NaV1.6 and NaV1.7 channels are major endogenous voltage-gated sodium channels in ND7/23 cells.

ND7/23 cells are gaining traction as a host model to express peripheral sodium channels such as NaV1.8 and NaV1.9 that have been difficult to express in widely utilized heterologous cells, like CHO and HEK293. Use of ND7/23 as a model cell to characterize the properties of sodium channels requires clear understanding of the endogenous ion channels. To define the nature of the background sodium currents in ND7/23 cells, we aimed to comprehensively profile the voltage-gated sodium channel subunits by endpoint and quantitative reverse transcription-PCR and by whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiology. We found that untransfected ND7/23 cells express endogenous peak sodium currents that average -2.12nA (n = 15) and with kinetics typical of fast sodium currents having activation and inactivation completed within few milliseconds. Furthermore, sodium currents were reduced to virtually nil upon exposure to 100nM tetrodotoxin, indicating that ND7/23 cells have essentially null background for tetrodotoxin-resistant (TTX-R) currents. qRT-PCR profiling indicated a major expression of TTX-sensitive (TTX-S) NaV1.6 and NaV1.7 at similar levels and very low expression of TTX-R NaV1.9 transcripts. There was no expression of TTX-R NaV1.8 in ND7/23 cells. There was low expression of NaV1.1, NaV1.2, NaV1.3 and no expression of cardiac or skeletal muscle sodium channels. As for the sodium channel auxiliary subunits, ß1 and ß3 subunits were expressed, but not the ß2 and ß4 subunits that covalently associate with the α-subunits. In addition, our results also showed that only the mouse forms of NaV1.6, NaV1.7 and NaV1.9 sodium channels were expressed in ND7/23 cells that was originally generated as a hybridoma of rat embryonic DRG and mouse neuroblastoma cell-line. By molecular profiling of auxiliary ß- and principal α-subunits of the voltage gated sodium channel complex, our results define the background sodium channels expressed in ND7/23 cells, and confirm their utility for detailed functional studies of emerging pain channelopathies ascribed to mutations of the TTX-R sodium channels of sensory neurons.

Effects of the incorporation of ε-aminocaproic acid/chitosan particles to fibrin on cementoblast differentiation and cementum regeneration.

Cementum formation on the exposed tooth-root surface is a critical process in periodontal regeneration. Although various therapeutic approaches have been developed, regeneration of integrated and functional periodontal complexes is still wanting. Here, we found that the OCCM30 cementoblasts cultured on fibrin matrix express substantial levels of matrix proteinases, leading to the degradation of fibrin and the apoptosis of OCCM30 cells, which was reversed upon treatment with a proteinase inhibitor, ε-aminocaproic acid (ACA). Based on these findings, ACA-releasing chitosan particles (ACP) were fabricated and ACP-incorporated fibrin (fibrin-ACP) promoted the differentiation of cementoblasts in vitro, as confirmed by bio-mineralization and expressions of molecules associated with mineralization. In a periodontal defect model of beagle dogs, fibrin-ACP resulted in substantial cementum formation on the exposed root dentin in vivo, compared to fibrin-only and enamel matrix derivative (EMD) which is used clinically for periodontal regeneration. Remarkably, the fibrin-ACP developed structural integrations of the cementum-periodontal ligament-bone complex by the Sharpey's fiber insertion. In addition, fibrin-ACP promoted alveolar bone regeneration through increased bone volume of tooth roof-of-furcation defects and root coverage. Therefore, fibrin-ACP can promote cementogenesis and osteogenesis by controlling biodegradability of fibrin, implicating the feasibility of its therapeutic use to improve periodontal regeneration. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Cementum, the mineralized layer on root dentin surfaces, functions to anchor fibrous connective tissues on tooth-root surfaces with the collagenous Sharpey's fibers integration, of which are essential for periodontal functioning restoration in the complex. Through the cementum-responsible fiber insertions on tooth-root surfaces, PDLs transmit various mechanical responses to periodontal complexes against masticatory/occlusal stimulations to support teeth. In this study, periodontal tissue regeneration was enhanced by use of modified fibrin biomaterial which significantly promoted cementogenesis within the periodontal complex with structural integration by collagenous Sharpey's fiber insertions in vivo by controlling fibrin degradation and consequent cementoblast apoptosis. Furthermore, the modified fibrin could improve repair and regeneration of tooth roof-of-furcation defects, which has spatial curvatures and geometrical difficulties and hardly regenerates periodontal tissues.

Cytotoxic effects of one-step self-etching adhesives on an odontoblast cell line.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of one-step self-etching adhesives. Cells from an immortalized mouse odontoblast cell line (MDPC-23) were cultured with six different dental adhesive systems (diluted to concentrations of 0.5% for 4 h): Adper Easy Bond (EB), Xeno V (XV), iBond (IB), AdheSE One (AO), Clearfil SE primer (CS), and Adper Single Bond 2 (SB). MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) and flow cytometric apoptosis assays were used to evaluate cell viability and the rate of apoptosis. The odontoblasts were also examined under a scanning electron microscope. While all of the cultures with adhesives showed reduced viability, the viabilities in the IB and SB groups were not significantly different from the control group. Although increased apoptosis rates were observed in all of the cultures with adhesives, the rate in the SB group was not significantly different from the rate in the control. The control group showed the lowest apoptosis rate followed by the SB, AO, IB, EB, XV, and CS groups. When examined under a scanning electron microscope, control odontoblasts and the SB group exhibited relatively large cytoplasmic extensions. In contrast, in the EB and CS groups, fewer fibroblasts remained adhered to the plate surface. Cytoplasmic membrane shrinkage and cell-free areas with residual membrane fragments from dead cells were observed. In conclusion, all cultures with one-step self-etching adhesives showed increased apoptotic activity. SB, an etch-and-rinse adhesive, was comparable to the control group, and CS and EB showed the lowest odontoblast viabilities according to the MTT assay.

Multiple transcripts of anoctamin genes expressed in the mouse submandibular salivary gland.

PURPOSE: Salivary fluid formation is primarily driven by Ca(2+)-activated, apical efflux of chloride into the lumen of the salivary acinus. The anoctamin1 protein is an anion channel with properties resembling the endogenous calcium-activated chloride channels. In order to better understand the role of anoctamin proteins in salivary exocrine secretion, the expression of the ten members of the anoctamin gene family in the mouse submandibular gland was studied. METHODS: Total RNA extracted from mouse submandibular salivary glands was reverse transcribed using primer pairs to amplify the full-length coding regions of each anoctamin gene and was subcloned into plasmid vectors for DNA sequencing. Alternative splice variants were also screened by polymerase chain reaction using primer pairs that amplified six overlapping regions of the complementary DNA of each anoctamin gene, spanning multiple exons. RESULTS: Multiple anoctamin transcripts were found in the mouse submandibular salivary gland, including full-length transcripts of anoctamin1, anoctamin3, anoctamin4, anoctamin5, anoctamin6, anoctamin9, and anoctamin10. Exon-skipping splicing in the N-terminal exons of the anoctamins1, anoctamin5, and anoctamin6 genes resulted in multiple alternative splice variants. No expression of anoctamin2, anoctamin7, or anoctamin8 was found. CONCLUSIONS: The predominant anoctamin transcript expressed in the mouse submandibular gland is anoctamin1ac. The chloride channel protein produced by anoctamin1ac is likely responsible for the Ca(2+)-activated chloride efflux, which is the rate-limiting step in salivary exocrine secretion.

Genetic background modulates impaired excitability of inhibitory neurons in a mouse model of Dravet syndrome.

Dominant loss-of-function mutations in voltage-gated sodium channel NaV1.1 cause Dravet Syndrome, an intractable childhood-onset epilepsy. NaV1.1(+/-) Dravet Syndrome mice in C57BL/6 genetic background exhibit severe seizures, cognitive and social impairments, and premature death. Here we show that Dravet Syndrome mice in pure 129/SvJ genetic background have many fewer seizures and much less premature death than in pure C57BL/6 background. These mice also have a higher threshold for thermally induced seizures, fewer myoclonic seizures, and no cognitive impairment, similar to patients with Genetic Epilepsy with Febrile Seizures Plus. Consistent with this mild phenotype, mutation of NaV1.1 channels has much less physiological effect on neuronal excitability in 129/SvJ mice. In hippocampal slices, the excitability of CA1 Stratum Oriens interneurons is selectively impaired, while the excitability of CA1 pyramidal cells is unaffected. NaV1.1 haploinsufficiency results in increased rheobase and threshold for action potential firing and impaired ability to sustain high-frequency firing. Moreover, deletion of NaV1.1 markedly reduces the amplification and integration of synaptic events, further contributing to reduced excitability of interneurons. Excitability is less impaired in inhibitory neurons of Dravet Syndrome mice in 129/SvJ genetic background. Because specific deletion of NaV1.1 in forebrain GABAergic interneuons is sufficient to cause the symptoms of Dravet Syndrome in mice, our results support the conclusion that the milder phenotype in 129/SvJ mice is caused by lesser impairment of sodium channel function and electrical excitability in their forebrain interneurons. This mild impairment of excitability of interneurons leads to a milder disease phenotype in 129/SvJ mice, similar to Genetic Epilepsy with Febrile Seizures Plus in humans.

Sudden unexpected death in a mouse model of Dravet syndrome.

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is the most common cause of death in intractable epilepsies, but physiological mechanisms that lead to SUDEP are unknown. Dravet syndrome (DS) is an infantile-onset intractable epilepsy caused by heterozygous loss-of-function mutations in the SCN1A gene, which encodes brain type-I voltage-gated sodium channel NaV1.1. We studied the mechanism of premature death in Scn1a heterozygous KO mice and conditional brain- and cardiac-specific KOs. Video monitoring demonstrated that SUDEP occurred immediately following generalized tonic-clonic seizures. A history of multiple seizures was a strong risk factor for SUDEP. Combined video-electroencephalography-electrocardiography revealed suppressed interictal resting heart-rate variability and episodes of ictal bradycardia associated with the tonic phases of generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Prolonged atropine-sensitive ictal bradycardia preceded SUDEP. Similar studies in conditional KO mice demonstrated that brain, but not cardiac, KO of Scn1a produced cardiac and SUDEP phenotypes similar to those found in DS mice. Atropine or N-methyl scopolamine treatment reduced the incidence of ictal bradycardia and SUDEP in DS mice. These findings suggest that SUDEP is caused by apparent parasympathetic hyperactivity immediately following tonic-clonic seizures in DS mice, which leads to lethal bradycardia and electrical dysfunction of the ventricle. These results have important implications for prevention of SUDEP in DS patients.

Protein kinase Cα/ß inhibitor Gö6976 promotes PC12 cell adhesion and spreading through membrane recruitment and activation of protein kinase Cδ.

Gö6976 is a nonglycosidic indolocarbazole compound widely used as a specific inhibitor of PKCα/ß. In experiments probing for a role of PKCα in human laminin-2-integrin-mediated cell adhesion and spreading of PC12 cells, we observed unexpected enhancements of adhesion, spreading and stress fiber formation to 1 µM Gö6976 with concomitant increase in membrane translocation of PKCδ and autophosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK). Importantly, enhanced cellular behavior and membrane translocation of PKCδ induced by Gö6976 was retained in siRNA-transfected PC12 cells to knockdown PKCα expression. Gö6976 also induced laminin-dependent cell adhesion in NIH/3T3 and CV-1 fibroblasts, suggesting of a mechanism that may be common to multiple cell-types. A specific inhibitor of PKCδ, rottlerin, completely abrogated Gö6976-dependent increase in PC12 cell adhesion to laminin as well as the activation of small GTPases, Rac1 and Cdc42, that are downstream of PKCδ in adhesion receptor signaling. siRNA knockdown of Rac1 and Cdc42 expression inhibited cell spreading and lamellipodia formation in PC12 cells. Overall, these results suggest that Gö6976 may stimulate membrane recruitment of PKCδ through a mechanism that is independent of PKCα/ß signaling. In addition, the activation of Rac1 and Cdc42 by human laminin-2-integrin-dependent activation of PKCδ/FAK signaling mediates cell spreading and lamellipodia formation in PC12 cells.

Autistic-like behaviour in Scn1a+/- mice and rescue by enhanced GABA-mediated neurotransmission.

Haploinsufficiency of the SCN1A gene encoding voltage-gated sodium channel Na(V)1.1 causes Dravet's syndrome, a childhood neuropsychiatric disorder including recurrent intractable seizures, cognitive deficit and autism-spectrum behaviours. The neural mechanisms responsible for cognitive deficit and autism-spectrum behaviours in Dravet's syndrome are poorly understood. Here we report that mice with Scn1a haploinsufficiency exhibit hyperactivity, stereotyped behaviours, social interaction deficits and impaired context-dependent spatial memory. Olfactory sensitivity is retained, but novel food odours and social odours are aversive to Scn1a(+/-) mice. GABAergic neurotransmission is specifically impaired by this mutation, and selective deletion of Na(V)1.1 channels in forebrain interneurons is sufficient to cause these behavioural and cognitive impairments. Remarkably, treatment with low-dose clonazepam, a positive allosteric modulator of GABA(A) receptors, completely rescued the abnormal social behaviours and deficits in fear memory in the mouse model of Dravet's syndrome, demonstrating that they are caused by impaired GABAergic neurotransmission and not by neuronal damage from recurrent seizures. These results demonstrate a critical role for Na(V)1.1 channels in neuropsychiatric functions and provide a potential therapeutic strategy for cognitive deficit and autism-spectrum behaviours in Dravet's syndrome.

Specific deletion of NaV1.1 sodium channels in inhibitory interneurons causes seizures and premature death in a mouse model of Dravet syndrome.

Heterozygous loss-of-function mutations in the brain sodium channel Na(V)1.1 cause Dravet syndrome (DS), a pharmacoresistant infantile-onset epilepsy syndrome with comorbidities of cognitive impairment and premature death. Previous studies using a mouse model of DS revealed reduced sodium currents and impaired excitability in GABAergic interneurons in the hippocampus, leading to the hypothesis that impaired excitability of GABAergic inhibitory neurons is the cause of epilepsy and premature death in DS. However, other classes of GABAergic interneurons are less impaired, so the direct cause of hyperexcitability, epilepsy, and premature death has remained unresolved. We generated a floxed Scn1a mouse line and used the Cre-Lox method driven by an enhancer from the Dlx1,2 locus for conditional deletion of Scn1a in forebrain GABAergic neurons. Immunocytochemical studies demonstrated selective loss of Na(V)1.1 channels in GABAergic interneurons in cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Mice with this deletion died prematurely following generalized tonic-clonic seizures, and they were equally susceptible to thermal induction of seizures as mice with global deletion of Scn1a. Evidently, loss of Na(V)1.1 channels in forebrain GABAergic neurons is both necessary and sufficient to cause epilepsy and premature death in DS.

Na(V)1.1 channels are critical for intercellular communication in the suprachiasmatic nucleus and for normal circadian rhythms.

Na(V)1.1 is the primary voltage-gated Na(+) channel in several classes of GABAergic interneurons, and its reduced activity leads to reduced excitability and decreased GABAergic tone. Here, we show that Na(V)1.1 channels are expressed in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus. Mice carrying a heterozygous loss of function mutation in the Scn1a gene (Scn1a(+/-)), which encodes the pore-forming α-subunit of the Na(V)1.1 channel, have longer circadian period than WT mice and lack light-induced phase shifts. In contrast, Scn1a(+/-) mice have exaggerated light-induced negative-masking behavior and normal electroretinogram, suggesting an intact retina light response. Scn1a(+/-) mice show normal light induction of c-Fos and mPer1 mRNA in ventral SCN but impaired gene expression responses in dorsal SCN. Electrical stimulation of the optic chiasm elicits reduced calcium transients and impaired ventro-dorsal communication in SCN neurons from Scn1a(+/-) mice, and this communication is barely detectable in the homozygous gene KO (Scn1a(-/-)). Enhancement of GABAergic transmission with tiagabine plus clonazepam partially rescues the effects of deletion of Na(V)1.1 on circadian period and phase shifting. Our report demonstrates that a specific voltage-gated Na(+) channel and its associated impairment of SCN interneuronal communication lead to major deficits in the function of the master circadian pacemaker. Heterozygous loss of Na(V)1.1 channels is the underlying cause for severe myoclonic epilepsy of infancy; the circadian deficits that we report may contribute to sleep disorders in severe myoclonic epilepsy of infancy patients.

Parathyroid hormone-related protein and glucocorticoid receptor beta are regulated by cortisol in the kidney of male mice.

AIMS: Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) is a peptide growth factor produced in a wide range of tissues from brain and parathyroid, to kidney and uterus. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the adrenal cortical hormones, hydrocortisone (cortisol), modulate PTHrP expression and glucocorticoid receptor (GR)ß in mice kidney. MAIN METHODS: Changes in PTHrP gene expression were determined by real-time PCR and its protein level was examined by Western blot analysis. In addition, expression of renal PTHrP protein was localized by immunohistochemistry. Effects of RU486 on the expression levels of GRα/ß or PTHrP gene in the kidneys were analyzed by Western blot analysis. KEY FINDINGS: We found that renal expression levels of PTHrP mRNA were higher in males than in females up to 9weeks of age. Using immunohistochemistry, we observed higher levels of PTHrP expression within the cortex than in the medulla in both male and female mice, and this expression was localized in the epithelial cells of the renal proximal tubules. Treatment of 4-week-old mice with aldosterone and cortisol for three days showed larger increases in both PTHrP mRNA and protein levels in males compared with females. The expression of GRß in male, but not female, kidneys was significantly upregulated after treatment with cortisol, but not after treatment with aldosterone. Inhibition of glucocorticoid signaling by pre-treatment with a GR antagonist prior to cortisol administration largely abolished this cortisol-dependent increase in PTHrP and GRß expressions. SIGNIFICANCE: These results suggest that PTHrP expression and GRß in the kidneys of male mice may be regulated by cortisol.

Estrogen receptor α is involved in the induction of Calbindin-D(9k) and progesterone receptor by parabens in GH3 cells: a biomarker gene for screening xenoestrogens.

The effects of paraben, a xenoestrogen with known endocrine disrupting bioactivity were evaluated. We used the induction of an estrogenic biomarker gene - Calbindin-D(9k) (CaBP-9k) to investigate the xenoestrogenic activity of a panel of parabens (methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, isopropyl-, butyl-, and isobutylparabens) in GH3 rat pituitary cancer cell line. Following 24-h treatment, a significant increase in CaBP-9k expression of transcript and protein was dependent on the concentration-treated as well as the linear length of the alkyl chain from methyl- to isobutylparabens. Interestingly, co-treatment with fulvestrant, a pure antiestrogen largely reversed the paraben-dependent induction of CaBP-9k mRNA and protein in GH3 cell line. To better understand the mechanism of CaBP-9k induction by these endocrine disrupting compounds, we measured the levels of estrogen receptor (ERα) and progesterone receptor (PR) expression following parabens exposure. Also, we monitored the transiently transfected with plasmids containing of estrogen response element (ERE) sequence into GH3. In the GH3 cells, a large increase in PR mRNA and protein was observed in a concentration-dependent manner after parabens treatment that was effectively blocked in the presence of antagonist of 17ß-estradiol (fulvestrant). And, luciferase activity was expressed from the putative ERE and expression was stimulated by parabens. To confirm that ERα signaling is involved in parabens induction of CaBP-9k and PR mRNA and protein, we treated GH3 cells with an antiestrogen, fulvestrant, which blocked the paraben-induced upregulation of CaBP-9k and PR. Taken together, these results indicate that CaBP-9k and PR is induced by parabens via the ER pathway in GH3 cell line.

Mechanisms by which the inhibition of specific intracellular signaling pathways increase osteoblast proliferation on apatite surfaces.

Osteoblasts proliferate slowly on the surface of calcium phosphate apatite which is widely used as a substrate biomaterial in bone regeneration. Owing to poor adhesion signaling in the cells grown on the calcium phosphate surface, inadequate growth factor signaling is generated to trigger cell cycle progression. The present study investigated an intracellular signal transduction pathway involved in the slow cell proliferation in osteoblasts grown on the calcium phosphate surface. Small GTPase RhoA and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) were more activated in cells grown on the surface of calcium phosphate apatite than on tissue culture plate. Specific inhibition of RhoA and PTEN induced the cells on calcium phosphate apatite surface to proliferate at a similar rate as cells on tissue culture plate surface. Specific inhibition of ROCK, which is a downstream effector of RhoA and an upstream activator of PTEN also increased proliferation of these osteoblasts. Present results indicate that physical property of calcium phosphate crystals that impede cell proliferation may be surmounted by the inhibition of the RhoA/ROCK/PTEN pathway to rescue delayed proliferation of osteoblasts on the calcium phosphate apatite surface. In addition, specific inhibition of ROCK promoted cell migration and osteoblast differentiation. Inhibition of the RhoA/ROCK/PTEN intracellular signaling pathway is expected to enhance cell activity to promote and accelerate bone regeneration on the calcium phosphate apatite surface.

Functional roles of a C-terminal signaling complex of CaV1 channels and A-kinase anchoring protein 15 in brain neurons.

Regulation of CaV1.2 channels in cardiac myocytes by the ß-adrenergic pathway requires a signaling complex in which the proteolytically processed distal C-terminal domain acts as an autoinhibitor of channel activity and mediates up-regulation by the ß-adrenergic receptor and PKA bound to A-kinase anchoring protein 15 (AKAP15). We examined the significance of this distal C-terminal signaling complex for CaV1.2 and CaV1.3 channels in neurons. AKAP15 co-immunoprecipitates with CaV1.2 and CaV1.3 channels. AKAP15 has overlapping localization with CaV1.2 and CaV1.3 channels in cell bodies and proximal dendrites and is closely co-localized with CaV1.2 channels in punctate clusters. The neuronal AKAP MAP2B, which also interacts with CaV1.2 and CaV1.3 channels, has complementary localization to AKAP15, suggesting different functional roles in calcium channel regulation. Studies with mice that lack the distal C-terminal domain of CaV1.2 channels (CaV1.2ΔDCT) reveal that AKAP15 interacts with neuronal CaV1.2 channels via their C terminus in vivo and is co-localized in punctate clusters of CaV1.2 channels via that interaction. CaV1.2ΔDCT neurons have reduced L-type calcium current, indicating that the distal C-terminal domain is required for normal functional expression in vivo. Deletion of the distal C-terminal domain impairs calcium-dependent signaling from CaV1.2 channels to the nucleus, as shown by reduction in phosphorylation of the cAMP response element-binding protein. Our results define AKAP signaling complexes of CaV1.2 and CaV1.3 channels in brain and reveal three previously unrecognized functional roles for the distal C terminus of neuronal CaV1.2 channels in vivo: increased functional expression, anchoring of AKAP15 and PKA, and initiation of excitation-transcription coupling.

Deletion of the distal C terminus of CaV1.2 channels leads to loss of beta-adrenergic regulation and heart failure in vivo.

L-type calcium currents conducted by CaV1.2 channels initiate excitation-contraction coupling in cardiac and vascular smooth muscle. In the heart, the distal portion of the C terminus (DCT) is proteolytically processed in vivo and serves as a noncovalently associated autoinhibitor of CaV1.2 channel activity. This autoinhibitory complex, with A-kinase anchoring protein-15 (AKAP15) bound to the DCT, is hypothesized to serve as the substrate for ß-adrenergic regulation in the fight-or-flight response. Mice expressing CaV1.2 channels with the distal C terminus deleted (DCT-/-) develop cardiac hypertrophy and die prematurely after E15. Cardiac hypertrophy and survival rate were improved by drug treatments that reduce peripheral vascular resistance and hypertension, consistent with the hypothesis that CaV1.2 hyperactivity in vascular smooth muscle causes hypertension, hypertrophy, and premature death. However, in contrast to expectation, L-type Ca2+ currents in cardiac myocytes from DCT-/- mice were dramatically reduced due to decreased cell-surface expression of CaV1.2 protein, and the voltage dependence of activation and the kinetics of inactivation were altered. CaV1.2 channels in DCT-/- myocytes fail to respond to activation of adenylyl cyclase by forskolin, and the localized expression of AKAP15 is reduced. Therefore, we conclude that the DCT of CaV1.2 channels is required in vivo for normal vascular regulation, cell-surface expression of CaV1.2 channels in cardiac myocytes, and ß-adrenergic stimulation of L-type Ca2+ currents in the heart.

Effects of 17beta-estradiol and xenoestrogens on mouse embryonic stem cells.

Xenoestrogens such as 4-tert-octylphenol (OP) and 4-nonylphenol (NP) can adversely affect the reproductive and immune systems from their estrogenic effects in target cells. In this study, we investigated the effects of xenoestrogens on the expression of undifferentiation markers in mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells and of cardiomyocyte differentiation markers in mouse embryoid body (EB) cells induced to differentiate into cardiomyocytes from ES cells. The expressions of undifferentiation markers (Oct4, Sox2, Zfp206, and Rex-1) and cardiomyocyte differentiation markers (alpha-MHC, beta-MHC, ANF, and MLC-2V) were determined by semi- and quantitative real-time PCR. Treatment with E(2) or OP and NP induced an increase in Oct4 expression at the transcriptional level in a dose- and time-dependent manner. However, no difference was observed in the expression of Sox2, Zfp206 or Rex-1 genes in ES cells, suggesting that E(2) may be an Oct4 enhancer in ES cells. Induction of Oct4 expression by E(2) and xenoestrogens (OP and NP) did not change the methylation pattern of the Oct4-promoter and was not affected by treatment with a demethylating agent, 5-azacytidine. Taken together, these results suggest that E(2) and xenoestrogens may impact on the undifferentiation process of ES and EB cells, and retain ES cells in an undifferentiated state.

Di-(2 ethylhexyl) phthalate and flutamide alter gene expression in the testis of immature male rats.

We previously demonstrated that the androgenic and anti-androgenic effects of endocrine disruptors (EDs) alter reproductive function and exert distinct effects on developing male reproductive organs. To further investigate these effects, we used an immature rat model to examine the effects of di-(2 ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and flutamide (Flu) on the male reproductive system. Immature male SD rats were treated daily with DEHP and Flu on postnatal days (PNDs) 21 to 35, in a dose-dependent manner. As results, the weights of the testes, prostate, and seminal vesicle and anogenital distances (AGD) decreased significantly in response to high doses of DEHP or Flu. Testosterone (T) levels significantly decreased in all DEHP- treated groups, whereas luteinizing hormone (LH) plasma levels were not altered by any of the two treatments at PND 36. However, treatment with DEHP or Flu induced histopathological changes in the testes, wherein degeneration and disorders of Leydig cells, germ cells and dilatation of tubular lumen were observed in a dose-dependent manner. Conversely, hyperplasia and denseness of Leydig, Sertoli and germ cells were observed in rats given with high doses of Flu. The results by cDNA microarray analysis indicated that 1,272 genes were up-regulated by more than two-fold, and 1,969 genes were down-regulated in response to DEHP, Flu or both EDs. These genes were selected based on their markedly increased or decreased expression levels. These genes have been also classified on the basis of gene ontology (e.g., steroid hormone biosynthetic process, regulation of transcription, signal transduction, metabolic process, biosynthetic process...). Significant decreases in gene expression were observed in steroidogenic genes (i.e., Star, Cyp11a1 and Hsd3b). In addition, the expression of a common set of target genes, including CaBP1, Vav2, Plcd1, Lhx1 and Isoc1, was altered following exposure to EDs, suggesting that they may be marker genes to screen for the anti-androgenic or androgenic effects of EDs. Overall, our results demonstrated that exposure to DEHP, Flu or both EDs resulted in a alteration of gene expression in the testes of immature male rats. Furthermore, the toxicological effects of these EDs on the male reproductive system resulted from their anti-androgenic effects. Taken together, these results provide a new insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying the detrimental impacts of EDs, in regards to anti-androgenic effects in humans and wildlife.

A BAC transgenic mouse model reveals neuron subtype-specific effects of a Generalized Epilepsy with Febrile Seizures Plus (GEFS+) mutation.

Mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel SCN1A are responsible for a number of seizure disorders including Generalized Epilepsy with Febrile Seizures Plus (GEFS+) and Severe Myoclonic Epilepsy of Infancy (SMEI). To determine the effects of SCN1A mutations on channel function in vivo, we generated a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) transgenic mouse model that expresses the human SCN1A GEFS+ mutation, R1648H. Mice with the R1648H mutation exhibit a more severe response to the proconvulsant kainic acid compared with mice expressing a control Scn1a transgene. Electrophysiological analysis of dissociated neurons from mice with the R1648H mutation reveal delayed recovery from inactivation and increased use-dependent inactivation only in inhibitory bipolar neurons, as well as a hyperpolarizing shift in the voltage dependence of inactivation only in excitatory pyramidal neurons. These results demonstrate that the effects of SCN1A mutations are cell type-dependent and that the R1648H mutation specifically leads to a reduction in interneuron excitability.

Temperature- and age-dependent seizures in a mouse model of severe myoclonic epilepsy in infancy.

Heterozygous loss-of-function mutations in the alpha subunit of the type I voltage-gated sodium channel Na(V)1.1 cause severe myoclonic epilepsy in infancy (SMEI), an infantile-onset epileptic encephalopathy characterized by normal development followed by treatment-refractory febrile and afebrile seizures and psychomotor decline. Mice with SMEI (mSMEI), created by heterozygous deletion of Na(V)1.1 channels, develop seizures and ataxia. Here we investigated the temperature and age dependence of seizures and interictal epileptiform spike-and-wave activity in mSMEI. Combined video-EEG monitoring demonstrated that mSMEI had seizures induced by elevated body core temperature but wild-type mice were unaffected. In the 3 age groups tested, no postnatal day (P)17-18 mSMEI had temperature-induced seizures, but nearly all P20-22 and P30-46 mSMEI had myoclonic seizures followed by generalized seizures caused by elevated core body temperature. Spontaneous seizures were only observed in mice older than P32, suggesting that mSMEI become susceptible to temperature-induced seizures before spontaneous seizures. Interictal spike activity was seen at normal body temperature in most P30-46 mSMEI but not in P20-22 or P17-18 mSMEI, indicating that interictal epileptic activity correlates with seizure susceptibility. Most P20-22 mSMEI had interictal spike activity with elevated body temperature. Our results define a critical developmental transition for susceptibility to seizures in SMEI, demonstrate that body temperature elevation alone is sufficient to induce seizures, and reveal a close correspondence between human and mouse SMEI in the striking temperature and age dependence of seizure frequency and severity and in the temperature dependence and frequency of interictal epileptiform spike activity.