Multiple ion channel block by the cation channel inhibitor SKF-96365 in myocytes from the rabbit atrioventricular node

Cardiac transmembrane ion channels and action potentials: cellular physiology and arrhythmogenic behavior

Cardiac arrhythmias are among the leading causes of mortality. They often arise from alterations in the electrophysiological properties of cardiac cells and their underlying ionic mechanisms. It is therefore critical to further unravel the pathophysiology of the ionic basis of human cardiac electrophysiology in health and disease. In the first part of this review, current knowledge on the differences in ion channel expression and properties of the ionic processes that determine the morphology and properties of cardiac action potentials and calcium dynamics from cardiomyocytes in different regions of the heart are described. Then the cellular mechanisms promoting arrhythmias in congenital or acquired conditions of ion channel function (electrical remodeling) are discussed. The focus is on human-relevant findings obtained with clinical, experimental, and computational studies, given that interspecies differences make the extrapolation from animal experiments to human clinical settings difficult. Deepening the understanding of the diverse pathophysiology of human cellular electrophysiology will help in developing novel and effective antiarrhythmic strategies for specific subpopulations and disease conditions.

TRPC6 in simulated microgravity of intervertebral disc cells

PURPOSE

Prolonged bed rest and microgravity in space cause intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not completely understood. Transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) channels are implicated in mechanosensing of several tissues, but are poorly explored in IVDs.

METHODS

Primary human IVD cells from surgical biopsies composed of both annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus (passage 1-2) were exposed to simulated microgravity and to the TRPC channel inhibitor SKF-96365 (SKF) for up to 5 days. Proliferative capacity, cell cycle distribution, senescence and TRPC channel expression were analyzed.

RESULTS

Both simulated microgravity and TRPC channel antagonism reduced the proliferative capacity of IVD cells and induced senescence. While significant changes in cell cycle distributions (reduction in G1 and accumulation in G2/M) were observed upon SKF treatment, the effect was small upon 3 days of simulated microgravity. Finally, downregulation of TRPC6 was shown under simulated microgravity.

CONCLUSIONS

Simulated microgravity and TRPC channel inhibition both led to reduced proliferation and increased senescence. Furthermore, simulated microgravity reduced TRPC6 expression. IVD cell senescence and mechanotransduction may hence potentially be regulated by TRPC6 expression. This study thus reveals promising targets for future studies. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Multiple ion channel block by the cation channel inhibitor SKF-96365 in myocytes from the rabbit atrioventricular node

The atrioventricular node (AVN) of the cardiac conduction system coordinates atrial-ventricular excitation and can act as a subsidiary pacemaker. Recent evidence suggests that an inward background sodium current, IB,Na, carried by nonselective cation channels (NSCCs), contributes to AVN cell pacemaking. The study of the physiological contribution of IB,Na has been hampered, however, by a lack of selective pharmacological antagonists. This study investigated effects of the NSCC inhibitor SKF-96365 on spontaneous activity, IB,Na, and other ionic currents in AVN cells isolated from the rabbit. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings of action potentials (APs) and ionic currents were made at 35-37°C. A concentration of 10 μmol/L SKF-96365 slowed spontaneous action potential rate by 13.9 ± 5.3% (n = 8) and slope of the diastolic depolarization from 158.1 ± 30.5 to 86.8 ± 30.5 mV sec(-1) (P < 0.01; n = 8). Action potential upstroke velocity and maximum diastolic potential were also reduced. Under IB,Na-selective conditions, 10 μmol/L SKF-96365 inhibited IB,Na at -50 mV by 36.1 ± 6.8% (n = 8); however, effects on additional channel currents were also observed. Thus, the peak l-type calcium current (ICa,L) at +10 mV was inhibited by 38.6 ± 8.1% (n = 8), while the rapid delayed rectifier current, IKr, tails at -40 mV following depolarization to +20 mV were inhibited by 55.6 ± 4.6% (n = 8). The hyperpolarization-activated current, If, was unaffected by SKF-96365. Collectively, these results indicate that SKF-96365 exerts a moderate inhibitory effect on IB,Na and slows AVN cell pacemaking. However, additional effects of the compound on ICa,L and IKr confound the use of SKF-96365 to dissect out selectively the physiological role of IB,Na in the AVN.