Inhibition of slow-wave repolarization and Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels by quaternary ammonium ions

Modelling Human Colonic Smooth Muscle Cell Electrophysiology

The colon is a digestive organ that is subject to a wide range of motility disorders. However, our understanding of the etiology of these disorders is far from complete. In this study, a quantitative single cell model has been developed to describe the electrical behaviour of a human colonic smooth muscle cell (hCSMC). This model includes the pertinent ionic channels and intracellular calcium homoeostasis. These components are believed to contribute significantly to the electrical response of the hCSMC during a slow wave. The major ion channels were constructed based on published data recorded from isolated human colonic myocytes. The whole cell model is able to reproduce experimentally recorded slow waves from human colonic muscles. This represents the first biophysically-detailed model of a hCSMC and provides a means to better understand colonic disorders.

Revisited and revised: is RhoA always a villain in cardiac pathophysiology?

The neonatal rat ventricular myocyte model of hypertrophy has provided tremendous insight with regard to signaling pathways regulating cardiac growth and gene expression. Many mediators thus discovered have been successfully extrapolated to the in vivo setting, as assessed using genetically engineered mice and physiological interventions. Studies in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes demonstrated a role for the small G-protein RhoA and its downstream effector kinase, Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase (ROCK), in agonist-mediated hypertrophy. Transgenic expression of RhoA in the heart does not phenocopy this response, however, nor does genetic deletion of ROCK prevent hypertrophy. Pharmacologic inhibition of ROCK has effects most consistent with roles for RhoA signaling in the development of heart failure or responses to ischemic damage. Whether signals elicited downstream of RhoA promote cell death or survival and are deleterious or salutary is, however, context and cell-type dependent. The concepts discussed above are reviewed, and the hypothesis that RhoA might protect cardiomyocytes from ischemia and other insults is presented. Novel RhoA targets including phospholipid regulated and regulating enzymes (Akt, PI kinases, phospholipase C, protein kinases C and D) and serum response element-mediated transcriptional responses are considered as possible pathways through which RhoA could affect cardiomyocyte survival.

Ca2+-activated K+ current in freshly isolated c-Kit positive cells in guinea-pig stomach

This study was designed to isolate Ca2+-activated K+ current (I(KCa)) and elucidate its physiological significance in freshly isolated interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) of guinea-pig stomach. Single ICC was freshly isolated by enzymatically dissociating from myenteric border of gastric antrum free of circular muscles, and conventional whole-cell voltage clamp technique including immunohistochemical techniques were employed to characterize the cells: In myenteric border of gastric antrum, ICC-MY (ICCs from myenteric border) were detected by immunohistochemical reactivity, and single ICC-MY which has many branches was immunohistochemically c-Kit positive. Under K+-rich and 0.1 mM ethylene glycol-bis (2-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid pipette solution, ICC produced spontaneous inward current (-256 +/- 92.2 pA). When step-depolarizing pulse from -80 to +80 mV was applied at holding potential (V(h)) of -80 mV, voltage-dependent outward currents were recorded with superimposed spontaneous transient outward currents (STOCs). Both STOCs and outward currents were reversibly affected by tetraethylammonium chloride (TEA) and iberiotoxin (IbTX); 2 mM TEA and 200 nM IbTX completely abolished STOCs and significantly inhibited outward K+ current over the whole potential range tested for current/voltage (I/V) relationship. In addition, TEA delayed repolarization phase of spontaneous inward current. The present results indicate the presence of I(KCa) in a single ICC, and it might be involved in regulation of repolarizing phase of spontaneous inward current in guinea-pig stomach.

Differential effects of Pyk2 and FAK on the hypertrophic response of cardiac myocytes

The related cytoplasmic non-receptor tyrosine kinases Pyk2 (proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2) and FAK (focal adhesion kinase) have been implicated in phenylephrine-induced G-protein-coupled receptor-mediated signaling mechanisms leading to cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. We report that, in phenylephrine-stimulated neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVM), Pyk2 augments expression of the hypertrophic marker atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) but reduces cytoskeletal organization and cell spreading. In contrast, FAK attenuates ANF production but does not alter cytoskeletal organization and cell spreading. Pyk2 and FAK exhibit differential localization in both unstimulated and phenylephrine-stimulated myocytes. Pyk2 catalytic activity is required for Pyk2 to augment ANF secretion but is not necessary to reduce cell spreading. Pyk2 autophosphorylation is required but not sufficient for Pyk2 to augment ANF secretion. Expression of the Pyk2 FERM domain as an autonomous fragment inhibits phenylephrine-mediated ANF secretion and reduces cell spreading. In addition, expression of the Pyk2 FERM domain inhibits the ability of Pyk2 to augment ANF secretion; this is correlated with reduced Pyk2 autophosphorylation. These data indicate that Pyk2 and FAK have different roles and occupy different positions in signaling pathways leading to the development of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy.

A quantitative model of gastric smooth muscle cellular activation

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

Cooperative interaction between the basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor dHAND and myocyte enhancer factor 2C regulates myocardial gene expression

Cardiac-restricted transcription factors dHAND and myocyte enhancer factor 2C are expressed in the developing heart and activate several cardiac promoters. However, their regulatory mechanisms are still to be understood. To elucidate their exact regulatory functions, we have developed an RNA interference strategy to specifically inhibit dHAND and myocyte enhancer factor 2C protein production in H9c2 cells, which are derived from rat embryonic heart. Expression of endogenous cardiac genes atrial natriuretic peptide and alpha-myosin heavy chain was down-regulated in H9c2 cells lacking both dHAND and myocyte enhancer factor 2C, indicating that these factors are required for the maintenance of the cardiac genetic program. Consistent with these, expression of atrial natriuretic peptide and alpha-myosin heavy chain was up-regulated in H9c2 cells, which overexpressed dHAND and myocyte enhancer factor 2C. In addition, dHAND and myocyte enhancer factor 2C interact to synergistically activate atrial natriuretic peptide and alpha-myosin heavy chain transcription. Furthermore, chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis in H9c2 cells treated with phenylephrine showed that dHAND and myocyte enhancer factor 2C protein complex bind to the A/T sequence on atrial natriuretic peptide promoter. Taken together, these results not only suggest that the complex cis-trans interaction of dHAND, myocyte enhancer factor 2C, and the target gene may fine-tune gene expression in cardiac myocytes but also provide a molecular paradigm to elucidate the mechanisms of action of dHAND and myocyte enhancer factor 2C in the developing heart.

Factor structure and ammonia-related modulation of the human retinal oscillatory potentials

OBJECTIVE

To investigate in man the factor structure of retinal oscillatory potentials (OPs) to full-field luminance stimulation (0.9-9.5 cd.s.m(-2)) and the correlation with the spontaneous fluctuations of plasma ammonia.

METHODS

Six male healthy volunteers were studied. Five OP recordings and ammonia determinations (GLDH method) were obtained for each subject at 2 h interval during an 8 h experimental session. A standard factor analysis was applied on the OP latency (time from stimulus to peak) and amplitudes values.

RESULTS

Two consecutive factors on latencies and two factors on amplitudes were identified, consistent with reported differences between the earlier and later OP waves. The model explained a large portion of the OP variance. Both factors on latencies and factor 1 on amplitudes were directly correlated to the stimulus intensity and the ammonia plasma concentration in the 15.8-39.5 micromol/l range. Factors 1 and 2 on latencies decreased and factor 1 on amplitude increased at increasing stimulus intensities. The latency factors decreased and the amplitude factor increased with increasing ammonia concentration. Factor 2 on amplitudes did not correlate with the stimulus intensity or ammonia concentration.

CONCLUSIONS

The factor structure further supports the evidence of functional differences between early and late OP waves. The observed correlation conceivably reflects a role of ammonia in the modulation of retinal electrophysiology in physiological conditions and potentially accounts for spontaneous variability in otherwise controlled electrophysiological studies.

Cardiomyocyte apoptosis induced by Galphaq signaling is mediated by permeability transition pore formation and activation of the mitochondrial death pathway

Expression of the wild-type alpha subunit of Gq stimulates phospholipase C and induces hypertrophy in cardiomyocytes. Addition of Gq-coupled receptor agonists additionally activates phospholipase C, as does expression of a constitutively active mutant form of Galphaq. Under these conditions, hypertrophy is rapidly succeeded by apoptotic cellular and molecular changes, including myofilament disorganization, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, alterations in Bcl-2 family protein levels, DNA fragmentation, increased caspase activity ( approximately 4-fold), cytochrome c redistribution, and nuclear chromatin condensation in approximately 12% of the cells. We used various interventions to define the molecular relationships between these events and identify potential sites at which these features of apoptosis could be rescued. Treatment with caspase inhibitors prevented DNA fragmentation and promoted myocyte survival; however, cytochrome c release and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential still occurred. In contrast, treatment with bongkrekic acid, an inhibitor of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore, not only prevented DNA fragmentation and reduced nuclear chromatin condensation but also preserved mitochondrial membrane potential and limited cytochrome c redistribution to only approximately 2% of cells. These data demonstrate the central role of mitochondrial membrane potential in initiation of caspase activation and downstream apoptotic events and suggest that preservation of mitochondrial integrity is crucial for prolonging the life and function of cardiomyocytes exposed to pathological levels of stress.

Nitroblue tetrazolium blocks BK channels in cerebrovascular smooth muscle cell membranes

The effects of p-nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) on large conductance, calcium-activated potassium channels (BK channels) in enzymatically dispersed rat cerebrovascular smooth muscle cells (CVSMCs) were examined. Patch clamp methods were employed to record single BK channel currents from inside-out patches of CVMC membrane maintained at 21 - 23 degrees C. When applied to the cytoplasmic face of inside-out membrane patches (internally applied NBT), micromolar concentrations of NBT reversible reduced the mean open time of BK channels, without changing channel conductance. NBT altered the frequency distribution of BK channel open times from a two exponential to a single exponential form. In the absence of NBT, mean channel open time increased on membrane depolarization. In the presence of internally applied NBT, mean channel open became essentially independent of membrane potential. Internally applied NBT also reduced the mean closed time of BK channels when measured at membrane potentials in the range -80 mV to +20 mV. The combined effects of internal NBT on mean open and closed times resulted in the suppression of BK channel open probability when measured at positive membrane potentials. When applied to the external membrane face, micromolar concentrations of NBT reduced mean channel open time progressively as the membrane was hyperpolarized, and also reduced open probability at negative membrane potentials. A model is proposed in which NBT alters channel gating by binding to a site at or near to the cytoplasmic membrane face. Externally applied NBT suppressed BK channel open probability at concentrations which also inhibit nitric oxide synthase (NOS). Therefore, the potential role of potassium channel block in NBT actions previously attributed to NOS inhibition is discussed.

Choline uptake across the ventricular membrane of neonate rat choroid plexus

The uptake of [3H]choline from the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) side of the rat neonatal choroid plexus was characterized in primary cultures of the choroidal epithelium grown on solid supports. Cell-to-medium concentration ratios were approximately 5 at 1 min and as high as 70 at 30 min. Apical choline uptake was facilitated; the Km was approximately 50 microM. Several organic cations (e.g., hemicholinium-3 and N1-methylnicotinamide) inhibited uptake. The reduction or removal of external Na+ or the addition of 5 mM LiCl had no effect on uptake. However, increasing external K+ concentration from 3 to 30 mM depolarized ventricular membrane potential (-70 to -15 mV) and reduced uptake to 45% of that for the control. Treatment with 1 mM ouabain or 2 mM BaCl2 reduced uptake 45%, and intracellular acidification reduced uptake to approximately 90% of that for controls. These data indicate that the uptake of choline from CSF across the ventricular membrane of the neonatal choroidal epithelium is not directly coupled to Na+ influx but is sensitive to plasma membrane electrical potential.

Regulation of natriuretic peptide secretion by the heart

Secreted by the heart, more specifically by atrial cardiomyocytes under normal conditions but also by ventricular myocytes during cardiac hypertrophy, natriuretic peptides are now considered important hormones in the control of blood pressure and salt and water excretion. Studies on natriuretic peptide secretagogues and their mechanisms of action have been complicated by hemodynamic changes and contractions to which the atria are constantly subjected. It now appears that atrial stretch through mechano-sensitive ion channels, adrenergic stimulation via alpha 1A-adrenergic receptors, and endothelin via its ETA receptor subtype are major triggering agents of natriuretic peptide release. With several other stimuli, such as angiotensin II and beta-adrenergic agents, modulation of natriuretic peptide release appears to be linked to local generation of prostaglandins. In all cases, intracellular calcium homeostasis, controlled by several ion channels, is considered a key element in the regulation of natriuretic peptide secretion.

Tyrosine kinase and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase mediate hypertrophic responses to prostaglandin F2alpha in cultured neonatal rat ventricular myocytes

Myocardial infarction results in focal areas of ischemia, hypoxia, necrosis, and decreased contractile function. To compensate for loss of contractile function, remaining viable myocytes undergo hypertrophic growth. Prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha), which is released from cells of the myocardium during periods of stress such as hypoxia or ischemia/reperfusion, has recently been shown to stimulate hypertrophic growth in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes. In the present study, we determine which growth-related intracellular pathways are required for PGF2alpha to induce morphological and genetic features characteristic of the hypertrophic phenotype. In cardiomyocytes, PGF2alpha increases the hydrolysis of inositol phosphates and induces the translocation of protein kinase C epsilon to the myocyte membrane, consistent with PGF2alpha receptor coupling to Gq. PGF2alpha also activates the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways. Surprisingly, studies using pharmacological inhibitors and transfection of dominant-interfering proteins demonstrate that PGF2alpha-induced myocyte hypertrophy occurs independent of either PKC, p38, or ERK pathways. Additional studies demonstrate that PGF2alpha stimulates protein tyrosine phosphorylation and activates c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase and suggest that these pathways mediate hypertrophic growth in response to PGF2alpha.

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

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

Beta1 integrins participate in the hypertrophic response of rat ventricular myocytes

Multiple signaling pathways have been implicated in the hypertrophic response of ventricular myocytes, yet the importance of cell-matrix interactions has not been extensively examined. Integrins are cell-surface molecules that link the extracellular matrix to the cellular cytoskeleton. They can function as cell signaling molecules and transducers of mechanical information in noncardiac cells. Given these properties and their abundance in cardiac cells, we evaluated the hypothesis that beta1 integrin function is involved in the alpha1-adrenergic mediated hypertrophic response of neonatal rat ventricular myocytes. The hypertrophic response of this model required interaction with extracellular matrix proteins. Specificity of these results was confirmed by demonstrating that ventricular myocytes plated onto an anti-beta1 integrin antibody supported the hypertrophic gene response. Adenovirus-mediated overexpression of beta1 integrin augmented the myocyte hypertrophic response when assessed by protein synthesis and atrial natriuretic factor production, a marker gene of hypertrophic induction. DNA synthesis was not altered by integrin overexpression. Transfection of cultured cardiac myocytes with either the ubiquitously expressed beta1A integrin or the cardiac/skeletal muscle-specific beta1 isoform (beta1D) activated reporter expression from both the atrial natriuretic factor and myosin light chain-2 ventricular promoters, genetic markers of ventricular cell hypertrophy. Finally, suppression of integrin signaling by overexpression of free beta1 integrin cytoplasmic domains inhibited the adrenergically mediated atrial natriuretic factor response. These findings show that integrin ligation and signaling are involved in the cardiac hypertrophic response pathway.

Nitric oxide suppresses a Ca(2+)-stimulated Cl- current in smooth muscle cells of opossum esophagus

Nitric oxide (NO) hyperpolarizes visceral smooth muscles. Using the patch-clamp technique, we investigated the possibility that NO-mediated hyperpolarization in the circular muscle of opossum esophagus results from the suppression of a Ca(2+)-stimulated Cl- current. Smooth muscle cells were dissociated from the circular layer and bathed in high-K+ Ca(2+)-EGTA-buffered solution. Macroscopic ramp currents were recorded from cell-attached patches. Contaminating K(+)-channel currents were blocked with tetrapentylammonium chloride (200 microM) added to all solutions. Raising bath Ca2+ concentration above 150 nM in the presence of A-23187 (10 microM) activated a leak current (IL-Ca) with an EC50 of 1.2 microM at -100 mV. The reversal potential (Erev) of IL-Ca (-8.5 +/- 1.8 mV, n = 8) was significantly different (P < 0.05) from Erev of the background current (+4.2 +/- 1.2 mV, n = 8). Equimolar substitution of 135 mM Cl- in the pipette solution with gluconate significantly shifted Erev of IL-Ca to +16.6 +/- 3.4 mV (n = 4) (P < 0.05 compared with background), whereas replacement of total Na+ with Tris+ suppressed IL-Ca but did not affect Erev (-15 +/- 3 mV, n = 3; P > 0.05). IL-Ca was inhibited by DIDS (500 microM). Diethylenetriamine-NO adduct (200 microM), a NO donor, and 8-bromo-cGMP (200 microM) suppressed IL-Ca by 59 +/- 15% (n = 5) and 62 +/- 21% (n = 4) at -100 mV, respectively. We conclude that in opossum esophageal smooth muscle NO-mediated hyperpolarization may be produced by suppression of a Ca(2+)-stimulated Cl(-)-permeable conductance via formation of cGMP.

Effect of motilin and erythromycin on calcium-activated potassium channels in rabbit colonic myocytes

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Motilin and erythromycin are prokinetic agents that act on the same receptor in gastrointestinal smooth muscle to cause contraction. Both agonists may also cause an increase in outward current. The aim of this study was to determine whether motilin and erythromycin activate calcium-activated potassium (KCa) channels.

METHODS

Freshly dispersed longitudinal smooth muscle cells of the rabbit colon were used to measure whole-cell outward current and single-channel activity using patch clamp recording methods.

RESULTS

Erythromycin and motilin increased a calcium-dependent outward potassium current and increased the open probability of KCa channels of cell- attached patches.

CONCLUSIONS

Erythromycin and motilin activate KCa channels via an intracellular second messenger system. This effect may modulate the increase in contractility caused by these agonists.

Regulation of the rat atrial natriuretic peptide gene after acute imposition of left ventricular pressure overload

The upregulation of left ventricular (LV) atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) mRNA is a highly conserved marker of cardiac hypertrophy. The aim of this study was to further examine the pathway leading to ANP induction during pressure overload of the heart. Systolic wall stress was imposed acutely on isovolumetrically beating rat hearts in a Langendorff apparatus (sigma-=300 x 10[3] dyne/cm2). Northern and Western blots revealed that elevated wall stress induced LV c-fos and c-jun mRNAs (3.5- and 3-fold, P<.05 after 60 minutes), c-Fos and c-Jun proteins (3.9- and 4.3-fold, P<.05 after 120 minutes), as well as ANP mRNA (2.2-fold, P<.05 after 120 minutes). ANP upregulation was prevented by inhibition of protein synthesis (cycloheximide). Electrophoresis mobility shift assays were performed to link c-Fos and c-Jun (ie, components of the heterodimeric transcription factor AP-1) and ANP induction. A putative AP-1 binding site within the rat ANP promoter (nucleotides -512 to -473) bound specifically to nuclear proteins of wall stress-stimulated hearts. Antibodies directed against c-Fos protein resulted in a shift of this DNA/protein complex, suggesting physical interaction between AP-1 and the ANP promoter. Myocardial transfection of promoter constructs revealed that after acute imposition of wall stress, this AP-1 site enhanced a reporter gene (8- to 10-fold compared with a minimal promoter, P<.05). Interestingly, nuclear extracts of stimulated hearts as well as pure AP-1 protein bound to a putative CRE site (nucleotides -613 to -584) as well. Like the AP-1 site, this cAMP-responsible element (CRE) site was found to enhance the transfected ANP promoter/reporter gene significantly (17.5-fold, P<.05). Mutation of either AP-1 or CRE sites did not decrease reporter gene activity, whereas mutation of both resulted in loss of inducibility. These experiments suggest that LV ANP regulation after acute wall stress includes the activation of AP-1 and/or CRE cis acting elements. However, the transient nature of c-fos and c-jun upregulation also suggests that AP-1 is not the only mediator of ANP induction in LV hypertrophy.

Differential Effects of Protein Kinase C Activators and Inhibitors on alpha- and beta-Adrenoceptor-mediated Positive Inotropic Effect in Isolated Rabbit Papillary Muscle

BACKGROUND: A number of novel agents that activate or inhibit protein kinase C (PKC) in vitro have been developed to evaluate the physiologic role of PKC in regulation of cellular function. However, most of the PKC inhibitors also affect the protein kinase A, and the effects of these agents in intact myocardium remain still controversial. The present study was carried out to examine the effects of these agents on the positive inotropic effect (PIE) medicated by alpha- and beta-adrenoceptors in isolated rabbit papillary muscle. METHODS AND RESULTS: A potent PKC activator, phorbol 12, 13-dibutyrate (PDBu) at 10 and 30 nM, induced a significant PIE. PDBu at 3 nM and higher inhibited the alpha-mediated PIE and abolished it at 100 nM without affecting the beta-mediated PIE. Phorbol 12-myrisate 13-acetate (PMA) and 1-oleyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol (OAG) elicited a similar selective inhibitory action on the alpha-mediated PIE. The PIE of PDBu was abolished by chelerythrine and partially inhibited by staurosporine, but H-7 or calphostin-C did not affect the PIE. These PKC inhibitors consistently inhibited the alpha-mediated PIE by 20-30% at concentrations that they did not affect the beta-mediated PIE. None of the PKC inhibitors influence the PDBu-induced inhibitory action on the alpha-mediated PIE, an indication that they failed to reach the site of the inhibitory action of PDBu. CONCLUSION: Selective modulation by the PKC activators and inhibitors of the alpha-mediated PIE with little effect on the beta-mediated PIE implies that the activation of PKC has a physiological relevance to the alpha-mediated PIE. However, the externally administered PKC activators do not mimic the effect of diacylglycerol that is generated endogenously by alpha-stimulation. By contrast, externally applied PKC inhibitors selectively antagonize the alpha-adrenoreceptor-mediated PIE in rabbit ventricular myocardium.

Involvement of endothelin (ET)A and ETB receptors in the hypertrophic effects of ET-1 in rabbit ventricular cardiomyocytes

The question was addressed whether endothelin-1 (ET-1) exerts hypertrophic effects in cardiomyocytes isolated from ventricles of adult rabbits and maintained in short-term (24 h) serum-free primary culture providing mechanical quiescence. ET-1 (> or =100 pM) increased significantly total mass of cellular protein and incorporation of L-U-[(14)C]phenylalanine and 2-[(14)C]uridine into cellular protein and RNA, respectively. Cycloheximide (35 microM), an inhibitor of protein synthesis, significantly reduced the incorporation of L-U-[(14)C]phenylalanine and 2-[(14)C]uridine into cellular protein and RNA, respectively, under control conditions and in response to ET-1. Actinomycin D (5 microM), a selective inhibitor of transcription, abolished the incorporation of 2-[(14)C]uridine into cellular RNA and significantly reduced the incorporation of L-U-[(14)C]phenylalanine into cellular protein under control conditions and in response to ET-1. The selective antagonists at the ET(A) receptor [BQ123 (100 nM) and PD155080 (100 nM)] and the selective antagonist at the ET(B) receptor [BQ788 (100 nM)] significantly reduced the incorporation of L-U-[(14)C]phenylalanine into cellular protein in response to ET-1 (10 nM). The selective inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC), bisindolylmaleimide (BIM) (5 microM), reduced markedly the incorporation of 2-[(14)C]uridine into cellular RNA and, to a lesser degree, the incorporation of L-U-[(14)C]phenylalanine into cellular protein in response to ET-1 (100 pM to 10 nM). ET-1 exerts hypertrophic effects directly in vitro in ventricular cardiomyocytes isolated from the hearts of adult rabbits. These effects are (a) due to de novo synthesis since total mass of cellular protein and incorporation of L-U-[(14)C]phenylalanine and 2-[(14)C]uridine into cellular protein and RNA, respectively, were increased; (b) mediated by both the ET(A) and ET(B) receptor subtypes; and (c) may be associated, at least partly, with the activation of PKC.

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

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

Evidence for load-dependent and load-independent determinants of cardiac natriuretic peptide production

BACKGROUND

In hypertension with cardiac hypertrophy, the specific contributions to increased production of the cardiac natriuretic peptides (NP) atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) by load and the hypertrophic process are not known. In the present work we determine ANF and BNP synthesis and secretion in the aortic-banded rat treated with dosage schedules of the ACE inhibitor ramipril that result in the prevention or regression of both hypertension and hypertrophy (high dosage) or in the prevention or regression of hypertrophy alone with persistent hypertension (low dosage). Myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoform switch was studied as an indicator of ventricular cardiocyte hypertrophy as well as the levels of collagen III mRNA as a measure of changes in extracellular matrix.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Ramipril was administered for 6 weeks just after suprarenal aortic banding, or rats were banded for 6 weeks, after which ramipril was administered during the following 6 weeks. Banding caused an increase in blood pressure, left ventricular weight-to-body weight ratio, plasma and ventricular NP, ventricular NP mRNA, collagen III, and beta-MHC mRNA. Ramipril at 1 mg/kg normalized all these parameters while ramipril at 10 micrograms/kg normalized left ventricular weight-to-body weight ratio but not blood pressure. Plasma and ventricular NP content and mRNA levels were partially normalized by ramipril (10 micrograms/kg). Ramipril (10 micrograms/kg) prevented increased collagen III mRNA levels but did not affect beta-MHC mRNA levels.

CONCLUSIONS

(1) NP production and secretion in aortic-banded rats are independently related to increased blood pressure and hypertrophy. (2) A load-dependent component is more important than a load-independent component in regulating left ventricular NP production. (3) ANF production is more sensitive than BNP production to the load-independent component. (4) Low-dose ramipril treatment reverses hypertrophy and the increased collagen III expression but does not reverse the increased beta-MHC isoform expression, suggesting that these are independently regulated processes. (5) Aortic banding and ACE inhibition do not affect atrial NP production and content.

Dissociation of p44 and p42 mitogen-activated protein kinase activation from receptor-induced hypertrophy in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes

In response to hormones and mechanical stretch, neonatal rat ventricular myocytes exhibit a hypertrophic response that is characterized by induction of cardiac-specific genes and increased myocardial cell size. Hypertrophic stimuli also activate mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), an enzyme thought to play a central role in the regulation of cell growth and differentiation. To determine if MAPK activation is sufficient for acquisition of the molecular and morphological features of cardiac hypertrophy we compared four agonists that stimulate G protein-coupled receptors. Whereas phenylephrine and endothelin transactivate cardiac-specific promoter/luciferase reporter genes, increase atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) expression, and promote myofilament organization, neither carbachol nor ATP induces these responses. Interestingly, all four agonists activate both the p42 and the p44 isoforms of MAPK. Furthermore, the kinetics of MAPK activation are not different for the hypertrophic agonist phenylephrine and the nonhypertrophic agonist carbachol. Transient transfection of myocytes with dominant-interfering mutants of p42 and p44 MAPK failed to block phenylephrine-induced ANF expression, although Ras-induced gene expression was inhibited by expression of the mutant MAPK constructs. Moreover, PD 098059, an inhibitor of MAPK kinase, blocked phenylephrine-stimulated MAPK activity but not ANF reporter gene expression. Thus, MAPK activation is not sufficient for G protein receptor-mediated induction of cardiac cell growth and gene expression and is apparently not required for transcriptional activation of the ANF gene.

Alpha1-adrenergic receptor subtype mRNAs are differentially regulated by alpha1-adrenergic and other hypertrophic stimuli in cardiac myocytes in culture and in vivo. Repression of alpha1B and alpha1D but induction of alpha1C

The three cloned alpha1-adrenergic receptor (AR) subtypes, alpha1B, alpha1C, and alpha1D, can all couple to the same effector, phospholipase C, and the reason(s) for conservation of multiple subtypes remain uncertain. All three alpha1-ARs are expressed natively in cultured neonatal rat cardiac myocytes, where chronic exposure to the agonist catecholamine norepinephrine (NE) induces hypertrophic growth and gene transcription. We show here, using RNase protection, that the alpha1-AR subtype mRNAs respond in distinctly different ways during prolonged NE exposure (12 72 h). Alpha1B and alpha1D mRNA levels were repressed by NE, whereas alpha1C mRNA was induced. Changes in mRNA levels were mediated by an alpha1-AR, were not explained by altered mRNA stability, and were reflected in receptor proteins by [3H]prazosin binding. alpha1-AR-stimulated phosphoinositide hydrolysis and myocyte growth were not desensitized. Three other hypertrophic agonists in culture, endothelin-1, PGF2alpha, and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, also induced alpha1C mRNA and repressed alpha1B mRNA. In myocytes from hearts with pressure overload hypertrophy, alpha1 mRNA changes were identical to those produced by NE in culture. These results provide the first example of a difference in regulation among alpha1-AR subtypes expressed natively in the same cell. Transcriptional induction of the alpha1C-AR could be a mechanism for sustained growth signaling through this receptor and is a common feature of a hypertrophic phenotype in cardiac myocytes.

Endothelin-1 and angiotensin II receptors in cells from rat hypertrophied heart. Receptor regulation and intracellular Ca2+ modulation

This study investigates the cellular localization and regulation of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and angiotensin II (Ang II) receptors and the effects of ET-1 and Ang II on [Ca2+]i in cardiac hypertrophy due to volume overload in the rat. Radioligand binding assays and [Ca2+]i measurements by fura 2 methodology were performed on isolated ventricular cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts from the heart of rats with a 4-week aortocaval shunt. In the hypertrophied myocardium, ET-1 and Ang II concentrations were unchanged in ventricles. Ventricular ET-1 receptors had a cell-specific distribution: > 90% of ET receptors in cardiomyocytes are of the ETA subtype, whereas fibroblasts had a nearly equal proportion of the ETA and ETB subtypes. ET-1 receptor densities, affinities, and ET-1-induced [Ca2+]i were not significantly different from control in both ventricular cell types from hypertrophied myocardium. Ang II specific binding was very low on isolated ventricular cardiomyocytes, suggesting few receptors in control conditions. However, [Ca2+]i responses induced by Ang II at concentrations > 10(-8) mol/L were detectable and were significantly higher in hypertrophied cardiomyocytes. Ang II receptor density (exclusively AT1) on fibroblasts was significantly reduced (42,970 +/- 3330 versus 73,870 +/- 7940 sites per cell for control cells, P < .01), but AT1 receptor affinity was unchanged after volume overload. The maximum increase in [Ca2+]i evoked by 10(-6) to 10(-4) mol/L Ang II was significantly lower in fibroblasts from overloaded hearts. In conclusion, ET-1 receptor proportion is cell specific, with cardiomyocytes possessing predominantly the ETA subtype and fibroblasts possessing both ETA and ETB receptors. Plasma and cardiac ET-1 concentrations and ET-1 receptor regulation on both ventricular cell types are not altered in cardiac volume overload, suggesting that cardiac ET-1 may not play a significant role in this model. Cardiac hypertrophy induced a significant downregulation of AT1 receptors on fibroblasts, whereas total binding and [Ca2+]i sensitivity to Ang II were significantly enhanced in hypertrophied cardiomyocytes. This suggests that cardiac Ang II may be involved in the pathophysiology of the cardiac hypertrophy of volume overload.

Rapamycin selectively inhibits angiotensin II-induced increase in protein synthesis in cardiac myocytes in vitro. Potential role of 70-kD S6 kinase in angiotensin II-induced cardiac hypertrophy

It has been suggested that phosphorylation of a 40S ribosomal protein, S6, regulates protein synthesis. Two distinct families of S6 kinase have been identified, the rsk-encoded 85- to 92-kD S6 kinase (RSK) and the 70- or 85-kD S6 kinase (p70S6K). We have previously shown that hypertrophic stimuli, such as angiotensin II (Ang II), rapidly activate RSK in cardiac myocytes. However, RSK and p70S6K are regulated by distinct mechanisms, and p70S6K, but not RSK, is the physiological S6 kinase in vivo in other cell types. Using cultured neonatal rat ventricular myocytes, we examined whether Ang II activates p70S6K and investigated the effect of rapamycin, a potent yet indirect inhibitor of p70S6K, on the Ang II-induced hypertrophic response. Immunoblot analyses indicate that cardiac myocytes express the 70- and 85-kD forms of p70s6K. Ang II caused a rapid and sustained activation of p70S6K through the type I Ang II receptor. Rapamycin inhibited Ang II-induced activation of p70S6K in a dose-dependent manner, with an IC50 of 0.14 ng/mL (0.15 nmol/L). Rapamycin did not inhibit Ang II-induced activation of tyrosine kinase, mitogen-activated protein kinase, RSK, and protein kinase C. The effect of rapamycin is unlikely to be mediated by its effect on p34cdc2 and p33cdk2 because Ang II did not activate these cell cycle-dependent kinases in cardiac myocytes. In contrast, a dose-dependent inhibition of p70S6K by rapamycin is very closely correlated with its inhibition of the Ang II-induced increase in protein synthesis. Interestingly, rapamycin did not affect the Ang II-induced activation of specific gene expression, including the immediate-early gene c-fos and fetal type genes, such as atrial natriuretic factor and skeletal alpha-actin. Moreover, rapamycin did not suppress Ang II-induced phenotypic changes at the protein level, such as increased atrial natriuretic factor secretion, expression of beta-myosin heavy chain, and organization of actin into sarcomeric units. These results indicate that p70S6K is activated by Ang II and that a rapamycin-sensitive signaling mechanism, most likely p70S6K, plays an essential role in the Ang II-induced increase in overall protein synthesis but not in Ang II-induced specific phenotypic changes in cardiac myocytes.

The selectivity of different external binding sites for quaternary ammonium ions in cloned potassium channels

Tetraethylammonium (TEA) is thought to be the most effective quaternary ammonium (QA) ion blocker at the external site of K+ channels, and small changes to the TEA ion reduce its potency. To examine the properties of the external QA receptor, we applied a variety of QA ions to excised patches from human embryonic kidney cells or Xenopus oocytes transfected with the delayed rectifying K+ channels Kv 2.1 and Kv 3.1. In outside-out patches of Kv 3.1, the relative potencies were TEA > tetrapropylammonium (TPA) > tetrabutylammonium (TBA). In contrast to Kv 3.1, the relative potencies in Kv 2.1 were TBA > TEA > TPA. In Kv 3.1 and Kv 2.1, external tetrapentylammonium (TPeA) blocked K+ currents in a fast, reversible and, in contrast to TEA, time-dependent manner. The external binding of TPeA appeared to be voltage independent, unlike the effects of TPeA applied to inside-out patches. External n-alkyl-triethylammonium compounds (C8, C10 chain length) had a lower affinity than TEA in Kv 3.1, but a higher affinity than TEA in Kv 2.1. In Kv 3.1, the decrease in QA affinity was large when one or two methyl groups were substituted for ethyl groups in TEA, but minor when propyl groups replaced ethyl groups. Changes in the free energy of binding could be correlated to changes in the free energy of hydration of TEA derivatives calculated by continuum methodology. These results reveal a substantial hydrophobic component of external QA ion binding to Kv 2.1, and to a lesser degree to Kv 3.1, in addition to the generally accepted electrostatic interactions. The chain length of hydrophobic TEA derivatives affects the affinity for the hydrophobic binding site, whereas the hydropathy of QA ions determines the electrostatic interaction energy.

Potassium currents in rat colonic smooth muscle cells and changes during development and aging

In a previous study on freshly isolated single smooth muscle cells from the circular layer of the rat distal colon, we reported that the L-type Ca2+ current density increased during development and gradually declined with further aging [ZI Xiong, N Sperelakis, N Noffsinger, C Fenoglio-Preiser (1993) Am J Physiol 265: C617-C625]. Since K+ current plays a key role in controlling excitability of the cells and hence the motility of the colon, in the present study the voltage-gated K+ channel currents, (IK) were investigated using the whole-cell voltage-clamp technique in colonic myocytes from rats of different ages. A Ca(2+)-sensitive K+ current [IK(Ca)] and two kinds of Ca(2+)-insensitive outward K+ currents were identified and characterized. IK(Ca) was recorded at potentials more positive than -40 mV in Ca(2+)-containing bath solution, and was blocked by Ca2+ channel antagonists and tetraethylammonium ion (TEA+). After removing Ca2+ from the bath solution and using a high ethylenebis(oxonitrilo)tetraacetate (EGTA, 4 mM) concentration in the pipette, two types of Ca(2+)-insensitive IK were recorded. The first and faster component was usually activated at potentials more positive than -50 mV, and was more sensitive to 4-aminopyridine (4-AP). In contrast, the second and slower (delayed) component was activated at potentials more positive than -30 mV, and was more sensitive to TEA. The total density of the Ca(2+)-insensitive IK component decreased dramatically during the neonatal period: from 32.2 +/- 3.2 pA/pF in 3-day-old rats to 17.8 +/- 2.6 pA/pF in 40-day-old rats; there was no further decline during aging (up to 480 days).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

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

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

[Ca2+]i-sensitive, IP3-independent Ca2+ influx in smooth muscle of rat vas deferens revealed by procaine

1. The actions of procaine (10 mM) on noradrenaline-induced effects on 45Ca-influx, 45Ca-efflux, 45Ca-content, total inositol phosphates, inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate, and contractile status of the rat was deferens were examined. 2. Noradrenaline alone had no effect on 45Ca-influx or 45Ca-content, but released Ca2+ from intracellular stores as indicated by an increased 45Ca-efflux and increased total inositol phosphates, specifically inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate, leading to contraction of the rat vas deferens. 3. Noradrenaline, in the presence of 10 mM procaine, increased 45Ca-influx and 45Ca-content. Procaine blocked the noradrenaline-induced 45Ca-efflux, the increase in total inositol phosphates, the increase in inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate, and contraction. 4. The noradrenaline-induced increase in 45Ca influx which was observed in the presence of procaine was abolished by phentolamine and nifedipine but was not altered significantly by propranolol suggesting that, in the presence of procaine, noradrenaline activates dihydropyridine-sensitive calcium channels through alpha-adrenoceptors. 5. These findings indicate that, in the rat vas deferens, noradrenaline induces contraction by releasing intracellularly stored Ca2+. The effects of procaine appear to be due to its ability to block the release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores. Furthermore, the simultaneous increase in 45Ca influx and inhibition of inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate formation in tissues treated with procaine plus noradrenaline indicates that Ca2+ influx is independent of inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate formation.