Ryanodine Receptor-mediated Ca2 Research Articles

In vivo cardiovascular profile of ryanodine receptor 2 inhibitor M201-A: Utility as an anti-atrial fibrillatory drug for patients suffering from heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) often coexist; however, clinically available anti-AF drugs can exacerbate symptoms of HFpEF. M201-A suppressed ryanodine receptor-mediated diastolic Ca2+ leakage, possibly inhibiting common pathological processes toward AF and HFpEF. To bridge the basic information to clinical practice, we assessed its cardiohemodynamic, anti-AF and ventricular proarrhythmic profile using halothane-anesthetized dogs (n = 4). M201-A hydrochloride in doses of 0.03, 0.3 and 3 mg/kg/10 min was intravenously administered, providing peak plasma concentrations of 0.09, 0.81 and 5.70 μg/mL, respectively. The high dose of M201-A showed various cardiovascular actions. Namely, M201-A increased mean blood pressure and tended to enhance isovolumetric ventricular relaxation without suppressing ventricular contraction or decreasing cardiac output. M201-A enhanced atrioventricular conduction, but hardy affected intra-atrial/ventricular conduction. Importantly, M201-A prolonged effective refractory period more potently in the atrium than in the ventricle, indicating that it may become an atrial-selective antiarrhythmic drug. Meanwhile, M201-A prolonged QT interval/QTcV, and showed reverse frequency-dependent delay of ventricular repolarization. M201-A prolonged J-Tpeakc without prolonging Tpeak-Tend or terminal repolarization period, indicating the risk of causing torsade de pointes is negligible. Thus, M201-A is expected to become a hopeful therapeutic strategy for patients having pathology of both AF and HFpEF.

A fixed 20:1 combination of cafedrine/theodrenaline increases cytosolic Ca2+ concentration in human tracheal epithelial cells via ryanodine receptor-mediated Ca2+ release

Mucociliary clearance is a pivotal physiological mechanism that protects the lung by cleaning the airways from pollution and colonization, thereby preventing infection. Ciliary function is influenced by various signal transduction cascades, and Ca2+ represents a key second messenger. A fixed 20:1 combination of cafedrine and theodrenaline has been widely used to treat perioperative hypotension and emergency hypotensive states since the 1960s; however, its effect on the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) of respiratory epithelium remains unknown. Therefore, human tracheal epithelial cells were exposed to the clinically applied 20:1 mixture of cafedrine/theodrenaline and the individual substances separately. [Ca2+]i was assessed by FURA-2 340/380 fluorescence ratio. Pharmacological inhibitors were applied to elucidate relevant signal transduction cascades, and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed on murine tracheal epithelium to analyze ryanodine receptor (RyR) subtype expression. All three pharmacological preparations instantaneously induced a steep increase in [Ca2+]i that quickly returned to its baseline value despite the persistence of each substance. Peak [Ca2+]i following the administration of 20:1 cafedrine/theodrenaline, cafedrine alone, and theodrenaline alone increased in a dose-dependent manner, with median effective concentrations of 0.35 mM (7.32 mM cafedrine and 0.35 mM theodrenaline), 3.14 mM, and 3.45 mM, respectively. When extracellular Ca2+ influx was inhibited using a Ca2+-free buffer solution, the peak [Ca2+]i following the administration of cafedrine alone and theodrenaline alone were reduced but not abolished. No alteration in [Ca2+]i compared with baseline [Ca2+]i was observed during β-adrenergic receptor inhibition. Depletion of caffeine-sensitive stores and inhibition of RyR, but not IP3 receptors, completely abolished any increase in [Ca2+]i. However, [Ca2+]i still increased following the depletion of mitochondrial Ca2+ stores using 2,4-dinitrophenol. RT-PCR revealed RyR-2 and RyR-3 expression on murine tracheal epithelium. Although our experiments showed that cafedrine/theodrenaline, cafedrine alone, or theodrenaline alone release Ca2+ from intracellular stores through mechanisms that are exclusively triggered by β-adrenergic receptor stimulation, which most probably lead to RyR activation, clinical plasma concentrations are considerably lower than those used in our experiments to elicit an increase in [Ca2+]i; therefore, further studies are needed to evaluate the ability of cafedrine/theodrenaline to alter mucociliary clearance in clinical practice.

Mechanism of direct regulation of cerebral artery contractility by statins

Statins are amongst the most widely prescribed drugs in the world with a range of vascular effects that have been primarily attributed to the inhibition of cholesterol and mevalonate biosynthesis, and the inhibition of mevalonate-dependent Rho/ROCK signaling upon long-term treatment. However, no studies have investigated the direct effects of acute statin application on fresh isolated resistance cerebral arteries using therapeutic concentrations of statins. We examined acute vascular effects of therapeutically relevant concentrations (0.01-10nM) of rosuvastatin and simvastatin on Sprague Dawley rat cerebral arteries and underlying molecular mechanisms. Cannulated arterial segments were maintained at 37°C in a perfusion chamber and intraluminal pressure slowly increased to 60 mmHg. For calcium imaging, the isolated arteries were preincubated in Fura-2AM (10μM) and 0.02% Kolliphor solution at room temperature for two hours before mounting in the perfusion chamber. At 60mmHg, cerebral arteries developed ~36% myogenic tone, after which increasing concentrations of statins were applied. Our data showed that the application of 1nM rosuvastatin and simvastatin constricted cerebral arteries by ~26 μm and ~24μm, respectively, within 2-3 minutes of drug application. Such statin-induced vasoconstriction remained unaltered upon endothelium denudation (intact ~23μm vs denuded ~25μm), suggesting an endothelium-independent mechanism. Co-application of mevalonate did not alter the vasoconstriction either (control ~28μm vs mevalonate ~29 μm), indicating that the effect is HMG-CoA reductase-independent. However, removal of extracellular Ca2+ with EGTA or the application of nimodipine, a selective blocker of smooth muscle cell voltage-gated Ca2+ channel, CaV1.2, each abolished cerebral artery vasoconstriction by statins, indicating that the Ca2+ entry through CaV1.2 plays a critical role here. Since Ca2+ entry into smooth muscle cells induces Ca2+ release from intracellular Ca2+ stores such as sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and endoplasmic reticulum (ER), we next examined the role of these Ca2+ release pathways. We found that co-application of ryanodine, a blocker of ryanodine receptor-mediated Ca2+ release, had no effects on statin-induced constriction. In contrast, statin-evoked vasoconstriction of cerebral arteries was significantly attenuated upon co-application of thapsigargin, a blocker of SR/ER membrane Ca2+-ATPase pump (SERCA), highlighting the involvement of thapsigargin-sensitive Ca2+ stores in regulating [Ca2+]i and vasoconstriction. Simultaneous measurement of arterial Ca2+ fluorescence and diameter further confirmed the involvement of CaV1.2 channel in mediating Ca2+ entry and subsequent Ca2+ release, leading to cerebral artery vasoconstriction. Altogether, our data suggests that smooth muscle cell CaV1.2 opening and Ca2+ influx is the primary mechanism underlying statin-induced constriction of cerebral arteries.

Ryanodine receptor-mediated Ca2+ release and atlastin-2 GTPase activity contribute to IP3-induced dendritic Ca2+ signals in primary hippocampal neurons

Neuronal Ca2+ signals are fundamental for synaptic transmission and activity-dependent changes in gene expression. Voltage-gated Ca2+ channels and N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors play major roles in mediating external Ca2+ entry during action potential firing and glutamatergic activity. Additionally, the inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R) and the ryanodine receptor (RyR) channels expressed in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) also contribute to the generation of Ca2+ signals in response to neuronal activity. The ER forms a network that pervades the entire neuronal volume, allowing intracellular Ca2+ release in dendrites, soma and presynaptic boutons. Despite its unique morphological features, the contributions of ER structure and of ER-shaping proteins such as atlastin - an ER enriched GTPase that mediates homotypic ER tubule fusion - to the generation of Ca2+ signals in dendrites remains unreported. Here, we investigated the contribution of RyR-mediated Ca2+ release to IP3-generated Ca2+ signals in dendrites of cultured hippocampal neurons. We also employed GTPase activity-deficient atlastin-2 (ATL2) mutants to evaluate the potential role of atlastin on Ca2+ signaling and ER-resident Ca2+ channel distribution. We found that pharmacological suppression of RyR channel activity increased the rising time and reduced the magnitude and propagation of IP3-induced Ca2+ signals. Additionally, ATL2 mutants induced specific ER morphological alterations, delayed the onset and increased the rising time of IP3-evoked Ca2+ signals, and caused RyR2 and IP3R1 aggregation and RyR2 redistribution. These results indicate that both RyR and ATL2 activity regulate IP3-induced Ca2+ signal dynamics through RyR-mediated Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release, ER shaping and RyR2 distribution.

Interleukin-4 Induces the Release of Opioid Peptides from M1 Macrophages in Pathological Pain.

Interleukin-4 (IL-4) is an anti-inflammatory cytokine, which can be protective in inflammatory and neurologic disorders, and can alleviate pain. Classically, IL-4 diminishes pain by blocking the production of proinflammatory cytokines. Here, we uncovered that IL-4 induces acute antinociception by IL-4 receptor α (IL-4Rα)-dependent release of opioid peptides from M1 macrophages at injured nerves. As a model of pathologic pain, we used a chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve in male mice. A single application of IL-4 at the injured nerves (14 d following CCI) attenuated mechanical hypersensitivity evaluated by von Frey filaments, which was reversed by co-injected antibody to IL-4Rα, antibodies to opioid peptides such as Met-enkephalin (ENK), β-endorphin and dynorphin A 1-17, and selective antagonists of δ-opioid, µ-opioid, and κ-opioid receptors. Injured nerves were predominately infiltrated by proinflammatory M1 macrophages and IL-4 did not change their numbers or the phenotype, assessed by flow cytometry and qRT-PCR, respectively. Macrophages isolated from damaged nerves by immunomagnetic separation (IMS) and stimulated with IL-4 dose dependently secreted all three opioid peptides measured by immunoassays. The IL-4-induced release of ENK was diminished by IL-4Rα antibody, intracellular Ca2+ chelator, and inhibitors of protein kinase A (PKA), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), and ryanodine receptors. Together, we identified a new opioid mechanism underlying the IL-4-induced antinociception that involves PKA-mediated, PI3K-mediated, ryanodine receptor-mediated, and intracellular Ca2+-mediated release from M1 macrophages of opioid peptides, which activate peripheral opioid receptors in injured tissue.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Interleukin-4 (IL-4) is an anti-inflammatory cytokine, which can ameliorate pain. The IL-4-mediated effects are considered to mostly result from the inhibition of the production of proinflammatory mediators (e.g., IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor, prostaglandin E2). Here, we found that IL-4 injected at the injured nerves attenuates pain by releasing opioid peptides from the infiltrating macrophages in mice. The opioids were secreted by IL-4 in the intracellular Ca2+-dependent manner and activated local peripheral opioid receptors. These actions represent a novel mode of IL-4 action, since its releasing properties have not been so far reported. Importantly, our findings suggest that the IL-4-opioid system should be targeted in the peripheral damaged tissue, since this can be devoid of central and systemic side effects.

Synchrony of spontaneous Ca2+ activity in microvascular mural cells.

Spontaneous rhythmic constrictions known as vasomotion are developed in several microvascular beds in vivo. Vasomotion in arterioles is considered to facilitate blood flow, while venular vasomotion would facilitate tissue metabolite drainage. Mechanisms underlying vasomotion periodically generate synchronous Ca2+ transients in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). In visceral organs, mural cells (pericytes and VSMCs) in arterioles, capillaries and venules exhibit synchronous spontaneous Ca2+ transients. Since sympathetic regulation is rather limited in the intra-organ microvessels, spontaneous activity of mural cells may play an essential role in maintaining tissue perfusion. Synchronous spontaneous Ca2+ transients in precapillary arterioles (PCAs)/capillaries appear to propagate to upstream arterioles to drive their vasomotion, while venules develop their own synchronous Ca2+ transients and associated vasomotion. Spontaneous Ca2+ transients of mural cells primarily arise from IP3 and/or ryanodine receptor-mediated Ca2+ release from sarcoendoplasmic reticulum (SR/ER) Ca2+ stores. The resultant opening of Ca2+-activated Cl- channels (CaCCs) causes a membrane depolarisation that triggers Ca2+ influx via T-type and/or L-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels (VDCCs). Mural cells are electrically coupled with each other via gap junctions, and thus allow the sequential spread of CaCC or VDCC-dependent depolarisations to develop the synchrony of Ca2+ transients within their network. Importantly, the synchrony of spontaneous Ca2+ transients also requires a certain range of the resting membrane potential that is maintained by the opening of Kv7 voltage-dependent K+ (Kv7) and inward rectifier K+ (Kir) channels. Thus, a depolarised membrane would evoke asynchronous, ‘premature’ spontaneous Ca2+ transients, while a hyperpolarised membrane prevents any spontaneous activity.

Ryanodine-induced vasoconstriction of the gerbil spiral modiolar artery depends on the Ca2+ sensitivity but not on Ca2+ sparks or BK channels.

BackgroundIn many vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs), ryanodine receptor-mediated Ca2+ sparks activate large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BK) channels leading to lowered SMC [Ca2+]i and vasodilation. Here we investigated whether Ca2+ sparks regulate SMC global [Ca2+]i and diameter in the spiral modiolar artery (SMA) by activating BK channels.MethodsSMAs were isolated from adult female gerbils, loaded with the Ca2+-sensitive flourescent dye fluo-4 and pressurized using a concentric double-pipette system. Ca2+ signals and vascular diameter changes were recorded using a laser-scanning confocal imaging system. Effects of various pharmacological agents on Ca2+ signals and vascular diameter were analyzed.ResultsCa2+ sparks and waves were observed in pressurized SMAs. Inhibition of Ca2+ sparks with ryanodine increased global Ca2+ and constricted SMA at 40 cmH2O but inhibition of Ca2+ sparks with tetracaine or inhibition of BK channels with iberiotoxin at 40 cmH2O did not produce a similar effect. The ryanodine-induced vasoconstriction observed at 40 cmH2O was abolished at 60 cmH2O, consistent with a greater Ca2+-sensitivity of constriction at 40 cmH2O than at 60 cmH2O. When the Ca2+-sensitivity of the SMA was increased by prior application of 1 nM endothelin-1, ryanodine induced a robust vasoconstriction at 60 cmH2O.ConclusionsThe results suggest that Ca2+ sparks, while present, do not regulate vascular diameter in the SMA by activating BK channels and that the regulation of vascular diameter in the SMA is determined by the Ca2+-sensitivity of constriction.

Ablation of HRC alleviates cardiac arrhythmia and improves abnormal Ca handling in CASQ2 knockout mice prone to CPVT.

Cardiac calsequestrin (CASQ2) and histidine-rich Ca-binding protein (HRC) are sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca-binding proteins that regulate SR Ca release in mammalian heart. Deletion of either CASQ2 or HRC results in relatively mild phenotypes characterized by preserved cardiac structure and function, although CASQ2 knockout (KO), or Cnull, shows increased arrhythmia burden under conditions of catecholaminergic stress. We hypothesized that given the apparent overlap of functions of CASQ2 and HRC, simultaneous ablation of both would deteriorate the cardiac phenotype compared with the single knockouts. In contrast to this expectation, double knockout (DKO) mice lacking both CASQ2 and HRC exhibited normal cardiac ejection fraction and ultrastructure. Moreover, the predisposition to catecholamine-dependent arrhythmia that characterizes the Cnull phenotype was alleviated in the DKO mice. At the myocyte level, DKO mice displayed Ca transients of normal amplitude; additionally, the frequency of spontaneous Ca waves and sparks in the presence of isoproterenol were decreased markedly compared with Cnull. Furthermore, restitution of SR Ca release was slowed in DKO myocytes compared with Cnull cells. Our results suggest that rather than being functionally redundant, CASQ2 and HRC modulate cardiac ryanodine receptor-mediated (RyR2) Ca release in an opposing manner. In particular, while CASQ2 stabilizes RyR2 rendering it refractory in the diastolic phase, HRC enhances RyR2 activity facilitating RyR2 recovery from refractoriness.

Knockdown of STIM1 improves neuronal survival after traumatic neuronal injury through regulating mGluR1-dependent Ca(2+) signaling in mouse cortical neurons.

Activation of glutamate receptors and followed increase of intracellular calcium concentration is a key pathological mechanism involved in secondary neuronal injury after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Stromal interaction molecule (STIM) proteins are considered to be important players in regulating neuronal Ca(2+) homeostasis under normal aging and pathological conditions. Here, we investigated the role of STIM1 in regulating metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 (mGluR1)-related Ca(2+) signaling and neuronal survival by using an in vitro traumatic neuronal injury (TNI) model. The expression of STIM1 was significantly increased at both mRNA and protein levels after TNI. Down-regulation of STIM1 by specific small interfere RNA significantly preserved neuronal viability, decreased lactate dehydrogenase release, and inhibited apoptotic cell death after traumatic injury. Moreover, knockdown of STIM1 significantly alleviated the mGluR1-related increase of cytoplasmic Ca(2+) levels after TNI. By analyzing Ca(2+) imaging in Ca(2+)-free conditions, we demonstrated that the mGluR1-dependent inositol trisphosphate receptor and/or ryanodine receptor-mediated Ca(2+) release from the endoplasmic reticulum after TNI is strongly attenuated in the absence of STIM1. Together, our results demonstrate that in the mammalian nervous system, STIM1 is a key regulator of mGluR1-dependent Ca(2+) signaling and knockdown of STIM1 might be an effective intervention target in TBI.

Cytoplasmic nanojunctions between lysosomes and sarcoplasmic reticulum are required for specific calcium signaling.

Herein we demonstrate how nanojunctions between lysosomes and sarcoplasmic reticulum (L-SR junctions) serve to couple lysosomal activation to regenerative, ryanodine receptor-mediated cellular Ca (2+) waves. In pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) it has been proposed that nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP) triggers increases in cytoplasmic Ca (2+) via L-SR junctions, in a manner that requires initial Ca (2+) release from lysosomes and subsequent Ca (2+)-induced Ca (2+) release (CICR) via ryanodine receptor (RyR) subtype 3 on the SR membrane proximal to lysosomes. L-SR junction membrane separation has been estimated to be < 400 nm and thus beyond the resolution of light microscopy, which has restricted detailed investigations of the junctional coupling process. The present study utilizes standard and tomographic transmission electron microscopy to provide a thorough ultrastructural characterization of the L-SR junctions in PASMCs. We show that L-SR nanojunctions are prominent features within these cells and estimate that the junctional membrane separation and extension are about 15 nm and 300 nm, respectively. Furthermore, we develop a quantitative model of the L-SR junction using these measurements, prior kinetic and specific Ca (2+) signal information as input data. Simulations of NAADP-dependent junctional Ca (2+) transients demonstrate that the magnitude of these signals can breach the threshold for CICR via RyR3. By correlation analysis of live cell Ca (2+) signals and simulated Ca (2+) transients within L-SR junctions, we estimate that "trigger zones" comprising 60-100 junctions are required to confer a signal of similar magnitude. This is compatible with the 110 lysosomes/cell estimated from our ultrastructural observations. Most importantly, our model shows that increasing the L-SR junctional width above 50 nm lowers the magnitude of junctional [Ca (2+)] such that there is a failure to breach the threshold for CICR via RyR3. L-SR junctions are therefore a pre-requisite for efficient Ca (2+)signal coupling and may contribute to cellular function in health and disease.

Ryanodine receptor-mediated Ca2+ release underlies iron-induced mitochondrial fission and stimulates mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake in primary hippocampal neurons

Mounting evidence indicates that iron accumulation impairs brain function. We have reported previously that addition of sub-lethal concentrations of iron to primary hippocampal neurons produces Ca2+ signals and promotes cytoplasmic generation of reactive oxygen species. These Ca2+ signals, which emerge within seconds after iron addition, arise mostly from Ca2+ release through the redox-sensitive ryanodine receptor (RyR) channels present in the endoplasmic reticulum. We have reported also that addition of synaptotoxic amyloid-β oligomers to primary hippocampal neurons stimulates RyR-mediated Ca2+ release, generating long-lasting Ca2+ signals that activate Ca2+-sensitive cellular effectors and promote the disruption of the mitochondrial network. Here, we describe that 24 h incubation of primary hippocampal neurons with iron enhanced agonist-induced RyR-mediated Ca2+ release and promoted mitochondrial network fragmentation in 43% of neurons, a response significantly prevented by RyR inhibition and by the antioxidant agent N-acetyl-L-cysteine. Stimulation of RyR-mediated Ca2+ release by a RyR agonist promoted mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake in control neurons and in iron-treated neurons that displayed non-fragmented mitochondria, but not in neurons with fragmented mitochondria. Yet, the global cytoplasmic Ca2+ increase induced by the Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin prompted significant mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake in neurons with fragmented mitochondria, indicating that fragmentation did not prevent mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake but presumably decreased the functional coupling between RyR-mediated Ca2+ release and the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter. Taken together, our results indicate that stimulation of redox-sensitive RyR-mediated Ca2+ release by iron causes significant neuronal mitochondrial fragmentation, which presumably contributes to the impairment of neuronal function produced by iron accumulation.

Phosphoinositide substrates of myotubularin affect voltage-activated Ca2+ release in skeletal muscle

Skeletal muscle excitation–contraction (E–C) coupling is altered in several models of phosphatidylinositol phosphate (PtdInsP) phosphatase deficiency and ryanodine receptor activity measured in vitro was reported to be affected by certain PtdInsPs, thus prompting investigation of the physiological role of PtdInsPs in E–C coupling. We measured intracellular Ca2+ transients in voltage-clamped mouse muscle fibres microinjected with a solution containing a PtdInsP substrate (PtdIns(3,5)P2 or PtdIns(3)P) or product (PtdIns(5)P or PtdIns) of the myotubularin phosphatase MTM1. No significant change was observed in the presence of either PtdIns(5)P or PtdIns but peak SR Ca2+ release was depressed by ~30% and 50% in fibres injected with PtdIns(3,5)P2 and PtdIns(3)P, respectively, with no concurrent alteration in the membrane current signals associated with the DHPR function as well as in the voltage dependence of Ca2+ release inactivation. In permeabilized muscle fibres, the frequency of spontaneous Ca2+ release events was depressed in the presence of the three tested phosphorylated forms of PtdInsP with PtdIns(3,5)P2 being the most effective, leading to an almost complete disappearance of Ca2+ release events. Results support the possibility that pathological accumulation of MTM1 substrates may acutely depress ryanodine receptor-mediated Ca2+ release. Overexpression of a mCherry-tagged form of MTM1 in muscle fibres revealed a striated pattern consistent with the triadic area. Ca2+ release remained although unaffected by MTM1 overexpression and was also unaffected by the PtdIns-3-kinase inhibitor LY2940002, suggesting that the 3-phosphorylated PtdIns lipids active on voltage-activated Ca2+ release are inherently maintained at a low level, inefficient on Ca2+ release in normal conditions.

Amyloid β-peptide oligomers, ryanodine receptor-mediated Ca2+ release, and Wnt-5a/Ca2+ signaling: opposing roles in neuronal mitochondrial dynamics?

Amyloid β-peptide oligomers, ryanodine receptor-mediated Ca2+ release, and Wnt-5a/Ca2+ signaling: opposing roles in neuronal mitochondrial dynamics?

Distinct localization and modulation of Cav1.2 and Cav1.3 L‐type Ca2+ channels in mouse sinoatrial node

Dysregulation of L-type Ca(2+) currents in sinoatrial nodal (SAN) cells causes cardiac arrhythmia. Both Ca(v)1.2 and Ca(v)1.3 channels mediate sinoatrial L-type currents. Whether these channels exhibit differences in modulation and localization, which could affect their contribution to pacemaking, is unknown. In this study, we characterized voltage-dependent facilitation (VDF) and subcellular localization of Ca(v)1.2 and Ca(v)1.3 channels in mouse SAN cells and determined how these properties of Ca(v)1.3 affect sinoatrial pacemaking in a mathematical model. Whole cell Ba(2+) currents were recorded from SAN cells from mice carrying a point mutation that renders Ca(v)1.2 channels relatively insensitive to dihydropyridine antagonists. The Ca(v)1.2-mediated current was isolated in the presence of nimodipine (1 μm), which was subtracted from the total current to yield the Ca(v)1.3 component. With strong depolarizations (+80 mV), Ca(v)1.2 underwent significantly stronger inactivation than Ca(v)1.3. VDF of Ca(v)1.3 was evident during recovery from inactivation at a time when Ca(v)1.2 remained inactivated. By immunofluorescence, Ca(v)1.3 colocalized with ryanodine receptors in sarcomeric structures while Ca(v)1.2 was largely restricted to the delimiting plasma membrane. Ca(v)1.3 VDF enhanced recovery of pacemaker activity after pauses and positively regulated pacemaking during slow heart rate in a numerical model of mouse SAN automaticity, including preferential coupling of Ca(v)1.3 to ryanodine receptor-mediated Ca(2+) release. We conclude that strong VDF and colocalization with ryanodine receptors in mouse SAN cells are unique properties that may underlie a specific role for Ca(v)1.3 in opposing abnormal slowing of heart rate.

Ca2+-activated ion currents triggered by ryanodine receptor-mediated Ca2+release control firing of inhibitory neurons in the prepositus hypoglossi nucleus

Spontaneous miniature outward currents (SMOCs) are known to exist in smooth muscles and peripheral neurons, and evidence for the presence of SMOCs in central neurons has been accumulating. SMOCs in central neurons are induced through Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (K(Ca)) channels, which are activated through Ca(2+)-induced Ca(2+) release from the endoplasmic reticulum via ryanodine receptors (RyRs). Previously, we found that some neurons in the prepositus hypoglossi nucleus (PHN) showed spontaneous outward currents (SOCs). In the present study, we used whole cell recordings in slice preparations of the rat brain stem to investigate the following: 1) the ionic mechanisms of SOCs, 2) the types of neurons exhibiting frequent SOCs, and 3) the effect of Ca(2+)-activated conductance on neuronal firing. Pharmacological analyses revealed that SOCs were induced via the activation of small-conductance-type K(Ca) (SK) channels and RyRs, indicating that SOCs correspond to SMOCs. An analysis of the voltage responses to current pulses of the fluorescence-expressing inhibitory neurons of transgenic rats revealed that inhibitory neurons frequently exhibited SOCs. Abolition of SOCs via blockade of SK channels enhanced the frequency of spontaneous firing of inhibitory PHN neurons. However, abolition of SOCs via blockade of RyRs reduced the firing frequency and hyperpolarized the membrane potential. Similar reductions in firing frequency and hyperpolarization were also observed when Ca(2+)-activated nonselective cation (CAN) channels were blocked. These results suggest that, in inhibitory neurons in the PHN, Ca(2+) release via RyRs activates SK and CAN channels, and these channels regulate spontaneous firing in a complementary manner.

Maternal high-altitude hypoxia and suppression of ryanodine receptor-mediated Ca2+ sparks in fetal sheep pulmonary arterial myocytes

Ca(2+) sparks are fundamental Ca(2+) signaling events arising from ryanodine receptor (RyR) activation, events that relate to contractile and dilatory events in the pulmonary vasculature. Recent studies demonstrate that long-term hypoxia (LTH) can affect pulmonary arterial reactivity in fetal, newborn, and adult animals. Because RyRs are important to pulmonary vascular reactivity and reactivity changes with ontogeny and LTH we tested the hypothesis that RyR-generated Ca(2+) signals are more active before birth and that LTH suppresses these responses. We examined these hypotheses by performing confocal imaging of myocytes in living arteries and by performing wire myography studies. Pulmonary arteries (PA) were isolated from fetal, newborn, or adult sheep that lived at low altitude or from those that were acclimatized to 3,801 m for > 100 days. Confocal imaging demonstrated preservation of the distance between the sarcoplasmic reticulum, nucleus, and plasma membrane in PA myocytes. Maturation increased global Ca(2+) waves and Ca(2+) spark activity, with sparks becoming larger, wider, and slower. LTH preferentially depressed Ca(2+) spark activity in immature pulmonary arterial myocytes, and these sparks were smaller, wider, and slower. LTH also suppressed caffeine-elicited contraction in fetal PA but augmented contraction in the newborn and adult. The influence of both ontogeny and LTH on RyR-dependent cell excitability shed new light on the therapeutic potential of these channels for the treatment of pulmonary vascular disease in newborns as well as adults.

The Anx7(+/-) Knockout Mutation Alters Electrical and Secretory Responses to Ca2+-Mobilizing Agents in Pancreatic β-cells

Insulin secretion from the pancreatic β-cell is controlled by changes in membrane potential and intracellular Ca²⁺. The contribution of intracellular Ca²⁺ stores to this process is poorly understood. We have previously shown that β-cells of mice lacking one copy of the Annexin 7 gene (Anx7(+/-)) express reduced levels of IP₃ receptors and defects in IP₃-dependent Ca²⁺ signaling. To further elucidate the effect of the Anx7(+/-) mutation on signaling related to intracellular Ca²⁺ stores in the β-cell, we measured the effects of Ca²⁺ mobilizing agents on electrical activity, intracellular Ca²⁺ and insulin secretion in control and mutant β-cells. We found that the muscarinic agonist carbachol and the ryanodine receptor agonists caffeine and 4-chloro-m-cresol had more potent depolarizing effects on Anx7(+/-) β-cells compared to controls. Accordingly, glucose-induced insulin secretion was augmented to a greater extent by caffeine in mutant islets. Surprisingly, ryanodine receptor-mediated Ca²⁺ mobilization was not affected by the Anx7(+/-) mutation, suggesting that the mechanism underlying the observed differences in electrical and secretory responsiveness does not involve intracellular Ca²⁺ stores. Our results provide evidence that both IP3 receptors and ryanodine receptors play important roles in regulating β-cell membrane potential and insulin secretion, and that the Anx7(+/-) mutation is associated with alterations in the signaling pathways related to these receptors.

How Does Stochastic Ryanodine Receptor-Mediated Ca Leak Fail to Initiate a Ca Spark?

Spontaneous calcium (Ca) sparks are initiated by single ryanodine receptor (RyR) opening. Once one RyR channel opens, it elevates local [Ca] in the cleft space ([Ca]Cleft), which opens other RyR channels in the same Ca release unit (CaRU) via Ca-induced Ca-release. Experiments by Zima et al. (J. Physiol. 588:4743–4757, 2010) demonstrate that spontaneous Ca sparks occur only when intrasarcoplasmic-reticulum (SR) [Ca] ([Ca]SR) is above a threshold level, but that RyR-mediated SR Ca leak exists without Ca sparks well below this threshold [Ca]SR. We examine here how single RyR opening at lower [Ca]SR can fail to recruit Ca sparks at a CaRU, while still contributing to SR Ca leak. We assess this using a physiologically detailed mathematical model of junctional SR Ca release in which RyR gating is regulated by [Ca]SR and [Ca]Cleft. We find that several factors contribute to the failure of Ca sparks as [Ca]SR declines: 1), lower [Ca]SR reduces driving force and thus limits local [Ca]Cleft achieved and the rate of rise during RyR opening; 2), low [Ca]SR limits RyR open time (τO), which further reduces local [Ca]Cleft attained; 3), low τO and fast [Ca]Cleft dissipation after RyR closure shorten the opportunity for neighboring RyR activation; 4), at low [Ca]SR, the RyR exhibits reduced [Ca]Cleft sensitivity. We conclude that all of these factors conspire to reduce the probability of Ca sparks as [Ca]SR declines, despite continued RyR-mediated Ca leak. In addition, these same factors explain the much lower efficacy of L-type Ca channel opening to trigger local SR Ca release at low [Ca]SR during excitation-contraction coupling. Conversely, all of these factors are fundamentally important for increasing the propensity for pro-arrhythmic Ca sparks and waves in cardiac myocytes at high [Ca]SR.

EP News: Basic and Translational

A previous study showed that flecainide prevents arrhythmias in a mouse model of catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) by inhibiting cardiac ryanodine receptor-mediated Ca2+ release (Watanabe et al Nat Med 2009;15:380, PMID 193300009). However, Liu et al (Circ Res 2011;109:291, PMID 21680895) argue that an extracellular site of action is likely. To test this hypothesis, the authors performed cellular studies in a RyR2(R4496C+/−) knock-in mouse model. Isoproterenol caused the appearance of spontaneous Ca2+ transients, which were unaffected by flecainide (6 μmol/L). Flecainide did not affect Ca2+ transient amplitude, decay, or sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ content. Moreover, it did not affect the frequency of spontaneous Ca2+ sparks in permeabilized myocytes. In contrast, flecainide effectively prevented triggered activity induced by isoproterenol. The threshold for action potential induction was increased significantly, which suggests a primary extracellular antiarrhythmic effect mediated by Na+ channel blockade. The authors conclude that the antiarrhythmic activity of flecainide is caused by reduction of Na+ channel availability and by an increase in the threshold for triggered activity.

High-Frequency Field Stimulation of Primary Neurons Enhances Ryanodine Receptor-Mediated Ca2+Release and Generates Hydrogen Peroxide, Which Jointly Stimulate NF-κB Activity

Neuronal electrical activity increases intracellular Ca(2+) concentration and generates reactive oxygen species. Here, we show that high frequency field stimulation of primary hippocampal neurons generated Ca(2+) signals with an early and a late component, and promoted hydrogen peroxide generation via a neuronal NADPH oxidase. Hydrogen peroxide generation required both Ca(2+) entry through N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors and Ca(2+) release mediated by ryanodine receptors (RyR). Field stimulation also enhanced nuclear translocation of the NF-κB p65 protein and NF-κB -dependent transcription, and increased c-fos mRNA and type-2 RyR protein content. Preincubation with inhibitory ryanodine or with the antioxidant N-acetyl L-cysteine abolished the increase in hydrogen peroxide generation and the late Ca(2+) signal component induced by electrical stimulation. Primary cortical cells behaved similarly as primary hippocampal cells. Exogenous hydrogen peroxide also activated NF-κB-dependent transcription in hippocampal neurons; inhibitory ryanodine prevented this effect. Selective inhibition of the NADPH oxidase or N-acetyl L-cysteine also prevented the enhanced translocation of p65 in hippocampal cells, while N-acetyl L-cysteine abolished the increase in RyR2 protein content induced by high frequency stimulation. In conclusion, the present results show that electrical stimulation induced reciprocal activation of ryanodine receptor-mediated Ca(2+) signals and hydrogen peroxide generation, which stimulated jointly NF-κB activity.