ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT Large conductance calcium-activated potassium (BK) channels carry out many functions in the central nervous system. These channels open in response to increased cytosolic calcium ([Ca2+]cyt) concentration. The influx of calcium ions to the cytosol can occur through voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) on the plasma membrane and/ or through IP3 receptors (IP3-Rs) and ryanodine receptors (RyRs) on the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. The BK channel/IP3-R/RyR interaction has been widely reported in smooth muscle but scarcely investigated in relation to neurons. The aim of this study was to theoretically explore the function of the BK/IP3-R complex by means of a computational model of a neuron that replicates the interaction between the release of Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum (through IP3-Rs) and the opening of the BK channels. The mathematical models are based on the Hodgkin-Huxley formalism and the Goldbeter model. These models were implemented on Visual Basic® and differential equations were solved numerically. Distinct conditions were contemplated for BK conductance and the efflux of endoplasmic Ca2+ to the cytosol. An abrupt rise in [Ca2+]cyt (≥ 5 μM) and short duration (spark) was found to activate BK channels and either pause or stop the action potential train.
RESUMEN Los canales de potasio activados por calcio de gran conductancia (canales BK) cumplen múltiples funciones en el sistema nervioso central. Estos canales se abren en respuesta al incremento de la concentración de calcio citosólico ([Ca2+]cyt). La entrada de Ca2+ puede ocurrir a través de canales de calcio dependientes de voltaje (VGCCs) localizados en la membrana plasmática y por eflujo de Ca2+ del retículo endoplásmico (ER) causado por 1,4,5-Trifosfato (IP3) o rianodina (RyR). La interacción BK/IP3/RyR ha sido ampliamente estudiada en músculo liso, pero escasamente en neuronas. El objetivo de este estudio fue explorar teóricamente la función del complejo BK/IP3-R mediante un modelo computacional de una neurona que replica la interacción entre la liberación de Ca2+ del retículo endoplásmico (a través de IP3-Rs) y la apertura de los canales BK. Los modelos matemáticos se basan en el formalismo de Hodgkin-Huxley y el modelo de Goldbeter. Estos modelos fueron implementados en Visual Basic® y las ecuaciones diferenciales fueron resueltas por métodos numéricos. Se contemplaron distintas condiciones para la conductancia del canal BK y la salida de Ca2+ endoplásmico al citosol. Los resultados muestran que un incremento abrupto de [Ca2+] cyt (≥ 5 μM) y de corta duración (spark) activa los canales BK y producen una pausa o detiene el tren de potenciales de acción.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Elevated intracellular calcium level is known to play important roles in the apoptotic pathway. IP3 receptor (ligand-gated channels that release Ca2+ from intracellular stores) is emerging as a key site for regulation of apoptosis. 2-Aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB) is one of the reliable IP3 receptor antagonists. We examined the effect of 2-APB on gentamicin ototoxicity in vitro, using the HEI-OC1 cell line. MATERIALS AND METHOD: HEI-OC1 cells were trWWeated with 100micrometer gentamicin. Using a CaspACE assay, we measured the caspases-3 activity in the gentamicin treated hair cells with and without 2-APB pre-incubation. We also observed intra-cellular calcium concentrations in HEI-OC1 cells using a confocal microscopy (calcium green-1 stain). Live cell imaging was performed by using fluorescence video-time lapse system. RESULTS: Cytosolic calcium elevation by gentamicin was remarkably inhibited by 2-APB. Caspases-3 activities of gentamicin treated cells were higher than those of the control. After incubation with 2-APB, caspases-3 activities and cell death of gentamicin treated cells were shown to decrease. CONCLUSION: 2-APB reduces Caspases-3 activity in the gentamicin treated HEI-OC1 cells by inhibition of cytosolic calcium increase.
Subject(s)
Apoptosis , Calcium , Caspase 3 , Cell Death , Cell Line , Cytosol , Fluorescence , Gentamicins , Hair , Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptors , Microscopy, ConfocalABSTRACT
BACKGORUND: The physiological activity of osteoblsts is known to be closely related to increased intracellular Ca2+ activity ([Ca2+ ]i) in osteoblasts. The cellular regulation of ([Ca2+ ]i) in osteoblasts is mediated by Ca2+ movements associated with Ca2+ release from intracellular Ca2+ stores, and transmembrane Ca2+ influx via Na Ca2+ exchanger, and Ca2+ ATPase. Reactive oxygen species, such as H2O2, play an important role in the regulation of cellular functions, and act as signaling molecules or as toxins in cells. METHODS: Osteoblasts were isolated from the femurs and tibias of neonatal Sprague-Dawley rats, and cultured for 7 days. The cultured osteoblasts were loaded with a Ca2+ -sensitive fluorescent dye, Fura-2 AM ester, and fluorescence images were monitored using a cooled CCD camera. Ca-spike changes upon ATP application were checked for (1) osteoblasts in Ca2+ -free and 2.5 mM CaCl2 normal Tyrode solution, (2) osteoblasts in which the Ca2+ of the endoplastic reticulumin had been depleted with ryanodine, thapsigargin ord caffein, and (3) osteoblasts pretreated with H2O2, in which the expression of iP3 receptor was checked by Western blotting. RESULTS: ATP increased intracellular free Ca2+ regardless of extracellular Ca2+ concentration. When the intracellular Ca2+ store was depleted, the level of increased Ca2+ activity by ATP was suppressed. H2O2 sustained the Ca2+ increase induced by ATP. The expression of iP3 receptor was enhanced by H2O2. CONCLUSiONS:H2O2 modulates intracellular Ca2+ activity in osteoblasts by increasing Ca2+ release from the intracellular Ca2+ stores.