1
|
Mah SA, Avci R, Cheng LK, Du P. Current applications of mathematical models of the interstitial cells of Cajal in the gastrointestinal tract. WIREs Mech Dis 2020; 13:e1507. [PMID: 33026190 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) form interconnected networks throughout the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. ICC act as the pacemaker cells that initiate the rhythmic bioelectrical slow waves and intermediary between the GI musculature and nerves, both of which are critical to GI motility. Disruptions to the number of ICC and the integrity of ICC networks have been identified as a key pathophysiological mechanism in a number of clinically challenging GI disorders. The current analyses of ICC generally rely on either functional recordings taken directly from excised tissue or morphological analysis based on images of labeled ICC, where the structural-functional relationship is investigated in an associative manner rather than mechanistically. On the other hand, computational physiology has played a significant role in facilitating our understanding of a number of physiological systems in both health and disease, and investigations in the GI field are beginning to incorporate several mathematical models of the ICC. The main aim of this review is to present the major modeling advances in GI electrophysiology, in order to introduce a multi-scale framework for mathematically quantifying the functional consequences of ICC degradation at both cellular and tissue scales. The outcomes will inform future investigators utilizing modeling techniques in their studies. This article is categorized under: Metabolic Diseases > Computational Models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sue Ann Mah
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Recep Avci
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Leo K Cheng
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Peng Du
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Department of Engineering Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kim D, Kim JN, Nam JH, Lee JR, Kim SC, Kim BJ. Modulation of Pacemaker Potentials in Murine Small Intestinal Interstitial Cells of Cajal by Gamisoyo-San, a Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine. Digestion 2018; 98:56-68. [PMID: 29672308 DOI: 10.1159/000487186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Gamisoyo-san (GSS) has been used for -improving the gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of GSS, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, on the pacemaker potentials of mouse small intestinal interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs). METHODS ICCs from the small intestines were dissociated and cultured. Whole-cell patch-clamp configuration was used to record pacemaker potentials and membrane currents. RESULTS GSS depolarized ICC pacemaker potentials in a dose-dependent manner. Pretreatment with 4-diphenylacetoxypiperidinium iodide completely inhibited GSS-induced pacemaker potential depolarizations. Intracellular GDP-β-S inhibited GSS-induced effects, and in the presence of U-73122, GSS-induced effects were inhibited. Also, GSS in the presence of a Ca2+-free solution or thapsigargin did not depolarize pacemaker potentials. However, in the presence of calphostin C, GSS slightly depolarized pacemaker potentials. Furthermore, GSS inhibited both transient receptor potential melastatin7 and Ca2+-activated Cl- channel (anoctamin1) currents. CONCLUSION GSS depolarized pacemaker potentials of ICCs via G protein and muscarinic M3 receptor signaling pathways and through internal or external Ca2+-, phospholipase C-, and protein kinase C-dependent and transient receptor potential melastatin 7-, and anoctamin 1-independent pathways. The study shows that GSS may regulate GI tract motility, suggesting that GSS could be a basis for developing novel prokinetic agents for treating GI motility dysfunctions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Doeun Kim
- Division of Longevity and Biofunctional Medicine, Yangsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Nam Kim
- Division of Longevity and Biofunctional Medicine, Yangsan, Republic of Korea.,Healthy Aging Korean Medical Research Center (HAKMRC), Pusan National University School of Korean Medicine, Yangsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Joo Hyun Nam
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Dongguk University, Kyungju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Rok Lee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Daegu Haany University, Gyeongsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Chan Kim
- College of Oriental Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Gyeongsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung Joo Kim
- Division of Longevity and Biofunctional Medicine, Yangsan, Republic of Korea.,Healthy Aging Korean Medical Research Center (HAKMRC), Pusan National University School of Korean Medicine, Yangsan, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Currò D. The Modulation of Potassium Channels in the Smooth Muscle as a Therapeutic Strategy for Disorders of the Gastrointestinal Tract. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2016; 104:263-305. [PMID: 27038377 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2015.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Alterations of smooth muscle contractility contribute to the pathophysiology of important functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) such as functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome. Consequently, drugs that decrease smooth muscle contractility are effective treatments for these diseases. Smooth muscle contraction is mainly triggered by Ca(2+) influx through voltage-dependent channels located in the plasma membrane. Thus, the modulation of the membrane potential results in the regulation of Ca(2+) influx and cytosolic levels. K(+) channels play fundamental roles in these processes. The open probability of K(+) channels increases in response to various stimuli, including membrane depolarization (voltage-gated K(+) [K(V)] channels) and the increase in cytosolic Ca(2+) levels (Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) [K(Ca)] channels). K(+) channel activation is mostly associated with outward K(+) currents that hyperpolarize the membrane and reduce cell excitability and contractility. In addition, some K(+) channels are open at the resting membrane potential values of the smooth muscle cells in some gut segments and contribute to set the resting membrane potential itself. The closure of these channels induces membrane depolarization and smooth muscle contraction. K(V)1.2, 1.5, 2.2, 4.3, 7.4 and 11.1, K(Ca)1.1 and 2.3, and inwardly rectifying type 6K(+) (K(ir)6) channels play the most important functional roles in the gastrointestinal smooth muscle. Activators of all these channels may theoretically relax the gastrointestinal smooth muscle and could therefore be promising new therapeutic options for FGID. The challenge of future drug research and development in this area will be to synthesize molecules selective for the channel assemblies expressed in the gastrointestinal smooth muscle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diego Currò
- Institute of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Modeling of stochastic behavior of pacemaker potential in interstitial cells of Cajal. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2014; 116:56-69. [PMID: 25238716 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2014.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2014] [Revised: 08/28/2014] [Accepted: 09/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
It is widely accepted that interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) generate pacemaker potentials to propagate slow waves along the whole gastrointestinal tract. Previously, we constructed a biophysically based model of ICCs in mouse small intestine to explain the pacemaker mechanism. Our previous model, however, could not explain non-uniformity of pacemaker potentials and random occurrence of unitary potentials, thus we updated our model. The inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3)-mediated Ca(2+) mobilization is a key event to drive the cycle of pacemaker activity and was updated to reproduce its stochastic behavior. The stochasticity was embodied by simulating random opening and closing of individual IP3-mediated Ca(2+) channel. The updated model reproduces the stochastic features of pacemaker potentials in ICCs. Reproduced pacemaker potentials are not uniform in duration and interval. The resting and peak potentials are -75.5 ± 1.1 mV and -0.8 ± 0.5 mV, respectively (n = 55). Frequency of pacemaker potential is 14.3 ± 0.4 min(-1) (n = 10). Width at half-maximal amplitude of pacemaker potential is 902 ± 6 ms (n = 55). There are random events of unitary potential-like depolarization. Finally, we compared our updated model with a recently published model to speculate which ion channel is the best candidate to drive pacemaker depolarization. In conclusion, our updated mathematical model could now reproduce stochastic features of pacemaker activity in ICCs.
Collapse
|
5
|
Lees-Green R, Gibbons SJ, Farrugia G, Sneyd J, Cheng LK. Computational modeling of anoctamin 1 calcium-activated chloride channels as pacemaker channels in interstitial cells of Cajal. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2014; 306:G711-27. [PMID: 24481603 PMCID: PMC3989704 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00449.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) act as pacemaker cells in the gastrointestinal tract by generating electrical slow waves to regulate rhythmic smooth muscle contractions. Intrinsic Ca(2+) oscillations in ICC appear to produce the slow waves by activating pacemaker currents, currently thought to be carried by the Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) channel anoctamin 1 (Ano1). In this article we present a novel model of small intestinal ICC pacemaker activity that incorporates store-operated Ca(2+) entry and a new model of Ano1 current. A series of simulations were carried out with the ICC model to investigate current controversies about the reversal potential of the Ano1 Cl(-) current in ICC and to predict the characteristics of the other ion channels that are necessary to generate slow waves. The model results show that Ano1 is a plausible pacemaker channel when coupled to a store-operated Ca(2+) channel but suggest that small cyclical depolarizations may still occur in ICC in Ano1 knockout mice. The results predict that voltage-dependent Ca(2+) current is likely to be negligible during the slow wave plateau phase. The model shows that the Cl(-) equilibrium potential is an important modulator of slow wave morphology, highlighting the need for a better understanding of Cl(-) dynamics in ICC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Lees-Green
- 1Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand;
| | - Simon J. Gibbons
- 2Enteric Neuroscience Program, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota; and
| | - Gianrico Farrugia
- 2Enteric Neuroscience Program, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota; and
| | - James Sneyd
- 3Department of Mathematics, University of Auckland, New Zealand; and
| | - Leo K. Cheng
- 1Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; ,4Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lees-Green R, Du P, O'Grady G, Beyder A, Farrugia G, Pullan AJ. Biophysically based modeling of the interstitial cells of cajal: current status and future perspectives. Front Physiol 2011; 2:29. [PMID: 21772822 PMCID: PMC3131535 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2011.00029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2011] [Accepted: 06/13/2011] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal motility research is progressing rapidly, leading to significant advances in the last 15 years in understanding the cellular mechanisms underlying motility, following the discovery of the central role played by the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC). As experimental knowledge of ICC physiology has expanded, biophysically based modeling has become a valuable tool for integrating experimental data, for testing hypotheses on ICC pacemaker mechanisms, and for applications in in silico studies including in multiscale models. This review is focused on the cellular electrophysiology of ICC. Recent evidence from both experimental and modeling domains have called aspects of the existing pacemaker theories into question. Therefore, current experimental knowledge of ICC pacemaker mechanisms is examined in depth, and current theories of ICC pacemaking are evaluated and further developed. Existing biophysically based ICC models and their physiological foundations are then critiqued in light of the recent advances in experimental knowledge, and opportunities to improve these models are identified. The review concludes by examining several potential clinical applications of biophysically based ICC modeling from the subcellular through to the organ level, including ion channelopathies and ICC network degradation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Lees-Green
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Li Z, Xu ZL, Liang J, Wu JC, Hu CW, Xie H, Ma WC, Jiang HC, Yang BF, Dong DL. Tetraethylammonium enhances the rectal and colonic motility in rats and human in vitro. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2011; 384:147-55. [PMID: 21630039 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-011-0658-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2010] [Accepted: 05/15/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Hirschsprung's disease is the congenital absence of generating the peristaltic contractions transmitting from the proximal colon to rectum. We previously have found that tetraethylammonium (TEA), the nonselective Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel blocker, increases the maximal contractile force and the amplitude of the contraction in rat duodenum. The present study is to test the effect of TEA on motility of colon and rectum from rats and Hirschsprung's disease patients in vitro, in order to find an alternative method to improve the syndrome of Hirschsprung's disease. The rectal and colonic motility was recorded by a tension transducer connected to a biology function experiment system. Histology was analyzed with standard hematoxylin and eosin staining. TEA (1, 3, and 5 mM) significantly increased the amplitude and frequency of contractility of colon and rectum from rats in longitudinal and circular direction. TEA at 5 and 15 mM concentrations showed no effect on histology of colon and rectum from rats that were administered locally with TEA into colon lumen from anus for 10 days. TEA at 15 mM increased the amplitude and frequency of contractions of the colon and rectum from Hirschsprung's disease patients. Our data showed that TEA increased the contractility of colon and rectum from rats and Hirschsprung's disease patients in vitro, suggesting that local administration of TEA in colon or rectum lumen might be an alternative method to ameliorate the syndrome of Hirschsprung's disease patients who are not cured completely by surgery or not suitable for surgery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Li
- Department of Pharmacology (the State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) are the pacemakers of the gut, initiating slow-wave activity. Several ion channels have been identified that contribute to the depolarization phase of the slow wave. Our aim was to contribute to knowledge about the identity and role of ICC potassium channels in pacemaking. Here we describe a transient outward potassium current in cell-attached patches of ICC. This current was activated almost instantaneously at potentials positive of the resting membrane potential and inactivated as a single exponential or biexponential with time constants that varied widely from patch to patch. Averaged traces gave a biexponential inactivation with time constants of approximately 40 and approximately 500 ms, with no clear voltage dependence. Analysis of single-channel openings and closings indicated a channel conductance of 5 pS and permeability sequence of K(+) (111) > Na(+) (1) > N-methyl-d-glucamine(+) (0.11). The current was completely blocked by 20 microM clotrimazole but was unaffected by 20 microM ketoconazole, 10 microM E4031, or 20 microM clofilium; 5 mM 4-aminopyridine slowed the activation of the current. The transient outward current may be important in moderating the upstroke of the pacemaker potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sean P Parsons
- Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|