Calcium channel gating

Tuned calcium entry through voltage-gated calcium channels is a key requirement for many cellular functions. This is ensured by channel gates which open during membrane depolarizations and seal the pore at rest. The gating process is determined by distinct sub-processes: movement of voltage-sensing domains (charged S4 segments) as well as opening and closure of S6 gates. Neutralization of S4 charges revealed that pore opening of CaV1.2 is triggered by a "gate releasing" movement of all four S4 segments with activation of IS4 (and IIIS4) being a rate-limiting stage. Segment IS4 additionally plays a crucial role in channel inactivation. Remarkably, S4 segments carrying only a single charged residue efficiently participate in gating. However, the complete set of S4 charges is required for stabilization of the open state. Voltage clamp fluorometry, the cryo-EM structure of a mammalian calcium channel, biophysical and pharmacological studies, and mathematical simulations have all contributed to a novel interpretation of the role of voltage sensors in channel opening, closure, and inactivation. We illustrate the role of the different methodologies in gating studies and discuss the key molecular events leading CaV channels to open and to close.

Different inward and outward conduction mechanisms in NaVMs suggested by molecular dynamics simulations

Rapid and selective ion transport is essential for the generation and regulation of electrical signaling pathways in living organisms. Here, we use molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with an applied membrane potential to investigate the ion flux of bacterial sodium channel NaVMs. 5.9 µs simulations with 500 mM NaCl suggest different mechanisms for inward and outward flux. The predicted inward conductance rate of ∼27±3 pS, agrees with experiment. The estimated outward conductance rate is 15±3 pS, which is considerably lower. Comparing inward and outward flux, the mean ion dwell time in the selectivity filter (SF) is prolonged from 13.5±0.6 ns to 20.1±1.1 ns. Analysis of the Na+ distribution revealed distinct patterns for influx and efflux events. In 32.0±5.9% of the simulation time, the E53 side chains adopted a flipped conformation during outward conduction, whereas this conformational change was rarely observed (2.7±0.5%) during influx. Further, simulations with dihedral restraints revealed that influx is less affected by the E53 conformational flexibility. In contrast, during outward conduction, our simulations indicate that the flipped E53 conformation provides direct coordination for Na+. The free energy profile (potential of mean force calculations) indicates that this conformational change lowers the putative barriers between sites SCEN and SHFS during outward conduction. We hypothesize that during an action potential, the increased Na+ outward transition propensities at depolarizing potentials might increase the probability of E53 conformational changes in the SF. Subsequently, this might be a first step towards initiating slow inactivation.

Interaction of diltiazem with an intracellularly accessible binding site on Ca(V)1.2

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Diltiazem inhibits Ca_V1.2 channels and is widely used in clinical practice to treat cardiovascular diseases. Binding determinants for diltiazem are located on segments IIIS6, IVS6 and the selectivity filter of the pore forming α₁ subunit of Ca_V1.2. The aim of the present study was to clarify the location of the diltiazem binding site making use of its membrane-impermeable quaternary derivative d-cis-diltiazem (qDil) and mutant α₁ subunits.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Ca_V1.2 composed of α1, α2-δ and β2a subunits were expressed in tsA-201 cells and barium currents through Ca_V1.2 channels were recorded using the patch clamp method in the whole cell configuration. qDil was synthesized and applied to the intracellular side (via the patch pipette) or to the extracellular side of the membrane (by bath perfusion).

KEY RESULTS

Quaternary derivative d-cis-diltiazem inhibited Ca_V1.2 when applied to the intracellular side of the membrane in a use-dependent manner (59 ± 4% at 300 µM) and induced only a low level of tonic (non-use-dependent) block (16 ± 2% at 300 µM) when applied to the extracellular side of the membrane. Mutations in IIIS6 and IVS6 that have previously been shown to reduce the sensitivity of Ca_V1.2 to tertiary diltiazem also had reduced sensitivity to intracellularly applied qDil.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

The data show that use-dependent block of in Ca_V1.2 by diltiazem occurs by interaction with a binding site accessible via a hydrophilic route from the intracellular side of the membrane.

State dependent dissociation of HERG channel inhibitors

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Inhibition of HERG channels prolongs the ventricular action potential and the QT interval with the risk of torsade de pointes arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Many drugs induce greater inhibition of HERG channels when the cell membrane is depolarized frequently. The dependence of inhibition on the pulsing rate may yield different IC(50) values at different frequencies and thus affect the quantification of HERG channel block. We systematically compared the kinetics of HERG channel inhibition and recovery from block by 8 blockers at different frequencies.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

HERG channels were expressed heterologously in Xenopus oocytes and currents were measured with the two-electrode voltage clamp technique.

KEY RESULTS

Frequency-dependent block was observed for amiodarone, cisapride, droperidol and haloperidol (group 1) whereas bepridil, domperidone, E-4031 and terfenadine (group 2) induced similar pulse-dependent block at all frequencies. With the group 1 compounds, HERG channels recovered from block in the presence of drug (recovery being voltage-dependent). No substantial recovery from block was observed with the second group of compounds. Washing out of bepridil, domperidone, E-4031 and terfenadine was substantially augmented by frequent pulsing. Mutation D540K in the HERG channel (which exhibits reopening at negative voltages) facilitated recovery from block by these compounds at -140 mV.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

Drug molecules dissociate at different rates from open and closed HERG channels ('use-dependent' dissociation). Our data suggest that apparently 'trapped' drugs (group 2) dissociated from the open channel state whereas group 1 compounds dissociated from open and resting states.

Pharmacological properties of GABAA receptors containing gamma1 subunits

GABA(A) receptors composed of alpha(1), beta(2), gamma(1) subunits are expressed in only a few areas of the brain and thus represent interesting drug targets. The pharmacological properties of this receptor subtype, however, are largely unknown. In the present study, we expressed alpha(1)beta(2)gamma(1)-GABA(A) receptors in Xenopus laevis oocytes and analyzed their modulation by 21 ligands from 12 structural classes making use of the two-microelectrode voltage-clamp method and a fast perfusion system. Modulation of GABA-induced chloride currents (I(GABA)) was studied at GABA concentrations eliciting 5 to 10% of the maximal response. Triazolam, clotiazepam, midazolam, 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2,3,5,6,7,8,9,10-octahydro-cyclohepta-(b)pyrazolo[4,3-d]pyridin-3-one (CGS 20625), 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-pyrazolo[4,3-c]quinolin-3-one (CGS 9896), diazepam, zolpidem, and bretazenil at 1 microM concentrations were able to significantly (>20%) enhance I(GABA) in alpha(1)beta(2)gamma(1) receptors. Methyl-6,7-dimethoxy-4-ethyl-beta-carboline-3-carboxylate, 3-methyl-6-[3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl]-1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-b]pyridazine (Cl 218,872), clobazam, flumazenil, 5-(6-ethyl-7-methoxy-5-methylimidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidin-2-yl)-3-methyl-[1,2,4]-oxadiazole (Ru 33203), 2-phenyl-4-(3-ethyl-piperidinyl)-quinoline (PK 9084), flurazepam, ethyl-7-methoxy-11,12,13,13a-tetrahydro-9-oxo-9H-imidazo[1,5-a]pyrrolo[2,1-c] [1,4]benzodiazepine-1-carboxylate (l-655,708), 2-(6-ethyl-7-methoxy-5-methylimidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidin-2-yl)-4-methyl-thiazole (Ru 33356), and 6-ethyl-7-methoxy-5-methylimidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidin-2-yl)phenylmethanone (Ru 32698) (1 microM each) had no significant effect, and flunitrazepam and 2-phenyl-4-(4-ethyl-piperidinyl)-quinoline (PK 8165) inhibited I(GABA). The most potent compounds triazolam, clotiazepam, midazolam, and CGS 20625 were investigated in more detail on alpha(1)beta(2)gamma(1) and alpha(1)beta(2)gamma(2S) receptors. The potency and efficiency of these compounds for modulating I(GABA) was smaller for alpha(1)beta(2)gamma(1) than for alpha(1)beta(2)gamma(2S) receptors, and their effects on alpha(1)beta(2)gamma(1) could not be blocked by flumazenil. CGS 20625 displayed the highest efficiency by enhancing at 100 microM I(GABA) (alpha(1)beta(2)gamma(2)) by 775 +/- 17% versus 526 +/- 14% I(GABA) (alpha(1)beta(2)gamma(1)) and 157 +/- 17% I(GABA) (alpha(1)beta(2)) (p < 0.05). These data provide new insight into the pharmacological properties of GABA(A) receptors containing gamma(1) subunits and may aid in the design of specific ligands for this receptor subtype.

[Neural network model of treatment policy decision in patients with ulcer disease]

Based on neuronetwork computer technologies expert neuronetwork complex Axon was developed providing individual prognosis of ulcer disease and recommendations. The base of this expert system is information data base consisting of two blocks. The first block consists of detailed information about 634 patients with gastric ulcers (GU), the second block - about 417 patients with duodenal ulcers (DU). Control evaluation of the system demonstrated that the coefficient of sensitivity in patients with GU was 0,706 - 0,724, coefficient of specificity - 0,701-0,790. Coefficient of sensitivity in patients with DU was 0,765-0,817, coefficient of specificity - 1,000-0,877. The best neuronetwork evaluation was carried out in 57 new hospitalized patients. In 7 of 10 operated patients indications for surgery were based on combination of prognostic and clinical data. Only 2 (4,3%) of 47 patients demonstrated disagreement of prognostic and clinical data. In comparison of results of complications prognosis with real clinical results in surgical group 7 (70,0%) of 10 patients demonstrated agreement of these data. In 32 (74,4%) of 43 patients treated conservatively prognosis of complications corresponded to real clinical data.

Effect of transmural pressure on constrictor reactions of caudal artery in hypotensive and hypertensive rats

Clipping of the abdominal aorta distally to the renal arteries produces a persistent decrease in blood pressure in hindquarter vessels by 35-40%. On week 6-7 postoperation, the reactions of the caudal artery perfused in vitro under constant pressure to norepinephrine were studied. At transmural pressure of 150 mm Hg, the vascular responses in hypotensive rats were reduced compared to those in normotensive control. By contrast, the responses of hypertensive vessels were more pronounced at 75 mm Hg even after deendothelization.

[Health care standards for surgical patients in clinical hospital]

In Russian Federation the Obligatory Health Insurance Standards are based on the a priori expert assessments but not on statistical analysis of really recorded cases. This leads to the essential standard incompleteness, indistinctness and heterogeneity. In Vishnevsky Institute of surgery the "Automatized system for care registration in hospital" was designed, and data base on more than 10,000 patients treated in 1995 to 1999 was created giving now the starting-point for further efforts for overcoming the above standards insufficiency.

Molecular determinants of inactivation in voltage-gated Ca2+ channels

Evolution has created a large family of different classes of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels and a variety of additional splice variants with different inactivation properties. Inactivation controls the amount of Ca2+ entry during an action potential and is, therefore, believed to play an important role in tissue-specific Ca2+ signalling. Furthermore, mutations in a neuronal Ca2+ channel (Ca(v)2.1) that are associated with the aetiology of neurological disorders such as familial hemiplegic migraine and ataxia cause significant changes in the process of channel inactivation. Ca2+ channels of a given subtype may inactivate by three different conformational changes: a fast and a slow voltage-dependent inactivation process and in some channel types by an additional Ca2+-dependent inactivation mechanism. Inactivation kinetics of Ca2+ channels are determined by the intrinsic properties of their pore-forming alpha1-subunits and by interactions with other channel subunits. This review focuses on structural determinants of Ca2+ channel inactivation in different parts of Ca2+ channel alpha1-subunits, including pore-forming transmembrane segments and loops, intracellular domain linkers and the carboxyl terminus. Inactivation is also affected by the interaction of the alpha1-subunits with auxiliary beta-subunits and intracellular regulator proteins. The evidence shows that pore-forming S6 segments and conformational changes in extra- (pore loop) and intracellular linkers connected to pore-forming segments may play a principal role in the modulation of Ca2+ channel inactivation. Structural concepts of Ca2+ channel inactivation are discussed.

Molecular determinants of inactivation in voltage-gated Ca2+ channels

Evolution has created a large family of different classes of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels and a variety of additional splice variants with different inactivation properties. Inactivation controls the amount of Ca2+ entry during an action potential and is, therefore, believed to play an important role in tissue-specific Ca2+ signalling. Furthermore, mutations in a neuronal Ca2+ channel (Ca(v)2.1) that are associated with the aetiology of neurological disorders such as familial hemiplegic migraine and ataxia cause significant changes in the process of channel inactivation. Ca2+ channels of a given subtype may inactivate by three different conformational changes: a fast and a slow voltage-dependent inactivation process and in some channel types by an additional Ca2+-dependent inactivation mechanism. Inactivation kinetics of Ca2+ channels are determined by the intrinsic properties of their pore-forming alpha1-subunits and by interactions with other channel subunits. This review focuses on structural determinants of Ca2+ channel inactivation in different parts of Ca2+ channel alpha1-subunits, including pore-forming transmembrane segments and loops, intracellular domain linkers and the carboxyl terminus. Inactivation is also affected by the interaction of the alpha1-subunits with auxiliary beta-subunits and intracellular regulator proteins. The evidence shows that pore-forming S6 segments and conformational changes in extra- (pore loop) and intracellular linkers connected to pore-forming segments may play a principal role in the modulation of Ca2+ channel inactivation. Structural concepts of Ca2+ channel inactivation are discussed.

Modulation of slow inactivation in class A Ca2+ channels by beta-subunits

beta-subunit modulation of slow inactivation of class A calcium (Ca2+) channels was studied with two-microlectrode voltage clamp after expression of the alpha1A- (BI-2) together with beta1a-, beta2a-, beta3- or beta4-subunits in Xenopus oocytes. On- and off-rates of slow inactivation were estimated from the kinetics of recovery from slow inactivation. Ca2+ channels with an alpha1A/beta-subunit composition inducing the slower rate of fast inactivation displayed the faster rate of slow inactivation. The corresponding order of slow inactivation time constants (tau[onset]) was: alpha1A/beta2a, 33 +/- 3 s; alpha1A/beta4, 42 +/- 4 s; alpha1A/beta1a, 59 +/- 4 s; alpha1A/beta3, 67 +/- 5 s (n >= 7). Recovery of class A Ca2+ channels from slow inactivation was voltage dependent and accelerated at hyperpolarized voltages. At a given holding potential recovery kinetics were not significantly modulated by different beta-subunits. Two mutations in segment IIIS6 (IF1612/1613AA) slowed fast inactivation and accelerated the onset of slow inactivation in the resulting mutant (alpha1A/IF-AA/beta3) in a similar manner as coexpression of the beta2a-subunit. Recovery from slow inactivation was slightly slowed in the double mutant. Our data suggest that class A Ca2+ channels enter the 'slow inactivated' state more willingly from the open than from the 'fast inactivated' state. The rate of slow inactivation is, therefore, indirectly modulated by different beta-subunits. Fast and slow inactivation in class A Ca2+ channels appears to represent structurally independent conformational changes. Fast inactivation is not a prerequisite for slow inactivation.

Wall thickness and constrictive responses of the caudal artery in rats with renovascular hypertension

In rats with hypertension modeled by the one kidney-one clamp method, constrictory responses of the isolated caudal artery to norepinephrine differed under various perfusion conditions. Vascular reactions in hypertensive rats were more potent at a constant flow rate, and less potent at a constant pressure compared to those in normotensive rats. Previous experiments demonstrated similar changes in constrictory responses of the caudal artery in spontaneously hypertensive rats. It is assumed that these peculiarities of the vascular reactivity during hypertension are determined by thickening of the smooth muscle layer of the vascular wall.

An experimental study and mathematical simulation of adrenergic control of hindlimb vessels in rats after 3-week tail suspension

Adrenoreactivity of rat hindlimb vessels was studied in experiments with constant-pressure saline perfusion. An original mathematical model was applied to evaluate the mechanism of changes in vascular tone regulation. A 3-week suspension resulted in decreased responses to sympathetic nerve stimulation, as well as to exogenous noradrenaline, the latter effect being registered when the pressure level was close to normal. Mathematical simulation indicated that long-term suspension induces both structural and functional changes in the vascular bed of the hind limbs, one of which is a disorder in the myogenic mechanisms of vascular tone regulation. In suspended rats, suppression of the myogenic response can be one of the reasons for decreased vessel reactivity to constrictor stimuli and, consequently, for disturbances in blood flow regulation in skeletal muscles of the hind limbs.

Responses to noradrenaline of tail arteries in hypertensive, hypotensive and normotensive rats under different regimens of perfusion: role of the myogenic response

The vasoconstrictor effects of noradrenaline were studied in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) compared with Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY), and in Wistar rats with regional hypotension (WH) compared to control Wistar rats (WC). The abdominal aorta was ligated in WH distal to the renal arteries, lowering blood pressure in the hindquarters by 41% and tail artery wall cross-sectional area by 35% compared with WC. A cylindrical segment was dissected from the proximal part of the tail artery, cannulated at both ends and perfused with Krebs-Henseleit solution either at constant flow starting from a pressure of 120 mmHg or at a constant pressure of 120 mmHg. The cumulative dose-response relationships for noradrenaline were determined in control conditions and subsequently in the presence of gadolinium (100 microM), a non-specific blocker of mechanosensitive channels. Under constant-flow perfusion noradrenaline evoked a more prominent resistance increase in SHR compared with WKY and in WC compared with WH. Similar relations were seen in the presence of gadolinium, although responses were reduced. At constant pressure perfusion the vasoconstrictor response to noradrenaline was lower in SHR compared with WKY and in WC compared with WH. Application of gadolinium under constant-pressure perfusion reduced responses in WKY and WH, so that vasoconstriction in SHR became more pronounced than that in WKY and in WC than that in WH. It is suggested that the results can be explained by the difference in wall thickness causing different degrees of activation of the myogenic response to distension.

The role of purinergic and adrenergic transmitters of the sympathetic system in the control of arterial blood pressure variability

Variability of mean arterial pressure (MAP) was examined in chronically instrumented, conscious, freely moving rats with pharmacologically altered efferent sympathetic influences on the cardiovascular system. MAP was recorded for 30 min beat-to-beat, using a computer under both control and experimental conditions: after administration of adrenoceptor antagonists (prazosin or phentolamine) or under P2X receptor inactivation produced either by desensitization with alpha, beta-methylene ATP or by PPADS blockade. Inhibition of adrenergic sympathetic effects on the cardiovascular system produced long-lasting and stable decrease in MAP. Prazosin did not modify MAP variability whereas phentolamine enhanced it. Under P2X receptor desensitization MAP decreased, the hypotensive effect being accompanied by a significant increase in MAP variability. A similar increase in MAP variability was observed after PPADS administration, while MAP level was not changed. Administration of PPADS in combination with phentolamine increased MAP variability more significantly than each of the drugs given separately. Changes in MAP variability under the various experimental conditions were not consistently correlated with changes in heart rate variability. We propose that ATP, being a mediator of sympathetic vasoconstriction, participates in baroreceptor-induced stabilization of MAP level.

[Attenuation of the efficacy of vasoconstrictive effects in rats after a 3-week suspension]

Male Wistar rats were maintained suspended by the skin of posterior third of the back for three weeks. Constrictive reactions to norepinephrine and irritation of sympathetic nerves were studied with hindlimb vessels perfused with physiological solution at constant pressure. Perfusion pressure was stabilized at 40, 80, and 120 mmHg. During complete relaxation of the vascular smooth muscles the volumetric rate of perfusate flow in experimental animals was reduced comparing with their controls. This implies narrowing of the lumen in resistive vessels caused by suspension. Following suspension, reaction of rat's nerves to irritation was markedly lower than in the control at all levels of pressure. At 40 mmHg vessels of the suspended rats were more sensitive to norepinephrine; however, at 80 and 120 mmHg vascular sensitivity to the agent was reduced in the test group vs. the control. Suppression of the reactivity of hindlimb vessels to the constrictive agents may be one of the causes of failure of mechanisms of blood redistribution following prolonged gravitational deloading.

Molecular mechanism of use-dependent calcium channel block by phenylalkylamines: role of inactivation

The role of channel inactivation in the molecular mechanism of calcium (Ca2+) channel block by phenylalkylamines (PAA) was analyzed by designing mutant Ca2+ channels that carry the high affinity determinants of the PAA receptor site [Hockerman, G. H., Johnson, B. D., Scheuer, T., and Catterall, W. A. (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270, 22119-22122] but inactivate at different rates. Use-dependent block by PAAs was studied after expressing the mutant Ca2+ channels in Xenopus oocytes. Substitution of single putative pore-orientated amino acids in segment IIIS6 by alanine (F-1499-A, F-1500-A, F-1510-A, I-1514-A, and F-1515-A) gradually slowed channel inactivation and simultaneously reduced inhibition of barium currents (I(Ba)) by (-)D600 upon depolarization by 100 ms steps at 0.1 Hz. This apparent reduction in drug sensitivity was only evident if test pulses were applied at a low frequency of 0.1 Hz and almost disappeared at the frequency of 1 Hz. (-)D600 slowed I(Ba) recovery after maintained membrane depolarization (1-3 sec) to a comparable extent in all channel constructs. A drug-induced delay in the onset of I(Ba) recovery from inactivation suggests that PAAs promote the transition to a deep inactivated channel conformation. These findings indicate that apparent PAA sensitivity of Ca2+ channels is not only defined by drug interaction with its receptor site but also crucially dependent on intrinsic gating properties of the channel molecule. A molecular model for PAA-Ca2+ channel interaction that accounts for the relationship between drug induced inactivation and channel block by PAA is proposed.

Effect of noradrenaline on tail arteries of SHR and WKY under perfusion at constant flow and constant pressure

Vasoconstrictor effects of noradrenaline were compared in 6- to 7-month-old spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats. A cylindrical segment was dissected from the proximal part of tail artery, cannulated at both ends and perfused alternately either at constant flow or constant pressure. Two series of experiments were performed. In the first series, vessels were perfused/superfused with Krebs-Henseleit solution. In the second one a modified salt solution was used, in which NaCl was totally replaced by an equimolar amount of KCI. Under constant flow conditions noradrenaline evoked a more prominent resistance increase in SHR compared with WKY independently of the composition of solution (normal or high-K+) used. At constant pressure perfusion with normal solution, the vasoconstrictor response to noradrenaline was more prominent in WKY. Under application of high-K+ solution, vasoconstriction at constant pressure in SHR became more pronounced than that in WKY. We suggest that there is greater wall thickness:lumen diameter ratio in SHR vessels and thus different contribution of distension-activated myogenic response is of primary importance for the data obtained.

Calcium channel block by (-)devapamil is affected by the sequence environment and composition of the phenylalkylamine receptor site

The pore-forming alpha 1 subunit of L-type calcium (Ca2+) channels is the molecular target of Ca2+ channel blockers such as phenylalkylamines (PAAs). Association and dissociation rates of (-)devapamil were compared for a highly PAA-sensitive L-type Ca2+ channel chimera (Lh) and various class A Ca2+ channel mutants. These mutants carry the high-affinity determinants of the PAA receptor site in a class A sequence environment. Apparent drug association and dissociation rate constants were significantly affected by the sequence environment (class A or L-type) of the PAA receptor site. Single point mutations affecting the high-affinity determinants in segments IVS6 of the PAA receptor site, introduced into a class A environment, reduced the apparent drug association rates. Mutation I1811M in transmembrane segment IVS6 (mutant AL25/-I) had the highest impact and decreased the apparent association rate for (-)devapamil by approximately 30-fold, suggesting that this pore-lining isoleucine in transmembrane segment IVS6 plays a key role in the formation of the PAA receptor site. In contrast, apparent drug dissociation rates of Ca2+ channels in the resting state were almost unaffected by point mutations of the PAA receptor site.

[The activation of blood-vessel smooth muscles increases the resistance to compression deformation]

In cylindric fragments of the rat tail arteries, activation of the smooth muscle with noradrenaline was found to enhance the vessels' rigidity both in stretching and in compression, i.e., the activation of the smooth muscle layer decreased the arteries' pliability.

[The effect of second messengers on neutrophil movement]

Effects of cAMP and cGMP dibutyryl derivatives (dbt), calcium ionophore A23187 and the protein kinase C activator PMA phorbol ester on mobility of human blood neutrophils were studied using the Magiskan 2A system of image processing. These drugs were added at concentrations, which allowed to produce similar inhibition of the cells mobility using a pattern of the middle velocity measurement in the cell population: dbt cAMP 5.10(-5)M, A23187 10(-6)M, PMA 10(-5)M; dbt cGMP 5.10(-6)M stimulated the neutrophil mobility. Differences in the patterns of mobility inhibition were detected by means of spectral characteristics related to alteration in the area of individual neutrophils. The drugs with inhibitory action (cAMP, A23187 and PMA) caused a decrease in the spectrum capacity of the area alteration as compared with normal state, while they affected dissimilarly the spectrum frequency characteristics. Dbt cAMP did not alter the frequency characteristics, A23187 shifted the spectrum towards a high frequency region and PMA--towards a low frequency range. Dbt cGMP did not alter the spectrum capacity but shifted it slightly to low frequency region. These alterations in the spectrum frequency characteristics are discussed considering the effect of secondary messengers on three types of the neutrophil movement which exhibit inherent frequencies.

Modulation of calcium channels in arterial smooth muscle cells by dihydropyridine enantiomers

The actions of the optical enantiomers of BAY K 8644 and Sandoz 202,791 were studied on barium inward currents recorded using the whole-cell configuration of the patch clamp technique from enzymatically isolated smooth muscle cells from the rabbit ear artery. The enantiomers were applied by bath perfusion or rapidly by a concentration jump technique, which enabled the study of drug action under equilibrium and nonequilibrium conditions. A larger effect of agonists was seen on peak inward current in 110 mM Ba when small rather than large depolarizations were applied. The midpoint voltage of the steady-state inactivation curve of IBa was -12.8 +/- 1.9 mV (n = 4) in the absence of drug, -16.4 +/- 2.5 mV (n = 4) in 1 microM (+)202,791, and -31.4 +/- 0.4 mV (n = 4) in 1 microM (-)202,791. The rate of onset of action of the agonist and antagonist enantiomers of BAY K 8644 and Sandoz 202,791 was studied by rapid application during 20-ms depolarizing steps from different holding potentials to +30 mV at 1 or 0.2 Hz. The drugs were applied as concentration jumps between two single pulses of a pulse train. The rates of onset of drug action on peak IBa during a 1-Hz pulse train were concentration dependent over the range of 100 nM-3 microM for both (+) and (-)202,791. The rate of onset of inhibition of peak current by antagonist enantiomers was not significantly influenced by the test pulse frequency. At a holding potential of -60 mV, the onset rate of the increase in peak IBa on application of 1 microM of agonist enantiomers (+)202,791 or (-)BAY K 8644 during a train of pulses occurred with mean time constants of 2.1 +/- 0.7 s (n = 7) and 2.3 +/- 0.2 s (n = 4), respectively. The onset of current increase on application of 1 microM (+)202,791 during a single voltage clamp step to 20 mV was faster, with a mean time constant of 380 +/- 80 ms (n = 3).

A method for estimation of drug affinity constants to the open conformational state of calcium channels

The affinity of D600 to calcium channels in the open state has been examined in isolated smooth muscle cells of the rabbit ear artery. Calcium channel currents were measured in high external barium solution by means of the patch-clamp technique. The current inhibition in various D600 concentrations (3-100 microM) on application of trains of short test pulses (20-80 ms) has been studied in nonmodified calcium channels and in cells where the calcium channels were modified by the agonist dihydropyridine (+) 202,791 (100 nM). The kinetics of the peak current decay has been analyzed with a mathematical model which is based on the experimental finding that D600 interacts primarily with calcium channels in the open conformational state. The model approach allows the estimation of drug affinity constants of D600 to the calcium channel in the open conformation. An association rate constant to the open conformational state of D600 of 6.16 x 10(4) M-1 s-1 was estimated. The association rate of the drug was not significantly changed after the calcium channels have been modified with 100 nM (+) 202,791. A method for correction of rate constants for possible drug trapping is discussed.

[Neutrophil motility in patients with early infection (rapid analysis using automatic image processing system, Magiscan)]

The authors studied the dependence of blood neutrophil motility on the physical state of patients with infected wounds. Neutrophil motility was recorded and analyzed with the help of Magiscan-2a system of automatic image processing. A special software was developed for monitoring the movement of cells and measuring their displacements. Motility of each separate cell and a mean motility of the neutrophil population were determined on the glass in the microscope field (512 x 512 microns). Velocity of each neutrophil was shown to be nonuniform but approximately constant. Cell velocities in each probe were distributed in a continuous manner. Mean velocity of neutrophils in the probe was a stable index of the population motility. Decrease in neutrophil motility in the blood of patients with infected wounds was probably due to the adverse effect of serum factors. The application of the system of image processing makes it possible to carry out express analysis of neutrophil motility to estimate the efficiency of medical treatment.

[A comparative radioautographic analysis of DNA synthesis by enterocytes of the small intestine in in vivo and in vitro experiments]

A method of radioautography was used to study DNA synthesis in mice enterocytes as an index of their proliferative activity. Cells were labelled by means of incorporation [3H]thymidine in vivo and in vitro. The program was worked out to computed analysis of the reflected light intensity of obtained radioautographs and estimation of reliability data. Our experiments showed that thymidine diffused very slowly.

Characterization of the calcium channel state transitions induced by the enantiomers of the 1,4-dihydropyridine Sandoz 202 791 in neonatal rat heart cells. A nonmodulated receptor model

The actions of the optical enantiomers of Sandoz 202 791 were studied in barium inward currents recorded from single cultured neonatal rat ventricular heart cells, using the whole-cell configuration of the patch clamp technique. The enantiomers were applied by bath perfusion or rapidly by the technique of concentration jumps during single voltage clamp steps. (1) (-)-202 791 reduced the barium current in response to depolarizations positive to 0 mV. The peak current amplitude in the threshold range (-40 to 0 mV) was either not affected or slightly increased by the substance. (2) The agonist enantiomer (+)-202 791 increased the inward current over the whole voltage range, where the increase in peak inward current amplitude was most prominent in the voltage range from -40 mV to 0 mV. (3) The antagonist enantiomer (10(-6) M) induced a 18.2 +/- 2.1 mV (n = 6) shift of the midpoint of the steady state inactivation curve in the hyperpolarizing direction; in contrast (+)-202 791 at the same concentration did cause only a small but not significant shift of the Ca-channel availability curve (n = 5). (4) Rapid extracellular application of (-)-202 791 (10(-6) M), during the sustained current component at a test potential of 0 mV was followed by a sudden acceleration in barium current decay. The drug-induced barium current block developed with a mean time constant of 214.7 +/- 20.6 ms (n = 5). (5) (+)-202 791 (10(-6) M) rapidly applied during test pulses to 0 and -20 mV caused an increase in barium current with a mono- or biexponential time course. The estimated mean time constant of the drug activated Ba2+ current at 0 mV membrane potential was 617.3 +/- 49.3 ms (n = 4). (6) The interaction of Sandoz 202 791 with the Ca-channels is discussed in terms of a "nonmodulated receptor" model.

[Stimulation of the respiratory burst of the neutrophils from healthy subjects by different Staphylococcus aureus concentrations]

Preopsonized live and heat-killed S. aureus stimulated, without the washing of serum, the luminol-dependent chemiluminescence of human neutrophils obtained from healthy donors. The intensity of chemiluminescence was evaluated by the index of stimulation with staphylococci, with due consideration for their concentration. With the microbe/phagocyte ratio equal to 10:1, these indices had the maximum values when both live and killed staphylococci were used. At high concentrations of staphylococci, especially live ones, all indices were low (those for live staphylococci had negative values) and uniform. As the concentration of the antigen decreased, individual features in the reaction of each donor became apparent. With the microbe/phagocyte ratio equal to 100:1, stimulation with live and killed staphylococci induced the identical fluorescence of neutrophils. The capacity of nonopsonized staphylococci for inducing chemiluminescence was poorly pronounced. For this reason, the test system using S. aureus at low concentrations was proposed for the prognostication of this infection, while the ratio 100:1 can be used for the evaluation of the opsonin-phagocytic system in case of a developed purulent process.

[Inactivation of fast sodium current across the membrane of isolated cardiocytes]

Inactivation of sodium conduction across the membrane of rat single heart cells was studied by the patch-voltage-clamp method. The development of sodium channel inactivation was found to be double-exponential. Dependence of both time constants on the membrane potential was measured. The time course of the recovery of the sodium conduction from inactivation was sigmoidal in shape with marked retardation at the beginning. The data obtained are not covered by the Hodgkin-Huxley formalismus.

Patch-voltage-clamp method for measuring fast inward current in single rat heart muscle cells

A patch-voltage-clamp method was used to measure fast inward ionic currents in single heart muscle cells. 1. Theoretical analysis including computer simulation has shown that the method provides fast settling of membrane potential (within 10 microseconds) and reliable voltage clamp on the tested membrane patch when the area of the patch is 200-300 times smaller than the area of the whole cell membrane. 2. The transient time at the I-V converter output is increased up to 70-75 microseconds due to the stray capacity in the I-V converter feedback. When fast-response operational amplifiers are used in the set up this transient time may be decreased to 30 microseconds by partial restoration of the high-frequency components of the signal. 3. Experimental data have shown that the ionic channel population in the membrane patch of about 5 micrometers in diameter is on the one hand large enough to directly observe integral ionic current and on the other hand small enough for the fluctuations of ionic current to be appreciable. This permits the method to be applied to ionic current investigations both by classical methods and by statistical analysis.

["Micro-lead" technic for recording ion currents through the membranes of individual myocardial cells]

Patch-voltage-clamp method has been used for registration of the fast inward current in single heart muscle cells. Ionic current were measured on a small patch of membrane which is of about 1/200-1/300 of the total cell surface (diameter of patch is of about 5 micrometer). To correct the distortions of raw signal caused by the stray capacity in feedback of current-voltage converter and adjustable increasing of high-frequency gain was used. This allows one to shorten the net time of transient process in response to switching the command potential up to 30 microseconds. The channel population in membrance patch of micrometer in diameter is, on the one hand, large enough to record directly the integral ionic current and is, on the other hand, small enough for fluctuations of ionic current to be pronounced. This circumstance permits the method to be applied for ionic current investigations both by the classical methods and by statistical analysis.

[Membrane mechanisms of activating depolarized smooth muscle contraction (guinea pig small intestine) during exposure to physiologically active compounds]

The experiments were performed on the depolarized smooth muscle of taenia coli with the use of double sucrose-gap arrangement. Muscle contractions were induced by 1) application of hystamin or bradikynin; 2) rectangular long-lasting (10--20 s) pulses of hyperpolarizing current--the strong contraction appeared in response to the switching off the current (off-response). Both the on- and off-responses to the hyperpolarizing current recorded before, during and after hystamine (or bradikynin)-induced contration were, as a rule, very similar. Treatment of smooth muscle with local anaesthetics (procaine, trimecaine, QX-572) removed hystamine- and bradikynin-induced contrations and only decreased off-responses. The analysis of the data obtained suggested the existence of the independent electrically and chemically excitable systems (channels?) OF Ca2+ ion transport in the membrane of smooth muscle cells.

[Mechanisms of spontaneous relaxation of smooth muscle (guinea pig taenia coli) depolarized in a hyperkalemic medium]

Experiments were performed on isolated strips of guinea pig taenia coli by the double sucrose-gap method. The artificial node was depolarized with potassium solution (from 120 to 167.7 mM KCl). When the bathing solution contained 0.4 mM Ca and the temperature was equal to 25 degrees C then potassium contracture was followed by fast relaxation. The muscular tone changed slightly during rectangular pulse of hyperpolarizing current, after switching off the current muscle generated a transient contractile response. The amplitude of such off-responses increased in some range with increasing in strength and duration of conditioning current. Treatment of muscle with compound D-600 resulted in a reduction of muscular tone and elimination of off-responses. The addition of Na ions to potassium solution (substitution of 47.7 mM KCl with the same quantity of NaCl) reduced muscular tone and enhanced the relaxation after off-responses. In sodium-free potassium solution each off-response was followed by increasing muscular tone but when the bathing solution contained Na ions this increase of the tone was not observed. The data obtained strongly suggest that the spontaneous relaxation of smooth muscle which was contracted in K-solution resulted from: 1) inactivation of calcium channels of surface membrane, 2) sequastration of Ca ions by intracellular storange sites, 3) extrusion of Ca in extracellular space (in part by means of Na-Ca exchange diffusion).

[Mechanisms of change in the tonus of depolarized smooth muscle (guinea pig taenia coli) during application of a hyperpolarizing current]

Using double sucrose-gap technique three types of contractile responses of depolarized smooth muscle (guinea-pig taenia-coli) current-induced hyperpolarization were investigated: 1) contractions, 2) relaxations and 3) biphasic responses (relaxation followed by contraction). Every preparation generated generally only one type of responses (of different amplitude) when passing the currents of various strength. These responses were attributed to the changes of calcium fluxes through the cellular membranes under hyperpolarization. The phenomena observed were analysed on the mathematical model. Quantitative analysis showed that description of calcium current changes with equations of Hogkin-Huxley types was not sufficient; the model predicts the existence of non-inactivating channels in the smooth muscle cellular membrane. This very assumption allows to describe correctly all three types of cintractile responses.

[The effect of novocaine on the electrical activity of nodes of Ranvier in high and low pH solutions]

The minimal concentrations of procaine which block the action potentials of a single Ranvier node were determined under decreased and increased pH in the bathing solution. The changes in concentrations of the basic [B] and cationic [BH+] form of procaine with pH were of monotonic character: [B] drops and [BH+] grows with pH increase. The dependence of membrane excitability (fraction of channels are able to excite) on pH was nonmonotonic; it is low under increased and decreased pH. On the basis of these data the hypothesis that the membrane of the Ranvier node may interact with a definite form of procaine is rejected. T he quantitative analysis shows that the membrane interacts with both the basic and cationic forms of procaine but the efficiency of this interaction is different.

[The effect of biologically active substances (acetylcholine, histamine and bradykinin) on depolarization of taenia coli smooth muscle]

In experiments on the isolated strips of Taenia coli of guinea pigs it was shown that compound D-600 depressed the acetylcholine (5-10(-6), histamine (2-10(-6) and bradykinin (10(-5) gl/ml)-induced contractile response of depolarized smooth muscle. Along with depression of the drug-induced response, compound D-600 depressed the "potassium contracture". It is supposed that the mentioned agents activated the inward flow of Ca2+ ions through the membrane, but not the release of these ions from the sarcoplasmic reticulum.