Ca2+ spark sites in smooth muscle cells are numerous and differ in number of ryanodine receptors, large-conductance K+ channels, and coupling ratio between them

2004 ◽  
Vol 287 (6) ◽  
pp. C1577-C1588 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronghua ZhuGe ◽  
Kevin E. Fogarty ◽  
Stephen P. Baker ◽  
John G. McCarron ◽  
Richard A. Tuft ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Smooth Muscle Cells ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Ryanodine Receptors ◽  
Muscle Cells ◽  
Bk Channels ◽  
Wide Field ◽  
Coupling Ratio ◽  
Patch Clamp Recording ◽  
High Speed Imaging

Ca2+ sparks are highly localized Ca2+ transients caused by Ca2+ release from sarcoplasmic reticulum through ryanodine receptors (RyR). In smooth muscle, Ca2+ sparks activate nearby large-conductance, Ca2+-sensitive K+ (BK) channels to generate spontaneous transient outward currents (STOC). The properties of individual sites that give rise to Ca2+ sparks have not been examined systematically. We have characterized individual sites in amphibian gastric smooth muscle cells with simultaneous high-speed imaging of Ca2+ sparks using wide-field digital microscopy and patch-clamp recording of STOC in whole cell mode. We used a signal mass approach to measure the total Ca2+ released at a site and to estimate the Ca2+ current flowing through RyR [ ICa(spark)]. The variance between spark sites was significantly greater than the intrasite variance for the following parameters: Ca2+ signal mass, ICa(spark), STOC amplitude, and 5-ms isochronic STOC amplitude. Sites that failed to generate STOC did so consistently, while those at the remaining sites generated STOC without failure, allowing the sites to be divided into STOC-generating and STOC-less sites. We also determined the average number of spark sites, which was 42/cell at a minimum and more likely on the order of at least 400/cell. We conclude that 1) spark sites differ in the number of RyR, BK channels, and coupling ratio of RyR-BK channels, and 2) there are numerous Ca2+ spark-generating sites in smooth muscle cells. The implications of these findings for the organization of the spark microdomain are explored.

scholarly journals Local Ca2+transients and distribution of BK channels and ryanodine receptors in smooth muscle cells of guinea-pig vas deferens and urinary bladder

2001 ◽  
Vol 534 (2) ◽  
pp. 313-326 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoshiaki Ohi ◽  
Hisao Yamamura ◽  
Norihiro Nagano ◽  
Susumu Ohya ◽  
Katsuhiko Muraki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Urinary Bladder ◽  
Guinea Pig ◽  
Smooth Muscle Cells ◽  
Vas Deferens ◽  
Ryanodine Receptors ◽  
Muscle Cells ◽  
Bk Channels

scholarly journals The Influence of Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Ca2+ Concentration on Ca2+ Sparks and Spontaneous Transient Outward Currents in Single Smooth Muscle Cells

1999 ◽  
Vol 113 (2) ◽  
pp. 215-228 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronghua ZhuGe ◽  
Richard A. Tuft ◽  
Kevin E. Fogarty ◽  
Karl Bellve ◽  
Fredric S. Fay ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Sarcoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Potassium Channels ◽  
Smooth Muscle Cells ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Muscle Cells ◽  
Wide Field ◽  
Outward Currents ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Spontaneous Transient Outward Currents

Localized, transient elevations in cytosolic Ca2+, known as Ca2+ sparks, caused by Ca2+ release from sarcoplasmic reticulum, are thought to trigger the opening of large conductance Ca2+-activated potassium channels in the plasma membrane resulting in spontaneous transient outward currents (STOCs) in smooth muscle cells. But the precise relationships between Ca2+ concentration within the sarcoplasmic reticulum and a Ca2+ spark and that between a Ca2+ spark and a STOC are not well defined or fully understood. To address these problems, we have employed two approaches using single patch-clamped smooth muscle cells freshly dissociated from toad stomach: a high speed, wide-field imaging system to simultaneously record Ca2+ sparks and STOCs, and a method to simultaneously measure free global Ca2+ concentration in the sarcoplasmic reticulum ([Ca2+]SR) and in the cytosol ([Ca2+]CYTO) along with STOCs. At a holding potential of 0 mV, cells displayed Ca2+ sparks and STOCs. Ca2+ sparks were associated with STOCs; the onset of the sparks coincided with the upstroke of STOCs, and both had approximately the same decay time. The mean increase in [Ca2+]CYTO at the time and location of the spark peak was ∼100 nM above a resting concentration of ∼100 nM. The frequency and amplitude of spontaneous Ca2+ sparks recorded at −80 mV were unchanged for a period of 10 min after removal of extracellular Ca2+ (nominally Ca2+-free solution with 50 μM EGTA), indicating that Ca2+ influx is not necessary for Ca2+sparks. A brief pulse of caffeine (20 mM) elicited a rapid decrease in [Ca2+]SR in association with a surge in [Ca2+]CYTO and a fusion of STOCs, followed by a fast restoration of [Ca2+]CYTO and a gradual recovery of [Ca2+]SR and STOCs. The return of global [Ca2+]CYTO to rest was an order of magnitude faster than the refilling of the sarcoplasmic reticulum with Ca2+. After the global [Ca2+]CYTO was fully restored, recovery of STOC frequency and amplitude were correlated with the level of [Ca2+]SR, even though the time for refilling varied greatly. STOC frequency did not recover substantially until the [Ca2+]SR was restored to 60% or more of resting levels. At [Ca2+]SR levels above 80% of rest, there was a steep relationship between [Ca2+]SR and STOC frequency. In contrast, the relationship between [Ca2+]SR and STOC amplitude was linear. The relationship between [Ca2+]SR and the frequency and amplitude was the same for Ca2+ sparks as it was for STOCs. The results of this study suggest that the regulation of [Ca2+]SR might provide one mechanism whereby agents could govern Ca2+ sparks and STOCs. The relationship between Ca2+ sparks and STOCs also implies a close association between a sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release site and the Ca2+-activated potassium channels responsible for a STOC.

Spontaneous mitochondrial depolarizations are independent of SR Ca2+ release

2004 ◽  
Vol 286 (5) ◽  
pp. C1139-C1151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine M. O'Reilly ◽  
Kevin E. Fogarty ◽  
Robert M. Drummond ◽  
Richard A. Tuft ◽  
John V. Walsh
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Smooth Muscle Cells ◽  
Mitochondrial Membrane ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Ryanodine Receptors ◽  
Muscle Cells ◽  
Inner Mitochondrial Membrane ◽  
Intact Cells ◽  
Mitochondrial Functions ◽  
Intracellular Ca

The mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) underlies many mitochondrial functions, including Ca2+ influx into the mitochondria, which allows them to serve as buffers of intracellular Ca2+. Spontaneous depolarizations of ΔΨm, flickers, have been observed in isolated mitochondria and intact cells using the fluorescent cationic lipophile tetramethylrhodamine ethyl ester (TMRE), which distributes across the inner mitochondrial membrane in accordance with the Nernst equation. Flickers in cardiomyocytes have been attributed to uptake of Ca2+ released from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) via ryanodine receptors in focal transients called Ca2+ sparks. We have shown previously that an increase in global Ca2+ in smooth muscle cells causes an increase in mitochondrial Ca2+ and depolarization of ΔΨm. Here we sought to determine whether flickers in smooth muscle cells are caused by uptake of Ca2+ released focally in Ca2+ sparks. High-speed three-dimensional imaging was used to monitor ΔΨm in freshly dissociated myocytes from toad stomach that were simultaneously voltage clamped at 0 mV to ensure the cytosolic TMRE concentration was constant and equal to the low level in the bath (2.5 nM). This approach allows quantitative analysis of flickers as we have previously demonstrated. Depletion of SR Ca2+ not only failed to eliminate flickers but rather increased their magnitude and frequency somewhat. Flickers were not altered in magnitude or frequency by ryanodine or xestospongin C, inhibitors of intracellular Ca2+ release, or by cyclosporin A, an inhibitor of the permeability transition pore. Focal Ca2+ release from the SR does not cause flickers in the cells employed here.

Calcium sparks activate calcium-dependent Cl− current in rat corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells

2007 ◽  
Vol 293 (4) ◽  
pp. C1239-C1251 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beatrice A. Williams ◽  
Stephen M. Sims
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Smooth Muscle Cells ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Ryanodine Receptors ◽  
Corpus Cavernosum ◽  
Muscle Cells ◽  
Electrophysiological Recording ◽  
Transient Currents ◽  
Vascular Muscle ◽  
High Concentrations

Spontaneous transient currents, due to activation of Ca2+-dependent K+ and Cl− channels, occur in corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells (CCSMC) of the penis. The Ca2+ events responsible for triggering Ca2+-dependent Cl− channels have never been identified in vascular muscle. We used high-speed fluorescence imaging combined with patch-clamp electrophysiology to provide the first characterization of Ca2+ events underlying these currents. Freshly isolated rat CCSMC loaded with fluo-4 exhibited localized, spontaneous elevations of intracellular Ca2+ (Ca2+ sparks) in 57% of cells. There was an average of 6.4 ± 0.5 release sites/cell with a frequency of 0.9 ± 1 Hz/cell and peak amplitude ΔF/Fo of 67 ± 10%. We addressed the controversy of whether these events are mediated by ryanodine or inositol 1,4,5 trisphosphate (IP3) receptors. Caffeine caused either a global Ca2+ rise at high concentrations or an increase in spark frequency at lower concentrations, whereas ryanodine dramatically reduced the amplitude and frequency of sparks. 2-Aminoethoxydiphenyl borate, an inhibitor of IP3 receptors, had no effect on spark frequency. Combined imaging and electrophysiological recording revealed strong coupling between Ca2+ sparks and biphasic transient currents, a relationship never before shown in vascular muscle. Moreover, spark frequency increased on depolarization, an effect abolished with the blockade of Ca2+ channels, consistent with Ca2+ influx regulating Ca2+ release from stores. We establish for the first time that Ca2+ sparks occur in CCSMC and arise from Ca2+ release through ryanodine receptors. Moreover, the voltage dependence of spark frequency demonstrated here provides novel functional evidence for voltage-dependent Ca2+ influx in CCSMC.

scholarly journals Chronic Prenatal Hypoxia Down-Regulated BK Channel Β1 Subunits in Mesenteric Artery Smooth Muscle Cells of the Offspring

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
pp. 1603-1616 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bailin Liu ◽  
Yanping Liu ◽  
Ruixiu Shi ◽  
Xueqin Feng ◽  
Xiang Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Smooth Muscle Cells ◽  
Single Channel ◽  
Muscle Cells ◽  
Bk Channels ◽  
Bk Channel ◽  
Mesenteric Arteries ◽  
Prenatal Hypoxia ◽  
Pregnant Rats ◽  
Α Subunit

Background/Aims: Chronic hypoxia in utero could impair vascular functions in the offspring, underlying mechanisms are unclear. This study investigated functional alteration in large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BK) channels in offspring mesenteric arteries following prenatal hypoxia. Methods: Pregnant rats were exposed to normoxic control (21% O2, Con) or hypoxic (10.5% O2, Hy) conditions from gestational day 5 to 21, their 7-month-old adult male offspring were tested for blood pressure, vascular BK channel functions and expression using patch clamp and wire myograh technique, western blotting, and qRT-PCR. Results: Prenatal hypoxia increased pressor responses and vasoconstrictions to phenylephrine in the offspring. Whole-cell currents density of BK channels and amplitude of spontaneous transient outward currents (STOCs), not the frequency, were significantly reduced in Hy vascular myocytes. The sensitivity of BK channels to voltage, Ca2+, and tamoxifen were reduced in Hy myocytes, whereas the number of channels per patch and the single-channel conductance were unchanged. Prenatal hypoxia impaired NS1102- and tamoxifen-mediated relaxation in mesenteric arteries precontracted with phenylephrine in the presence of Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester. The mRNA and protein expression of BK channel β1, not the α-subunit, was decreased in Hy mesenteric arteries. Conclusions: Impaired BK channel β1-subunits in vascular smooth muscle cells contributed to vascular dysfunction in the offspring exposed to prenatal hypoxia.

Physiological properties and functions of Ca2+sparks in rat intrapulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells

2002 ◽  
Vol 283 (2) ◽  
pp. L433-L444 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmelle V. Remillard ◽  
Wei-Min Zhang ◽  
Larissa A. Shimoda ◽  
James S. K. Sham
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Membrane Potential ◽  
Smooth Muscle Cells ◽  
Ryanodine Receptors ◽  
Muscle Cells ◽  
Feedback Mechanism ◽  
Arterial Smooth Muscle ◽  
Endothelin 1 ◽  
Arterial Smooth Muscle Cells ◽  
Specific Regulation

Ca+spark has been implicated as a pivotal feedback mechanism for regulating membrane potential and vasomotor tone in systemic arterial smooth muscle cells (SASMCs), but little is known about its properties in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). Using confocal microscopy, we identified spontaneous Ca2+ sparks in rat intralobar PASMCs and characterized their spatiotemporal properties and physiological functions. Ca2+ sparks of PASMCs had a lower frequency and smaller amplitude than cardiac sparks. They were abolished by inhibition of ryanodine receptors but not by inhibition of inositol trisphosphate receptors and L-type Ca2+ channels. Enhanced Ca2+ influx by BAY K8644, K+, or high Ca2+ caused a significant increase in spark frequency. Functionally, enhancing Ca2+ sparks with caffeine (0.5 mM) caused membrane depolarization in PASMCs, in contrast to hyperpolarization in SASMCs. Norepinephrine and endothelin-1 both caused global elevations in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]), but only endothelin-1 increased spark frequency. These results suggest that Ca2+ sparks of PASMCs are similar to those of SASMCs, originate from ryanodine receptors, and are enhanced by Ca2+ influx. However, they play a different modulatory role on membrane potential and are under agonist-specific regulation independent of global [Ca2+].

scholarly journals The contribution of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and ryanodine receptors to agonist-induced Ca2+ signaling of airway smooth muscle cells

2009 ◽  
Vol 297 (2) ◽  
pp. L347-L361 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan Bai ◽  
Martin Edelmann ◽  
Michael J. Sanderson
Keyword(s):  
Wave Propagation ◽  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Smooth Muscle Cells ◽  
Airway Smooth Muscle ◽  
Ryanodine Receptors ◽  
Muscle Cells ◽  
Airway Smooth Muscle Cells ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Concentration Dependent Manner ◽  
Inositol 1,4,5 Trisphosphate

The relative contribution of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptors (IP3Rs) and ryanodine receptors (RyRs) to agonist-induced Ca2+ signaling in mouse airway smooth muscle cells (SMCs) was investigated in lung slices with phase-contrast or laser scanning microscopy. At room temperature (RT), methacholine (MCh) or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) induced Ca2+ oscillations and an associated contraction in small airway SMCs. The subsequent exposure to an IP3R antagonist, 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB), inhibited the Ca2+ oscillations and induced airway relaxation in a concentration-dependent manner. 2-APB also inhibited Ca2+ waves generated by the photolytic release of IP3. However, the RyR antagonist ryanodine had no significant effect, at any concentration, on airway contraction or agonist- or IP3-induced Ca2+ oscillations or Ca2+ wave propagation. By contrast, a second RyR antagonist, tetracaine, relaxed agonist-contracted airways and inhibited agonist-induced Ca2+ oscillations in a concentration-dependent manner. However, tetracaine did not affect IP3-induced Ca2+ release or wave propagation nor the Ca2+ content of SMC Ca2+ stores as evaluated by Ca2+-release induced by caffeine. Conversely, both ryanodine and tetracaine completely blocked agonist-independent slow Ca2+ oscillations induced by KCl. The inhibitory effects of 2-APB and absence of an effect of ryanodine on MCh-induced airway contraction or Ca2+ oscillations of SMCs were also observed at 37°C. In Ca2+-permeable SMCs, tetracaine inhibited agonist-induced contraction without affecting intracellular Ca2+ levels indicating that relaxation also resulted from a reduction in Ca2+ sensitivity. These results indicate that agonist-induced Ca2+ oscillations in mouse small airway SMCs are primary mediated via IP3Rs and that tetracaine induces relaxation by both decreasing Ca2+ sensitivity and inhibiting agonist-induced Ca2+ oscillations via an IP3-dependent mechanism.

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