scholarly journals Ionic channels and hormone release from peptidergic nerve terminals

1986 ◽  
Vol 124 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-72
Author(s):  
J. R. Lemos ◽  
J. J. Nordmann
Keyword(s):  
Single Channel ◽  
Ionic Currents ◽  
Direct Analysis ◽  
Ionic Channels ◽  
Nerve Endings ◽  
Nerve Terminals ◽  
Channel Blockers ◽  
Neural Lobe ◽  
Membrane Ionic Currents ◽  
Single Channel Currents

Although there is considerable evidence that depolarization of nerve cell terminals leads to the entry of Ca2+ and to the secretion of neurohormones and neurotransmitters, the details of how ionic currents control the release of neuroactive substances from nerve terminals are unknown. The small size of most nerve terminals has precluded direct analysis of membrane ionic currents and their influence on secretion. We now report that it is possible, using patch-clamp techniques, to study stimulus--secretion coupling in isolated peptidergic nerve terminals. Sinus gland terminals from Cardisoma are easily isolated following collagenase treatment and appear morphologically and electrically very similar to non-dissociated nerve endings. We have observed two types of single-channel currents not previously described. The first (‘f’) channel is activated by intracellular Na+ and the second (‘s’) by intracellular Ca2+. Both show little selectivity between Na+ and K+. In symmetrical K+, these cation channels have mean conductances of 69 and 213 pS, respectively. Furthermore, at least three types of Ca2+ channels can be reconstituted from nerve terminal membranes prepared from sinus glands. Nerve terminals can also be isolated from the rat neural lobe. These neurosecretosomes release oxytocin and vasopressin, in response to membrane depolarization, only in the presence of external Ca2+. The depolarization of the nerve endings is associated with an increase in intracellular free Ca2+ concentration and this increase, measured using a fluorescent indicator, is abolished by Ca2+ channel blockers. Channels similar in their properties to the f and s channels also exist in rat neural lobe endings. Since these channels have not been found in other neurones or neuronal structures they may be unique to peptidergic nerve terminals.

Ionic channels in corneal endothelium

1996 ◽  
Vol 270 (4) ◽  
pp. C975-C989 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. L. Rae ◽  
M. A. Watsky
Keyword(s):  
Patch Clamp ◽  
Corneal Endothelium ◽  
Single Channel ◽  
Cell Voltage ◽  
Anion Channel ◽  
Ionic Channels ◽  
K Channel ◽  
Na Channel ◽  
Channel Blockers ◽  
K Currents

Single-channel patch-clamp techniques as well as standard and perforated-patch whole cell voltage-clamp techniques have been applied to the study of ionic channels in the corneal endothelium of several species. These studies have revealed two major K+ currents. One is due to an anion- and temperature-stimulated channel that is blocked by Cs+ but not by most other K+ channel blockers, and the other is similar to the family of A-currents found in excitable cells. The A-current is transient after a depolarizing voltage step and is blocked by both 4-aminopyridine and quinidine. These two currents are probably responsible for setting the -50 to -60 mV resting voltage reported for these cells. A Ca(2+)-activated ATP-inhibited nonselective cation channel and a tetrodotoxin-blocked Na+ channel are possible Na+ inflow pathways, but, given their gating properties, it is not certain that either channel works under physiological conditions. A large-conductance anion channel has also been identified by single-channel patch-clamp techniques. Single corneal endothelial cells have input resistances of 5-10 G omega and have steady-state K+ currents that are approximately 10 pA at the resting voltage. Pairs or monolayers of cells are electrically coupled and dye coupled through gap junctions.

scholarly journals Spermine Block of the Strong Inward Rectifier Potassium Channel Kir2.1

2002 ◽  
Vol 120 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lai-Hua Xie ◽  
Scott A. John ◽  
James N. Weiss
Keyword(s):  
Single Channel ◽  
Quantitative Model ◽  
Inward Rectification ◽  
Channel Blockers ◽  
Surface Charges ◽  
Open Probability ◽  
Dependent Component ◽  
Voltage Dependent ◽  
Single Channel Currents ◽  
Inside Out

Inward rectification in strong inward rectifiers such as Kir2.1 is attributed to voltage-dependent block by intracellular polyamines and Mg2+. Block by the polyamine spermine has a complex voltage dependence with shallow and steep components and complex concentration dependence. To understand the mechanism, we measured macroscopic Kir2.1 currents in excised inside-out giant patches from Xenopus oocytes expressing Kir2.1, and single channel currents in the inside-out patches from COS7 cells transfected with Kir2.1. We found that as spermine concentration or voltage increased, the shallow voltage-dependent component of spermine block at more negative voltages was caused by progressive reduction in the single channel current amplitude, without a decrease in open probability. We attributed this effect to spermine screening negative surface charges involving E224 and E299 near the inner vestibule of the channel, thereby reducing K ion permeation rate. This idea was further supported by experiments in which increasing ionic strength also decreased Kir2.1 single channel amplitude, and by mutagenesis experiments showing that this component of spermine block decreased when E224 and E299, but not D172, were neutralized. The steep voltage-dependent component of block at more depolarized voltages was attributed to spermine migrating deeper into the pore and causing fast open channel block. A quantitative model incorporating both features showed excellent agreement with the steady-state and kinetic data. In addition, this model accounts for previously described substate behavior induced by a variety of Kir2.1 channel blockers.

KCNA10: a novel ion channel functionally related to both voltage-gated potassium and CNG cation channels

2000 ◽  
Vol 278 (6) ◽  
pp. F1013-F1021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rainer Lang ◽  
George Lee ◽  
Weimin Liu ◽  
Shulan Tian ◽  
Hamid Rafi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Single Channel ◽  
Reversal Potential ◽  
Amino Acid Identity ◽  
Cation Channels ◽  
K Channel ◽  
Xenopus Laevis Oocytes ◽  
Selectivity Ratio ◽  
Channel Blockers ◽  
Voltage Gated ◽  
Single Channel Currents

Our laboratory previously cloned a novel rabbit gene ( Kcn1), expressed in kidney, heart, and aorta, and predicted to encode a protein with 58% amino acid identity with the K channel Shaker Kv1.3 (Yao X et al. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 92: 11711–11715, 1995). Because Kcn1 did not express well (peak current in Xenopus laevis oocytes of 0.3 μA at +60 mV), the human homolog (KCNA10) was isolated, and its expression was optimized in oocytes. KCNA10 mediates voltage-gated K+currents that exhibit minimal steady-state inactivation. Ensemble currents of 5–10 μA at +40 mV were consistently recorded from injected oocytes. Channels are closed at the holding potential of −80 mV but are progressively activated by depolarizations more positive than −30 mV, with half-activation at +3.5 ± 2.5 mV. The channel displays an unusual inhibitor profile because, in addition to being blocked by classical K channel blockers (barium tetraethylammonium and 4-aminopyridine), it is also sensitive to inhibitors of cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) cation channels (verapamil and pimozide). Tail-current analysis shows a reversal potential shift of 47 mV/decade change in K concentration, indicating a K-to-Na selectivity ratio of at least 15:1. The phorbol ester phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, an activator of protein kinase C, inhibited whole cell current by 42%. Analysis of single-channel currents reveals a conductance of ∼11 pS. We conclude KCNA10 is a novel human voltage-gated K channel with features common to both K-selective and CNG cation channels. Given its distribution in renal blood vessels and heart, we speculate that KCNA10 may be involved in regulating the tone of renal vascular smooth muscle and may also participate in the cardiac action potential.

Ionic currents in neurones cultured from embryonic cockroach (Periplaneta americana) brains

1988 ◽  
Vol 135 (1) ◽  
pp. 193-214 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. N. Christensen ◽  
Y. Larmet ◽  
T. Shimahara ◽  
D. Beadle ◽  
Y. Pichon
Keyword(s):  
Voltage Clamp ◽  
Potassium Current ◽  
Periplaneta Americana ◽  
Single Channel ◽  
Cell Voltage ◽  
Ionic Currents ◽  
Extracellular Potassium ◽  
Potassium Accumulation ◽  
Calcium Permeability ◽  
Single Channel Currents

Neurones isolated from embryonic cockroach brains were maintained in culture for up to 8 weeks. A single patch electrode was used to record voltage changes in response to injected current, membrane ionic currents under whole-cell voltage-clamp conditions or single-channel currents from isolated membrane patches. The voltage changes in response to injected current that depolarized the cell indicated increases in membrane permeability to calcium and potassium. These observations were confirmed using a voltage clamp. The potassium current observed in the youngest cultures turned on with a delay and was blocked by tetraethylammonium (TEA) and 4-aminopyridine (4-AP). Two kinds of decrease in the outward potassium current were observed. One may be associated with extracellular potassium accumulation, inactivation of the potassium channel or inactivation of a calcium channel. The other appears to be a voltage-dependent inactivation. The magnitude of the calcium permeability appeared to increase as the cultures developed, being most prominent in cultures more than 2 weeks old. Single-channel conductance measured from an analysis of records from six isolated membrane patches ranged from 15 to 110 pS. Except for one channel, the probability of the channels being open did not change appreciably with membrane potential. Our results suggest that much of the increase in potassium permeability may be due an increase in intracellular calcium level.

Isolated neurosecretory nerve endings as a tool for studying the mechanism of stimulus-secretion coupling

1987 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 411-426 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean J. Nordmann ◽  
Govindan Dayanithi ◽  
José R. Lemos
Keyword(s):  
Patch Clamp ◽  
Nerve Endings ◽  
Direct Access ◽  
Nerve Terminals ◽  
Patch Clamp Technique ◽  
Neural Lobe ◽  
Neuropeptide Release ◽  
Clamp Technique ◽  
Stimulus Secretion Coupling

In the present paper we discuss the properties of a recently developed preparation of isolated neurosecretory nerve endings obtained from the rate neurohypophysis. These nerve terminals release two neurohormones, oxytocin and vasopressin, which are easily assayed by radioimmunoassay. Depolarization-induced secretion is dependent on the same parameters as those regulating release from the whole neural lobe. The isolated nerve endings can be permeabilized by means of digitonin; a treatment which gives direct access to the cytoplasm allowing the study of the minimal requirements for inducing neuropeptide release. Furthermore, some nerve endings are large enough to allow the use of the patch-clamp technique. In the present paper we present evidences which show that the isolated neurohypophysial nerve terminals represent a protent tool for studying the mechanism of stimulus-secretion.

Single K+-channel current measurements from brain synaptosomes in lipid bilayers

1983 ◽  
Vol 245 (1) ◽  
pp. C151-C156 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. T. Nelson ◽  
M. Roudna ◽  
E. Bamberg
Keyword(s):  
Ion Channels ◽  
Lipid Bilayers ◽  
Single Channel ◽  
Mammalian Brain ◽  
K Channel ◽  
Kinetic Properties ◽  
Nerve Terminals ◽  
Planar Lipid Bilayers ◽  
Presynaptic Nerve Terminals ◽  
Single Channel Currents

Ion channels from a rat brain preparation enriched in presynaptic nerve terminals (synaptosomes) were incorporated into planar lipid bilayers. Experiments examined macroscopic (channel-ensemble) currents as well as single-channel currents. Four single-channel conductances (ranging from 10 to 40 pS) were usually observed, each with distinct kinetic properties. All the observed channels selected for K+ over Cl-. These K+ channels may contribute to the resting K+ conductance of brain nerve terminals. Furthermore, this report demonstrates that the properties of ion channels from mammalian brain can be studied in planar lipid bilayers and suggests that this system can be readily extended to many additional investigations on the electrical properties of brain membranes.

scholarly journals Shaker potassium channel gating. III: Evaluation of kinetic models for activation.

1994 ◽  
Vol 103 (2) ◽  
pp. 321-362 ◽  
Author(s):  
W N Zagotta ◽  
T Hoshi ◽  
R W Aldrich
Keyword(s):  
Steady State ◽  
Conformational Changes ◽  
Time Course ◽  
Single Channel ◽  
Ionic Currents ◽  
Single Step ◽  
Gating Currents ◽  
Open Probability ◽  
Shaker Potassium Channel ◽  
Single Channel Currents

Predictions of different classes of gating models involving identical conformational changes in each of four subunits were compared to the gating behavior of Shaker potassium channels without N-type inactivation. Each model was tested to see if it could simulate the voltage dependence of the steady state open probability, and the kinetics of the single-channel currents, macroscopic ionic currents and macroscopic gating currents using a single set of parameters. Activation schemes based upon four identical single-step activation processes were found to be incompatible with the experimental results, as were those involving a concerted, opening transition. A model where the opening of the channel requires two conformational changes in each of the four subunits can adequately account for the steady state and kinetic behavior of the channel. In this model, the gating in each subunit is independent except for a stabilization of the open state when all four subunits are activated, and an unstable closed conformation that the channel enters after opening. A small amount of negative cooperativity between the subunits must be added to account quantitatively for the dependence of the activation time course on holding voltage.

Effect of Prozac on whole cell ionic currents in lens and corneal epithelia

1995 ◽  
Vol 269 (1) ◽  
pp. C250-C256 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. L. Rae ◽  
A. Rich ◽  
A. C. Zamudio ◽  
O. A. Candia
Keyword(s):  
Potassium Channels ◽  
Single Channel ◽  
Ionic Currents ◽  
Current Amplitude ◽  
Human Lens ◽  
Delayed Rectifier ◽  
Open Probability ◽  
Channel Current ◽  
Single Channel Current ◽  
Ionic Conductances

Prozac (fluoxetine), a compound used therapeutically in humans to combat depression, has substantial effects on ionic conductances in rabbit corneal epithelial cells and in cultured human lens epithelium. In corneal epithelium, it reduces the current due to the large-conductance potassium channels that dominate this preparation. Its effects seem largely to decrease the open probability while leaving the single-channel current amplitude unaltered. In cultured human epithelium, currents from calcium-activated potassium channels and inward rectifiers are unaffected by Prozac. Delayed-rectifier potassium currents are reduced by Prozac in a complicated way that involves both gating and single-channel current amplitude. Fast tetrodotoxin-blockable sodium currents are also decreased by Prozac in this preparation. For all of these ion conductance effects, Prozac concentrations of 10(-5) to 10(-4) M are required. Whereas these levels are 10- to 100-fold higher than the plasma levels achieved in therapeutic use in humans, they are comparable to or less than levels needed for many other blockers of the ionic conductances studied here.

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