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Rice CA, Stackman RW. The small conductance Ca 2+-activated K + channel activator GW542573X impairs hippocampal memory in C57BL/6J mice. Neuropharmacology 2024; 252:109960. [PMID: 38631563 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.109960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Small conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (SK) channels, expressed throughout the CNS, are comprised of SK1, SK2 and SK3 subunits, assembled as homotetrameric or heterotetrameric proteins. SK channels expressed somatically modulate the excitability of neurons by mediating the medium component of the afterhyperpolarization. Synaptic SK channels shape excitatory postsynaptic potentials and synaptic plasticity. Such SK-mediated effects on neuronal excitability and activity-dependent synaptic strength likely underlie the modulatory influence of SK channels on memory encoding. Converging evidence indicates that several forms of long-term memory are facilitated by administration of the SK channel blocker, apamin, and impaired by administration of the pan-SK channel activator, 1-EBIO, or by overexpression of the SK2 subunit. The selective knockdown of dendritic SK2 subunits facilitates memory to a similar extent as that observed after systemic apamin. SK1 subunits co-assemble with SK2; yet the functional significance of SK1 has not been clearly defined. Here, we examined the effects of GW542573X, a drug that activates SK1 containing SK channels, as well as SK2/3, on several forms of long-term memory in male C57BL/6J mice. Our results indicate that pre-training, but not post-training, systemic GW542573X impaired object memory and fear memory in mice tested 24 h after training. Pre-training direct bilateral infusion of GW542573X into the CA1 of hippocampus impaired object memory encoding. These data suggest that systemic GW542573X impairs long-term memory. These results add to growing evidence that SK2 subunit-, and SK1 subunit-, containing SK channels can regulate behaviorally triggered synaptic plasticity necessary for encoding hippocampal-dependent memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire A Rice
- Department of Psychology, Jupiter Life Science Initiative and the Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute, Florida Atlantic University, 5353 Parkside Drive, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA
| | - Robert W Stackman
- Department of Psychology, Jupiter Life Science Initiative and the Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute, Florida Atlantic University, 5353 Parkside Drive, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA.
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Van NTH, Kim WK, Nam JH. Challenges in the Therapeutic Targeting of KCa Channels: From Basic Physiology to Clinical Applications. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2965. [PMID: 38474212 PMCID: PMC10932353 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Calcium-activated potassium (KCa) channels are ubiquitously expressed throughout the body and are able to regulate membrane potential and intracellular calcium concentrations, thereby playing key roles in cellular physiology and signal transmission. Consequently, it is unsurprising that KCa channels have been implicated in various diseases, making them potential targets for pharmaceutical interventions. Over the past two decades, numerous studies have been conducted to develop KCa channel-targeting drugs, including those for disorders of the central and peripheral nervous, cardiovascular, and urinary systems and for cancer. In this review, we synthesize recent findings regarding the structure and activating mechanisms of KCa channels. We also discuss the role of KCa channel modulators in therapeutic medicine. Finally, we identify the major reasons behind the delay in bringing these modulators to the pharmaceutical market and propose new strategies to promote their application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nhung Thi Hong Van
- Department of Physiology, Dongguk University College of Medicine, Gyeongju 38066, Republic of Korea;
- Channelopathy Research Center (CRC), Dongguk University College of Medicine, Goyang 10326, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo Kyung Kim
- Channelopathy Research Center (CRC), Dongguk University College of Medicine, Goyang 10326, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dongguk University, Goyang 10326, Republic of Korea
| | - Joo Hyun Nam
- Department of Physiology, Dongguk University College of Medicine, Gyeongju 38066, Republic of Korea;
- Channelopathy Research Center (CRC), Dongguk University College of Medicine, Goyang 10326, Republic of Korea
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Chronic Stress Causes Projection-Specific Adaptation of Amygdala Neurons via Small-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channel Downregulation. Biol Psychiatry 2019; 85:812-828. [PMID: 30737013 PMCID: PMC6800185 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2018.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Revised: 11/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of the amygdala in mediating stress coping has been long appreciated. However, basolateral amygdala (BLA) projection neurons (PNs) are organized into discrete output circuits, and it remains unclear whether stress differentially impacts these circuits. METHODS Mice were exposed to acute restraint stress or chronic restraint stress (CRS), and c-fos expression was measured as a proxy for neuronal activation in Retrobead retrogradely labeled dorsomedial prefrontal cortex-targeting PNs (BLA→dmPFC) and non-dmPFC-targeting PNs (BLA↛dmPFC). Next, the effects of CRS on neuronal firing and membrane potassium channel current were examined via ex vivo electrophysiology in these neuronal populations and correlated with anxiety-like behavior, as measured in the elevated plus maze and novel open field tests. Lastly, the ability of virus-mediated overexpression of subtype 2 of small-conductance, calcium-activated potassium (SK2) channel in BLA↛dmPFC PNs to negate the anxiety-related effects of CRS was assessed. RESULTS BLA→dmPFC PNs were transiently activated after CRS, whereas BLA↛dmPFC showed sustained c-fos expression and augmented firing to external input. CRS led to a loss of SK2 channel-mediated currents in BLA↛dmPFC PNs, which correlated with heightened anxiety-like behavior. Virus-mediated maintenance of SK2 channel currents in BLA↛dmPFC PNs prevented CRS-induced anxiety-like behavior. Finally, CRS produced persistent activation of BLA PNs targeting the ventral hippocampus, and virally overexpressing SK2 channels in this projection population were sufficient to prevent CRS-induced anxiety-like behavior. CONCLUSIONS The current data reveal that chronic stress produces projection-specific functional adaptations in BLA PNs. These findings offer new insight into the neural circuits that contribute to stress-induced psychopathology.
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Kshatri AS, Gonzalez-Hernandez A, Giraldez T. Physiological Roles and Therapeutic Potential of Ca 2+ Activated Potassium Channels in the Nervous System. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:258. [PMID: 30104956 PMCID: PMC6077210 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Within the potassium ion channel family, calcium activated potassium (KCa) channels are unique in their ability to couple intracellular Ca2+ signals to membrane potential variations. KCa channels are diversely distributed throughout the central nervous system and play fundamental roles ranging from regulating neuronal excitability to controlling neurotransmitter release. The physiological versatility of KCa channels is enhanced by alternative splicing and co-assembly with auxiliary subunits, leading to fundamental differences in distribution, subunit composition and pharmacological profiles. Thus, understanding specific KCa channels’ mechanisms in neuronal function is challenging. Based on their single channel conductance, KCa channels are divided into three subtypes: small (SK, 4–14 pS), intermediate (IK, 32–39 pS) and big potassium (BK, 200–300 pS) channels. This review describes the biophysical characteristics of these KCa channels, as well as their physiological roles and pathological implications. In addition, we also discuss the current pharmacological strategies and challenges to target KCa channels for the treatment of various neurological and psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aravind S Kshatri
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Medical School, Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain.,Instituto de Tecnologias Biomedicas, Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Alberto Gonzalez-Hernandez
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Medical School, Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain.,Instituto de Tecnologias Biomedicas, Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Teresa Giraldez
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Medical School, Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain.,Instituto de Tecnologias Biomedicas, Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
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Murthy SRK, Sherrin T, Jansen C, Nijholt I, Robles M, Dolga AM, Andreotti N, Sabatier JM, Knaus HG, Penner R, Todorovic C, Blank T. Small-conductance Ca2+-activated potassium type 2 channels regulate the formation of contextual fear memory. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0127264. [PMID: 25938421 PMCID: PMC4418695 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0127264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2013] [Accepted: 04/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Small-conductance, Ca2+ activated K+ channels (SK channels) are expressed at high levels in brain regions responsible for learning and memory. In the current study we characterized the contribution of SK2 channels to synaptic plasticity and to different phases of hippocampal memory formation. Selective SK2 antisense-treatment facilitated basal synaptic transmission and theta-burst induced LTP in hippocampal brain slices. Using the selective SK2 antagonist Lei-Dab7 or SK2 antisense probes, we found that hippocampal SK2 channels are critical during two different time windows: 1) blockade of SK2 channels before the training impaired fear memory, whereas, 2) blockade of SK2 channels immediately after the training enhanced contextual fear memory. We provided the evidence that the post-training cleavage of the SK2 channels was responsible for the observed bidirectional effect of SK2 channel blockade on memory consolidation. Thus, Lei-Dab7-injection before training impaired the C-terminal cleavage of SK2 channels, while Lei-Dab7 given immediately after training facilitated the C-terminal cleavage. Application of the synthetic peptide comprising a leucine-zipper domain of the C-terminal fragment to Jurkat cells impaired SK2 channel-mediated currents, indicating that the endogenously cleaved fragment might exert its effects on memory formation by blocking SK2 channel-mediated currents. Our present findings suggest that SK2 channel proteins contribute to synaptic plasticity and memory not only as ion channels but also by additionally generating a SK2 C-terminal fragment, involved in both processes. The modulation of fear memory by down-regulating SK2 C-terminal cleavage might have applicability in the treatment of anxiety disorders in which fear conditioning is enhanced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saravana R. K. Murthy
- Section on Cellular Neurobiology, Program on Developmental Neuroscience, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Tessi Sherrin
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
| | - Chad Jansen
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Signaling, The Queen’s Medical Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
| | | | - Michael Robles
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
| | - Amalia M. Dolga
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Nicolas Andreotti
- Laboratoire INSERM UMR1097, Parc scientifique et technologique de Luminy, Marseille, cedex 09, France
| | - Jean-Marc Sabatier
- Laboratoire INSERM UMR1097, Parc scientifique et technologique de Luminy, Marseille, cedex 09, France
| | - Hans-Guenther Knaus
- Division for Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Reinhold Penner
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Signaling, The Queen’s Medical Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
| | - Cedomir Todorovic
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Thomas Blank
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
- Institute for Neuropathology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Aidi-Knani S, Pezard L, Mpari B, Ben Hamida J, Sabatier JM, Mourre C, Regaya I. Correspondences between the binding characteristics of a non-natural peptide, Lei-Dab7, and the distribution of SK subunits in the rat central nervous system. Eur J Pharmacol 2015; 752:106-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2015.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2014] [Revised: 02/09/2015] [Accepted: 02/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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SK channel blockade reverses cognitive and motor deficits induced by nigrostriatal dopamine lesions in rats. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2014; 17:1295-306. [PMID: 24661728 DOI: 10.1017/s1461145714000236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease has traditionally been viewed as a motor disorder caused by the loss of dopamine (DA) neurons. However, emotional and cognitive syndromes can precede the onset of the motor deficits and provide an opportunity for therapeutic intervention. Potassium channels have recently emerged as potential new targets in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. The selective blockade of small conductance calcium-activated K+ channels (SK channels) by apamin is known to increase burst firing in midbrain DA neurons and therefore DA release. We thus investigated the effects of systemic administration of apamin on the motor, cognitive deficits and anxiety present after bilateral nigrostriatal 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesions in rats. Apamin administration (0.1 or 0.3 mg/kg i.p.) counteracted the depression, anxiety-like behaviors evaluated on sucrose consumption and in the elevated plus maze, social recognition and spatial memory deficits produced by partial 6-OHDA lesions. Apamin also reduced asymmetric motor deficits on circling behavior and postural adjustments in the unilateral extensive 6-OHDA model. The partial 6-OHDA lesions (56% striatal DA depletion) produced 20% decrease of iodinated apamin binding sites in the substantia nigra pars compacta in correlation with the loss of tyrosine hydroxylase positive cells, without modifying apamin binding in brain regions receiving DAergic innervation. Striatal extracellular levels of DA, not detectable after 6-OHDA lesions, were enhanced by apamin treatment as measured by in vivo microdialysis. These results indicate that blocking SK channels may reinstate minimal DA activity in the striatum to alleviate the non-motor symptoms induced by partial striatal DA lesions.
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Baker KD, Edwards TM, Rickard NS. The role of intracellular calcium stores in synaptic plasticity and memory consolidation. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2013; 37:1211-39. [PMID: 23639769 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2013.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2013] [Revised: 04/18/2013] [Accepted: 04/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Memory processing requires tightly controlled signalling cascades, many of which are dependent upon intracellular calcium (Ca(2+)). Despite this, most work investigating calcium signalling in memory formation has focused on plasma membrane channels and extracellular sources of Ca(2+). The intracellular Ca(2+) release channels, ryanodine receptors (RyRs) and inositol (1,4,5)-trisphosphate receptors (IP3Rs) have a significant capacity to regulate intracellular Ca(2+) signalling. Evidence at both cellular and behavioural levels implicates both RyRs and IP3Rs in synaptic plasticity and memory formation. Pharmacobehavioural experiments using young chicks trained on a single-trial discrimination avoidance task have been particularly useful by demonstrating that RyRs and IP3Rs have distinct roles in memory formation. RyR-dependent Ca(2+) release appears to aid the consolidation of labile memory into a persistent long-term memory trace. In contrast, IP3Rs are required during long-term memory. This review discusses various functions for RyRs and IP3Rs in memory processing, including neuro- and glio-transmitter release, dendritic spine remodelling, facilitating vasodilation, and the regulation of gene transcription and dendritic excitability. Altered Ca(2+) release from intracellular stores also has significant implications for neurodegenerative conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn D Baker
- School of Psychology and Psychiatry, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Victoria, Australia.
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Schwartz EF, Mourão CBF, Moreira KG, Camargos TS, Mortari MR. Arthropod venoms: A vast arsenal of insecticidal neuropeptides. Biopolymers 2012. [DOI: 10.1002/bip.22100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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10
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Towards therapeutic applications of arthropod venom k(+)-channel blockers in CNS neurologic diseases involving memory acquisition and storage. J Toxicol 2012; 2012:756358. [PMID: 22701481 PMCID: PMC3373146 DOI: 10.1155/2012/756358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2011] [Accepted: 02/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Potassium channels are the most heterogeneous and widely distributed group of ion channels and play important functions in all cells, in both normal and pathological mechanisms, including learning and memory processes. Being fundamental for many diverse physiological processes, K+-channels are recognized as potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of several Central Nervous System (CNS) diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, schizophrenia, HIV-1-associated dementia, and epilepsy. Blockers of these channels are therefore potential candidates for the symptomatic treatment of these neuropathies, through their neurological effects. Venomous animals have evolved a wide set of toxins for prey capture and defense. These compounds, mainly peptides, act on various pharmacological targets, making them an innumerable source of ligands for answering experimental paradigms, as well as for therapeutic application. This paper provides an overview of CNS K+-channels involved in memory acquisition and storage and aims at evaluating the use of highly selective K+-channel blockers derived from arthropod venoms as potential therapeutic agents for CNS diseases involving learning and memory mechanisms.
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Roles of the Drosophila SK channel (dSK) in courtship memory. PLoS One 2012; 7:e34665. [PMID: 22509342 PMCID: PMC3324495 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0034665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2011] [Accepted: 03/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A role for SK channels in synaptic plasticity has been very well-characterized. However, in the absence of simple genetic animal models, their role in behavioral memory remains elusive. Here, we take advantage of Drosophila melanogaster with its single SK gene (dSK) and well-established courtship memory assay to investigate the contribution of this channel to memory. Using two independent dSK alleles, a null mutation and a dominant negative subunit, we show that while dSK negatively regulates the acquisition of short-term memory 30 min after a short training session, it is required for normal long-term memory 24 h after extended training. These findings highlight important functions for dSK in courtship memory and suggest that SK channels can mediate multiple forms of behavioral plasticity.
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Blocking SK channels impairs long-term memory formation in young chicks. Behav Brain Res 2011; 216:458-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2010.07.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2010] [Revised: 07/21/2010] [Accepted: 07/25/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Mpari B, Sreng L, Manrique C, Mourre C. KCa2 channels transiently downregulated during spatial learning and memory in rats. Hippocampus 2010; 20:352-63. [PMID: 19437421 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.20622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Small-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels (K(Ca)2) are essential components involved in the modulation of neuronal excitability, underlying learning and memory. Recent evidence suggests that K(Ca)2 channel activity reduces synaptic transmission in a postsynaptic NMDA receptor-dependent manner and is modulated by long-term potentiation. We used radioactive in situ hybridization and apamin binding to investigate the amount of K(Ca)2 subunit mRNA and K(Ca)2 proteins in brain structures involved in learning and memory at different stages of a radial-arm maze task in naive, pseudoconditioned, and conditioned rats. We observed significant differences in K(Ca)2.2 and K(Ca)2.3, but not K(Ca)2.1 mRNA levels, between conditioned and pseudoconditioned rats. K(Ca)2.2 levels were transiently reduced in the dorsal CA fields of the hippocampus, whereas K(Ca)2.3 mRNA levels were reduced in the dorsal and ventral CA fields of the hippocampus, entorhinal cortex, and basolateral amygdaloid nucleus in conditioned rats, during early stages of learning. Levels of apamin-binding sites displayed a similar pattern to K(Ca)2 mRNA levels during learning. Spatial learning performance was positively correlated with levels of apamin-binding sites and K(Ca)2.3 mRNA in the dorsal CA1 field and negatively correlated in the dorsal CA3 field. These findings suggest that K(Ca)2 channels are transiently downregulated in the early stages of learning and that regulation of K(Ca)2 channel levels is involved in the modification of neuronal substrates underlying new information acquisition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bedel Mpari
- Laboratoire de Neurobiologie Intégrative et Adaptative, Neurobiologie des Processus Mnésiques, UMR 6149, Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, Centre St Charles, 3 Place Victor Hugo, 13331 Marseille Cedex 03, France
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Vick KA, Guidi M, Stackman RW. In vivo pharmacological manipulation of small conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels influences motor behavior, object memory and fear conditioning. Neuropharmacology 2009; 58:650-9. [PMID: 19944112 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2009.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2009] [Revised: 11/16/2009] [Accepted: 11/17/2009] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Small conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels (SK, K(Ca2.1), K(Ca2.2), K(Ca2.3)) are expressed at high levels in brain regions critical for learning and memory. The activation of dendritic SK channels limits the induction of synaptic plasticity that may underlie hippocampal and amygdala dependent memory. EBIO facilitates SK channel activation by increasing their sensitivity to calcium. The compound CyPPA selectively activates SK2 and SK3 channels in a similar manner. To date there has been no report of the effects of SK channel activators on memory. Therefore, the present study examined the effects of systemic EBIO on mice in a behavioral task battery. Significant effects of EBIO on memory and motor activity were validated and extended by examining the effects of systemic CyPPA. Systemic EBIO and CyPPA both produced a transient decline in locomotor behavior. Neither SK channel activator affected anxiety. EBIO (17.5 mg/kg) impaired the encoding, but not retrieval, of object memory in a spontaneous object recognition task. A similar impairment of object memory encoding was observed in CyPPA (15 mg/kg)-treated mice. These memory-impairing effects were not due to changes in motivation, attention or movement. Systemic EBIO did not affect contextual or cued fear memory after conditioning with a 3 tone (CS)-footshock (US) pairing protocol or a 1 CS-US pairing protocol. Interestingly, apamin (0.4 mg/kg) enhanced contextual fear memory in mice conditioned with a 1 CS-US pairing protocol. These results suggest that SK channel activation impairs the encoding of non-aversive memory but not memory for aversive events. These data support converging evidence that SK channels regulate cellular mechanisms of memory encoding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle A Vick
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431-0991, USA
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Szatanik M, Vibert N, Vassias I, Guénet JL, Eugène D, de Waele C, Jaubert J. Behavioral effects of a deletion in Kcnn2, the gene encoding the SK2 subunit of small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels. Neurogenetics 2008; 9:237-48. [PMID: 18604572 DOI: 10.1007/s10048-008-0136-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2007] [Accepted: 06/03/2008] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Small-conductance Ca(2+)-activated potassium (SK) channels are heteromeric complexes of SK alpha-subunits and calmodulin that modulate membrane excitability, are responsible for part of the after-hyperpolarization (AHP) following action potentials, and thus control the firing patterns and excitability of most central neurons. An engineered knockout allele for the SK2 subunit has previously been reported. The hippocampal neurons of these mice lacked the medium latency component of the AHP, but the animals were not described as presenting any overt behavioral phenotype. In this report, we describe a deletion in the 5' region of the Kcnn2 gene encoding the SK2 subunit in the mouse neurological frissonnant (fri) mutant. The frissonnant mutant phenotype is characterized by constant rapid tremor and locomotor instability. It has been suggested, based merely on its phenotype, as a potential model for human Parkinson disease. We used a positional cloning strategy to identify the mutation underlying the frissonnant phenotype. We narrowed the genetic disease interval and identified a 3,441-bp deletion in the Kcnn2 gene, one of the three candidate genes present in the interval. Expression studies showed complete absence of normal Kcnn2 transcripts while some tissue-specific abnormal truncated variants were detected. Intracellular electrophysiological recordings of central vestibular neurons revealed permanent alterations of the AHP and firing behavior that might cause the tremor and associated locomotor deficits. Thus, the fri mutation suggests a new, potentially important physiological role, which had not been described, for the SK2 subunit of small-conductance Ca(2+)-activated potassium channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek Szatanik
- Unité de Génétique Fonctionnelle de la Souris, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
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Mpari B, Sreng L, Regaya I, Mourre C. Small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels: Heterogeneous affinity in rat brain structures and cognitive modulation by specific blockers. Eur J Pharmacol 2008; 589:140-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2008.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2007] [Revised: 04/29/2008] [Accepted: 05/19/2008] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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