CaM kinase II activation and phospholamban phosphorylation by SNP in murine gastric antrum smooth muscles

Roles of ATP sensitive potassium channel in modulating gastric tone and accommodation in dogs

OBJECTIVE

The ATP sensitive potassium (K_ATP) channel plays an important role in the regulation of resting membrane potential and membrane excitability. The role of the K_ATP channel in modulating gastric motility is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the role and mechanism of the K_ATP channel in modulating gastric tone and accommodation in dogs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Gastric volume under a constant pressure reflecting gastric tone was measured using a barostat device in dogs equipped with a gastric cannula. Gastric accommodation was evaluated by the difference in gastric volume before and after a liquid meal. The roles of cholinergic and nitrergic pathways in the inhibitory effect of pinacidil (a K_ATP opener) were assessed.

RESULTS

1) Pinacidil dose-dependently decreased gastric tone at a dosage of 30 (p = 0.628), 100 (p = 0.013) and 300 μg kg^-1 (p < 0.001). 2) Glibenclamide, a K_ATP blocker, completely blocked the inhibitory effect of pinacidil on gastric tone. 3) Atropine did not block the inhibitory effect of pinacidil on gastric tone but N_ω-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester markedly attenuated the inhibitory effect of pinacidil (p = 0.004). 4) Glibenclamide significantly reduced gastric accommodation (p < 0.001) while pinacidil had no effects on gastric accommodation. 5) Glibenclamide significantly reduced nitric oxide donor sodium nitroprusside-induced gastric relaxation.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that the K_ATP channel plays an important role in modulating gastric tone and accommodation in dogs. The inhibitory effect of pinacidil on gastric tone was through the nitrergic pathway as well as acting directly on smooth muscle cells.

Regulation of gastrointestinal motility by Ca2+/calmodulin-stimulated protein kinase II

Gastrointestinal (GI) motility ultimately depends upon the contractile activity of the smooth muscle cells of the tunica muscularis. Integrated functioning of multiple tissues and cell types, including enteric neurons and interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) is necessary to generate coordinated patterns of motor activity that control the movement of material through the digestive tract. The neurogenic mechanisms that govern GI motility patterns are superimposed upon intrinsic myogenic mechanisms regulating smooth muscle cell excitability. Several mechanisms regulate smooth muscle cell responses to neurogenic inputs, including the multifunctional Ca(2+)/calmodulin-stimulated protein kinase II (CaMKII). CaMKII can be activated by Ca(2+) transients from both extracellular and intracellular sources. Prolonging the activities of Ca(2+)-sensitive K(+) channels in the plasma membrane of GI smooth muscle cells is an important regulatory mechanism carried out by CaMKII. Phospholamban (PLN) phosphorylation by CaMKII activates the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA), increasing both the rate of Ca(2+) clearance from the myoplasm and the frequency of localized Ca(2+) release events from intracellular stores. Overall, CaMKII appears to moderate GI smooth muscle cell excitability. Finally, transcription factor activities may be facilitated by the neutralization of HDAC4 by CaMKII phosphorylation, which may contribute to the phenotypic plasticity of GI smooth muscle cells.

Sarcoplasmic reticulum function in smooth muscle

The sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of smooth muscles presents many intriguing facets and questions concerning its roles, especially as these change with development, disease, and modulation of physiological activity. The SR's function was originally perceived to be synthetic and then that of a Ca store for the contractile proteins, acting as a Ca amplification mechanism as it does in striated muscles. Gradually, as investigators have struggled to find a convincing role for Ca-induced Ca release in many smooth muscles, a role in controlling excitability has emerged. This is the Ca spark/spontaneous transient outward current coupling mechanism which reduces excitability and limits contraction. Release of SR Ca occurs in response to inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate, Ca, and nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate, and depletion of SR Ca can initiate Ca entry, the mechanism of which is being investigated but seems to involve Stim and Orai as found in nonexcitable cells. The contribution of the elemental Ca signals from the SR, sparks and puffs, to global Ca signals, i.e., Ca waves and oscillations, is becoming clearer but is far from established. The dynamics of SR Ca release and uptake mechanisms are reviewed along with the control of luminal Ca. We review the growing list of the SR's functions that still includes Ca storage, contraction, and relaxation but has been expanded to encompass Ca homeostasis, generating local and global Ca signals, and contributing to cellular microdomains and signaling in other organelles, including mitochondria, lysosomes, and the nucleus. For an integrated approach, a review of aspects of the SR in health and disease and during development and aging are also included. While the sheer versatility of smooth muscle makes it foolish to have a "one model fits all" approach to this subject, we have tried to synthesize conclusions wherever possible.

CaM kinase II in colonic smooth muscle contributes to dysmotility in murine DSS-colitis

BACKGROUND

Altered calcium mobilization has been implicated in the development of colonic dysmotility in inflammatory bowel disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms by which disrupted intracellular Ca(2+) signalling contributes to the impaired contractility of colon circular smooth muscles.

METHODS

Acute colitis was induced in C57Bl/6 mice with dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) in the drinking water for 5 days.

KEY RESULTS

Spontaneous and acetylcholine-evoked contractions, caffeine-evoked hyperpolarization, and SERCA2 and phospholamban expression were reduced compared with controls. Tetrodotoxin did not restore control levels of contractile activity. The amplitudes, but not the frequency, of intracellular Ca(2+) waves were increased compared with controls. Caffeine abolished intracellular Ca(2+) waves in control smooth muscle cells, but not in smooth muscle cells from DSS-treated mice. CaM kinase II activity and cytosolic levels of HDAC4 were increased, and I kappaB alpha levels were decreased in distal colon smooth muscles from DSS-treated mice.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

These results suggest that disruptions in intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization due to down-regulation of SERCA2 and phospholamban expression lead to increased CaM kinase II activity and cytosolic HDAC4 that may contribute to the dysmotility of colonic smooth muscles in colitis by enhancing NF-kappaB activity.

Relaxation patterns of human gastric corporal smooth muscle by cyclic nucleotides producing agents

To elucidate the mechanism of cyclic nucleotides, such as adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) and guanosine 3',5' -cyclic monophosphate (cGMP), in the regulation of human gastric motility, we examined the effects of forskolin (FSK), isoproterenol (ISO) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) on the spontaneous, high K(+) and acetylcholine (ACh)-induced contractions of corporal circular smooth muscle in human stomach. Gastric circular smooth muscle showed regular spontaneous contraction, and FSK, ISO and SNP inhibited its phasic contraction and basal tone in a concentration-dependent manner. High K(+) (50 mM) produced sustained tonic contraction, and ACh (10 microM) produced initial transient contraction followed by later sustained tonic contraction with superimposed phasic contractions. FSK, ISO and SNP inhibited high K(+)-induced tonic contraction and also ACh-induced phasic and tonic contraction in a reversible manner. Nifedipine (1 microM), inhibitor of voltage-dependent L-type calcium current (VDCC(L)), almost abolished ACh-induced phasic contractions. These findings suggest that FSK, ISO and SNP, which are known cyclic nucleotide stimulators, inhibit smooth muscle contraction in human stomach partly via inhibition of VDCC(L).

Effect of proinflammatory cytokines on regulation of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ reuptake in human airway smooth muscle

Airway inflammation leads to increased intracellular Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)) levels in airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells. Sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) release and reuptake are key components of ASM [Ca(2+)](i) regulation. Ca(2+) reuptake occurs via sarcoendoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) ATPase (SERCA) and is regulated by the inhibitory protein phospholamban (PLB) in many cell types. In human ASM, we tested the hypothesis that inflammation increases PLB, thus inhibiting SERCA function, and leading to maintained [Ca(2+)](i) levels. Surprisingly, we found that human ASM does not express PLB protein (although mRNA is detectable). Overnight exposure to the proinflammatory cytokines TNFalpha and IL-13 did not induce PLB expression, raising the issue of how SERCA is regulated. We then found that direct SERCA phosphorylation (via CaMKII) occurs in human ASM. In fura-2-loaded human ASM cells, we found that the CaMKII antagonist KN-93 significantly slowed the rate of fall of [Ca(2+)](i) transients induced by ACh or bradykinin (in zero extracellular Ca(2+)), suggesting a role for CaMKII-mediated SERCA regulation. SERCA expression was decreased by cytokine exposure, and the rate of fall of [Ca(2+)](i) transients was slowed in cells exposed to TNFalpha and IL-13. Cytokine effects on Ca(2+) reuptake were unaffected by additional exposure to KN-93. These data indicate that in human ASM, SERCA is regulated by mechanisms such as CaMKII and that airway inflammation maintains [Ca(2+)](i) levels by decreasing SERCA expression and slowing Ca(2+) reuptake.

Modulation of murine gastric antrum smooth muscle STOC activity and excitability by phospholamban

We investigated intracellular Ca(2+) waves, spontaneous transient outward currents (STOCs), and membrane potentials of gastric antrum smooth muscle cells from wild-type and phospholamban-knockout mice. The NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) increased intracellular Ca(2+) wave activity in wild-type antrum smooth muscle cells, but had no effect on the constitutively elevated intracellular Ca(2+) wave activity of phospholamban-knockout cells. STOC activity was also constitutively elevated in phospholamban-knockout antrum smooth muscle cells relative to wild-type cells. SNP or 8-bromo-cGMP increased the STOC activity of wild-type antrum smooth muscle cells, but had no effect on STOC activity of phospholamban-knockout cells. Iberiotoxin, but not apamin, inhibited STOC activity in wild-type and phospholamban-knockout antrum smooth muscle cells. In the presence of SNP, STOC activity in wild-type and phospholamban-knockout antrum smooth muscle cells was inhibited by ryanodine, but not 2-APB. The cGMP-dependent protein kinase inhibitor KT5823 reversed the increase in STOC activity evoked by SNP in wild-type antrum smooth muscle cells, but had no effect on STOC activity in phospholamban-knockout cells. The resting membrane potential of phospholamban-knockout antrum smooth muscle cells was hyperpolarized by approximately -6 mV compared to wild-type cells. SNP hyperpolarized the resting membrane potential of wild-type antrum smooth muscle cells to a greater extent than phospholamban-knockout antrum smooth muscles. Despite the hyperpolarized membrane potential, slow wave activity was significantly increased in phospholamban-knockout antrum smooth muscles compared to wild-type smooth muscles. These results suggest that phospholamban is an important component of the mechanisms regulating the electrical properties of gastric antrum smooth muscles.

Ca2+ clearance and contractility in vascular smooth muscle: evidence from gene-altered murine models

The central importance of calcium clearance proteins, and their regulators, in the modulation of myocardial contractility and intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) has long been established. Key players identified include the Na(+)-Ca(2+) exchanger, the Na(+)-K(+) ATPase, the sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase and associated phospholamban. Gene-targeted and transgenic murine models have been critical in the elucidation of their function. The study of these proteins in the regulation of contractile parameters in vascular smooth muscle, on the other hand, is less well studied. More recently, gene-targeted and transgenic models have expanded our knowledge of Ca(2+) clearance proteins and their role in both tonic and phasic smooth muscle contractility. In this review, we will briefly treat the mechanisms which underlie Ca(2+) clearance in smooth muscle. These will be addressed in light of studies using gene-modified mouse models, the results of which will be compared and contrasted with those in the cardiomyocyte. The recently identified human mutations in phospholamban, which lead to dilated cardiomyopathy, are also present in vascular and other smooth muscle. Given the importance of these Ca(2+) clearance systems to modulation of smooth muscle, it is likely that mutations will also lead to smooth muscle pathology.

Regulation of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ reuptake in porcine airway smooth muscle

Regulation of intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) in airway smooth muscle (ASM) during agonist stimulation involves sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+) release and reuptake. The sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA) is key to replenishment of SR Ca(2+) stores. We examined regulation of SERCA in porcine ASM: our hypothesis was that the regulatory protein phospholamban (PLN) and the calmodulin (CaM)-CaM kinase (CaMKII) pathway (both of which are known to regulate SERCA in cardiac muscle) play a role. In porcine ASM microsomes, we examined the expression and extent of PLN phosphorylation after pharmacological inhibition of CaM (with W-7) vs. CaMKII (with KN-62/KN-93) and found that PLN is phosphorylated by CaMKII. In parallel experiments using enzymatically dissociated single ASM cells loaded with the Ca(2+) indicator fluo 3 and imaged using fluorescence microscopy, we measured the effects of PLN small interfering RNA, W-7, and KN-62 on [Ca(2+)](i) responses to ACh and direct SR stimulation. PLN small interfering RNA slowed the rate of fall of [Ca(2+)](i) transients to 1 microM ACh, as did W-7 and KN-62. The two inhibitors additionally slowed reuptake in the absence of PLN. In other cells, preexposure to W-7 or KN-62 did not prevent initiation of ACh-induced [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations (which were previously shown to result from repetitive SR Ca(2+) release/reuptake). However, when ACh-induced [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations reached steady state, subsequent exposure to W7 or KN-62 decreased oscillation frequency and amplitude and slowed the fall time of [Ca(2+)](i) transients, suggesting SERCA inhibition. Exposure to W-7 completely abolished ongoing ACh-induced [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations in some cells. Preexposure to W-7 or KN-62 did not affect caffeine-induced SR Ca(2+) release, indicating that ryanodine receptor channels were not directly inhibited. These data indicate that, in porcine ASM, the CaM-CaMKII pathway regulates SR Ca(2+) reuptake, potentially through altered PLN phosphorylation.

Phospholamban knockout increases CaM kinase II activity and intracellular Ca2+ wave activity and alters contractile responses of murine gastric antrum

Phospholamban (PLB) inhibits the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA), and this inhibition is relieved by Ca(2+) calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaM kinase II) phosphorylation. We previously reported significant differences in contractility, SR Ca(2+) release, and CaM kinase II activity in gastric fundus smooth muscles as a result of PLB phosphorylation by CaM kinase II. In this study, we used PLB-knockout (PLB-KO) mice to directly examine the effect of PLB absence on contractility, CaM kinase II activity, and intracellular Ca(2+) waves in gastric antrum smooth muscles. The frequencies and amplitudes of spontaneous phasic contractions were elevated in antrum smooth muscle strips from PLB-KO mice. Bethanecol increased the amplitudes of phasic contractions in antrum smooth muscles from both control and PLB-KO mice. Caffeine decreased and cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) increased the basal tone of antrum smooth muscle strips from PLB-KO mice, but the effects were less pronounced compared with control strips. The CaM kinase II inhibitor KN-93 was less effective at inhibiting caffeine-induced relaxation in antrum smooth muscle strips from PLB-KO mice. CaM kinase II autonomous activity was elevated, and not further increased by caffeine, in antrum smooth muscles from PLB-KO mice. Similarly, the intracellular Ca(2+) wave frequency was elevated, and not further increased by caffeine, in antrum smooth muscles from PLB-KO mice. These findings suggest that PLB is an important modulator of gastric antrum smooth muscle contractility by modulation of SR Ca(2+) release and CaM kinase II activity.