel C Knop
- Institut für Neurowissenschaften und Biophysik, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Leo-Brandt-Strasse, D-52425 Jülich, Germany
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25
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Shin DS, Carlen PL. Enhanced Ih depresses rat entopeduncular nucleus neuronal activity from high-frequency stimulation or raised Ke+. J Neurophysiol 2008; 99:2203-19. [PMID: 18305090 DOI: 10.1152/jn.01065.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
High-frequency stimulation (HFS) is used to treat a variety of neurological diseases, yet its underlying therapeutic action is not fully elucidated. Previously, we reported that HFS-induced elevation in [K(+)](e) or bath perfusion of raised K(e)(+) depressed rat entopeduncular nucleus (EP) neuronal activity via an enhancement of an ionic conductance leading to marked depolarization. Herein, we show that the hyperpolarization-activated (I(h)) channel mediates the HFS- or K(+)-induced depression of EP neuronal activity. The perfusion of an I(h) channel inhibitor, 50 microM ZD7288 or 2 mM CsCl, increased input resistance by 23.5 +/- 7% (ZD7288) or 35 +/- 10% (CsCl), hyperpolarized cells by 3.4 +/- 1.7 mV (ZD7288) or 2.3 +/- 0.9 mV (CsCl), and decreased spontaneous action potential (AP) frequency by 51.5 +/- 12.5% (ZD7288) or 80 +/- 13.5% (CsCl). The I(h) sag was absent with either treatment, suggesting a block of I(h) channel activity. Inhibition of the I(h) channel prior to HFS or 6 mM K(+) perfusion not only prevented the previously observed decrease in AP frequency, but increased neuronal activity. Under voltage-clamp conditions, I(h) currents were enhanced in the presence of 6 mM K(+). Calcium is also involved in the depression of EP neuronal activity, since its removal during raised K(e)(+) application prevented this attenuation and blocked the I(h) sag. We conclude that the enhancement of I(h) channel activity initiates the HFS- and K(+)-induced depression of EP neuronal activity. This mechanism could underlie the inhibitory effects of HFS used in deep brain stimulation in output basal ganglia nuclei.
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Affiliation(s)
- D S Shin
- Division of Fundamental Neurobiology, Toronto Western Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, 399 Bathurst Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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26
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Lyashchenko AK, Tibbs GR. Ion binding in the open HCN pacemaker channel pore: fast mechanisms to shape "slow" channels. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 131:227-43. [PMID: 18270171 PMCID: PMC2248720 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.200709868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
IH pacemaker channels carry a mixed monovalent cation current that, under physiological ion gradients, reverses at ∼−34 mV, reflecting a 4:1 selectivity for K over Na. However, IH channels display anomalous behavior with respect to permeant ions such that (a) open channels do not exhibit the outward rectification anticipated assuming independence; (b) gating and selectivity are sensitive to the identity and concentrations of externally presented permeant ions; (c) the channels' ability to carry an inward Na current requires the presence of external K even though K is a minor charge carrier at negative voltages. Here we show that open HCN channels (the hyperpolarization-activated, cyclic nucleotide sensitive pore forming subunits of IH) undergo a fast, voltage-dependent block by intracellular Mg in a manner that suggests the ion binds close to, or within, the selectivity filter. Eliminating internal divalent ion block reveals that (a) the K dependence of conduction is mediated via K occupancy of site(s) within the pore and that asymmetrical occupancy and/or coupling of these sites to flux further shapes ion flow, and (b) the kinetics of equilibration between K-vacant and K-occupied states of the pore (10–20 μs or faster) is close to the ion transit time when the pore is occupied by K alone (∼0.5–3 μs), a finding that indicates that either ion:ion repulsion involving Na is adequate to support flux (albeit at a rate below our detection threshold) and/or the pore undergoes rapid, permeant ion-sensitive equilibration between nonconducting and conducting configurations. Biophysically, further exploration of the Mg site and of interactions of Na and K within the pore will tell us much about the architecture and operation of this unusual pore. Physiologically, these results suggest ways in which “slow” pacemaker channels may contribute dynamically to the shaping of fast processes such as Na-K or Ca action potentials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex K Lyashchenko
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
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27
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Mitra P, Miller RF. Mechanism underlying rebound excitation in retinal ganglion cells. Vis Neurosci 2007; 24:709-31. [PMID: 17908349 DOI: 10.1017/s0952523807070654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2007] [Accepted: 08/10/2007] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) display the phenomenon of rebound excitation, which is observed as rebound sodium action potential firing initiated at the termination of a sustained hyperpolarization below the resting membrane potential (RMP). Rebound impulse firing, in contrast to corresponding firing elicited from rest, displayed a lower net voltage threshold, shorter latency and was invariably observed as a phasic burst-like doublet of spikes. The preceding hyperpolarization leads to the recruitment of a Tetrodotoxin-insensitive depolarizing voltage overshoot, termed as the net depolarizing overshoot (NDO). Based on pharmacological sensitivities, we provide evidence that the NDO is composed of two independent but interacting components, including (1) a regenerative low threshold calcium spike (LTCS) and (2) a non-regenerative overshoot (NRO). Using voltage and current clamp recordings, we demonstrate that amphibian RGCs possess the hyperpolarization activated mixed cation channels/current, Ih, and low voltage activated (LVA) calcium channels, which underlie the generation of the NRO and LTCS respectively. At the RMP, the Ih channels are closed and the LVA calcium channels are inactivated. A hyperpolarization of sufficient magnitude and duration activates Ih and removes the inactivation of the LVA calcium channels. On termination of the hyperpolarizing influence, Ih adds an immediate depolarizing influence that boosts the generation of the LTCS. The concerted action of both conductances results in a larger amplitude and shorter latency NDO than either mechanism could achieve on its own. The NDO boosts the generation of conventional sodium spikes which are triggered on its upstroke and crest, thus eliciting rebound excitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratip Mitra
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
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28
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Fyk-Kolodziej B, Pourcho RG. Differential distribution of hyperpolarization-activated and cyclic nucleotide-gated channels in cone bipolar cells of the rat retina. J Comp Neurol 2007; 501:891-903. [PMID: 17311321 DOI: 10.1002/cne.21287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The hyperpolarization-activated and cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channel isoforms HCN1, HCN2, and HCN4 were localized by immunofluorescence in the rat retina. Double labeling with the vesicular glutamate transporter (VGLUT1) was used to identify bipolar cell axon terminals in the inner retina. The HCN1 channel was localized to two cell types with differing intracellular distributions, insofar as staining was seen in the dendrites of a putative OFF-type cone bipolar cell and in the axon terminals of an ON-type bipolar that ramifies in stratum 3 (s3) of the inner plexiform layer (IPL). Staining for HCN4 was seen in two sets of bipolar axon terminals located in s2 and s3 and positioned between the two bands of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) staining. The cells that ramify in s2 were identified as type 3 cone bipolar cells and the cells that ramify in s3 cells as a subclass of type 5 cone bipolars. The latter group, designated here as type 5b, exhibit diffuse axon terminals and can be distinguished from the narrowly stratifying type 5a cells. Double labeling showed that type 5b cone bipolar cells express both HCN1 and HCN4 as well as HCN2. Superposition of HCN channel labeling with VGLUT1 staining confirmed the presence of a cone bipolar cell whose terminals ramify in the same stratum of the IPL as type 5b cells but that do not express these HCN channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bozena Fyk-Kolodziej
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, USA
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29
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Nikonov SS, Kholodenko R, Lem J, Pugh EN. Physiological features of the S- and M-cone photoreceptors of wild-type mice from single-cell recordings. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 127:359-74. [PMID: 16567464 PMCID: PMC2151510 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.200609490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 230] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Cone cells constitute only 3% of the photoreceptors of the wild-type (WT) mouse. While mouse rods have been thoroughly investigated with suction pipette recordings of their outer segment membrane currents, to date no recordings from WT cones have been published, likely because of the rarity of cones and the fragility of their outer segments. Recently, we characterized the photoreceptors of Nrl−/− mice, using suction pipette recordings from their “inner segments” (perinuclear region), and found them to be cones. Here we report the use of this same method to record for the first time the responses of single cones of WT mice, and of mice lacking the α-subunit of the G-protein transducin (Gtα−/−), a loss that renders them functionally rodless. Most cones were found to functionally co-express both S- (λmax = 360 nm) and M- (λmax = 508 nm) cone opsins and to be maximally sensitive at 360 nm (“S-cones”); nonetheless, all cones from the dorsal retina were found to be maximally sensitive at 508 nm (“M-cones”). The dim-flash response kinetics and absolute sensitivity of S- and M-cones were very similar and not dependent on which of the coexpressed cone opsins drove transduction; the time to peak of the dim-flash response was ∼70 ms, and ∼0.2% of the circulating current was suppressed per photoisomerization. Amplification in WT cones (A ∼4 s−2) was found to be about twofold lower than in rods (A ∼8 s−2). Mouse M-cones maintained their circulating current at very nearly the dark adapted level even when >90% of their M-opsin was bleached. S-cones were less tolerant to bleached S-opsin than M-cones to bleached M-opsin, but still far more tolerant than mouse rods to bleached rhodopsin, which exhibit persistent suppression of nearly 50% of their circulating current following a 20% bleach. Thus, the three types of mouse opsin appear distinctive in the degree to which their bleached, unregenerated opsins generate “dark light.”
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergei S Nikonov
- FM Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 19104, USA
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30
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Kole MHP, Hallermann S, Stuart GJ. Single Ih channels in pyramidal neuron dendrites: properties, distribution, and impact on action potential output. J Neurosci 2006; 26:1677-87. [PMID: 16467515 PMCID: PMC6793638 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3664-05.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The hyperpolarization-activated cation current (Ih) plays an important role in regulating neuronal excitability, yet its native single-channel properties in the brain are essentially unknown. Here we use variance-mean analysis to study the properties of single Ih channels in the apical dendrites of cortical layer 5 pyramidal neurons in vitro. In these neurons, we find that Ih channels have an average unitary conductance of 680 +/- 30 fS (n = 18). Spectral analysis of simulated and native Ih channels showed that there is little or no channel flicker below 5 kHz. In contrast to the uniformly distributed single-channel conductance, Ih channel number increases exponentially with distance, reaching densities as high as approximately 550 channels/microm2 at distal dendritic sites. These high channel densities generate significant membrane voltage noise. By incorporating a stochastic model of Ih single-channel gating into a morphologically realistic model of a layer 5 neuron, we show that this channel noise is higher in distal dendritic compartments and increased threefold with a 10-fold increased single-channel conductance (6.8 pS) but constant Ih current density. In addition, we demonstrate that voltage fluctuations attributable to stochastic Ih channel gating impact on action potential output, with greater spike-timing precision in models with the experimentally determined single-channel conductance. These data suggest that, in the face of high current densities, the small single-channel conductance of Ih is critical for maintaining the fidelity of action potential output.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maarten H P Kole
- Division of Neuroscience, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra 0200, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.
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31
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Suryanarayanan A, Slaughter MM. Synaptic transmission mediated by internal calcium stores in rod photoreceptors. J Neurosci 2006; 26:1759-66. [PMID: 16467524 PMCID: PMC6793629 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3895-05.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal rod photoreceptors are depolarized in darkness to approximately -40 mV, a state in which they maintain sustained glutamate release despite low levels of calcium channel activation. Blocking voltage-gated calcium channels or ryanodine receptors (RyRs) at the rod presynaptic terminal suppressed synaptic communication to bipolar cells. Spontaneous synaptic events were also inhibited when either of these pathways was blocked. This indicates that both calcium influx and calcium release from internal stores are required for the normal release of transmitter of the rod. RyR-independent release can be evoked by depolarization of a rod to a supraphysiological potential (-20 mV) that activates a large fraction of voltage-gated channels. However, this calcium channel-mediated release depletes rapidly if RyRs are blocked, indicating that RyRs support prolonged glutamate release. Thus, the rod synapse couples a small transmembrane calcium influx with a RyR-dependent amplification mechanism to support continuous vesicle release.
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32
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Troy JB, Bohnsack DL, Chen J, Guo X, Passaglia CL. Spatiotemporal integration of light by the cat X-cell center under photopic and scotopic conditions. Vis Neurosci 2005; 22:493-500. [PMID: 16212706 PMCID: PMC1550342 DOI: 10.1017/s0952523805224100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2004] [Accepted: 04/06/2005] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Visual responses to stimulation at high temporal frequency are generally considered to result from signals that avoid light adaptive gain adjustment, simply reflecting linear summation of luminance. Under conditions of high photopic illuminance, the center of the receptive field of the cat X-cell has been shown to expand in size when stimulated at high temporal frequency, raising the possibility that there is spatiotemporal interaction in luminance summation. Here we show that this expansion maintains constant the product of the center's luminance summing area and the temporal period of luminance modulation, implying that spatial and temporal integration of luminance can be traded for one another by the X-cell center. As such the X-cell has a spatiotemporal window for luminance integration that fuses the classical concepts of a spatial window of luminance integration (Ricco's Law) with a temporal window of luminance integration (Bloch's Law). We were interested to determine whether this tradeoff between spatial and temporal summation of luminance occurs also at lower light levels, where the temporal-frequency bandwidth of the X-cell is narrower. We found that it does not. Center radius does not expand with temporal frequency under either low photopic or scotopic conditions. These results are discussed within the context of the known retinal circuitry that underlies the X-cell center for photopic and scotopic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- J B Troy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and the Neuroscience Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208-3107, USA.
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33
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Ugarte G, Delgado R, O'Day PM, Farjah F, Cid LP, Vergara C, Bacigalupo J. Putative ClC-2 Chloride Channel Mediates Inward Rectification in Drosophila Retinal Photoreceptors. J Membr Biol 2005; 207:151-60. [PMID: 16550486 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-005-0810-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2005] [Revised: 10/06/2005] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
We report that Drosophila retinal photoreceptors express inwardly rectifying chloride channels that seem to be orthologous to mammalian ClC-2 inward rectifier channels. We measured inwardly rectifying Cl(-) currents in photoreceptor plasma membranes: Hyperpolarization under whole-cell tight-seal voltage clamp induced inward Cl(-) currents; and hyperpolarization of voltage-clamped inside-out patches excised from plasma membrane induced Cl(-) currents that have a unitary channel conductance of approximately 3.7 pS. The channel was inhibited by 1 mM: Zn(2+) and by 1 mM: 9-anthracene, but was insensitive to DIDS. Its anion permeability sequence is Cl(-) = SCN(-)> Br(-)>> I(-), characteristic of ClC-2 channels. Exogenous polyunsaturated fatty acid, linolenic acid, enhanced or activated the inward rectifier Cl(-) currents in both whole-cell and excised patch-clamp recordings. Using RT-PCR, we found expression in Drosophila retina of a ClC-2 gene orthologous to mammalian ClC-2 channels. Antibodies to rat ClC-2 channels labeled Drosophila photoreceptor plasma membranes and synaptic regions. Our results provide evidence that the inward rectification in Drosophila retinal photoreceptors is mediated by ClC-2-like channels in the non-transducing (extra-rhabdomeral) plasma membrane, and that this inward rectification can be modulated by polyunsaturated fatty acid.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Ugarte
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
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34
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Zhang J, Wu SM. Physiological properties of rod photoreceptor electrical coupling in the tiger salamander retina. J Physiol 2005; 564:849-62. [PMID: 15746168 PMCID: PMC1464472 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2005.082859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 01/08/2005] [Accepted: 02/25/2005] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Using dual whole-cell voltage and current clamp recording techniques, we investigated the gap junctional conductance and the coupling coefficient between neighbouring rods in live salamander retinal slices. The application of sinusoidal stimuli over a wide range of temporal frequencies allowed us to characterize the band-pass filtering properties of the rod network. We found that the electrical coupling of all neighbouring rods exhibited reciprocal and symmetrical conductivities. On average, the junctional conductance between paired rods was 500 pS and the coupling coefficient (the ratio of voltage responses of the follower cell to those of the driver cell), or K-value, was 0.07. Our experimental results also demonstrated that the rod network behaved like a band-pass filter with a peak frequency of about 2-5 Hz. However, the gap junctions between adjacent rods exhibited linearity and voltage independency within the physiological range of rods. These gap junctions did not contribute to the filtering mechanisms of the rod network. Combined with the computational modelling, our data suggest that the filtering of higher frequency rod signals by the network is largely mediated by the passive resistive and capacitive (RC) properties of rod plasma membranes. Furthermore, we found several attributes of rod electrical coupling resembling the physiological properties of gene-encoded Cx35/36 gap junctions examined in other in vitro studies. This indicates that the previously found Cx35/36 expression in the salamander rod network may be functionally involved in rod-rod electrical coupling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhang
- Cullen Eye Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, NC-205, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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35
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Abstract
Inwardly rectifying potassium channels (Kir channels) are important for neuronal signalling and membrane excitability. In the present work we characterized, for the first time, Kir channels in rat retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), the output neurons in the retina, using immunocytochemical and patch-clamp techniques. Various subunits of Kir channels (Kir1.1, 2.1, 2.3, 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3) were expressed in RGCs, but with distinct subcellular localization. Kir1.1 was mainly expressed in axons of RGCs. Kir2.1 and Kir2.3 were both present in somata of RGCs. Whereas staining for Kir3.1 was profoundly present in an endoplasmic reticulum-like structure and Kir3.2 was strongly expressed in the cytoplasm and the cytomembrane of somata, dendrites and axons of RGCs, faint, sparse labelling for Kir3.3 was seen in the cytomembrane. Immunoreactivity for Kir4.1 and Kir4.2 was not detectable in RGCs. Whole-cell currents mediated by Kir channels were recorded in isolated RGCs and they differed from hyperpolarization-activated currents (I(h)) by showing full activation in < 10 ms, no inactivation, and being significantly suppressed by 300 microM Ba2+. Unlike in retinal horizontal cells and bipolar cells, these currents were mainly mediated by G-protein-coupled Kir3 (GIRK) channels, as demonstrated by the fact that GDP(beta)S and GTP(gamma)S included in the pipette solution markedly decreased and increased the currents, respectively. Furthermore, the GIRK channels were probably coupled to GABA(B) receptors, because baclofen considerably increased the Kir currents and the increased currents were suppressed by Ba2+. These characteristics of the Kir currents provide more versatility for signalling of RGCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Chen
- Institute of Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, 220 Handan Road, Shanghai 200433, China
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36
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Rebrik TI, Korenbrot JI. In intact mammalian photoreceptors, Ca2+-dependent modulation of cGMP-gated ion channels is detectable in cones but not in rods. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 123:63-75. [PMID: 14699078 PMCID: PMC2217411 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.200308952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
In the mammalian retina, cone photoreceptors efficiently adapt to changing background light intensity and, therefore, are able to signal small differences in luminance between objects and backgrounds, even when the absolute intensity of the background changes over five to six orders of magnitude. Mammalian rod photoreceptors, in contrast, adapt very little and only at intensities that nearly saturate the amplitude of their photoresponse. In search of a molecular explanation for this observation we assessed Ca2+-dependent modulation of ligand sensitivity in cyclic GMP–gated (CNG) ion channels of intact mammalian rods and cones. Solitary photoreceptors were isolated by gentle proteolysis of ground squirrel retina. Rods and cones were distinguished by whether or not their outer segments bind PNA lectin. We measured membrane currents under voltage-clamp in photoreceptors loaded with Diazo-2, a caged Ca2+ chelator, and fixed concentrations of 8Br-cGMP. At 600 nM free cytoplasmic Ca2+ the midpoint of the cone CNG channels sensitivity to 8BrcGMP, 8BrcGMPK1/2, is ∼2.3 μM. The ligand sensitivity is less in rod than in cone channels. Instantly decreasing cytoplasmic Ca2+ to <30 nM activates a large inward membrane current in cones, but not in rods. Current activation arises from a Ca2+ -dependent modulation of cone CNG channels, presumably because of an increase in their affinity to the cyclic nucleotide. The time course of current activation is temperature dependent; it is well described by a single exponential process of ∼480 ms time constant at 20–21°C and 138 ms at 32°C. The absence of detectable Ca2+-dependent CNG current modulation in intact rods, in view of the known channel modulation by calmodulin in-vitro, affirms the modulation in intact rods may only occur at low Ca2+ concentrations, those expected at intensities that nearly saturate the rod photoresponse. The correspondence between Ca2+ dependence of CNG modulation and the ability to light adapt suggest these events are correlated in photoreceptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana I Rebrik
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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37
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Zhang J, Yang Z, Wu SM. Immuocytochemical analysis of spatial organization of
photoreceptors and amacrine and ganglion cells in the tiger salamander
retina. Vis Neurosci 2004; 21:157-66. [PMID: 15259567 DOI: 10.1017/s0952523804042075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, using double- or triple-label
immunocytochemistry in conjunction with confocal microscopy, we aimed
to examine the population and distribution of photoreceptors, GABAergic
and glycinergic amacrine cells, and ganglion cells, which are basic but
important parameters for studying the structure–function
relationship of the salamander retina. We found that the outer nuclear
layer (ONL) contained 82,019 ± 3203 photoreceptors, of which 52%
were rods and 48% were cones. The density of photoreceptors peaked at
∼8000 cells/mm2 in the ventral and dropped to
∼4000 cells/mm2 in the dorsal retina. In addition,
the rod/cone ratio was less than 1 in the central retina but larger
than 1 in the periphery. Moreover, in the proximal region of the inner
nuclear layer (INL3), the total number of cells was 50,576 ±
8400. GABAergic and glycinergic amacrine cells made up approximately
78% of all cells in this layer, including 43% GABAergic, 32%
glycinergic, and 3% GABA/glycine colocalized amacrine cells. The
density of these amacrine cells was ∼6500 cells/mm2
in the ventral and ∼3200 cells/mm2 in the dorsal
area. The ratio of GABAergic to glycinergic amacrine cells was larger
than 1. Furthermore, in the ganglion cell layer (GCL), among a total of
36,007 ± 2010 cells, ganglion cells accounted for 65.7 ±
1.5% of the total cells, whereas displaced GABAergic and glycinergic
amacrine cells comprised about 4% of the cells in this layer. The
ganglion cell density was ∼1800 cells/mm2 in the
ventral and ∼600 cells/mm2 in the dorsal retina. Our
data demonstrate that all three major cell types are not uniformly
distributed across the salamander retina. Instead, they exhibit a
higher density in the ventral than in the dorsal retina and their
spatial arrangement is associated with the retinal topography. These
findings provide a basic anatomical reference for the
electrophysiological study of this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhang
- Cullen Eye Institute, Baylor College of Medicine. One Baylor Plaza, Houston 77030, USA.
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38
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Kim IB, Lee EJ, Kang TH, Chung JW, Chun MH. Morphological analysis of the hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated cation channel 1 (HCN1) immunoreactive bipolar cells in the rabbit retina. J Comp Neurol 2004; 467:389-402. [PMID: 14608601 DOI: 10.1002/cne.10957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Hyperpolarization-activated cation currents (I(h)) have been identified in neurons in the central nervous system, including the retina. There is growing evidence that these currents, mediated by the hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated cation channel (HCN), may play important roles in visual processing in the retina. This study was conducted to identify and characterize HCN1-immunoreactive (IR) bipolar cells by immunocytochemistry, quantitative analysis, and electron microscopy. The HCN1-IR bipolar cells were a subtype of OFF-type cone bipolar cells and comprised 10% of the total number of cone bipolar cells. The axons of the HCN1-IR cone bipolar cells ramified narrowly in the border of strata 1 and 2 of the inner plexiform layer (IPL). These cells formed a regular distribution, with a density of 1,825 cells/mm(2) at a position 1 mm ventral to the visual streak, falling to 650 cells/mm(2) in the ventral periphery. Double-labeling experiments demonstrated that their axons stratified narrowly within and slightly proximal to the OFF-starburst amacrine cell processes. In the IPL, they were presynaptic to amacrine cell processes. The most frequent postsynaptic dyads formed of HCN1-IR bipolar cell axon terminals are pairs composed of both amacrine cell processes. These results suggest that these HCN1-IR cone bipolar cells might be the same as the DAPI-Ba1 bipolar population, and might therefore be involved in a direction-selective mechanism, providing inputs to the OFF-starburst amacrine cells and/or the OFF-plexus of the ON-OFF ganglion cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- In-Beom Kim
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 137-701, Korea
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39
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Funahashi M, Mitoh Y, Kohjitani A, Matsuo R. Role of the hyperpolarization-activated cation current (Ih) in pacemaker activity in area postrema neurons of rat brain slices. J Physiol 2003; 552:135-48. [PMID: 12897173 PMCID: PMC2343317 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2003.047191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
To clarify the functional properties of the hyperpolarization-activated cation current (Ih) as a pacemaker current in area postrema neurons, whole-cell recordings were made in visually identified cells in rat brain slices. The activation of Ih was identified in approximately 62 % of area postrema neurons tested. The cells displaying Ih showed a depolarizing "sag" in responses to hyperpolarizing current injection in current-clamp mode. The reversal potential for the Ih was -36 mV, and this was shown to depend on the external concentration of Na+ and K+ ions. Extracellular Cs+ ions (2 mM) and ZD7288 (100 microM), a potent selective Ih channel antagonist, blocked Ih and induced a membrane potential hyperpolarization, suggesting the sustained activation of Ih near the resting potential and a contribution from Ih to membrane potential maintenance at more depolarized levels. In contrast, extracellular Ba2+ ions caused a depolarization of the membrane potential, suggesting the blockade of inward rectifier K+ currents. ZD7288 decreased the spontaneous discharge rate by prolonging the slow depolarization between two spikes, with minimal effect on the amplitude of the afterhyperpolarization or action potential waveforms. Ih stabilized the latency of rebound action potentials. Ih was weakly activated by external 8-bromoadenosine 3',5' cyclic monophosphate (1 mM) or forskolin (50-100 microM), indicating that the Ih channel subtypes in area postrema cells could be modulated by intracellular cAMP. Our findings indicate that Ih contributes to the subthreshold membrane and firing properties of rat area postrema neurons and may regulate their resting membrane potential and firing patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Funahashi
- Department of Oral Physiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Okayama 700-8525, Japan.
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40
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Robinson RB, Siegelbaum SA. Hyperpolarization-activated cation currents: from molecules to physiological function. Annu Rev Physiol 2003; 65:453-80. [PMID: 12471170 DOI: 10.1146/annurev.physiol.65.092101.142734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 883] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Hyperpolarization-activated cation currents, termed If, Ih, or Iq, were initially discovered in heart and nerve cells over 20 years ago. These currents contribute to a wide range of physiological functions, including cardiac and neuronal pacemaker activity, the setting of resting potentials, input conductance and length constants, and dendritic integration. The hyperpolarization-activated, cation nonselective (HCN) gene family encodes the channels that underlie Ih. Here we review the relation between the biophysical properties of recombinant HCN channels and the pattern of HCN mRNA expression with the properties of native Ih in neurons and cardiac muscle. Moreover, we consider selected examples of the expanding physiological functions of Ih with a view toward understanding how the properties of HCN channels contribute to these diverse functional roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard B Robinson
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Molecular Therapeutics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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41
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Müller F, Scholten A, Ivanova E, Haverkamp S, Kremmer E, Kaupp UB. HCN channels are expressed differentially in retinal bipolar cells and concentrated at synaptic terminals. Eur J Neurosci 2003; 17:2084-96. [PMID: 12786975 DOI: 10.1046/j.1460-9568.2003.02634.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Hyperpolarization-activated and cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels codetermine the integrative behaviour of neurons and shape their response to synaptic stimulation. We used immunohistochemistry and patch-clamp recording to study the composition and distribution of HCN channels in the rat retina. All four HCN channel isoforms (HCN1-4) are expressed differentially in the retina. In particular, different classes of bipolar cells have a different inventory of HCN channels. We found no evidence for the formation of heterooligomeric HCN channels. HCN channels are densely clustered at synaptic terminals of bipolar cells and photoreceptors. This suggests that HCN channels are involved in the control of transmitter release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Müller
- Institut für Biologische Informationsverarbeitung, Forschungszentrum Jülich, D-52425 Jülich, Germany.
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42
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Mao BQ, MacLeish PR, Victor JD. Role of hyperpolarization-activated currents for the intrinsic dynamics of isolated retinal neurons. Biophys J 2003; 84:2756-67. [PMID: 12668483 PMCID: PMC1302841 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-3495(03)75080-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The intrinsic dynamics of bipolar cells and rod photoreceptors isolated from tiger salamanders were studied by a patch-clamp technique combined with estimation of effective impulse responses across a range of mean membrane voltages. An increase in external K(+) reduces the gain and speeds the response in bipolar cells near and below resting potential. High external K(+) enhances the inward rectification of membrane potential, an effect mediated by a fast, hyperpolarization-activated, inwardly rectifying potassium current (K(IR)). External Cs(+) suppresses the inward-rectifying effect of external K(+). The reversal potential of the current, estimated by a novel method from a family of impulse responses below resting potential, indicates a channel that is permeable predominantly to K(+). Its permeability to Na(+), estimated from Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz voltage equation, was negligible. Whereas the activation of the delayed-rectifier K(+) current causes bandpass behavior (i.e., undershoots in the impulse responses) in bipolar cells, activation of the K(IR) current does not. In contrast, a slow hyperpolarization-activated current (I(h)) in rod photoreceptors leads to pronounced, slow undershoots near resting potential. Differences in the kinetics and ion selectivity of hyperpolarization-activated currents in bipolar cells (K(IR)) and in rod photoreceptors (I(h)) confer different dynamical behavior onto the two types of neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bu-Qing Mao
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience and Department of Ophthalmology-Dyson Vision Research Institute, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York 10021
| | - Peter R. MacLeish
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience and Department of Ophthalmology-Dyson Vision Research Institute, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York 10021
| | - Jonathan D. Victor
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience and Department of Ophthalmology-Dyson Vision Research Institute, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York 10021
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Surges R, Freiman TM, Feuerstein TJ. K(+)-induced changes in the properties of the hyperpolarization-activated cation current I(h) in rat CA1 pyramidal cells. Neurosci Lett 2002; 332:136-40. [PMID: 12384229 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-3940(02)00820-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The effects of rises in external K(+) (K(ext)) on I(h) were investigated in CA1 pyramidal cells of rat hippocampal slices using the whole-cell patch clamp technique. At the basal K(ext) level (2.5 mM), hyperpolarization-activated cation current (I(h)) had a maximal amplitude of -350+/-60 pA which was enhanced by approximately 60 and approximately 95% at 5 and 7.5 mM K(ext), respectively. The midpoint activation voltage was significantly shifted from -80 mV in the negative direction to about -87 mV at both 5 and 7.5 mM K(ext), without appreciable alterations of the current kinetics. The maximal conductance was approximately 2.4 nS under control conditions and significantly increased to approximately 3.3 and approximately 5.6 nS at 5 and 7.5 mM K(ext), respectively. The reversal potential was shifted in the positive direction, from a control value of approximately -30 mV by approximately 6 and approximately 14 mV at 5 and 7.5 mM K(ext), respectively. Our data demonstrate that even moderate changes in K(ext) have a substantial effect on the properties of I(h).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rainer Surges
- Section of Clinical Neuropharmacology, Department of Neurology, Neurozentrum, Breisacher Strasse 64, 79106, Freiburg i.Br., Germany.
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Timofeev I, Bazhenov M, Sejnowski T, Steriade M. Cortical hyperpolarization-activated depolarizing current takes part in the generation of focal paroxysmal activities. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2002; 99:9533-7. [PMID: 12089324 PMCID: PMC123175 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.132259899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2001] [Accepted: 05/01/2002] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
During paroxysmal neocortical oscillations, sudden depolarization leading to the next cycle occurs when the majority of cortical neurons are hyperpolarized. Both the Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) currents (I(K(Ca))) and disfacilitation play critical roles in the generation of hyperpolarizing potentials. In vivo experiments and computational models are used here to investigate whether the hyperpolarization-activated depolarizing current (I(h)) in cortical neurons also contributes to the generation of paroxysmal onsets. Hyperpolarizing current pulses revealed a depolarizing sag in approximately 20% of cortical neurons. Intracellular recordings from glial cells indirectly indicated an increase in extracellular potassium concentration ([K(+)](o)) during paroxysmal activities, leading to a positive shift in the reversal potential of K(+)-mediated currents, including I(h). In the paroxysmal neocortex, approximately 20% of neurons show repolarizing potentials originating from hyperpolarizations associated with depth-electroencephalogram positive waves of spike-wave complexes. The onset of these repolarizing potentials corresponds to maximal [K(+)](o) as estimated from dual simultaneous impalements from neurons and glial cells. Computational models showed how, after the increased [K(+)](o), the interplay between I(h), I(K(Ca)), and a persistent Na(+) current, I(Na(P)), could organize paroxysmal oscillations at a frequency of 2-3 Hz.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Timofeev
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada G1K 7P4.
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45
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Kawai F, Horiguchi M, Suzuki H, Miyachi EI. Modulation by hyperpolarization-activated cationic currents of voltage responses in human rods. Brain Res 2002; 943:48-55. [PMID: 12088838 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-8993(02)02531-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
We used the whole-cell patch-clamp recording technique on surgically excised human retina to examine whether human rod photoreceptors express hyperpolarization-activated cationic currents (I(h)) and to analyze the effects of I(h) on rod's voltage responses. Hyperpolarizing voltage steps from a holding potential of -60 mV evoked a slow inward-rectifying current in both rods in retinal slices and isolated rods. The slow inward-rectifying currents induced by hyperpolarization were markedly reduced by 3 mM Cs(+) (a blocker of I(h)) in the bath, but not by 3 mM Ba(2+) (an anomalous rectifier K(+) current blocker) or 1 mM SITS (a Cl(-) current blocker). A concentration-response curve for block by Cs(+) of the inward currents could be fitted by the Hill equation with a half-blocking concentration (IC(50)) of 41 microM and a Hill coefficient of 0.91. The time course of the inward current activation was well described at all recorded voltages by the sum of two exponentials. Under current-clamp conditions, injection of steps of current, either hyperpolarizing or depolarizing, elicited an initial rapid voltage change that was followed by a gradual decay in the voltage response. The decay in the voltage responses was eliminated by bath application of 3 mM Cs(+). The voltage dependence, pharmacology, and kinetics of the slow inward-rectifying currents described above suggest that human rods express I(h). We suggest that I(h) becomes activated in the course of large hyperpolarizations generated by bright-light illumination and may modify the waveform of the photovoltage in human rods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fusao Kawai
- Department of Physiology, Fujita Health University, 1-98 Dengakugakubo, Kutsukakechou, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan.
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Gábriel R, Wilhelm M. Structure and function of photoreceptor and second-order cell mosaics in the retina of Xenopus. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CYTOLOGY 2002; 210:77-120. [PMID: 11580209 DOI: 10.1016/s0074-7696(01)10004-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
The structure, physiology, synaptology, and neurochemistry of photoreceptors and second-order (horizontal and bipolar) cells of Xenopus laevis retina is reviewed. Rods represent 53% of the photoreceptors; the majority (97%) are green light-sensitive. Cones belong to large long-wavelength-sensitive (86%), large short-wavelength-sensitive (10%), and miniature ultraviolet wavelength-sensitive (4%) groups. Photoreceptors release glutamate tonically in darkness, hyperpolarize upon light stimulation and their transmitter release decreases. Photoreceptors form ribbon synapses with second-order cells where postsynaptic elements are organized into triads. Their overall adaptational status is regulated by ambient light conditions and set by the extracellular dopamine concentration. The activity of photoreceptors is under circadian control and is independent of the central body clock. Bipolar cell density is about 6000 cells/mm2 They receive mixed inputs from rods and cones. Some bipolar cell types violate the rule of ON-OFF segregation, giving off terminal branches in both sublayers of the inner plexiform layer. The majority of them contain glutamate, a small fraction is GABA-positive and accumulates serotonin. Luminosity-type horizontal cells are more frequent (approximately 1,000 cells/mm2) than chromaticity cells (approximately 450 cells/mm2). The dendritic field size of the latter type was threefold bigger than that of the former. Luminosity cells contact all photoreceptor types, whereas chromatic cells receive their inputs from the short-wavelength-sensitive cones and rods. Luminosity cells are involved in generating depolarizing responses in chromatic horizontal cells by red light stimulation which form multiple synapses with blue-light-sensitive cones. Calculations indicate that convergence ratios in Xenopus are similar to those in central retinal regions of mammals, predicting comparable spatial resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Gábriel
- Department of General Zoology and Neurobiology, University of Pécs, Hungary
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Satoh TO, Yamada M. Niflumic acid reduces the hyperpolarization-activated current (I(h)) in rod photoreceptor cells. Neurosci Res 2001; 40:375-81. [PMID: 11463484 DOI: 10.1016/s0168-0102(01)00252-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
We examined the effects of niflumic acid (NFA), a chloride channel blocker, on the hyperpolarization-activated current (I(h)) in newt rod photoreceptors. At 100 microM, NFA delayed the activation of I(h) induced by hyperpolarizing voltage pulses to -83 mV from a holding potential of -43 mV, and reduced the steady-state current. However, reduction by NFA was weakened when I(h) was activated by hyperpolarizing steps to -123 mV, suggesting that these effects were voltage-dependent. The suppressive effects of NFA on I(h) were accompanied by a negative shift in activation voltage. NFA also delayed the relaxation of I(h) tail currents, showing that this drug also inhibited deactivation of the current. The reversal potential and the fully activated conductance were not affected. These observations suggest that NFA reduces I(h) by modifying the gating kinetics of the underlying channels. The suppressive actions of NFA remained when intracellular Ca2+ was strongly chelated, and the failure of suppression by NFA in inside-out patches suggests that the agent may act on the I(h) channel from the extracellular side. These results, obtained in rod photoreceptors, are consistent with similar effects of NFA on I(f) in cardiac myocytes, suggesting that both currents share similar pharmacological properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- T O Satoh
- Supermolecular Division, Electrotechnical Laboratory, Tsukuba, 305-8568, Ibaraki, Japan
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Abstract
Ionic currents activated by hyperpolarization and regulated by cyclic nucleotides were first discovered more than 20 years ago. Recently the molecular identity of the underlying channels has been unveiled. The structural features of the protein sequences are discussed and related to the mechanisms of activation, selectivity for cyclic nucleotides, and ion permeation. Coverage includes a comparison of the biophysical properties of recombinant and native channels and their significance for the physiological functions of these channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- U B Kaupp
- Institut für Biologische Informationsverarbeitung, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, D-52425 Germany.
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Moosmang S, Stieber J, Zong X, Biel M, Hofmann F, Ludwig A. Cellular expression and functional characterization of four hyperpolarization-activated pacemaker channels in cardiac and neuronal tissues. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY 2001; 268:1646-52. [PMID: 11248683 DOI: 10.1046/j.1432-1327.2001.02036.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 353] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Hyperpolarization-activated cation currents (I(h)) have been identified in cardiac pacemaker cells and a variety of central and peripheral neurons. Four members of a gene family encoding hyperpolarization-activated, cyclic nucleotide-gated cation channels (HCN1--4) have been cloned recently. Native I(h) currents recorded from different cell types exhibit distinct activation kinetics. To determine if this diversity of I(h) currents may be caused by differential expression of HCN channel isoforms, we investigated the cellular distribution of the transcripts of HCN1--4 in the murine sinoatrial node, retina and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) by in situ hybridization. In the sinoatrial node, the most prominently expressed HCN channel is HCN4, whereas HCN2 and HCN1 are detected there at moderate and low levels, respectively. Retinal photoreceptors express high levels of HCN1, whereas HCN2, 3 and 4 were not found in these cells. In DRG neurons, the dominant HCN transcript is HCN1, followed by HCN2. We next determined the functional properties of recombinant HCN1--4 channels expressed in HEK293 cells. All four channel types gave rise to I(h) currents but displayed marked differences in their activation kinetics. Our results suggest that the heterogeneity of native I(h) currents is generated, at least in part, by the tissue-specific expression of HCN channel genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Moosmang
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Technische Universität München, Germany
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Kilb W, Luhmann HJ. Characterization of a hyperpolarization-activated inward current in Cajal-Retzius cells in rat neonatal neocortex. J Neurophysiol 2000; 84:1681-91. [PMID: 10980039 DOI: 10.1152/jn.2000.84.3.1681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cajal-Retzius cells are among the first neurons appearing during corticogenesis and play an important role in the establishment of cortical lamination. To characterize the hyperpolarization-activated inward current (I(h)) and to investigate whether I(h) contributes to the relatively positive resting membrane potential (RMP) of these cells, we analyzed the properties of I(h) in visually identified Cajal-Retzius cells in cortical slices from neonatal rats using the whole cell patch-clamp technique. Membrane hyperpolarization to -90 mV activated a prominent inward current that was inhibited by 1 mM Cs(+) and was insensitive to 1 mM Ba(2+). The activation time constant for I(h) was strongly voltage dependent. In Na(+)-free solution, I(h) was reduced, indicating a contribution of Na(+). An analysis of the tail currents revealed a reversal potential of -45.2 mV, corresponding to a permeability coefficient (pNa(+)/pK(+)) of 0. 13. While an increase in the extracellular K(+) concentration ([K(+)](e)) enhances I(h), it was reduced by a [K(+)](e) decrease. This [K(+)](e) dependence could not be explained by an effect on the electromotive force on K(+) but suggested an additional extracellular binding site for K(+) with an apparent dissociation constant of 7.2 mM. Complete Cl(-) substitution by Br(-), I(-), or NO(3)(-) had no significant effect on I(h), whereas a complete Cl(-) substitution by the organic compounds methylsulfate, isethionate, or gluconate reduced I(h) by approximately 40%. The I(h) reduction observed in gluconate could be abolished by the addition of Cl(-). The analysis of the [Cl(-)](e) dependence of I(h) revealed a dissociation constant of 9.8 mM and a Hill-coefficient of 2.5, while the assumption of a gluconate-dependent I(h) reduction required an unreasonably high Hill-coefficient >20. An internal perfusion with the lidocaine derivative lidocaine N-ethyl bromide blocks I(h) within 1 min after establishment of the whole cell configuration. An inhibition of I(h) by 1 mM Cs(+) was without an effect on RMP, action potential amplitude, threshold, width, or afterhyperpolarization. We conclude from these results that Cajal-Retzius cells express a prominent I(h) with characteristic properties that does not contribute to the RMP.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Kilb
- Institut für Neurophysiologie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, D-40001 Düsseldorf, Germany.
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