Characterization of membrane currents in single smooth muscle cells from the guinea-pig gastric antrum

Ca2+ dynamics in interstitial cells: foundational mechanisms for the motor patterns in the gastrointestinal tract

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract displays multiple motor patterns that move nutrients and wastes through the body. Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) provide the forces necessary for GI motility, but interstitial cells, electrically coupled to SMCs, tune SMC excitability, transduce inputs from enteric motor neurons, and generate pacemaker activity that underlies major motor patterns, such as peristalsis and segmentation. The interstitial cells regulating SMCs are interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) and PDGF receptor (PDGFR)α+ cells. Together these cells form the SIP syncytium. ICC and PDGFRα+ cells express signature Ca2+-dependent conductances: ICC express Ca2+-activated Cl- channels, encoded by Ano1, that generate inward current, and PDGFRα+ cells express Ca2+-activated K+ channels, encoded by Kcnn3, that generate outward current. The open probabilities of interstitial cell conductances are controlled by Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum. The resulting Ca2+ transients occur spontaneously in a stochastic manner. Ca2+ transients in ICC induce spontaneous transient inward currents and spontaneous transient depolarizations (STDs). Neurotransmission increases or decreases Ca2+ transients, and the resulting depolarizing or hyperpolarizing responses conduct to other cells in the SIP syncytium. In pacemaker ICC, STDs activate voltage-dependent Ca2+ influx, which initiates a cluster of Ca2+ transients and sustains activation of ANO1 channels and depolarization during slow waves. Regulation of GI motility has traditionally been described as neurogenic and myogenic. Recent advances in understanding Ca2+ handling mechanisms in interstitial cells and how these mechanisms influence motor patterns of the GI tract suggest that the term "myogenic" should be replaced by the term "SIPgenic," as this review discusses.

Relationship Between Intestinal Slow-waves, Spike-bursts, and Motility, as Defined Through High-resolution Electrical and Video Mapping

Background/Aims

High-resolution extracellular mapping has improved our understanding of bioelectric slow-wave and spike-burst activity in the small intestine. The spatiotemporal correlation of electrophysiology and motility patterns is of critical interest to intestinal function but remains incompletely defined.

Methods

Intestinal jejunum segments from in vivo pigs and rabbits were exteriorized, and simultaneous high-resolution extracellular recordings and video recordings were performed. Contractions were quantified with strain fields, and the frequencies and velocities of motility patterns were calculated. The amplitudes, frequencies, and velocities of slow-wave propagation patterns and spike-bursts were quantified and visualized. In addition, the duration, size and energy of spike-burst patches were quantified.

Results

Slow-wave associated spike-bursts activated periodically at 10.8 ± 4.0 cycles per minute (cpm) in pigs and 10.2 ± 3.2 cpm in rabbits, while independent spike-bursts activated at a frequency of 3.2 ± 1.8 cpm. Independent spike-bursts had higher amplitude and longer duration than slow-wave associated spike-bursts (1.4 ± 0.8 mV vs 0.1 ± 0.1 mV, P < 0.001; 1.8 ± 1.4 seconds vs 0.8 ± 0.3 seconds, P < 0.001 in pigs). Spike-bursts that activated as longitudinal or circumferential patches were associated with contractions in the respective directions. Spontaneous peristaltic contractions were elicited by independent spike-bursts and travelled slower than slow-wave velocity (3.7 ± 0.5 mm/sec vs 10.1 ± 4.7 mm/sec, P = 0.007). Cyclic peristaltic contractions were driven by slow-wave associated spike-bursts and were coupled to slow-wave velocity and frequency in rabbit (14.2 ± 2.3 mm/sec vs 11.5 ± 4.6 mm/sec, P = 0.162; 11.0 ± 0.6 cpm vs 10.8 ± 0.6 cpm, P = 0.970).

Conclusions

Motility patterns were dictated by patterns of spike-burst patches. When spike-bursts were coupled to slow-waves, periodic motility patterns were observed, while when spike-bursts were not coupled to slow-waves, spontaneous aperiodic motility patterns were captured.

Direct optogenetic stimulation of smooth muscle cells to control gastric contractility

Rationale: Antral peristalsis is responsible for gastric emptying. Its failure is called gastroparesis and often caused by dysfunction of enteric neurons and interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC). Current treatment options, including gastric electrical stimulation, are non-satisfying and may improve symptoms but commonly fail to restore gastric emptying. Herein, we explore direct optogenetic stimulation of smooth muscle cells (SMC) via the light-gated non-selective cation channel Channelrhodopsin2 (ChR2) to control gastric motor function.

Methods: We used a transgenic mouse model expressing ChR2 in fusion with eYFP under the control of the chicken-β-actin promoter. We performed patch clamp experiments to quantify light-induced currents in isolated SMC, Ca²⁺ imaging and isometric force measurements of antral smooth muscle strips as well as pressure recordings of intact stomachs to evaluate contractile responses. Light-induced propulsion of gastric contents from the isolated stomach preparation was quantified in video recordings. We furthermore tested optogenetic stimulation in a gastroparesis model induced by neuronal- and ICC-specific damage through methylene blue photo-toxicity.

Results: In the stomachs, eYFP signals were restricted to SMC in which blue light (460 nm) induced inward currents typical for ChR2. These depolarizing currents led to contractions in antral smooth muscle strips that were stronger than those triggered by supramaximal electrical field stimulation and comparable to those evoked by global depolarization with high K⁺ concentration. In the intact stomach, panoramic illumination efficiently increased intragastric pressure achieving 239±46% (n=6) of the pressure induced by electrical field stimulation and triggered gastric transport. Within the gastroparesis model, electric field stimulation completely failed but light still efficiently generated pressure waves.

Conclusions: We demonstrate direct optogenetic stimulation of SMC to control gastric contractility. This completely new approach could allow for the restoration of motility in gastroparesis in the future.

Effects of ajmaline on contraction patterns of isolated rat gastric antrum and portal vein smooth muscle strips and on neurogenic relaxations of gastric fundus

Class-I-antiarrhythmics like ajmaline are known to alter smooth muscle function, which may cause alterations in gastrointestinal motility. The effects of ajmaline on isolated gastric and portal vein smooth muscle and the underlying mechanisms are unknown. We studied the effects of ajmaline on the contractile patterns of isolated preparations of gastric antrum and portal vein from Wistar rats. The organ bath technique was used to measure spontaneous or pharmacologically induced isometric contractions. Changes in force observed after application of ajmaline or under control conditions are reported as % of the amplitude of an initial K⁺-induced contraction. Electric field stimulation was used to study neurogenic relaxations of gastric fundus smooth muscle. Ajmaline increased the amplitude of spontaneous contractions of muscle strips (portal vein: control 31.1 ± 15.2%, with 100 μM ajmaline 76.6 ± 32.3%, n = 9, p < 0.01; gastric antrum: control 9.5 ± 1.6%, with 100 μM ajmaline 63.9 ± 9.96%, n = 14, p < 0.01). The frequency of spontaneous activity was reduced in portal vein, but not in gastric antrum strips. The effects of ajmaline were not blocked by tetrodotoxin, L-nitroarginine methyl ester, or atropine. Ajmaline abolished coordinated neurogenic relaxations triggered by electric field stimulation and partly reversed the inhibition of GA spontaneous activity caused by the gap junction blocker carbenoxolone. Ajmaline enhances the amplitude of spontaneous contractions in rat gastric and portal vein smooth muscle. This effect may be accompanied, but not caused by an inhibition of enteric neurotransmission. Enhanced syncytial coupling as indicated by its ability to antagonize the effects of carbenoxolone is likely to underlie the enhancement of contractility.

Sarcoplasmic reticulum function in smooth muscle

The sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of smooth muscles presents many intriguing facets and questions concerning its roles, especially as these change with development, disease, and modulation of physiological activity. The SR's function was originally perceived to be synthetic and then that of a Ca store for the contractile proteins, acting as a Ca amplification mechanism as it does in striated muscles. Gradually, as investigators have struggled to find a convincing role for Ca-induced Ca release in many smooth muscles, a role in controlling excitability has emerged. This is the Ca spark/spontaneous transient outward current coupling mechanism which reduces excitability and limits contraction. Release of SR Ca occurs in response to inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate, Ca, and nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate, and depletion of SR Ca can initiate Ca entry, the mechanism of which is being investigated but seems to involve Stim and Orai as found in nonexcitable cells. The contribution of the elemental Ca signals from the SR, sparks and puffs, to global Ca signals, i.e., Ca waves and oscillations, is becoming clearer but is far from established. The dynamics of SR Ca release and uptake mechanisms are reviewed along with the control of luminal Ca. We review the growing list of the SR's functions that still includes Ca storage, contraction, and relaxation but has been expanded to encompass Ca homeostasis, generating local and global Ca signals, and contributing to cellular microdomains and signaling in other organelles, including mitochondria, lysosomes, and the nucleus. For an integrated approach, a review of aspects of the SR in health and disease and during development and aging are also included. While the sheer versatility of smooth muscle makes it foolish to have a "one model fits all" approach to this subject, we have tried to synthesize conclusions wherever possible.

Voltage-gated delayed rectifier K v 1-subunits may serve as distinctive markers for enteroglial cells with different phenotypes in the murine ileum

Due to entangled results concerning K(v)1 subunit distribution in the gastrointestinal wall, we aimed to unravel the expression of the delayed rectifier potassium subunits K(v)1.1 and K(v)1.2 in the murine ileum. Presence and distribution of both subunits were determined in cryosections and whole-mount preparations of the ileum of three different murine strains by indirect immunofluorescence, and analysed by conventional fluorescence and confocal microscopy. Distribution of both subunits was similar in the ileum of the three strains. K(v)1.1 immunoreactivity (IR) was found in some S100-expressing enteroglial cells (EGC) located at the periphery of myenteric ganglia, in S100-positive EGC along interganglionic, intramuscular and vascular nerve fibres, and in S100-positive EGC of the submucous plexus. K(v)1.1 IR was also observed in some GFAP-expressing EGC at the periphery of myenteric ganglia, and in GFAP-positive EGC of submucous ganglia. K(v)1.2 IR was detected in some intramuscular S100-positive EGC, in almost all submucous S100-expressing EGC, and in a few GFAP-expressing EGC. K(v)1.2 IR was also expressed in a majority of enteric neurons. Coding of these neurons showed that all cholinergic and most nitrergic neurons express K(v)1.2. In conclusion, the results showed that K(v)1.1 and K(v)1.2 were predominantly expressed in distinct EGC phenotypes. K(v)1.2 was also observed in distinct neuron subpopulations. Our results support the active role of EGC with distinct phenotypes in intestinal functions, which is relevant in view of their modulating role on intestinal barrier and inflammatory responses.

Dual effect of exogenous hydrogen sulfide on the spontaneous contraction of gastric smooth muscle in guinea-pig

Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) is produced endogenously in mammalian tissues and is important in both physiological and pathological processes. Despite its importance, little is known regarding the effect of H(2)S on gastrointestinal motility. We evaluated the effect of H(2)S on the spontaneous contraction of gastric antrum smooth muscle in the guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) using a physiograph. In addition, we investigated whether the effect of H(2)S was mediated by ionic channels by recording membrane currents in freshly dispersed gastric antrum myocytes using a whole-cell patch clamp. Sodium hydrogen sulfide (NaHS), an H(2)S donor, had a dual effect on the spontaneous contraction of gastric antrum muscle strips. At high concentrations (0.3-1.0 mM), NaHS suppressed the amplitude of spontaneous contraction. At low concentrations (0.1-0.3 mM), NaHS enhanced the resting tension of muscle strips while slightly reducing the contractile amplitude. The excitatory effect on spontaneous contraction, caused by low concentrations of NaHS, was abolished when the muscle strips were pretreated with 10 mM tetraethylammonium (TEA), a nonselective potassium channel blocker, or 0.5 mM 4-Aminopyridine (4-AP), a voltage-gated K(+) channel blocker. However, the excitatory effect of NaHS was not completely blocked by low concentrations of TEA (1 mM). Pretreatment with both TEA (1 mM) and 4-AP (0.5 mM) completely abolished the excitatory effect. The dose-response curve for the inhibitory effect of NaHS on the spontaneous contraction of gastric smooth muscle was shifted significantly to the left by TEA and 4-AP. Both Pinacidil, a K(ATP) channel opener, and NaHS significantly inhibited TEA-potentiated spontaneous contraction. Glibenclamide, a K(ATP) channel blocker, partially, but significantly, reversed the reduction in amplitude. NaHS enhanced the amplitude of the K(ATP) current, but inhibited the voltage-gated K(+) channel current (IK(V)) in a dose-dependent manner. NaHS had no effect on STOC at low concentrations (0.1-1.0 mM) but significantly inhibited STOC at high concentrations (4-10 mM). Our results suggest that H(2)S has multiple actions during the regulation of gastric motility in the guinea-pig. An excitatory effect is mediated via inhibition of the voltage-gated K(+) channel and an inhibitory effect is mediated via activation of the K(ATP) channel.

Antagonistic actions of S(-)-Bay K 8644 on cyclic nucleotide-induced inhibition of voltage-dependent Ba(2+) currents in guinea pig gastric antrum

(+/-)-Bay K 8644, a conventional racemic mixture of Bay K 8644, is widely used as an L-type Ca(2+) channel agonist. Although interactions between Bay K 8644 and cyclic nucleotide have been described, they have not been properly characterized. We have investigated whether two optical isomers of Bay K 8644 (i.e., R(+)- and S(-)-Bay K 8644) modify cyclic nucleotide (cAMP and cGMP)-induced inhibitory effects on nifedipine-sensitive voltage-dependent Ba(2+) currents (I (Ba)) recorded from guinea pig gastric myocytes. Conventional whole-cell recordings were used to compare the effects of R(+)-Bay K 8644 and S(-)-Bay K 8644 on I (Ba). S(-)-Bay K 8644 enhanced the peak amplitude of I (Ba) evoked by depolarizing pulses to +10 mV from a holding potential of -70 mV in a concentration-dependent manner (EC(50) = 32 nM), while R(+)-Bay K 8644 inhibited I (Ba) (IC(50) = 975 nM). When R(+)-Bay K 8644 (0.5 microM) was applied, I (Ba) was suppressed to 71 +/- 10% of control. In the presence of R(+)-Bay K 8644 (0.5 microM), additional application of forskolin and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) further inhibited I (Ba). Conversely, in the presence of S(-)-Bay K 8644 (0.5 microM), subsequent application of forskolin and SNP did not affect I (Ba). Similarly, in the presence of 0.5 microM S(-)-Bay K 8644, db-cAMP and 8-Br-cGMP had no effect on I (Ba). These results indicate that S(-)-Bay K 8644, but not R(+)-Bay K 8644, can prevent the inhibitory actions of two distinct cyclic nucleotide pathways on I (Ba) in gastric myocytes of the guinea pig antrum.

A quantitative model of gastric smooth muscle cellular activation

A physiologically realistic quantitative description of the electrical behavior of a gastric smooth muscle (SM) cell is presented. The model describes the response of a SM cell when activated by an electrical stimulus coming from the network of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) and is mediated by the activation of different ion channels species in the plasma membrane. The conductances (predominantly Ca2+ and K+) that are believed to substantially contribute to the membrane potential fluctuations during slow wave activity have been included in the model. A phenomenological description of intracellular Ca2+ dynamics has also been included because of its primary importance in regulating a number of cellular processes. In terms of shape, duration, and amplitude, the resulting simulated smooth muscle depolarizations (SMDs) are in good agreement with experimentally recordings from mammalian gastric SM in control and altered conditions. This model has also been designed to be suitable for incorporation into large scale multicellular simulations.

Contrasting effects of tetraethylammonium and 4-aminopyridine on the gastrointestinal function of mice

Many different K+ channels have been identified in the gastrointestinal tract, and the two classical K+ channel blockers, tetraethylammonium and 4-aminopyridine, show different sensitivity for these channels. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of tetraethylammonium and 4-aminopyridine on the gastrointestinal function of mice. 4-Aminopyridine (5 mg/kg, p.o.) inhibited, but tetraethylammonium (40 mg/kg, p.o.) enhanced, the intestinal propulsion of a charcoal suspension in conscious mice. Studies in vitro showed that perfusion of 5 mM 4-aminopyridine increased the maximal contractile force and minimal relaxation force, and decreased the amplitude and frequency of the peristaltic contraction of the isolated duodenum. However, perfusion of 5 mM tetraethylammonium increased the maximal contractile force, the minimal relaxation force and the amplitude of the contraction. The effects of tetraethylammonium and 4-aminopyridine on the duodenal contraction could be abolished completely by application of 5 microM verapamil. Our results in vivo and in vitro showed that tetraethylammonium and 4-aminopyridine had contrasting effects on the gastrointestinal function of mice.

Characterization of the A-type potassium current in murine gastric antrum

A-type currents are rapidly inactivating potassium currents that operate at subthreshold potentials. A-type currents have not been reported to occur in the phasic muscles of the stomach. We used conventional voltage-clamp techniques to identify and characterize A-type currents in myocytes isolated from the murine antrum. A-type currents were robust in these cells, with peak current densities averaging 30 pA pF(-1) at 0 mV. These currents underwent rapid inactivation with a time constant of 83 ms at 0 mV. Recovery from inactivation at -80 mV was rapid, with a time constant of 252 ms. The A-type current was blocked by 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) and was inhibited by flecainide, with an IC(50) of 35 microM. The voltage for half-activation was -26 mV, while the voltage of half-inactivation was -65 mV. There was significant activation and incomplete inactivation at potentials positive to -60 mV, which is suggestive of sustained current availability in this voltage range. Under current-clamp conditions, exposure to 4-AP or flecainide depolarized the membrane potential by 7-10 mV. In intact antral tissue preparations, flecainide depolarized the membrane potential between slow waves by 5 mV; changes in slow waves were not evident. The effect of flecainide was not abolished by inhibiting enteric neurotransmission or by blocking delayed rectifier and ATP-sensitive K(+) currents. Transcripts encoding Kv4 channels were detected in isolated antral myocytes by RT-PCR. Immunocytochemistry revealed intense Kv4.2- and Kv4.3-like immunoreactivity in antral myocytes. These data suggest that the A-type current in murine antral smooth muscle cells is likely to be due to Kv4 channels. This current contributes to the maintenance of negative resting membrane potentials.

Heterogeneous expression of transient outward currents in smooth muscle cells of the mouse small intestine

The objective for this paper was to characterize the transient outward current (I(to)) present in smooth muscle cells of the intestinal external muscularis. Two populations of cells were identified, one with a fast rate of I(to) inactivation (tau < 100 ms) and another with a slow rate of I(to) inactivating (tau > 150 ms). The chord conductance for the fast I(to) was smaller than the chord conductance of the slow I(to) (0.5 +/- 0.1 vs. 1.3 +/- 0.1 nS pF(-1), respectively). The inactivation was fitted by mono-exponentials to give a tau for the fast and slow I(to) of 44 and 229 ms, respectively. Combined plots of voltage dependent activation and inactivation processes revealed voltage ranges where window currents were possible; a 20 mV range for the fast I(to) from -56 to -36 mV and a 47 mV range for the slow I(to) from -42 to +5 mV. The fast I(to) recovered more quickly from inactivation than the slow I(to); tau(fast I(to)) = 11 +/- 4 ms compared to tau(slow I(to)) = 42 +/- 16 ms. The effect of different rates of depolarization on I(to) activation was examined. The plots of peak currents evoked by different rates of depolarization were well fitted by inverse exponential functions. The fast I(to) had a larger response to fast rates of depolarization by having a tau of 2 +/- 1 mV ms(-1) with maximal activation (95 % complete) at 5 mV ms(-1). The slow I(to) had a tau of 14 +/- 9 mV ms(-1) with maximal activation (95 % complete) at 42 mV ms(-1). The properties of these currents suggest that the two transient outward currents may contribute differently to slow waves and action potentials generated by the smooth muscle cells.

Of slow waves and spike patches

In the small intestines, the major task of the slow wave is to induce mechanical movements in the intestinal wall by generating local calcium spikes. High resolution electrical mapping reveals fundamental differences in propagation between slow waves and calcium spikes. These differences suggest that slow waves and spikes are propagated by different mechanisms through different cell networks.

Diverse expression of delayed rectifier K+ channel subtype transcripts in several types of smooth muscles of the rat

Diverse expression of voltage dependent K+ (Kv) channels was examined in smooth muscles (SMs); carotid artery (CA), mesenteric artery (MA), urinary bladder (UB), and vas deferens (VD) of the rat, using RT-PCR based analyses. Among eight Kv channel subtypes examined (Kv 1.1, Kv 1.2, Kv 1.5, Kv 1.6, Kv 2.1, Kv 2.2, Kv 3.1, and Kv 3.2), expression of three delayed rectifier Kv (KD) channel (Kv 1.2, Kv 1.5, and Kv 2.1) transcripts was observed in these SMs. To determine precisely the expression levels of the transcripts encoding K(D) subtypes, those of three K(D) subtypes (Kv 1.2, Kv 1.5, and Kv 2.1) were determined by competitive PCR. In vascular SM tissues, CA and MA, Kv 1.2 and Kv 1.5 transcripts were expressed at relatively high levels, whereas in visceral SM tissues, UB and VD, Kv 2.1 transcripts were expressed at the relatively high levels. These results suggest that the diverse expression of K(D) subtypes is, at least in part, responsible for differences in electrical excitability and also for the variation of the electrophysiological and pharmacological phenotypes as tonic and phasic SMs.

Calcium sparks in smooth muscle

Local intracellular Ca(2+) transients, termed Ca(2+) sparks, are caused by the coordinated opening of a cluster of ryanodine-sensitive Ca(2+) release channels in the sarcoplasmic reticulum of smooth muscle cells. Ca(2+) sparks are activated by Ca(2+) entry through dihydropyridine-sensitive voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels, although the precise mechanisms of communication of Ca(2+) entry to Ca(2+) spark activation are not clear in smooth muscle. Ca(2+) sparks act as a positive-feedback element to increase smooth muscle contractility, directly by contributing to the global cytoplasmic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]) and indirectly by increasing Ca(2+) entry through membrane potential depolarization, caused by activation of Ca(2+) spark-activated Cl(-) channels. Ca(2+) sparks also have a profound negative-feedback effect on contractility by decreasing Ca(2+) entry through membrane potential hyperpolarization, caused by activation of large-conductance, Ca(2+)-sensitive K(+) channels. In this review, the roles of Ca(2+) sparks in positive- and negative-feedback regulation of smooth muscle function are explored. We also propose that frequency and amplitude modulation of Ca(2+) sparks by contractile and relaxant agents is an important mechanism to regulate smooth muscle function.

Unitary nature of regenerative potentials recorded from circular smooth muscle of guinea-pig antrum

1. When short segments of single bundles of circular muscle of guinea-pig antrum were isolated and impaled with two microelectrodes, the membrane potential recordings displayed an ongoing discharge of noise. 2. Treating the preparations with acetoxymethyl ester form of BAPTA (BAPTA AM) reduced the membrane noise and revealed discrete depolarizing unitary potentials. The spectral densities determined from control preparations and ones loaded with BAPTA had similar shapes but those from control preparations had higher amplitudes, suggesting that membrane noise results from a high frequency discharge of unitary potentials. 3. Depolarization of isolated segments of antrum initiated regenerative responses. These responses, along with membrane noise and unitary potentials, were inhibited by a low concentration of caffeine (1 mM). 4. Loading the preparations with BAPTA decreased the amplitudes of regenerative responses. Depolarization was now seen to increase the frequency and mean amplitude of unitary potentials over a time course similar to that of a regenerative potential. 5. Noise spectra determined during periods of rest, during regenerative potentials triggered by direct depolarization and during slow waves, recorded from preparations containing interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), had very similar shapes but different amplitudes. 6. The observations suggest that a regenerative potential, the secondary component of a slow wave, is made up of a cluster of several discrete unitary potentials rather than from the activation of voltage-dependent ion channels.

Regenerative potentials evoked in circular smooth muscle of the antral region of guinea-pig stomach

1. Slow waves recorded from the circular smooth muscle layer of guinea-pig antrum consisted of two components, an initial component and a secondary regenerative component. Whereas both components persisted in the presence of nifedipine, the secondary component was abolished by a low concentration of caffeine. 2. Short segments of single bundles of circular muscle were isolated and impaled with two microelectrodes. Depolarizing currents initiated regenerative responses which resembled those initiated during normal slow waves. These responses had partial refractory periods of 20-30 s and were initiated about 1 s after the onset of membrane depolarization. 3. The regenerative responses persisted in the presence of either nifedipine or cobalt ions but were abolished by caffeine, BAPTA or cyclopiazonic acid. 4. The observations suggest that depolarizing membrane potential changes trigger the release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores and this causes a depolarization by activating sets of unidentified ion channels in the membranes of smooth muscle cells of the circular layer of guinea-pig antrum.

Identification of rhythmically active cells in guinea-pig stomach

1. When intracellular recordings were made from the antral region of guinea-pig stomach, cells with different patterns of electrical activity were detected. 2. One group of cells, slow-wave cells, generated slow waves which consisted of initial and secondary components. When filled with either Lucifer Yellow or neurobiotin, the cells identified as smooth muscle cells lying in the circular muscle layer. 3. A second group of cells, driving cells, generated large, rapidly rising, potential changes, driving potentials. They had small cell bodies with several processes. With neurobiotin, a network of cells was visualized that resembled c-kit positive interstitial cells of the myenteric region. 4. A third group of cells generated sequences of potential changes which resembled driving potentials but had smaller amplitudes and slow rates of rise. These cells resembled smooth muscle cells lying in the longitudinal muscle layer. 5. When simultaneous recordings were made from the driving and slow-wave cells, driving potentials and slow waves occurred synchronously. Current injections indicated that both cell types were part of a common electrical syncytium. 6. The initial component of slow waves persisted in low concentrations of caffeine, but the secondary component was abolished; higher concentrations shortened the duration of the residual initial component. Driving potentials continued in the presence of low concentrations of caffeine; moderate concentrations of caffeine shortened their duration. 7. Hence three different types of cells were distinguished on the basis of their electrical activity, their responses to caffeine and their structure. These were smooth muscle cells, lying in the longitudinal and circular layers, and interstitial cells in the myenteric region. The observations suggest that interstitial cells initiate slow waves.

ATP-sensitive K+ current and its modulation by substance P in gastric myocytes isolated from guinea pig

To investigate whether ATP-sensitive K+ channels exist in gastric smooth muscle of the guinea pig and whether they are modulated by substance P, we recorded lemakalim-activated K+ currents from freshly isolated cells using the standard whole-cell configuration. With 0.1 mM ATP and 140 mM K+ in the pipette and 90 mM K+ in the bath solution and a holding potential of -80 mV, lemakalim (10 microM) activated a glibenclamide-sensitive inward current with a mean amplitude of -224+/-34 pA. These currents were voltage-independent from -90 to 0 mV and K+-selective. Increasing the intracellular ATP concentrations from 0.1 to 3 mM reduced the lemakalim-activated currents by about five-fold. External barium and cesium inhibited the lemakalim-activated currents in a dose-dependent manner. External tetraethylammonium (10 mM) inhibited the lemakalim-activated currents by 66+/-15%. Bath application of substance P (5 microM) inhibited the lemakalim-activated currents by 53+/-13% and this inhibition was absent when 0.5 mM guanosine 5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) (GDPbetaS) was in the pipette. Phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDB) inhibited the lemakalim-activated currents by 71+/-3%. Chelerythrine (1 microM) reduced the substance P-induced inhibition of lemakalim-activated currents by 22.2+/-11.3%. These results suggest the presence of ATP-sensitive K+ channels in gastric smooth muscle and that substance P inhibits ATP-sensitive K+ channels via G-protein through protein kinase C activation.

Physiological features of visceral smooth muscle cells, with special reference to receptors and ion channels

Visceral smooth muscle cells (VSMC) play an essential role, through changes in their contraction-relaxation cycle, in the maintenance of homeostasis in biological systems. The features of these cells differ markedly by tissue and by species; moreover, there are often regional differences within a given tissue. The biophysical features used to investigate ion channels in VSMC have progressed from the original extracellular recording methods (large electrode, single or double sucrose gap methods), to the intracellular (microelectrode) recording method, and then to methods for recording from membrane fractions (patch-clamp, including cell-attached patch-clamp, methods). Remarkable advances are now being made thanks to the application of these more modern biophysical procedures and to the development of techniques in molecular biology. Even so, we still have much to learn about the physiological features of these channels and about their contribution to the activity of both cell and tissue. In this review, we take a detailed look at ion channels in VSMC and at receptor-operated ion channels in particular; we look at their interaction with the contraction-relaxation cycle in individual VSMC and especially at the way in which their activity is related to Ca2+ movements and Ca2+ homeostasis in the cell. In sections II and III, we discuss research findings mainly derived from the use of the microelectrode, although we also introduce work done using the patch-clamp procedure. These sections cover work on the electrical activity of VSMC membranes (sect. II) and on neuromuscular transmission (sect. III). In sections IV and V, we discuss work done, using the patch-clamp procedure, on individual ion channels (Na+, Ca2+, K+, and Cl-; sect. IV) and on various types of receptor-operated ion channels (with or without coupled GTP-binding proteins and voltage dependent and independent; sect. V). In sect. VI, we look at work done on the role of Ca2+ in VSMC using the patch-clamp procedure, biochemical procedures, measurements of Ca2+ transients, and Ca2+ sensitivity of contractile proteins of VSMC. We discuss the way in which Ca2+ mobilization occurs after membrane activation (Ca2+ influx and efflux through the surface membrane, Ca2+ release from and uptake into the sarcoplasmic reticulum, and dynamic changes in Ca2+ within the cytosol). In this article, we make only limited reference to vascular smooth muscle research, since we reviewed the features of ion channels in vascular tissues only recently.

Hypoxia-induced inhibition of calcium channels in guinea-pig taenia caeci smooth muscle cells

1. The effects of hypoxia on whole-cell current in single smooth muscle cells and on a high K(+)-induced contraction of strips of the guinea-pig taenia caeci were studied. 2. In physiological salt solution (PSS) and K(+)-based pipette solution, hypoxia (PO2 = 20 mmHg) reversibly inhibited both the inward Ca2+ current (ICa) and outward Ca(2+)-activated K+ current (IK(Ca)) components of the whole-cell current. 3. In PSS and Cs(+)-based pipette solution, hypoxia reversibly suppressed ICa by 30 +/- 5% at 0 mV. 4. When Ba2+ was used as a charge carrier, the IBa was suppressed by hypoxia in a potential-dependent manner, with the maximum of 40 +/- 7% at +10 mV. Alterations of concentrations of EGTA, GDB beta S or ATP in the pipette solution did not change the inhibitory effects of hypoxia on ICa and IBa. 5. In PSS with 2 mM CaCl2 replaced by CoCl2, hypoxia did not affect the Ca2+ influx-independent potassium current. 6. In cells voltage clamped at -20 mV hypoxia reversibly inhibited the spontaneous transient outward currents. 7. The response of high K(+)-contracted taenia caeci to hypoxia was composed of an initial rapid relaxation followed by a small transient contraction and slow relaxation. The transient contraction was blocked by atropine (1-10 microM), while relaxations were unaffected by atropine and guanethidine (10 microM). 8. The results show that hypoxia reversibly inhibits ICa and secondarily suppresses IK(Ca) due to decreased Ca2+ influx through Ca2+ channels. 9. It is suggested that inhibition of ICa was responsible for the rapid relaxation, whereas transient contraction may have been due to release of acetylcholine from nerve terminals upon hypoxia.

Two populations of smooth muscle cells in the guinea-pig gastric antrum

K+ outward currents (I[K]) expressed by guinea-pig antral smooth muscle cells were studied using the whole-cell voltage-clamp technique. In about 88% of cells depolarization steps applied from Vh = -70 mV activated a fast transient component (I[K(to)]) with voltage-dependent characteristics, and a noninactivating component with slow activation kinetics (I[K(sl)]). Both components were carried by K+ ions. Apamin (10 nM to 1 microM) selectively depressed I(K[to]) in a concentration-dependent manner. I(K(sl)) was blocked by 1 mM tetraethylammonium or 0.1 microM charybdotoxin. 10 mM tetraethylammonium abolished both components of I(K). Nicardipine (1 microM) did not affect the voltage- and time-dependent characteristics of the net I(K), but reduced the current density of I(K[sl]) from 22.36+/-1.38 microA/cm2 to 13.06+/-0.92 microA/cm2 at +40 mV. In about 12% of the cells depolarization-evoked I(K) could be separated as two pharmacologically distinguishable components: a glipizide-sensitive current (forming about 70% of the net I[K]) and a charybdotoxin-sensitive current (30% of the net I[K]). Nicardipine (1 microM) affected neither the amplitude nor the time-course of I(K) of this cell population. The depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores by thapsigargin (1 microM) or ryanodine (1 microM) led to a 50-200% increase of I(K[sl]) in the majority of cells and to an about 30% increase of the net I(K) in 12% of cells. The data obtained suggest the existence of at least two populations of cells in guinea-pig antral smooth muscle. Twelve percent of cells seem to be responsible for the generation of slow wave potentials, while 88% of cells most probably respond passively to the electrotonically spread depolarization.

Multiple types of ion channels in cavernous smooth muscle

The excitation process of the smooth muscle of corpus cavernosum is important to the erectile process. single-cell electrophysiology performed during the last decade has given deep insights into the different current components participating in that process. However, the existence of a tremendous amount of literature might be confusing for the nonspecialist in the field of smooth-muscle excitation and, especially, in the excitation of corpus cavernosum. In a compact form, this paper gives an overview on significant ionic currents as well as their ability to change the membrane potential and to enhance or inhibit calcium influx for the modulation of smooth-muscle tone.

Spontaneous transient outward currents in smooth muscle cells

Spontaneous transient outward currents (STOCs) lasting about 100 ms occur in single smooth muscle cells and represent the simultaneous opening of up to a hundred calcium-activated potassium (BK) channels. The recent observation of brief focal releases of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) calcium ('sparks') in smooth muscle cells has provided support for the original suggestion that STOCs arise due to the spontaneous releases of calcium from the SR close to the sarcolemma. However, it is possible that such releases occur in a region of close apposition of SR membrane and sarcolemma about 0.1 microns wide ('junctional space') in which case they would be detectable by endogenous calcium-sensitive molecules such as BK channels but, using present confocal microscopy technique, not by calcium-indicator dyes introduced into the cell; should calcium escape from the junctional space then it may be visualised as 'sparks' by the fluorescent emission from calcium-indicator dyes using confocal microscopy. Some STOCs seem too large to represent the effect of a single 'spark' and some form of calcium-induced calcium release or 'macrospark' may be involved in their generation. Depletion of calcium stores by caffeine, ryanodine, or by activation of receptors linked to the phospholipase C/inositol trisphosphate system abolishes STOCs. However, low concentrations of caffeine or inositol trisphosphate accelerate STOC discharge by an unknown mechanism and often decrease STOC size presumably by depleting store calcium; similar effects are produced by agents such as cyclopiazonic acid and thapsigargin which inhibit calcium storage mechanisms (largely the SR calcium pump).

Regulation of smooth muscle delayed rectifier K+ channels by protein kinase A

We identified voltage-activated K+ channels in freshly dispersed smooth muscle cells from the circular layer of the canine colon in patch-clamp experiments using 200 nM charybdotoxin to suppress 270-pS Ca2+-activated K+ channels (BK channels). Three channel types were distinguished in symmetrical 140 mM KCl solutions: 19.5 +/- 1.7 pS channels (KDR1), 90.6 +/- 5.4 pS channels (KDR2) and 149 +/- 4 pS intermediate-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels (IK channels). All three types showed an increase in open probability with membrane depolarization. Ensemble average current from KDR1 channels inactivated with a time constant of 1.7 +/- 0.1 s at +60 mV test potential, while KDR2 and IK channels did not show inactivation. IK channels were activated by free cytoplasmic [Ca2+] (10(-6 )M) but were insensitive to 4-aminopyridine (4-AP, 10 mM) and intracellular tetraethylammonium (TEA, 1 mM). KDR1 channels were sensitive to 4-AP (10 mM) and intracellular TEA (1-10 mM) but not to Ca2+. KDR2 channels did not have a consistent pharmacological profile, suggesting that this class may be comprised of several subtypes. At +40 mV membrane potential, the catalytic subunit of protein kinase A (PKA) increased the open probability of KDR1 channels 3.4-fold and of KDR2 channels 3.9-fold, but had no effect on IK channels. In the absence of Mg-ATP, PKA did not affect channel open probabilities. At physiological membrane potentials (-60 mV) only openings of KDR1 channels could be induced by PKA, suggesting that these 4-AP-sensitive 20-pS K+ channels are primarily responsible for the cAMP-mediated hyperpolarization of colonic smooth muscle cells.

Cholinergic inhibition of Ca2+ current in guinea-pig gastric and tracheal smooth muscle cells

1. Cholinergic regulation of L-type Ca2+ channels was investigated in freshly dissociated guinea-pig gastric and tracheal smooth muscle cells. Acetylcholine (ACh, 50 microM) decreased Ca2+ channel current (ICa) by 37 +/- 3% (mean +/- S.E.M., 46 cells). 2. ACh reduced ICa at all voltages, with no shift in the current-voltage relationship. Effects of ACh were rapid (within 5 s) and repeatable, with multiple applications reproducibly inhibiting ICa in the continued presence of extracellular Ca2+ and in the presence of protein kinase C inhibitors. 3. The involvement of Ca2+ stores in this inhibition was investigated using Ca(2+)-free solution or cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) to deplete the stores. ACh initially inhibited ICa in the Ca(2+)-free solution (Na+ as charge carrier, 53 +/- 4% decrease, 18 cells) with subsequent responses significantly attenuated (n = 9). CPA (1 microM) reduced, then abolished, the effects of ACh on ICa (n = 5). 4. When studied in cell-attached patches (Ba2+ as charge carrier), ACh reduced Ca2+ channel open probability in twenty-two of thirty-six cells, consistent with the involvement of a diffusible cytosolic messenger. 5. ACh also inhibited ICa in tracheal muscle cells (reduction of 38 +/- 6% in 1 mM Ca2+, 4 cells; 77 +/- 3% in Ca(2+)-free solution, 7 cells). Furthermore, in cells where ACh elicited oscillating Ca(2+)-activated Cl- current, oscillatory inhibition of ICa was also observed (3 cells). 6. In summary, ACh causes rapid and reversible inhibition of ICa in gastric and tracheal muscles. Ca2+ stores were required to initiate this effect, with the rapid onset and oscillatory inhibition consistent with Ca2+ inhibition of the channel. Suppression of ICa would reduce Ca2+ entry during cholinergic excitation.

Multiple components of delayed rectifier K+ current in canine colonic smooth muscle

1. We investigated the pharmacology and voltage-dependent activation and inactivation kinetics of the 'delayed rectifier' K+ current, IdK, in canine colonic myocytes and developed protocols which separate this current into three distinct components that differ in their kinetics and pharmacology. 2. Block of IdK by TEA or 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) alone was incomplete. Maximal concentrations of TEA or 4-AP blocked 76% (EC50 = 2.6 mM) and 51% (EC50 = 69 mM) of current, respectively. In the presence of 10 mM 4-AP, IdK could be blocked completely by TEA. 3. TEA and 4-AP had distinct effects on current activation: time constants for activation of IdK at +10 mV were 25.6 +/- 4.4 ms under control conditions, 40.3 +/- 7.6 ms in the presence of 10 mM 4-AP and 16.7 +/- 2.3 ms with 10 mM TEA in the bath solution. 4-AP block and removal of block were use dependent, but no frequency dependence or voltage dependence of steady-state block could be detected. These data are consistent with the presence of a rapidly activating 4-AP-sensitive current, IdK(f), and a more slowly activating TEA-sensitive current component, IdK(s). 4. A third component of the delayed rectifier current, IdK(n), was revealed when 10 mM TEA was included in the pipette solution. IdK(n) was rapidly activating, had a membrane potential at half-maximal inactivation (V1/2) for steady-state inactivation 13 mV negative of that for the mixed IdK, was completely insensitive to 4-AP (10 mM) and was blocked by external TEA with an EC50 of 7.7 mM. 5. These data demonstrate that the delayed rectifier current in canine colonic smooth muscle is composed of three currents, IdK(f), IdK(s) and IdK(n). All three currents are insensitive to charybdotoxin (100 nM).

Cloning and characterization of a Kv1.5 delayed rectifier K+ channel from vascular and visceral smooth muscles

We have cloned and characterized the expression of a Kv1.5 K+ channel (cKv1.5) from canine colonic smooth muscle. The amino acid sequence displayed a high level of identity to other K+ channels of the Kv1.5 class in the core region between transmembrane segments S1-S6; however, identity decreased to between 74 and 82% in the NH2 and COOH terminal segments, suggesting that cKv1.5 is a distinct isoform of the Kv1.5 class. Functional expression of cKv1.5 in oocytes demonstrated a channel highly selective for K+, which activates in a voltage-dependent manner on depolarization to membrane potentials positive to -40 mV. At room temperature the channel showed fast activation (time to half of peak current, 5.5 ms) and slow inactivation that was incomplete after 20-s depolarizations. Single channel analysis of the channel expressed in oocytes displayed a linear current-voltage curve and had a slope conductance of 9.8 +/- 1.1 pS. Northern blot analysis demonstrated differential expression of cKv1.5 in smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract and abundant expression in several vascular smooth muscles. We propose that cKv1.5 represents a component of the delayed rectifier current in both vascular and visceral smooth muscles.

Levcromakalim-induced modulation of membrane potassium currents, intracellular calcium and mechanical activity in rat mesenteric artery

In freshly-dispersed cells from rat mesenteric artery, levcromakalim (1 and 10 microM) induced a non-inactivating potassium current (IKCO), an event which was associated with increased current noise. IKCO was fully inhibited in the presence of 10 microM glibenclamide. Stationary fluctuation analysis of the current noise associated with IKCO induced by levcromakalim at a holding potential of -10 mV indicated that the unitary conductance of the underlying K-channels was 10.2 pS at 0 mV under the quasi-physiological conditions of the experiment. In isolated arterioles both levcromakalim (10 nM-10 microM) and nifedipine (10 nM-10 microM) each elicited full, concentration-dependent, parallel reductions of the increases in [Ca2+]i (assessed using fura-2) and tension induced by 10 microM noradrenaline. However, the effects of both drugs on KCl-induced increases in tension and in [Ca2+]i, did not follow a simple relationship. Levcromakalim relaxed KCl- and noradrenaline-induced sustained contractions with a similar potency. This was in contrast to nifedipine which was approximately 20 times more potent against KCl-induced contractions. It is concluded that levcromakalim relaxes rat mesenteric arterioles primarily by the opening of a small conductance, glibenclamide-sensitive K-channel. An additional action of levcromakalim is suggested by its relative inability to suppress the increase in [Ca2+]i produced by 30 mM K(+)-PSS.

Inhibitory effects of cicletanine on smooth muscle in comparison to those of nifedipine and sodium nitroprusside

The inhibitory effect of cicletanine was studied, in comparison to the effects of nifedipine and sodium nitroprusside (SNP), in various types of smooth muscle: portal vein and iliac artery of rabbit; gastric fundus and antrum of rabbit and guinea pig; guinea pig taenia coli and uterus. In all types of tissue the nifedipine-sensitive component (LCA, L-type calcium channel dependent activation) was inhibited by cicletanine (threshold concentration 10(-6) mol/l to 10(-5) mol/l). The nifedipine to resistant component (NLCA) was in some tissues preferentially inhibited by SNP (gastric fundus) and in other tissues preferentially by cicletanine (portal vein), with graded intermediate forms (iliac artery). Consequently, the inhibitory effect of cicletanine on NLCA is different in mechanism to that of SNP. Only papaverine suppressed all types of activation.

Effects of cicletanine on whole-cell currents of single smooth muscle cells from the guinea-pig portal vein

1. Smooth muscle cells of the guinea-pig portal vein were dispersed by enzymatic treatment and recordings of membrane currents were made in the whole-cell mode by the patch-clamp technique. The effects of extracellular application of cicletanine-hydrochloride on the whole-cell currents of isolated smooth muscle cells from the guinea-pig portal vein were studied in solutions containing a normal concentration of calcium (2.5 mM). 2. Cicletanine, 10 to 100 microM, reduced the voltage-dependent inward calcium current with an IC50 of 250 microM. These effects of cicletanine were reversible. 3. The action of cicletanine on calcium currents can be interpreted as a decrease of the availability of calcium channels but not by an alteration of the time course or voltage-dependency of inactivation. 4. The control calcium current was enhanced by application of Bay K 8644. On this enhanced inward current, cicletanine also exerted inhibitory effects which were not use-dependent. 5. Cicletanine, 1 to 100 microM, did not enhance outward potassium currents. 6. It is concluded that at least one component of the vasorelaxant effects of cicletanine is produced by inhibition of calcium currents.

Characterization of potassium currents modulated by BRL 38227 in rat portal vein

1. Smooth muscle cells of the rat portal vein were dispersed by enzymatic treatment and recordings of whole-cell membrane potassium currents were made by the voltage-clamp technique. In isolated cells by use of combined voltage- and current-clamp the effect of BRL 38227 on membrane potential and ionic currents was also studied. 2. BRL 38227 (0.1 to 10 microM) induced a non-inactivating potassium current (IKCO) which developed slowly (900 s to 300 s, respectively) to its full size. These effects of BRL 38227 were reversible. 3. In addition to its K-channel opening properties, BRL 38227 (1 to 10 microM) inhibited the amplitude and changed the activation and inactivation characteristics of a slowly-inactivating, calcium influx-independent, outward potassium current (I(TO)). 4. Application of stationary fluctuation analysis to IKCO, showed a mean single channel current of 0.65 pA at -10 mV under a quasi-physiological potassium gradient. 5. In a combined voltage-clamp/current-clamp configuration, BRL 38227 (1 microM) induced a mean hyperpolarization of 22 mV. 6. The induction of IKCO by BRL 38227 and the associated hyperpolarization were suppressed by glibenclamide (1 to 10 microM) in a concentration-dependent manner. Glibenclamide (1 microM) had no effect on the inhibition of I(TO) by BRL 38227 (1 microM).