Two-pore domain K channel, TASK-1, in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells.

Pulmonary vascular tone is strongly influenced by the resting membrane potential of smooth muscle cells, depolarization promoting Ca2+ influx, and contraction. The resting potential is determined largely by the activity of K+-selective ion channels, the molecular nature of which has been debated for some time. In this study, we provide strong evidence that the two-pore domain K+ channel, TASK-1, mediates a noninactivating, background K+ current (IKN), which sets the resting membrane potential in rabbit pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). TASK-1 mRNA was found to be present in PASMCs, and the membranes of PASMCs contained TASK-1 protein. Both IKN and the resting potential were found to be exquisitely sensitive to extracellular pH, acidosis inhibiting the current and causing depolarization. Moreover, IKN and the resting potential were enhanced by halothane (1 mmol/L), inhibited by Zn2+ (100 to 200 micromol/L) and anandamide (10 micromol/L), but insensitive to cytoplasmic Ca2+. These properties are all diagnostic of TASK-1 channels and add to previously identified features of IKN that are shared with TASK-1, such as inhibition by hypoxia, low sensitivity to 4-aminopyridine and quinine and insensitivity to tetraethylammonium ions. It is therefore concluded that TASK-1 channels are major contributors to the resting potential in pulmonary artery smooth muscle. They are likely to play an important role in mediating pulmonary vascular responses to changes in extracellular pH, and they could be responsible for the modulatory effects of pH on hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction.

Pituitary adenylyl cyclase-activating peptide activates multiple intracellular signaling pathways to regulate ion channels in PC12 cells.

Pituitary adenylyl cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP) stimulates calcium transients and catecholamine secretion in adrenal chromaffin and PC12 cells. The PACAP type 1 receptor in these cells couples to both adenylyl cyclase and phospolipase C pathways, but although phospolipase C has been implicated in the response to PACAP, the role of adenylyl cyclase is unclear. In this study, we show that PACAP38 stimulates Ca(2+) influx in PC12 cells by activating a cation current that depends upon the dual activation of both the PLC and adenylyl cyclase signaling pathways but does not involve protein kinase C. In activating the current, PACAP38 has to overcome an inhibitory effect of Ras. Thus, in cells expressing a dominant negative form of Ras (PC12asn17-W7), PACAP38 induced larger, more rapidly activating currents. This effect of Ras could be overidden by intracellular guanosine-5'-O-3-(thio)triphosphate (GTPgammaS), suggesting that it was mediated by inhibition of downstream G proteins. Ras may also inhibit the current through a G protein-independent mechanism, because cAMP analogues activated the current in PC12asn17-W7 cells, provided GTPgammaS was present, but not in PC12 cells expressing wild type Ras. We conclude that coupling of PACAP to both adenylyl cyclase and phospholipase C is required to activate Ca(2+) influx in PC12 cells and that tonic inhibition by Ras delays and limits the response.

Potential role for kv3.1b channels as oxygen sensors.

Hypoxia inhibits voltage-gated K channels in pulmonary artery smooth muscle (PASM). This is thought to contribute to hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction by promoting membrane depolarization, Ca(2+) influx, and contraction. Several of the K-channel subtypes identified in pulmonary artery have been implicated in the response to hypoxia, but contradictory evidence clouds the identity of the oxygen-sensing channels. Using patch-clamp techniques, this study investigated the effect of hypoxia on recombinant Kv1 channels previously identified in pulmonary artery (Kv1.1, Kv1.2, and Kv1.5) and Kv3.1b, which has similar kinetic and pharmacological properties to native oxygen-sensitive currents. Hypoxia failed to inhibit any Kv1 channel, but it inhibited Kv3.1b channels expressed in L929 cells, as shown by a reduction of whole-cell current and single-channel activity, without affecting unitary conductance. Inhibition was retained in excised membrane patches, suggesting a membrane-delimited mechanism. Using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunocytochemistry, Kv3.1b expression was demonstrated in PASM cells. Moreover, hypoxia inhibited a K(+) current in rabbit PASM cells in the presence of charybdotoxin and capsaicin, which preserve Kv3.1b while blocking most other Kv channels, but not in the presence of millimolar tetraethylammonium ions, which abolish Kv3.1b current. Kv3.1b channels may therefore contribute to oxygen sensing in pulmonary artery.

Oxygen-sensing potassium currents in pulmonary artery.

The pulmonary vasculature is sensitive to the relative components of the respiratory gases and will vasoconstrict in response to decreased oxygen (O2) levels. This hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) controls pulmonary blood flow in the fetus and serves to maximize ventilation perfusion matching in the adult lung. The exact mechanism of HPV is not fully understood but it appears to involve direct effects on both the endothelium and smooth muscle cells within the vessel wall. There is growing evidence to suggest that hypoxia mediates vasoconstriction, at least in part through the inhibition of outward potassium (K+) current in smooth muscle. A number of K+ currents present in the pulmonary vasculature have been shown to be sensitive to O2, with hypoxia acting to inhibit these currents in the majority of cases. Differences in the expression of these O2-sensitive K+ channels may explain regional and generic variations observed in the HPV response. The mechanism by which these K+ channels sense changes in O2 levels may involve changes in the cellular redox state, oxidative phosphorylation or a direct effect on the channel protein itself.

Influence of chronic hypoxia on the contributions of non-inactivating and delayed rectifier K currents to the resting potential and tone of rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle.

Exposing rats to chronic hypoxia increased the 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) sensitivity of pulmonary arteries. 1 mM 4-AP caused smooth muscle cell depolarization and contraction in arteries from hypoxic rats, but had little effect in age-matched controls. Chronic hypoxia downregulated delayed rectifier K+ current (IK(V)), which was nearly 50% blocked by 1 mM 4-AP, and non-inactivating K+ current (IK(N)), which was little affected by 1 mM 4-AP. The results suggest that IK(N) determines resting potential in control rats and that its downregulation following hypoxia leads to depolarization, which activates IK(V) and increases its contribution to resting potential. The hypoxia-induced increase in 4-AP sensitivity thus reflects a switch in the major K+ current determining resting potential, from IK(N) to IK(V). This has important implications for the actions and specificity of pulmonary vasodilator drugs.

Resting potentials and potassium currents during development of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells.

The pulmonary circulation changes rapidly at birth to adapt to extrauterine life. The neonate is at high risk of developing pulmonary hypertension, a common cause being perinatal hypoxia. Smooth muscle K+ channels have been implicated in hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction in adults and O2-induced vasodilation in the fetus, channel inhibition being thought to promote Ca2+ influx and contraction. We investigated the K+ currents and membrane potentials of pulmonary artery myocytes during development, in normal pigs and pigs exposed for 3 days to hypoxia, either from birth or from 3 days after birth. The main finding is that cells were depolarized at birth and hyperpolarized to the adult level of -40 mV within 3 days. Hypoxia prevented the hyperpolarization when present from birth and reversed it when present from the third postnatal day. The mechanism of hyperpolarization is unclear but may involve a noninactivating, voltage-gated K+ channel. It is not caused by increased Ca2+-activated or delayed rectifier current. These currents were small at birth compared with adults, declined further over the next 2 wk, and were suppressed by exposure to hypoxia from birth. Hyperpolarization could contribute to the fall in pulmonary vascular resistance at birth, whereas the low K+-current density, by enhancing membrane excitability, would contribute to the hyperreactivity of neonatal vessels. Hypoxia may hinder pulmonary artery adaptation by preventing hyperpolarization and suppressing K+ current.

Effect of molluscan neuropeptide RAPYFVamide on identified Helix pomatia L. neurons.

1. The effect of Mytilus inhibitory peptide-related peptide RAPYFVamide, isolated from Helix pomatia brain, was studied on 21 different identified Helix neurons. 2. It was found that the neuropeptide hyperpolarized 11 of the 21 neurons studied, inducing a K-dependent current. Not all neurons responded by hyperpolarization to the peptide application, though, in all cases the voltage-dependent outward K and inward Ca currents were depressed. 3. This may show that, in the peptide effect, more than one type of K conductance is involved. 4. It is proposed that RAPYFVamide may have a functional role in the modulation of the feeding behavior in H. pomatia.

Regulation of the resting potential of rabbit pulmonary artery myocytes by a low threshold, O2-sensing potassium current.

1. The contributions of specific K+ currents to the resting membrane potential of rabbit isolated, pulmonary artery myocytes, and their modulation by hypoxia, were investigated by use of the whole-cell, patch-clamp technique. 2. In the presence of 10 microM glibenclamide the resting potential (-50 +/- 4 mV, n = 18) was unaffected by 10 microM tetraethylammonium ions, 200 nM charybdotoxin, 200 nM iberiotoxin, 100 microM ouabain or 100 microM digitoxin. The negative potential was therefore maintained without ATP-sensitive (KATP) or large conductance Ca(2+)-sensitive (BKCa) K channels, and without the Na(+)-K+ ATPase. 3. The resting potential, the delayed rectifier current (IK(V)) and the A-like K+ current (IK(A)) were all reduced in a concentration-dependent manner by 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) and by quinine. 4. 4-AP was equally potent at reducing the resting potential and IK(V), 10 mM causing depolarization from -44 mV to -22 mV with accompanying inhibition of IK(V) by 56% and IK(A) by 79%. In marked contrast, the effects of quinine on resting potential were poorly correlated with its effects on both IK(A) and IK(V). At 10 mM, quinine reduced IK(V) and IK(A) by 47% and 38%, respectively, with no change in the resting potential. At 100 microM, both currents were almost abolished while the resting potential was reduced < 50%. Raising the concentration to 1 mM had little further effect on IK(A) or IK(V), but essentially abolished the resting potential. 5. Reduction of the resting potential by quinine was correlated with inhibition of a voltage-gated, low threshold, non-inactivating K+ current, IK(N). Thus, 100 microM quinine reduced both IK(N) and the resting potential by around 50%. 6. The resting membrane potential was the same whether measured after clamping the cell at -80 mV, or immediately after a prolonged period of depolarization at 0 mV, which inactivated IK(A) and IK(V), but not IK(N). 7. When exposed to a hypoxic solution, the O2 tension near the cell fell from 125 +/- 6 to 14 +/- 2 mmHg (n = 20), resulting in a slow depolarization of the myocyte membrane to -35 +/- 3 mV (n = 16). The depolarization occurred without a change in the amplitude of IK(V) or IK(A), but it was accompanied by 60% inhibition of IK(N) at 0 mV. 8. Our findings suggest that the resting potential of rabbit pulmonary artery myocytes depends on IK(N), and that inhibition of IK(N) may mediate the depolarization induced by hypoxia.

Properties of a novel K+ current that is active at resting potential in rabbit pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells.

1. An outward current (IK(N)) was identified in rabbit pulmonary artery myocytes, which persisted after Ca(2+)-activated and ATP-sensitive K+ currents were blocked by TEA (10 mM) and glibenclamide (10 microM), respectively, and after A-like (IK(A)) and delayed rectifer (IK(V)) K+ currents were inactivated by clamping the cell at 0 mV for 10 min. It was found in smooth muscle cells at all levels of the pulmonary arterial tree. 2. The relationship between the reversal potential of IK(N) and the extracellular K+ concentration ([K+]o) was close to that expected for a K(+)-selective channel. Deviation from Nernstian behaviour at low [K+)o could be accounted for by the presence of an accompanying leakage current. 3. IK(N) is voltage gated. It has a low threshold for activation, between -80 and -65 mV, and activates slowly without delay. Activation follows an exponential time course with a time constant of 1.6 s at -60 mV. Deactivation is an order of magnitude faster than activation, with a time constant of 107 ms at -60 mV. 4. IK(N) showed a similar sensitivity to 4-aminopyridine as IK(A) and IK(V), with 49% inhibition at 10 mM. The current was not blocked by microM quinine, which did inhibit IK(A) and IK(V), by 51 and 47%, respectively. 5. Activation of IK(N) was detected at potentials close to the resting membrane potential of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells, under physiological conditions. Thus it is likely to contribute to the resting membrane potential of these cells.

Inward rectification of the large conductance potassium channel in smooth muscle cells from rabbit pulmonary artery.

Large conductance Ca(2+)-dependent K+ channels were studied in smooth muscle cells enzymatically dissociated from rabbit pulmonary artery. The current-voltage relationship of single channels recorded in cell-attached patches revealed strong inward rectification, which disappeared after patch excision. Cell permeabilization with saponin, beta-escin or equinatoxin II also removed rectification. These observations imply the existence of fast open channel block by an intracellular substance(s). Application to the cytosolic side of inside-out patches of Na+ ions, mono- di- and trinucleotides, taurine, reduced and oxidized forms of glutathione, or peptides extracted from pulmonary artery smooth muscle, did not reproduce the inward rectification. Patch treatment with either alkaline phosphatase or protein kinase A alpha-subunit, which strongly affected open state probability, was also incapable of reducing the outward single channel current. Mg2+ ions applied from the cytosolic side induced concentration- and voltage-dependent block of the outward single channel currents with a Kd of 7.9 +/- 2.3 mM, resulting in inward rectification qualitatively similar to that observed in cell-attached patches. An increase in the Mg2+ concentration of the intracellular solution induced a significant decrease in the outward whole-cell current at depolarized potentials. Another putative endogenous channel blocker, the polyamine putrescine, was not effective. However, its metabolites spermidine and spermine reduced the amplitude of the outward single channel current with Kd values of 4.9 +/- 0.6 and 1.4 +/- 0.4 mM, respectively. Pre-incubation of the cells with the irreversible inhibitor of polyamine synthesis difluoromethylornithine abolished the rectification in the cell-attached patches. These results suggest that intracellular polyamines may underlie at least part of the inward rectification of the Ca2+ activated K+ channel in this tissue, but that intracellular Mg2+ is unlikely to play a major role.

Neurochemical, electrophysiological and immunocytochemical evidence for a noradrenergic link between the sympathetic nervous system and thymocytes.

The object of these experiments was to investigate whether noradrenaline is the signal neurotransmitter between the sympathetic nervous system and rat thymocytes. Using immunocytochemistry, evidence was obtained that the rat thymus (thymic capsule, subcapsular region and connective tissue septa) is innervated by noradrenergic varicose axons terminals (tyrosine hydroxylase- and dopamine-beta-hydroxylase-immunostained nerve fibres). This innervation is mainly associated with the vasculature and separately from vessels along the thymic tissue septa it branches into the thymic parenchyma. Using electron microscopy, classical synapses between thymocytes and neuronal elements were not observed. The neurochemical study revealed that these nerve terminals are able to take up, store and release noradrenaline upon axonal stimulation in a [Ca2+]o-dependent manner. The release was tetrodotoxin (1 microM)-sensitive, and reserpine pretreatment prevented axonal stimulation to release noradrenaline, indicating vesicular origin of noradrenaline. In addition, it was found that the release of noradrenaline was subjected to negative feedback modulation via presynaptic alpha 2-adrenoreceptors. Using a patch-clamp technique, electrophysiological evidence was obtained showing that noradrenaline inhibits in a concentration-dependent manner outward voltage-dependent potassium (k+) current recorded from isolated thymocytes. Since noradrenergic varicose axon terminals enter the parenchyma thymocytes and the boutons are not in close apposition to their target cells, noradrenaline released from these terminals diffuses away from release site to reach its targets, thymocytes, and to exert its inhibitory effect on voltage-dependent K+ -current. Since K+ channels are believed to be involved in T cell proliferation and differentiation, the modulation of K+ channel gating by noradrenaline released in response to axonal activity suggests that signals from blood-born or locally released hormones and cytokines. In this respect, noradrenaline released from non-synaptic neuronal varicosities and exerting its effect within the radius of diffusion may serve as a chemical link between the sympathetic nervous system and thymocytes and may have physiological and pathological importance in the thymus during stress and inflammatory/immune responses.

Activation of calcium current in voltage-clamped rat glomerulosa cells by potassium ions.

1. We examined Ca2+ influx mechanisms using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique in primary cultures of rat glomerulosa cells. 2. Depolarization of the plasma membrane, as studied by a stepwise or ramp depolarization technique, activated low-threshold, transient (T-type) and high-threshold, long-lasting (L-type) voltage-dependent calcium channels (VDCCs). 3. Extracellular K+ activated an inward current (Ig1), even in voltage-clamped cells. This phenomenon was observed within the physiological concentration range, beginning at 4.6 mM K+o (as opposed to the control level of 3.6 mM K+o). Increased cell conductance and increased background noise indicated that Ig1 is evoked by enhanced channel activity. Potassium induced no outward current in the voltage range examined (-120 to +60 mV). 4. When non-permeable anions were present only in the pipette and Na+ and Mg2+ were omitted from the bath, K+ still activated the current. Ig1 was blocked by 100 microM cadmium but was insensitive to 2 microM nifedipine or to 300 microM Ni2+. 5. In fluorimetric studies elevation of the cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration in response to K+ (5.6-13.6 mM) was reduced only partially when VDCCs were blocked with Ni2+ (200 microM) and nifedipine (2 microM). 6. Elevation of the K+ concentration shifted the threshold potential of the T-type calcium channel in the negative direction. 7. In summary, K+ as a ligand activates Ca(2+)-permeable channels in rat glomerulosa cells. This current may contribute to the development of Ca2+ signals in response to stimulation with K+ in the physiological range. The reduction of the activation threshold of the T-type current by K+ may also be of physiological significance.

The effect of acetylcholine and serotonin on calcium transients and calcium currents in identified Helix pomatia L. neurons.

The results presented demonstrate that in D neurons of the snail Helix pomatia L., acetylcholine (ACh) (10 divided by 100 microM) and serotonin (5-HT) (0.1 divided by 1000 microM) applications reduce both the basal intracellular concentration level ([Ca2+]in) and the amplitudes of calcium transients induced by membrane depolarization. It is likely that the mechanism of [Ca2+]in changes in the suppression of calcium inward currents (ICa). Influences of Ach and 5-HT on ICa were studied. Both effects were dose-dependent (ACh--0.01 divided by 100 microM and 5-HT--0.1 divided by 1000 microM). The half-maximal effects (IC50) were evoked by ACh concentration of 0.15 microM and 5-HT--15 microM. Furthermore we have also shown that in some cells 5-HT could evoke a transient increase in ICa (IC50 = 2 microM). The effects of Ach and 5-HT were nonadditive--the subsequent application of ACh after 5-HT, and vice versa, produced no inhibitory effects. This may indicate that both substances act through a common intermediate (possibly, G-protein).

Dopamine blocks T-type calcium channels in cultured rat adrenal glomerulosa cells.

Dopamine is known to inhibit aldosterone secretion. In the present study using whole-cell voltage-clamp technique we found that dopamine, bromocriptine and quinpirole inhibit low-threshold (T-type) voltage dependent Ca2+ channels. The inhibiton was sustained and reversible, and it was prevented by sulpiride. These findings indicate that the effect of dopamine was mediated via DA2 receptors.

Influence of oxytocin on identified neurons of the brain of the snail Helix pomatia L.

The responses of identified neurons induced by the effect of perfusion with a solution of oxytocin were investigated in this study. Depolarizing, hyperpolarizing, and modulating types of responses were found. It is hypothesized that these responses are associated in the majority of instances with the system of cyclic nucleotides.

The effect of alpha-latrotoxin on a synaptic connection between identified neurons in the brain of the mollusc Helix pomatia L.

The effect of alpha-latrotoxin on identified monosynaptic peptidergic contacts between identified neurons from the brain of the snail Helix pomatia L. was studied. It was found that, after extracellular application, toxin evoked an increase in the amplitude of the postsynaptic response. Neither amplitude nor duration of the action potential in a presynaptic neuron was affected. Intracellular injection of toxin into the soma of a presynaptic neuron led to a decrease in the postsynaptic current amplitude. The current induced by intracellular injection of cAMP into a postsynaptic neuron was also inhibited by extracellular or intracellular application of toxin. These data indicate that toxin evokes both an increase of transmitter release from a presynaptic neuron and a decrease in amplitude of the postsynaptic response.

Voltage-clamp and single channel analysis of Pb(2+)-induced current in isolated snail neurons.

Pb-activated outward current was investigated in intracellularly perfused, isolated snail neurons. Pb-ions induced non-inactivating but reversible current (IPb). The IPb showed concentration dependence. The I-V curve was linear with negative slope and the IPb proved to be Na-dependent.

[The effect of oxytocin on the identified neurons of the brain in the edible snail Helix pomatia L]. / Vliianie oksitotsina na identifitsirovannye neirony mozga vinogradnoi ulitki Helix pomatia L.

Responses induced by a perfusion by a solution with oxytocin were examined in identified Helix pomatia L. neurons. Depolarizing, hyperpolarizing, and modulatory neuronal responses were observed. The responses under study were supposed to be associated in most of the cases with the system of cyclic nucleotides.

Lead ions close steady-state sodium channels in Helix neurons.

Extracellularly applied Pb2+ (1-150 microM) induced an outward current (IPb) in intracellularly perfused snail neurons. The current-voltage relationship of the Pb(2+)-induced current was linear over the potential range of -100 to -40 mV with negative slope conductance. The Pb-induced current was strongly dependent on the Na+ gradient. The IPb in intra- or extracellular K+- and Cl(-)-free or -rich solutions was almost the same as in control external and internal salines. The negative slope of the I-V curve and the decreased conductivity during Pb2+ application suggested that IPb is owing to the blocking of the resting Na conductance. Data obtained from single-channel measurements also supported this conclusion. Patch-clamp data showed that the steady-state Na channel has a conductance of 14 pS and both closed and open time-distributions displayed single exponential character.