Calcium-activated chloride current in cultured sensory and parasympathetic quail neurones

Function and Regulation of the Calcium-Activated Chloride Channel Anoctamin 1 (TMEM16A)

Various human tissues express the calcium-activated chloride channel Anoctamin 1 (ANO1), also known as TMEM16A. ANO1 allows the passive chloride flux that controls different physiological functions ranging from muscle contraction, fluid and hormone secretion, gastrointestinal motility, and electrical excitability. Overexpression of ANO1 is associated with pathological conditions such as hypertension and cancer. The molecular cloning of ANO1 has led to a surge in structural, functional, and physiological studies of the channel in several tissues. ANO1 is a homodimer channel harboring two pores - one in each monomer - that work independently. Each pore is activated by voltage-dependent binding of two intracellular calcium ions to a high-affinity-binding site. In addition, the binding of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate to sites scattered throughout the cytosolic side of the protein aids the calcium activation process. Furthermore, many pharmacological studies have established ANO1 as a target of promising compounds that could treat several illnesses. This chapter describes our current understanding of the physiological roles of ANO1 and its regulation under physiological conditions as well as new pharmacological compounds with potential therapeutic applications.

Molecular mechanisms of activation and regulation of ANO1-Encoded Ca2+-Activated Cl- channels

Ca2+-activated Cl- channels (CaCCs) perform a multitude of functions including the control of cell excitability, regulation of cell volume and ionic homeostasis, exocrine and endocrine secretion, fertilization, amplification of olfactory sensory function, and control of smooth muscle cell contractility. CaCCs are the translated products of two members (ANO1 and ANO2, also known as TMEM16A and TMEM16B) of the Anoctamin family of genes comprising ten paralogs. This review focuses on recent progress in understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of ANO1 by cytoplasmic Ca2+, post-translational modifications, and how the channel protein interacts with membrane lipids and protein partners. After first reviewing the basic properties of native CaCCs, we then present a brief historical perspective highlighting controversies about their molecular identity in native cells. This is followed by a summary of the fundamental biophysical and structural properties of ANO1. We specifically address whether the channel is directly activated by internal Ca2+ or indirectly through the intervention of the Ca2+-binding protein Calmodulin (CaM), and the structural domains responsible for Ca2+- and voltage-dependent gating. We then review the regulation of ANO1 by internal ATP, Calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II-(CaMKII)-mediated phosphorylation and phosphatase activity, membrane lipids such as the phospholipid phosphatidyl-(4,5)-bisphosphate (PIP2), free fatty acids and cholesterol, and the cytoskeleton. The article ends with a survey of physical and functional interactions of ANO1 with other membrane proteins such as CLCA1/2, inositol trisphosphate and ryanodine receptors in the endoplasmic reticulum, several members of the TRP channel family, and the ancillary Κ+ channel β subunits KCNE1/5.

[Calcium-activated chloride channels: structure, properties, role in physiological and pathological processes]

Ca2+-activated chloride channels (CaCC) are a class of intracellular calcium activated chloride channels that mediate numerous physiological functions. In 2008, the molecular structure of CaCC was determined. CaCC are formed by the protein known as anoctamine 1 (ANO1 or TMEM16A). CaCC mediates the secretion of Cl- in secretory epithelia, such as the airways, salivary glands, intestines, renal tubules, and sweat glands. The presence of CaCC has also been recognized in the vascular muscles, smooth muscles of the respiratory tract, which control vascular tone and hypersensitivity of the respiratory tract. TMEM16A is activated in many cancers; it is believed that TMEM16A is involved in carcinogenesis. TMEM16A is also involved in cancer cells proliferation. The role of TMEM16A in the mechanisms of hypertension, asthma, cystic fibrosis, nociception, and dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract has been determined. In addition to TMEM16A, its isoforms are involved in other physiological and pathophysiological processes. TMEM16B (or ANO2) is involved in the sense of smell, while ANO6 works like scramblase, and its mutation causes a rare bleeding disorder, known as Scott syndrome. ANO5 is associated with muscle and bone diseases. TMEM16A interacts with various cellular signaling pathways including: epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), calmodulin (CaM) kinases, transforming growth factor TGF-β. The review summarizes existing information on known natural and synthetic compounds that can block/modulate CaCC currents and their effect on some pathologies in which CaCC is involved.

Diversity-oriented generation and biological evaluation of new chemical scaffolds bearing a 2,2-dimethyl-2H-chromene unit: Discovery of novel potent ANO1 inhibitors

Chemical territory bearing a 2,2-dimethyl-2H-chromene motif was expanded by utilizing an o-hydroxy aldehyde group of 5-hydroxy-2,2-dimethyl-2H-chromene-6-carbaldehyde as a synthetic handle to install distinctive morphology and functionality of each scaffold. Cell based assays and in silico docking analysis led us to discover that these new compounds exhibit inhibitory effect on anoctamin1 (ANO1). ANO1 is amplified and highly expressed in various carcinomas including prostate cancer, esophageal cancer, breast cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Biological assays revealed that (E)-1-(7,7-dimethyl-7H-furo[2,3-f]chromen-2-yl)-3-(1H-pyrrol-2-yl)prop-2-en-1-one (3n, Ani-FCC) is a novel, potent and selective ANO1 inhibitor with an IC₅₀ value of 1.23 μM. 3n showed 144 times stronger activity on ANO1 inhibition than ANO2 inhibition and did not alter the chloride channel activity of CFTR and the intracellular calcium signaling. Notably, 3n strongly decreased cell viability of PC-3 and FaDu cells expressing high levels of ANO1 with a decrease in ANO1 protein levels. In addition, 3n significantly enhanced apoptosis via activation of caspase 3 and cleavage of PARP in PC-3 and FaDu cells. This study shows that a novel ANO1 inhibitor, 3n, can be a potential candidate for the treatment of cancers overexpressing ANO1, such as prostate cancer and esophageal cancer.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel Ani9 derivatives as potent and selective ANO1 inhibitors

Anoctamin 1 (ANO1), a calcium-activated chloride channel, is highly expressed and amplified in a number of carcinomas including breast, pancreatic and prostate cancers. Downregulation of ANO1 expression and function significantly inhibits cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of various cancer cell lines. Development of potent and selective ANO1 inhibitors is currently desirable, which may provide a new strategy for cancer treatment. Our previous study revealed a new class of ANO1 inhibitor, (E)-2-(4-chloro-2-methylphenoxy)-N'-(2-methoxybenzylidene)acetohydrazide (Ani9) and structural optimization via chemical modification of Ani9 basic skeleton was undertaken for the development of more potent and specific inhibitors of ANO1. Structure-activity relationship studies with newly synthesized derivatives revealed a number of potent ANO1 inhibitors, among which 5f is the most potent inhibitor with an IC₅₀ value of 22 nM. The selectivity analyses showed that 5f has excellent selectivity to ANO1 (>1000-fold over ANO2). In cellular assays, 5f significantly inhibited cell proliferation of PC3, MCF7, and BxPC3 cells expressing high levels of ANO1. In addition, 5f strongly reduced the protein levels of ANO1 in PC3 cells. This study will be useful in the development of ANO1 inhibitors for treatment of cancer and other ANO1-related diseases.

Cellular functions of TMEM16/anoctamin

Ca²⁺-activated Cl⁻ channels (CaCCs) are a class of Cl⁻ channels activated by intracellular Ca²⁺ that are known to mediate numerous physiological functions. In 2008, the molecular identity of CaCCs was found to be anoctamin 1 (ANO1/TMEM16A). Its roles have been studied in electrophysiological, histological, and genetic aspects. ANO1 is known to mediate Cl⁻ secretion in secretory epithelia such as airways, salivary glands, intestines, renal tubules, and sweat glands. ANO1 is a heat sensor activated by noxious heat in somatosensory neurons and mediates acute pain sensation as well as chronic pain. ANO1 is also observed in vascular as well as airway smooth muscles, controlling vascular tone as well as airway hypersensitivity. ANO1 is upregulated in numerous types of cancers and thus thought to be involved in tumorigenesis. ANO1 is also found in proliferating cells. In addition to ANO1, involvement of its paralogs in pathophysiological conditions was also reported. ANO2 is involved in olfaction, whereas ANO6 works as a scramblase whose mutation causes a rare bleeding disorder, the Scott syndrome. ANO5 is associated with muscle and bone diseases. Recently, an X-ray crystal structure of a fungal TMEM16 was reported, which explains a precise molecular gating mechanism as well as ion conduction or phospholipid transport across the plasma membrane.

Evidence for the participation of Ca(2+)-activated chloride channels in formalin-induced acute and chronic nociception

In this study we determined the role of Ca(2+)-activated chloride channels (CaCC) in acute and chronic nociceptive responses elicited by 1% formalin. Formalin injection produced a typical pattern of flinching behavior for about 1h. Moreover, it produced secondary allodynia and hyperalgesia in the ipsilateral and contralateral paws for at least 6 days. Local peripheral and intrathecal pre-treatment (-10 min) with the non-selective and selective CaCC blockers niflumic acid and CaCCinh-A01, respectively, prevented formalin-induced flinching behavior mainly during phase 2 of the formalin test. Furthermore, niflumic acid and CaCCinh-A01 also prevented in a dose-dependent manner the long-lasting evoked secondary mechanical allodynia and hyperalgesia in the ipsilateral and contralateral paws. Moreover, local peripheral and intrathecal post-treatment (on day 6) with both CaCC blockers decreased the established formalin-induced secondary mechanical allodynia and hyperalgesia behavior in both paws. CaCC anoctamin-1 and bestrophin-1 were detected in the dorsal root ganglia. Formalin injection increased anoctamin-1, but not bestrophin-1 protein levels at 6 days. Intrathecal injection of the CaCC inhibitor CaCCinh-A01 prevented formalin-induced anoctamin-1 increase. Data suggest that peripheral and spinal CaCC, and particularly anoctamin-1, participates in the acute nociception induced by formalin as well as in the development and maintenance of secondary mechanical allodynia and hyperalgesia. Thus, CaCC activity contributes to neuronal excitability in the process of nociception induced by formalin.

Does chloride channel accessory 3 have a role in arthritis pain? A study on murine antigen-induced arthritis

Calcium-activated chloride channels (CaCCs) are thought to regulate neuronal excitability, and recently chloride (Cl(-)) regulation in DRG neurons has attracted much attention in pain research. Furthermore, the activity of CaCCs is modified by a family of CLCA proteins. In acute antigen-induced arthritis (AIA), a remarkable up-regulation of the murine chloride channel accessory 3 (mClca3) was shown in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Therefore we tested the hypothesis that mClca3 is involved in arthritic pain perception. In mClca3 knock-out mice and wild-type control mice, AIA was induced and measures of inflammation and pain were assessed. In the very acute phase of AIA, joint swelling was reduced in mClca3 knock-out mice. This effect disappeared during the course of AIA. We could not show significant differences in mechanical hyperalgesia between both groups of mice, neither at the acute nor at the chronic stage (21 days of AIA). Additional experiments on thermal hyperalgesia in wild-type and mClca3 knock-out mice in the first 3 days of AIA did not show a difference either. In addition, niflumic acid, an antagonist at CaCCs, did not significantly influence hyperalgesia during AIA. Thus, we were not able to provide evidence for a role of CaCCs, and in particular of mClca3, on the expression of arthritis or inflammation-evoked hyperalgesia.

Inhibition of peripheral anion exchanger 3 decreases formalin-induced pain

We determined the role of chloride-bicarbonate anion exchanger 3 in formalin-induced acute and chronic rat nociception. Formalin (1%) produced acute (first phase) and tonic (second phase) nociceptive behaviors (flinching and licking/lifting) followed by long-lasting evoked secondary mechanical allodynia and hyperalgesia in both paws. Local peripheral pre-treatment with the chloride-bicarbonate anion exchanger inhibitors 4,4'-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid and 4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyanato-2,2'-stilbenedisulfonic acid prevented formalin-induced nociception mainly during phase 2. These drugs also prevented in a dose-dependent fashion long-lasting evoked secondary mechanical allodynia and hyperalgesia in both paws. Furthermore, post-treatment (on day 1 or 6) with 4,4'-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid reversed established hypersensitivity. Anion exchanger 3 was expressed in dorsal root ganglion neurons and it co-localized with neuronal nuclei protein (NeuN), substance P and purinergic P2X3 receptors. Furthermore, Western blot analysis revealed a band of about 85 kDa indicative of anion exchanger 3 protein expression in dorsal root ganglia of naïve rats, which was enhanced at 1 and 6 days after 1% formalin injection. On the other hand, this rise failed to occur during 4,4'-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid exposure. These results suggest that anion exchanger 3 is present in dorsal root ganglia and participates in the development and maintenance of short and long-lasting formalin-induced nociception.

Anoctamin 1 mediates thermal pain as a heat sensor

Vertebrates can sense and avoid noxious heat that evokes pain. Many thermoTRP channels are associated with temperature sensation. TRPV1 is a representative ion channel that is activated by noxious heat. Anoctamin 1 (ANO1) is a Cl- channel activated by calcium that is highly expressed in small sensory neurons, colocalized with markers for nociceptors, and most surprisingly, activated by noxious heat over 44oC. Although ANO1 is a Cl- channel, opening of this channel leads to depolarization of sensory neurons, suggesting a role in nociception. Indeed, the functional deletion of ANO1 in sensory neurons triggers the reduction in thermal pain sensation. Thus, it seems clear that ANO1 is a heat sensor in a nociceptive pathway. Since ANO1 modulators are developed for the purpose of treating chronic diseases such as cystic fibrosis, this finding is likely to predict unwanted effects and provide a guide for better developmental strategy

Ca2+-activated Cl- channels

Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) channels (CaCCs) are plasma membrane proteins involved in various important physiological processes. In epithelial cells, CaCC activity mediates the secretion of Cl(-) and of other anions, such as bicarbonate and thiocyanate. In smooth muscle and excitable cells of the nervous system, CaCCs have an excitatory role coupling intracellular Ca(2+) elevation to membrane depolarization. Recent studies indicate that TMEM16A (transmembrane protein 16 A or anoctamin 1) and TMEM16B (transmembrane protein 16 B or anoctamin 2) are CaCC-forming proteins. Induced expression of TMEM16A and B in null cells by transfection causes the appearance of Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) currents similar to those described in native tissues. Furthermore, silencing of TMEM16A by RNAi causes disappearance of CaCC activity in cells from airway epithelium, biliary ducts, salivary glands, and blood vessel smooth muscle. Mice devoid of TMEM16A expression have impaired Ca(2+)-dependent Cl(-) secretion in the epithelial cells of the airways, intestine, and salivary glands. These animals also show a loss of gastrointestinal motility, a finding consistent with an important function of TMEM16A in the electrical activity of gut pacemaker cells, that is, the interstitial cells of Cajal. Identification of TMEM16 proteins will help to elucidate the molecular basis of Cl(-) transport.

Trigeminal ganglion neurons of mice show intracellular chloride accumulation and chloride-dependent amplification of capsaicin-induced responses

Intracellular Cl⁻ concentrations ([Cl⁻]_i) of sensory neurons regulate signal transmission and signal amplification. In dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs), Cl⁻ is accumulated by the Na⁺-K⁺-2Cl⁻ cotransporter 1 (NKCC1), resulting in a [Cl⁻]_i above electrochemical equilibrium and a depolarizing Cl⁻ efflux upon Cl⁻ channel opening. Here, we investigate the [Cl⁻]_i and function of Cl⁻ in primary sensory neurons of trigeminal ganglia (TG) of wild type (WT) and NKCC1^−/− mice using pharmacological and imaging approaches, patch-clamping, as well as behavioral testing. The [Cl⁻]_i of WT TG neurons indicated active NKCC1-dependent Cl⁻ accumulation. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)_A receptor activation induced a reduction of [Cl⁻]_i as well as Ca²⁺ transients in a corresponding fraction of TG neurons. Ca²⁺ transients were sensitive to inhibition of NKCC1 and voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels (VGCCs). Ca²⁺ responses induced by capsaicin, a prototypical stimulus of transient receptor potential vanilloid subfamily member-1 (TRPV1) were diminished in NKCC1^−/− TG neurons, but elevated under conditions of a lowered [Cl⁻]_o suggesting a Cl⁻-dependent amplification of capsaicin-induced responses. Using next generation sequencing (NGS), we found expression of different Ca²⁺-activated Cl⁻ channels (CaCCs) in TGs of mice. Pharmacological inhibition of CaCCs reduced the amplitude of capsaicin-induced responses of TG neurons in Ca²⁺ imaging and electrophysiological recordings. In a behavioral paradigm, NKCC1^−/− mice showed less avoidance of the aversive stimulus capsaicin. In summary, our results strongly argue for a Ca²⁺-activated Cl⁻-dependent signal amplification mechanism in TG neurons that requires intracellular Cl⁻ accumulation by NKCC1 and the activation of CaCCs.

Role of calcium in regulating primary sensory neuronal excitability

The fundamental role of calcium ions (Ca(2+)) in an excitable tissue, the frog heart, was first demonstrated in a series of classical reports by Sydney Ringer in the latter part of the nineteenth century (1882a, b; 1893a, b). Even so, nearly a century elapsed before it was proven that Ca(2+) regulated the excitability of primary sensory neurons. In this chapter we review the sites and mechanisms whereby internal and external Ca(2+) can directly or indirectly alter the excitability of primary sensory neurons: excitability changes being manifested typically by variations in shape of the action potential or the pattern of its discharge.

Na+-K+-2Cl− cotransporters and Cl− channels regulate citric acid cough in guinea pigs

Loop diuretics have been shown to inhibit cough and other airway defensive reflexes via poorly defined mechanisms. We test the hypothesis that the furosemide-sensitive Na+-K+-2Cl− cotransporter (NKCC1) is expressed by sensory nerve fibers innervating the airways where it plays an important role in regulating sensory neural activity. NKCC1 immunoreactivity was present on the cell membranes of most nodose and jugular ganglia neurons projecting to the trachea, and it was present on the peripheral terminals of putative mechanosensory nerve fibers in the airways. In urethane-anesthetized, spontaneously breathing guinea pigs, bolus application of citric acid (1 mM to 2 M) to an isolated and perfused segment of the tracheal mucosa evoked coughing and respiratory slowing. Removal of Cl− from the tracheal perfusate evoked spontaneous coughing and significantly potentiated cough and respiratory slowing reflexes evoked by citric acid. The NKCC1 inhibitor furosemide (10–100 μM) significantly reduced both the number of coughs evoked by citric acid and the degree of acid-evoked respiratory slowing ( P < 0.05). Localized tracheal pretreatment with the Cl− channel inhibitors DIDS or niflumic acid (100 μM) also significantly reduced cough, whereas the GABAA receptor agonist muscimol potentiated acid-evoked responses. These data suggest that vagal sensory neurons may accumulate Cl− due to the expression of the furosemide-sensitive Cl− transporter, NKCC1. Efflux of intracellular Cl−, in part through calcium-activated Cl− channels, may play an important role in regulating airway afferent neuron activity.

Calcium-activated chloride channels

Calcium-activated chloride channels (CaCCs) play important roles in cellular physiology, including epithelial secretion of electrolytes and water, sensory transduction, regulation of neuronal and cardiac excitability, and regulation of vascular tone. This review discusses the physiological roles of these channels, their mechanisms of regulation and activation, and the mechanisms of anion selectivity and conduction. Despite the fact that CaCCs are so broadly expressed in cells and play such important functions, understanding these channels has been limited by the absence of specific blockers and the fact that the molecular identities of CaCCs remains in question. Recent status of the pharmacology and molecular identification of CaCCs is evaluated.

Role of cation-chloride-cotransporters (CCC) in pain and hyperalgesia

The importance of the GABAergic system in spinal nociceptive processing has long been appreciated but we have only recently begun to understand how this system is modulated by the regulation of anion gradients. In neuronal tissues, cation-chloride cotransporters regulate Cl- homeostasis and the activity and/or expression of these transporters has important implications for the direction and magnitude of anion flow through GABA-A channels. Here we review recent evidence that two cation-chloride cotransporters, NKCC1 and KCC2 are involved in pain and enhanced nociception. On the one hand, NKCC1 activity is upregulated in primary afferents following an inflammatory insult and this produces excessive GABAergic depolarization in primary afferents leading to cross excitation between low and high threshold afferents. On the other hand, KCC2 expression is reduced in dorsal horn neurons following peripheral nerve injury resulting in a loss of GABA-/glycinergic inhibitory tone and, in some cases, inverting its action into net excitation. Pharmacological targeting of these cation chloride cotransporters to restore normal GABA-/glycinergic transmission in the spinal cord represents an entirely novel approach to the development of analgesics.

Convergent control of synaptic GABA release from rat dorsal horn neurones by adenosine and GABA autoreceptors

Perforated patch clamp recordings were performed on cultured superficial neonatal rat dorsal horn (DH) spinal cord neurones in order to study the presynaptic modulation of GABA release at unitary synaptic connections. Since ATP can be coreleased with GABA at about two-thirds of GABAergic synapses between DH neurones, and can be rapidly metabolized to adenosine in the extracellular space, we investigated the potential role of A1 adenosine receptors and GABAB receptors which might function as inhibitory autoreceptors. Adenosine and GABAB receptor agonists reduced the amplitude of electrically evoked GABAergic inhibitory postsynaptic currents (eIPSCs) as well as the frequency of GABAergic miniature IPSCs, suggesting a presynaptic action of these substances. The actions of adenosine were blocked by the A1 receptor antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX). The effects of adenosine and GABAB agonists were occlusive, indicating a functional convergence of the signalling pathways engaged by A1 and GABAB receptors. A1 and GABAB antagonists increased the amplitude of eIPSCs in a supra-additive manner, suggesting a tonic activation of these receptors by ambient adenosine and GABA. Moreover, using trains of electrical stimulations, we were able to unravel a phasic (activity-dependent) activation of presynaptic A1 and GABAB autoreceptors only in the case of neurones coreleasing ATP and GABA, despite the presence of functional presynaptic A1 and GABAB receptors on all GABAergic DH neurones. This selective, convergent and activity-dependent inhibition of GABA release by A1 and GABAB autoreceptors might modulate the integrative properties of postsynaptic DH neurones under physiological conditions and/or during the development of pathological pain states.

Ca2+-activated Cl- current in cultured myenteric neurons from murine proximal colon

Whole cell patch-clamp recordings were made from cultured myenteric neurons taken from murine proximal colon. The micropipette contained Cs(+) to remove K(+) currents. Depolarization elicited a slowly activating time-dependent outward current (I(tdo)), whereas repolarization was followed by a slowly deactivating tail current (I(tail)). I(tdo) and I(tail) were present in approximately 70% of neurons. We identified these currents as Cl(-) currents (I(Cl)), because changing the transmembrane Cl(-) gradient altered the measured reversal potential (E(rev)) of both I(tdo) and I(tail) with that for I(tail) shifted close to the calculated Cl(-) equilibrium potential (E(Cl)). I(Cl) are Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) current [I(Cl(Ca))] because they were Ca(2+) dependent. E(Cl), which was measured from the E(rev) of I(Cl(Ca)) using a gramicidin perforated patch, was -33 mV. This value is more positive than the resting membrane potential (-56.3 +/- 2.7 mV), suggesting myenteric neurons accumulate intracellular Cl(-). omega-Conotoxin GIVA [0.3 microM; N-type Ca(2+) channel blocker] and niflumic acid [10 microM; known I(Cl(Ca)) blocker], decreased the I(Cl(Ca)). In conclusion, these neurons have I(Cl(Ca)) that are activated by Ca(2+) entry through N-type Ca(2+) channels. These currents likely regulate postspike frequency adaptation.

Neuronal Ca2+ -activated Cl- channels--homing in on an elusive channel species

Ca2+ -activated Cl- channels control electrical excitability in various peripheral and central populations of neurons. Ca2+ influx through voltage-gated or ligand-operated channels, as well as Ca2+ release from intracellular stores, have been shown to induce substantial Cl- conductances that determine the response to synaptic input, spike rate, and the receptor current of various kinds of neurons. In some neurons, Ca2+ -activated Cl- channels are localized in the dendritic membrane, and their contribution to signal processing depends on the local Cl- equilibrium potential which may differ considerably from those at the membranes of somata and axons. In olfactory sensory neurons, the channels are expressed in ciliary processes of dendritic endings where they serve to amplify the odor-induced receptor current. Recent biophysical studies of signal transduction in olfactory sensory neurons have yielded some insight into the functional properties of Ca2+ -activated Cl- channels expressed in the chemosensory membrane of these cells. Ion selectivity, channel conductance, and Ca2+ sensitivity have been investigated, and the role of the channels in the generation of receptor currents is well understood. However, further investigation of neuronal Ca2+ -activated Cl- channels will require information about the molecular structure of the channel protein, the regulation of channel activity by cellular signaling pathways, as well as the distribution of channels in different compartments of the neuron. To understand the physiological role of these channels it is also important to know the Cl- equilibrium potential in cells or in distinct cell compartments that express Ca2+ -activated Cl- channels. The state of knowledge about most of these aspects is considerably more advanced in non-neuronal cells, in particular in epithelia and smooth muscle. This review, therefore, collects results both from neuronal and from non-neuronal cells with the intent of facilitating research into Ca2+ -activated Cl- channels and their physiological functions in neurons.

Hyperpolarization-activated inward potassium and calcium-sensitive chloride currents in beating pacemaker insect neurosecretory cells (dorsal unpaired median neurons)

Hyperpolarization-activated inward currents were studied in single adult cockroach Periplaneta americana pacemaker neurosecretory cells, identified as dorsal unpaired median neurons using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Under current clamp, injection of negative current produced a hyperpolarization of the cell membrane with a sag in the membrane potential toward the resting value. Under voltage clamp, the whole-cell current-voltage relationship exhibited an unexpected biphasic aspect. The global hyperpolarization-activated inward current could be dissociated by means of 4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid and tetraethylammonium chloride sensitivity, ionic selectivity, voltage dependence and activation threshold as inward potassium and calcium-sensitive chloride currents. The inward potassium current was activated around -80 mV. The reversal potential followed the potassium equilibrium potential when the extracellular potassium concentration was raised. This current was not dependent on the external sodium concentration and was sensitive to 10 mM tetraethylammonium chloride or 5 mM barium chloride. The hyperpolarization-activated inward calcium-sensitive chloride current was activated in a range of potential 20 mV more positive than the potassium current. The estimated reversal potential (-71 mV) was very close to the equilibrium potential for chloride ions ( 73 mV). Intracellularly applied 4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid, 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid and external application of 1 mM zinc chloride, calcium-free saline or high concentrations of intracellular 1,2-bis-(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetra-acetate blocked the inward chloride current. Current-clamp experiments indicated that the inward potassium current accounted for inward rectification of dorsal unpaired median neurons. Our findings report, for the first time in pacemaker neurosecretory cells, the co-existence of two distinct hyperpolarization-activated inward currents which have specialized function in pacemaker activity.

Oxytocin modulates glutamatergic synaptic transmission between cultured neonatal spinal cord dorsal horn neurons

The functional characteristics of binding sites for the neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) detected by radioautography in laminae I and II of the dorsal horn (DH) and on cultured neonatal DH neurons were studied on the latter using perforated patch-clamp recordings. The neurons were identified by their spike discharge properties and on the basis of the presence of met-enkephalin-like and glutamate decarboxylase-like immunoreactivities. OT (100 nM) never induced any membrane current at a holding potential of -60 mV but increased the frequency of spontaneously occurring AMPA receptor-mediated EPSCs or the mean amplitude of electrically evoked EPSCs in a subset (35%) of neurons. The frequency of miniature EPSCs (m-EPSCs) recorded in the presence of 0.5 microM tetrodotoxin was also increased by OT (100 nM) without any change in their mean amplitude, indicating an action at a site close to the presynaptic terminal. The decay kinetics of any type of EPSC were never modified by OT. The effect of OT was reproduced by [Thr4, Gly7]-OT (100 nM), a selective OT receptor agonist, and blocked by d(CH2)5-[Tyr(Me)2,Thr4,Tyr-NH29]-ornithine vasotocin (100 nM), a specific OT receptor antagonist. Reducing the extracellular Ca2+ concentration from 2.5 to 0.3 mM in the presence of Cd2+ (100 microM) reversibly blocked the effect of OT on m-EPSCs. The OT receptors described here may represent the substrate for modulatory actions of descending hypothalamo-spinal OT-containing pathways on the nociceptive system.

Oxytocin modulates glutamatergic synaptic transmission between cultured neonatal spinal cord dorsal horn neurons

The functional characteristics of binding sites for the neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) detected by radioautography in laminae I and II of the dorsal horn (DH) and on cultured neonatal DH neurons were studied on the latter using perforated patch-clamp recordings. The neurons were identified by their spike discharge properties and on the basis of the presence of met-enkephalin-like and glutamate decarboxylase-like immunoreactivities. OT (100 nM) never induced any membrane current at a holding potential of -60 mV but increased the frequency of spontaneously occurring AMPA receptor-mediated EPSCs or the mean amplitude of electrically evoked EPSCs in a subset (35%) of neurons. The frequency of miniature EPSCs (m-EPSCs) recorded in the presence of 0.5 microM tetrodotoxin was also increased by OT (100 nM) without any change in their mean amplitude, indicating an action at a site close to the presynaptic terminal. The decay kinetics of any type of EPSC were never modified by OT. The effect of OT was reproduced by [Thr4, Gly7]-OT (100 nM), a selective OT receptor agonist, and blocked by d(CH2)5-[Tyr(Me)2,Thr4,Tyr-NH29]-ornithine vasotocin (100 nM), a specific OT receptor antagonist. Reducing the extracellular Ca2+ concentration from 2.5 to 0.3 mM in the presence of Cd2+ (100 microM) reversibly blocked the effect of OT on m-EPSCs. The OT receptors described here may represent the substrate for modulatory actions of descending hypothalamo-spinal OT-containing pathways on the nociceptive system.

Calcium-activated chloride current in normal mouse sympathetic ganglion cells

1. In rat sympathetic ganglion cells, axotomy induces the appearance of a depolarizing after-potential (ADP) produced by a calcium-activated chloride current. Here we report that this current is also present in normal sympathetic neurones from the mouse. 2. In an in vitro preparation of the superior cervical ganglion, an ADP was observed after spike firing in 50% of the cells studied with single-electrode current- and voltage-clamp techniques. 3. When the cells were voltage clamped at -50 mV in the presence of tetrodotoxin (TTX) and tetraethylammonium chloride (TEA), depolarizing jumps evoked inward calcium currents which were contaminated by outward chloride currents, followed by slowly decaying inward chloride tail currents. 4. The ADP and the inward tail currents disappeared when calcium was removed from the extracellular solution or when cadmium was added. 5. The reversal potential for the inward tail current was approximately -24 mV and was displaced in agreement with the Nernst equation for chloride when the extracellular NaCl was replaced by sucrose or sodium isethionate. The chloride channel blocker anthracene-9-carboxylic acid (9AC) inhibited both the ADP and the tail current. 6. Using intracellular injection of neurobiotin, we found that cells with shorter dendrites had larger ADPs. In axotomized ganglia practically all cells showed very pronounced ADPs. 7. We conclude that normal mouse sympathetic ganglion cells have a calcium-activated chloride current that generates an ADP. The channels responsible for this current are probably located in the dendrites.

Ca(2+)-dependent Cl- current at the presynaptic terminals of goldfish retinal bipolar cells

In ON-type bipolar cells dissociated from the goldfish retina, a slowly declining inward current (Itail) was observed after the termination of depolarizing voltage step commands, during which a Ca2+ current was elicited. The properties of Itail were investigated under the whole-cell voltage clamp. Introduction of the membrane permeant Ca2+ chelator, BAPTA/AM, into the cell suppressed Itail, indicating that Itail was activated by the increase of intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). The major component of Itail was identified as the Ca(2+)-dependent Cl- current (ICl(Ca)), since the reversal potential of Itail was almost identical to the Cl- equilibrium potential at various extracellular Cl- concentrations ([Cl-]o). The contribution of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger current to Itail was very small. ICl(Ca) was partially suppressed by 4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (SITS) when it was locally applied to the axon terminal but not to the cell body region, suggesting that Ca(2+)-dependent Cl- channels were localized to the axon terminal. The relationship between the peak amplitude of ICl(Ca) and the amount of charge carried by the Ca2+ current was almost linear at levels less than ca. 50 pC, but became saturated at a higher Ca2+ charge.

Aspects of calcium-activated chloride currents: a neuronal perspective

Ca(2+)-activated Cl- channels are expressed in a variety of cell types, including central and peripheral neurones. These channels are activated by a rise in intracellular Ca2+ close to the cell membrane. This can be evoked by cellular events such as Ca2+ entry through voltage- and ligandgated channels or release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores. Additionally, these Ca(2+)-activated Cl currents (ICl(Ca)) can be activated by raising intracellular Ca2+ through artificial experimental procedures such as intracellular photorelease of Ca2+ from "caged" photolabile compounds (e.g. DM-nitrophen) or by treating cells with Ca2+ ionophores. The potential changes that result from activation of Ca(2+)-activated Cl- channels are dependent on resting membrane potential and the equilibrium potential for Cl-. Ca2+ entry during a single action potential is sufficient to produce substantial after potentials, suggesting that the activity of these Cl- channels can have profound effects on cell excitability. The whole cell ICl(Ca) can be identified by sensitivity to increased Ca2+ buffering capacity of the cell, anion substitution studies and reversal potential measurements, as well as by the actions of Cl- channel blockers. In cultured sensory neurones, there is evidence that the ICl(Ca) deactivates as Ca2+ is buffered or removed from the intracellular environment. To date, there is no evidence in mammalian neurones to suggest these Ca(2+)-sensitive Cl- channels undergo a process of inactivation. Therefore, ICl(Ca) can be used as a physiological index of intracellular Ca2+ close to the cell membrane. The ICl(Ca) has been shown to be activated or prolonged as a result of metabolic stress, as well as by drugs that disturb intracellular Ca2+ homeostatic mechanisms or release Ca2+ from intracellular stores. In addition to sensitivity to classic Cl- channel blockers such as niflumic acid, derivatives of stilbene (4,4'diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulphonic acid, 4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulphonic acid) and benzoic acid (5-nitro 2-(3-phenylpropylamino) benzoic acid), ICl(Ca) are also sensitive to polyamine spider toxins and some of their analogues, particularly those containing the amino acid residue arginine. The physiological role of Ca(2+)-activated Cl- channels in neurones remains to be fully determined. The wide distribution of these channels in the nervous system, and their capacity to underlie a variety of events such as sustained or transient depolarization or hyperpolarizations in response to changes in intracellular Ca2+ and variations in intracellular Cl- concentration, suggest the roles may be subtle, but important.

Inhibitory mechanisms in epileptiform activity induced by low magnesium

In rat hippocampal slices epileptiform activity was induced by superfusion with Mg(2+)-free artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF). Paroxysmal depolarization shifts (PDS) were evoked by electrical stimulation of Schaffer collaterals. To investigate the afterpotentials that follow PDS, intracellular recordings were made from CA1 pyramidal cells. The experiments revealed that several components are engaged in the generation of PDS afterpotentials in Mg(2+)-free ACSF. A long lasting component which determined the overall duration of the PDS afterhyperpolarization was blocked by intracellular application of ethylenebis(oxonitrilo)-tetraacetate (EGTA); concomitantly, the afterhyperpolarizations following depolarizing current injections were blocked. This indicated that the long lasting component was due to a slow Ca(2+)-activated K+ current. The block of Ca(2+)-activated K+ current uncovered a depolarizing PDS afterpotential with an N-shaped voltage dependence, suggesting that this depolarizing afterpotential component may be due to an N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) conductance. Intracellular injection of Cl- revealed that the PDS were followed by Cl- currents lasting about 500 ms. This component could be blocked by application of bicuculline suggesting that it is due to a synaptically GABA-mediated (i.e. gamma-aminobutyric acid) Cl- current. A comparison of PDS afterpotentials in Mg(2+)-free ACSF and those in other models of epileptiform activity suggests that similar sequences of inhibitory components are activated in spite of different pharmacological alterations of membrane conductances which induce the epileptiform discharges.

Activation of calcium-dependent chloride channels causes post-tetanic depolarization in rabbit parasympathetic neurons

Intracellular recordings were made from neurons in rabbit and feline vesical parasympathetic ganglia in vitro. In response to cathodal current injection (0.1-1 nA for 2-20 ms) the majority of rabbit neurons (229 out of 250) exhibited a single action potential that was followed by a fast and slow after-hyperpolarization (sAHP neuron). The remainder of the cells exhibited an action potential followed by only a fast after-hyperpolarization (fAHP neuron). fAHP neurons did not exhibit anomalous rectification and a spontaneous rhythmic hyperpolarization, which were common membrane properties in sAHP neurons. In response to a train of cathodal current pulses (5-20 Hz for 0.1-10 s), fAHP neurons exhibited action potentials followed by a post-tetanic depolarization (PTD). The PTD was associated with a decrease in membrane input resistance. The amplitude and duration of the PTD were a function of the number of action potentials in the train. The amplitude of the PTD was increased by membrane hyperpolarization and its estimated reversal potential was approximately -30 mV. Low-chloride solution and intracellular injection of chloride ions augmented the amplitude and duration of the PTD, whereas low-sodium, high-potassium and low-potassium solutions did not affect them. Tetraethylammonium (5-10 mM) and barium (0.5-1 mM) increased the amplitude and duration of the PTD. Nominal calcium-free solutions and omega-conotoxin (500 nM) abolished the PTD. The data suggest that activation of chloride channels by calcium influx through omega-conotoxin-sensitive calcium channels mediates the PTD. Repetitive stimulation of the pelvic nerve evoked a train of orthodromic action potentials followed by the PTD of fAHP neurons. (+)-Tubocurarine (10 microM) and hexamethonium (200 microM), but not atropine (1 microM), abolished orthodromic action potentials and the PTD, whereas these cholinergic antagonists did not depress the PTD evoked by direct action potentials. In summary, the data suggest that the PTD may function as a slow synaptic potential in fAHP neurons. This appears likely because neither slow excitatory nor inhibitory postsynaptic potentials are present in neurons of rabbit vesical parasympathetic ganglia. In contrast, slow inhibitory and excitatory postsynaptic potentials were recorded from neurons in feline vesical parasympathetic ganglia.

Activation of Ca(2+)-dependent Cl- currents in cultured rat sensory neurones by flash photolysis of DM-nitrophen

1. Voltage-gated Ca2+ currents (ICa) and Ca(2+)-activated Cl- currents (ICl(Ca)) were recorded from cultured rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurones using the whole-cell configuration of the patch clamp technique. Intracellular photorelease of Ca2+ by flash photolysis of DM-nitrophen elicited transient inward currents only in those cells which possessed Ca(2+)-activated Cl- tail currents following ICa. The reversal potential of the flash responses was hyperpolarized when extracellular Cl- was replaced by SCN-. The flash responses and the Ca(2+)-activated Cl- tail currents were inhibited by the Cl- channel blockers niflumic acid (10-100 microM) and 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)benzoic acid (NPPB) (10 microM). 2. After activation by ICa, the Ca(2+)-activated Cl- current could be reactivated during its decay by photorelease of caged Ca2+. Experiments carried out on neurones held at 0 mV demonstrated that ICl(Ca) could be chronically activated due to residual Ca2+ influx. These data directly demonstrated that the decay of ICl(Ca) is not due to inactivation but rather to deactivation as a result of removal of the Ca2+ load from the cell cytoplasm. 3. Photorelease of caged inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) failed to activate any Ca(2+)-dependent current responses in cultured DRG neurones, although application of caffeine elicited transient inward currents, and responses to photoreleased IP3 could be obtained from freshly dissociated smooth muscle cells. 4. Photorelease of Ca2+ provides a useful method for investigating the properties of ICl(Ca) independently from other physiological parameters. In addition, we have directly demonstrated that ICl(Ca) in DRG neurones does not inactivate, and so may continue to modulate membrane excitability as long as the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) close to the cell membrane is elevated.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Origin of delayed outward ionic current in charge movement traces from frog skeletal muscle

1. Non-linear membrane ionic current was studied in highly stretched cut frog twitch fibres in a double Vaseline-gap voltage clamp chamber, with the internal solution containing 0.1 mM EGTA and the external solution containing Cl- as the major anion. After the Na+ currents was abolished by TTX in the external solution and the K+ currents were suppressed by external TEA+ and Rb+ and internal Cs+, a delayed outward ionic current with a time course similar to that of the delayed rectifier current was observed during depolarization. 2. The delayed outward ionic current was resistant to 1 mM 3,4-diaminopyridine (3,4-DAP) in the external solution and was unaltered when a fraction of the internal Cs+ was replaced by K+ or Na+, suggesting that the current was not carried by cations flowing through the delayed rectifiers. 3. The delayed outward ionic current was greatly reduced by replacing the external Cl- with CH3SO3-,SO4(2-), glutamate or gluconate, indicating strongly that the current was carried by Cl- flowing through anion channels. The current was also suppressed by 1 mM external 9-anthracenecarboxylic acid (9-ACA). 4. The delayed outward ionic current was reduced by blockers of calcium-dependent Cl- channels, such as SITS and frusemide (furosemide), in a dose- and voltage-dependent manner and by increasing intracellular [EGTA] to 20 mM, suggesting that part of the Cl- current in the muscle fibres could be calcium dependent. 5. The total Cl- current could be dissected into calcium-dependent and calcium-independent components. Each component accounted for roughly half of the total Cl- current. The maximum slope conductance of the calcium-dependent Cl- channels was 60.9 +/- 6.0 microS microF-1 (mean +/- S.E.M., n = 4).

A chloride channel reconstituted from fetal rat brain growth cones

Chloride channels were reconstituted into planar lipid bilayers isolated from a preparation of growth cone particles (GCPs) isolated from fetal rat brain. One type of channel was predominantly seen and some of its biophysical and pharmacological properties were studied. The single channel i-V relationship was curvilinear with a chord conductance of 75 pS at +30 mV in symmetric 200 mM NaCl solutions buffered with phosphate. The channel was inactivated by depolarization, and this inactivation was reversed rapidly upon returning to -25 mV. The Cl- channel was significantly permeant to Na+ ions (PNa/PCl = 0.26), and the relative halide permeabilities were determined to be: I(1.92) > Br(1.73) > Cl(1.0) > F(0.34). The channel was inhibited by the common stilbene compounds (DIDS, SITS, DNDS), as well as by Zn2+ ions and an indanyloxyacetic acid derivative. A developmental role for the GCP Cl- channel is suggested by the observation that adult rat brain synaptosomal membranes were nearly devoid of this type of Cl- channel.

Effects of Cl channel blockers on Ca-activated chloride and potassium currents in smooth muscle cells from rabbit portal vein

1. The effects of some chloride channel antagonists were studied on the calcium-activated chloride current (ICl(Ca)) in smooth muscle cells from the rabbit portal vein with the perforated patch technique. 2. 4-Acetamido-4'-isothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulphonic acid (SITS) and 4,4'-diisothiocyanato-stilbene-2,2'-disulphonic acid (DIDS) reduced the amplitude of spontaneous transient inward currents (STICs, calcium-activated chloride currents) in a concentration-dependent manner. The concentrations required to reduce the amplitude by 50% (IC50) of STICs were 2.1 x 10(-4) M and 6.4 x 10(-4) M for DIDS and SITS, respectively. This effect was not voltage-dependent. 3. The time constant of decay of STICs (tau), which is voltage-dependent, was increased by about 30% by SITS and decreased by about 20% by DIDS. The effect of DIDS and SITS on tau was similar at holding potentials of -50 and +50 mV. 4. These compounds did not modify the characteristics of spontaneous transient outward currents (STOCs, calcium-activated potassium currents). 5. DIDS and SITS decreased the amplitude of ICl(Ca) evoked by noradrenaline and caffeine less potently than STICs with IC50 values of 7.5 x 10(-4) M and 1.8 x 10(-3) M, respectively. 6. DIDS and SITS increased the calcium-activated potassium current (IK(Ca) evoked by noradrenaline and caffeine by 3-6 fold. 7. Anthracene-9-carboxylic acid (A-9-C) inhibited STICs in a voltage-dependent fashion and was about 3 fold more active at +50 mV than at -50 mV. A-9-C increased STIC tau and this effect was enhanced by depolarization. 8. A-9-C also inhibited caffeine-evoked IC1(ca) but less potently than STICs and also increased the evoked IK(ca) without altering spontaneous IK(Ca).9. The results from the present work are compared with the pharmacology of other chloride conductances and the mechanism of action of the chloride channel antagonists in vascular smooth muscle is discussed.

Calcium-dependent chloride current induced by axotomy in rat sympathetic neurons

1. Seven to ten days after sectioning their axons, rat sympathetic neurons were studied using intracellular recording techniques in an in vitro preparation of the superior cervical ganglion. 2. In 75% of axotomized cells, an after-depolarization (ADP) was observed following spike firing or depolarization with intracellular current pulses. Discontinuous single-electrode voltage-clamp techniques were employed to study the ADP. When the membrane potential was clamped at the resting level just after an action potential, a slow inward current was recorded in cells that showed an ADP. 3. In the presence of TTX and TEA, inward peaks and outward currents were recorded during depolarizing voltage jumps, followed by slowly decaying inward tail currents accompanied by large increases in membrane conductance. The inward peak and tail currents activated between -10 and -20 mV and reached maximum amplitudes around 0 mV. With depolarizing jumps to between +40 and +50 mV, net outward currents were recorded during the depolarizing jumps but inward tail currents were still activated. 4. In the presence of the Ca2+ channel blocker cadmium, or when Ca2+ was substituted by Mg2+, the ADP disappeared. In voltage-clamped cells, cadmium blocked the inward tail currents. The reversal potential for the inward tail current was approximately -15 mV. Substitution of the extracellular NaCl by sucrose or sodium isethionate increased the amplitude of the inward tail current, and displaced its equilibrium potential to more positive values. Changes in extracellular [K+] did not appreciably affect the inward tail current amplitude or equilibrium potential. Niflumic acid, a blocker of chloride channels activated by Ca2+, almost completely blocked the tail current. 5. No ADPs were observed in non-axotomized neurons, and when depolarizing pulses were applied while in voltage clamp no inward tail currents were evoked in these normal cells. 6. It is concluded that axotomy of sympathetic ganglion cells produces the appearance of a Ca(2+)-dependent chloride current responsible for the ADP observed following spike firing.

Characterization of a voltage-dependent anionic channel in fused synaptosomes isolated from rat hippocampi

The inside out configuration of the patch-clamp technique was used to study single-channel anionic currents from purified hippocampal synaptosomes fused into liposomes to form giant proteoliposomes. At least six different anionic channels with unitary conductances of 22-150 pS were found. The most frequently observed was the 32-pS conductance channel. This was voltage-dependent; the open probability increased from 0.20 at -40 mV to 0.46 at 40 mV. This channel may be involved in the repolarization of nerve terminal membranes after an action potential, thus, limiting the duration of the spike and the transmitter release.

Effects of metabolic blockers on Ca(2+)-dependent currents in cultured sensory neurones from neonatal rats

1. The whole cell variant of the patch clamp technique was used to record high voltage-activated Ca2+ currents and Ca(2+)-activated Cl- tail currents from cultured neonatal rat dorsal root ganglion neurones. The aim of the project was to use these currents as physiological indices of intracellular Ca2+ regulation under control conditions and in the presence of metabolic inhibitors. 2. Carbonyl cyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone (5 microM) and sodium cyanide (1 microM) inhibited Ca2+ currents within 20 s, even when ATP was present in the patch pipette solution, suggesting a direct action on Ca2+ channels. These metabolic inhibitors did not affect Ca2+ current 'run down' or inactivation kinetics. 3. Cultured neonatal dorsal root ganglion neurones of the rat were relatively insensitive to the removal of glucose and ATP from the recording solutions for up to 3 h. These data suggest that the Ca2+ homeostatic mechanisms in these cells are highly resistant to metabolic insult. 4. However 2-deoxy-D-glucose (5 mM) in the extracellular recording medium with no ATP or glucose present did prolong the deactivation time of Ca(2+)-activated Cl- tail currents and increase the total charge flow following activation of a 500 ms voltage-activated Ca2+ current. This effect was prevented by inclusion of D-fructose 1,6-diphosphate (500 microM) in the patch pipette solution. 5. We conclude that some agents used to induce chemical hypoxia, such as carbonyl cyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone and sodium cyanide, may interact directly with voltage-activated Ca2+ channels and are therefore not appropriate for use in studying disturbed neuronal Ca2+ homeostasis. However, the use of 2-deoxy-D-glucose in the absence of glucose and ATP does represent a model of disturbed Ca2+ homeostasis in cultured dorsal root ganglion neurones. In this study we have combined the whole cell recording technique with cultured neurones under conditions which produce a degree of metabolic stress as reflected by prolonged Ca(2+)-activated Cl- tail currents. The reduced efficiency of handling of intracellular Ca2+ loads may be an important factor contributing to the onset of neuronal damage during hypoxia and ischaemia.

Neuronal acetylcholine receptors that bind alpha-bungarotoxin with high affinity function as ligand-gated ion channels

Neuronal membrane components that bind alpha-bungarotoxin with high affinity can increase intracellular levels of free calcium, demonstrating the components function as nicotinic receptors. Though such receptors often contain the alpha 7 gene product, which by itself can produce ionotropic receptors in Xenopus oocytes, numerous attempts have failed to demonstrate an ion channel function for the native receptors on neurons. Using rapid application of agonist, we show here that the native receptors are ligand-gated ion channels which are cation selective, prefer nicotine over acetylcholine, and rapidly desensitize. Much of the calcium increase caused in neurons by the receptors under physiological conditions appears to result from their depolarizing the membrane sufficiently to trigger calcium influx through voltage-gated channels.

Chloride current observed as calcium-gated tail current in trigeminal root ganglion neurons of the marine catfish, Plotosus

Isolated trigeminal ganglion (TRG) neurons of Plotosus in primary culture were studied with patch electrodes in a whole-cell recording configuration. When Ca currents were isolated using electrodes filled with CsCl and Ca buffer in Na- and K-free saline, a large tail current was induced. Both Ca and tail currents were blocked by 2 mM Co2+ in the bath. Reversal potential of the tail current was close to the equilibrium potential for Cl-. The reversal potential was altered by substitution of external Cl- with Br- or methanesulphonate- (MSA-). The anion permeability ratios were estimated as PBr/PCl = 1.95 and PMSA/PCl < 0.05. These results suggested that the tail current was the Ca-gated Cl current. In Plotosus neurons, two types of Ca current, high- and low-voltage activated (HVA and LVA), have been described. Both types of Ca currents were able to induce a tail current. Ba currents through both HVA and LVA channels proved to be ineffective. Upon repetitive activation, the tail current progressively increased in the presence of a nearly constant peak Ca current, and showed a more prolonged complex decay phase. When the electrode was filled with 20 mM EGTA, no tail current was induced, not even after repetitive stimulation. Therefore, the tail current seemed to be regulated by local Ca activity in the vicinity of the membrane. The Ca-gated Cl tail current may regulate the membrane excitability of TRG neurons during repetitive firing.

Ionic mechanisms underlying the depolarizing and hyperpolarizing afterpotentials of single spike in guinea-pig cingulate cortical neurons

Intracellular recordings and hybrid single-microelectrode voltage-clamp techniques were used to study the ionic mechanisms underlying the afterdepolarization and the subsequent slow afterhyperpolarization that followed a single action potential in layers V/VI neurons of the guinea-pig anterior cingulate cortex in in vitro slices. Both the afterdepolarization and afterhyperpolarization were markedly suppressed in size by addition of Co2+ or Cd2+, reduction in extracellular Ca2+, and intracellular EGTA injection. On the other hand, elevation of extracellular Ca2+ concentration augmented the amplitudes of the afterpotentials. The afterdepolarization amplitude was selectively depressed by the stilbene derivatives, 4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulphonate, disodium 3H2O, and 4,4'-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulphonic acid, disodium salt. Reduction in external Cl- and intracellular Cl- injection enhanced the afterdepolarization amplitude without affecting the afterhyperpolarization. The null potentials for the afterdepolarizations recorded with K acetate- and Cs acetate-electrodes were -68 and -63 mV, respectively. The slope of the null potential obtained with K acetate electrodes or Cs acetate electrodes was 49 and 53 mV, respectively, per log unit of the external Cl- concentration. Reduction in external K+ markedly depressed the afterdepolarization and augmented the afterhyperpolarization in size, whereas rise in external K+ markedly augmented the afterdepolarization and depressed the afterhyperpolarization. The null potential for the afterhyperpolarization recorded with K acetate electrodes was -94 mV. The slope of the null potential was 57 mV per log unit of the external K+ concentration. Reduction in extracellular Na+ concentration slightly depressed both the amplitudes of the afterdepolarization and afterhyperpolarization. A hybrid voltage-clamp analysis revealed a slow decaying inward current and a subsequent outward current that followed an action potential. Both the amplitudes of the inward current corresponding to afterdepolarization and the outward current corresponding to afterhyperpolarization were suppressed by addition of Co2+. Reduction in extracellular Cl- concentration augmented the inward current amplitude without significantly affecting the outward current. These results indicate that the afterdepolarization is mainly due to an increase in a Ca(2+)-activated Cl- conductance, while the afterhyperpolarization is mainly generated by an activation of Ca(2+)-mediated K+ conductance.

Guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate regulates calcium channels in neurones of rabbit vesical pelvic ganglia

1. The effects of dibutyryl guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (db-cyclic GMP) were studied in vitro on calcium channels of neurones in rabbit vesical parasympathetic ganglia, using intracellular and single-electrode voltage-clamp recordings. 2. Db-cyclic GMP (100 microM) caused membrane depolarization associated with a decrease in membrane input resistance and an after-hyperpolarization associated with an increase in membrane input resistance. 3. Db-cyclic GMP (0.01-1 mM) caused a concentration-dependent, transient inward current followed by a long-lasting outward current. Membrane conductance was increased and decreased during the inward and outward currents, respectively. 4. The db-cyclic GMP-induced inward current was depressed in nominally calcium-free solutions, by cobalt (1 mM) and nicardipine (10 microM). The mean reversal potentials of the inward current were +42 and -20 mV in the presence and absence of calcium in the external solution, respectively. 5. The db-cyclic GMP-induced inward current was not altered by lowering the external sodium concentration, raising external potassium concentration or by intracellular injection of caesium. 6. A calcium-insensitive component of the db-cyclic GMP-induced current was increased by lowering the external chloride concentration and blocked by 4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulphonic acid, a chloride channel blocker. 7. Voltage-dependent, high-threshold calcium currents were depressed during the db-cyclic GMP-induced inward current and facilitated during the outward current. 8. Cyclic GMP was less potent than db-cyclic GMP in causing both inward and outward currents or modulation of calcium currents. GTP, GDP, GMP, guanosine, 8-bromoadenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate and forskolin did not alter the holding current or voltage-dependent calcium currents. 9. It is concluded that intracellular cyclic GMP causes not only activation of resting calcium and chloride channels but also a transient depression followed by long-lasting facilitation of voltage-dependent calcium currents in neurones of vesical parasympathetic ganglia.

Stretch-activated anion currents of rabbit cardiac myocytes

1. Stretch-activated anion currents were studied in sino-atrial and atrial cells using the whole-cell patch clamp technique. With continuous application of positive pressure (5-15 cmH2O) through the patch clamp electrode, the cell was inflated and the membrane conductance was increased. 2. Voltage clamp steps revealed that the stretch-activated currents had time-independent characteristics. The increase in membrane conductance was reversible on subsequent application of negative pressure to the electrode. 3. The reversal potential of the stretch-activated currents was shifted by 60 mV for a 10-fold change in intracellular Cl- concentration, while it was unaffected by replacement of Na+ in the extracellular solution by N-methyl-D-glucamine. Cell superfusion with Cl(-)-deficient solution (10 mM Cl-) reduced the amplitude of outward current. These findings indicate that the stretch-activated conductance is Cl- selective. 4. The sequence of anion permeability through the stretch-activated conductance was determined to be I-(1.7) > NO3-(1.5) > Br-(1.2) > Cl-(1.0) > and F-(0.6). SCN- appeared to be more permeant than I-. 5. The stretch-activated conductance was reduced by the Cl- channel blockers, 4,4'-dinitrostilbene-2,2'-disulphonic acid disodium salt, 4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulphonic acid or anthracene-9-carboxylate (9-AC). Administration of furosemide or bumetanide had no effect. 6. The stretch-activated Cl- current was recorded even though intracellular Ca2+ ions were chelated by including 10 mM EGTA in the pipette solution. Neither the specific peptide inhibitor of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (50 microM), nor the non-selective blocker of protein kinases, H-7 (20 microM), was effective in reducing the stretch-activated Cl- current, suggesting that the stretch-activated Cl- current is a novel type of cardiac Cl- current, which shows a different modulatory mechanism from that of other cardiac Cl- currents.

Calcium-activated currents in cultured neurones from rat dorsal root ganglia

1. Voltage-activated Ca2+ currents and caffeine (1 to 10 mM) were used to increase intracellular Ca2+ in rat cultured dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurones. Elevation of intracellular Ca2+ resulted in activation of inward currents which were attenuated by increasing the Ca2+ buffering capacity of cells by raising the concentration of EGTA in the patch solution to 10 mM. Low and high voltage-activated Ca2+ currents gave rise to Cl- tail currents in cells loaded with CsCl patch solution. Outward Ca2+ channel currents activated at very depolarized potentials (Vc + 60 mV to + 100 mV) also activated Cl- tail currents, which were enhanced when extracellular Ca2+ was elevated from 2 mM to 4 mM. 2. The Ca(2+)-activated Cl- tail currents were identified by estimation of tail current reversal potential by use of a double pulse protocol and by sensitivity to the Cl- channel blocker 5-nitro 2-(3-phenyl-propylamino) benzoic acid (NPPB) applied at a concentration of 10 microM. 3. Cells loaded with Cs acetate patch solution and bathed in medium containing 4 mM Ca2+ also had prolonged Ca(2+)-dependent tail currents, however these smaller tail currents were insensitive to NPPB. Release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores by caffeine gave rise to sustained inward currents in cells loaded with Cs acetate. Both Ca(2+)-activated tail currents and caffeine-induced inward currents recorded from cells loaded with Cs acetate were attenuated by Tris based recording media, and had reversal potentials positive to 0 mV suggesting activity of Ca(2+)-activated cation channels.4. Our data may reflect (a) different degrees of association between Ca2+-activated channels with voltage-gated Ca2+ channels, (b) distinct relationships between channels and intracellular Ca2" stores and Ca2+ homeostatic mechanisms, (c) regulation of Ca2+-activated channels by second messengers, and (d) varying channel sensitivity to Ca2 , in the cell body of DRG neurones.

Role of chloride ions in progesterone production by chicken granulosa cells

The importance of chloride ions in luteinizing hormone (LH)-stimulated progesterone production by chicken granulosa cells from the two largest preovulatory follicles was investigated in vitro. Reduction of the extracellular chloride concentration from 147.8 mM to 2.8 mM, by substitution with equimolar concentrations of non-permeant glutamate and aspartate, inhibited the ability of LH to stimulate progesterone production and cAMP accumulation during a 4 h incubation. LH-stimulated granulosa cell progesterone production was also suppressed in a concentration-dependent manner by the chloride channel blockers 4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulphonic acid (SITS; 10(-8)-5 x 10(-5) M) or 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulphonic acid (DIDS; 10(-8)-5 x 10(-5) M). The inhibitory effect was observed within 30 min of the addition of the blockers and was irreversible. DIDS appeared to act at a site(s) proximal to the generation of cAMP, since concentrations of DIDS (10(-8)-10(-6) M) which inhibited LH- and human chorionic gonadotropin-stimulated progesterone production, did not affect progesterone production stimulated by dibutyryl cAMP, 8-bromo cAMP or forskolin. In addition, concentrations of DIDS (10(-8)-10(-6) M) which attenuated LH-stimulated progesterone production also reduced the accumulation of extracellular cAMP. These studies suggest that chloride ions may play an important role in the stimulatory action of LH on chicken granulosa cell progesterone production.

Differential modulation of the cholinergic activity of rat CNS neurons in culture

Treatment of septal cultures prepared from 17-day-old embryos with two different antimitotic agents, cytosine arabinoside (ara C) and 5'-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine (FUdR), caused a 2-fold increase in the level of choline acetyltransferase (CAT) activity and no change in the glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) activity. In these cultures, there was also a large decrease in the number of astrocytes as determined by immunofluorescence for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Furthermore, when epidermal growth factor (EGF) was added to the septal cultures to increase the astrocyte population, the CAT activity decreased. Therefore, it would appear that the astrocytes are responsible for producing this down-regulation on cholinergic neurons. In order to determine whether all CNS cholinergic neurons can be inhibited in this manner, cultures were prepared from two other CNS regions that contain a high percentage of cholinergic neurons, i.e. the striatum and the ventral spinal cord. When these cultures were treated with the antimitotic agents, there was little modification of the CAT or GAD activities. These results suggest that the astrocytic microenvironment of the septal neurons exerts an inhibitory effect on the CAT activity either via a soluble factor or via cell-cell contact. Such studies are an important demonstration that non-neuronal cells may alter cholinergic properties during CNS development.

Development of anomalous rectification (Ih) and of a tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium current in embryonic quail neurones

1. The developmental expression of an inwardly rectifying current activated by membrane hyperpolarization (Ih) and of a tetrodotoxin (TTX)-resistant Na+ current (INa(TR)) was studied using freshly dissociated ganglionic quail neurones of various embryonic ages. This work was carried out on parasympathetic (ciliary) and sensory (trigeminal and dorsal root) ganglion neurones with the whole-cell configuration of the patch-clamp technique. 2. In sensory and parasympathetic neurones, Ih was activated at potentials more negative than -60 mV and displayed strong inward rectification. No sign of time- or voltage-dependent inactivation was apparent. Ih was carried by both Na+ and K+ ions and was selectively and reversibly blocked by extracellular Cs+. 3. During the development of sensory neurones, Ih was observed for the first time between embryonic day 10 (E10) and E11 and the percentage of neurones expressing the current increased subsequently, reaching a plateau level of about 80% at E14. In the parasympathetic neurones of the ciliary ganglion, Ih was already detected at E10 and the percentage of neurones possessing the current increased until E16, a stage at which all neurones were found to express Ih. 4. In the presence of TTX (1 microM), an inward Na+ current, INa(TR), was recorded in sensory neurones after E12. This current was activated at potentials more depolarized than -30 mV and its amplitude was maximal at +5 mV. INa(TR) showed time- and voltage-dependent inactivation. Half-maximal steady-state inactivation was observed at -40 mV. 5. INa(TR) was observed for the first time after E12 in sensory neurones and the percentage of neurones with INa(TR) increased until E14. Thereafter, 80% of the neurones had the current. In contrast, INa(TR) was never observed in the parasympathetic neurones of the ciliary ganglion during embryonic development. 6. Our results with parasympathetic and sensory neurones suggest that the expression of INa(TR) is linked to the phenotype and not to the embryonic origin of a neurone.

Developmental change in calcium-activated chloride current during the differentiation of Xenopus spinal neurons in culture

The duration and ionic dependence of action potentials change during the differentiation of embryonic amphibian spinal neurons both in vivo and in culture. The development of sodium, calcium, and potassium currents has been characterized in these cells and the shortening of the action potential has been shown to depend to a great extent on developmental changes of potassium currents. Previous evidence suggests that a chloride current may also be present in these embryonic neurons. Chloride currents were investigated with intracellular current-clamp and single-electrode and whole-cell voltage-clamp techniques. Most neurons exhibited a calcium-activated chloride current (ICl(Ca] that contributed to the postdepolarization following the action potential recorded in the absence of sodium and potassium currents. This current appeared to decrease in density and its deactivation rate increased during the first day in culture. Its incidence also declined during this period. A much larger Ca(2+)-dependent Cl- current was also observed in a subset of neurons after 24 hr, but was absent at earlier stages of development. The results suggest the presence of two Cl- currents with different developmental fates. The early current probably contributes to the repolarization of long calcium-dependent action potentials at initial stages of neuronal development, when potassium currents are small, and may serve to reduce the extent of repetitive firing.

Prolonged depolarization in rods in situ

Intracellular recordings were made from rods in the superfused retina of the marine toad (Bufo marinus). It was found that injection of a brief depolarizing current pulse (0.04-1 nA) evoked a distinctive, long-lasting response, here called "the prolonged depolarization." The response appears to be regenerative, has a stereotypical waveform, is typically about 6 mV in amplitude and 3 s in duration, and has a relatively long recovery period (10-60 s). As a rule, the response cannot be directly evoked by light but the current-evoked response is significantly enhanced in the presence of steady illumination. The light-evoked hyperpolarization and the depolarizing spikes of the rod are both attenuated in the presence of the prolonged depolarization. The prolonged depolarization is not an altered manifestation of the depolarizing spikes of toad rods since both can be recorded simultaneously and steady illumination suppresses the spikes while enhancing the prolonged depolarization. The response is enhanced in chloride-free superfusate and also appears to be enhanced by the use of electrodes containing chloride. The response is markedly shortened in superfusates that lack calcium or contain 1-5 mM cobalt. On this and other evidence, it is suggested that the response may be generated by the sequential action of calcium channels and calcium-activated chloride channels. Although rarely evoked by light, the prolonged depolarization of toad rods is otherwise remarkably similar to the prolonged depolarization of turtle cones. It is proposed that the prolonged depolarization, in contrast to the feedback depolarization of cones, arises from mechanisms common to both rods and cones.

A slow calcium-dependent chloride current in rhythmic hyperpolarization in neurones of the rabbit vesical pelvic ganglia

1. Voltage-clamp recordings were made from neurones of vesical pelvic ganglia isolated from the rabbit urinary bladder. A rhythmic outward current, ISH, which corresponds to the spontaneous hyperpolarization, occurred at fairly constant intervals in fifty-eight of eighty-four neurones superfused with Krebs solution. The peak amplitude of the ISH was 0.5 +/- 0.2 nA (n = 48; mean +/- S.E.M.). 2. The ISH was eliminated in a Krebs solution containing nominally zero calcium and 12 mM-magnesium. Lowering the temperature of the superfusing solution from 36 to 22 degrees C also inhibited the occurrence of the ISH. 3. Bath application of caffeine increased the frequency of ISH. In contrast, ryanodine and procaine reversibly blocked ISH. 4. In thirty-four of fifty-eight neurones, the ISH was composed of two current components, an initial fast ISH with duration of 1-10 s and a slow ISH lasting 15-60 s. In the remaining twenty-four neurones, ISH showed only the fast component. 5. The fast ISH was associated with an increased membrane conductance and the slow ISH was associated with a decreased membrane conductance. The reversal potentials of the fast and the slow ISH were -88 +/- 7 mV (n = 4) and -30 +/- 6 mV (n = 4), respectively. 6. Tetraethylammonium (5 mM) and barium (1 mM) blocked the fast ISH but not the slow ISH. Intracellular caesium injected by ionophoresis through a Cs(+)-filled microelectrode blocked the fast ISH, without affecting the slow ISH. Apamin and (+)-tubocurarine selectively suppressed the fast component of the ISH. 7. Substitution of isethionate (67 mM) for chloride increased the amplitude of the slow ISH and shifted the reversal potential of the slow ISH to +1 +/- 8 mV (n = 5). A slow ISH with amplitude of 0.1-1 nA and was still observed in a low-sodium (26.2 mM) solution. The stilbene derivative, 4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulphonic acid (SITS), a chloride channel blocker, suppressed the slow ISH. 8. These results suggest that ISH is composed of two distinct calcium-dependent currents, a fast ISH produced by activation of potassium conductance and a slow ISH produced by inactivation of chloride conductance. 9. The after-hyperpolarization (AHP) following the action potential was also composed of apamin-sensitive and insensitive spontaneous hyperpolarizing oscillations. The apamin-insensitive component of IAHP was increased by lowering external chloride activity, while it was depressed by SITS.