Ouabain potentiation and Ca release from sarcoplasmic reticulum in cardiac and skeletal muscle cells

Na+/K+-pump and neurotransmitter membrane receptors

Na⁺/K⁺-pump is an electrogenic transmembrane ATPase located in the outer plasma membrane of cells. The Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase pumps 3 sodium ions out of cells while pumping 2 potassium ions into cells. Both cations move against their concentration gradients. This enzyme's electrogenic nature means that it has a chronic role in stabilizing the resting membrane potential of the cell, in regulating the cell volume and in the signal transduction of the cell. This review will mainly consider the role of the Na⁺/K⁺-pump in neurons, with an emphasis on its role in modulating neurotransmitter receptor. Most of the literature on the modulation of neurotransmitter receptors refers to the situation in the mammalian nervous system, but the position is likely to be similar in most, if not all, invertebrate nervous systems.

On the differences between ouabain and digitalis glycosides

Digoxin and digitoxin are widely used in the treatment of heart diseases. The exact mechanism of action of these drugs has remained an enigma. Ouabain has become the standard tool to investigate the mode of action of cardiotonic steroids, and results with ouabain are regarded as generally valid for all cardiac glycosides. However, there are marked differences between the effects of ouabain and digitalis glycosides. Ouabain has a different therapeutic profile from digitalis derivatives. Unlike digitalis glycosides, ouabain has a fast onset of action and stimulates myocardial metabolism. The inotropic effect of cardiotonic steroids is not related to inhibition of the Na-K-ATPase. Ouabain and digitalis derivatives develop their effects in different cellular spaces. Digitalis glycosides increase the intracellular calcium concentration by entering the cell interior and acting on the ryanodine receptors and by forming transmembrane calcium channels. Ouabain, by activation of the Na-K-ATPase from the extracellular side, triggers release of calcium from intracellular stores via signal transduction pathways and activates myocardial metabolism. These data no longer support the concept that all cardiotonic steroids exhibit their therapeutic effects by partial inhibition of the ion-pumping function of the Na-K-ATPase. Hence, it is suggested that this deeply rooted dogma be revised.

Modification of Ca(2+)-handling in cardiomyocytes by redox sensitive mechanisms in response to ouabain

We examined the role of redox-sensitive signal transduction mechanisms in modifying the changes in [Ca(2+)](i) produced by ouabain upon incubating adult rat cardiomyocytes with antioxidants or inhibitors of different protein kinases and monitoring alterations in fura-2 fluorescence. Ouabain increased basal [Ca(2+)](i), augmented the KCl-induced increase in [Ca(2+)](i), and promoted oxyradical production in cardiomyocytes. These actions of ouabain were attenuated by an oxyradical scavenging mixture (superoxide dismutase plus catalase), and the antioxidants (N-acetyl-L-cysteine and N-(2-mercaptoproprionyl)glycine). An inhibitor of MAP kinase (PD98059) depressed the ouabain-induced increase in [Ca(2+)], whereas inhibitors of tyrosine kinase (tyrphostin and genistein) and PI3 kinase (Wortmannin and LV294002) enhanced the ouabain-induced increase in [Ca(2+)](i). Inhibitors of protein kinase C (calphostin and bisindolylmalaimide) augmented the ouabain-induced increase in [Ca(2+)](i), whereas stimulation of protein kinase C by a phorbol ester (phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate) depressed the action of ouabain. These results suggest that ouabain-induced inhibition of Na (+)-K(+) ATPase may alter the redox status of cardiomyocytes through the production of oxyradicals, and increase the activities of various protein kinases. Thus, these redox-sensitive signal transduction mechanisms involving different protein kinases may modify Ca(2+)-handling sites in cardiomyocytes and determine the magnitude of net increase in [Ca(2+)](i) in response to ouabain.

Involvement of sarcoplasmic reticulum in changing intracellular calcium due to Na+/K+-ATPase inhibition in cardiomyocytes

Earlier studies have demonstrated that ouabain-induced increase in [Ca2+]i, as a consequence of sarcolemma (SL) Na+/K+-ATPase inhibition, is associated with activation of both the SL Na+/Ca2+ exchanger and SL Ca2+ channels. In view of the importance of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) in the regulation of [Ca2+]i, this study examined the role of SR in ouabain-induced increase in [Ca2+]i in both quiescent and KCl-depolarized cardiomyocytes. For this purpose, adult rat cardiomyocytes were loaded with fura-2 and ouabain-induced changes in [Ca2+]i were monitored upon treatment with or without different agents that are known to influence Ca2+ handling by the intracellular organelles. Ouabain not only increased the basal [Ca2+]i and augmented KCl-induced increase in [Ca2+]i but also produced similar effects on the ATP-induced increase in [Ca2+]i. Treatments of cardiomyocytes with caffeine, ryanodine, or cyclopiazonic acid, which affect SR Ca2+ stores, attenuated the ouabain-induced increase in basal Ca2+ as well as augmentation of the KCl response. Both ryanodine and cyclopiazonic acid produced additional effects, when used in combination with a SL Ca2+ channel inhibitor (verapamil), but not with a Na+/Ca2+ exchange inhibitor (KB-R7943). Inhibitors of Ca2+/calmodulin kinase, protein kinase A, and inositol-3-phosphate receptors were also observed to depress the ouabain-induced increase in [Ca2+]i in cardiomyocytes. On the other hand, mitochondrial Ca2+ transport inhibitors did not exert any effect on the ouabain-induced alterations in [Ca2+]i in cardiomyocytes. Furthermore, ouabain did not show any direct effect on the Ca2+ uptake and Ca2+ release activities of SR or mitochondria. These results suggest an indirect involvement of SR Ca2+ stores in the ouabain-induced increase in [Ca2+]i in cardiomyocytes and indicate the participation of both Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release and regulatory mechanisms in this action.

Digitalis: new actions for an old drug

The mechanisms by which digitalis causes its therapeutic and toxic actions have been studied for nearly a half century, revealing a great deal about cardiac cell regulation of intracellular ions via the Na-K-ATPase (NKA) and how it is altered by cardiac glycosides. However, recent observations suggest that digitalis may have additional effects on cardiac cell function in both the short and long term that include intracellular effects, interactions with specific NKA isoforms in different cellular locations, effects on intracellular (including nuclear) signaling, and long-term regulation of intracellular ionic balances through circulating ouabain-like compounds. The purpose of this review is to examine the current status of a number of the newest and most interesting developments in the study of digitalis with a particular focus on cardiac function, although we will also discuss some of the new advances in other relevant cardiovascular effects. This new information has important implications for both our understanding of ionic regulation in normal and diseased hearts as well as for potential avenues for the development of future therapeutic interventions for the treatment of heart failure.

Effects of nanomolar concentration dihydroouabain on calcium current and intracellular calcium in guinea pig ventricular myocytes

The effects of nanomolar concentration of dihydroouabain (DHO) on L-type calcium current (ICa-L), TTX-sensitive calcium current (ICa(TTX)), and intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) were investigated in guinea pig ventricular myocytes. The whole-cell patch-clamp technique was used to record ICa-L and ICa(TTX); [Ca2+]i was detected and recorded with the confocal microscopy. The nanomolar concentration of DHO increased the ICa-L, ICa(TTX), and [Ca2+]i, which could be partially inhibited by nisoldipine or TTX, but still appeared in the absence of extracellular K+ and Na+. These data suggest that DHO could increase [Ca2+]i in non-beating myocytes via stimulating the ICa-L and ICa(TTX), or perhaps triggering directly a release of intracellular calcium.

Ouabain Increases Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Calcium Release in Cardiac Myocytes

The inotropic and toxic effects of cardiac glycosides are thought to be related to their ability to inhibit the Na,K-ATPase. We examined the effects of ouabain and its analogs on sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+) release in intact cat ventricular myocytes under Na(+)-free conditions and in myocytes in which the sarcolemma was permeabilized using saponin so that cytoplasmic ionic composition was fixed by the bath solutions. We also compared ouabain actions in cat myocytes to those in rat myocytes because the latter is considered to be a glycoside-insensitive species. In intact cat myocytes (Na(+)-free conditions), spontaneous Ca(2+) sparks were prolonged and frequency, amplitude and width were reduced by exposure to ouabain (3 microM). Nearly identical results were obtained with its analogs dihydroouabain or ouabagenin (10 microM). The frequency of spontaneous Ca(2+) waves was also reduced by ouabain. In contrast, ouabain (100 microM) had negligible effects on sparks and waves in rat myocytes in Na(+)-free conditions, consistent with the decreased sensitivity to cardiac glycosides observed in this species. In cat myocytes permeabilized with saponin (0.01%), ouabain (>or=50 nM) decreased spark frequency and increased background SR Ca(2+) leak only when the SR was well loaded (free [Ca(2+)] = 275 nM) and not when SR load was low (free [Ca(2+)] = 50 nM). Similar effects were observed in rat myocytes only when ouabain concentration was 1 microM. These results suggest that the cellular actions of cardiac glycosides may include a direct effect on SR Ca(2+) release, possibly through activation of SR Ca(2+) release channels (ryanodine receptors). In addition, these results are consistent with the idea that direct activation of SR Ca(2+) release is dependent on the extent of SR Ca(2+) load, with elevated load increasing sensitivity of the channel release mechanism to activation by glycoside.

Effect of cardiac glycosides on action potential characteristics and contractility in cat ventricular myocytes: role of calcium overload

There is increasing evidence that cardiac glycosides act through mechanisms distinct from inhibition of the sodium pump but which may contribute to their cardiac actions. To more fully define differences between agents indicative of multiple sites of action, we studied changes in contractility and action potential (AP) configuration in cat ventricular myocytes produced by six cardiac glycosides (ouabain, ouabagenin, dihydroouabain, actodigin, digoxin, and resibufogenin). AP shortening was observed only with ouabain and actodigin. There was extensive inotropic variability between agents, with some giving full inotropic effects before automaticity occurred whereas others produced minimal inotropy before toxicity. AP shortening was not a result of alterations in calcium current or the inward rectifier potassium current, but correlated with an increase in steady-state outward current (Iss), which was sensitive to KB-R7943, a Na+-Ca2+ exchange (NCX) inhibitor. Interestingly, Iss was observed following exposure to ouabain and dihydroouabain, suggesting that an additional mechanism is operative with dihydroouabain that prevents AP shortening. Further investigation into differences in inotropy between ouabagenin, dihydroouabain and ouabain revealed almost identical responses under AP voltage clamp. Thus all agents appear to act on the sodium pump and thereby secondarily increase the outward reverse mode NCX current, but the extent of AP duration shortening and positive inotropy elicited by each agent is limited by development of their toxic actions. The quantitative differences between cardiac glycosides suggest that mechanisms independent of sodium pump inhibition may result from an altered threshold for calcium overload possibly involving direct or indirect effects on calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum.

Involvement of Na/Ca exchange and intracellular mobilized Ca2+ in Na,K-pump-mediated control of depression of the cholinosensitivy of common snail neurons [correction of neorons] using a cellular analog of habituation

The role of Na/Ca exchange and intracellular mobilized Ca2+ in modifying the depression of defensive behavior command neuron cholinosensitivity induced by the the Na,K pump inhibitor ouabain was studied in common snails using a cellular analog of habituation. Integral transmembrane acetylcholine-evoked currents (ACh currents) were recorded using a two-electrode membrane potential clamping technique. Decreases in neuron cholinosensitivity in the cellular analog of habituation were assessed in terms of the depth of depression of the amplitude of ACh currents during rhythmic local application of acetylcholine (with interstimulus intervals of 2-4 min) to the somatic membrane. The Na/Ca exchange inhibitor benzamyl (applied extracellularly, 15-35 microM) and two specific endoplasmic reticulum Ca-ATPase inhibitors, cyclopiazonic acid and thapsigargin (applied intracellularly. 0.1 mM) prevented modification of depression of the ACh current by ouabain (100 microM). It is concluded that Na/Ca exchange and the release of mobilized Ca2+ from intracellular calcium depots are involved in the mechanism by which the Na,K pump controls the depression of neuron cholinosensitivity in the cellular analog of habituation.

Positive inotropic effects of ouabain in isolated cat ventricular myocytes in sodium-free conditions

The inotropic and toxic effects of cardiac steroids are thought to result from Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase inhibition, with elevated intracellular Na(+)(Na)causing increased intracellular Ca(2+)(Ca) via Na-Ca exchange. We studied the effects of ouabain on cat ventricular myocytes in Na(+)-free conditions where the exchanger is inhibited. Cell shortening and Ca transients (with fluo 4-AM fluorescence) were measured under voltage clamp during exposure to Na(+)-free solutions [LiCl or N-methyl-D-glucamine (NMDG) replacement]. Ouabain enhanced contractility by 121 +/- 55% at 1 micromol/l (n = 11) and 476 +/- 159% at 3 micromol/l (n = 8) (means +/- SE). Ca transient amplitude was also increased. The inotropic effects of ouabain were retained even after pretreatment with saxitoxin (5 micromol/l) or changing the holding potential to -40 mV (to inactivate Na(+) current). Similar results were obtained with both Li(+) and NMDG replacement and in the absence of external K(+), indicating that ouabain produced positive inotropy in the absence of functional Na-Ca exchange and Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity. In contrast, ouabain had no inotropic response in rat ventricular myocytes (10-100 micromol/l). Finally, ouabain reversibly increased Ca(2+) overload toxicity by accelerating the rate of spontaneous aftercontractions (n = 13). These results suggest that the cellular effects of ouabain on the heart may include actions independent of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase inhibition, Na-Ca exchange, and changes in Na.

Ca-dependent regulation of the Na-K-pump by post-tetanic sensitization of extrasynaptic cholinoreceptors in common snail neurons

Studies were conducted on the role of the Na,K pump and intracellular calcium in the previously observed phenomenon of increased cholinosensitivity of the somatic membranes of neurons LPa3 and RPa3 in the common snail, induced by electrical tetanic stimulation (10.5 mA. 0.1 sec, 2 impulses/sec; 2 min) of the afferent input (the intestinal nerve). Recordings were made of integral transmembrane acetylcholine-evoked currents by two-electrode membrane voltage clamping. After intracellular administration of the Na,K pump inhibitor ouabain (70 microM), there was no post-tetanic increase in neuron cholinosensitivity. Intracellular injection of the calcium ion chelator BAPTA suppressed the sensitization of somatic cholinoreceptors after orthodromal tetanization. It was concluded that the Na,K pump is involved in the mechanism of post-tetanic potentiation of cholinosensitivity in the bodies of defensive behavior command neurons in the common snail, this involvement being Ca-dependent.

Activation of cardiac ryanodine receptors by cardiac glycosides

This study investigated the effects of cardiac glycosides on single-channel activity of the cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ release channels or ryanodine receptor (RyR2) channels and how this action might contribute to their inotropic and/or toxic actions. Heavy SR vesicles isolated from canine left ventricle were fused with artificial planar lipid bilayers to measure single RyR2 channel activity. Digoxin and actodigin increased single-channel activity at low concentrations normally associated with therapeutic plasma levels, yielding a 50% of maximal effect of approximately 0.2 nM for each agent. Channel activation by glycosides did not require MgATP and occurred only when digoxin was applied to the cytoplasmic side of the channel. Similar results were obtained in human RyR2 channels; however, neither the crude skeletal nor the purified cardiac channel was activated by glycosides. Channel activation was dependent on [Ca2+] on the luminal side of the bilayer with maximal stimulation occurring between 0.3 and 10 mM. Rat RyR2 channels were activated by digoxin only at 1 microM, consistent with the lower sensitivity to glycosides in rat heart. These results suggest a model in which RyR2 channel activation by digoxin occurs only when luminal [Ca2+] was increased above 300 microM (in the physiological range). Consequently, increasing SR load (by Na+ pump inhibition) serves to amplify SR release by promoting direct RyR2 channel activation via a luminal Ca2+-sensitive mechanism. This high-affinity effect of glycosides could contribute to increased SR Ca2+ release and might play a role in the inotropic and/or toxic actions of glycosides in vivo.

Charge movements in intact amphibian skeletal muscle fibres in the presence of cardiac glycosides

1. Intramembrane charge movements were examined in intact voltage-clamped amphibian muscle fibres following treatment with cardiac glycosides in the hypertonic gluconate-containing solutions hitherto reported to emphasise the features of q(gamma) at the expense of q(beta) charge. 2. The application of chlormadinone acetate (CMA) at concentrations known selectively to block Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase conserved the steady-state voltage dependence of intramembrane charge, contributions from delayed (q(gamma)) charging transients, and their inactivation characteristics brought about by shifts in holding potential. 3. The addition of either ouabain (125, 250 or 500 nM) or digoxin (5 nM) at concentrations previously reported additionally to influence excitation-contraction coupling similarly conserved the steady-state charge-voltage relationships, Q(V), in fully polarised fibres to give values of maximum charge, Q(max), transition voltage, V*, and steepness factor, k, that were consistent with a persistent q component as reported on earlier occasions (Q(max) approximately = 25-27 nC F-1, V* approximately = -45 to -50 mV, k approximately = 7-9 mV). 4. In both cases shifts in holding potential from -90 to -50 mV produced a partial inactivation that separated steeply and more gradually voltage-dependent charge components in agreement with previous characterisations. 5. However, charge movements that were observed in the presence of either digoxin or ouabain were monotonic decays in which delayed (q(gamma)) transients could not be distinguished from the early charging records. These features persisted despite the further addition of chlormadinone acetate over a 10-fold concentration range (5-50 microM) known to displace ouabain from the Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase. 6. Ouabain (500 nM) restored the steady-state charge movement that was previously abolished by the addition of 2.0 mM tetracaine in common with previous results of using ryanodine receptor (RyR)-specific agents. 7. Perchlorate (8.0 mM) restored the delayed 'on' relaxations and increased the prominence of the 'off' decays produced by q(gamma) charge following treatment with cardiac glycosides. This was accompanied by a negative (approximately 10-15 mV) shift in the steady-state charge-voltage relationship but an otherwise conserved maximum charge, Q(max), and steepness factor, k, in parallel with previously reported effects of perchlorate following treatments with RyR-specific agents. 8. The features of cardiac glycoside action thus parallel those of other agents that act on RyR-Ca(2+) release channels yet influence the kinetics but spare the steady-state properties of intramembrane charge.

New evidence for similarities in excitation-contraction coupling in skeletal and cardiac muscle

This review describes several new experimental observations indicating that some of the differences thought to distinguish activation of contraction in skeletal and cardiac muscle may be in fact much less profound than are currently considered. Three such areas are considered in particular. First, it now appears that activation of the elementary units of Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum ('Ca2+ sparks') in skeletal muscle may occur not only as the result of voltage activation but also of Ca2+ activation in a process very much like Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release (CICR) in cardiac muscle. Second, there is new evidence that activation of contraction in cardiac muscle may be partly reliant on a voltage-sensitive release mechanism (VSRM) similar to that in skeletal muscle. Third, digitalis binds to a high affinity site on the cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release channel (ryanodine receptor RyR) causing an increase in single channel open probability which could contribute to its positive inotropic action; although mammalian skeletal muscle does not appear to share this sensitivity to cardiac glycosides, amphibian skeletal muscle has both cardiac and skeletal isoforms of the channel and does indeed demonstrate a positive inotropic action in response to digitalis. These results raise the possibility that several differences thought to represent 'fundamental' distinctions between the two muscle types and how they generate and regulate contraction, as well as pharmacological sensitivities, may be more similar than are currently considered.

Effects of cardiac glycosides on excitation-contraction coupling in frog skeletal muscle fibres

1. The effects of digoxin and ouabain on the calcium release flux from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), isometric tension and intramembrane charge movement were studied in voltage clamped skeletal muscle fibres of the frog. 2. Both cardiac glycosides increased both calcium transients and simultaneously recorded tension at all membrane potentials, showing different effects on the peak and on the steady components of the calcium release flux. These effects were attained at an extracellular digoxin concentration of 5 nM and an estimated intracellular ouabain concentration of 1-2 nM. Digoxin and ouabain thus exerted their effects at the same concentration on calcium release in skeletal muscle as previously observed in isolated cardiac-type ryanodine receptor (RyR) calcium release channels. 3. The peak of SR calcium release increased at all voltages, with the largest potentiation at intermediate membrane potentials. This increase in calcium release flux was attained despite an unchanged SR calcium content. The attenuated release rate therefore reflected an increased number of open RyR channels rather than increased SR loading. 4. These effects could be attributed to an increase in calcium release activation and not a decrease in the rate of inactivation. Rather, the rate of inactivation was enhanced at all voltages as expected from the increased calcium concentration in the triadic junction. 5. In contrast, CMA (17 alpha-acetoxy-6-chloro-4, 6-pregnadiene-3,20-dione; 5 microM), a Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase inhibitor with no positive inotropic effects on the heart, neither influenced SR calcium release nor antagonized the effects of ouabain. 6. Both digoxin and ouabain preserved total intramembrane charge apart from a small negative shift in the mid-point voltage and increase in slope factor. 7. Both digoxin and ouabain induced calcium release from heavy SR vesicles at rates comparable to that induced by ryanodine or caffeine. 8. It is concluded that at least part of the inactivating component of SR calcium release involves distinct RyR calcium release channels that resemble the cardiac RyR isoform in its specific sensitivity to cardiac glycosides.

An immunohistochemical study of the significance of a new 31.5-kD ouabain receptor protein isolated from cat cardiac muscle

A new 31.5-kD ouabain receptor protein (NORP), which is independent of Na(+)-K+ ATPase, was recently isolated selectively from transverse tubule membrane-junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum (TTM-JSR) complexes of cat cardiac muscle. We investigated the role of this NORP in cardiac function with special reference to the positive inotropic effect (PIE) of ouabain, preparing and using a monoclonal antibody (MoAB, immunoglobulin) raised against the receptor protein. Electrically stimulated papillary muscles were immersed in a Tyrode solution containing the anti-NORP MoAB (40 microM), of which the binding potency was high enough for immunological use, for 60 min and then washed out. Thirty minutes after removal of the MoAB, both twitch and K-contracture were still inhibited, but both resting and action potentials and caffeine-induced contracture were unchanged, indicating that NORP plays a key role in excitation (E)-contraction (C) coupling. The intracellular localization of the protein was investigated by immunohistochemical electron microscopy, and the protein was shown to be located on the TTM, the location being probably its external surface and opposite to feet which occupy the TTM-JSR gap. These results indicate that E-C coupling of cardiac muscle cells is mediated through NORP and that ouabain-PIE occurs through the influence of ouabain on NORP in the E-C coupling process.

Studies of a key protein in the mechanism of the excitation-contraction coupling process of frog skeletal muscle, using phenylglyoxal

The excitation-contraction (E-C) coupling process in single twitch fibres from frog toe muscle was inhibited selectively by phenylglyoxal (PGO), a specific guanidyl modifying reagent. A new protein (31.5 kDa), which has PGO-binding ability and seems to play a key role in the E-C coupling process, was solubilized from transverse tubule membrane-junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum complexes (TTM-JSR) of frog skeletal muscles, using 14C-PGO. The monoclonal antibody against this protein applied extracellularly inhibited the E-C coupling process of the single fibres. This protein appears to constitute the very first step of input for E-C coupling. It is considered to behave as an indispensable part of an 'electrometer' to measure membrane potentials. Therefore, the name 'electrometrin' is suggested for the new protein.

Physiological role and localization of the new ouabain receptor protein (31.5 kD) from cat cardiac muscles, using the monoclonal AB against the protein

Role and localization of the new ouabain receptor protein (31.5 kD) were studied by using its monoclonal AB. The protein may be a key protein in the E-C coupling process in the cat cardiac muscle.

Solubilization and characterization of a ouabain-sensitive protein from transverse tubule membrane-junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum complexes (TTM-JSR) in cat cardiac muscle

A new glycoprotein of 31,500 dalton, which has a high affinity for ouabain, and is independent of (Na+-K+)-ATPase, was solubilized from transverse tubule membrane and junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum complexes (TTM-JSR) of cat cardiac muscle. This protein could be extracted only in small amounts from sarcolemma-plasma membrane (SLM-PL) fragments, suggesting that it indeed originates from the TTM-JSR.

Ouabain augments calcium-dependent potassium conductance in visceral primary afferent neurones of the rabbit

1. The effects of ouabain (1 nM-100 microM) on the membrane properties of rabbit visceral primary afferent neurones (nodose ganglion cells) were studied with intracellular recordings and voltage-clamp techniques in vitro. 2. Ouabain (greater than or equal to 1 microM) often produced a membrane hyperpolarization associated with a fall of membrane resistance in type C neurones. The ouabain-induced hyperpolarization reversed in polarity at about -90 mV. These suggest that the ouabain-induced hyperpolarization is due to an increase in potassium conductance. 3. Both the peak amplitude and the duration of the after-hyperpolarization following an action potential were reversibly increased with increasing concentration of ouabain. In tetraethylammonium (TEA, 10-20 mM) and tetrodotoxin (TTX, 1-10 microM), the duration of both the calcium-dependent action potential and the after-hyperpolarization following the action potential was prolonged by ouabain (greater than or equal to 10 nM). 4. A depolarizing command pulse evoked a slow outward current in TEA (10-20 mM) and TTX (1-10 microM). This was increased in amplitude and prolonged in duration by ouabain (100 nM-1 microM). Such augmentation of the slow outward current by ouabain was usually associated with an increase in a slow inward current during the period of the depolarizing command pulse. 5. An outward current produced by the calcium ionophore A23187 was reversibly augmented by ouabain (greater than or equal to 10 nM). 6. An outward current caused by exchanging a potassium-free superfusion solution for one containing 4.7 or 10 mM-potassium was completely abolished by ouabain (greater than or equal to 10 nM). 7. The hyperpolarization elicited by intracellular injection of calcium was reversibly prolonged by either ouabain (1 microM) or caffeine (10 nM). 8. These results suggest that ouabain augments the after-hyperpolarization both by an increase in calcium influx across the cellular membrane and by an increase in intracellular calcium concentration.

Examination of the role of the electrogenic sodium pump in the adrenaline-induced hyperpolarization of amphibian neurones

The effect of adrenaline and acetylcholine (ACh) on the membrane potential of Rana pipiens sympathetic ganglia was examined by means of the sucrose gap recording technique. Adrenaline (1-50 microM) consistently produced a hyperpolarization (Adrh) which was not reduced by Ringer solution containing 10 mM-Mn2+, nor by Ringer solution where the Na+ concentration was reduced from 100 to 30 mM. High doses of ACh (10 mM) produced a biphasic response, a depolarization (AChd) followed by an after-hyperpolarization (ACha.h.p.). Ringer solution containing 100 mM-Li+ (rather than 100 mM-Na+) or 10 microM-ouabain blocked the ACha.h.p. and reduced the Adrh. The AChd was essentially unchanged. Ringer solution containing 0.2 mM-K+ (rather than 2 mM-K+) blocked part of the ACha.h.p. whereas the Adrh was enhanced. Ringer solution containing 6 mM-K+ reduced the amplitude of the Adrh. The Adrh and the antidromically evoked action potential after-hyperpolarization (antidromic a.h.p.) reversed polarity at approximately the same membrane potential. These data do not support the hypothesis that the Adrh results from activation of the electrogenic sodium pump. It is tempting to speculate that the response may be generated by an increase in potassium conductance (gK) which is especially sensitive to manipulations which result in sodium pump inhibition.

Sodium/calcium exchange in mammalian ventricular muscle: a study with sodium-sensitive micro-electrodes

A method for mounting and rapidly perfusing small ventricular trabeculae (diameter around 250 micron) from either ferret or guinea-pig is described. Tension, membrane potential (Em) and intracellular Na activity (aiNa) were measured. aiNa was measured using Na-sensitive micro-electrodes. At room temperature (22-26 degrees C), [Na]o 155 mmol/l and [Ca]o 5.4 mmol/l, aiNa was 10.9 mmol/l +/- S.D. 4.2 mmol/l (n = 148). When [Na]o was reduced from 155 to 1.5 mmol/l contractures developed. These were about twitch height in guinea-pig but less than the twitch height in ferret. Associated with the development of the contracture there was a decrease in aiNa. The aiNa halved within 30 s. The decrease in aiNa was not influenced by changing pHo from 7.4 to 9.5, K-free solution or strophanthidin 50 mumol/l and was not passive since, even when the [Na]o was 1.5 mmol/l, the driving force for Na ions remained inward. The aiNa decreased if [Ca]o was increased and [Na]o decreased or vice versa. On the basis of these findings it is concluded that the decrease in aiNa is mainly due to Na/Ca exchange. Despite the large decrease in aiNa the [Ca]i, as monitored by tension changes, hardly increased. Since Ca uptake does occur in Na-free conditions in heart muscle it is proposed that the mitochondria take up Ca ions and so prevent an excessive rise in cytoplasmic Ca. Strophanthidin increased both aiNa and the withdrawal contracture, but collected results from a number of experiments showed no clear correlation between the initial aiNa and contracture amplitude. Strophanthidin may, therefore, have actions additional to increasing aiNa.