Store-Operated Ca 2+ Influx and Expression of TRPC Genes in Mouse Sinoatrial Node

Abstract

Store-operated Ca(2+) entry was investigated in isolated mouse sinoatrial nodes (SAN) dissected from right atria and loaded with Ca(2+) indicators. Incubation of the SAN in Ca(2+)-free solution caused a substantial decrease in resting intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) and stopped pacemaker activity. Reintroduction of Ca(2+) in the presence of cyclopiazonic acid (CPA), a sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) pump inhibitor, led to sustained elevation of [Ca(2+)](i), a characteristic of store-operated Ca(2+) channel (SOCC) activity. Two SOCC antagonists, Gd(3+) and SKF-96365, inhibited 72+/-8% and 65+/-8% of this Ca(2+) influx, respectively. SKF-96365 also reduced the spontaneous pacemaker rate to 27+/-4% of control in the presence of CPA. Because members of the transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) gene family may encode SOCCs, we used RT-PCR to examine mRNA expression of the 7 known mammalian TRPC isoforms. Transcripts for TRPC1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7, but not TRPC5, were detected. Immunohistochemistry using anti-TRPC1, 3, 4, and 6 antibodies revealed positive labeling in the SAN region and single pacemaker cells. These results indicate that mouse SAN exhibits store-operated Ca(2+) activity which may be attributable to TRPC expression, and suggest that SOCCs may be involved in regulating pacemaker firing rate.