Regulation of L-type calcium current by intracellular magnesium in rat cardiac myocytes

The unexplored role of alkali and alkaline earth elements (ALAEs) on the structure, processing, and biological effects of bioactive glasses

Bioactive glass has been employed in several medical applications since its inception in 1969. The compositions of these materials have been investigated extensively with emphasis on glass network formers, therapeutic transition metals, and glass network modifiers. Through these experiments, several commercial and experimental compositions have been developed with varying chemical durability, induced physiological responses, and hydroxyapatite forming abilities. In many of these studies, the concentrations of each alkali and alkaline earth element have been altered to monitor changes in structure and biological response. This review aims to discuss the impact of each alkali and alkaline earth element on the structure, processing, and biological effects of bioactive glass. We explore critical questions regarding these elements from both a glass science and biological perspective. Should elements with little biological impact be included? Are alkali free bioactive glasses more promising for greater biological responses? Does this mixed alkali effect show increased degradation rates and should it be employed for optimized dissolution? Each of these questions along with others are evaluated comprehensively and discussed in the final section where guidance for compositional design is provided.

Magnesium: Biochemistry, Nutrition, Detection, and Social Impact of Diseases Linked to Its Deficiency

Magnesium plays an important role in many physiological functions. Habitually low intakes of magnesium and in general the deficiency of this micronutrient induce changes in biochemical pathways that can increase the risk of illness and, in particular, chronic degenerative diseases. The assessment of magnesium status is consequently of great importance, however, its evaluation is difficult. The measurement of serum magnesium concentration is the most commonly used and readily available method for assessing magnesium status, even if serum levels have no reliable correlation with total body magnesium levels or concentrations in specific tissues. Therefore, this review offers an overview of recent insights into magnesium from multiple perspectives. Starting from a biochemical point of view, it aims at highlighting the risk due to insufficient uptake (frequently due to the low content of magnesium in the modern western diet), at suggesting strategies to reach the recommended dietary reference values, and at focusing on the importance of detecting physiological or pathological levels of magnesium in various body districts, in order to counteract the social impact of diseases linked to magnesium deficiency.

Preliminary evaluation of the efficacy of intravenous magnesium sulfate for the treatment of ventricular arrhythmias in 16 dogs

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of IV magnesium sulfate in decreasing the number of ventricular ectopic beats or convert ventricular tachyarrhythmia to sinus rhythm in dogs.

DESIGN

Prospective, observational feasibility study.

SETTING

Private referral center.

ANIMALS

Sixteen client-owned dogs exhibiting 1 or more of the following: (1) sustained or paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia (heart rate > 180/min), (2) single or multiform ventricular complexes at > 60 ectopies/min.

INTERVENTIONS

Pretreatment (T1) blood creatinine and electrolyte concentrations were measured. A 60-second lead II ECG strip and systolic arterial blood pressure (SABP) were recorded. Magnesium sulfate 0.1 mmol/kg (0.2 mEq/kg) was administered IV over 5 minutes. Five minutes after completion of the magnesium sulfate injection (T2), electrolyte concentrations were measured again. A second 60-second lead II ECG strip and SABP were recorded. The number of ectopic ventricular and supraventricular beats (sinus beats) that occurred in 60 seconds during the T1 and T2 ECG recordings was compared. T1 and T2 electrolytes and SABP were also compared.

RESULTS

There was an increase in the ionized magnesium concentration, a decrease in the heart rate and the number of ventricular ectopic beats, and an increase in the number of supraventricular beats at T2. Two dogs converted to a sinus rhythm at T2 that was not sustained.

CONCLUSIONS

Intravenous administration of 0.1 mmol/kg (0.2 mEq/kg) magnesium sulfate in dogs with ventricular ectopy decreased the number of ventricular beats and heart rate. However, a specific conclusion regarding the use of magnesium sulfate as a first-line therapy for dogs with ventricular tachyarrhythmias at the investigated dose cannot be made.

Association of hypomagnesemia with cardiovascular diseases and hypertension

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to review the current evidence on the effects of Mg2+ deficiency on cardiovascular disease (CVD) and hypertension, since Mg2+ is a potent vasodilator and modulates vasomotor tone, blood pressure and peripheral blood flow. Several factors could contribute to its deficiency and when it occurs, is associated with an increased incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD), hypertension, heart failure (HF), and cardiac arrhythmias.

METHODS

In order to get a better to get an updated perspective of the current status of Mg2+ deficiency and its implications in CVD, hypertension, and cardiac arrhythmias, a focused Medline search of the English language literature was conducted between 2014 and 2018 and 30 pertinent papers were retrieved.

RESULTS

The analysis of data showed that Mg2+ deficiency is difficult to occur, under normal circumstances, because it is plentiful in green leafy vegetables, cereals, nuts, and the drinking water. However, Mg2+ deficiency can occur under special circumstances such as hypertension and HF treated with large doses of diuretics, patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) treated with hemodialysis, and patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease treated with proton pump inhibitors. When hypomagnesemia occurs, it is associated with serious cardiac arrhythmias and aggravation of hypertension.

CONCLUSION

The analysis of data suggests that Mg2+ deficiency does occur and it is associated with an increased incidence of CVD, HF, serious cardiac arrhythmias, and hypertension. Retaining normal Mg2+ levels will prevent the onset of these diseases.

Magnesium and Cardiovascular Disease

Magnesium is the most abundant intracellular divalent cation and essential for maintaining normal cellular physiology and metabolism, acting as a cofactor of numerous enzymes, regulating ion channels and energy generation. In the heart, magnesium plays a key role in modulating neuronal excitation, intracardiac conduction, and myocardial contraction by regulating a number of ion transporters, including potassium and calcium channels. Magnesium also has a role in regulating vascular tone, atherogenesis and thrombosis, vascular calcification, and proliferation and migration of endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells. As such, magnesium potentially has a major influence on the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. As the kidney is a major regulator of magnesium homeostasis, kidney disorders can potentially lead to both magnesium depletion and overload, and as such increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Observational data have shown an association between low serum magnesium concentrations or magnesium intake and increased atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, and heart failure. However, major trials of supplementation with magnesium have reported inconsistent benefits and also raised potential adverse effects of magnesium overload. As such, there is currently no firm recommendation for routine magnesium supplementation except when hypomagnesemia has been proven or suspected as a cause for cardiac arrhythmias.

A novel mechanism underlies atrazine toxicity in quails (Coturnix Coturnix coturnix): triggering ionic disorder via disruption of ATPases

The widely used atrazine has been reported to exhibit extensive ecological hazards. Due to the biological accumulation, atrazine elicits widespread toxic effects on different organisms. However, true proof for the mechanism of atrazine-induced toxicity is lacking. To determine the potential mechanism by which atrazine exerted toxic effects, quails were treated with atrazine (0, 50, 250 and 500 mg/kg) by gavage administration for 45 days. Atrazine significantly increased the histological alterations and serum creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase and choline esterase levels. A marked disorder in ionic (Na+, K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+)contents and the decrease of ATPases (Na+-K+-ATPase, Ca2+-ATPase, Mg2+-ATPase and Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase) activities were observed in the heart and liver of atrazine-exposed quails. Of note, it was also observed that atrazine suppressed the transcription of Na+, K+ transfer associated genes (Na+-K+-ATPase subunits) and Ca2+ transfer associated genes (Ca2+-ATPase subunits, solute carriers) in heart and liver. In conclusion, atrazine induced cardiac and hepatic damage via causing the ionic disorder, triggering the transcription of the ion transporters and leading the histopathological and functional alternations in the heart and liver of quails. This study demonstrated atrazine significantly induced the ionic disorder via decreasing the ATPases activities and disturbing the transcription of the ion transporters.

A feasibility study of using biodegradable magnesium alloy in glaucoma drainage device

Technological advances in glaucoma have challenged the traditional treatment paradigm. Historically incisional surgery has been used in cases of advanced disease and/or uncontrolled intraocular pressures resistant to medical or laser interventions. More recently, perhaps due to advancements in imaging, surgery has been suggested to be beneficial earlier in the treatment paradigm. Despite these trends, surgical manipulation of the tissues and unpredictability of wound healing continue to result in surgical failure. Magnesium is an essential element for human body and plays a critically important role in maintaining the functional and structural integrity of several tissues, including the eye. Due to several of its advantageous properties such as non-toxicity, biodegradability, and high biological compatibility, magnesium alloy has attracted great attention as a novel biomaterial. Biodegradable cardiovascular stents made of magnesium alloy have already been introduced into clinical practice. The purpose of this review is to determine if bioabsorbable magnesium alloys can be utilized as a promising candidate for the development of a new generation of glaucoma surgical assistive devices.

Metabolic inhibition reduces cardiac L-type Ca2+ channel current due to acidification caused by ATP hydrolysis

Metabolic stress evoked by myocardial ischemia leads to impairment of cardiac excitation and contractility. We studied the mechanisms by which metabolic inhibition affects the activity of L-type Ca²⁺ channels (LTCCs) in frog ventricular myocytes. Metabolic inhibition induced by the protonophore FCCP (as well as by 2,4- dinitrophenol, sodium azide or antimycin A) resulted in a dose-dependent reduction of LTCC current (I_Ca,L) which was more pronounced during β-adrenergic stimulation with isoprenaline. I_Ca,L was still reduced by metabolic inhibition even in the presence of 3 mM intracellular ATP, or when the cell was dialysed with cAMP or ATP-γ-S to induce irreversible thiophosphorylation of LTCCs, indicating that reduction in I_Ca,L is not due to ATP depletion and/or reduced phosphorylation of the channels. However, the effect of metabolic inhibition on I_Ca,L was strongly attenuated when the mitochondrial F₁F₀-ATP-synthase was blocked by oligomycin or when the cells were dialysed with the non-hydrolysable ATP analogue AMP-PCP. Moreover, increasing the intracellular pH buffering capacity or intracellular dialysis of the myocytes with an alkaline solution strongly attenuated the inhibitory effect of FCCP on I_Ca,L. Thus, our data demonstrate that metabolic inhibition leads to excessive ATP hydrolysis by the mitochondrial F₁F₀-ATP-synthase operating in the reverse mode and this results in intracellular acidosis causing the suppression of I_Ca,L. Limiting ATP break-down by F₁F₀-ATP-synthase and the consecutive development of intracellular acidosis might thus represent a potential therapeutic approach for maintaining a normal cardiac function during ischemia.

Effects of Modified Parvalbumin EF-Hand Motifs on Cardiac Myocyte Contractile Function

Cardiac gene delivery of parvalbumin (Parv), an EF-hand Ca(2+) buffer, has been studied as a therapeutic strategy for diastolic heart failure, in which slow Ca(2+) reuptake is an important contributor. A limitation of wild-type (WT) Parv is the significant trade-off between faster relaxation and blunted contraction amplitude, occurring because WT-Parv sequesters Ca(2+) too early in the cardiac cycle and prematurely truncates sarcomere shortening in the facilitation of rapid relaxation. We recently demonstrated that an E → Q substitution (ParvE101Q) at amino acid 12 of the EF-hand Ca(2+)/Mg(2+) binding loop disrupts bidentate Ca(2+) binding, reducing Ca(2+) affinity by 99-fold and increasing Mg(2+) affinity twofold. ParvE101Q caused faster relaxation and not only preserved contractility, but unexpectedly increased it above untreated myocytes. To gain mechanistic insight into the increased contractility, we focused here on amino acid 12 of the EF-hand motif. We introduced an E → D substitution (ParvE101D) at this site, which converts bidentate Ca(2+) coordination to monodentate coordination. ParvE101D decreased Ca(2+) affinity by 114-fold and increased Mg(2+) affinity 28-fold compared to WT-Parv. ParvE101D increased contraction amplitude compared to both untreated myocytes and myocytes with ParvE101Q, with limited improvement in relaxation. Additionally, ParvE101D increased spontaneous contractions after pacing stress. ParvE101D also increased Ca(2+) transient peak height and was diffusely localized around the Z-line of the sarcomere, suggesting a Ca(2+)-dependent mechanism of enhanced contractility. Sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) load was not changed with ParvE101D, but postpacing Ca(2+) waves were increased. Together, these data show that inverted Ca(2+)/Mg(2+) binding affinities of ParvE101D increase myocyte contractility through a Ca(2+)-dependent mechanism without altering sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) load and by increasing unstimulated contractions and Ca(2+) waves. ParvE101D provides mechanistic insight into how changes in the Ca(2+)/Mg(2+) binding affinities of parvalbumin's EF-hand motif alter function of cardiac myocytes. These data are informative in developing new Ca(2+) buffering strategies for the failing heart.

Association between anti-apolipoprotein A-1 antibodies and cardiovascular disease in the general population. Results from the CoLaus study

We aimed to determine the association between autoantibodies against apolipoprotein A-1 (anti-apoA-1 IgG) and prevalent cardiovascular (CV) disease (CVD) as well as markers of CV risk in the general population. Cross-sectional data were obtained from 6649 subjects (age 52.6 ± 10.7 years, 47.4 % male) of the population-based CoLaus study. CVD was defined as myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, percutaneous revascularisation or bypass grafting for ischaemic heart disease stroke or transient ischaemic attack, and was assessed according to standardised medical records. Anti-apoA-1 IgG and biological markers were measured by ELISA and conventional automated techniques, respectively. Prevalence of high anti-apoA-1 IgG levels in the general population was 19.9 %. Presence of anti-apoA-1 IgG was significantly associated with CVD [odds ratio 1.34, 95 % confidence interval (1.05-1.70), p=0.018], independently of established CV risk factors (CVRFs) including age, sex, hypertension, smoking, diabetes, low and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. The n=455 (6.8 %) study participants with a history of CVD (secondary prevention subgroup) presented higher median anti-ApoA-1 IgG values compared with subjects without CVD (p=0.029). Among patients in the secondary prevention subgroup, those with positive anti-apoA-1 IgG levels had lower HDL (p=0.002) and magnesium (p=0.001) levels, but increased uric acid and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels (p=0.022, and p<0.001, respectively) compared to patients with negative anti-apoA-1 IgG levels. In conclusion, anti-apoA-1 IgG levels are independently associated with CVD in the general population and also related to CV biomarkers in secondary prevention. These findings indicate that anti-apoA-1 IgG may represent a novel CVRF and need further study in prospective cohorts.

Effects of magnesium supplementation on electrophysiological remodeling of cardiac myocytes in L-NAME induced hypertensive rats

Hypertension is one of the major risk factors of cardiac hypertrophy and magnesium deficiency is suggested to be a contributing factor in the progression of this complication. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between intracellular free Mg(2+) levels and electrophysiological changes developed in the myocardium of L-NAME induced hypertensive rats. Hypertension was induced by administration of 40 mg/kg of L-NAME for 6 weeks, while magnesium treated rats fed with a diet supplemented with 1 g/kg of MgO for the same period. L-NAME administration for 6 weeks elicited a significant increase in blood pressure which was corrected with MgO treatment; thereby cardiac hypertrophy developing secondary to hypertension was prevented. Cytosolic free magnesium levels of ventricular myocytes were significantly decreased with hypertension and magnesium administration restored these changes. Hypertension significantly decreased the fractional shortening with slowing of shortening kinetics in left ventricular myocytes whereas magnesium treatment was capable of restoring hypertension-induced contractile dysfunction. Long-term magnesium treatment significantly restored the hypertension-induced prolongation in action potentials of ventricular myocytes and suppressed Ito and Iss currents. In contrast, hypertension dependent decrement in intracellular Mg(2+) level did not cause a significant change in L-type Ca(2+) currents, SR Ca(2+) content and NCX activity. Nevertheless, hypertension mediated increase in superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide and protein oxidation mitigated with magnesium treatment. In conclusion, magnesium administration improves mechanical abnormalities observed in hypertensive rat ventricular myocytes due to reduced oxidative stress. It is likely that, changes in intracellular magnesium balance may contribute to the pathophysiology of chronic heart diseases.

5-HT2 receptors mediate functional modulation of GABAa receptors and inhibitory synaptic transmissions in human iPS-derived neurons

Neural progenitors differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) hold potentials for treating neurological diseases. Serotonin has potent effects on neuronal functions through multiple receptors, underlying a variety of neural disorders. Glutamate and GABA receptors have been proven functional in neurons differentiated from iPS, however, little is known about 5-HT receptor-mediated modulation in such neuronal networks. In the present study, human iPS were differentiated into cells possessing featured physiological properties of cortical neurons. Whole-cell patch-clamp recording was used to examine the involvement of 5-HT₂ receptors in functional modulation of GABAergic synaptic transmission. We found that serotonin and DOI (a selective agonist of 5-HT_2A/C receptor) reversibly reduced GABA-activated currents, and this 5-HT_2A/C receptor mediated inhibition required G protein, PLC, PKC, and Ca²⁺ signaling. Serotonin increased the frequency of miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs), which could be mimicked by α-methylserotonin, a 5-HT₂ receptor agonist. In contrast, DOI reduced both frequency and amplitude of mIPSCs. These findings suggested that in iPS-derived human neurons serotonin postsynaptically reduced GABAa receptor function through 5-HT_2A/C receptors, but presynaptically other 5-HT₂ receptors counteracted the action of 5-HT_2A/C receptors. Functional expression of serotonin receptors in human iPS-derived neurons provides a pre-requisite for their normal behaviors after grafting.

Hypomagnesemia in Type 2 Diabetes: A Vicious Circle?

Over the past decades, hypomagnesemia (serum Mg(2+) <0.7 mmol/L) has been strongly associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Patients with hypomagnesemia show a more rapid disease progression and have an increased risk for diabetes complications. Clinical studies demonstrate that T2DM patients with hypomagnesemia have reduced pancreatic β-cell activity and are more insulin resistant. Moreover, dietary Mg(2+) supplementation for patients with T2DM improves glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Intracellular Mg(2+) regulates glucokinase, KATP channels, and L-type Ca(2+) channels in pancreatic β-cells, preceding insulin secretion. Moreover, insulin receptor autophosphorylation is dependent on intracellular Mg(2+) concentrations, making Mg(2+) a direct factor in the development of insulin resistance. Conversely, insulin is an important regulator of Mg(2+) homeostasis. In the kidney, insulin activates the renal Mg(2+) channel transient receptor potential melastatin type 6 that determines the final urinary Mg(2+) excretion. Consequently, patients with T2DM and hypomagnesemia enter a vicious circle in which hypomagnesemia causes insulin resistance and insulin resistance reduces serum Mg(2+) concentrations. This Perspective provides a systematic overview of the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of Mg(2+) on insulin secretion and insulin signaling. In addition to providing a review of current knowledge, we provide novel directions for future research and identify previously neglected contributors to hypomagnesemia in T2DM.

Mg(2+)-dependent facilitation and inactivation of L-type Ca(2+) channels in guinea pig ventricular myocytes

This study aimed to investigate the intracellular Mg(2+) regulation of the L-type Ca(2+) channels in guinea pig ventricular myocytes. By adopting the inside-out configuration of the patch clamp technique, single channel currents of the L-type Ca(2+) channels were recorded at different intracellular Mg(2+) concentrations ([Mg(2+)]i). At free [Mg(2+)]i of 0, 10(-9), 10(-7), 10(-5), 10(-3), and 10(-1) M, 1.4 μM CaM + 3 mM ATP induced channel activities of 44%, 117%, 202%, 181%, 147%, and 20% of the control activity in cell-attached mode, respectively, showing a bell-shaped concentration-response relationship. Moreover, the intracellular Mg(2+) modulated the Ca(2+) channel gating properties, accounting for alterations in channel activities. These results imply that Mg(2+) has a dual effect on the L-type Ca(2+) channels: facilitation and inhibition. Lower [Mg(2+)]i maintains and enhances the basal activity of Ca(2+) channels, whereas higher [Mg(2+)]i inhibits channel activity. Taken together, our data from the application of an [Mg(2+)]i series suggest that the dual effect of Mg(2+) upon the L-type Ca(2+) channels exhibits long open-time dependence.

Magnesium in man: implications for health and disease

Magnesium (Mg(2+)) is an essential ion to the human body, playing an instrumental role in supporting and sustaining health and life. As the second most abundant intracellular cation after potassium, it is involved in over 600 enzymatic reactions including energy metabolism and protein synthesis. Although Mg(2+) availability has been proven to be disturbed during several clinical situations, serum Mg(2+) values are not generally determined in patients. This review aims to provide an overview of the function of Mg(2+) in human health and disease. In short, Mg(2+) plays an important physiological role particularly in the brain, heart, and skeletal muscles. Moreover, Mg(2+) supplementation has been shown to be beneficial in treatment of, among others, preeclampsia, migraine, depression, coronary artery disease, and asthma. Over the last decade, several hereditary forms of hypomagnesemia have been deciphered, including mutations in transient receptor potential melastatin type 6 (TRPM6), claudin 16, and cyclin M2 (CNNM2). Recently, mutations in Mg(2+) transporter 1 (MagT1) were linked to T-cell deficiency underlining the important role of Mg(2+) in cell viability. Moreover, hypomagnesemia can be the consequence of the use of certain types of drugs, such as diuretics, epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors, calcineurin inhibitors, and proton pump inhibitors. This review provides an extensive and comprehensive overview of Mg(2+) research over the last few decades, focusing on the regulation of Mg(2+) homeostasis in the intestine, kidney, and bone and disturbances which may result in hypomagnesemia.

A novel nondevelopmental role of the sax-7/L1CAM cell adhesion molecule in synaptic regulation in Caenorhabditis elegans

The L1CAM family of cell adhesion molecules is a conserved set of single-pass transmembrane proteins that play diverse roles required for proper nervous system development and function. Mutations in L1CAMs can cause the neurological L1 syndrome and are associated with autism and neuropsychiatric disorders. L1CAM expression in the mature nervous system suggests additional functions besides the well-characterized developmental roles. In this study, we demonstrate that the gene encoding the Caenorhabditis elegans L1CAM, sax-7, genetically interacts with gtl-2, as well as with unc-13 and rab-3, genes that function in neurotransmission. These sax-7 genetic interactions result in synthetic phenotypes that are consistent with abnormal synaptic function. Using an inducible sax-7 expression system and pharmacological reagents that interfere with cholinergic transmission, we uncovered a previously uncharacterized nondevelopmental role for sax-7 that impinges on synaptic function.

Role of magnesium in cardiovascular diseases

Magnesium, the fourth most abundant cation in the human body, is involved in several essential physiological, biochemical, and cellular processes regulating cardiovascular function. It plays a critical role in modulating vascular smooth muscle tone, endothelial cell function, and myocardial excitability and is thus central to the pathogenesis of several cardiovascular disorders such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, and cardiac arrhythmias. This review discusses the vasodilatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-ischemic, and antiarrhythmic properties of magnesium and its current role in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disorders.

SLC41A1 knockdown inhibits angiotensin II-induced cardiac fibrosis by preventing Mg(2+) efflux and Ca(2+) signaling in cardiac fibroblasts

Na(+)/Mg(2+) exchanger plays an important role in cardiovascular system, but the molecular mechanisms still largely remain unknown. The Solute Carrier family 41A1 (SLC41A1), a novel Mg(2+) transporter, recently was found to function as Na(+)/Mg(2+) exchanger, which mainly regulates the intracellular Mg(2+) ([Mg(2+)]i) homeostasis. Our present studies were designed to investigate whether SLC41A1 impacts on the fibrogenesis of cardiac fibroblasts under Ang II stimulation. Our results showed that quinidine, a prototypical inhibitor of Na(+)/Mg(2+) exchanger, inhibited Ang II-induced cardiac fibrosis via attenuating the overexpression of vital biomarkers of fibrosis, including connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), fibronectin (FN) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). In addition, quinidine also decreased the Ang II-mediated elevation of concentration of intracellular Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)]i) and extrusion of intracellular Mg(2+). Meanwhile, silencing SLC41A1 by RNA interference also impaired the elevation of [Ca(2+)]i, [Mg(2+)]i efflux and the upregulation of CTGF, FN and α-SMA provoked by Ang II. Furthermore, we found that Ang II-mediated activation of NFATc4 translocation decreased in SLC41A1-siRNA cells. These results support the notion that rapid extrusion of intracellular Mg(2+) is mediated by SLC41A1 and provide the evidence that the intracellular free Ca(2+) concentration is influenced by extrusion of intracellular Mg(2+) which facilitates fibrosis reaction in cardiac fibroblasts.

Calcium transients closely reflect prolonged action potentials in iPSC models of inherited cardiac arrhythmia

Long-QT syndrome mutations can cause syncope and sudden death by prolonging the cardiac action potential (AP). Ion channels affected by mutations are various, and the influences of cellular calcium cycling on LQTS cardiac events are unknown. To better understand LQTS arrhythmias, we performed current-clamp and intracellular calcium ([Ca(2+)]i) measurements on cardiomyocytes differentiated from patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS-CM). In myocytes carrying an LQT2 mutation (HERG-A422T), APs and [Ca(2+)]i transients were prolonged in parallel. APs were abbreviated by nifedipine exposure and further lengthened upon releasing intracellularly stored Ca(2+). Validating this model, control iPS-CM treated with HERG-blocking drugs recapitulated the LQT2 phenotype. In LQT3 iPS-CM, expressing NaV1.5-N406K, APs and [Ca(2+)]i transients were markedly prolonged. AP prolongation was sensitive to tetrodotoxin and to inhibiting Na(+)-Ca(2+) exchange. These results suggest that LQTS mutations act partly on cytosolic Ca(2+) cycling, potentially providing a basis for functionally targeted interventions regardless of the specific mutation site.

Modulation of L-type calcium current by intracellular magnesium in differentiating cardiomyocytes derived from induced pluripotent stem cells

Intracellular Mg(2+), which is implicated in arrhythmogenesis and transient cardiac ischemia, inhibits L-type Ca(2+) calcium channel current (ICaL) of adult cardiomyocytes (CMs). We take the advantage of an in vitro model of CMs based on induced pluripotent stem cells to investigate the effects of intracellular Mg(2+) on the phosphorylation or dephosphorylation processes of L-type Ca(2+) channels (LTCCs) at early and late stages of cardiac cell differentiation. Using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique, we demonstrate that increasing intracellular Mg(2+) concentration [Mg(2+)]i from 0.2 to 5 mM markedly reduced the peak of ICaL density, showing less effect on both the activation and inactivation properties in the late differentiation stage (LDS) of CMs more so than in the early differentiation stage (EDS). Increasing the [Mg(2+)]i from 0.2 to 2 mM in the presence of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A significantly decreased ICaL in LDS (70%) and in EDS (36%) CMs. In addition, the effect of forskolin was greatly attenuated in the presence of 2 mM [Mg(2+)]i in LDS but not in EDS CMs. The effect of forskolin was enhanced in the presence of ATP-γ-S in LDS CMs compared with EDS CMs. The exposure of both EDS and LDS CMs to 2 mM [Mg(2+)]i considerably reduced the effects of isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX) and okadaic acid on ICaL. Our results provide evidence for differential regulation of LTCCs activities by cytosolic Mg(2+) concentration in developing cardiac cells and confirm that Mg(2+) acts under conditions that favor opening of the LTCCs caused by channel phosphorylation.

Mechanisms underlying the modulation of L-type Ca2+ channel by hydrogen peroxide in guinea pig ventricular myocytes

Although Cav1.2 Ca(2+) channels are modulated by reactive oxygen species (ROS), the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, we investigated effects of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on the Ca(2+) channel using a patch-clamp technique in guinea pig ventricular myocytes. Externally applied H2O2 (1 mM) increased Ca(2+) channel activity in the cell-attached mode. A specific inhibitor of Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) KN-93 (10 μM) partially attenuated the H2O2-mediated facilitation of the channel, suggesting both CaMKII-dependent and -independent pathways. However, in the inside-out mode, 1 mM H2O2 increased channel activity in a KN-93-resistant manner. Since H2O2-pretreated calmodulin did not reproduce the H2O2 effect, the target of H2O2 was presumably assigned to the Ca(2+) channel itself. A thiol-specific oxidizing agent mimicked and occluded the H2O2 effect. These results suggest that H2O2 facilitates the Ca(2+) channel through oxidation of cysteine residue(s) in the channel as well as the CaMKII-dependent pathway.

Interplay of Ca(2+) and Mg (2+) in sodium-calcium exchanger and in other Ca(2+)-binding proteins: magnesium, watchdog that blocks each turn if able

Sodium-calcium exchange across plasma membrane is regulated by intracellular calcium ions. The sodium-calcium exchanger (NCX1) is activated by successive saturation of numerous Ca(2+)-binding sites located in the intracellular loop of the protein. The progressive saturation of the binding domain CBD12 by Ca(2+) results in a series of conformational changes of CBD12 as well as of entire NCX1 molecule. Like other soluble and membrane Ca(2+)-binding proteins, NCX1 can also be regulated by Mg(2+) that antagonises Ca(2+) at the level of divalent cation-binding sites. This chapter summarises data on Mg(2+) impacts in the cells. Regulatory action of Mg(2+) on intracellular Ca(2+)-dependent processes can be achieved due to changes of its cytoplasmic level, which take place in the range of [Mg(2+)](i) from 0.5 to 3 mM. Under normal conditions, these changes are ensured by activation of plasmalemmal Mg(2+) transport systems and by variations in ATP level in cytoplasm. In heart and in brain, some pathological conditions, such as hypoxia, ischemia and ischemia followed by reperfusion, are associated with an important increase in intracellular Ca(2+). The tissue damage due to Ca(2+) overload may be prevented by Mg(2+). The protective actions of Mg(2+) can be achieved due to its ability to compete with Ca(2+) for the binding sites in a number of proteins responsible for the rise in intracellular free Ca(2+), including NCX1, in case when the reverse mode of Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchange becomes predominant. Saturation of CBD12 by Mg(2+) results in important changes of NCX1 conformation. Modulating actions of Mg(2+) on the conformation of NCX1 were detected at a narrow range of Mg(2+) concentration, from 0.5 to 1 mM. These data support an idea that variations of intracellular Mg(2+) could modify transmembrane Ca(2+) movements ensured by NCX1.

Increased intracellular magnesium attenuates β-adrenergic stimulation of the cardiac Ca(V)1.2 channel

Increases in intracellular Mg²⁺ (Mg²⁺_i), as observed in transient cardiac ischemia, decrease L-type Ca²⁺ current of mammalian ventricular myocytes (VMs). However, cardiac ischemia is associated with an increase in sympathetic tone, which could stimulate L-type Ca²⁺ current. Therefore, the effect of Mg²⁺_i on L-type Ca²⁺ current in the context of increased sympathetic tone was unclear. We tested the impact of increased Mg²⁺_i on the β-adrenergic stimulation of L-type Ca²⁺ current. Exposure of acutely dissociated adult VMs to higher Mg²⁺_i concentrations decreased isoproterenol stimulation of the L-type Ca²⁺ current from 75 ± 13% with 0.8 mM Mg²⁺_i to 20 ± 8% with 2.4 mM Mg²⁺_i. We activated this signaling cascade at different steps to determine the site or sites of Mg²⁺_i action. Exposure of VMs to increased Mg²⁺_i attenuated the stimulation of L-type Ca²⁺ current induced by activation of adenylyl cyclase with forskolin, inhibition of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases with isobutylmethylxanthine, and inhibition of phosphoprotein phosphatases I and IIA with calyculin A. These experiments ruled out significant effects of Mg²⁺_i on these upstream steps in the signaling cascade and suggested that Mg²⁺_i acts directly on Ca_V1.2 channels. One possible site of action is the EF-hand in the proximal C-terminal domain, just downstream in the signaling cascade from the site of regulation of Ca_V1.2 channels by protein phosphorylation on the C terminus. Consistent with this hypothesis, Mg²⁺_i had no effect on enhancement of Ca_V1.2 channel activity by the dihydropyridine agonist (S)-BayK8644, which activates Ca_V1.2 channels by binding to a site formed by the transmembrane domains of the channel. Collectively, our results suggest that, in transient ischemia, increased Mg²⁺_i reduces stimulation of L-type Ca²⁺ current by the β-adrenergic receptor by directly acting on Ca_V1.2 channels in a cell-autonomous manner, effectively decreasing the metabolic stress imposed on VMs until blood flow can be reestablished.

Metabolic inhibition strongly inhibits Na+-dependent Mg2+ efflux in rat ventricular myocytes

We measured intracellular Mg2+ concentration ([Mg2+]i) in rat ventricular myocytes using the fluorescent indicator furaptra (25 degrees C). In normally energized cells loaded with Mg2+, the introduction of extracellular Na+ induced a rapid decrease in [Mg2+]i: the initial rate of decrease in [Mg2+]i (initial Delta[Mg2+]i/Deltat) is thought to represent the rate of Na+-dependent Mg2+ efflux (putative Na+/Mg2+ exchange). To determine whether Mg2+ efflux depends directly on energy derived from cellular metabolism, in addition to the transmembrane Na+ gradient, we estimated the initial Delta[Mg2+]i/Deltat after metabolic inhibition. In the absence of extracellular Na+ and Ca2+, treatment of the cells with 1 microM carbonyl cyanide p-(trifluoromethoxy)phenylhydrazone, an uncoupler of mitochondria, caused a large increase in [Mg2+]i from approximately 0.9 mM to approximately 2.5 mM in a period of 5-8 min (probably because of breakdown of MgATP and release of Mg2+) and cell shortening to approximately 50% of the initial length (probably because of formation of rigor cross-bridges). Similar increases in [Mg2+]i and cell shortening were observed after application of 5 mM potassium cyanide (KCN) (an inhibitor of respiration) for > or = 90 min. The initial Delta[Mg2+]i/Deltat was diminished, on average, by 90% in carbonyl cyanide p-(trifluoromethoxy)phenylhydrazone-treated cells and 92% in KCN-treated cells. When the cells were treated with 5 mM KCN for shorter times (59-85 min), a significant decrease in the initial Delta[Mg2+]i/Deltat (on average by 59%) was observed with only a slight shortening of the cell length. Intracellular Na+ concentration ([Na+]i) estimated with a Na+ indicator sodium-binding benzofuran isophthalate was, on average, 5.0-10.5 mM during the time required for the initial Delta[Mg2+]i/Deltat measurements, which is well below the [Na+]i level for half inhibition of the Mg2+ efflux (approximately 40 mM). Normalization of intracellular pH using 10 microM nigericin, a H+ ionophore, did not reverse the inhibition of the Mg2+ efflux. From these results, it seems likely that a decrease in ATP below the threshold of rigor cross-bridge formation (approximately 0.4 mM estimated indirectly in the this study), rather than elevation of [Na+]i or intracellular acidosis, inhibits the Mg2+ efflux, suggesting the absolute necessity of ATP for the Na+/Mg2+ exchange.

Cooperative regulation of Ca(v)1.2 channels by intracellular Mg(2+), the proximal C-terminal EF-hand, and the distal C-terminal domain

L-type Ca(2+) currents conducted by Ca(v)1.2 channels initiate excitation-contraction coupling in cardiac myocytes. Intracellular Mg(2+) (Mg(i)) inhibits the ionic current of Ca(v)1.2 channels. Because Mg(i) is altered in ischemia and heart failure, its regulation of Ca(v)1.2 channels is important in understanding cardiac pathophysiology. Here, we studied the effects of Mg(i) on voltage-dependent inactivation (VDI) of Ca(v)1.2 channels using Na(+) as permeant ion to eliminate the effects of permeant divalent cations that engage the Ca(2+)-dependent inactivation process. We confirmed that increased Mg(i) reduces peak ionic currents and increases VDI of Ca(v)1.2 channels in ventricular myocytes and in transfected cells when measured with Na(+) as permeant ion. The increased rate and extent of VDI caused by increased Mg(i) were substantially reduced by mutations of a cation-binding residue in the proximal C-terminal EF-hand, consistent with the conclusion that both reduction of peak currents and enhancement of VDI result from the binding of Mg(i) to the EF-hand (K(D) approximately 0.9 mM) near the resting level of Mg(i) in ventricular myocytes. VDI was more rapid for L-type Ca(2+) currents in ventricular myocytes than for Ca(v)1.2 channels in transfected cells. Coexpression of Ca(v)beta(2b) subunits and formation of an autoinhibitory complex of truncated Ca(v)1.2 channels with noncovalently bound distal C-terminal domain (DCT) both increased VDI in transfected cells, indicating that the subunit structure of the Ca(v)1.2 channel greatly influences its VDI. The effects of noncovalently bound DCT on peak current amplitude and VDI required Mg(i) binding to the proximal C-terminal EF-hand and were prevented by mutations of a key divalent cation-binding amino acid residue. Our results demonstrate cooperative regulation of peak current amplitude and VDI of Ca(v)1.2 channels by Mg(i), the proximal C-terminal EF-hand, and the DCT, and suggest that conformational changes that regulate VDI are propagated from the DCT through the proximal C-terminal EF-hand to the channel-gating mechanism.

Role of Mg(2+) block of the inward rectifier K(+) current in cardiac repolarization reserve: A quantitative simulation

Different K(+) currents serve as "repolarization reserve" or a redundant repolarizing mechanism that protects against excessive prolongation of the cardiac action potential and therefore arrhythmia. Impairment of the inward rectifier K(+) current (I(K1)) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiac arrhythmias. The characteristics of I(K1) reflect the kinetics of channel block by intracellular cations, primarily spermine (a polyamine) and Mg(2+), whose cellular levels may vary under various pathological conditions. However, the relevance of endogenous I(K1) blockers to the repolarization reserve is still not fully understood in detail. Here we used a mathematical model of a cardiac ventricular myocyte which quantitatively reproduces the dynamics of I(K1) block to examine the effects of the intracellular spermine and Mg(2+) concentrations, through modifying I(K1), on the action potential repolarization. Our simulation indicated that an I(K1) transient caused by relief of Mg(2+) block flows during early phase 3. Increases in the intracellular spermine/Mg(2+) concentration, or decreases in the intracellular Mg(2+) concentration, to levels outside their normal ranges prolonged action potential duration by decreasing the I(K1) transient. Moreover, reducing both the rapidly activating delayed rectifier current (I(Kr)) and the I(K1) transient caused a marked retardation of repolarization and early afterdepolarization because they overlap in the voltage range at which they flow. Our results indicate that the I(K1) transient caused by relief of Mg(2+) block is an important repolarizing current, especially when I(Kr) is reduced, and that abnormal intracellular free spermine/Mg(2+) concentrations may be a missing risk factor for malignant arrhythmias in I(Kr)-related acquired (drug-induced) and congenital long QT syndromes.

Role of the alpha-kinase domain in transient receptor potential melastatin 6 channel and regulation by intracellular ATP

Transient receptor potential melastatin 6 (TRPM6) plays an essential role in epithelial Mg(2+) transport. TRPM6 and its closest homologue, TRPM7, both combine a cation channel with an alpha-kinase domain. However, the role of this alpha-kinase domain in TRPM6 channel activity remains elusive. The aim of this study was to investigate the regulation of TRPM6 channel activity by intracellular ATP and the involvement of its alpha-kinase domain. We demonstrated that intracellular Na- and Mg-ATP decreased the TRPM6 current in HEK293 cells heterogeneously expressing the channel, whereas Na-CTP or Na-GTP had no effect on channel activity. Whole cell recordings in TRPM6-expressing HEK293 cells showed that deletion of the alpha-kinase domain prevented the inhibitory effect of intracellular ATP without abrogating channel activity. Mutation of the conserved putative ATP-binding motif GXG(A)XXG (G1955D) in the alpha-kinase domain of TRPM6 inhibited the ATP action, whereas this effect remained preserved in the TRPM6 phosphotransferase-deficient mutant K1804R. Mutation of the TRPM6 autophosphorylation site, Thr(1851), into either an alanine or an aspartate, resulted in functional channels that could still be inhibited by ATP. In conclusion, intracellular ATP regulates TRPM6 channel activity via its alpha-kinase domain independently of alpha-kinase activity.

Modeling transmural heterogeneity of K(ATP) current in rabbit ventricular myocytes

To investigate the mechanisms regulating excitation-metabolic coupling in rabbit epicardial, midmyocardial, and endocardial ventricular myocytes we extended the LabHEART model (Puglisi JL and Bers DM. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 281: C2049-C2060, 2001). We incorporated equations for Ca(2+) and Mg(2+) buffering by ATP and ADP, equations for nucleotide regulation of ATP-sensitive K(+) channel and L-type Ca(2+) channel, Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase, and sarcolemmal and sarcoplasmic Ca(2+)-ATPases, and equations describing the basic pathways (creatine and adenylate kinase reactions) known to communicate the flux changes generated by intracellular ATPases. Under normal conditions and during 20 min of ischemia, the three regions were characterized by different I(Na), I(to), I(Kr), I(Ks), and I(Kp) channel properties. The results indicate that the ATP-sensitive K(+) channel is activated by the smallest reduction in ATP in epicardial cells and largest in endocardial cells when cytosolic ADP, AMP, PCr, Cr, P(i), total Mg(2+), Na(+), K(+), Ca(2+), and pH diastolic levels are normal. The model predicts that only K(ATP) ionophore (Kir6.2 subunit) and not the regulatory subunit (SUR2A) might differ from endocardium to epicardium. The analysis suggests that during ischemia, the inhomogeneous accumulation of the metabolites in the tissue sublayers may alter in a very irregular manner the K(ATP) channel opening through metabolic interactions with the endogenous PI cascade (PIP(2), PIP) that in turn may cause differential action potential shortening among the ventricular myocyte subtypes. The model predictions are in qualitative agreement with experimental data measured under normal and ischemic conditions in rabbit ventricular myocytes.

Regulation of cation channels in cardiac and smooth muscle cells by intracellular magnesium

Magnesium regulates various ion channels in many tissues, including those of the cardiovascular system. General mechanisms by which intracellular Mg(2+) (Mg(i)(2+)) regulates channels are presented. These involve either a direct interaction with the channel, or an indirect modification of channel function via other proteins, such as enzymes or G proteins, or via membrane surface charges and phospholipids. To provide an insight into the role of Mg(i)(2+) in the cardiovascular system, effects of Mg(i)(2+) on major channels in cardiac and smooth muscle cells and the underlying mechanisms are then reviewed. Although Mg(i)(2+) concentrations are known to be stable, conditions under which they may change exist, such as following stimulation of beta-adrenergic receptors and of insulin receptors, or during pathophysiological conditions such as ischemia, heart failure or hypertension. Modifications of cardiovascular electrical or mechanical function, possibly resulting in arrhythmias or hypertension, may result from such changes of Mg(i)(2+) and their effects on cation channels.

Voltage-dependent modulation of L-type calcium currents by intracellular magnesium in rat ventricular myocytes

Effects of changing cytosolic free Mg(2+) concentration on L-type Ca(2+) (I(Ca)) and Ba(2+) currents (I(Ba)) were investigated in rat ventricular myocytes voltage-clamped with pipettes containing 0.2 or 1.8mM [Mg(2+)] ([Mg(2+)](p)) buffered with 30mM citrate and 10mM ATP. Increasing [Mg(2+)](p) from 0.2 to 1.8mM reduced current amplitude and accelerated its decay under a variety of experimental conditions. To investigate the mechanism for these effects, steady-state and instantaneous current-voltage relationships were studied with two-pulse and tail current (I(T)) protocols, respectively. Increasing [Mg(2+)](p) shifted the V(M) for half inactivation by -20mV but dramatically decreased I(Ca) amplitude at all potentials tested, consistent with a change in gating kinetics that decreases channel availability. This conclusion was supported by analysis of I(T) amplitude, but these latter experiments also suggested that, in the millimolar concentration range, [Mg(2+)](p) might also inhibit permeation through open Ca(2+) channels at positive V(M).

Role of Cav1.2 L-type Ca2+ channels in vascular tone: effects of nifedipine and Mg2+

Ca(2+) entry via L-type voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels (LVGCs) is a key factor in generating myogenic tone (MT), as dihydropyridines (DHPs) and other LVGC blockers, including Mg(2+), markedly reduce MT. Recent reports suggest, however, that elevated external Mg(2+) concentration and DHPs may also inhibit other Ca(2+)-entry pathways. Here, we explore the contribution of LVGCs to MT in intact, pressurized mesenteric small arteries using mutant mice (DHP(R/R)) expressing functional but DHP-insensitive Ca(v)1.2 channels. In wild-type (WT), but not DHP(R/R), mouse arteries, nifedipine (0.3-1.0 microM) markedly reduced MT and vasoconstriction induced by high external K(+) concentrations ([K(+)](o)), a measure of LVGC-mediated Ca(2+) entry. Blocking MT and high [K(+)](o)-induced vasoconstriction by <1 microM nifedipine in WT but not in DHP(R/R) arteries implies that Ca(2+) entry via Ca(v)1.2 LVGCs is obligatory for MT and that nifedipine inhibits MT exclusively by blocking LVGCs. We also examined the effects of Mg(2+) on MT and LVGCs. High external Mg(2+) concentration (10 mM) blocked MT, slowed the high [K(+)](o)-induced vasoconstrictions, and decreased their amplitude in WT and DHP(R/R) arteries. To verify that these effects of Mg(2+) are due to block of LVGCs, we characterized the effects of extracellular and intracellular Mg(2+) on LVGC currents in isolated mesenteric artery myocytes. DHP-sensitive LVGC currents are inhibited by both external and internal Mg(2+). The results indicate that Mg(2+) relaxes MT by inhibiting Ca(2+) influx through LVGCs. These data provide new information about the central role of Ca(v)1.2 LVGCs in generating and maintaining MT in mouse mesenteric small arteries.

High-affinity AKAP7delta-protein kinase A interaction yields novel protein kinase A-anchoring disruptor peptides

PKA (protein kinase A) is tethered to subcellular compartments by direct interaction of its regulatory subunits (RI or RII) with AKAPs (A kinase-anchoring proteins). AKAPs preferentially bind RII subunits via their RII-binding domains. RII-binding domains form structurally conserved amphipathic helices with unrelated sequences. Their binding affinities for RII subunits differ greatly within the AKAP family. Amongst the AKAPs that bind RIIalpha subunits with high affinity is AKAP7delta [AKAP18delta; K(d) (equilibrium dissociation constant) value of 31 nM]. An N-terminally truncated AKAP7delta mutant binds RIIalpha subunits with higher affinity than the full-length protein presumably due to loss of an inhibitory region [Henn, Edemir, Stefan, Wiesner, Lorenz, Theilig, Schmidtt, Vossebein, Tamma, Beyermann et al. (2004) J. Biol. Chem. 279, 26654-26665]. In the present study, we demonstrate that peptides (25 amino acid residues) derived from the RII-binding domain of AKAP7delta bind RIIalpha subunits with higher affinity (K(d)=0.4+/-0.3 nM) than either full-length or N-terminally truncated AKAP7delta, or peptides derived from other RII binding domains. The AKAP7delta-derived peptides and stearate-coupled membrane-permeable mutants effectively disrupt AKAP-RII subunit interactions in vitro and in cell-based assays. Thus they are valuable novel tools for studying anchored PKA signalling. Molecular modelling indicated that the high affinity binding of the amphipathic helix, which forms the RII-binding domain of AKAP7delta, with RII subunits involves both the hydrophobic and the hydrophilic faces of the helix. Alanine scanning (25 amino acid peptides, SPOT technology, combined with RII overlay assays) of the RII binding domain revealed that hydrophobic amino acid residues form the backbone of the interaction and that hydrogen bond- and salt-bridge-forming amino acid residues increase the affinity of the interaction.

Channel phosphorylation and modulation of L-type Ca2+ currents by cytosolic Mg2+ concentration

Previous studies have shown that inhibition of L-type Ca(2+) current (I(Ca)) by cytosolic free Mg(2+) concentration ([Mg(2+)](i)) is profoundly affected by activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase pathways. To investigate the mechanism underlying this counterregulation of I(Ca), rat cardiac myocytes and tsA201 cells expressing L-type Ca(2+) channels were whole cell voltage-clamped with patch pipettes in which [Mg(2+)] ([Mg(2+)](p)) was buffered by citrate and ATP. In tsA201 cells expressing wild-type Ca(2+) channels (alpha(1C)/beta(2A)/alpha(2)delta), increasing [Mg(2+)](p) from 0.2 mM to 1.8 mM decreased peak I(Ca) by 76 +/- 4.5% (n = 7). Mg(2+)-dependent modulation of I(Ca) was also observed in cells loaded with ATP-gamma-S. With 0.2 mM [Mg(2+)](p), manipulating phosphorylation conditions by pipette application of protein kinase A (PKA) or phosphatase 2A (PP(2A)) produced large changes in I(Ca) amplitude; however, with 1.8 mM [Mg(2+)](p), these same manipulations had no significant effect on I(Ca). With mutant channels lacking principal PKA phosphorylation sites (alpha(1C/S1928A)/beta(2A/S478A/S479A)/alpha(2)delta), increasing [Mg(2+)](p) had only small effects on I(Ca). However, when channel open probability was increased by alpha(1C)-subunit truncation (alpha(1CDelta1905)/beta(2A/S478A/S479A)/alpha(2)delta), increasing [Mg(2+)](p) greatly reduced peak I(Ca). Correspondingly, in myocytes voltage-clamped with pipette PP(2A) to minimize channel phosphorylation, increasing [Mg(2+)](p) produced a much larger reduction in I(Ca) when channel opening was promoted with BAY K8644. These data suggest that, around its physiological concentration range, cytosolic Mg(2+) modulates the extent to which channel phosphorylation regulates I(Ca). This modulation does not necessarily involve changes in channel phosphorylation per se, but more generally appears to depend on the kinetics of gating induced by channel phosphorylation.

PKC-mediated modulation of L-type calcium channels may contribute to fat-induced insulin resistance

Increased intracellular free calcium [Ca2+]i has been noted in adipocytes, platelets, and leukocytes of subjects with insulin resistance syndrome or allied disorders. In rodent studies, measures which increase [Ca2+]i in adipocytes and skeletal muscle are associated with impaired insulin signaling, attributable at least in part to diminished ability of insulin to activate phosphoserine phosphatase-1 (PP-1). In fat-fed insulin resistant rats, pre-treatment with a drug that selectively chelates intracellular calcium eliminates about half of the decrement in insulin-stimulated glucose uptake induced by fat feeding; since this chelator does not influence the insulin sensitivity of chow-fed rats, it is reasonable to suspect that fat feeding boosts [Ca2+]i in skeletal muscle, and that this effect is partially responsible for the associated reduction in insulin sensitivity. Clinical insulin resistance is associated with increased levels of triglycerides and other fatty acid metabolites in muscle fibers; this can give rise to diacylglycerol-mediated activation of PKC, which in turn compromises insulin signaling by triggering kinase cascades that phosphorylate IRS-1 on key serine residues. Yet there is also evidence that, in skeletal muscle, PKC activity up-regulates the function of L-type calcium channels, increasing their maximal conductance while left-shifting their voltage dependence. Thus, the PKC activation associated with fat overexposure might be expected to boost basal [Ca2+]i in skeletal muscle, potentially impeding insulin-mediated activation of PP-1. This hypothesis is consistent with several clinical studies demonstrating that long-acting inhibitors of L-type calcium channels can improve insulin sensitivity in overweight hypertensives; it should be readily testable in rodent models of fat-induced insulin resistance. Since parathyroid hormone can act on adipocytes and muscle to boost [Ca2+]i, mild secondary hyperparathyroidism associated with low calcium intakes and poor vitamin D status may contribute to insulin resistance, consistent with certain clinical and epidemiological findings. Magnesium, often thought of as a mild calcium antagonist, appears to have favorable effects on insulin sensitivity and risk for diabetes, and recent evidence indicates that increases of intracellular magnesium within the physiological range can diminish calcium influx through phosphorylated L-type calcium channels. It will be of interest to determine whether calcium antagonism does indeed underlie the favorable influence of good magnesium status on insulin function. A report that chromium picolinate can induce the plasmalemmal Ca2+-ATPase in smooth muscle cells, raises the possibility that modulation of calcium transport might play a role in the insulin-sensitizing efficacy of bioactive chromium.

Modulation of CaV1.2 channels by Mg2+ acting at an EF-hand motif in the COOH-terminal domain

Magnesium levels in cardiac myocytes change in cardiovascular diseases. Intracellular free magnesium (Mg(i)) inhibits L-type Ca(2+) currents through Ca(V)1.2 channels in cardiac myocytes, but the mechanism of this effect is unknown. We hypothesized that Mg(i) acts through the COOH-terminal EF-hand of Ca(V)1.2. EF-hand mutants were engineered to have either decreased (D1546A/N/S/K) or increased (K1543D and K1539D) Mg(2+) affinity. In whole-cell patch clamp experiments, increased Mg(i) reduced both Ba(2+) and Ca(2+) currents conducted by wild type (WT) Ca(V)1.2 channels expressed in tsA-201 cells with similar affinity. Exposure of WT Ca(V)1.2 to lower Mg(i) (0.26 mM) increased the amplitudes of Ba(2+) currents 2.6 +/- 0.4-fold without effects on the voltage dependence of activation and inactivation. In contrast, increasing Mg(i) to 2.4 or 7.2 mM reduced current amplitude to 0.5 +/- 0.1 and 0.26 +/- 0.05 of the control level at 0.8 mM Mg(i). The effects of Mg(i) on peak Ba(2+) currents were approximately fit by a single binding site model with an apparent K(d) of 0.65 mM. The apparent K(d) for this effect of Mg(i) was shifted approximately 3.3- to 16.5-fold to higher concentration in D1546A/N/S mutants, with only small effects on the voltage dependence of activation and inactivation. Moreover, mutant D1546K was insensitive to Mg(i) up to 7.2 mM. In contrast to these results, peak Ba(2+) currents through the K1543D mutant were inhibited by lower concentrations of Mg(i) compared with WT, consistent with approximately fourfold reduction in apparent K(d) for Mg(i), and inhibition of mutant K1539D by Mg(i) was also increased comparably. In addition to these effects, voltage-dependent inactivation of K1543D and K1539D was incomplete at positive membrane potentials when Mg(i) was reduced to 0.26 or 0.1 mM, respectively. These results support a novel mechanism linking the COOH-terminal EF-hand with modulation of Ca(V)1.2 channels by Mg(i). Our findings expand the repertoire of modulatory interactions taking place at the COOH terminus of Ca(V)1.2 channels, and reveal a potentially important role of Mg(i) binding to the COOH-terminal EF-hand in regulating Ca(2+) influx in physiological and pathophysiological states.

Intracellular and extracellular concentrations of Na+ modulate Mg2+ transport in rat ventricular myocytes

Apparent free cytoplasmic concentrations of Mg2+ ([Mg2+]i) and Na+ ([Na+]i) were estimated in rat ventricular myocytes using fluorescent indicators, furaptra (mag-fura-2) for Mg2+ and sodium-binding benzofuran isophthalate for Na+, at 25 degrees C in Ca2+-free conditions. Analysis included corrections for the influence of Na+ on furaptra fluorescence found in vitro and in vivo. The myocytes were loaded with Mg2+ in a solution containing 24 mM Mg2+ either in the presence of 106 mM Na+ plus 1 mM ouabain (Na+ loading) or in the presence of only 1.6 mM Na+ to deplete the cells of Na+ (Na+ depletion). The initial rate of decrease in [Mg2+]i from the Mg2+-loaded cells was estimated in the presence of 140 mM Na+ and 1 mM Mg2+ as an index of the rate of extracellular Na+-dependent Mg2+ efflux. Average [Na+]i, when estimated from sodium-binding benzofuran isophthalate fluorescence in separate experiments, increased from 12 to 31 mM and 47 mM after Na+ loading for 1 and 3 h, respectively, and decreased to approximately 0 mM after 3 h of Na+ depletion. The intracellular Na+ loading significantly reduced the initial rate of decrease in [Mg2+]i, on average, by 40% at 1 h and by 64% at 3 h, suggesting that the Mg2+ efflux was inhibited by intracellular Na+ with 50% inhibition at approximately 40 mM. A reduction of the rate of Mg2+ efflux was also observed when Na+ was introduced into the cells through the amphotericin B-perforated cell membrane (perforated patch-clamp technique) via a patch pipette that contained 130 mM Na+. When the cells were heavily loaded with Na+ with ouabain in combination with intracellular perfusion from the patch pipette containing 130 mM Na+, removal of extracellular Na+ caused an increase in [Mg2+]i, albeit at a very limited rate, which could be interpreted as reversal of the Mg2+ transport, i.e., Mg2+ influx driven by reversed Na+ gradient. Extracellular Na+ dependence of the rate of Mg2+ efflux revealed that the Mg2+ efflux was activated by extracellular Na+ with half-maximal activation at 55 mM. These results contribute to a quantitative characterization of the Na+-Mg2+ exchange in cardiac myocytes.

Modeling regulation of cardiac KATP and L-type Ca2+ currents by ATP, ADP, and Mg2+

Changes in cytosolic free Mg(2+) and adenosine nucleotide phosphates affect cardiac excitability and contractility. To investigate how modulation by Mg(2+), ATP, and ADP of K(ATP) and L-type Ca(2+) channels influences excitation-contraction coupling, we incorporated equations for intracellular ATP and MgADP regulation of the K(ATP) current and MgATP regulation of the L-type Ca(2+) current in an ionic-metabolic model of the canine ventricular myocyte. The new model: 1), quantitatively reproduces a dose-response relationship for the effects of changes in ATP on K(ATP) current, 2), simulates effects of ADP in modulating ATP sensitivity of K(ATP) channel, 3), predicts activation of Ca(2+) current during rapid increase in MgATP, and 4), demonstrates that decreased ATP/ADP ratio with normal total Mg(2+) or increased free Mg(2+) with normal ATP and ADP activate K(ATP) current, shorten action potential, and alter ionic currents and intracellular Ca(2+) signals. The model predictions are in agreement with experimental data measured under normal and a variety of pathological conditions.