Tubular system volume changes in twitch fibres from toad and rat skeletal muscle assessed by confocal microscopy

Measurements of basal d-glucose transport through GLUT1 across the intact plasma membrane of isolated segments from single fast- and slow-twitch skeletal muscle fibres of rat

Aim

To develop a method for direct measurement of the fluorescent d‐glucose analogue 2‐NBDG transport across the plasma membrane of single skeletal muscle fibres and derive the theoretical framework for determining the kinetic parameters for d‐glucose transport under basal conditions.

Methods

A novel method is described for measuring free 2‐NBDG transport across plasma membrane of single rat muscle fibres at rest. The 2‐NBDG uptake was >90% suppressed by 100 µM cytochalasin B in both fast‐twitch and slow‐twitch fibres, indicating that the 2‐NBDG transport is GLUT‐mediated. Fibres were identified as fast‐twitch or slow‐twitch based on the differential sensitivity of their contractile apparatus to Sr²⁺.

Results

The time course of 2‐NBDG uptake in the presence of 50 µM 2‐NBDG follows a one‐phase exponential plateau curve and is faster in fast‐twitch (rate constant 0.053 ± 0.0024 s^‐1) than in slow‐twitch fibres (rate constant 0.031 ± 0.0021 s^‐1). The rate constants were markedly reduced in the presence of 20 mM d‐glucose to 0.0082 ± 0.0004 s^‐1 and 0.0056 ± 0.0002 s^‐1 in fast‐twitch and slow‐twitch fibres respectively. 2‐NBDG transport was asymmetric, consistent with GLUT1 being the major functional GLUT isoform transporting 2‐NBDG in muscle fibres at rest. The parameters describing the transport kinetics for both 2‐NBDG and d‐glucose (dissociation constants, Michaelis–Menten constants, maximal rates of uptake and outflow) were calculated from the measurements made with 2‐NBDG.

Conclusion

Free 2‐NBDG and d‐glucose transport across the plasma membrane of single rat muscle fibres at rest is fast, conclusively showing that the rate‐limiting step in d‐glucose uptake in skeletal muscle is not necessarily the GLUT‐mediated transport of d‐glucose.

The ins and outs of acid-base transport in skeletal muscle

Aalkjær and Nielsen discuss new data revealing the basis of acid–base transport in t-tubules of skeletal muscle.

NHE- and diffusion-dependent proton fluxes across the tubular system membranes of fast-twitch muscle fibers of the rat

The regulation of pH across the t-system membrane of skeletal muscle fibers is poorly understood. Using a sealed tubule preparation, Launikonis et al. reveal Na⁺/H⁺ exchange activity and characterize the properties of the diffusional and NHE proton fluxes across the t-system.

The complex membrane structure of the tubular system (t-system) in skeletal muscle fibers is open to the extracellular environment, which prevents measurements of H⁺ movement across its interface with the cytoplasm by conventional methods. Consequently, little is known about the t-system’s role in the regulation of cytoplasmic pH, which is different from extracellular pH. Here we describe a novel approach to measure H⁺-flux measurements across the t-system of fast-twitch fibers under different conditions. The approach involves loading the t-system of intact rat fast-twitch fibers with a strong pH buffer (20 mM HEPES) and pH-sensitive fluorescent probe (10 mM HPTS) before the t-system is sealed off. The pH changes in the t-system are then tracked by confocal microscopy after rapid changes in cytoplasmic ionic conditions. T-system sealing is achieved by removing the sarcolemma by microdissection (mechanical skinning), which causes the tubules to pinch off and seal tight. After this procedure, the t-system repolarizes to physiological levels and can be electrically stimulated when placed in K⁺-based solutions of cytosolic-like ionic composition. Using this approach, we show that the t-system of fast-twitch skeletal fibers displays amiloride-sensitive Na⁺/H⁺ exchange (NHE), which decreases markedly at alkaline cytosolic pH and has properties similar to that in mammalian cardiac myocytes. We observed mean values for NHE density and proton permeability coefficient of 339 pmol/m² of t-system membrane and 158 µm/s, respectively. We conclude that the cytosolic pH in intact resting muscle can be quantitatively explained with respect to extracellular pH by assuming that these values apply to the t-system membrane and the sarcolemma.

Human skeletal muscle plasmalemma alters its structure to change its Ca2+-handling following heavy-load resistance exercise

High-force eccentric exercise results in sustained increases in cytoplasmic Ca2+ levels ([Ca2+]cyto), which can cause damage to the muscle. Here we report that a heavy-load strength training bout greatly alters the structure of the membrane network inside the fibres, the tubular (t-) system, causing the loss of its predominantly transverse organization and an increase in vacuolation of its longitudinal tubules across adjacent sarcomeres. The transverse tubules and vacuoles displayed distinct Ca2+-handling properties. Both t-system components could take up Ca2+ from the cytoplasm but only transverse tubules supported store-operated Ca2+ entry. The retention of significant amounts of Ca2+ within vacuoles provides an effective mechanism to reduce the total content of Ca2+ within the fibre cytoplasm. We propose this ability can reduce or limit resistance exercise-induced, Ca2+-dependent damage to the fibre by the reduction of [Ca2+]cyto to help maintain fibre viability during the period associated with delayed onset muscle soreness.

A quantitative description of tubular system Ca(2+) handling in fast- and slow-twitch muscle fibres

KEY POINTS

Current methods do not allow a quantitative description of Ca(2+) movements across the tubular (t-) system membrane without isolating the membranes from their native skeletal muscle fibre. Here we present a fluorescence-based method that allows determination of the t-system [Ca(2+) ] transients and derivation of t-system Ca(2+) fluxes in mechanically skinned skeletal muscle fibres. Differences in t-system Ca(2+) -handling properties between fast- and slow-twitch fibres from rat muscle are resolved for the first time using this new technique. The method can be used to study Ca(2+) handling of the t-system and allows direct comparisons of t-system Ca(2+) transients and Ca(2+) fluxes between groups of fibres and fibres from different strains of animals.

ABSTRACT

The tubular (t-) system of skeletal muscle is an internalization of the plasma membrane that maintains a large Ca(2+) gradient and exchanges Ca(2+) between the extracellular and intracellular environments. Little is known of the Ca(2+) -handling properties of the t-system as the small Ca(2+) fluxes conducted are difficult to resolve with conventional methods. To advance knowledge in this area we calibrated t-system-trapped rhod-5N inside skinned fibres from rat and [Ca(2+) ]t-sys , allowing confocal measurements of Ca(2+) -dependent changes in rhod-5N fluorescence during rapid changes in the intracellular ionic environment to be converted to [Ca(2+) ] transients in the t-system ([Ca(2+) ]t-sys (t)). Furthermore, t-system Ca(2+) -buffering power was determined so that t-system Ca(2+) fluxes could be derived from [Ca(2+) ]t-sys (t). With this new approach, we show that rapid depletion of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+) induced a robust store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE) in fast- and slow-twitch fibres, reducing [Ca(2+) ]t-sys to < 0.1 mm. The rapid activation of SOCE upon Ca(2+) release was consistent with the presence of STIM1L in both fibre types. Abruptly introducing internal solutions with 1 mm Mg(2+) and [Ca(2+) ]cyto (28 nm-1.3 μm) to Ca(2+) -depleted fibres generated t-system Ca(2+) uptake rates dependent on [Ca(2+) ]cyto with [Ca(2+) ]t-sys reaching final plateaus in the millimolar range. For the same [Ca(2+) ]cyto , t-system Ca(2+) fluxes of fast-twitch fibres were greater than that in slow-twitch fibres. In addition, simultaneous imaging of t-system and SR Ca(2+) signals indicated that both membrane compartments accumulated Ca(2+) at similar rates and that SOCE was activated early during SR Ca(2+) depletion.

Colocalization properties of elementary Ca(2+) release signals with structures specific to the contractile filaments and the tubular system of intact mouse skeletal muscle fibers

Ca(2+) regulates several important intracellular processes. We combined second harmonic generation (SHG) and two photon excited fluorescence microscopy (2PFM) to simultaneously record the SHG signal of the myosin filaments and localized elementary Ca(2+) release signals (LCSs). We found LCSs associated with Y-shaped structures of the myosin filament pattern (YMs), so called verniers, in intact mouse skeletal muscle fibers under hypertonic treatment. Ion channels crucial for the Ca(2+) regulation are located in the tubular system, a system that is important for Ca(2+) regulation and excitation-contraction coupling. We investigated the tubular system of intact, living mouse skeletal muscle fibers using 2PFM and the fluorescent Ca(2+) indicator Fluo-4 dissolved in the external solution or the membrane dye di-8-ANEPPS. We simultaneously measured the SHG signal from the myosin filaments of the skeletal muscle fibers. We found that at least a subset of the YMs observed in SHG images are closely juxtaposed with Y-shaped structures of the transverse tubules (YTs). The distances of corresponding YMs and YTs yield values between 1.3 μm and 4.1 μm including pixel uncertainty with a mean distance of 2.52±0.10 μm (S.E.M., n=41). Additionally, we observed that some of the linear-shaped areas in the tubular system are colocalized with linear-shaped areas in the SHG images.

Excitation of skeletal muscle is a self-limiting process, due to run-down of Na+, K+ gradients, recoverable by stimulation of the Na+, K+ pumps

The general working hypothesis of this study was that muscle fatigue and force recovery depend on passive and active fluxes of Na⁺ and K⁺. This is tested by examining the time-course of excitation-induced fluxes of Na⁺ and K⁺ during 5–300 sec of 10–60 Hz continuous electrical stimulation in rat extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles in vitro and in vivo using ²²Na and flame photometric determination of Na⁺ and K⁺. 60 sec of 60 Hz stimulation rapidly increases ²²Na influx, during the initial phase (0–15 sec) by 0.53 μmol(sec)⁻¹(g wet wt.)⁻¹, sixfold faster than in the later phase (15–60 sec). These values agree with flame photometric measurements of Na⁺ content. The progressive reduction in the rate of excitation-induced Na⁺ uptake is likely to reflect gradual loss of excitability due to accumulation of K⁺ in the extracellular space and t-tubules leading to depolarization. This is in keeping with the concomitant progressive loss of contractile force previously demonstrated. During electrical stimulation rat muscles rapidly reach high rates of active Na⁺, K⁺-transport (in EDL muscles a sevenfold increase and in soleus muscles a 22-fold increase), allowing efficient and selective compensation for the large excitation-induced passive Na⁺, K⁺-fluxes demonstrated over the latest decades. The excitation-induced changes in passive fluxes of Na⁺ and K⁺ are both clearly larger than previously observed. The excitation-induced reduction in [Na⁺]_o contributes considerably to the inhibitory effect of elevated [K⁺]_o. In conclusion, excitation-induced passive and active Na⁺ and K⁺ fluxes are important causes of muscle fatigue and force recovery, respectively.

Structural origin of the drastic modification of second harmonic generation intensity pattern occurring in tail muscles of climax stages xenopus tadpoles

Second harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy is a powerful tool for studying submicron architecture of muscles tissues. Using this technique, we show that the canonical single frequency sarcomeric SHG intensity pattern (SHG-IP) of premetamorphic xenopus tadpole tail muscles is converted to double frequency (2f) sarcomeric SHG-IP in metamorphic climax stages due to massive physiological muscle proteolysis. This conversion was found to rise from 7% in premetamorphic muscles to about 97% in fragmented muscular apoptotic bodies. Moreover a 66% conversion was also found in non-fragmented metamorphic tail muscles. Also, a strong correlation between predominant 2f sarcomeric SHG-IPs and myofibrillar misalignment is established with electron microscopy. Experimental and theoretical results demonstrate the higher sensitivity and the supra resolution power of SHG microscopy over TPEF to reveal 3D myofibrillar misalignment. From this study, we suggest that 2f sarcomeric SHG-IP could be used as signature of triad defect and disruption of excitation-contraction coupling. As the mechanism of muscle proteolysis is similar to that found in mdx mouse muscles, we further suggest that xenopus tadpole tail resorption at climax stages could be used as an alternative or complementary model of Duchene muscular dystrophy.

The determinants of transverse tubular volume in resting skeletal muscle

The transverse tubular (t)-system of skeletal muscle couples sarcolemmal electrical excitation with contraction deep within the fibre. Exercise, pathology and the composition of the extracellular fluid (ECF) can alter t-system volume (t-volume). T-volume changes are thought to contribute to fatigue, rhabdomyolysis and disruption of excitation–contraction coupling. However, mechanisms that underlie t-volume changes are poorly understood. A multicompartment, history-independent computer model of rat skeletal muscle was developed to define the minimum conditions for t-volume stability. It was found that the t-system tends to swell due to net ionic fluxes from the ECF across the access resistance. However, a stable t-volume is possible when this is offset by a net efflux from the t-system to the cell and thence to the ECF, forming a net ion cycle ECF→t-system→sarcoplasm→ECF that ultimately depends on Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase activity. Membrane properties that maximize this circuit flux decrease t-volume, including P_Na(t) > P_Na(s), P_K(t) < P_K(s) and N_(t) < N_(s) [P, permeability; N, Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase density; (t), t-system membrane; (s), sarcolemma]. Hydrostatic pressures, fixed charges and/or osmoles in the t-system can influence the magnitude of t-volume changes that result from alterations in this circuit flux. Using a parameter set derived from literature values where possible, this novel theory of t-volume was tested against data from previous experiments where t-volume was measured during manipulations of ECF composition. Predicted t-volume changes correlated satisfactorily. The present work provides a robust, unifying theoretical framework for understanding the determinants of t-volume.

Three-dimensional reconstruction and analysis of the tubular system of vertebrate skeletal muscle

Skeletal muscle fibres are very large and elongated. In response to excitation there must be a rapid and uniform release of Ca(2+) throughout for contraction. To ensure a uniform spread of excitation throughout the fibre to all the Ca(2+) release sites, the muscle internalizes the plasma membrane, to form the tubular (t-) system. Hence the t-system forms a complex and dense network throughout the fibre that is responsible for excitation-contraction coupling and other signalling mechanisms. However, we currently do not have a very detailed view of this membrane network because of limitations in previously used imaging techniques to visualize it. In this study we serially imaged fluorescent dye trapped in the t-system of fibres from rat and toad muscle using the confocal microscope, and deconvolved and reconstructed these images to produce the first three-dimensional reconstructions of large volumes of the vertebrate t-system. These images showed complex arrangements of tubules that have not been described previously and also allowed the association of the t-system with cellular organelles to be visualized. There was a high density of tubules close to the nuclear envelope because of the close and parallel alignment of the long axes of the myofibrils and the nuclei. Furthermore local fluorescence intensity variations from sub-resolution tubules were converted to tubule diameters. Mean diameters of tubules were 85.9±6.6 and 91.2±8.2 nm, from rat and toad muscle under isotonic conditions, respectively. Under osmotic stress the distribution of tubular diameters shifted significantly in toad muscle only, with change specifically occurring in the transverse but not longitudinal tubules.

Mechanical modulation of the transverse tubular system of ventricular cardiomyocytes

In most mammalian cardiomyocytes, the transverse tubular system (t-system) is a major site for electrical signaling and excitation-contraction coupling. The t-system consists of membrane invaginations, which are decorated with various proteins involved in excitation-contraction coupling and mechano-electric feedback. Remodeling of the t-system has been reported for cells in culture and various types of heart disease. In this paper, we provide insights into effects of mechanical strain on the t-system in rabbit left ventricular myocytes. Based on fluorescent labeling, three-dimensional scanning confocal microscopy, and digital image analysis, we studied living and fixed isolated cells in different strain conditions. We extracted geometric features of transverse tubules (t-tubules) and characterized their arrangement with respect to the Z-disk. In addition, we studied the t-system in cells from hearts fixed either at zero left ventricular pressure (slack), at 30 mmHg (volume overload), or during lithium-induced contracture, using transmission electron microscopy. Two-dimensional image analysis was used to extract features of t-tubule cross-sections. Our analyses of confocal microscopic images showed that contracture at the cellular level causes deformation of the t-system, increasing the length and volume of t-tubules, and altering their cross-sectional shape. TEM data reconfirmed the presence of mechanically induced changes in t-tubular cross sections. In summary, our studies suggest that passive longitudinal stretching and active contraction of ventricular cardiomyocytes affect the geometry of t-tubules. This confirms that mechanical changes at cellular levels could promote alterations in partial volumes that would support a convection-assisted mode of exchange between the t-system content and extracellular space.

Longitudinal and transversal propagation of excitation along the tubular system of rat fast-twitch muscle fibres studied by high speed confocal microscopy

Mammalian skeletal muscle fibres possess a tubular (t-) system that consists of regularly spaced transverse elements which are also connected in the longitudinal direction. This tubular network provides a pathway for the propagation of action potentials (APs) both radially and longitudinally within the fibre, but little is known about the actual radial and longitudinal AP conduction velocities along the tubular network in mammalian skeletal muscle fibres. The aim of this study was to track AP propagation within the t-system network of fast-twitch rat muscle fibres with high spatio-temporal resolution when the t-system was isolated from the surface membrane. For this we used high speed confocal imaging of AP-induced Ca(2+) release in contraction-suppressed mechanically skinned fast-twitch fibres where the t-system can be electrically excited in the absence of the surface membrane. Supramaximal field pulses normally elicited a synchronous AP-induced release of Ca(2+) along one side of the fibre axis which propagated uniformly across the fibre. In some cases up to 80 or more adjacent transverse tubules failed to be excited by the field pulse, while adjacent areas responded with normal Ca(2+) release. In these cases a continuous front of Ca(2+) release with an angle to the scanning line was observed due to APs propagating longitudinally. From these observations the radial/transversal and longitudinal AP conduction velocities along the tubular network deeper in the fibre under our conditions (19 ± 1°C) ranged between 8 and 11 μm ms(-1) and 5 to 9 μm ms(-1), respectively, using different methods of estimation. The longitudinal propagation of APs appeared to be markedly faster closer to the edge of the fibre, in agreement with the presence of dense longitudinal connections immediately below the surface of the fibre and more sparse connections at deeper planes within the fibre. During long trains of closely spaced field pulses the AP-elicited Ca(2+) releases became non-synchronous along the fibre axis. This is most likely caused by local tubular K(+) accumulation that produces local depolarization and local slowing of AP propagation. Longitudinally propagating APs may reduce such inhomogeneities by exciting areas of delayed AP onset. Clearly, the longitudinal tubular pathways within the fibre for excitation are used as a safety mechanism in situations where a local depolarization obstructs immediate excitation from the sarcolemma. Results obtained from this study also provide an explanation for the pattern of contractures observed in rippling muscle disease.

Strain transfer in ventricular cardiomyocytes to their transverse tubular system revealed by scanning confocal microscopy

The transverse tubular system (t-system) is a major site for signaling in mammalian ventricular cardiomyocytes including electrical signaling and excitation-contraction coupling. It consists of membrane invaginations, which are decorated with various proteins including mechanosensitive ion channels. Here, we investigated mechanical modulation of the t-system. By applying fluorescent markers, three-dimensional scanning confocal microscopy, and methods of digital image analysis, we studied isolated ventricular cardiomyocytes under different strains. We demonstrate that strain at the cellular level is transmitted to the t-system, reducing the length and volume of tubules and altering their cross-sectional shape. Our data suggest that a cellular strain of as little as 5% affects the shape of transverse tubules, which has important implications for the function of mechanosensitive ion channels found in them. Furthermore, our study supports a prior hypothesis that strain can cause fluid exchange between the t-system and extracellular space.

Inhibitory control over Ca(2+) sparks via mechanosensitive channels is disrupted in dystrophin deficient muscle but restored by mini-dystrophin expression

BACKGROUND

In dystrophic skeletal muscle, osmotic stimuli somehow relieve inhibitory control of dihydropyridine receptors (DHPR) on spontaneous sarcoplasmic reticulum elementary Ca(2+) release events (ECRE) in high Ca(2+) external environments. Such 'uncontrolled' Ca(2+) sparks were suggested to act as dystrophic signals. They may be related to mechanosensitive pathways but the mechanisms are elusive. Also, it is not known whether truncated dystrophins can correct the dystrophic disinhibition.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

We recorded ECRE activity in single intact fibers from adult wt, mdx and mini-dystrophin expressing mice (MinD) under resting isotonic conditions and following hyper-/hypo-osmolar external shock using confocal microscopy and imaging techniques. Isotonic ECRE frequencies were small in wt and MinD fibers, but were markedly increased in mdx fibers. Osmotic challenge dramatically increased ECRE activity in mdx fibers. Sustained osmotic challenge induced marked exponential ECRE activity adaptation that was three times faster in mdx compared to wt and MinD fibers. Rising external Ca(2+) concentrations amplified osmotic ECRE responses. The eliminated ECRE suppression in intact osmotically stressed mdx fibers was completely and reversibly resuscitated by streptomycine (200 microM), spider peptide GsMTx-4 (5 microM) and Gd(3+) (20 microM) that block unspecific, specific cationic and Ca(2+) selective mechanosensitive channels (MsC), respectively. ECRE morphology was not substantially altered by membrane stress. During hyperosmotic challenge, membrane potentials were polarised and a putative depolarisation through aberrant MsC negligible excluding direct activation of ECRE through tubular depolarisation.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

Dystrophin suppresses spontaneous ECRE activity by control of mechanosensitive pathways which are suggested to interact with the inhibitory DHPR loop to the ryanodine receptor. MsC-related disinhibition prevails in dystrophic muscle and can be resuscitated by transgenic mini-dystrophin expression. Our results have important implications for the pathophysiology of DMD where abnormal MsC in dystrophic muscle confer disruption of microdomain Ca(2+) homeostasis. MsC blockers should have considerable therapeutic potential if more muscle specific compounds can be found.

The accessibility and interconnectivity of the tubular system network in toad skeletal muscle

The tubular (t) system is essential for normal function of skeletal muscle fibre, acting as a conduit for molecules and ions within the cell. However, t system accessibility and interconnectivity have been mainly assessed in fixed cells where the t system no longer fully represents that of the living cell. Here, fluorescent dyes of different diameter were allowed to equilibrate within the t system of intact fibres from toad, mechanically skinned to trap the dyes, and then imaged using confocal microscopy to investigate t system accessibility and interconnectivity. Dual imaging of rhod-2 and a 500 kDa fluorescein dextran identified regions throughout the t system that differed in the accessibility to molecules of different molecular weight. Restrictions within the t system lumen occurred at the junctions of the longitudinal and transverse tubules and also where a transverse tubule split into two tubules to maintain their alignment with Z-lines of adjacent mis-registered sarcomeres. Thus, three types of tubule, transverse, longitudinal and Z, can be identified by their lumenal diameter in this network. The latter we define for the first time as a tubule with a narrow lumen that is responsible for the change in register. Stretch-induced t system vacuolation showed exclusive access of rhod-2 to these structures indicating their origin was the longitudinal tubules. Exposing the sealed t system to highly hypertonic solution reversed vacuolation of longitudinal tubules and also revealed that these tubules are not collapsible. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) measurements of t system-trapped fluo-5 N showed interconnectivity through the t system along the axis of the fibre. However, diffusion occurred at a rate slower than expected given the known number of longitudinal tubules linking adjacent transverse tubules. This could be explained by the observed narrow opening to the longitudinal tubules from transverse tubules, reducing the effective cross-sectional area in which molecules could move within the t system.

L-type Ca2+ channel function is linked to dystrophin expression in mammalian muscle

Background

In dystrophic mdx skeletal muscle, aberrant Ca²⁺ homeostasis and fibre degeneration are found. The absence of dystrophin in models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) has been connected to altered ion channel properties e.g. impaired L-type Ca²⁺ currents. In regenerating mdx muscle, ‘revertant’ fibres restore dystrophin expression. Their functionality involving DHPR-Ca²⁺-channels is elusive.

Methods and Results

We developed a novel ‘in-situ’ confocal immuno-fluorescence and imaging technique that allows, for the first time, quantitative subcellular dystrophin-DHPR colocalization in individual, non-fixed, muscle fibres. Tubular DHPR signals alternated with second harmonic generation signals originating from myosin. Dystrophin-DHPR colocalization was substantial in wt fibres, but diminished in most mdx fibres. Mini-dystrophin (MinD) expressing fibres successfully restored colocalization. Interestingly, in some aged mdx fibres, colocalization was similar to wt fibres. Most mdx fibres showed very weak membrane dystrophin staining and were classified ‘mdx-like’. Some mdx fibres, however, had strong ‘wt-like’ dystrophin signals and were identified as ‘revertants’. Split mdx fibres were mostly ‘mdx-like’ and are not generally ‘revertants’. Correlations between membrane dystrophin and DHPR colocalization suggest a restored putative link in ‘revertants’. Using the two-micro-electrode-voltage clamp technique, Ca²⁺-current amplitudes (i_max) showed very similar behaviours: reduced amplitudes in most aged mdx fibres (as seen exclusively in young mdx mice) and a few mdx fibres, most likely ‘revertants’, with amplitudes similar to wt or MinD fibres. Ca²⁺ current activation curves were similar in ‘wt-like’ and ‘mdx-like’ aged mdx fibres and are not the cause for the differences in current amplitudes. i_max amplitudes were fully restored in MinD fibres.

Conclusions

We present evidence for a direct/indirect DHPR-dystrophin interaction present in wt, MinD and ‘revertant’ mdx fibres but absent in remaining mdx fibres. Our imaging technique reliably detects single isolated ‘revertant’ fibres that could be used for subsequent physiological experiments to study mechanisms and therapy concepts in DMD.

Conduction velocities in amphibian skeletal muscle fibres exposed to hyperosmotic extracellular solutions

Early quantitative analyses of conduction velocities in unmyelinated nerve studied in a constantly iso-osmotic volume conductor were extended to an analysis of the effects of varying extracellular osmolarities on conduction velocities of surface membrane action potentials in Rana esculenta skeletal muscle fibres. Previous papers had reported that skeletal muscle fibres exposed to a wide range of extracellular sucrose concentrations resemble perfect osmometers with increased extracellular osmolarity proportionally decreasing fibre volume and therefore diminishing fibre radius, a. However, classical electrolyte theory (Robinson and Stokes 1959, Electrolyte solutions 2nd edn. Butterworth & Co. pp 41–42) would then predict that the consequent increases in intracellular ionic strength would correspondingly decrease sarcoplasmic resistivity, R_i. An extension of the original cable analysis then demonstrated that the latter would precisely offset its expected effect of alterations in a on the fibre axial resistance, r_i, and leave action potential conduction velocity constant. In contrast, other reports (Hodgkin and Nakajima J Physiol 221:105–120, 1972) had suggested that R_iincreased with extracellular osmolarity, owing to alterations in cytosolic viscosity. This led to a prediction of a decreased conduction velocity. These opposing hypotheses were then tested in muscle fibres subject to just-suprathreshold stimulation at a Vaseline seal at one end and measuring action potentials and their first order derivatives, dV/dt, using 5–20 MΩ, 3 M KCl glass microelectrodes at defined distances away from the stimulus sites. Exposures to hyperosmotic, sucrose-containing, Ringer solutions then reversibly reduced both conduction velocity and maximum values of dV/dt. This was compatible with an increase in R_i in the event that conduction depended upon a discharge of membrane capacitance by propagating local circuit currents through initially passive electrical elements. Conduction velocity then showed graded decreases with increasing extracellular osmolarity from 250–750 mOsm. Action potential waveforms through these osmolarity changes remained similar, including both early surface and the late after-depolarisation events reflecting transverse tubular activation. Quantitative comparisons of reduced-χ ² values derived from a comparison of these results and the differing predictions from the two hypotheses strongly favoured the hypothesis in which R_iincreased rather than decreased with hyperosmolarity.

Dynamic regulation of the large exocytotic fusion pore in pancreatic acinar cells

Loss of granule content during exocytosis requires the opening of a fusion pore between the secretory granule and plasma membrane. In a variety of secretory cells, this fusion pore has now been shown to subsequently close. However, it is still unclear how pore closure is physiologically regulated and contentious as to how closure relates to granule content loss. Here, we examine the behavior of the fusion pore during zymogen granule exocytosis in pancreatic acinar cells. By using entry of high-molecular-weight dyes from the extracellular solution into the granule lumen, we show that the fusion pore has a diameter of 29-55 nm. We further show that by 5 min after granule fusion, many granules have a closed fusion pore with evidence indicating that pore closure is a prelude to endocytosis and that in granules with a closed fusion pore the chymotrypsinogen content is low. Finally, we show that latrunculin B treatment promotes pore closure, suggesting F-actin affects pore dynamics. Together, our data do not support the classical view in acinar cells that exocytosis ends with granule collapse. Instead, for many granules the fusion pore closes, probably as a transition to endocytosis, and likely involving an F-actin-dependent mechanism.

Store-operated Ca2+ entry during intracellular Ca2+ release in mammalian skeletal muscle

Store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) is activated following the depletion of internal Ca2+ stores in virtually all eukaryotic cells. Shifted excitation and emission ratioing of fluorescence (SEER) was used to image mag-indo-1 trapped in the tubular (t) system of mechanically skinned rat skeletal muscle fibres to measure SOCE during intracellular Ca2+ release. Cytosolic Ca2+ transients were simultaneously imaged using the fluorescence of rhod-2. Spatially and temporally resolved images of t system [Ca2+] ([Ca2+]t-sys) allowed estimation of Ca2+ entry flux from the rate of decay of [Ca2+]t-sys. Ca2+ release was induced pharmacologically to activate SOCE without voltage-dependent contributions to Ca2+ flux. Inward Ca2+ flux was monotonically dependent on the [Ca2+] gradient, and strongly dependent on the transmembrane potential. The activation of SOCE was controlled locally. It could occur without full Ca2+ store depletion and in less than a second after initiation of store depletion. These results indicate that the molecular agonists of SOCE must be evenly distributed throughout the junctional membranes and can activate rapidly. Termination of SOCE required a net increase in [Ca2+]SR. Activation and termination of SOCE are also demonstrated, for the first time, during a single event of Ca2+ release. At the physiological [Ca2+]t-sys, near 2 mM (relative to t system volume), SOCE flux relative to accessible cytoplasmic volume was at least 18.6 microM s(-1), consistent with times of SR refilling of 1-2 min measured in intact muscle fibres.

Systemic ablation of RyR3 alters Ca2+ spark signaling in adult skeletal muscle

Ca2+ sparks are localized intracellular Ca2+ release events from the sarcoplasmic reticulum in muscle cells that result from synchronized opening of ryanodine receptors (RyR). In mammalian skeletal muscle, RyR1 is the predominant isoform present in adult skeletal fibers, while some RyR3 is expressed during development. Functional studies have revealed a differential role for RyR1 and RyR3 in the overall Ca2+ signaling in skeletal muscle, but the contribution of these two isoforms to Ca2+ sparks in adult mammalian skeletal muscle has not been fully examined. When enzyme-disassociated, individual adult skeletal muscle fibers are exposed to an osmotic shock, the resting fiber converts from a quiescent to a highly active Ca2+ release state where Ca2+ sparks appear proximal to the sarcolemmal membrane. These osmotic shock-induced Ca2+ sparks occur in ryr3(-/-) muscle with a spatial distribution similar to that seen in wild type muscle. Kinetic analysis reveals that systemic ablation of RyR3 results in significant changes to the initiation, duration and amplitude of individual Ca2+ sparks in muscle fibers. These changes may reflect the adaptation of the muscle Ca2+ signaling or contractile machinery due to the loss of RyR3 expression in distal tissues, as biochemical assays identify significant changes in expression of myosin heavy chain protein in ryr3(-/-) muscle.

Alterations in triad ultrastructure following repetitive stimulation and intracellular changes associated with exercise in amphibian skeletal muscle

This study used Rana temporaria sartorius muscles to examine the effect of fatiguing electrical stimulation on the gap between the T-tubular and sarcoplasmic reticular membranes (T-SR distance) and the T-tubule diameter and compared this with corresponding effects on resting fibres exposed to a range of extracellular conditions that each replicate one of the major changes associated with muscular activity: membrane depolarisation, isotonic volume increase, acidification and intracellular lactate accumulation. Following each treatment, muscles were immersed in isotonic fixative solution and processed for transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Mean T-SR distances were estimated from orthogonal intercepts to provide estimates of diffusion distances between T and SR membranes and T-tubule diameter was estimated by measuring its shortest axis in the sampled J-SR complexes. Measurements from muscles fatigued by low frequency intermittent stimulation showed significant (P << 0.05) reversible increases in both T-SR distance and T-tubule diameter from 15.97 ± 0.37 nm to 20.15 ± 0.56 nm and from 15.44 ± 0.60 nm to 22.26 ± 0.84 nm (n = 40, 30) respectively. Exposure to increasing concentrations of extracellular [K⁺] in the absence of Cl⁻ to produce membrane depolarisation without accompanying cell swelling reduced T-SR distance and increased T-tubule diameter, whilst comparable increases in [K⁺]_e in the presence of Cl⁻ suggested that isotonic cell swelling has the opposite effect. Acidification alone, produced by NH₄Cl addition and withdrawal, also decreased T-SR distance and T-tubule diameter. A similar reduction in T-SR distance occurred following exposure to extracellular Na-lactate where such acidification was accompanied by elevations of intracellular lactate, but these conditions produced a significant swelling of T-tubules attributable to movement of lactate from the cell into the T-tubules. This study thus confirms previous reports of significant increases in T-SR distance and T-tubule diameter following stimulation. However, of membrane depolarisation, isotonic cell swelling, intracellular acidification and lactate accumulation, only isotonic cell swelling increases T-SR distance whilst membrane depolarisation and intracellular lactate likely contribute to the observed increases in T-tubule diameter.

Tubular system excitability: an essential component of excitation–contraction coupling in fast-twitch fibres of vertebrate skeletal muscle

The tubular (t-) system is the main interface between the myoplasm and the extracellular environment and is responsible for the rapid inward spread of excitation from the sarcolemma to the inner parts of the skeletal muscle fibre as well as for signal transfer to the sarcoplasmic reticulum to release Ca2+ that, in turn, activates the contractile apparatus. In this review, I explore the insights provided by the mechanically skinned muscle fibre preparation to the better understanding of the importance of the t-system excitability in determining the force response under physiologically relevant conditions. In the mechanically skinned muscle fibre, the t-system seals off after is physically separated from the sarcolemma and its excitability can be investigated by electrical stimulation under controlled conditions. Parameters that can be assessed include the threshold for action potential generation, specific electrical resistance and time constant of the tubular wall, quantity of charge transferred during an action potential, refractory period, length constant and velocity of excitation propagation. Results obtained with mechanically skinned fibres from fast-twitch muscles show that decreased t-system excitability does not necessarily translate into reduced force output, but for any particular set of physiologically relevant conditions there is a level below which a further decrease in t-system excitability markedly decreases the force output. There are several built-in mechanisms linked to the metabolic/energetic state of the muscle fibre which prevent complete action potential failure in the t-system, thus allowing the muscle to respond to nerve stimulation, even if the response becomes markedly attenuated.

Effect of repetitive stimulation on cell volume and its relationship to membrane potential in amphibian skeletal muscle

The effect of electrical stimulation on cell volume, V (c), and its relationship to membrane potential, E (m), was investigated in Rana temporaria striated muscle. Confocal microscope xz-plane scanning and histology of plastic sections independently demonstrated significant and reversible increases in V (c) of 19.8+/-0.62% (n=3) and 27.1+/-8.62% (n=3), respectively, after a standard stimulation protocol. Microelectrode measurements demonstrated an accompanying membrane potential change, DeltaE (m), of +23.6+/-0.98 mV (n=3). The extent to which this DeltaE (m) might contribute to the observed changes in V (c) was explored in quiescent muscle exposed to variations in extracellular potassium concentration, [K(+)](e). E (m) and V (c) varied linearly with log [K(+)](e) and [K(+)](e), respectively, in the range 2.5-15 mM (R (2)=0.99 and 0.96), and these results were used to reconstruct an approximately linear relationship between V (c) and E (m) (DeltaV (c)=0.85E (m)+68.53; R (2)=0.99) and hence derive the DeltaV (c) expected from the DeltaE (m) during stimulation. This demonstrated that both the time course and magnitude of the increase and recovery of V (c) observed in active muscles could be reproduced by the corresponding [K(+)](e)-induced depolarisation in quiescent muscles, suggesting that the depolarisation associated with membrane activity makes a substantial contribution to the cell swelling during exercise. Furthermore, conditions of Cl(-) deprivation abolished the relationship between E (m) and V (c), supporting a mechanism in which the depolarisation of E (m) drives a passive redistribution of Cl(-) and hence cellular entry of Cl(-) and K(+) and an accompanying, osmotically driven, increase in V (c).

Regulation of Ca2+ sparks by Ca2+ and Mg2+ in mammalian and amphibian muscle. An RyR isoform-specific role in excitation-contraction coupling?

Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ are important mediators and regulators of intracellular Ca²⁺ signaling in muscle. The effects of changes of cytosolic [Ca²⁺] or [Mg²⁺] on elementary Ca²⁺ release events were determined, as functions of concentration and time, in single fast-twitch permeabilized fibers of rat and frog. Ca²⁺ sparks were identified and their parameters measured in confocal images of fluo-4 fluorescence. Solutions with different [Ca²⁺] or [Mg²⁺] were rapidly exchanged while imaging. Faster and spatially homogeneous changes of [Ca²⁺] (reaching peaks >100 μM) were achieved by photolysing Ca NP-EGTA with laser flashes. In both species, incrementing cytosolic [Ca²⁺] caused a steady, nearly proportional increase in spark frequency, reversible upon [Ca²⁺] reduction. A greater change in spark frequency, usually transient, followed sudden increases in [Ca²⁺] after a lag of 100 ms or more. The nonlinearity, lag, and other features of this delayed effect suggest that it requires increase of [Ca²⁺] inside the SR. In the frog only, increases in cytosolic [Ca²⁺] often resulted, after a lag, in sparks that propagated transversally. An increase in [Mg²⁺] caused a fall of spark frequency, but with striking species differences. In the rat, but not the frog, sparks were observed at 4–40 mM [Mg²⁺]. Reducing [Mg²⁺] below 2 mM, which should enable the RyR channel's activation (CICR) site to bind Ca²⁺, caused progressive increase in spark frequency in the frog, but had no effect in the rat. Spark propagation and enhancement by sub-mM Mg²⁺ are hallmarks of CICR. Their absence in the rat suggests that CICR requires RyR3 para-junctional clusters, present only in the frog. The observed frequency of sparks corresponds to a channel open probability of 10⁻⁷ in the frog or 10⁻⁸ in the rat. Together with the failure of photorelease to induce activation directly, this indicates a basal inhibition of channels in situ. It is proposed that relief of this inhibition could be the mechanism by which increased SR load increases spark frequency.

Osmotic properties of the sealed tubular system of toad and rat skeletal muscle

A method was developed that allows conversion of changes in maximum Ca(2+)-dependent fluorescence of a fixed amount of fluo-3 into volume changes of the fluo-3-containing solution. This method was then applied to investigate by confocal microscopy the osmotic properties of the sealed tubular (t-) system of toad and rat mechanically skinned fibers in which a certain amount of fluo-3 was trapped. When the osmolality of the myoplasmic environment was altered by simple dilution or addition of sucrose within the range 190-638 mosmol kg(-1), the sealed t-system of toad fibers behaved almost like an ideal osmometer, changing its volume inverse proportionally to osmolality. However, increasing the osmolality above 638 to 2,550 mosmol kg(-1) caused hardly any change in t-system volume. In myoplasmic solutions made hypotonic to 128 mosmol kg(-1), a loss of Ca(2+) from the sealed t-system of toad fibers occurred, presumably through either stretch-activated cationic channels or store-operated Ca(2+) channels. In contrast to the behavior of the t-system in toad fibers, the volume of the sealed t-system of rat fibers changed little (by <20%) when the osmolality of the myoplasmic environment changed between 210 and 2,800 mosmol kg(-1). Results were also validated with calcein. Clear differences between rat and toad fibers were also found with respect to the t-system permeability for glycerol. Thus, glycerol equilibrated across the rat t-system within seconds to minutes, but was not equilibrated across the t-system of toad fibers even after 20 min. These results have broad implications for understanding osmotic properties of the t-system and reversible vacuolation in muscle fibers. Furthermore, we observed for the first time in mammalian fibers an orderly lateral shift of the t-system networks whereby t-tubule networks to the left of the Z-line crossover to become t-tubule networks to the right of the Z-line in the adjacent sarcomere (and vice versa). This orderly rearrangement can provide a pathway for longitudinal continuity of the t-system along the fiber axis.

MHC-based fiber type and E-C coupling characteristics in mechanically skinned muscle fibers of the rat

In this study, we investigated whether the previously established differences between fast- and slow-twitch single skeletal muscle fibers of the rat, in terms of myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoform composition and contractile function, are also detectable in excitation-contraction (E-C) coupling. We compared the contractile responsiveness of electrophoretically typed, mechanically skinned single fibers from the soleus (Sol), the extensor digitorum longus (EDL), and the white region of the sternomastoid (SM) muscle to t-system depolarization-induced activation. The quantitative parameters assessed were the amplitude of the maximum depolarization-induced force response (DIFR(max); normalized to the maximum Ca(2+)-activated force in that fiber) and the number of responses elicited until the force declined by 75% of DIFR(max) (R-D(75%)). The mean DIFR(max) values for type IIB EDL and type IIB SM fibers were not statistically different, and both were greater than the mean DIFR(max) for type I Sol fibers. The mean R-D(75%) for type IIB EDL fibers was greater than that for type I Sol fibers as well as type IIB SM fibers. These data suggest that E-C coupling characteristics of mechanically skinned rat single muscle fibers are related to MHC-based fiber type and the muscle of origin.

Identification of the coupling between skeletal muscle store-operated Ca2+ entry and the inositol trisphosphate receptor

Examination of store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOC) in single, mechanically skinned skeletal muscle cells by confocal microscopy shows that the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP(3)) receptor acts as a sarcoplasmic reticulum [Ca(2+)] sensor and mediates SOC by physical coupling without playing a key role in Ca(2+) release from internal stores, as is the case with various cell types in which SOC was investigated previously. The results have broad implications for understanding the mechanism of SOC that is essential for cell function in general and muscle function in particular. Moreover, the study ascribes an important role to the IP(3) receptors in skeletal muscle, the role of which with respect to Ca(2+) homeostasis was ill defined until now.