HERG-Like Potassium Current Regulates the Resting Membrane Potential in Glomus Cells of the Rabbit Carotid Body

2000 ◽  
Vol 83 (3) ◽  
pp. 1150-1157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey L. Overholt ◽  
Eckhard Ficker ◽  
Tianen Yang ◽  
Hashim Shams ◽  
Gary R. Bright ◽  
...  

Direct evidence for a specific K+ channel underlying the resting membrane potential in glomus cells of the carotid body has been absent. The product of the human ether-a-go-go–related gene (HERG) produces inward rectifier currents that are known to contribute to the resting membrane potential in other neuronal cells. The goal of the present study was to determine whether carotid body glomus cells express HERG-like K+ current, and if so, to determine whether a HERG-like current regulates the resting membrane potential. Freshly dissociated rabbit glomus cells under whole cell voltage clamp exhibited slowly decaying outward currents that activated 20–30 mV positive to the resting membrane potential. Raising extracellular K+revealed a slowly deactivating inward tail current indicative of HERG-like K+ current. HERG-like currents were not found in cells resembling type II cells. The HERG-like current was blocked by dofetilide (DOF) in a concentration-dependent manner (IC50 = 13 ± 4 nM, mean ± SE) and high concentrations of Ba2+ (1 and 10 mM). The biophysical and pharmacological characteristics of this inward tail current suggest that it is conducted by a HERG-like channel. The steady-state activation properties of the HERG-like current ( V h = −44 ± 2 mV) suggest that it is active at the resting membrane potential in glomus cells. In whole cell, current-clamped glomus cells (average resting membrane potential, − 48 ± 4 mV), DOF, but not tetraethylammonium, caused a significant (13 mV) depolarizing shift in the resting membrane potential. Using fluorescence imaging, DOF increased [Ca2+]i in isolated glomus cells. In an in-vitro carotid body preparation, DOF increased basal sensory discharge in the carotid sinus nerve in a concentration-dependent manner. These results demonstrate that glomus cells express a HERG-like current that is active at, and responsible for controlling the resting membrane potential.

Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tuerdi Subati ◽  
Zhenjiang Yang ◽  
Isis L Christopher ◽  
Joseph C Van Amburg ◽  
Matthew B Murphy ◽  
...  

Background: Hypertension is one of the most common risk factors for atrial fibrillation (AF), although the precise cellular and molecular mechanism(s) by which hypertension leads to AF are not well understood. Isolevuglandins (IsoLGs) are highly reactive dicarbonyl products of lipid peroxidation responsible for a major component of oxidative stress-related injury. In a mouse model of hypertension, we recently demonstrated that IsoLGs are elevated in hypertensive mouse atria and that an IsoLG scavenger reduced both IsoLG burden and AF susceptibility. Hypothesis: In this study, we hypothesized that IsoLGs can promote AF by inducing proarrhythmic metabolic and electrophysiologic (EP) changes in atrial cardiomyocytes. Methods and Results: Using standard patch clamp methods, we found significant changes in action potential properties of isolated mouse atrial cardiomyocytes exposed to IsoLGs (1μM, n=15 cells), including elevation of resting membrane potential, shortening of APD and reduction of V max . Acute IsoLG treatment led to a reduction of intracellular ATP production in atrial HL-1 cardiomyocytes, as measured by using a luminescence assay. Employing TMRM and Mitotracker Green staining for confocal and high-throughput screening (HTS) live-cell imaging assays, we also found that IsoLGs decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (compared to control, TMRM fluorescence decreased by 23%, 28%, 36% and 42%, respectively, when exposed to 0.01, 0.1, 0.5 and 1μM concentrations of IsoLG) accompanied by increased apoptosis (Cell Event Caspase-3/7 Green Detection Reagent) in a concentration-dependent manner, suggesting a prolonged mitochondrial transition pore opening. Moreover, cell metabolism assays performed using Agilent’s Seahorse XF96 extracellular flux analyzer revealed that IsoLGs exert a concentration dependent decrease in basal oxygen consumption rate and ATP production in HL-1 atrial cardiomyocytes. Conclusion: Together, these findings indicate that IsoLGs promote proarrhythmic EP and mitochondrial effects in atrial cells and thus may provide a novel therapeutic target for AF.


1994 ◽  
Vol 71 (2) ◽  
pp. 561-574 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. P. Christian ◽  
J. Togo ◽  
K. E. Naper

1. Intracellular recordings were made from C-fiber neurons identified by antidromic conduction velocity in intact guinea pig nodose ganglia maintained in vitro, and whole-cell patch clamp recordings were made from dissociated guinea pig nodose neurons to investigate the contribution of various K+ conductances to action-potential repolarization. 2. The repolarizing phase of the intracellularly recorded action potential was prolonged in a concentration-dependent manner by charybdotoxin (Chtx; EC50 = 39 nM) or iberiatoxin (Ibtx; EC50 = 48 nM) in a subpopulation of 16/36 C-fiber neurons. In a subset of these experiments, removal of extracellular Ca2+ reversibly prolonged action-potential duration (APD) in the same 4/9 intracellularly recorded C-fiber neurons affected by Chtx (> or = 100 nM). These convergent results support that a Ca(2+)-activated K+ current (IC) contributes to action-potential repolarization in a restricted subpopulation of C-fiber neurons. 3. Tetraethylammonium (TEA; 1-10 mM) increased APD considerably further in the presence of 100-250 nM Chtx or Ibtx, or in nominally Ca(2+)-free superfusate in 14/14 intracellularly recorded C-fiber neurons. TEA affected APD similarly in subpopulations of neurons with and without IC, suggesting that a voltage-dependent K+ current (IK) contributes significantly to action-potential repolarization in most nodose C-fiber neurons. 4. Substitution of Mn2+ for Ca2+ reduced outward whole-cell currents elicited by voltage command steps positive to -30 mV (2-25 ms) in a subpopulation of 21/36 dissociated nodose neurons, supporting the heterogeneous expression of IC. The kinetics of outward tail current relaxations (tau s of 1.5-2 ms) measured at the return of 2-3 ms depolarizing steps to -40 mV were indistinguishable in neurons with and without IC, precluding a separation of the nodose IC and IK by a difference in deactivation rates. 5. Chtx (10-250 nM) reduced in a subpopulation of 3/8 C-fiber neurons the total outward current elicited by voltage steps depolarized to -30 mV in single microelectrode voltage-clamp recordings. TEA (5-10 mM) further reduced outward current in the presence of 100-250 nM Chtx in all eight experiments. The Chtx-sensitive current was taken to represent IC, and the TEA-sensitive current, the IK component contributing to action-potential repolarization. 6. Rapidly inactivating current (IA) was implicated in action-potential repolarization in a subpopulation of intracellularly recorded C-fiber neurons. In 4/7 neurons, incremented hyperpolarizing prepulses negative to -50 mV progressively shortened APD.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)


1995 ◽  
Vol 268 (1) ◽  
pp. L47-L55 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. P. Abela ◽  
E. E. Daniel

In canine bronchi bathed in 10(-6) M indomethacin (IDM), prostaglandin (PG) E2 inhibited electrical field stimulation (EFS)- and acetylcholine (ACh)-mediated contractions and excitatory junction potentials (EJP) in a concentration-dependent manner without altering the resting membrane potential. EFS-induced EJPs were abolished at 10(-7) M PGE2, which shifted responses to ACh 10-fold rightward. Thus PGE2 predominantly inhibited the release of ACh and secondarily decreased smooth muscle response to ACh. U-46619, an analogue of thromboxane A2 (TxA2), initiated tetrodotoxin- and atropine-insensitive contractions in a concentration-dependent manner. U-46619 (10(-9) M) did not alter significantly EFS- or ACh-stimulated contractions and potentiated EFS amplitude of EJPs without depolarizing muscle cells. Either prejunctional activation of ACh release by TxA2 or postjunctional potentiation of the response to ACh can explain these findings. U-46619 (<or = 10(-8) M) depolarized the membrane potential, initiating oscillations accompanied by a large contraction. Addition of 10(-8) M nitrendipine, but not tetraethylammonium (25 mM), blocked the oscillations selectively. Other prostanoids (PGD2, PGI2, and PGF2 alpha) had no significant effects on canine bronchi. In the absence of IDM, PGE2 accumulated, EFS contractions decreased with time, and EJPs disappeared. We conclude that in canine bronchi PGE2 predominantly inhibits ACh release and endogenous PGE2 acts similarly, whereas TxA2 excites, probably at postjunctional sites.


1996 ◽  
Vol 271 (4) ◽  
pp. C1269-C1277 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. S. Hsu ◽  
C. C. Huang ◽  
W. M. Kan ◽  
P. W. Gean

Whole cell voltage clamp recordings were used to investigate the effects of thromboxane A2 (TXA2) agonists on the voltage-dependent Ca2+ currents in rat hippocampal CA1 neurons. TXA2 agonists [1S-[1 alpha, 2 beta(5Z), 3 alpha(1E, 3S*)4 alpha ]]-7-[3-[3-hydroxy-4-(4'-iodophenoxy)-1-butenyl]-7-oxabicyclo [2,2,1]heptan-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid (I-BOP) and U-46619, reversibly suppressed the whole cell Ca2+ currents in a concentration-dependent manner. The effect was blocked by specific TXA2 receptor antagonist, SQ-29548. I-BOP as well as U-46619 inhibited both omega-conotoxin GVIA (CgTx)-sensitive and nimodipine sensitive Ca2+ currents but had no effect on CgTx/nimodipine insensitive Ca2+ currents. The I-BOP and U-46619 inhibition of Ca2+ currents was blocked by internal dialysis of hippocampal neurons with specific protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors, NPC-15437 and PKC inhibitor-(19-36). Pretreatment of hippocampal neurons with either 5 micrograms/ml pertussis toxin (PTX) or 5 micrograms/ml cholera toxin (CTX) did not significantly affect the suppression of the Ca2+ currents by I-BOP and U-46619. Dialyzing with 1 mM guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) or 1 mM GDP significantly attenuated the I-BOP or U-46619 action. These results demonstrate that TXA2 agonists inhibit both CgTx- and nimodipine-sensitive Ca2+ currents but not CgTx/nimodipine-insensitive currents in rat hippocampal CA1 neurons via a PTX- and CTX-insensitive G protein-coupled activation of the PKC pathway.


1993 ◽  
Vol 74 (6) ◽  
pp. 2745-2749 ◽  
Author(s):  
O. Delbono ◽  
B. A. Kotsias

We studied the antagonism between aminophylline and two calcium channel blockers, nifedipine and verapamil, and its effect on the resting membrane potential of rat diaphragm fibers in vitro at 25 degrees C. Aminophylline hyperpolarizes the fibers in a dose-dependent manner, and the maximum effect is reached with 1 mM of the drug, approximately 9 mV compared with normal values. Both nifedipine and verapamil (1–5 microM) decreased the amount of hyperpolarization induced by aminophylline, and this is partially reversed when the xanthine concentration in the bath is increased. From the Hill equation we obtained a value of 2 for the slope, suggesting that two molecules of aminophylline bind to the receptor. Nifedipine modifies the affinity and the intrinsic activity of aminophylline, whereas verapamil reduces its intrinsic activity. The effect of nifedipine and verapamil is explained on the basis of the changed action of aminophylline on its site as a result of the interaction of the calcium channel blockers with their interdependent receptors.


2006 ◽  
Vol 96 (3) ◽  
pp. 1084-1092 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anitha B. Alex ◽  
Anthony J. Baucum ◽  
Karen S. Wilcox

Conantokin G (Con G), derived from the venom of Conus geographus, is the most characterized natural peptide antagonist targeted to N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Although Con G is known to bind to the glutamate binding site on the NR2 subunit of the receptor, it is unclear whether it can allosterically modulate the function of the receptor through the glycine binding site on the NR1 subunit. This study was designed to evaluate the action of Con G on NMDA receptor–mediated spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs) and its modulation by glycine in cultured cortical neurons (13–19 days in vitro) using the whole cell patch-clamp technique. Con G inhibited NMDA receptor–mediated sEPSCs in a concentration-dependent manner. Also, the potency of Con G decreased as a function of time in culture. The inhibition of EPSCs observed after application of Con G in the presence of high (10 μM) and nominal (no added) concentrations of glycine was not different at 13 days in vitro (DIV). Furthermore, similar results were obtained with experiments on Con G–induced inhibition of NMDA-evoked whole cell currents. These results indicate that glycine concentrations do not have a direct effect on Con G–induced inhibition of NMDA currents. In addition, age dependency in the action of Con G on cortical neurons in vitro suggests that this model system would be useful in examining the effects of different agonists/antagonists on native synaptic NMDA receptors.


Nanomaterials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 995 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Enea ◽  
Eulália Pereira ◽  
Miguel Peixoto de Almeida ◽  
Ana Margarida Araújo ◽  
Maria de Lourdes Bastos ◽  
...  

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are highly attractive for biomedical applications. Therefore, several in vitro and in vivo studies have addressed their safety evaluation. Nevertheless, there is a lack of knowledge regarding their potential detrimental effect on human kidney. To evaluate this effect, AuNPs with different sizes (13 nm and 60 nm), shapes (spheres and stars), and coated with 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA) or with sodium citrate, were synthesized, characterized, and their toxicological effects evaluated 24 h after incubation with a proximal tubular cell line derived from normal human kidney (HK-2). After exposure, viability was assessed by the MTT assay. Changes in lysosomal integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), reactive species (ROS/RNS), intracellular glutathione (total GSH), and ATP were also evaluated. Apoptosis was investigated through the evaluation of the activity of caspases 3, 8 and 9. Overall, the tested AuNPs targeted mainly the mitochondria in a concentration-dependent manner. The lysosomal integrity was also affected but to a lower extent. The smaller 13 nm nanospheres (both citrate- and MUA-coated) proved to be the most toxic among all types of AuNPs, increasing ROS production and decreasing mitochondrial membrane potential (p ≤ 0.01). For the MUA-coated 13 nm nanospheres, these effects were associated also to increased levels of total glutathione (p ≤ 0.01) and enhanced ATP production (p ≤ 0.05). Programmed cell death was detected through the activation of both extrinsic and intrinsic pathways (caspase 8 and 9) (p ≤ 0.05). We found that the larger 60 nm AuNPs, both nanospheres and nanostars, are apparently less toxic than their smaller counter parts. Considering the results herein presented, it should be taken into consideration that even if renal clearance of the AuNPs is desirable, since it would prevent accumulation and detrimental effects in other organs, a possible intracellular accumulation of AuNPs in kidneys can induce cell damage and later compromise kidney function.


2000 ◽  
Vol 278 (3) ◽  
pp. C490-C499 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Vicario ◽  
R. Rigual ◽  
A. Obeso ◽  
C. Gonzalez

The aim of this work was to determine contents and turnover rates for dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE) and to identify the catecholamine (CA) released during stimulation of the rat carotid body (CB). Turnover rates and the release of CA were measured in an in vitro preparation using a combination of HPLC and radioisotopic methods. Mean rat CB levels of DA and NE were 209 and 45 pmol/mg tissue, respectively. With [3H]tyrosine as precursor, rat CB synthesized [3H]CA in a time- and concentration-dependent manner; calculated turnover times for DA and NE were 5.77 and 11.4 h, respectively. Hypoxia and dibutyryl adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate significantly increased [3H]CA synthesis. In normoxia, rat CB released [3H]DA and [3H]NE in a ratio of 5:1, comparable to that of the endogenous tissue CA. Hypoxia and high K+ preferentially released [3H]DA, nicotine preferentially released [3H]NE, and acidic stimuli released both amines in proportion to tissue content. Release of [3H]CA induced by hypoxia and high K+ was nearly fully dependent on extracellular Ca2+, whereas basal normoxic release was not altered by removal of Ca2+ from the incubating solution. We conclude that the rat CB is an organ with higher levels of DA than NE that preferentially releases DA or NE in a stimulus-specific manner.


2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (7) ◽  
pp. 494-501 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sameer Suresh Bhagyawant ◽  
Dakshita Tanaji Narvekar ◽  
Neha Gupta ◽  
Amita Bhadkaria ◽  
Ajay Kumar Gautam ◽  
...  

Background: Diabetes and hypertension are the major health concern and alleged to be of epidemic proportions. This has made it a numero uno subject at various levels of investigation. Glucosidase inhibitor provides the reasonable option in treatment of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) as it specifically targets post prandial hyperglycemia. The Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) plays an important role in hypertension. Therefore, inhibition of ACE in treatment of elevated blood pressure attracts special interest of the scientific community. Chickpea is a food legume and seeds contain carbohydrate binding protein- a lectin. Some of the biological properties of this lectin hitherto been elucidated. Methods: Purified by ion exchange chromatography, chickpea lectin was tested for its in vitro antioxidant, ACE-I inhibitory and anti-diabetic characteristic. Results: Lectin shows a characteristic improvement over the synthetic drugs like acarbose (oral anti-diabetic drug) and captopril (standard antihypertensive drug) when, their IC50 values are compared. Lectin significantly inhibited α-glucosidase and α-amylase in a concentration dependent manner with IC50 values of 85.41 ± 1.21 ҝg/ml and 65.05 ± 1.2 µg/ml compared to acarbose having IC50 70.20 ± 0.47 value of µg/ml and 50.52 ± 1.01 µg/ml respectively. β-Carotene bleaching assay showed antioxidant activity of lectin (72.3%) to be as active as Butylated Hydroxylanisole (BHA). In addition, lectin demonstrated inhibition against ACE-I with IC50 value of 57.43 ± 1.20 µg/ml compared to captopril. Conclusion: Lectin demonstrated its antioxidant character, ACE-I inhibition and significantly inhibitory for α-glucosidase and α-amylase seems to qualify as an anti-hyperglycemic therapeutic molecule. The biological effects of chickpea lectin display potential for reducing the parameters of medically debilitating conditions. These characteristics however needs to be established under in vivo systems too viz. animals through to humans.


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