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Polk FD, Hakim MA, Silva JF, Behringer EJ, Pires PW. Endothelial K IR2 channel dysfunction in aged cerebral parenchymal arterioles. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2023; 325:H1360-H1372. [PMID: 37801044 PMCID: PMC10907073 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00279.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Aging is associated with cognitive decline via incompletely understood mechanisms. Cerebral microvascular dysfunction occurs in aging, particularly impaired endothelium-mediated dilation. Parenchymal arterioles are bottlenecks of the cerebral microcirculation, and dysfunction causes a mismatch in nutrient demand and delivery, leaving neurons at risk. Extracellular nucleotides elicit parenchymal arteriole dilation by activating endothelial purinergic receptors (P2Y), leading to opening of K+ channels, including inwardly-rectifying K+ channels (KIR2). These channels amplify hyperpolarizing signals, resulting in dilation. However, it remains unknown if endothelial P2Y and KIR2 signaling are altered in brain parenchymal arterioles during aging. We hypothesized that aging impairs endothelial P2Y and KIR2 function in parenchymal arterioles. We observed reduced dilation to the purinergic agonist 2-methyl-S-ADP (1 µM) in arterioles from Aged (>24-month-old) mice when compared to Young (4-6 months of age) despite similar hyperpolarization in endothelial cells tubes. No differences were observed in vasodilation or endothelial cell hyperpolarization to activation of small- and intermediate-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels (KCa2.3 / KCa3.1) by NS309. Hyperpolarization to 15 mM [K+]E was smaller in Aged than Young mice, despite a paradoxical increased dilation in Aged arterioles to 15 mM [K+]E that was unchanged by endothelium removal. KIR2 Inhibition attenuated vasodilatory responses to 15 mM [K+]E and 1 µM 2-me-S-ADP in both Young and Aged arterioles. Further, we observed a significant increase in myogenic tone in Aged parenchymal arterioles, which was not enhanced by endothelium removal. We conclude that aging impairs endothelial KIR2 channel function in the cerebral microcirculation with possible compensation by smooth muscle cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe D Polk
- Department of Physiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States
| | - Md A Hakim
- Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Josiane F Silva
- Physiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States
| | - Erik J Behringer
- Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Paulo W Pires
- Physiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
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Berra-Romani R, Brunetti V, Pellavio G, Soda T, Laforenza U, Scarpellino G, Moccia F. Allyl Isothiocianate Induces Ca 2+ Signals and Nitric Oxide Release by Inducing Reactive Oxygen Species Production in the Human Cerebrovascular Endothelial Cell Line hCMEC/D3. Cells 2023; 12:1732. [PMID: 37443764 PMCID: PMC10340171 DOI: 10.3390/cells12131732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) represents a crucial mediator to regulate cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the human brain both under basal conditions and in response to somatosensory stimulation. An increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) stimulates the endothelial NO synthase to produce NO in human cerebrovascular endothelial cells. Therefore, targeting the endothelial ion channel machinery could represent a promising strategy to rescue endothelial NO signalling in traumatic brain injury and neurodegenerative disorders. Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), a major active constituent of cruciferous vegetables, was found to increase CBF in non-human preclinical models, but it is still unknown whether it stimulates NO release in human brain capillary endothelial cells. In the present investigation, we showed that AITC evoked a Ca2+-dependent NO release in the human cerebrovascular endothelial cell line, hCMEC/D3. The Ca2+ response to AITC was shaped by both intra- and extracellular Ca2+ sources, although it was insensitive to the pharmacological blockade of transient receptor potential ankyrin 1, which is regarded to be among the main molecular targets of AITC. In accord, AITC failed to induce transmembrane currents or to elicit membrane hyperpolarization, although NS309, a selective opener of the small- and intermediate-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels, induced a significant membrane hyperpolarization. The AITC-evoked Ca2+ signal was triggered by the production of cytosolic, but not mitochondrial, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and was supported by store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE). Conversely, the Ca2+ response to AITC did not require Ca2+ mobilization from the endoplasmic reticulum, lysosomes or mitochondria. However, pharmacological manipulation revealed that AITC-dependent ROS generation inhibited plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase (PMCA) activity, thereby attenuating Ca2+ removal across the plasma membrane and resulting in a sustained increase in [Ca2+]i. In accord, the AITC-evoked NO release was driven by ROS generation and required ROS-dependent inhibition of PMCA activity. These data suggest that AITC could be exploited to restore NO signalling and restore CBF in brain disorders that feature neurovascular dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Berra-Romani
- Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla 72410, Mexico;
| | - Valentina Brunetti
- Laboratory of General Physiology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (V.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Giorgia Pellavio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (G.P.); (U.L.)
| | - Teresa Soda
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Magna Graecia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Umberto Laforenza
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (G.P.); (U.L.)
| | - Giorgia Scarpellino
- Laboratory of General Physiology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (V.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Francesco Moccia
- Laboratory of General Physiology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (V.B.); (G.S.)
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Hakim MA, Behringer EJ. K IR channel regulation of electrical conduction along cerebrovascular endothelium: Enhanced modulation during Alzheimer's disease. Microcirculation 2023; 30:e12797. [PMID: 36577656 PMCID: PMC9885900 DOI: 10.1111/micc.12797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Endothelial cell (EC) coupling occurs through gap junctions and underlies cerebral blood flow regulation governed by inward-rectifying K+ (KIR ) channels. This study addressed effects of KIR channel activity on EC coupling before and during Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS Intact EC tubes (width: ~90-100 μm; length: ~0.5 mm) were freshly isolated from posterior cerebral arteries of young Pre-AD (1-3 months) and aged AD (13-18 months) male and female 3xTg-AD mice. Dual intracellular microelectrodes applied simultaneous current injections (±0.5-3 nA) and membrane potential (Vm ) recordings in ECs at distance ~400 μm. Elevated extracellular potassium ([K+ ]E ; 8-15 mmol/L; reference, 5 mmol/L) activated KIR channels. RESULTS Conducted Vm (∆Vm ) responses ranged from ~-30 to 30 mV in response to -3 to +3 nA (linear regression, R2 ≥ .99) while lacking rectification for charge polarity or axial direction of spread. Conduction slope decreased ~10%-20% during 15 mmol/L [K+ ]E in Pre-AD males and AD females. 15 mmol/L [K+ ]E decreased conduction by ~10%-20% at lower ∆Vm thresholds in AD animals (~±20 mV) versus Pre-AD (~±25 mV). AD increased conducted hyperpolarization by ~10%-15% during 8-12 mmol/L [K+ ]E . CONCLUSIONS Brain endothelial KIR channel activity modulates bidirectional spread of vasoreactive signals with enhanced regulation of EC coupling during AD pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md A. Hakim
- Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Erik J. Behringer
- Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA,Corresponding Author: Erik J. Behringer, Ph.D., Department of Basic Sciences, 11041 Campus Street, Risley Hall, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, , tel: (909) 651-5334, fax: (909) 558-0119
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Murrant CL, Fletcher NM. Capillary communication: the role of capillaries in sensing the tissue environment, coordinating the microvascular, and controlling blood flow. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2022; 323:H1019-H1036. [PMID: 36149771 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00088.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Historically, capillaries have been viewed as the microvascular site for flux of nutrients to cells and removal of waste products. Capillaries are the most numerous blood vessel segment within the tissue, whose vascular wall consists of only a single layer of endothelial cells and are situated within microns of each cell of the tissue, all of which optimizes capillaries for the exchange of nutrients between the blood compartment and the interstitial space of tissues. There is, however, a growing body of evidence to support that capillaries play an important role in sensing the tissue environment, coordinating microvascular network responses, and controlling blood flow. Much of our growing understanding of capillaries stems from work in skeletal muscle and more recent work in the brain, where capillaries can be stimulated by products released from cells of the tissue during increased activity and are able to communicate with upstream and downstream vascular segments, enabling capillaries to sense the activity levels of the tissue and send signals to the microvascular network to coordinate the blood flow response. This review will focus on the emerging role that capillaries play in communication between cells of the tissue and the vascular network required to direct blood flow to active cells in skeletal muscle and the brain. We will also highlight the emerging central role that disruptions in capillary communication may play in blood flow dysregulation, pathophysiology, and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coral L Murrant
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nicole M Fletcher
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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King DR, Sedovy MW, Eaton X, Dunaway LS, Good ME, Isakson BE, Johnstone SR. Cell-To-Cell Communication in the Resistance Vasculature. Compr Physiol 2022; 12:3833-3867. [PMID: 35959755 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c210040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The arterial vasculature can be divided into large conduit arteries, intermediate contractile arteries, resistance arteries, arterioles, and capillaries. Resistance arteries and arterioles primarily function to control systemic blood pressure. The resistance arteries are composed of a layer of endothelial cells oriented parallel to the direction of blood flow, which are separated by a matrix layer termed the internal elastic lamina from several layers of smooth muscle cells oriented perpendicular to the direction of blood flow. Cells within the vessel walls communicate in a homocellular and heterocellular fashion to govern luminal diameter, arterial resistance, and blood pressure. At rest, potassium currents govern the basal state of endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Multiple stimuli can elicit rises in intracellular calcium levels in either endothelial cells or smooth muscle cells, sourced from intracellular stores such as the endoplasmic reticulum or the extracellular space. In general, activation of endothelial cells results in the production of a vasodilatory signal, usually in the form of nitric oxide or endothelial-derived hyperpolarization. Conversely, activation of smooth muscle cells results in a vasoconstriction response through smooth muscle cell contraction. © 2022 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 12: 1-35, 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Ryan King
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Center for Vascular and Heart Research, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, Virginia, USA
| | - Meghan W Sedovy
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Center for Vascular and Heart Research, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, Virginia, USA.,Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health Graduate Program, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Xinyan Eaton
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Center for Vascular and Heart Research, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, Virginia, USA
| | - Luke S Dunaway
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Miranda E Good
- Molecular Cardiology Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Brant E Isakson
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.,Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Scott R Johnstone
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Center for Vascular and Heart Research, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, Virginia, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
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Hakim MA, Pires PW, Behringer EJ. Isolation and Functional Analysis of Arteriolar Endothelium of Mouse Brain Parenchyma. JOURNAL OF VISUALIZED EXPERIMENTS : JOVE 2022:10.3791/63463. [PMID: 35343953 PMCID: PMC9154351 DOI: 10.3791/63463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Cerebral blood flow is conveyed by vascular resistance arteries and downstream parenchymal arterioles. Steady-state vascular resistance to blood flow increases with decreasing diameter from arteries to arterioles that ultimately feed into capillaries. Due to their smaller size and location in the parenchyma, arterioles have been relatively understudied and with less reproducibility in findings than surface pial arteries. Regardless, arteriolar endothelial cell structure and function-integral to the physiology and etiology of chronic degenerative diseases-requires extensive investigation. In particular, emerging evidence demonstrates that compromised endothelial function precedes and exacerbates cognitive impairment and dementia. In the parenchymal microcirculation, endothelial K+ channel function is the most robust stimulus to finely control the spread of vasodilation to promote increases in blood flow to areas of neuronal activity. This paper illustrates a refined method for freshly isolating intact and electrically coupled endothelial "tubes" (diameter, ~25 µm) from mouse brain parenchymal arterioles. Arteriolar endothelial tubes are secured during physiological conditions (37 °C, pH 7.4) to resolve experimental variables that encompass K+ channel function and their regulation, including intracellular Ca2+ dynamics, changes in membrane potential, and membrane lipid regulation. A distinct technical advantage versus arterial endothelium is the enhanced morphological resolution of cell and organelle (e.g., mitochondria) dimensions, which expands the usefulness of this technique. Healthy cerebral perfusion throughout life entails robust endothelial function in parenchymal arterioles, directly linking blood flow to the fueling of neuronal and glial activity throughout precise anatomical regions of the brain. Thus, it is expected that this method will significantly advance the general knowledge of vascular physiology and neuroscience concerning the healthy and diseased brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md A. Hakim
- Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University
| | - Paulo W. Pires
- Departments of Physiology, Surgery and Neurosurgery and Sarver Heart Center, University of Arizona College of Medicine Tucson
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Hakim MA, Behringer EJ. Methyl-Beta-Cyclodextrin Restores K IR Channel Function in Brain Endothelium of Female Alzheimer's Disease Mice. J Alzheimers Dis Rep 2021; 5:693-703. [PMID: 34755043 PMCID: PMC8543374 DOI: 10.3233/adr-210016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: As the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) entails deteriorating endothelial control of blood flow throughout the brain. In particular, reduced inward-rectifying K+ (KIR) channel function in animal models of aging and AD compromises endothelial function and optimal perfusion of brain parenchyma. Deficient endothelial KIR channels may result from aberrant interaction with plasma membrane cholesterol as a primary regulator of membrane fluidity and ion channels. Objective: We tested the hypothesis that mild methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MβCD) treatment to reduce membrane cholesterol may restore endothelial KIR channel function in brain endothelium of old AD mice. Methods: Membrane potential was continuously measured in isolated endothelial tubes from posterior cerebral arteries of young (1 to 3 months) and old (16 to 19 months) female 3xTg-AD mice before and after mild treatment with the cholesterol-removing agent MβCD (1 mmol/L). Elevated extracellular potassium ([K+]E; 15 mmol/L) and NS309 (1μmol/L) activated KIR and Ca2+-activated K+ (SKCa/IKCa) channels respectively before and after MβCD treatment. Results: SKCa/IKCa channel function for producing hyperpolarization remained stable regardless of age group and MβCD treatment (ΔVm: ∼–33 mV). However, as deficient during AD, KIR channel function was restored (ΔVm: –9±1 mV) versus pre-MβCD conditions (–5±1 mV); a progressive effect that reached –14±1 mV hyperpolarization at 60 min following MβCD washout. Conclusion: In female animals, MβCD treatment of brain endothelium selectively restores KIR versus SKCa/IKCa channel function during AD. Thus, the endothelial cholesterol-KIR channel interface is a novel target for ameliorating perfusion of the AD brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md A Hakim
- Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
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8
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Hakim MA, Behringer EJ. Development of Alzheimer's Disease Progressively Alters Sex-Dependent KCa and Sex-Independent KIR Channel Function in Cerebrovascular Endothelium. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 76:1423-1442. [PMID: 32651315 DOI: 10.3233/jad-200085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Development of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology is associated with impaired blood flow delivery of oxygen and nutrients throughout the brain. Cerebrovascular endothelium regulates vasoreactivity of blood vessel networks for optimal cerebral blood flow. OBJECTIVE We tested the hypothesis that cerebrovascular endothelial Gq-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR; purinergic and muscarinic) and K+ channel [Ca2+-activated (KCa2.3/SK3 and KCa3.1/IK1) and inward-rectifying (KIR2.x)] function declines during progressive AD pathology. METHODS We applied simultaneous measurements of intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) and membrane potential (Vm) in freshly isolated endothelium from posterior cerebral arteries of 3×Tg-AD mice [young, no pathology (1- 2 mo), cognitive impairment (CI; 4- 5 mo), extracellular Aβ plaques (Aβ; 6- 8 mo), and Aβ plaques + neurofibrillary tangles (AβT; 12- 15 mo)]. RESULTS The coupling of ΔVm-to-Δ[Ca2+]i during AβT pathology was lowest for both sexes but, overall, ATP-induced purinergic receptor function was stable throughout AD pathology. SKCa/IKCa channel function itself was enhanced by ∼20% during AD (Aβ+ AβT) versus pre-AD (Young + CI) in males while steady in females. Accordingly, hyperpolarization-induced [Ca2+]i increases following SKCa/IKCa channel activation and Δ[Ca2+]i-to-ΔVm coupling was enhanced by ≥two-fold during AD pathology in males but not females. Further, KIR channel function decreased by ∼50% during AD conditions versus young regardless of sex. Finally, other than a ∼40% increase in females versus males during Aβ pathology, [Ca2+]i responses to the mitochondrial uncoupler FCCP were similar among AD versus pre-AD conditions. CONCLUSION Altogether, AD pathology represents a condition of altered KCa and KIR channel function in cerebrovascular endothelium in a sex-dependent and sex-independent manner respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md A Hakim
- Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
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Hakim MA, Chum PP, Buchholz JN, Behringer EJ. Aging Alters Cerebrovascular Endothelial GPCR and K+ Channel Function: Divergent Role of Biological Sex. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2021; 75:2064-2073. [PMID: 31760422 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glz275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related dementia entails impaired blood flow to and throughout the brain due, in part, to reduced endothelial nitric oxide signaling. However, it is unknown whether sex affects cerebrovascular Gq-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and K+ channels underlying endothelium-derived hyperpolarization (EDH) during progressive aging. Thus, we simultaneously evaluated intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) and membrane potential (Vm) of intact endothelial tubes freshly isolated from posterior cerebral arteries of young (4-6 mo), middle-aged (12-16 mo), and old (24-28 mo) male and female C57BL/6 mice. Purinergic receptor function (vs. muscarinic) was dominant and enhanced for [Ca2+]i increases in old females versus old males. However, Ca2+-sensitive K+ channel function as defined by NS309-evoked Vm hyperpolarization was mildly impaired in females versus males during old age. This sex-based contrast in declined function of GPCRs and K+ channels to produce EDH may support a greater ability for physiological endothelial GPCR function to maintain optimal cerebral blood flow in females versus males during old age. As reflective of the pattern of cerebral blood flow decline in human subjects, inward-rectifying K+ (KIR) channel function decreased with progressive age regardless of sex. Combined age-related analyses masked male versus female aging and, contrary to expectation, hydrogen peroxide played a minimal role. Altogether, we conclude a sex-based divergence in cerebrovascular endothelial GPCR and K+ channel function while highlighting a previously unidentified form of age-related endothelial dysfunction as reduced KIR channel function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md A Hakim
- Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, California
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Behringer EJ, Hakim MA. Functional Interaction among K Ca and TRP Channels for Cardiovascular Physiology: Modern Perspectives on Aging and Chronic Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20061380. [PMID: 30893836 PMCID: PMC6471369 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20061380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Effective delivery of oxygen and essential nutrients to vital organs and tissues throughout the body requires adequate blood flow supplied through resistance vessels. The intimate relationship between intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) and regulation of membrane potential (Vm) is indispensable for maintaining blood flow regulation. In particular, Ca2+-activated K+ (KCa) channels were ascertained as transducers of elevated [Ca2+]i signals into hyperpolarization of Vm as a pathway for decreasing vascular resistance, thereby enhancing blood flow. Recent evidence also supports the reverse role for KCa channels, in which they facilitate Ca2+ influx into the cell interior through open non-selective cation (e.g., transient receptor potential; TRP) channels in accord with robust electrical (hyperpolarization) and concentration (~20,000-fold) transmembrane gradients for Ca2+. Such an arrangement supports a feed-forward activation of Vm hyperpolarization while potentially boosting production of nitric oxide. Furthermore, in vascular types expressing TRP channels but deficient in functional KCa channels (e.g., collecting lymphatic endothelium), there are profound alterations such as downstream depolarizing ionic fluxes and the absence of dynamic hyperpolarizing events. Altogether, this review is a refined set of evidence-based perspectives focused on the role of the endothelial KCa and TRP channels throughout multiple experimental animal models and vascular types. We discuss the diverse interactions among KCa and TRP channels to integrate Ca2+, oxidative, and electrical signaling in the context of cardiovascular physiology and pathology. Building from a foundation of cellular biophysical data throughout a wide and diverse compilation of significant discoveries, a translational narrative is provided for readers toward the treatment and prevention of chronic, age-related cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik J Behringer
- Department of Basic Sciences, 11041 Campus Street, Risley Hall, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA.
| | - Md A Hakim
- Department of Basic Sciences, 11041 Campus Street, Risley Hall, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA.
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Hakim MA, Behringer EJ. Simultaneous Measurements of Intracellular Calcium and Membrane Potential in Freshly Isolated and Intact Mouse Cerebral Endothelium. J Vis Exp 2019. [PMID: 30735188 DOI: 10.3791/58832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebral arteries and their respective microcirculation deliver oxygen and nutrients to the brain via blood flow regulation. Endothelial cells line the lumen of blood vessels and command changes in vascular diameter as needed to meet the metabolic demand of neurons. Primary endothelial-dependent signaling pathways of hyperpolarization of membrane potential (Vm) and nitric oxide typically operate in parallel to mediate vasodilation and thereby increase blood flow. Although integral to coordinating vasodilation over several millimeters of vascular length, components of endothelium-derived hyperpolarization (EDH) have been historically difficult to measure. These components of EDH entail intracellular Ca2+ [Ca2+]i increases and subsequent activation of small- and intermediate conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (SKCa/IKCa) channels. Here, we present a simplified illustration of the isolation of fresh endothelium from mouse cerebral arteries; simultaneous measurements of endothelial [Ca2+]i and Vm using Fura-2 photometry and intracellular sharp electrodes, respectively; and a continuous superfusion of salt solutions and pharmacological agents under physiological conditions (pH 7.4, 37 °C). Posterior cerebral arteries from the Circle of Willis are removed free of the posterior communicating and the basilar arteries. Enzymatic digestion of cleaned posterior cerebral arterial segments and subsequent trituration facilitates removal of adventitia, perivascular nerves, and smooth muscle cells. Resulting posterior cerebral arterial endothelial "tubes" are then secured under a microscope and examined using a camera, photomultiplier tube, and one to two electrometers while under continuous superfusion. Collectively, this method can simultaneously measure changes in endothelial [Ca2+]i and Vm in discrete cellular locations, in addition to the spreading of EDH through gap junctions up to millimeter distances along the intact endothelium. This method is expected to yield a high-throughput analysis of the cerebral endothelial functions underlying mechanisms of blood flow regulation in the normal and diseased brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md A Hakim
- Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University
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12
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Leysen H, van Gastel J, Hendrickx JO, Santos-Otte P, Martin B, Maudsley S. G Protein-Coupled Receptor Systems as Crucial Regulators of DNA Damage Response Processes. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E2919. [PMID: 30261591 PMCID: PMC6213947 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19102919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Revised: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and their associated proteins represent one of the most diverse cellular signaling systems involved in both physiological and pathophysiological processes. Aging represents perhaps the most complex biological process in humans and involves a progressive degradation of systemic integrity and physiological resilience. This is in part mediated by age-related aberrations in energy metabolism, mitochondrial function, protein folding and sorting, inflammatory activity and genomic stability. Indeed, an increased rate of unrepaired DNA damage is considered to be one of the 'hallmarks' of aging. Over the last two decades our appreciation of the complexity of GPCR signaling systems has expanded their functional signaling repertoire. One such example of this is the incipient role of GPCRs and GPCR-interacting proteins in DNA damage and repair mechanisms. Emerging data now suggest that GPCRs could function as stress sensors for intracellular damage, e.g., oxidative stress. Given this role of GPCRs in the DNA damage response process, coupled to the effective history of drug targeting of these receptors, this suggests that one important future activity of GPCR therapeutics is the rational control of DNA damage repair systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanne Leysen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Jaana van Gastel
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium.
- Translational Neurobiology Group, Center of Molecular Neurology, VIB, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Jhana O Hendrickx
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium.
- Translational Neurobiology Group, Center of Molecular Neurology, VIB, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Paula Santos-Otte
- Institute of Biophysics, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Bronwen Martin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Stuart Maudsley
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium.
- Translational Neurobiology Group, Center of Molecular Neurology, VIB, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium.
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