scholarly journals Modulation of membrane currents by cyclic AMP in cleavage-arrested Drosophila neurons.

1996 ◽  
Vol 199 (3) ◽  
pp. 537-548
Author(s):  
W B Alshuaib ◽  
L Byerly

A number of Drosophila learning mutants have defective intracellular second-messenger systems. In an effort to develop techniques that will allow direct measurement of the effects of these mutations on whole-cell neuronal membrane currents, the perforated-patch whole-cell (PPWC) technique has been applied to cleavage-arrested cultured embryonic Drosophila neurons. This technique permits the measurement of membrane currents without disturbing the intracellular environment. As a result of the maintenance of the intracellular environment, Drosophila neuron currents are found to be much more stable than when measured using the conventional whole-cell (CWC) patch-clamp technique. Ca2+ channel currents, which typically 'wash out' within a few minutes of the beginning of CWC recording, are stable for the duration of the seal (tens of minutes) when measured using the PPWC technique. Since the learning mutations dunce and rutabaga disrupt cyclic AMP signalling, the action of externally applied dibutyryl cyclic AMP (db-cAMP) and theophylline on Ca2+ and K+ channel currents were studied. db-cAMP and theophylline enhanced the Ba2+ current, carried by Ca2+ channels, but had no effect on the K+ current in the cleavage-arrested neurons. However, the large variability and reduction in density of Ba2+ and K+ currents raise questions about the suitability of using these cleavage-arrested cells as models for Drosophila neurons.

1993 ◽  
Vol 177 (1) ◽  
pp. 201-221 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. A. Pearson ◽  
G. Lees ◽  
D. Wray

1. Using the patch-clamp technique, Ca2+ channel currents were recorded from neurones freshly isolated from the thoracic ganglia of the desert locust Schistocerca gregaria. 2. In solutions containing 10 mmol l-1 Ba2+ we observed high-voltage-activated whole-cell inward currents with sustained and transient components, both of which had similar steady-state inactivation properties. 3. Substitution of Ca2+ for Ba2+ was found to reduce whole-cell currents, whereas removal of monovalent cations had no effect. 4. Cd2+ (1 mmol l-1) completely blocked the whole-cell current, but at 10 micromolar preferentially inhibited the sustained component without affecting the transient component. 5. Verapamil (1 micromolar) inhibited both current components but appeared to be more selective for the sustained component, whereas nitrendipine (1 micromolar) had no effect on either component. 6. A single-channel recording suggested that the transient component was carried by a low- conductance channel. 7. Certain compounds with insecticidal action (ryanodine, S-bioallethrin, deltamethrin and avermectin) did not affect calcium channel currents in these cells. 8. These data suggest that there are two types of Ca2+ channels present in locust neurones. These channel types have properties differing from the T-, L- and N-type channels found in vertebrates and, furthermore, were not targets for the insecticides we tested.


1996 ◽  
Vol 271 (5) ◽  
pp. C1565-C1573 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Loussouarn ◽  
S. Demolombe ◽  
R. Mohammad-Panah ◽  
D. Escande ◽  
I. Baro

The perforated-patch configuration of the patch-clamp technique was used to record whole cell currents from human epithelial CFPAC-1 cells defective for functional cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). In CFPAC-1 cells, adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) stimulation with forskolin (10 microM) plus 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (400 microM) activated neither Cl- nor K+ currents. In the same cells transfected with wild-type CFTR gene, cAMP stimulation produced activation of both Cl- and K+ currents. In Cl(-)-depleted medium (gluconate as a substitute), cAMP stimulation evoked a K+ current in CFTR-transfected but not in untransfected CFPAC-1 cells. This cAMP-evoked K+ current was the sum of two components: 1) a time-independent inwardly rectifying component, and 2) a slowly relaxing component activated at positive voltages. Increasing intracellular Ca2+ with ionomycin (1 microM) activated K+ currents in either transfected or untransfected cells. In transfected cells, blocking the CFTR conductance with high-concentration glibenclamide (100 microM) reduced the K+ current when activated by cAMP but not when activated by Ca2+. Pretreating CFTR-transfected cells for 48 h with interferon-gamma downregulated CFTR gene expression and reduced cAMP but not Ca2+ activation of the whole cell K+ current. From these results, we conclude that functional membrane CFTR protein influences activation by cAMP of epithelial K+ currents.


1995 ◽  
Vol 268 (5) ◽  
pp. H2036-H2047 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. F. Fransen ◽  
M. J. Demolder ◽  
D. L. Brutsaert

The whole cell mode of the patch-clamp technique was applied to cultured endocardial endothelial cells from the porcine right ventricle to study their electrophysiological properties. With isotonic pipette and bathing solutions (300-310 mosmol/kgH2O), single endocardial endothelial cells had resting membrane potentials ranging from -20 to -90 mV (mean = -55 +/- 20 mV, n = 48). In voltage-clamp experiments, the main membrane current was an inwardly rectifying K+ current with all characteristics described for the inwardly rectifying K+ current in vascular endothelium. Outward currents at positive clamp potentials were small, but when cell swelling was induced by means of a hypertonic pipette or hypotonic bathing solution and ATP (5 mM) was present in the pipette solution, a large outwardly rectifying current developed. This volume-activated current was insensitive to extracellular K+ or Na+ concentration variations but sensitive to changes in extracellular Cl- concentrations. It was inhibited in the presence of 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2 disulfonic acid (100-300 microM) and flufenamic acid (50-100 microM). Volume-activated Cl- channels are different from the stretch-activated cationic channels described in vascular endothelium and might be involved in the regulation of cell volume or the response to mechanical stretch.


1994 ◽  
Vol 267 (1) ◽  
pp. C255-C265 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. C. Martin ◽  
J. Thompson ◽  
T. J. Shuttleworth

In the avian salt gland carbachol (CCh) evokes oscillations in K+ and Cl- current that are sufficient to fully activate secretory activity. Employing the perforated patch-clamp technique, we demonstrate that beta-adrenergic receptor activation stimulates a sustained adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent Cl- current with no increase in K+ current. This evokes only a modest increase in secretory activity. However, application of isoproterenol in the presence of a threshold dose of CCh results in maximal secretory activity. Membrane potential measurements demonstrate that isoproterenol stimulates a sustained membrane depolarization from approximately -45 mV to the Cl- equilibrium potential (ECl), whereas CCh evokes oscillations in membrane potential to levels more negative than ECl, representing a mixture of K+ and Cl- conductances. We conclude that, in agreement with current models of fluid secretion, maximal stimulation can only be achieved with simultaneous activation of both K+ and Cl- currents. Because isoproterenol fails to stimulate a K+ current, Cl- secretion is reduced as the driving force for Cl- secretion is dissipated. However, if a driving force is imposed by increasing K+ channel activity (by coadministering CCh), Cl- efflux is sustained. These results could provide a basis for the marked potentiation of Ca(2+)-mediated secretion by agonists that increase cAMP seen in in vivo studies of salivary glands and other exocrine tissues.


2000 ◽  
Vol 84 (6) ◽  
pp. 2933-2944 ◽  
Author(s):  
Torben R. Neelands ◽  
Anthony P. J. King ◽  
Robert L. Macdonald

The biophysical and pharmacological properties of voltage-gated calcium channel currents in the human teratocarcinoma cell line NT2-N were studied using the whole cell patch-clamp technique. When held at −80 mV, barium currents ( I Bas) were evoked by voltage commands to above −35 mV that peaked at +5 mV. When holding potentials were reduced to −20 mV or 5 mM barium was substituted for 5 mM calcium, there was a reduction in peak currents and a right shift in the current-voltage curve. A steady-state inactivation curve for I Ba was fit with a Boltzmann curve ( V 1/2 = −43.3 mV; slope = −17.7 mV). Maximal current amplitude increased from 1-wk (232 pA) to 9-wk (1025 pA) postdifferentiation. Whole cell I Bas were partially blocked by specific channel blockers to a similar extent in 1- to 3-wk and 7- to 9-wk postdifferentiation NT2-N cells: 10 μM nifedipine (19 vs. 25%), 10 μM conotoxin GVIA (27 vs. 25%), 10 μM conotoxin MVIIC (15 vs. 16%), and 1.75 μM SNX-482 (31 vs. 33%). Currents were completely blocked by 300 μM cadmium. In the presence of nifedipine, GVIA, and MVIIC, ∼35% of current remained, which was reduced further by SNX-482 (7–14% of current remained), consistent with functional expression of L-, N-, and P/Q-calcium channel types and one or more R-type channel. The presence of multiple calcium currents in this human neuronal-type cell line provides a potentially useful model for study of the regulation, expression and cellular function of human derived calcium channel currents; in particular the R-type current(s).


1994 ◽  
Vol 107 (2) ◽  
pp. 517-526 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.A. Arkett ◽  
S.J. Dixon ◽  
S.M. Sims

Osteoclasts are the cells responsible for the resorption of bone and other mineralized tissues. GTP-binding proteins (G proteins) play important roles in regulating the activity of many cell types; however, there is limited knowledge of their functions in osteoclasts. We used the patch-clamp technique in the whole-cell configuration to introduce either hydrolysis-resistant guanosine triphosphate analogues or fluoroaluminate into single rat osteoclasts, and examined the effects of G protein activation on cell morphology and ionic conductances. Guanosine 5′-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) or 5′-guanylyl-imidodiphosphate, but not the control compounds adenosine 5′-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) or guanosine 5′-O-(2-thiodiphosphate), induced: (1) prompt spreading due to extension of lamellipodia; and (2) after a latency of several minutes, complete suppression of the inwardly rectifying K+ current. Pertussis toxin did not alter either spreading or suppression of K+ current induced by guanosine 5′-O-(3-thiotriphosphate). Cytochalasin D, but not colchicine, prevented guanosine 5′-O-(3-thiotriphosphate)-induced spreading, consistent with actin polymerization underlying lamellipod extension. Whole-cell capacitance did not change during guanosine 5′-O-(3-thiotriphosphate)-induced spreading, which is consistent with a lack of change in total plasma membrane area. Fluoroaluminate did not induce spreading, but it did suppress the K+ current. The differential effects of fluoroaluminate and guanosine 5′-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) suggest that lamellipod extension is regulated by a small molecular mass, monomeric G protein, whereas the inwardly rectifying K+ current is regulated by a large molecular mass, heterotrimeric G protein. Thus, osteoclast motility and ion transport are regulated by separate G protein-coupled pathways.


1989 ◽  
Vol 145 (1) ◽  
pp. 173-184
Author(s):  
D. Yamamoto ◽  
N. Suzuki

Permeability and gating properties of single, non-inactivating, K+ channel currents in cultured Drosophila neurons were studied using the gigaohm-seal patch-clamp technique. The non-inactivating K+ currents were activated by depolarizing the membrane to −30 mV or to more positive potentials. The slope conductance of the channel was estimated to be 17.6 +/− 3.70 pS when the cytoplasmic side of the inside-out membrane patch was perfused with solutions containing 145 mmoll-1 K+. The single-channel conductance was temperature-sensitive, with a Q10 of 1.44 between 10 and 20 degrees C. Single-channel currents could be recorded when the cytoplasmic K+ was replaced with NH4+, Rb+ or Na+, but not with Cs+. The conductance ratio of the channel for these cations was: K+ (1) greater than NH4+(0.53) greater than Rb+ (0.47) greater than Na+ (0.44). Tetraethylammonium (TEA+) ions applied at a concentration of 10 mmoll-1 to the cytoplasmic side of the membrane increased the frequency of ‘blank’ traces which contained no channel openings during repetitive depolarization. In addition, single-channel amplitude was reduced by about 20%. The open-time distribution was fitted by a single exponential function, whereas the closed-time distribution required a three-exponential fit. Permeability and gating properties of single, non-inactivating K+ channel currents in neurons of eag, a mutant which has defects in the delayed rectifier K+ channel, were indistinguishable from those recorded from wild-type neurons.


1990 ◽  
Vol 258 (5) ◽  
pp. G794-G802 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. M. Sims ◽  
M. B. Vivaudou ◽  
C. Hillemeier ◽  
P. Biancani ◽  
J. V. Walsh ◽  
...  

The tight-seal whole cell recording technique with patch pipettes was used to study membrane currents of smooth muscle cells freshly dissociated from the esophagus of cats. Under voltage clamp with K+ in the pipette, depolarizing commands elicited an initial inward current followed by a transient outward current that peaked and then declined to reveal spontaneous outward currents (SOCs). SOCs were evident at -60 mV and more positive potentials. The reversal of SOCs at the K+ equilibrium potential and their suppression by tetraethylammonium chloride lead to the conclusion that they represent the activity of K+ channels. Acetylcholine (ACh) caused reversible contraction of these cells and had two successive effects on membrane currents, causing transient activation of K+ current followed by suppression of SOCs. Both of these effects were blocked by atropine. Consistent with these observations, in current clamp, ACh caused a transient hyperpolarization followed by depolarization. The inward current activated by depolarization was blocked by external Cd2+, consistent with the inward current being a voltage-activated calcium current. Two types of Ca2+ current could be distinguished on the basis of voltage-activation range, time course of inactivation and "run-down" during whole cell recording.


1995 ◽  
Vol 269 (4) ◽  
pp. G606-G612 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. A. Murray ◽  
E. F. Shibata ◽  
T. L. Buresh ◽  
H. Picken ◽  
B. W. O'Meara ◽  
...  

Nitric oxide mediates nerve-induced hyperpolarization of circular smooth muscle of the esophagus. Two mechanisms are proposed to explain this hyperpolarization: an increase in K+ current or a decrease in Cl- current. These studies test the hypothesis that nitric oxide increases a K+ current in esophageal smooth muscle. Three outward K+ currents are present in circular smooth muscle cells from the opossum esophagus. One current is a Ca(2+)-activated K+ current (IKCa2+). This current is inhibited by charybdotoxin. Whole cell currents were recorded from isolated opossum esophageal smooth muscle cells using the whole cell patch-clamp technique. These studies showed that IKCa2+ is activated at potentials more positive than -30 mV. Bath application of S-nitroso-L-cysteine increased IKCa2+ by 50% above control levels throughout the entire activation range of potentials. The enhanced current was reversible on washout. Either charybdotoxin, an inhibitor of IKCa2+, or (R)-p-8-(4-chloropenylthio)-guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphorothioate, an inhibitor of protein kinase G, antagonized the increase in outward current induced by S-nitroso-L-cysteine. These data suggest that nitric oxide activates IKCa2+ via the guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate-protein kinase G signal transduction pathway.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document