Effect of sodium and calcium on basal secretory activity of rat neurohypophysial peptidergic nerve terminals

Sodium-calcium exchanger and R-type Ca(2+) channels mediate spontaneous [Ca(2+)]i oscillations in magnocellular neurones of the rat supraoptic nucleus

Isolated supraoptic neurones generate spontaneous [Ca(2+)]i oscillations in isolated conditions. Here we report in depth analysis of the contribution of plasmalemmal ion channels (Ca(2+), Na(+)), Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger (NCX), intracellular Ca(2+) release channels (InsP3Rs and RyRs), Ca(2+) storage organelles, plasma membrane Ca(2+) pump and intracellular signal transduction cascades into spontaneous Ca(2+) activity. While removal of extracellular Ca(2+) or incubation with non-specific voltage-gated Ca(2+) channel (VGCC) blocker Cd(2+) suppressed the oscillations, neither Ni(2+) nor TTA-P2, the T-type VGCC blockers, had an effect. Inhibitors of VGCC nicardipine, ω-conotoxin GVIA, ω-conotoxin MVIIC, ω-agatoxin IVA (for L-, N-, P and P/Q-type channels, respectively) did not affect [Ca(2+)]i oscillations. In contrast, a specific R-type VGCC blocker SNX-482 attenuated [Ca(2+)]i oscillations. Incubation with TTX had no effect, whereas removal of the extracellular Na(+) or application of an inhibitor of the reverse operation mode of Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger KB-R7943 blocked the oscillations. The mitochondrial uncoupler CCCP irreversibly blocked spontaneous [Ca(2+)]i activity. Exposure of neurones to Ca(2+) mobilisers (thapsigargin, cyclopiazonic acid, caffeine and ryanodine); 4-aminopyridine (A-type K(+) current blocker); phospholipase C and adenylyl cyclase pathways blockers U-73122, Rp-cAMP, SQ-22536 and H-89 had no effect. Oscillations were blocked by GABA, but not by glutamate, apamin or dynorphin. In conclusion, spontaneous oscillations in magnocellular neurones are mediated by a concerted action of R-type Ca(2+) channels and the NCX fluctuating between forward and reverse modes.

Modulation/physiology of calcium channel sub-types in neurosecretory terminals

The hypothalamic-neurohypophysial system (HNS) controls diuresis and parturition through the release of arginine-vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OT). These neuropeptides are chiefly synthesized in hypothalamic magnocellular somata in the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei and are released into the blood stream from terminals in the neurohypophysis. These HNS neurons develop specific electrical activity (bursts) in response to various physiological stimuli. The release of AVP and OT at the level of neurohypophysis is directly linked not only to their different burst patterns, but is also regulated by the activity of a number of voltage-dependent channels present in the HNS nerve terminals and by feedback modulators. We found that there is a different complement of voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels (VGCC) in the two types of HNS terminals: L, N, and Q in vasopressinergic terminals vs. L, N, and R in oxytocinergic terminals. These channels, however, do not have sufficiently distinct properties to explain the differences in release efficacy of the specific burst patterns. However, feedback by both opioids and ATP specifically modulate different types of VGCC and hence the amount of AVP and/or OT being released. Opioid receptors have been identified in both AVP and OT terminals. In OT terminals, μ-receptor agonists inhibit all VGCC (particularly R-type), whereas, they induce a limited block of L-, and P/Q-type channels, coupled to an unusual potentiation of the N-type Ca(2+) current in the AVP terminals. In contrast, the N-type Ca(2+) current can be inhibited by adenosine via A(1) receptors leading to the decreased release of both AVP and OT. Furthermore, ATP evokes an inactivating Ca(2+)/Na(+)-current in HNS terminals able to potentiate AVP release through the activation of P2X2, P2X3, P2X4 and P2X7 receptors. In OT terminals, however, only the latter receptor type is probably present. We conclude by proposing a model that can explain how purinergic and/or opioid feedback modulation during bursts can mediate differences in the control of neurohypophysial AVP vs. OT release.

Function and role of voltage-gated sodium channel NaV1.7 expressed in aortic smooth muscle cells

Voltage-gated Na(+) channel currents (I(Na)) are expressed in several types of smooth muscle cells. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the expression of I(Na), its functional role, pathophysiology in cultured human (hASMCs) and rabbit aortic smooth muscle cells (rASMCs), and its association with vascular intimal hyperplasia. In whole cell voltage clamp, I(Na) was observed at potential positive to -40 mV, was blocked by tetrodotoxin (TTX), and replacing extracellular Na(+) with N-methyl-d-glucamine in cultured hASMCs. In contrast to native aorta, cultured hASMCs strongly expressed SCN9A encoding Na(V)1.7, as determined by quantitative RT-PCR. I(Na) was abolished by the treatment with SCN9A small-interfering (si)RNA (P < 0.01). TTX and SCN9A siRNA significantly inhibited cell migration (P < 0.01, respectively) and horseradish peroxidase uptake (P < 0.01, respectively). TTX also significantly reduced the secretion of matrix metalloproteinase-2 6 and 12 h after the treatment (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). However, neither TTX nor siRNA had any effect on cell proliferation. L-type Ca(2+) channel current was recorded, and I(Na) was not observed in freshly isolated rASMCs, whereas TTX-sensitive I(Na) was recorded in cultured rASMCs. Quantitative RT-PCR and immunostaining for Na(V)1.7 revealed the prominent expression of SCN9A in cultured rASMCs and aorta 48 h after balloon injury but not in native aorta. In conclusion, these studies show that I(Na) is expressed in cultured and diseased conditions but not in normal aorta. The Na(V)1.7 plays an important role in cell migration, endocytosis, and secretion. Na(V)1.7 is also expressed in aorta after balloon injury, suggesting a potential role for Na(V)1.7 in the progression of intimal hyperplasia.

Ca2+ clearance mechanisms in neurohypophysial terminals of the rat

The importance of intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) in the release of vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin from the central nervous system neurohypopyhysial nerve terminals has been well-documented. To date, there is no clear understanding of Ca2+ clearance mechanisms and their interplay with transmembrane Ca2+ entry, intracellular [Ca2+]i transients, cytoplasmic Ca2+ stores and hence the release of AVP at the level of a single nerve terminal. Here, we studied the mechanism of Ca2+ clearance in freshly isolated nerve terminals of the rat neurohypophysis using Fura-2 Ca2+ imaging and measured the release of AVP by radioimmuno assay. An increase in the K+ concentration in the perfusion solution from 5 to 50 mM caused a rapid increase in [Ca2+]i and AVP release. Returning K+ concentration to 5 mM led to rapid restoration of both responses to basal level. The K+-evoked [Ca2+]i and AVP increase was concentration-dependent, reliable, and remained of constant amplitude and time course upon successive applications. Extracellular Ca2+ removal completely abolished the K+-evoked responses. The recovery phase was not affected upon replacement of NaCl with sucrose or drugs known to act on intracellular Ca2+ stores such as thapsigargin, cyclopiazonic acid, caffeine or a combination of caffeine and ryanodine did not affect either resting or K+-evoked [Ca2+]i or AVP release. By contrast, the plasma membrane Ca2+ pump inhibitor, La3+, markedly slowed down the recovery phase. The mitochondrial respiration uncoupler, carbonyl cyanide 3-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP), slightly but significantly increased the basal [Ca2+]i, and also slowed down the recovery phase of both [Ca2+]i and release responses. In conclusion, we show in nerve terminals that (i) Ca2+ extrusion through the Ca2+ pump in the plasma membrane plays a major role in the Ca2+ clearance mechanisms of (ii) Ca2+ uptake by mitochondria also contributes to the Ca2+ clearance and (iii) neither Na+/Ca2+ exchangers nor Ca2+ stores are involved in the Ca2+ clearance or in the maintenance of basal [Ca2+]i or release of AVP.

Isoflurane and propofol inhibit voltage-gated sodium channels in isolated rat neurohypophysial nerve terminals

Mounting electrophysiological evidence indicates that certain general anesthetics, volatile anesthetics in particular, depress excitatory synaptic transmission by presynaptic mechanisms. We studied the effects of representative general anesthetics on voltage-gated Na+ currents (INa) in nerve terminals isolated from rat neurohypophysis using patch-clamp electrophysiological analysis. Both isoflurane and propofol inhibited INa in a dose-dependent and reversible manner. At holding potentials of -70 or -90 mV, isoflurane inhibited peak INa with IC50 values of 0.45 and 0.56 mM, and propofol inhibited peak INa with IC50 values of 4.1 and 6.0 microM, respectively. Isoflurane (0.8 mM) did not significantly alter the V1/2 of activation; propofol caused a small positive shift. Isoflurane (0.8 mM) or propofol (5 microM) produced a negative shift in the voltage dependence of inactivation. Recovery of INa from inactivation was slower from a holding potential of -70 mV than from -90 mV; isoflurane and propofol further delayed recovery from inactivation. In conclusion, the volatile anesthetic isoflurane and the intravenous anesthetic propofol inhibit voltage-gated Na+ currents in isolated neurohypophysial nerve terminals in a concentration- and voltage-dependent manner. Marked effects on the voltage dependence and kinetics of inactivation and minimal effects on activation support preferential anesthetic interactions with the fast inactivated state of the Na+ channel. These results are consistent with direct inhibition of oxytocin and vasopressin release from the neurohypophysis by isoflurane and propofol. Inhibition of voltage-gated Na+ channels may contribute to the presynaptic effects of general anesthetics on nerve terminal excitability and neurotransmitter release.

Contribution of functional voltage-gated Na+ channel expression to cell behaviors involved in the metastatic cascade in rat prostate cancer: II. Secretory membrane activity

The secretory membrane activities of two rat prostate cancer cell lines of markedly different metastatic potential, and corresponding electrophysiological characteristics, were studied in a comparative approach. In particular, voltage-gated Na(+) channels (VGSCs) were expressed in the strongly metastatic MAT-LyLu but not in the closely related, but weakly metastatic, AT-2 cells. Uptake and release of the non-cytotoxic marker horseradish peroxidase (HRP) were used as indices of general endocytotic and exocytotic membrane activity, respectively. The amount of tracer present in a given experimental condition was quantified by light microscopic digital imaging. The uptake of HRP was an active process, abolished completely by incubating the cells at low temperature (5 degrees C) and suppressed by disrupting the cytoskeleton. Interestingly, the extent of HRP uptake into the strongly metastatic MAT-LyLu cells was almost twice that into the weakly metastatic AT-2 cells. Vesicular uptake of HRP occurred in a fast followed by a slow phase; these appeared to correspond to cytoplasmic and perinuclear pools, respectively. Importantly, the overall quantitative difference in the uptake disappeared in the presence of 1 microM tetrodotoxin which significantly reduced the uptake of HRP into the MAT-LyLu cells. There was no effect on the AT-2 cells, consistent with functional VGSC expression occurring selectively in the former. A similar effect was observed in Na(+)-free medium. The uptake was partially dependent upon extracellular Ca(2+) but was not affected by raising the extracellular K(+) concentration. We suggest that functional VGSC expression could potentiate prostate cancer cells' metastatic ability by enhancing their secretory membrane activity.

Sodium/calcium exchange: its physiological implications

The Na+/Ca2+ exchanger, an ion transport protein, is expressed in the plasma membrane (PM) of virtually all animal cells. It extrudes Ca2+ in parallel with the PM ATP-driven Ca2+ pump. As a reversible transporter, it also mediates Ca2+ entry in parallel with various ion channels. The energy for net Ca2+ transport by the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger and its direction depend on the Na+, Ca2+, and K+ gradients across the PM, the membrane potential, and the transport stoichiometry. In most cells, three Na+ are exchanged for one Ca2+. In vertebrate photoreceptors, some neurons, and certain other cells, K+ is transported in the same direction as Ca2+, with a coupling ratio of four Na+ to one Ca2+ plus one K+. The exchanger kinetics are affected by nontransported Ca2+, Na+, protons, ATP, and diverse other modulators. Five genes that code for the exchangers have been identified in mammals: three in the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger family (NCX1, NCX2, and NCX3) and two in the Na+/Ca2+ plus K+ family (NCKX1 and NCKX2). Genes homologous to NCX1 have been identified in frog, squid, lobster, and Drosophila. In mammals, alternatively spliced variants of NCX1 have been identified; dominant expression of these variants is cell type specific, which suggests that the variations are involved in targeting and/or functional differences. In cardiac myocytes, and probably other cell types, the exchanger serves a housekeeping role by maintaining a low intracellular Ca2+ concentration; its possible role in cardiac excitation-contraction coupling is controversial. Cellular increases in Na+ concentration lead to increases in Ca2+ concentration mediated by the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger; this is important in the therapeutic action of cardiotonic steroids like digitalis. Similarly, alterations of Na+ and Ca2+ apparently modulate basolateral K+ conductance in some epithelia, signaling in some special sense organs (e.g., photoreceptors and olfactory receptors) and Ca2+-dependent secretion in neurons and in many secretory cells. The juxtaposition of PM and sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum membranes may permit the PM Na+/Ca2+ exchanger to regulate sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+ stores and influence cellular Ca2+ signaling.

Sodium, calcium and exocytosis: confessions of calcified scientists

Stimulated exocytotic secretion from nerve endings is initiated by an increase in intracellular free calcium concentration. We summarize here our latest findings regarding the temporal relationship between depolarization, elevation of [Ca2+]i and exocytosis in single vertebrate neuroendocrine nerve endings. In addition, we present surprising findings for a regulatory role of intracellular Na+ on exocytosis.

Intracellular calcium and vasopressin release of rat isolated neurohypophysial nerve endings

1. Monitoring of [Ca2+]i and vasopressin secretion in isolated nerve endings from the rat neurohypophysis were studied to determine the relationship between the time course of vasopressin secretion and depolarization-induced changes in [Ca2+]i. 2. Membrane depolarization by increasing the extracellular [K+] led to concentration-dependent, parallel increases in the amount of vasopressin release and in peak increases in [Ca2+]i. Half-maximal activation of a change in [Ca2+]i was attained at 40 mM extracellular K+. 3. The Ca2+ chelator dimethyl-BAPTA (1,2-bis(O-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N'N'-tetraacetic acid), loaded into the nerve endings, reduced K+ depolarization-evoked vasopressin release and efficiently antagonized K(+)-induced changes in [Ca2+]i. Moreover, dimethyl-BAPTA dramatically reduced basal [Ca2+]i without a reduction in basal secretion. 4. The duration of the vasopressin secretory response was similar regardless of applied 50 mM K+ depolarizations longer than 30 s. The t1/2 of the secretory response was 45 s. Application of repetitive K+ depolarization pulses repetitive secretory responses of similar amplitude and duration. 5. The K(+)-induced changes in [Ca2+]i remained elevated throughout the duration of the depolarizing stimulus decreasing less than 30% over 3 min. The sustained increase in [Ca2+]i resulted largely from continued enhanced Ca2+ influx, demonstrated by susceptibility to the dihydropyridine, L-type calcium channel blocker, nicardipine. 6. Vasopressin secretion could be reinitiated following its decline to a step K+ depolarization by a further step increase in K+ or by removal and readdition of extracellular [Ca2+]. Alterations in [Ca2+]i paralleled periods of secretory activity. 7. Analysis of secretory responsiveness and change in [Ca2+]i to K+ depolarization in medium of altered extracellular [Ca2+] indicates that [Ca2+]i of 20 microM is sufficient to trigger vasopressin release. K(+)-induced alterations in [Ca2+]i could be observed at [Ca2+]o as low as 5 microM. Although smaller in amplitude to that observed at 2.2 mM [Ca2+]o the duration of the K(+)-induced secretory response increased at lower [Ca2+]o. 8. Transient vasopressin secretory responses were observed to sustained levels of [Ca2+] in digitonin and streptolysin-O-permeabilized nerve endings. Secretion could be re-evoked, following its decline, by a step increase in [Ca2+] or by removal and readdition of [Ca2+]o.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Sodium-evoked, calcium-independent vasopressin release from rat isolated neurohypophysial nerve endings

1. The effects of Na+ on vasopressin release and on redistribution of Ca2+, Na+ and H+ in isolated rat neurohypophysial nerve endings have been studied. 2. Substituting Na+ for a non-permanent cation produced a pronounced and sustained release of vasopressin. This increase occurred in the absence of external Ca2+ and in nerve endings loaded with the Ca2+ chelator dimethyl-BAPTA (1,2-bis-(O-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid). 3. The effect of Na+ was independent of a rise in intracellular Ca2+ as judged by the measurement of [Ca2+]i using the indicator fura-2 and 45Ca2+ efflux studies. Although Na+ could release Ca2+ from internal reservoirs the small elevation in [Ca2+]i induced by Na+ could not explain the large and sustained increase in vasopressin secretion. 4. The channel blockers TTX (tetrodotoxin), D888 (desmethyoxyverapamil), N144 (5-nitro-2-(phenylpropylamino)-benzoic acid) or SITS (4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulphonic acid) could not prevent the Na(+)-dependent increase in vasopressin release. Similarly this increase was not affected by metabolic inhibitors (Ruthenium Red and KCN) nor by CCCP (carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone), an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation. 5. Selectivity among monovalent cations to promote secretion was found with the largest effect on the secretory response being produced by Na+. Similarly Cl- was found to be the most potent anion studied for inducing, in the presence of Na+, an increase in neurohormone release. 6. Measuring [Na+]i by means of the Na+ indicator SBFI showed that the extent of the secretory response was correlated with the intraterminal Na+ concentration. 7. The Na(+)-induced, Ca(2+)-independent release of vasopressin occurred by exocytosis as judged (i) by the linear relationship between the amount of vasopressin secreted and that of the co-localized neurophysin and (ii) by the demonstration that the extracellular marker horseradish peroxidase was only found in endocytotic vacuoles and not in the cytoplasm of the stimulated nerve endings. 8. The Na(+)-dependent secretory response found on addition of extracellular Na+ was not the result of the change in internal pH as measured with the indicator BCECF and as mimicked by addition of propionic acid. 9. Addition of Na+ to digitonin- or streptolysin-O-permeabilized nerve endings in the presence or absence of Ca2+ also gave rise to an increase in vasopressin secretion. 10. It is concluded that an increase in internal Na+ per se can promote, in the absence of a rise in intracellular Ca2+, an increase in neuropeptide secretion.

Exocytosis and its control at the synapse

Several new approaches have given fresh insight into the mechanism and control of exocytosis. Electrophysiological and morphological studies show that many or all of the intramembrane particles at presynaptic active zones are voltage-gated Ca2+ channels. The sensitivity and time resolution of voltammetry allow the time course with which a single vesicle releases transmitter to be studied. Membrane proteins of the cell surface and synaptic vesicles have been shown to interact, and may join to form the fusion-pore complex.

Ca(2+)-independent regulation of neurosecretion by intracellular Na+

While secretion from nerve endings is strictly controlled by an increase in cytoplasmic free calcium several reports suggest intracellular sodium may serve a regulatory role. Whether sodium acts directly to modulate secretion or indirectly by influencing cytoplasmic calcium dynamics is unknown. This study shows, based on parallel experiments studying [Na+]i, [Ca2+]i and vasopressin secretion, that sodium acts directly to regulate secretion in isolated nerve endings from the rat neurohypophysis. The elevation in secretion that develops is dose-dependently related to the [Na+]i and can occur in the absence of changes in [Ca2+]i.