alpha-Latrotoxin, acting via two Ca2+-dependent pathways, triggers exocytosis of two pools of synaptic vesicles

alpha-Latrotoxin stimulates three types of [(3)H]gamma-aminobutyric acid and [(14)C]glutamate release from synaptosomes. The Ca(2+)-independent component (i) is insensitive to SNAP-25 cleavage or depletion of vesicle contents by bafilomycin A1 and represents transmitter efflux mediated by alpha-latrotoxin pores. Two other components of release are Ca(2+)-dependent and vesicular but rely on distinct mechanisms. The fast receptor-mediated pathway (ii) involves intracellular Ca(2+) stores and acts upon sucrose-sensitive readily releasable vesicles; this mechanism is insensitive to inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase (PI 4-kinase). The delayed pore-dependent exocytotic component (iii) is stimulated by Ca(2+) entering through alpha-latrotoxin pores; it requires PI 4-kinase and occurs mainly from depot vesicles. Lanthanum perturbs alpha-latrotoxin pores and blocks the two pore-mediated components (i, iii) but not the receptor-mediated release (ii). alpha-Latrotoxin mutant (LTX(N4C)) cannot form pores and stimulates only the Ca(2+)-dependent receptor-mediated amino acid exocytosis (ii) (detectable biochemically and electrophysiologically). These findings explain experimental data obtained by different laboratories and implicate the toxin receptors in the regulation of the readily releasable pool of synaptic vesicles. Our results also suggest that, similar to noradrenergic vesicles, amino acid-containing vesicles at some point in their cycle require PI 4-kinase.

Role of Thr(11) in the binding of omega-conotoxin MVIIC to N-type Ca2+ channels

As replacement of Thr(11) of omega-conotoxin MVIIC with Ala significantly reduced the affinity for both N- and P/Q-type calcium channels, we examined the effect of substitution at this position with other residues. Binding assays using rat cerebellar P2 membranes showed that the affinity is in the order of Leu>Val, aminobutyric acid, Thr>Asn&z.Gt;Ser, Ala, Asp, Phe, Tyr for N-type channels and Thr>Leu, Val, aminobutyric acid, Asn, Ser>Ala&z.Gt;Asp, Phe, Tyr for P/Q-type channels, suggesting that aliphatic amino acids with longer side chains are favorable for block of N-type channels. The effects of substitution were examined electrophysiologically in BHK cells expressing N-type Ca2+ channels. Inhibition of Ba2+ current by the analogs did not completely correlate with binding affinity, although binding to BHK cells was comparable to rat cerebellar membranes.

alpha-latrotoxin forms calcium-permeable membrane pores via interactions with latrophilin or neurexin

In order to explore the mechanisms by which alpha-latrotoxin activates neurotransmitter release, we have characterized its effects by patch-clamp methods on cells heterologously expressing its receptors, latrophilin-1 or neurexin-Ialpha. Application of alpha-latrotoxin (1 nM) to cells expressing rat latrophilin or neurexin, but not mock-transfected cells, induced a cationic conductance. In cells expressing latrophilin, current development was slow in the absence of divalent cations, but was accelerated by Ca2+ or Mg2+. In cells expressing neurexin, alpha-latrotoxin did not elicit currents in the absence of Ca2+. The toxin-induced conductance was rectifying, persistent, permeable to monovalent and divalent cations, but blocked by La3+. Single-channel recording revealed a permanently open state, with the same unitary conductance irrespective of whether cells expressed latrophilin or neurexin. Therefore, while pore formation displayed differences consistent with the reported properties of alpha-latrotoxin binding to latrophilin and neurexin, the pores induced by alpha-latrotoxin had identical properties. These results suggest that after anchoring to either of its nerve terminal receptors, alpha-latrotoxin inserts into the membrane and constitutes a single type of transmembrane ion pore.

Functional correlation of GABA(A) receptor alpha subunits expression with the properties of IPSCs in the developing thalamus

GABA(A) receptor alpha1 and alpha2 subunits are expressed differentially with ontogenic period in the brain, but their functional roles are not known. We have recorded GABA(A) receptor-mediated IPSCs from laterodorsal (LD) thalamic relay neurons in slices of rat brain at various postnatal ages and found that decay times of evoked IPSCs and spontaneous miniature IPSCs undergo progressive shortening during the first postnatal month. With a similar time course, expression of transcripts and proteins of GABA(A) receptor alpha2 subunit in LD thalamic region declined, being replaced by those of alpha1 subunit. To further address the causal relationship between alpha subunits and IPSC decay time kinetics, we have overexpressed GABA(A) receptor alpha1 subunit together with green fluorescent protein in LD thalamic neurons in organotypic culture using recombinant Sindbis virus vectors. Miniature IPSCs recorded from the LD thalamic neurons overexpressed with alpha1 subunit had significantly faster decay time compared with control expressed with beta-galactosidase. We conclude that the alpha2-to-alpha1 subunit switch underlies the developmental speeding in the decay time of GABAergic IPSCs.

Binding of Ala-scanning analogs of omega-conotoxin MVIIC to N- and P/Q-type calcium channels

omega-Conotoxin MVIIC binds to P/Q-type calcium channels with high affinity and N-type channels with low affinity. To reveal the residues essential for subtype selectivity, we synthesized Ala-scanning analogs of MVIIC. Binding assays using rat cerebellar P(2) membranes suggested that Thr(11), Tyr(13) and Lys(2) are essential for binding to both N- and P/Q-type channels, whereas Lys(4) and Arg(22) are important for binding to P/Q-type channels. These results suggest that MVIIC interacts with P/Q-type channels via a large surface, in good agreement with previous observations using chimeric analogs.

Binding of six chimeric analogs of omega-conotoxin MVIIA and MVIIC to N- and P/Q-type calcium channels

Replacement of the N-terminal half of omega-conotoxin MVIIC, a peptide blocker of P/Q-type calcium channels, with that of omega-conotoxin MVIIA significantly increased the affinity for N-type calcium channels. To identify the residues essential for subtype selectivity, we examined single reverse mutations from MVIIA-type to MVIIC-type in this chimeric analog. A reverse mutation from Lys(7) to Pro(7) decreased the affinity for both P/Q- and N-type channels, whereas that from Leu(11) to Thr(11) increased the affinity for P/Q-type channels and decreased the affinity for N-type channels. The roles of these two residues were confirmed by synthesizing two MVIIC analogs in which Pro(7) and Thr(11) were replaced with Lys(7) and Leu(11), respectively.

Properties and functions of a neuromedin-B-preferring bombesin receptor in brain microvascular endothelial cells

Endothelial cells were isolated from rat brain microvessels and grown in vitro. They expressed a high density of [125I-Tyr4]bombesin receptor (Bmax = 0.9 pmol/mg protein) with an apparent Kd value of 10 nM. The pharmacological profile of inhibition of the specific [125I-Tyr4]bombesin binding [bombesin = neuromedin B > gastrin releasing peptide (GRP)] was consistent with the presence of a neuromedin-B-preferring receptor. Addition of bombesin, neuromedin B and GRP increased the activity of phospholipase C as measured by the production of total inositol phosphates and from intracellular Ca2+ measurements. They increase 86Rb+ uptake by the Na+, K+, 2Cl- cotransporter and by a charybdotoxin-sensitive, Ca(2+)-activated K+ channel and 22Na+ uptake by the Na+/H+ exchanger. The pharmacological profiles of activation of phospholipase C, Na+, K+, 2Cl- cotransport and Na+/H+ exchange by bombesin-like peptide were consistent with an involvement of the neuromedin-B-preferring receptor characterized in binding experiments. It is suggested that one of the actions of neuromedin B in brain vessels could be to control K+ secretion by the blood/brain barrier.

A charybdotoxin-sensitive, Ca(2+)-activated K+ channel with inward rectifying properties in brain microvascular endothelial cells: properties and activation by endothelins

A charybdotoxin-sensitive, Ca(2+)-activated K+ channel was identified in cultured rat brain capillary endothelial cells by using conventional single-channel recording techniques and 86(Rb+)-influx and efflux experiments. Channel activity was dependent on the presence of Ca2+ on the cytosolic face of the membrane with a threshold concentration of 100 nM. It was inhibited by charybdotoxin (IC50 30 nM) and quinine (IC50 0.1 mM) but not by apamin. K(Ca) channels showed unusual inward rectifying properties under asymmetrical ionic conditions. They were activated by endothelin-1 (EC50 0.7 nM) and endothelin-3 (EC50 7-10 nM). The actions of endothelins were prevented by BQ-123 (Ki = 8 nM) in a competitive fashion, hence suggesting the involvement of an ETA-receptor subtype. The channel activity was unaffected by cyclic AMP- or cyclic GMP-elevating agents. The possible role of the intermediate conductance, Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels for mediating K+ movements across the blood-brain barrier is discussed.

Palytoxin. Recent electrophysiological and pharmacological evidence for several mechanisms of action

1. Palytoxin is one of the most potent toxins known so far. It acts as an haemolysin and alters the functioning of excitable cells. 2. A primary action of palytoxin in excitable cells is to induce the activity of a small conductance (9-25 pS), non-selective cationic channel which then triggers secondary activations of voltage dependent Ca2+ channels and of Na+/Ca2+ exchange. This results in neurotransmitter release by nerve terminals and contractions of striated and smooth muscle cells. 3. Palytoxin induced channels are blocked by amiloride derivatives such as 3,4 dichlorobenzamil. They are also blocked by ouabain but at concentrations higher than those required to inhibit the (Na+,K+)ATPase. 4. A second and independent action of palytoxin is to open a membrane conductive pathway for H+ that drives H+ inside the cells and secondarily activates Na+/H+ exchange activity. 5. A third action of PTX in chick cardiomyocytes is to raise [Ca2+]i in a manner independent of its depolarizing action or of its action on intracellular pH. 6. It is suggested that PTX probably has more than one site of action in excitable cells and that it may act as an agonist for a family of low conductance channels that conduct Na+/K+, H+ and Ca2+ions.

Identification of the Ca2+ current activated by vasoconstrictors in vascular smooth muscle cells

The noncontractile aortic cell line A7r5 was chosen to study the effect of the vasoconstrictor peptide vasopressin on transmembrane Ca2+ movements, using conventional whole-cell patch recording techniques. Conditions in which previously characterised vasoconstrictor-modulated currents were suppressed revealed a tiny inward current component (-18 +/- 2 pA, n = 50, at -61 mV in 110 mM CaCl2). The vasopressin-activated inward current was absent when Ca2+ was absent from the extracellular solution, and the current amplitude increased with [Ca2+] (0.01-110 mM), with an apparent dissociation constant for Ca2+ of 9.7 mM. It was highly selective for Ca2+ over monovalent cations (permeability ratio Ca/Cs greater than 17). It was not voltage gated, except that the current/potential characteristic showed some inwards rectification. Amplitudes of the evoked inward currents had the same order of magnitude in Sr2+ and Ca2+, whereas they were much smaller in Mn2+, suggesting that this pathway is highly permeable to Sr2+ but poorly permeable to Mn2+. Inward currents evoked in Ca2+ were inhibited by other cations with the following order of potency: La3+ > Cd2+ > Co2+ approximately Ni2+ approximately Mn2+. The channel producing this current corresponds most probably to the ionic pathway originally called the receptor-operated calcium channel, which produces a long-lasting, constrictor-induced plateau of increased intracellular free calcium concentration in smooth muscle.

Endothelin and vasopressin activate low conductance chloride channels in aortic smooth muscle cells

The non-contractile aortic smooth muscle cell line A7r5 was used to study the membrane events involved in the effect of vasoconstrictor peptides. Whole-cell voltage-clamp and membrane potential recording techniques were used to demonstrate the contribution of an increased Cl- conductance to the late depolarization induced by endothelin-1 and vasopressin. During cell-attached patch recording with N-methyl-D-glucamine in the pipette, bath application of endothelin or vasopressin induced single-channel inward currents in the following minutes. The current/potential (I/V) curve of the most frequently observed channel type--a small conductance Cl- (SCl) channel--reversed near the cell membrane potential and showed a single-channel conductance of 1.8 pS for inward currents. After patch excision in an extracellular solution containing CaCl2 (2 mM), the frequency of SCl channel openings increased. Patch excision in the absence of peptide stimulation also produced this channel activity. Replacement of CaCl2 by a Ca2+ chelator on the intracellular face of a patch reversibly inhibited the channel activity, indicating that these SCl channels are Ca(2+)-activated Cl- channels. The single-channel I/V characteristic showed outward rectification above +50 mV. An analysis of the gating kinetics of the SCl channel is given. Another channel type was recorded less frequently after peptide stimulation. It had a lower conductance (1.0-1.3 pS) and slower kinetics and was designated a very small conductance Cl- channel. It is concluded that activation of two types of Cl- channels (at least one of which is Ca2+ dependent) is involved in the late depolarization produced by vasoconstrictor peptides in vascular smooth muscle cells of the aortic cell line A7r5.

A small-conductance charybdotoxin-sensitive, apamin-resistant Ca(2+)-activated K+ channel in aortic smooth muscle cells (A7r5 line and primary culture)

A small conductance K+ channel was identified in smooth muscle cells of the rat aortic cell line A7r5 and also in rat aortic smooth muscle cells in primary culture, using conventional single-channel recording techniques. The single-channel conductance shows no rectification, either in the range -70 to +40 mV under asymmetrical conditions (9.1 pS), or in the range -100 to +50 mV in symmetrical 150 mM K+ (37 pS). Channel activity is reversibly inhibited by extracellular application of charybdotoxin, with a concentration of 8 nM producing half-maximal inhibition. It is unaffected by apamin or scyllatoxin. Channel activity depends on the presence of free Ca2+ on the cytosolic face of the membrane, with an activation zone between 0.1 and 1 microM. This small-conductance, charybdotoxin-sensitive, Ca(2+)-regulated K+ channel is activated by vasoconstrictors such as vasopressin and endothelin.

A new non-voltage-dependent, epithelial-like Na+ channel in vascular smooth muscle cells

A new type of Na+ channel was identified in smooth muscle cells of the rat aortic cell line A7r5, and in smooth muscle cells cultured from rat aorta and rat portal vein. The channel is highly selective for Na+ (PNa/PK greater than 11). It is active in cell-attached patches, and independent of the trans-patch membrane potential. The single channel conductance is low (10.7 pS). Two substates were identified. This channel is insensitive to effectors of other types of Na+ channels, such as amiloride (100 microM) or tetrodotoxin (100 microM). It is inhibited by phenamil at high concentrations (greater than 10 microM). The mean open state probability P(O) varied from patch to patch (0.05-0.88). Kinetics analysis reveals a complex behaviour: open times separate in short (tau 1 = 84 ms) and long (tau 2 = 845 ms) openings and closed times separate into short (tau 1 = 60 ms) and long closures (tau 2 = 272-3130 ms). Short openings and long closures are preponderant at a low P(O). Long openings are absent in the presence of phenamil (50 microM) and are unaffected by amiloride (100 microM). Fluctuations of the channel activity in cell-attached patches and the fast disappearance after excision suggest that this channel is under metabolic control. This vascular smooth muscle channel appears to be a potentially important Na+ entry pathway for vascular cells and an amiloride-resistant homologue of the epithelial Na+ channel.

Molecular mechanism of endothelin-1 action on aortic cells

The vasoconstricting action of endothelin-1 (ET-1) is partly mediated by voltage-dependent L-type Ca2+ channels. Activation of the Ca2+ channels is indirect. ET-1 action involves (i) the hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol and the release of Ca2+ from internal stores and (ii) the opening of a nonselective cation channel in the plasma membrane. The resulting depolarization triggers the activity of L-type Ca2+ channels.

Molecular mechanism of action of the vasoconstrictor peptide endothelin

Endothelin, one of the most potent vasoconstrictor known, has been suggested to act as an endogenous agonist of L-type Ca2+ channels. In this paper we show that endothelin stimulates the metabolism of inositol phosphates and induces the mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ stores. The transient activation of Ca2+-sensitive K+ channel provokes an hyperpolarization of the membrane. It is followed by a sustained depolarization which is due to the opening of a non-specific cation channel which is permeable to Ca2+ and Mg2+. The depolarization then activates L-type Ca2+ channels. This mechanism of action explains why part of the endothelin-induced vasocontriction is eliminated by L-type Ca2+ channel blockers.

Vasopressin modulates the spontaneous electrical activity in aortic cells (line A7r5) by acting on three different types of ionic channels

A7r5 smooth muscle (aorta) cells have a spontaneous electrical activity. Application of vasopressin produces a hyperpolarization accompanied by an interruption of the spontaneous activity, which is followed by a depolarization associated with a recovery of the spiking activity. Vasopressin action is produced by an action of the peptide on three different types of ionic channels. Vasopressin activates a Ca2+-sensitive K+ conductance, presumably by producing inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate intracellularly and liberating Ca2+ from internal stores. This activation is transient (0.5-4 min) and is related to the vasopressin-induced hyperpolarization. Intracellular perfusion of inositol trisphosphate triggers by itself a transient K+ current and prevents subsequent activation by vasopressin. Vasopressin inhibits an L-type Ca2+ channel through both protein kinase C activation and a [Ca2+]i-dependent inactivation mechanism triggered by inositol trisphosphate production. The addition of the activation of a Ca2+-sensitive K+ channel and of the inhibition of a voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channel is responsible for the transient blockade of the spontaneous activity. Vasopressin also provokes the activation of an inward current (2-20 min) due to a nonselective channel able to transfer Ca2+, Na+, K+, and Cs+ across the membrane. This effect of the peptide is associated with the depolarization following the hyperpolarization phase.

Functional expression in the Xenopus oocyte of messenger ribonucleic acids encoding brain neurotransmitter receptors: further characterisation of the implanted GABA receptor

The Xenopus oocyte is the only system currently available for the full expression of mRNAS encoding membrane receptors and ion channels. Its application in the case of brain mRNAs for the GABAA receptor is illustrated, including the production of receptor subunits and its chloride channel with characteristic pharmacology.

Regulation of calcium channels in aortic muscle cells by protein kinase C activators (diacylglycerol and phorbol esters) and by peptides (vasopressin and bombesin) that stimulate phosphoinositide breakdown

Voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels of the aortic cell line A7r5 were studied using 45Ca2+ flux experiments. Ca2+ channels which have been studied belong to the L-type and are very sensitive to inhibitors and activators in the 1,4-dihydropyridine series as well as to (-)desmethoxyverapamil and d-cis-diltiazem. L-type Ca2+ channels in these smooth muscle cells are not affected by cyclic 8-bromo-AMP and dibutyryl cyclic AMP. However, the activity of these channels is strongly depressed after treatment with diacylglycerols (1-oleyl 2-acetylglycerol and 1,2-dioctanoylglycerol). Phorbol esters, which like diacylglycerols are well-known activators of protein kinase C (the Ca2+- and phospholipid-dependent enzyme), inhibit 70% of Ca2+ channel activity (K0.5 = 25 nM for phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and K0.5 = 200 nM for phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate). Phorbol esters that are inactive on kinase C are without effect on Ca2+ channel activity. [Arg8]Vasopressin and bombesin, two peptides that are well known for their action on polyphosphoinositide metabolism, inhibit Ca2+ channel activity to the same extent as active phorbol esters (65-70%). Oxytocin has the same type of effect presumably by acting at the V1-receptor. Both effects of [Arg8]vasopressin and oxytocin are suppressed by [1-(beta-mercapto-beta,beta-diethylpropionic acid)4-valine]arginine vasopressin, a specific vasopressin antagonist at the V1-receptor.

GABA receptors induced in Xenopus oocytes by chick brain mRNA: evaluation of TBPS as a use-dependent channel-blocker

Sensitivity to GABA was induced in Xenopus laevis oocytes by injection of poly(A)+ mRNA extracted from 19-day chick embryo brain. The effect of the convulsant drug t-butylbicyclophosphorothionate (TBPS) was studied on the responses to bath-applied GABA using voltage-clamp techniques. TBPS reversibly inhibited the GABA-evoked current (IGABA) in a dose-dependent manner; however, the chloride currents evoked by carbachol or serotonin, or the spontaneous chloride fluctuations, were unaffected. The onset of the block by TBPS was faster in the presence of GABA. The recovery from the block after TBPS wash-out was also agonist-stimulated. At the steady state block, TBPS showed a mixed type of inhibition: increasing the GABA concentration decreased but failed to abolish completely the inhibition by TBPS. The TBPS block was independent of the direction of the chloride flow: both inward and outward IGABA were blocked. The time course of the decay of IGABA was markedly changed in the presence of TBPS: above 40 microM GABA, this time course showed essentially two exponentials and TBPS abolished only the fast component, whereas at a low concentration (less than or equal to 4 microM), IGABA was relatively constant and uniformly reduced by TBPS. It is suggested that TBPS may stabilize a closed form of the liganded receptor-channel complex.

Cyclic adenosine monophosphate, calcium, acetylcholine and the current induced by adenosine in the Xenopus oocyte

The K+ current response to bath-applied adenosine has been studied on follicle-enclosed full grown oocytes from Xenopus laevis, using the two electrodes voltage-clamp technique. The response to adenosine was mimicked by forskolin, an activator of adenylate cyclase. Forskolin applied at low concentration potentiated the response to adenosine. At low concentration, isoprenaline, a beta-adrenergic agonist known to induce a potassium current via a rise of adenosine 3',5'-phosphate (cyclic AMP) into the oocyte, potentiated the response to adenosine. Progesterone (10(-5) M) reversibly induced a slight decrease (-24%) of the response to adenosine. The calcium ionophore A23187 applied in normal external medium reduced the response to adenosine (about -70%). Intracellular injection of EGTA induced an increase (+64%) of the peak response to adenosine. Acetylcholine (0.5-10 microM) inhibited the response to 3-10 microM adenosine by 44-91%. This inhibition was suppressed by atropine and was seen even on cells which did not show any current in response to acetylcholine application. The inhibition by ACh of the sensitivity to adenosine was long lasting (more than 1 h after the wash-out of ACh). A long term inhibition (-28 to -90%) also occurred when ACh was applied alone and washed before adenosine application. It is concluded that in Xenopus oocyte: increased cyclic AMP synthesis mediates the potassium response to adenosine; intracellular calcium ion concentration modulates this response; muscarinic stimulation induces a long-lasting inhibition of the sensitivity to adenosine.

beta-Adrenergic induced K+ current in Xenopus oocytes: role of cAMP, inhibition by muscarinic agents

The K+ current induced by isoprenaline acting on beta-adrenergic receptors in Xenopus laevis has been studied in oocytes still surrounded by their follicular cells and inner ovarian epithelium. Forskolin, an adenylate cyclase activator, induced a similar K+ current and when used at subliminal concentration it potentiated the current induced by isoprenaline. Inhibition of phosphodiesterase by methylisobutylxanthine also enhanced the response to isoprenaline. 8-Br-cAMP, a permeant analogue of cAMP also produced a K+ current. Acetylcholine produced a long lasting inhibition of the isoprenaline current. This inhibition was not seen in the presence of atropine. It is concluded that the K+ current induced by the activation of beta-adrenergic receptors in the oocyte is mediated by an intracellular rise of cAMP.

Beta-adrenergic induced potassium current in Xenopus oocyte: involvement of cyclic AMP

The effect of a beta-adrenergic agonist, on full-grown Xenopus oocytes, still surrounded by their ovarian envelopes, has been studied by electrophysiological methods. The oocytes were hyperpolarized by isoproterenol. Under voltage clamp, the elicited outward current reversed at a membrane potential of - 95 mV, a value close to the K+ equilibrium potential. The isoproterenol induced current varied linearly with the membrane potential in the range studied (- 120 mV, - 30 mV). Half-maximum current was obtained at 3.10(-8) M isoproterenol. Propranolol (10(-7) M) completely suppressed the response to isoproterenol (10(-9) to 10(-5) M). 8-Br-cAMP induced a current which also reversed at - 95 mV. Methyl-isobutyl-xanthine (MIX), a potent inhibitor of phosphodiesterases, potentiated the current induced by isoproterenol. These experiments strongly suggest that the increase in K+ permeability due to catecholamines is mediated by cAMP.