Ca2+ inhibition of inositol trisphosphate-induced Ca2+ release in single smooth muscle cells of guinea-pig small intestine

Direct modulation of TRPC ion channels by Gα proteins

GPCR-Gi protein pathways are involved in the regulation of vagus muscarinic pathway under physiological conditions and are closely associated with the regulation of internal visceral organs. The muscarinic receptor-operated cationic channel is important in GPCR-Gi protein signal transduction as it decreases heart rate and increases GI rhythm frequency. In the SA node of the heart, acetylcholine binds to the M2 receptor and the released Gβγ activates GIRK (I(K,ACh)) channel, inducing a negative chronotropic action. In gastric smooth muscle, there are two muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) subtypes, M2 and M3. M2 receptor activates the muscarinic receptor-operated nonselective cationic current (mIcat, NSCC(ACh)) and induces positive chronotropic effect. Meanwhile, M3 receptor induces hydrolysis of PIP2 and releases DAG and IP3. This IP3 increases intracellular Ca2+ and then leads to contraction of GI smooth muscles. The activation of mIcat is inhibited by anti-Gi/o protein antibodies in GI smooth muscle, indicating the involvement of Gαi/o protein in the activation of mIcat. TRPC4 channel is a molecular candidate for mIcat and can be directly activated by constitutively active Gαi QL proteins. TRPC4 and TRPC5 belong to the same subfamily and both are activated by Gi/o proteins. Initial studies suggested that the binding sites for G protein exist at the rib helix or the CIRB domain of TRPC4/5 channels. However, recent cryo-EM structure showed that IYY58-60 amino acids at ARD of TRPC5 binds with Gi3 protein. Considering the expression of TRPC4/5 in the brain, the direct G protein activation on TRPC4/5 is important in terms of neurophysiology. TRPC4/5 channels are also suggested as a coincidence detector for Gi and Gq pathway as Gq pathway increases intracellular Ca2+ and the increased Ca2+ facilitates the activation of TRPC4/5 channels. More complicated situation would occur when GIRK, KCNQ2/3 (IM) and TRPC4/5 channels are co-activated by stimulation of muscarinic receptors at the acetylcholine-releasing nerve terminals. This review highlights the effects of GPCR-Gi protein pathway, including dopamine, μ-opioid, serotonin, glutamate, GABA, on various oragns, and it emphasizes the importance of considering TRPC4/5 channels as crucial players in the field of neuroscience.

Molecular mechanisms of cholinergic neurotransmission in visceral smooth muscles with a focus on receptor-operated TRPC4 channel and impairment of gastrointestinal motility by general anaesthetics and anxiolytics

Acetylcholine is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in visceral smooth muscles, wherein it binds to and activates two muscarinic receptors subtypes, M2 and M3, thus causing smooth muscle excitation and contraction. The first part of this review focuses on the types of cells involved in cholinergic neurotransmission and on the molecular mechanisms underlying acetylcholine-induced membrane depolarisation, which is the central event of excitation-contraction coupling causing Ca2+ entry via L-type Ca2+ channels and smooth muscle contraction. Studies of the muscarinic cation current in intestinal myocytes (mICAT) revealed its main molecular counterpart, receptor-operated TRPC4 channel, which is activated in synergy by both M2 and M3 receptors. M3 receptors activation is of permissive nature, while activation of M2 receptors via Gi/o proteins that are coupled to them plays a direct role in TRPC4 opening. Our understanding of signalling pathways underlying mICAT generation has vastly expanded in recent years through studies of TRPC4 gating in native cells and its regulation in heterologous cells. Recent studies using muscarinic receptor knockout have established that at low agonist concentration activation of both M2 receptor and the M2/M3 receptor complex elicits smooth muscle contraction, while at high agonist concentration M3 receptor function becomes dominant. Based on this knowledge, in the second part of this review we discuss the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the numerous anticholinergic effects on neuroactive drugs, in particular general anaesthetics and anxiolytics, which can significantly impair gastrointestinal motility. This article is part of the Special Issue on "Ukrainian Neuroscience".

Bidirectional TRP/L Type Ca2+ Channel/RyR/BKCa Molecular and Functional Signaloplex in Vascular Smooth Muscles

TRP channels are expressed both in vascular myocytes and endothelial cells, but knowledge of their operational mechanisms in vascular tissue is particularly limited. Here, we show for the first time the biphasic contractile reaction with relaxation followed by a contraction in response to TRPV4 agonist, GSK1016790A, in a rat pulmonary artery preconstricted with phenylephrine. Similar responses were observed both with and without endothelium, and these were abolished by the TRPV4 selective blocker, HC067047, confirming the specific role of TRPV4 in vascular myocytes. Using selective blockers of BK_Ca and L-type voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels (Ca_L), we found that the relaxation phase was inducted by BK_Ca activation generating STOCs, while subsequent slowly developing TRPV4-mediated depolarisation activated Ca_L, producing the second contraction phase. These results are compared to TRPM8 activation using menthol in rat tail artery. Activation of both types of TRP channels produces highly similar changes in membrane potential, namely slow depolarisation with concurrent brief hyperpolarisations due to STOCs. We thus propose a general concept of bidirectional TRP-Ca_L-RyR-BK_Ca molecular and functional signaloplex in vascular smooth muscles. Accordingly, both TRPV4 and TRPM8 channels enhance local Ca²⁺ signals producing STOCs via TRP-RyR-BK_Ca coupling while simultaneously globally engaging BK_Ca and Ca_L channels by altering membrane potential.

Diversity of ryanodine receptor 1-mediated Ca2+ signaling in systemic and pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells

AIMS

Ryanodine receptor-1 (RyR1) is essential for skeletal muscle cell functions. However, its roles in vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are well recognized. This study aims to determine the potential physiological importance and difference in systemic and pulmonary artery SMCs (SASMCs and PASMCs).

METHODS

Local and global Ca²⁺ release were measured using a laser scanning confocal microscope and wide-field fluorescence microscope; membrane currents were recorded using a patch clamp recording; muscle contraction was determined using an organ bath system; RyR protein expression was assessed using immunofluorescence staining. Homozygous and heterozygous RyR1 gene knockout (RyR1^-/- and RyR1^+/-) mice were used to determine its specific functions.

KEY FINDINGS

Ca²⁺ sparks were more prominently decreased in RyR1^-/- ASMCs than in PASMCs. Caffeine induced a smaller increase in [Ca²⁺]_i in both RyR1^+/+ and RyR1^-/- ASMCs than in PASMCs. High K⁺ produced a reduced [Ca²⁺]_i increase in RyR1^-/- PASMCs and ASMCs as well as a reduced contraction in RyR1^+/- pulmonary artery and aortic tissues. ATP elicited a smaller increase in [Ca²⁺]_i in RyR1^-/- ASMCs and PASMCs with a greater inhibition in ASMCs. Norepinephrine-elicited muscle contraction was reduced in RyR1^+/- aortic and pulmonary arteries. IP₃ dialysis-induced Ca²⁺ release was much smaller in RyR1^+/- ASMCs and PASMCs. Hypoxia-induced large Ca²⁺ and contractile responses were inhibited in RyR1^+/- PASMCs. However, hypoxic exposure did not evoke a notable increase in [Ca²⁺]_i in ASMCs.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our findings for the first time provide clear genetic evidence for the functional importance and difference of RyR1 in systemic and pulmonary artery SMCs.

Further characterization of the synergistic activation mechanism of cationic channels by M2 and M3 muscarinic receptors in mouse intestinal smooth muscle cells

In mouse ileal myocytes, muscarinic receptor-mediated cationic current (mI_cat) occurs mainly through synergism of M₂ and M₃ subtypes involving G_i/o-type GTP-binding proteins and phospholipase C (PLC). We have further studied the M₂/M₃ synergistic pathway. Carbachol-induced mI_cat was markedly depressed by YM-254890, a G_q/11 protein inhibitor. However, the mI_cat was unaffected by heparin, calphostin C, or chelerythrine, suggesting that mI_cat activation does not involve signaling molecules downstream of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP₂) breakdown. M₂-knockout (KO) mice displayed a reduced mI_cat (~10% of wild-type mI_cat) because of the lack of M₂-G_i/o signaling. The impaired mI_cat was insensitive to neuropeptide Y possessing a G_i/o-stimulating activity. M₃-KO mice also displayed a reduced mI_cat (~6% of wild-type mI_cat) because of the lack of M₃-G_q/11 signaling, and the mI_cat was insensitive to prostaglandin F_2α possessing a G_q/11-stimulating activity. These results suggest the importance of G_q/11/PLC-hydrolyzed PIP₂ breakdown itself in mI_cat activation and also support the idea that the M₂/M₃ synergistic pathway represents a signaling complex consisting of M₂-G_i/o and M₃-G_q/11-PLC systems in which both G proteins are special for this pathway but not general in receptor coupling.

Inositol trisphosphate receptors in smooth muscle cells

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP(3)Rs) are a family of tetrameric intracellular calcium (Ca(2+)) release channels that are located on the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) membrane of virtually all mammalian cell types, including smooth muscle cells (SMC). Here, we have reviewed literature investigating IP(3)R expression, cellular localization, tissue distribution, activity regulation, communication with ion channels and organelles, generation of Ca(2+) signals, modulation of physiological functions, and alterations in pathologies in SMCs. Three IP(3)R isoforms have been identified, with relative expression and cellular localization of each contributing to signaling differences in diverse SMC types. Several endogenous ligands, kinases, proteins, and other modulators control SMC IP(3)R channel activity. SMC IP(3)Rs communicate with nearby ryanodine-sensitive Ca(2+) channels and mitochondria to influence SR Ca(2+) release and reactive oxygen species generation. IP(3)R-mediated Ca(2+) release can stimulate plasma membrane-localized channels, including transient receptor potential (TRP) channels and store-operated Ca(2+) channels. SMC IP(3)Rs also signal to other proteins via SR Ca(2+) release-independent mechanisms through physical coupling to TRP channels and local communication with large-conductance Ca(2+)-activated potassium channels. IP(3)R-mediated Ca(2+) release generates a wide variety of intracellular Ca(2+) signals, which vary with respect to frequency, amplitude, spatial, and temporal properties. IP(3)R signaling controls multiple SMC functions, including contraction, gene expression, migration, and proliferation. IP(3)R expression and cellular signaling are altered in several SMC diseases, notably asthma, atherosclerosis, diabetes, and hypertension. In summary, IP(3)R-mediated pathways control diverse SMC physiological functions, with pathological alterations in IP(3)R signaling contributing to disease.

Arecoline excites the contraction of distal colonic smooth muscle strips in rats via the M3 receptor – extracellular Ca2+ influx – Ca2+ store release pathway

Areca is a Chinese herbal medicine that is widely used for constipation. However the mechanisms of its action are not clear. We investigated the effects of arecoline, the most active component of areca, on the motility of rat distal colonic smooth muscle strips. In longitudinal muscle of distal colon (LMDC) and circular muscle of distal colon (CMDC), arecoline increased the contraction in a dose-dependent manner. Tetrodotoxin (TTX) did not inhibit the effects of arecoline. The contractile response to arecoline was completely antagonized by atropine. 4-Diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiperidine methiodide (4-DAMP) strongly depressed the response to arecoline, but gallamine and methoctramine did not. Nifedipine, 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB), and Ca2+-free Krebs solution with EGTA partly inhibited the effects of arecoline. The sum of Ca2+-free Krebs solution, EGTA, and 2-APB completely inhibited the effects of arecoline. The results show that arecoline stimulates distal colonic contraction in rats via the muscarinic (M3) receptor – extracellular Ca2+ influx – Ca2+ store release pathway. It is likely that the action of areca in relieving constipation is due to its stimulation of muscle contraction.

Calcium signalling in smooth muscle

Calcium signalling in smooth muscles is complex, but our understanding of it has increased markedly in recent years. Thus, progress has been made in relating global Ca2+ signals to changes in force in smooth muscles and understanding the biochemical and molecular mechanisms involved in Ca2+ sensitization, i.e. altering the relation between Ca2+ and force. Attention is now focussed more on the role of the internal Ca2+ store, the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), global Ca2+ signals and control of excitability. Modern imaging techniques have shown the elaborate SR network in smooth muscles, along with the expression of IP3 and ryanodine receptors. The role and cross-talk between these two Ca(2+) release mechanisms, as well as possible compartmentalization of the SR Ca2+ store are discussed. The close proximity between SR and surface membrane has long been known but the details of this special region to Ca2+ signalling and the role of local sub-membrane Ca2+ concentrations and membrane microdomains are only now emerging. The activation of K+ and Cl- channels by local Ca2+ signals, can have profound effects on excitability and hence contraction. We examine the evidence for both Ca2+ sparks and puffs in controlling ion channel activity, as well as a fundamental role for Ca2+ sparks in governing the period of inexcitability in smooth muscle, i.e. the refractory period. Finally, the relation between different Ca2+ signals, e.g. sparks, waves and transients, to smooth muscle activity in health and disease is becoming clearer and will be discussed.

Complex intracellular calcium oscillations. A theoretical exploration of possible mechanisms

Intracellular Ca(2+) oscillations are commonly observed in a large number of cell types in response to stimulation by an extracellular agonist. In most cell types the mechanism of regular spiking is well understood and models based on Ca(2+)-induced Ca(2+) release (CICR) can account for many experimental observations. However, cells do not always exhibit simple Ca(2+) oscillations. In response to given agonists, some cells show more complex behaviour in the form of bursting, i.e. trains of Ca(2+) spikes separated by silent phases. Here we develop several theoretical models, based on physiologically plausible assumptions, that could account for complex intracellular Ca(2+) oscillations. The models are all based on one- or two-pool models based on CICR. We extend these models by (i) considering the inhibition of the Ca(2+)-release channel on a unique intracellular store at high cytosolic Ca(2+) concentrations, (ii) taking into account the Ca(2+)-activated degradation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP(3)), or (iii) considering explicity the evolution of the Ca(2+) concentration in two different pools, one sensitive and the other one insensitive to IP(3). Besides simple periodic oscillations, these three models can all account for more complex oscillatory behaviour in the form of bursting. Moreover, the model that takes the kinetics of IP(3) into account shows chaotic behaviour.

Two distinct signaling pathways for regulation of spontaneous local Ca2+ release by phospholipase C in airway smooth muscle cells

Spontaneous local Ca(2+) release events have been observed in airway smooth muscle cells (SMCs), but the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Considering that each type of SMCs may use its own mechanisms to regulate local Ca(2+) release events, we sought to investigate the signaling pathway for spontaneous local Ca(2+) release events in freshly isolated mouse airway SMCs using a laser scanning confocal microscope. Application of ryanodine to block ryanodine receptors (RyRs) abolished spontaneous local Ca(2+) release events, indicating that these events are RyR-mediated Ca(2+) sparks. Inhibition of inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptors (IP(3)Rs) by 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl-borate (2-APB) or xestospongin-C significantly blocked the activity of Ca(2+) sparks. Under patch clamp conditions, dialysis of IP(3) to activate IP(3)Rs increased the activity of local Ca(2+) events in control cells but had no effect in ryanodine-pretreated cells. The RyR agonist caffeine augmented the frequency of Ca(2+) sparks in cells pretreated with and without 2-APB or xestospongin-C. The specific phospholipase C (PLC) blocker U73122 decreased the activity of Ca(2+) sparks and prevented xestospongin-C from producing the inhibitory effect. The protein kinase C (PKC) activator 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-glycerol or phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate inhibited Ca(2+) sparks, whereas the PKC inhibitor chelerythrine, PKCvarepsilon inhibitory peptide, or PKCvarepsilon gene knockout produced an opposite effect. Collectively, our data suggest that the basal activation of PLC regulates the activity of RyR-mediated, spontaneous Ca(2+) sparks in airway SMCs through two distinct signaling pathways: a positive IP(3)-IP(3)R pathway and a negative diacylglycerol-PKCvarepsilon pathway.

Ca2+ microdomains in smooth muscle

In smooth muscle, Ca(2+) controls diverse activities including cell division, contraction and cell death. Of particular significance in enabling Ca(2+) to perform these multiple functions is the cell's ability to localize Ca(2+) signals to certain regions by creating high local concentrations of Ca(2+) (microdomains), which differ from the cytoplasmic average. Microdomains arise from Ca(2+) influx across the plasma membrane or release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+) store. A single Ca(2+) channel can create a microdomain of several micromolar near (approximately 200 nm) the channel. This concentration declines quickly with peak rates of several thousand micromolar per second when influx ends. The high [Ca(2+)] and the rapid rates of decline target Ca(2+) signals to effectors in the microdomain with rapid kinetics and enable the selective activation of cellular processes. Several elements within the cell combine to enable microdomains to develop. These include the brief open time of ion channels, localization of Ca(2+) by buffering, the clustering of ion channels to certain regions of the cell and the presence of membrane barriers, which restrict the free diffusion of Ca(2+). In this review, the generation of microdomains arising from Ca(2+) influx across the plasma membrane and the release of the ion from the SR Ca(2+) store will be discussed and the contribution of mitochondria and the Golgi apparatus as well as endogenous modulators (e.g. cADPR and channel binding proteins) will be considered.

Regulation of TRP-like muscarinic cation current in gastrointestinal smooth muscle with special reference to PLC/InsP3/Ca2+ system

Acetylcholine, the main enteric excitatory neuromuscular transmitter, evokes membrane depolarization and contraction of gastrointestinal smooth muscle cells by activating G protein-coupled muscarinic receptors. Although the cholinergic excitation is generally underlined by the multiplicity of ion channel effects, the primary event appears to be the opening of cation-selective channels; among them the 60 pS channel has been recently identified as the main target for the acetylcholine action in gastrointestinal myocytes. The evoked cation current, termed mI(CAT), causes either an oscillatory or a more sustained membrane depolarization response, which in turn leads to increases of the open probability of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels, thus providing Ca2+ entry in parallel with Ca2+ release for intracellular Ca2+ concentration rise and contraction. In recent years there have been several significant developments in our understanding of the signaling processes underlying mICAT generation. They have revealed important synergistic interactions between M2 and M3 receptor subtypes, single channel mechanisms, and the involvement of TRPC-encoded proteins as essential components of native muscarinic cation channels. This review summarizes these recent findings and in particular discusses the roles of the phospholipase C/InsP3/intracellular Ca2+ release system in the mI(CAT) physiological regulation.

Muscarinic cationic current in gastrointestinal smooth muscles: signal transduction and role in contraction

1 The muscarinic receptor plays a key role in the parasympathetic nervous control of various peripheral tissues including gastrointestinal tract. The neurotransmitter acetylcholine, via activating muscarinic receptors that exist in smooth muscle, produces its contraction. 2 There is the opening of cationic channels as an underlying mechanism. The opening of cationic channels results in influxes of Ca2+ via the channels into the cell and also via voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels which secondarily opened in response to the depolarization, providing an amount of Ca2+ for activation of the contractile proteins. 3 Electrophysiological and pharmacological studies have shown that the cationic channels as well as muscarinic receptors exist in many visceral smooth muscle cells. However, the activation mechanisms of the cationic channels are still unclear. 4 In this article, we summarize the current knowledge of the muscarinic receptor-operated cationic channels, focusing on the receptor subtype, G protein and other signalling molecules that are involved in activation of these channels and on the molecular characteristics of the channel. This will improve strategies aimed at developing new selective pharmacological agents and understanding the activation mechanism and functions of these channels in physiological systems.

Inhibition of carbachol-evoked oscillatory currents by the NO donor sodium nitroprusside in guinea-pig ileal myocytes

The effect of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) on carbachol (CCh)-evoked inward cationic current (Icat) oscillations in guinea-pig ileal longitudinal myocytes was investigated using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique and permeabilized longitudinal muscle strips. SNP (10 microm) completely inhibited I(cat) oscillations evoked by 1 microm CCh. 1H-(1,2,4) Oxadiazole [4,3-a] quinoxaline-1-one (ODQ; 1 microm) almost completely prevented the inhibitory effect of SNP on Icat oscillations. 8-Bromo-guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-Br-cGMP; 30 microm) in the pipette solution completely abolished Icat oscillations. However, a pipette solution containing Rp-8-Br-cGMP (30 microm) almost completely abolished the inhibitory effect of SNP on Icat oscillations. When the intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) was held at a resting level using BAPTA (10 mm) and Ca2+ (4.6 microm) in the pipette solution, CCh (1 microm) evoked only the sustained component of Icat without any oscillations and SNP did not affect the current. A high concentration of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3; 30 microm) in the patch pipette solutions significantly reduced the inhibitory effect of SNP (10 microm) on Icat oscillations. SNP significantly inhibited the Ca2+ release evoked by either CCh or IP3 but not by caffeine in permeabilized preparations of longitudinal muscle strips. These results suggest that the inhibitory effects of SNP on Icat oscillations are mediated, in part, by functional modulation of the IP3 receptor, and not by the inhibition of cationic channels themselves or by muscarinic receptors in the plasma membrane. This inhibition seems to be mediated by an increased cGMP concentration in a protein kinase G-dependent manner.

Regulation of muscarinic cationic current in myocytes from guinea-pig ileum by intracellular Ca2+ release: a central role of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors

The dynamics of carbachol (CCh)-induced [Ca(2+)](i) changes was related to the kinetics of muscarinic cationic current (mI(cat)) and the effect of Ca(2+) release through ryanodine receptors (RyRs) and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP(3)Rs) on mI(cat) was evaluated by fast x-y or line-scan confocal imaging of [Ca(2+)](i) combined with simultaneous recording of mI(cat) under whole-cell voltage clamp. When myocytes freshly isolated from the longitudinal layer of the guinea-pig ileum were loaded with the Ca(2+)-sensitive indicator fluo-3, x-y confocal imaging revealed CCh (10 microM)-induced Ca(2+) waves, which propagated from the cell ends towards the myocyte centre at 45.9 +/- 8.8 microms(-1) (n = 13). Initiation of the Ca(2+) wave preceded the appearance of any measurable mI(cat) by 229 +/- 55 ms (n = 7). Furthermore, CCh-induced [Ca(2+)](i) transients peaked 1.22 +/- 0.11s (n = 17) before mI(cat) reached peak amplitude. At -50 mV, spontaneous release of Ca(2+) through RyRs, resulting in Ca(2+) sparks, had no effect on CCh-induced mI(cat) but activated BK channels leading to spontaneous transient outward currents (STOCs). In addition, Ca(2+) release through RyRs induced by brief application of 5 mM caffeine was initiated at the cell centre but did not augment mI(cat) (n = 14). This was not due to an inhibitory effect of caffeine on muscarinic cationic channels (since application of 5 mM caffeine did not inhibit mI(cat) when [Ca(2+)](i) was strongly buffered with Ca(2+)/BAPTA buffer) nor was it due to an effect of caffeine on other mechanisms possibly involved in the regulation of Ca(2+) sensitivity of muscarinic cationic channels (since in the presence of 5 mM caffeine, photorelease of Ca(2+) upon cell dialysis with 5 mM NP-EGTA/3.8 mM Ca(2+) potentiated mI(cat) in the same way as in control). In contrast, IP(3)R-mediated Ca(2+) release upon flash photolysis of "caged" IP(3) (30 microM in the pipette solution) augmented mI(cat) (n = 15), even though [Ca(2+)](i) did not reach the level required for potentiation of mI(cat) during photorelease of Ca(2+) (n = 10). Intracellular calcium stores were visualised by loading of the myocytes with the low-affinity Ca(2+) indicator fluo-3FF AM and consisted of a superficial sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) network and some perinuclear formation, which appeared to be continuous with the superficial SR. Immunostaining of the myocytes with antibodies to IP(3)R type 1 and to RyRs revealed that IP(3)Rs are predominant in the superficial SR while RyRs are confined to the central region of the cell. These results suggest that IP(3)R-mediated Ca(2+) release plays a central role in the modulation of mI(cat) in the guinea-pig ileum and that IP(3) may sensitise the regulatory mechanisms of the muscarinic cationic channels gating to Ca(2+).

Phospholipase C involvement in activation of the muscarinic receptor-operated cationic current in Guinea pig ileal smooth muscle cells

In guinea pig single ileal smooth muscle cells held under voltage-clamp, the role of phospholipase C (PLC) in activation of the muscarinic receptor-operated cationic current (I(cat)) was studied. U73122, a PLC inhibitor, prevented the generation of I(cat) by the muscarinic agonist carbachol. The effect did not involve muscarinic receptor block since it also blocked I(cat) which was evoked by GTPgammaS applied intracellularly to activate G proteins bypassing muscarinic receptors. Also, neither cationic channel block nor other possible nonspecific actions seemed to be involved since its analogue (U73343), structurally close but deficient of the PLC-inhibiting activity, did not significantly affect carbachol- or GTPgammaS-evoked I(cat). Antibodies against the alpha subunits of G(q)/G(11) proteins (Galpha(q)/Galpha(11)-antibody) blocked only the small component of carbachol-evoked I(cat), which was associated with an increase in [Ca(2+)](i) linked to an increase in G(q/11) protein-regulated PLC activity. 1-Oleoyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol (OAG), an analogue of diacylglycerol (DAG) produced via PLC-catalyzed metabolism, produced no or only a small current by itself, with the carbachol-evoked I(cat) remaining unchanged. These results provide evidence for the importance of PLC in I(cat) generation, and they also strongly suggest that the activity of PLC involved in the primary activation of I(cat) is neither under regulation by G(q/11) proteins nor dependent on the action of DAG.

Involvement of ryanodine receptors in muscarinic receptor-mediated membrane current oscillation in urinary bladder smooth muscle

The urinary bladder pressure during micturition consists of two components: an initial, phasic component and a subsequent, sustained component. To investigate the excitation mechanisms underlying the sustained pressure, we recorded from membranes of isolated detrusor cells from the pig, which can be used as a model for human micturition. Parasympathomimetic agents promptly evoke a large transient inward current, and subsequently during its continuous presence, oscillating inward currents of relatively small amplitudes are observed. The two types of inward current are considered to cause the phasic and sustained pressure rises, respectively. Ionic substitution and applications of channel blockers revealed that Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) channels were responsible for the large transient and oscillating inward currents. Furthermore, the inclusion of guanosine 5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) in the patch pipette indicates that both inward currents involve G proteins. However, applications of heparin in the patch pipette and of xestospongin C in the bathing solution suggest a signaling pathway other than inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP(3)) operating in the inward current oscillations, unlike the initial transient inward current. This IP(3)-independent inward current oscillation system required both sustained Ca(2+) influx from the extracellular space and Ca(2+) release from the intracellular stores. These two requirements are presumably SKF-96365-sensitive cation channels and ryanodine receptors, respectively. Experiments with various Ca(2+) concentrations suggested that Ca(2+) influx from the extracellular space plays a major role in pacing the oscillatory rhythm. The fact that distinct mechanisms underlie the two types of inward current may help in development of clinical treatments of, for example, urinary incontinence and residual urine volume control.

Origin and Mechanisms of Ca2+ Waves in Smooth Muscle as Revealed by Localized Photolysis of Caged Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate

The cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](c)) controls diverse cellular events via various Ca(2+) signaling patterns; the latter are influenced by the method of cell activation. Here, in single-voltage clamped smooth muscle cells, sarcolemma depolarization generated uniform increases in [Ca(2+)](c) throughout the cell entirely by Ca(2+) influx. On the other hand, the Ca(2+) signal produced by InsP(3)-generating agonists was a propagated wave. Using localized uncaged InsP(3), the forward movement of the Ca(2+) wave arose from Ca(2+)-induced Ca(2+) release at the InsP(3) receptor (InsP(3)R) without ryanodine receptor involvement. The decline in [Ca(2+)](c) (the back of the wave) occurred from a functional compartmentalization of the store, which rendered the site of InsP(3)-mediated Ca(2+) release, and only this site, refractory to the phosphoinositide. The functional compartmentalization arose by a localized feedback deactivation of InsP(3) receptors produced by an increased [Ca(2+)](c) rather than a reduced luminal [Ca(2+)] or an increased cytoplasmic [InsP(3)]. The deactivation of the InsP(3) receptor was delayed in onset, compared with the time of the rise in [Ca(2+)](c), persisted (>30 s) even when [Ca(2+)](c) had regained resting levels, and was not prevented by kinase or phosphatase inhibitors. Thus different forms of cell activation generate distinct Ca(2+) signaling patterns in smooth muscle. Sarcolemma Ca(2+) entry increases [Ca(2+)](c) uniformly; agonists activate InsP(3)R and produce Ca(2+) waves. Waves progress by Ca(2+)-induced Ca(2+) release at InsP(3)R, and persistent Ca(2+)-dependent inhibition of InsP(3)R accounts for the decline in [Ca(2+)](c) at the back of the wave.

Phospholipase C, but not InsP3 or DAG, -dependent activation of the muscarinic receptor-operated cation current in guinea-pig ileal smooth muscle cells

1. In visceral smooth muscles, both M(2) and M(3) muscarinic receptor subtypes are found, and produce two major metabolic effects: adenylyl cyclase inhibition and PLCbeta activation. Thus, we studied their relevance for muscarinic cationic current (mI(CAT)) generation, which underlies cholinergic excitation. Experiments were performed on single guinea-pig ileal cells using patch-clamp recording techniques under conditions of weakly buffered [Ca(2+)](i) (either using 50 microm EGTA or 50-100 microm fluo-3 for confocal fluorescence imaging) or with [Ca(2+)](i) 'clamped' at 100 nm using 10 mm BAPTA/CaCl(2) mixture. 2. Using a cAMP-elevating agent (1 microm isoproterenol) or a membrane-permeable cAMP analog (10 microm 8-Br-cAMP), we found no evidence for mI(CAT) modulation through a cAMP/PKA pathway. 3. With low [Ca(2+)](i) buffering, the PLC blocker U-73122 at 2.5 microm almost abolished mI(CAT), in some cases without any significant effect on [Ca(2+)](i). When [Ca(2+)](i) was buffered at 100 nm, U-73122 reduced both carbachol- and GTPgammaS-induced mI(CAT) maximal conductances (IC(50)=0.5-0.6 microm) and shifted their activation curves positively. 4. U-73343, a weak PLC blocker, had no effect on GTPgammaS-induced mI(CAT), but weakly inhibited carbachol-induced current, possibly by competitively inhibiting muscarinic receptors, since the inhibition could be prevented by increasing the carbachol concentration to 1 mm. Aristolochic acid and D-609, which inhibit PLA(2) and phosphatidylcholine-specific PLC, respectively, had no or very small effects on mI(CAT), suggesting that these enzymes were not involved. 5. InsP(3) (1 microm) in the pipette or OAG (20 microm) applied externally had no effect on mI(CAT) or its inhibition by U-73122. Ca(2+) store depletion (evoked by InsP(3), or by combined cyclopiazonic acid, ryanodine and caffeine treatment) did not induce any significant current, and had no effect on mI(CAT) in response to carbachol when [Ca(2+)](i) was strongly buffered to 100 nm. 6. It is concluded that phosphatidylinositol-specific PLC modulates mI(CAT) via Ca(2+) release, but also does so independently of InsP(3), DAG, Ca(2+) store depletion or a rise of [Ca(2+)](i). Our present results explain the previously established 'permissive' role of the M(3) receptor subtype in mI(CAT) generation, and provide a new insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying the shifts of the cationic conductance activation curve.

Receptor signaling mechanisms underlying muscarinic agonist-evoked contraction in guinea-pig ileal longitudinal smooth muscle

1 In guinea-pig ileal longitudinal muscle, muscarinic partial agonists, 4-(N-[3-chlorophenyl]-carbomoyloxy)-2-butynyl-trimethylammonium (McN-A343) and pilocarpine, each produced parallel increases in tension and cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]c) with a higher EC(50) than that of the full agonist carbachol. The maximum response of [Ca(2+)]c or tension was not much different among the three agonists. The Ca(2+) channel blocker nicardipine markedly inhibited the effects of all three agonists 2 The contractile response to any agonist was antagonized in a competitive manner by M(2) receptor selective antagonists (N,N'-bis[6-[[(2-methoyphenyl)methyl]amino]hexyl]-1,8-octanediamine tetrahydrochloride and 11-[[2-[(diethlamino)methyl]-1-piperidinyl]acetyl]-5,11-dihydro-6H-pyrido[2,3-b][1,4] benzodiazepine-6-one), and the apparent order of M(2) antagonist sensitivity was McN-A343>pilocarpine>carbachol. M(3) receptor selective antagonists, 1,1-dimethyl-4-diphenylacetoxypiperidinium iodide and darifenacin, both severely depressed the maximum response for McN-A343, while darifenacin had a similar action in the case of pilocarpine. Both M(3) antagonists behaved in a competitive manner in the case of the carbachol response. 3 McN-A343 failed to release Ca(2+) from the intracellular stores, and the Ca(2+)-releasing action of pilocarpine was very weak compared with that of carbachol. All three agonists were capable of increasing Ca(2+) sensitivity of the contractile proteins. 4 McN-A343 rarely produced membrane depolarization, but always accelerated electrical spike discharge. Pilocarpine effect was more often accompanied by membrane depolarization, as was usually seen using carbachol. 5 The results suggest that muscarinic agonist-evoked contractions result primarily from the integration of Ca(2+) entry associated with the increased spike discharge and myofilaments Ca(2+) sensitization, and that Ca(2+) store release may contribute to the contraction indirectly via potentiation of the electrical membrane responses. They may also support the idea that an interaction of M(2) and M(3) receptors plays a crucial role in mediating the contraction response.

Crosstalk between ryanodine receptors and IP(3) receptors as a factor shaping spontaneous Ca(2+)-release events in rabbit portal vein myocytes

In smooth muscle cells freshly isolated from rabbit portal vein, there was only one site discharging the majority of spontaneous Ca(2+)-release events; the activity of this single site was studied using laser scanning confocal imaging after loading the cells with the fluorescent Ca(2+) indicator fluo-4 acetoxymethyl ester. Localised spontaneous Ca(2+)-release events visualised by line-scan imaging revealed two predominant spatiotemporal patterns: (i) small-amplitude, fast events similar to Ca(2+) sparks in cardiomyocytes and (ii) larger and slower events. The sum of two Gaussian profiles was well fitted to the amplitude histogram (peak frequencies at 1.8 and 3.2 F/F(0)) and spatial spread (full width at half-maximal amplitude) histogram (peak frequencies at 2 and 3.8 microm) for the 230 localised Ca(2+)-release events analysed. The existence of two populations of Ca(2+)-release events was also supported by the histograms of the rise times and half-decay times, which revealed modes at 38 and 65 ms, respectively. Shifting the scan line along the z-axis during imaging from a single discharge site suggested that the appearance of two populations of Ca(2+)-release events is not due to out-of-focus imaging. Both small and large events persisted upon 3-5 min exposure to 1-5 microM nicardipine, but were abolished after 10-15 min exposure to 50-100 microM ryanodine, 0.1 microM thapsigargin or 10 microM cyclopiazonic acid. Only small-amplitude, fast events persisted in the presence of inhibitors of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP(3))-induced Ca(2+) release, 10 microM xestospongin C or 30 microM 2-aminoethoxy-diphenylborate (2-APB), or in the presence of 2.5 microM U-73122 (a phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor). Coupling between neighbouring Ca(2+)-release domains giving rise to spontaneous [Ca(2+)](i) waves was abolished in the presence of 2-APB. Examination of the saltatory propagation of the waves suggested that the critical factor that determines propagation between domains is a time-dependent change in the sensitivity of ryanodine receptors and/or IP(3) receptors to Ca(2+), which can give rise to 'loose coupling' between release sites. These results suggest that activation of IP(3) receptors (due to the tonic activity of PLC and ongoing production of IP(3)) recruits neighbouring domains of ryanodine receptors, leading to larger Ca(2+) releases and saltatory propagation of [Ca(2+)](i) waves in portal vein myocytes.

Effect of nitric oxide donors and noradrenaline on Ca2+ release sites and global intracellular Ca2+ in myocytes from guinea-pig small mesenteric arteries

In smooth muscle the spontaneous Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) occurs at preferred locations called frequent discharge sites (FDSs) giving rise to localized intracellular Ca2+ transients (Ca2+ sparks). Laser scanning confocal microscopy of fluo-3-loaded single myocytes freshly isolated from small mesenteric arteries of guinea-pig was used to investigate the action of nitric oxide (NO) donors and noradrenaline on the position and activity of FDSs and on global intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). In 8 % of cells 'microsparks', Ca2+ release events smaller in duration, spread and amplitude than Ca2+ sparks were observed. The location of the initiation point of Ca2+ sparks observed during line-scan imaging was found to 'jitter' by +/- 0.41 microm. However, the general position of an FDS within the cell did not change; most FDSs were close (within 1.2 +/- 0.1 microm) to the cell membrane and often multiple FDSs occurred in one confocal plane of the cell. In the resting state, NO donors S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP; 50 microM) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP; 100 microM) did not change the general position of FDSs and slightly depressed their activity, but did not affect the global [Ca2+]i significantly. Application of noradrenaline (1-10 microM) increased Ca2+ spark frequency at existing FDS(s) leading to a Ca2+ wave. The increase in FDS activity and in global [Ca2+]i produced by noradrenaline were inhibited by the presence of SNAP or SNP but not by 8-bromoguanosine cyclic 3',5'-monophosphate (8-Br-cGMP; 100 microM). In the presence of 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), inhibitor of soluble guanylate cyclase, SNAP and SNP still exerted their effects on the noradrenaline response. These results suggest that SNAP and SNP inhibit the noradrenaline-evoked rise in global [Ca2+]i by a cGMP-independent mechanism and that part of this effect is due to inhibition of the activity of FDSs; moreover, only the activity, but not the position, of FDSs is changed by either stimulant or inhibitory substances.

Role of Ca2+ mobilization in muscarinic receptor-mediated membrane depolarization in guinea pig ileal smooth muscle cells

In single smooth muscle cells dispersed from guinea pig ileum, the muscarinic agonist carbachol (CCh) at 2 microM produced an oscillatory or sustained type of depolarization and at 100 microM, the latter type depolarization. Depletion of internal Ca2+ stores blocked the oscillatory response, but not the sustained responses to 2 microM and 100 microM CCh, although their decay after reaching the peak became faster. Blocking voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels (VDCCs) blocked both types of response to 2 microM CCh, but only slowed the initial rising phase of 100 microM CCh responses. Combination of Ca2+ store depletion and VDCC blockade abolished the responses to 2 microM CCh again and decreased those to 100 microM CCh in peak amplitude and persistency. Combination of Ca2+ store depletion with removal of extracellular Ca2+ markedly reduced or abolished the 100 microM CCh responses. The results suggest that muscarinic depolarization of the ileal cells requires Ca2+ mobilization for its generation and persistence; at weak muscarinic stimulation, both Ca2+ entry via VDCCs and Ca2+ release from internal stores may contribute to the Ca2+ mobilization; and under strong muscarinic stimulation, Ca2+ entry pathways resistant to VDCC blockers may also contribute to it.

Excitation-contraction coupling in gastrointestinal and other smooth muscles

The main contributors to increases in [Ca2+]i and tension are the entry of Ca2+ through voltage-dependent channels opened by depolarization or during action potential (AP) or slow-wave discharge, and Ca2+ release from store sites in the cell by the action of IP3 or by Ca(2+)-induced Ca(2+)-release (CICR). The entry of Ca2+ during an AP triggers CICR from up to 20 or more subplasmalemmal store sites (seen as hot spots, using fluorescent indicators); Ca2+ waves then spread from these hot spots, which results in a rise in [Ca2+]i throughout the cell. Spontaneous transient releases of store Ca2+, previously detected as spontaneous transient outward currents (STOCs), are seen as sparks when fluorescent indicators are used. Sparks occur at certain preferred locations--frequent discharge sites (FDSs)--and these and hot spots may represent aggregations of sarcoplasmic reticulum scattered throughout the cytoplasm. Activation of receptors for excitatory signal molecules generally depolarizes the cell while it increases the production of IP3 (causing calcium store release) and diacylglycerols (which activate protein kinases). Activation of receptors for inhibitory signal molecules increases the activity of protein kinases through increases in cAMP or cGMP and often hyperpolarizes the cell. Other receptors link to tyrosine kinases, which trigger signal cascades interacting with trimeric G-protein systems.

Carbachol-induced oscillations in membrane potential and [Ca2+]i in guinea-pig ileal smooth muscle cells

1. Cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and membrane potential were simultaneously recorded from single smooth muscle cells of guinea-pig ileum, using a combination of nystatin-perforated patch clamp and fura-2 fluorimetry techniques. 2. Carbachol (CCh, 2 microM) produced oscillatory changes in [Ca2+]i and membrane potential which coincided well in time with each other, and peaks of membrane potential oscillations reached a saturated level of around -7 mV. Thapsigargin (1 microM) abolished these effects of 2 microM CCh. La3+ (3 microM) immediately prevented the discharge of spike potentials, but allowed both on-going oscillatory responses to persist for a while. 3. CCh (0.25-0.75 microM) caused membrane potential and [Ca2+]i to oscillate in some 20 % of cells studied. Every membrane potential oscillation was preceded by the discharge of single or multiple spike potentials. The effects of CCh were readily abolished by La3+ (3 microM). 4. In cells exhibiting no oscillatory response to 0.25-0.75 microM CCh, an electrically evoked action potential usually generated changes in [Ca2+]i and membrane potential similar to those following spontaneously evoked action potentials, and sometimes it did so only after [Ca2+]i or InsP3 had been slightly elevated by repeatedly evoking action potentials or by increasing CCh concentration in the bath medium. 5. The results suggest that in ileal smooth muscle cells, the oscillations of [Ca2+]i and membrane potential arising from muscarinic stimulation result from release of Ca2+ from internal stores and that there is a Ca2+-induced potentiation of coincidently elicited cation channel openings. Under weak muscarinic stimulation, Ca2+ entry upon action potential discharge can trigger such a release of stored Ca2+, resulting in synchronous generation of a large rise in [Ca2+]i and a slow, large membrane depolarization.

Physiological features of visceral smooth muscle cells, with special reference to receptors and ion channels

Visceral smooth muscle cells (VSMC) play an essential role, through changes in their contraction-relaxation cycle, in the maintenance of homeostasis in biological systems. The features of these cells differ markedly by tissue and by species; moreover, there are often regional differences within a given tissue. The biophysical features used to investigate ion channels in VSMC have progressed from the original extracellular recording methods (large electrode, single or double sucrose gap methods), to the intracellular (microelectrode) recording method, and then to methods for recording from membrane fractions (patch-clamp, including cell-attached patch-clamp, methods). Remarkable advances are now being made thanks to the application of these more modern biophysical procedures and to the development of techniques in molecular biology. Even so, we still have much to learn about the physiological features of these channels and about their contribution to the activity of both cell and tissue. In this review, we take a detailed look at ion channels in VSMC and at receptor-operated ion channels in particular; we look at their interaction with the contraction-relaxation cycle in individual VSMC and especially at the way in which their activity is related to Ca2+ movements and Ca2+ homeostasis in the cell. In sections II and III, we discuss research findings mainly derived from the use of the microelectrode, although we also introduce work done using the patch-clamp procedure. These sections cover work on the electrical activity of VSMC membranes (sect. II) and on neuromuscular transmission (sect. III). In sections IV and V, we discuss work done, using the patch-clamp procedure, on individual ion channels (Na+, Ca2+, K+, and Cl-; sect. IV) and on various types of receptor-operated ion channels (with or without coupled GTP-binding proteins and voltage dependent and independent; sect. V). In sect. VI, we look at work done on the role of Ca2+ in VSMC using the patch-clamp procedure, biochemical procedures, measurements of Ca2+ transients, and Ca2+ sensitivity of contractile proteins of VSMC. We discuss the way in which Ca2+ mobilization occurs after membrane activation (Ca2+ influx and efflux through the surface membrane, Ca2+ release from and uptake into the sarcoplasmic reticulum, and dynamic changes in Ca2+ within the cytosol). In this article, we make only limited reference to vascular smooth muscle research, since we reviewed the features of ion channels in vascular tissues only recently.

Scanning ion conductance microscopy of living cells

Currently there is a great interest in using scanning probe microscopy to study living cells. However, in most cases the contact the probe makes with the soft surface of the cell deforms or damages it. Here we report a scanning ion conductance microscope specially developed for imaging living cells. A key feature of the instrument is its scanning algorithm, which maintains the working distance between the probe and the sample such that they do not make direct physical contact with each other. Numerical simulation of the probe/sample interaction, which closely matches the experimental observations, provides the optimum working distance. The microscope scans highly convoluted surface structures without damaging them and reveals the true topography of cell surfaces. The images resemble those produced by scanning electron microscopy, with the significant difference that the cells remain viable and active. The instrument can monitor small-scale dynamics of cell surfaces as well as whole-cell movement.

Cellular mechanisms underlying carbachol-induced oscillations of calcium-dependent membrane current in smooth muscle cells from mouse anococcygeus

1. At a holding potential of -40 mV, carbachol (50 microM) produced a complex pattern of inward currents in single smooth muscle cells freshly isolated from the mouse anococcygeus. Membrane currents were monitored by the whole-cell configuration of the patch-clamp technique. Previous work has identified the first, transient component as a calcium-activated chloride current (ICl(Ca)) and the second sustained component as a store depletion-operated non-selective cation current (I(DOC)). The object of the present study was to examine the cellular mechanisms underlying the third component, a series of inward current oscillations (I(oscil)) superimposed on I(DOC). 2. Carbachol-induced I(oscil) (amplitude 97 +/- 11 pA; frequency 0.26 +/- 0.02 Hz) was inhibited by the chloride channel blocker anthracene-9-carboxylic acid (A-9-C; 1 mM), and by inclusion of 1 mM EGTA in the patch-pipette filling solution. 3. In calcium-free extracellular medium (plus 1 mM EGTA), carbachol produced an initial burst of oscillatory current which lasted 94 s before decaying to zero; I(oscil) could be restored by re-admission of calcium. The frequency, but not the amplitude, of I(oscil) increased with increasing concentrations of extracellular calcium (0.5-10 mM). 4. Inclusion of the inositol triphosphate (IP3) receptor antagonist heparin (5 mg ml(-1) in the patch-pipette filling solution, or pretreatment of cells with the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) calcium ATPase inhibitor cyclopiazonic acid (CPA; 10 microM), prevented the activation of I(oscil) by carbachol. Caffeine (10 mM) activated both ICl(Ca) and I(DOC) and prevented the induction of I(oscil) by carbachol. Caffeine and CPA also abolished I(oscil) in the presence of carbachol, as did both a low (3 microM) and a high (30 microM) concentration of ryanodine. 5. Carbachol-induced I(oscil) was abolished by the general calcium entry blocker SKF 96365 (10 MM) and by Cd2+ (100 microM), but was unaffected by La3+ (400 microM). As found previously, I(DOC) was also blocked by SKF 96365 and Cd2+, but not La3+; the inhibition of I(DOC) preceded the abolition of I(oscil) by 27 s with SKF 96365 and by 30 s with Cd2+. Nifedipine (1 microM) produced a partial inhibition of the carbachol-induced I(oscil) frequency at holding potentials of -20 mV and -60 mV and, in addition, reduced I(DOC) at -60 mV by 18%. 6. It is concluded that carbachol-induced inward current oscillations in mouse anococcygeus cells are due to a calcium-activated chloride current, and reflect oscillatory changes in cytoplasmic calcium ion concentration. These calcium oscillations are derived primarily from the SR stores, but entry of calcium into the cell is necessary for store replenishment and maintenance of the oscillations. Capacitative calcium entry (via I(DOC) appears to be important not only for sustained contraction of this tissue, but also as a route for re-filling of the SR and, therefore, represents an important target for the development of novel and selective drugs.

Specific Gq protein involvement in muscarinic M3 receptor-induced phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis and Ca2+ release in mouse duodenal myocytes

1. Cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) during exposure to acetylcholine or caffeine was measured in mouse duodenal myocytes loaded with fura-2. Acetylcholine evoked a transient increase in [Ca2+]i followed by a sustained rise which was rapidly terminated after drug removal. Although L-type Ca2+ currents participated in the global Ca2+ response induced by acetylcholine, the initial peak in [Ca2+]i was mainly due to release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores. 2. Atropine, 4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiperidine (4-DAMP, a muscarinic M3 antagonist), pirenzepine (a muscarinic M1 antagonist), methoctramine and gallamine (muscarinic M2 antagonists) inhibited the acetylcholine-induced Ca2+ release, with a high affinity for 4-DAMP and atropine and a low affinity for the other antagonists. Selective protection of muscarinic M2 receptors with methoctramine during 4-DAMP mustard alkylation of muscarinic M3 receptors provided no evidence for muscarinic M2 receptor-activated [Ca2+]i increase. 3. Acetylcholine-induced Ca2+ release was blocked by intracellular dialysis with a patch pipette containing either heparin or an anti-phosphatidylinositol antibody and by external application of U73122 (a phospholipase C inhibitor). 4. Acetylcholine-induced Ca2+ release was insensitive to external pretreatment with pertussis toxin, but concentration-dependently inhibited by intracellular dialysis with a patch pipette solution containing an anti-alpha q/alpha 11 antibody. An antisense oligonucleotide approach revealed that only the Gq protein was involved in acetylcholine-induced Ca2+ release. 5. Intracellular applications of either an anti-beta com antibody or a peptide corresponding to the G beta gamma binding domain of the beta-adrenoceptor kinase 1 had no effect on acetylcholine-induced Ca2+ release. 6. Our results show that, in mouse duodenal myocytes, acetylcholine-induced release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores is mediated through activation of muscarinic M3 receptors which couple with a Gq protein to activate a phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C.

Elementary and global aspects of calcium signalling

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Pituitary adenylate-cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) evokes long-lasting secretion and de novo biosynthesis of bovine adrenal medullary neuropeptides

Recently, the pituitary adenylate-cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) has emerged as a potential noncholinergic neuromodulator of adrenal medullary function. In support of this hypothesis, we documented PACAP's effects on the secretion and biosynthesis of neuropeptides by cultured bovine chromaffin cells. Data presented in this study indicate that PACAP is a potent and efficacious secretagogue of leucine-enkephalin which was coreleased with catecholamines with identical profiles. In comparison to nicotinic activation, however, rates of PACAP-induced secretion were substantially slower but persisted for several hours causing a prolonged increase in the tonic release of both transmitters and peptides. Interestingly, renewal of intracellular pools of neuropeptides was also stimulated by PACAP but not the vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). Indeed, the higher incorporation of [35S]-labeled amino acids into atrial and brain natriuretic peptides (ANP, BNP) provided strong evidence that PACAP directly activated de novo biosynthesis. Of particular importance was PACAP's net preferential stimulation of the biosynthesis of BNP, similar to the differential regulation by protein kinase A (PK-A) and protein kinase C (PK-C) activators we have previously the differential regulation by protein kinase A (PK-A) and protein kinase C (PK-C) activators we have previously reported. PACAP-induced secretion and biosynthesis appeared to be mediated by the PACAP-specific type I receptors known to activate adenylate cyclase and phospholipase C. We verified that PACAP did indeed stimulate the production of cyclic AMP and inositol phosphates in our cell system. These findings suggest that the dual signaling properties of type I receptors may be important for PACAP's differential effect on the biosynthesis of natriuretic peptides. We conclude that PACAP might assume important noncholinergic trans-synaptic regulation of the adrenal medulla by releasing and modifying intragranular catecholamine and neuropeptide contents.

A novel GTP-dependent mechanism of ileal muscarinic metabotropic channel desensitization

1. Cationic current (Icat) was evoked in single isolated smooth muscle cells either by activating muscarinic receptors with the stable muscarinic agonist, carbachol (CCh), or by dialysing cells with GTP-gamma S. It was studied using patch-clamp recording techniques in cells obtained by enzymatic digestion from the longitudinal muscle layer of the guinea-pig small intestine. 2. Icat appears only when muscarinic receptors or G-proteins are activated, but it is strongly voltage-dependent. Its activation could be described by the Boltzmann equation. During desensitization of Icat evoked by 50 microM CCh, the slope factor, k, remained constant whereas the maximal conductance, Gmax, slowly decreased and the potential of half-maximal activation, V1/2, shifted positively by 32 mV during 4 min. 3. At peak response either to extracellular application of CCh (GTP-free, or 1 mM GTP-containing, pipette solution) or to intracellular application of GTP-gamma S (no CCh), the size and voltage-dependent properties of Icat were similar. However, Icat desensitization was slower in the presence of GTP (CCh applied) in the pipette solution and much slower with GTP-gamma S in the pipette (no CCh) compared to GTP-free pipette solution (CCh applied); the decrease in Gmax with time was much delayed and the positive shift of the activation curve was inhibited. GDP-beta S added to the pipette solution at 2 mM abolished Icat in response to applied CCh; 50 microM did not prevent Icat generation but significantly accelerated desensitization. 4. It was concluded that the rate of desensitization of the carbachol-evoked cationic current was due to a decline in the concentration of activated G-protein in the cell, which reduced the maximum number of channels which could be opened and shifted their activation range to less negative potentials.

Modulation of carbachol-induced [Ca2+]i oscillations by Ca2+ influx in single intestinal smooth muscle cells

1. Oscillations of cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) evoked by carbachol (CCh; 2 microM), a muscarinic agonist, were detected as oscillatory changes of muscarinic receptor-coupled cationic current (Icat) in guinea-pig ileal smooth muscle cells by the whole cell patch-clamp technique. 2. Reduction of extracellular Ca2+ from 2 mM to 0.2 or 0.05 mM, during CCh-induced Icat oscillations, caused them to disappear or to decrease markedly in frequency. A return to 2 mM Ca2+ concentration restored the initial Icat oscillations. 3. Application of nifedipine (1-3 microM) or D600 (2-5 microM) to block the voltage-gated Ca2+ channel (VGCC) decreased the frequency of the ongoing Icat oscillations in the cells held at -20 mV, but it was without effect in cells held at -60 mV. 4. Displacement of the holding potential of -20 mV to -60 mV to deactivate VGCC produced a decrease, an increase or no noticeable change in the frequency of the Icat oscillations in different cells. Displacement to 20 mV to inactivate VGCC invariably produced a decrease in the frequency. In nifedipine-treated cells, the Icat oscillations varied in frequency voltage-dependently in a reverse and linear way within the range -80 to 40 mV. 5. Application of thapsigargin (1 or 2 microM), an inhibitor of Ca(2+)-ATPase in the membrane of internal Ca2+ stores, caused CCh-induced Icat oscillations to disappear with a progressing phase during which their amplitude, but not frequency, declined. 6. The results suggest that membrane Ca2+ entry has a crucial role to play in regulation of the frequency of CCh-induced [Ca2+]i oscillations in addition to persistence of their generation, and that the effect is brought about by a potential mechanism independent of Ca2+ store replenishment. They also provide evidence that two types of Ca2+ permeant channels, VGCC and an as yet unidentified channel, are involved in the Ca2+ entry responsible for modulation of [Ca2+]i oscillations.

Spontaneous transient outward currents in smooth muscle cells

Spontaneous transient outward currents (STOCs) lasting about 100 ms occur in single smooth muscle cells and represent the simultaneous opening of up to a hundred calcium-activated potassium (BK) channels. The recent observation of brief focal releases of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) calcium ('sparks') in smooth muscle cells has provided support for the original suggestion that STOCs arise due to the spontaneous releases of calcium from the SR close to the sarcolemma. However, it is possible that such releases occur in a region of close apposition of SR membrane and sarcolemma about 0.1 microns wide ('junctional space') in which case they would be detectable by endogenous calcium-sensitive molecules such as BK channels but, using present confocal microscopy technique, not by calcium-indicator dyes introduced into the cell; should calcium escape from the junctional space then it may be visualised as 'sparks' by the fluorescent emission from calcium-indicator dyes using confocal microscopy. Some STOCs seem too large to represent the effect of a single 'spark' and some form of calcium-induced calcium release or 'macrospark' may be involved in their generation. Depletion of calcium stores by caffeine, ryanodine, or by activation of receptors linked to the phospholipase C/inositol trisphosphate system abolishes STOCs. However, low concentrations of caffeine or inositol trisphosphate accelerate STOC discharge by an unknown mechanism and often decrease STOC size presumably by depleting store calcium; similar effects are produced by agents such as cyclopiazonic acid and thapsigargin which inhibit calcium storage mechanisms (largely the SR calcium pump).

Subcellular Ca2+ signals underlying waves and graded responses in HeLa cells

BACKGROUND

Many agonist-evoked intracellular Ca2+ signals have a complex spatio-temporal arrangement, and are observed as repetitive Ca2+ spikes and Ca2+ waves. The key to revealing how these complex signals are generated lies in understanding the functional structure of the intracellular Ca2+ pool. Previous imaging studies, using relatively large cells such as oocytes and myocytes, have identified subcellular elementary Ca2+ signals, indicating that the intracellular Ca2+ pool releases Ca2+ from functionally discrete sites. However, it is unclear whether the intracellular Ca2+ pool in smaller cells has a similar architecture, and how such subcellular signals would contribute to global spikes and waves.

RESULTS

We detected subcellular Ca2+ signals during the response of single Fura2-loaded HeLa cells to histamine. The spatio-temporal properties of some of these signals were similar to the elementary Ca2+ signals observed in other cells. Subcellular Ca2+ signals were particularly obvious during the 'pacemaker' Ca2+ rise that preceded the regenerative Ca2+ wave. During this pacemaker, the Ca2+ signals were observed initially in the region from which the Ca2+ wave originated, but became more widespread and frequent until a Ca2+ wave was spawned. Similar localized signals were seen during the post-wave Ca2+ increase, and during the low-amplitude Ca2+ responses evoked by threshold histamine concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS

The intracellular Ca2+ pool in HeLa cells is composed of many functionally discrete units. Upon stimulation, these units produce localized Ca2+ signals. The sequential activation and summation of these units results in Ca2+ wave propagation and, furthermore, the differential recruitment of these units may underlie the graded amplitude of the intracellular Ca2+ signals.

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-induced Ca(2+)-transient and outward K+ current in single smooth muscle cells of guinea pig small intestine

The effects of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) released from caged InsP3 by flash photolysis on free intracellular Ca2+ concentration, [Ca2+]i, and outward K+ current were simultaneously examined in a single smooth muscle cell of guinea pig small intestine using a patch pipette solution containing Indo-1 (0.1 mM), caged InsP3 (50 microM) and KCl (130 mM). At a holding potential of -50 mV, a depolarizing pulse to +10 mV for 200 msec caused a transient Ca2+ current and an increase in [Ca2+]i. The amplitude of the Ca(2+)-transient was positively correlated with the peak Ca2+ current and negatively correlated with resting [Ca2+]i. InsP3 produced increases in [Ca2+]i and outward K+ current in most of the cells at -50 and -30 mV. The outward K+ current response reached a peak sooner and decayed more quickly than the Indo-1 signal. Both responses to InsP3 were resistant to the removal of extracellular Ca2+. The Ca(2+)-transient and outward K+ current responses to InsP3 at -30 mV were larger than those at -50 mV. The InsP3-induced Ca(2+)-transient was increased by increasing resting [Ca2+]i at -30 mV but not at -50 mV. These results suggest that InsP3-induced Ca2+ release from stores is potentiated by slight increases in [Ca2+]i via membrane depolarization.

Carbachol-induced [Ca2+]i oscillations in single smooth muscle cells of guinea-pig ileum

1. Changes in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) produced by carbachol (CCh) were measured in single smooth muscle cells of guinea-pig ileum using a Ca(2+)-sensitive fluorescent dye, fura-2, to clarify the underlying mechanisms of muscarinic [Ca2+]i oscillations. 2. Half of the cells, when exposed to 0.2 microM CCh, exhibited repeated changes in [Ca2+]i giving a serrated appearance. The oscillatory changes in [Ca2+]i were very similar to those evoked by increasing extracellular K(+) concentration ([K+]o) to 30 mM, which were abolished by removal of extracellular Ca2+, nifedipine and La3+, but remained unchanged after depletion of internal Ca2+ stores with cyclopiazonic acid, thapsigargin and ryanodine. 3. Every individual [Ca2+]i oscillation was just like a [Ca2+]i increase generated spontaneously in about 8% of cells or triggered by an action potential evoked by a current pulse in current-clamped cells. 4. In the remaining half of the cells exposed to 0.2 microM CCh, slower [Ca2+]i oscillations were elicited and every individual [Ca2+]i oscillation was always preceded by the fast brief increase in [Ca2+]i. 5. [Ca2+]i oscillations elicited by 2 microM CCh were temporally and functionally distinct from those induced by high [K+]o. They were more or less regular in the periodicity and pattern, comprised pacemaker potential-like [Ca2+]i increases or sinusoidal types of [Ca2+]i increases, and could be elicited even in 100 mM K+(o). 6. Removal of extracellular Ca2+ or application of nifedipine, methoxyverapamil (D600), diltiazem or La3+ during CCh (2 micro M)-induced [Ca2+]i oscillations caused them to disappear. In cells i which internal Ca2+ stores were depleted, 2 microM CCh did not evoke [Ca2+]i oscillations but occasionally induced single or repeated generation of the increase in [Ca2+]i with a serrated appearance. 7. The results indicate that CCh can induce two types of [Ca2+]i oscillation in guinea-pig ileal smooth muscle cells; one arises from Ca2+ influx associated with action potential discharges and the other from periodic release of Ca2+ from internal stores. The latter [Ca2+]i oscillation requires extracellular Ca2+ to sustain it.

Effects of divalent cations on muscarinic receptor cationic current in smooth muscle from guinea-pig small intestine

1. Effects of Mg2+ and Ca2+ on muscarinic receptor cationic current (Icat) in guinea-pig ileal smooth muscle cells have been studied using patch-clamp techniques (whole-cell recording). Icat was activated either by externally applied carbachol or, to bypass receptors, by intracellular GTP-gamma-S. 2. Independently of the main permeant cation the current-voltage (I-V) relation for Icat was U-shaped between the reversal potential (usually 0 mV) and very negative potentials such as -120 mV where current could be virtually lost. Adding Ca2+ to Ca(2+)- and Mg(2+)-free external solution reduced inward current and made it less U-shaped whereas adding Mg2+ reduced inward current and shifted more positively the potential at which maximum inward current occurred. 3. Activation of the conductance underlying Icat could be described by the Boltzmann relation which was shifted positively by adding Ca2+ or Mg2+. Extracellular Ca2+ also distorted the relation by increasing the slope factor; maximal conductance was reduced in all cases. Icat relaxation at negative potentials was accelerated by increasing Mg2+ and slowed down by Ca2+. 4. These data suggest the presence of fixed negative surface charges on or near the muscarinic receptor cationic channel, which allow its modulation through alteration of surface potential. Additional more direct ion binding to and blocking of the channel cannot be ruled out. Some additional effects of Ca2+ (if compared with Mg2+) could be explained on the assumption that the Ca(2+)-binding activation site known to be present on the internal side of the channel can be accessible to Ca2+ entering through the open channel during muscarinic receptor stimulation, as Ca2+ ions contribute to a limited extent to Icat. 5. We conclude that voltage-dependent gating of muscarinic receptor cationic channels is an intrinsic channel property and that Ca2+ and Mg2+ have strong modulatory effects.