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Relaxant effects of potassium-channel openers on normal and hyper-reflexic detrusor muscle.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of the potassium-channel openers, levcromakalim and YM934, in isolated human detrusor muscle from normal and hyper-reflexic bladders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Strips of human detrusor muscle from normal and hyper-reflexic bladder were pre-contracted with carbachol and the potassium-channel openers (0.1-0.3 mumol/L) were added cumulatively to the organ baths. Other strips were field-stimulated at frequencies producing 25% and 75% of the maximum response to field stimulation. Contractions could be abolished by atropine (10 mumol/L) and tetrodotoxin (1 mumol/L). RESULTS: The hyper-reflexic bladder was significantly more sensitive to carbachol than the normal bladder but the maximum response was significantly lower in the hyper-reflexic tissue. There was no significant difference between the potency of the potassium-channel openers in normal and hyper-reflexic detrusor muscle. Hyper-reflexic bladder was significantly more sensitive to electrical field stimulation than was normal bladder: maximum responses to field stimulation were not significantly different. Concentration-response curves for the potassium-channel openers were displaced to the left in hyper-reflexic bladder at both 25% and 75% maximum frequencies: however, only with levcromakalim at 75% of the maximum frequency was the shift significant. CONCLUSION: The greater sensitivity of hyper-reflexic bladder to carbachol and field stimulation supports existing evidence for post-junctional supersensitivity in detrusor instability. The results of this study also suggest that there are no appreciable changes in KATP channel function in the unstable bladder.

Benzopyrans↗

Nicorandil as a nitrate, and cromakalim as a potassium channel opener, dilate isolated porcine large coronary arteries in an agonist-nonselective manner.

Nicorandil is an antianginal vasodilator having a hybrid property between nitrates and potassium channel openers, and cromakalim is a relatively specific potassium channel opener. We investigated whether or not the vasorelaxant actions of the two drugs would be selective for certain vasoconstrictor agonists (simply agonists hereafter), and the underlying mechanisms in isolated porcine large coronary arteries. Both nicorandil and cromakalim produced a complete relaxation in the arteries precontracted with seven agonists, i.e., Bay-K-8644, endothelin, histamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), phenylephrine, PGF2 alpha, and U 46619. The EC50 values (-log M) of nicorandil and cromakalim were 5.20-5.44 and 6.43-6.87, respectively, toward the seven agonists, indicating that the vasorelaxant actions of the two drugs were agonist nonselective. In the arteries precontracted with Bay-K-8644, endothelin, 5-HT, and U 46619, the vasorelaxant action of cromakalim was antagonized by glibenclamide, an antagonist of potassium channel openers, and Schild analysis of these antagonisms yielded pA2 values of 7.10-7.41 for glibenclamide. The vasorelaxant actions of nicorandil in the arteries precontracted with the four agonists each were not antagonized by glibenclamide. Instead, the vasorelaxant action of nicorandil was antagonized by methylene blue (10 microM), an inhibitor of guanylate cyclase, and slightly potentiated by M&B 22,948 (10 microM), an inhibitor of cyclic-GMP phosphodiesterase, in the arteries precontracted with U 46619. These results indicate that the vasorelaxant actions of nicorandil and cromakalim in the porcine large coronary artery are agonist nonselective and that nicorandil exerts such an action entirely as a nitrate, whereas cromakalim does so entirely as a potassium channel opener.

Animals↗

Identification of the delayed rectifier potassium channel, Kv1.6, in cultured astrocytes.

Astrocytes are an abundant glial cell type of the central nervous system that appear to play a role in regulating extracellular potassium concentrations in brain, thereby contributing to the maintenance of normal neuronal activity. Voltage-gated potassium conductances, shown to be present in astrocytes, may be involved in this and other astrocytic functions. Toward defining the role of voltage-gated potassium channels in astrocytes, total RNA prepared from cultured mouse cortical astrocytes was screened, using a reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) approach, for the expression of several members of the Shaker-like potassium channel subfamily (Kv1.1-Kv1.6). A relatively high level of Kv1.6 transcript was identified by RT-PCR and then confirmed and quantitated by ribonuclease protection assays using a Kv1.6-specific riboprobe. Immunocytochemical staining showed double-labeling of glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive cells with antibody specific for the Kv1.6 channel. The Kv1.6 protein expression was variable among the individual astrocytes. Outward voltage-gated currents were studied in astrocytes in primary culture using the Nystatin-perforated patch voltage clamp technique. Outward potassium currents were observed in all cells studied, and this current was partially blocked by perfusion with 100 nM dendrotoxin (DTX) in 14 of 16 cells tested. This DTX-sensitive current appeared to be a sustained outward potassium current, consistent with the suggestion that the Shaker-like potassium channel Kv1.6 underlies a portion of the delayed rectifier potassium current in cultured mouse cortical astrocytes.

Animals↗

[125I]Iberiotoxin-D19Y/Y36F, the first selective, high specific activity radioligand for high-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels.

Iberiotoxin (IbTX), a selective peptidyl ligand for high-conductance Ca2(+)-activated K+ (maxi-K) channels cannot be radioiodinated in biologically active form due to the importance of Y36 in interacting with the channel pore. Therefore, an IbTX double mutant (IbTX-D19Y/Y36F) was engineered, expressed in Escherichia coli, purified to homogeneity, and radiolabeled to high specific activity with 125I. IbTX-D19Y/Y36F and [127I]IbTX-D19Y/Y36F block maxi-K channels expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes with equal potency as wild-type IbTX (Kd approximately 1 nM). Under low ionic strength conditions, [125I]IbTX-D19Y/Y36F binds with high affinity to smooth muscle sarcolemmal maxi-K channels (Kd of 5 pM as determined by either equilibrium binding or kinetic binding analysis), and with a binding site density of 0.45 pmol/mg of protein. Competition studies with wild-type IbTX, IbTX-D19Y/Y36F or charybdotoxin (ChTX) result in complete inhibition of binding whereas toxins selective for voltage-gated K+ channels (margatoxin (MgTX) or alpha-dendrotoxin (alpha-DaTX) do not have any effect on IbTX binding. Indole diterpene alkaloids, which are selective inhibitors of maxi-K channels, and potassium ions both modulate [125I]IbTX-D19Y/Y36F binding in a complex manner. This pattern is also reflected during covalent incorporation of the radiolabeled toxin into the 31 kDa beta-subunit of the maxi-K channel in the presence of a bifunctional cross-linking reagent. In rat brain membranes, IbTX-D19Y/Y36F does not displace binding of [125I]MgTX or [125I]-alpha-DaTX to sites associated with voltage-gated K+ channels, nor do these latter toxins inhibit [125I]IbTX-D19Y/Y36F binding. Taken together, these results demonstrate that [125I]IbTX-D19Y/Y36F is the first selective radioligand for maxi-K channels with high specific activity.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Human beta(3)-adrenoreceptors couple to KvLQT1/MinK potassium channels in Xenopus oocytes via protein kinase C phosphorylation of the KvLQT1 protein.

Modulation of the slow component of the delayed rectifier potassium current (IKs) in heart critically affects cardiac arrhythmogenesis. Its current amplitude is regulated by the sympathetic nervous system. However, the signal transduction from the beta-adrenergic system to the KvLQT1/MinK (KCNQ1/KCNE1) potassium channel, which is the molecular correlate of the IKs current in human cardiomyocytes, is not sufficiently understood. In the human heart, three subtypes of beta-adrenergic receptors (beta(1-3)-ARs) have been identified. Only beta(1)- and beta(3)-ARs have been shown so far to be involved in the regulation of IKs. Special interest has been paid to the regulation of IKs by the beta(3)-AR because of its potential importance in congestive heart failure. In heart failure beta(1)-ARs are known to be down regulated while the density of beta(3)-ARs is increased. Unfortunately, studies on the modulation of IKs by beta(3)-AR revealed conflicting results. We investigated the functional role of protein kinase C (PKC) in the signal transduction cascade between beta3-adrenergic receptors and IKs by expressing heterologously its molecular components, the KvLQT1/MinK potassium channel, together with human beta(3)-AR in Xenopus oocytes. Membrane currents were measured with the double electrode voltage-clamp technique. Using activators and inhibitors of PKC we demonstrated that PKC is involved in this regulatory process. Experiments in which the putative C-terminal PKC-phosphorylation sites in the KvLQT1 protein were destroyed by site directed mutagenesis reduced the isoproterenol-induced current to 27+/-3,5% compared to control. These results indicate that the amplitude of KvLQT1/MinK current is mainly increased by PKC activation. Our results suggest that the regulation of the KvLQT1/MinK potassium channel via beta(3)-AR is substantially mediated by PKC phosphorylation of the KvLQT1 protein at its four C-terminal PKC phosphorylation sites.

Alkaloids↗

GTP-binding proteins and potassium channels involved in synaptic plasticity and learning.

Inhibition of potassium channels is possibly the first step in the sequence of biochemical events leading to memory formation. These channels appear to be regulated directly or indirectly by GTP-binding proteins (G proteins), which may themselves be affected by phosphorylation and dephosphorylation in response to elevated calcium levels or other phenomena resulting from the blockage of the potassium channels. A wide variety of cellular phenomena, from transcriptional changes to axonal transport, are thus capable of being initiated by these events.

Animals↗

Simulations of ion permeation through a potassium channel: molecular dynamics of KcsA in a phospholipid bilayer.

Potassium channels enable K(+) ions to move passively across biological membranes. Multiple nanosecond-duration molecular dynamics simulations (total simulation time 5 ns) of a bacterial potassium channel (KcsA) embedded in a phospholipid bilayer reveal motions of ions, water, and protein. Comparison of simulations with and without K(+) ions indicate that the absence of ions destabilizes the structure of the selectivity filter. Within the selectivity filter, K(+) ions interact with the backbone (carbonyl) oxygens, and with the side-chain oxygen of T75. Concerted single-file motions of water molecules and K(+) ions within the selectivity filter of the channel occur on a 100-ps time scale. In a simulation with three K(+) ions (initially two in the filter and one in the cavity), the ion within the central cavity leaves the channel via its intracellular mouth after approximately 900 ps; within the cavity this ion interacts with the Ogamma atoms of two T107 side chains, revealing a favorable site within the otherwise hydrophobically lined cavity. Exit of this ion from the channel is enabled by a transient increase in the diameter of the intracellular mouth. Such "breathing" motions may form the molecular basis of channel gating.

Bacterial Proteins↗

Control of ion selectivity in potassium channels by electrostatic and dynamic properties of carbonyl ligands.

Potassium channels are essential for maintaining a normal ionic balance across cell membranes. Central to this function is the ability of such channels to support transmembrane ion conduction at nearly diffusion-limited rates while discriminating for K+ over Na+ by more than a thousand-fold. This selectivity arises because the transfer of the K+ ion into the channel pore is energetically favoured, a feature commonly attributed to a structurally precise fit between the K+ ion and carbonyl groups lining the rigid and narrow pore. But proteins are relatively flexible structures that undergo rapid thermal atomic fluctuations larger than the small difference in ionic radius between K+ and Na+. Here we present molecular dynamics simulations for the potassium channel KcsA, which show that the carbonyl groups coordinating the ion in the narrow pore are indeed very dynamic ('liquid-like') and that their intrinsic electrostatic properties control ion selectivity. This finding highlights the importance of the classical concept of field strength. Selectivity for K+ is seen to emerge as a robust feature of a flexible fluctuating pore lined by carbonyl groups.

Bacterial Proteins↗

Calcium-dependent gating of MthK, a prokaryotic potassium channel.

MthK is a calcium-gated, inwardly rectifying, prokaryotic potassium channel. Although little functional information is available for MthK, its high-resolution structure is used as a model for eukaryotic Ca(2+)-dependent potassium channels. Here we characterize in detail the main gating characteristics of MthK at the single-channel level with special focus on the mechanism of Ca(2+) activation. MthK has two distinct gating modes: slow gating affected mainly by Ca(2+) and fast gating affected by voltage. Millimolar Ca(2+) increases MthK open probability over 100-fold by mainly increasing the frequency of channel opening while leaving the opening durations unchanged. The Ca(2+) dose-response curve displays an unusually high Hill coefficient (n = approximately 8), suggesting strong coupling between Ca(2+) binding and channel opening. Depolarization affects both the fast gate by dramatically reducing the fast flickers, and to a lesser extent, the slow gate, by increasing MthK open probability. We were able to capture the mechanistic features of MthK with a modified MWC model.

Archaeal Proteins↗

Quantitative autoradiography of the binding sites for [125I] iodoglyburide, a novel high-affinity ligand for ATP-sensitive potassium channels in rat brain.

We have developed a high specific activity ligand for localization of ATP-sensitive potassium channels in the brain. When brain sections were incubated with [125I]iodoglyburide (N-[2-[[[(cyclohexylamino)carbonyl]amino]sulfonyl]ethyl]-5-125I-2- methoxybenzamide), the ligand bound to a single site with a KD of 495 pM and a maximum binding site density of 176 fmol/mg of tissue. Glyburide was the most potent inhibitor of specific [125I]iodoglyburide binding to rat forebrain sections whereas iodoglyburide and glipizide were slightly less potent. The binding was also sensitive to ATP which completely inhibited binding at concentrations of 10 mM. Autoradiographic localization of [125I]iodoglyburide binding indicated a broad distribution of the ATP-sensitive potassium channel in the brain. The highest levels of binding were seen in the globus pallidus and ventral pallidum followed by the septohippocampal nucleus, anterior pituitary, the CA2 and CA3 region of the hippocampus, ventral pallidum, the molecular layer of the cerebellum and substantia nigra zona reticulata. The hilus and dorsal subiculum of the hippocampus, molecular layer of the dentate gyrus, cerebral cortex, lateral olfactory tract nucleus, olfactory tubercle and the zona incerta contained relatively high levels of binding. A lower level of binding (approximately 3- to 4-fold) was found throughout the remainder of the brain. These results indicate that the ATP-sensitive potassium channel has a broad presence in the rat brain and that a few select brain regions are enriched in this subtype of neuronal potassium channels.

Affinity Labels↗

Topology of the Shaker potassium channel probed with hydrophilic epitope insertions.

The structure of the Shaker potassium channel has been modeled as passing through the cellular membrane eight times with both the NH2 and COOH termini on the cytoplasmic side (Durrell, S.R., and H.R. Guy. 1992. Biophys. J. 62:238-250). To test the validity of this model, we have inserted an epitope consisting of eight hydrophilic amino acids (DYKDDDDK) in predicted extracellular and intracellular loops throughout the channel. The channels containing the synthetic epitope were expressed in Xenopus oocytes, and function was examined by two-electrode voltage clamping. All of the mutants containing insertions in putative extracellular regions and the NH2 and COOH termini expressed functional channels, and most of their electrophysiological properties were similar to those of the wild-type channel. Immunofluorescent staining with a monoclonal antibody against the epitope was used to determine the membrane localization of the insert in the channels. The data confirm and constrain the model for the transmembrane topology of the voltage-gated potassium channel.

Animals↗

Role of potassium channels in the control of renin secretion from isolated perfused rat kidneys.

This study aimed to assess the relevance of specific potassium channels, such as inwardly or outwardly rectifying and calcium-regulated potassium channels, to the control of renin secretion. For this purpose we examined the effects of the K+ channel blockers 4-aminopyridine (1 mmol/l), barium (100 micromol/l), tetraethylammonium (2 mmol/l) and apamin (200 nmol/l) on basal renin secretion, on renin secretion stimulated by isoproterenol (10 nmol/l) and on the inhibition of renin secretion by angiotensin II (100-300 pmol/l) in the isolated rat kidney perfused at constant pressure. Whilst all four K+ channel blockers increased renal vascular resistance, only 4-aminopyridine and barium attenuated isoproterenol-stimulated renin secretion in an additive fashion and augmented the inhibitory effect of angiotensin II. These effects of K+ channel blockers were not changed by the L-type calcium channel blocker amlodipine (5 pmol/l), indicating that their effects on renin secretion are not due to voltage-operated calcium influx. Our data, moreover, suggest that potassium efflux from renal juxtaglomerular cells is not important for the inhibitory action of angiotensin II on renin secretion. As a consequence it appears that the membrane potential of renal juxtaglomerular cells per se is relevant to renin secretion such that membrane depolarization inhibits the exocytosis of renin whilst hyperpolarization favors renin secretion. By their activity, potassium channels can contribute to membrane hyperpolarization and thus facilitate renin secretion.

4-Aminopyridine↗

Conditional and unconditional inhibition of calcium-activated potassium channels by reversible protein phosphorylation.

Large conductance, calcium-activated potassium channels (BK(Ca) or maxi-K) are important determinants of membrane excitability in many cell types. We used patch clamp techniques to study the biochemical regulation of native BK(Ca) channel proteins by endogenous Ser/Thr-directed protein kinases and phosphatases in cell-free membrane patches from rat pituitary tumor cells (GH(4)C(1)). When protein kinase activity was blocked by removing ATP, endogenous protein phosphatases slowly increased BK(Ca) channel activity approximately 3-fold. Dephosphorylated channels could be activated fully by physiological increases in cytoplasmic calcium or membrane depolarization. In contrast, endogenous protein kinases inhibited BK(Ca) channel activity at two functionally distinct sites. A closely associated, cAMP-dependent protein kinase rapidly reduced channel activity in a conditional manner that could be overcome completely by increasing cytoplasmic free calcium 3-fold or 20 mV further depolarization. Phosphorylation at a pharmacologically distinct site inhibited channel activity unconditionally by reducing availability to approximately half that of maximum at all physiological calcium and voltages. Conditional versus unconditional inhibition of BK(Ca) channel activity through different protein kinases provides cells with a powerful computational mechanism for regulating membrane excitability.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

ATP-sensitive potassium channel blockade enhances spontaneous alternation performance in the rat: a potential mechanism for glucose-mediated memory enhancement.

Peripheral and central injections of D-glucose enhance learning and memory in rats, and block memory impairments produced by morphine. The mechanism(s) for these effects is (are) as yet unknown. One mechanism by which glucose might act on memory and other brain functions is by regulating the ATP-sensitive potassium channel. This channel may couple glucose metabolism and neuronal excitability, with channel blockade increasing the likelihood of stimulus-evoked neurotransmitter release. The present experiments explored the effects of intra-septal injections of glucose and the ATP-sensitive potassium channel blocker glibenclamide on spontaneous alternation behavior in the rat. Intra-septal injections of glucose (20 nmol) or glibenclamide (10 nmol), 30 min prior to plus-maze spontaneous alternation performance, significantly enhanced alternation scores compared to rats receiving vehicle injections. Glibenclamide enhanced spontaneous alternation performance in an inverted-U dose-response manner. Individually sub-effective doses of glucose (5 nmol) and glibenclamide (5 nmol) significantly enhanced plus-maze alternation scores when co-injected into the septal area. Glibenclamide (10 nmol), when co-administered with morphine (4 nmol) 30 min prior to Y-maze spontaneous alternation performance, attenuated the performance-impairing effects of morphine alone. The present findings show that intra-septal injections of the direct ATP-sensitive potassium channel blocker glibenclamide, both alone and in conjunction with a sub-effective dose of glucose, enhance spontaneous alternation performance and attenuate the performance-impairing effects of morphine. The similarity of the results obtained with glibenclamide and glucose, together with their similar actions on ATP-sensitive potassium channel function, suggests that glucose may modulate memory-dependent behavior in the rat by regulating the ATP-sensitive potassium channel.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗

Molecular dynamics study of the KcsA potassium channel.

The structural, dynamical, and thermodynamic properties of a model potassium channel are studied using molecular dynamics simulations. We use the recently unveiled protein structure for the KcsA potassium channel from Streptomyces lividans. Total and free energy profiles of potassium and sodium ions reveal a considerable preference for the larger potassium ions. The selectivity of the channel arises from its ability to completely solvate the potassium ions, but not the smaller sodium ions. Self-diffusion of water within the narrow selectivity filter is found to be reduced by an order of magnitude from bulk levels, whereas the wider hydrophobic section of the pore maintains near-bulk self-diffusion. Simulations examining multiple ion configurations suggest a two-ion channel. Ion diffusion is found to be reduced to approximately 1/3 of bulk diffusion within the selectivity filter. The reduced ion mobility does not hinder the passage of ions, as permeation appears to be driven by Coulomb repulsion within this multiple ion channel.

Bacterial Proteins↗

Molecular remodeling of Kv4.3 potassium channels in human atrial fibrillation.

INTRODUCTION: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with important alterations in cardiac ion channels that cause shortening and impaired rate adaptation of atrial repolarization. The mechanisms underlying potassium current remodeling in human AF are not clear. We investigated the effects of AF on the gene expression of the Kv4.3, Kv1.4, and Kv1.5 potassium channel subunits and correlated the findings with the transient outward (Ito) and the sustained outward (Isus or I(Kur)) potassium current. METHODS AND RESULTS: Semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to evaluate mRNA expression, and ion currents were studied with the patch clamp technique in right atrial appendages from patients in AF and compared with those from patients in stable sinus rhythm (SR). The presence of AF was associated with a 61% reduction in Kv4.3 mRNA expression (P < 0.001 vs SR), which was paralleled by a reduction in Ito current densities in this group of patients (i.e., at +50 mV: 7.44+/-0.76 pA/pF in SR and 1.24+/-0.28 pA/pF in AF; P < 0.001 vs SR). mRNA levels of Kv1.4 were identical in the two groups. AF did not affect either the gene expression of Kv1.5 or the current densities of Isus. CONCLUSION: Chronic AF in humans reduces Ito by transcriptional down-regulation of the Kv4.3 potassium channel. Altered gene expression is an important component of the electrical remodeling process and may contribute to repolarization abnormalities in AF.

Aged↗

Novel tarantula toxins for subtypes of voltage-dependent potassium channels in the Kv2 and Kv4 subfamilies.

Three novel peptides with the ability to inhibit voltage-dependent potassium channels in the shab (Kv2) and shal (Kv4) subfamilies were identified from the venom of the African tarantulas Stromatopelma calceata (ScTx1) and Heteroscodra maculata (HmTx1, HmTx2). The three toxins are 34- to 38-amino acid peptides that belong to the structural family of inhibitor cystine knot spider peptides reticulated by three disulfide bridges. Electrophysiological recordings in COS cells show that these toxins act as gating modifier of voltage-dependent K+ channels. ScTx1 is the first high-affinity inhibitor of the Kv2.2 channel subtype (IC50, 21.4 nM) to be described. ScTx1 also inhibits the Kv2.1 channels, with an IC50 of 12.7 nM, and Kv2.1/Kv9.3 heteromultimers that have been proposed to be involved in O2 sensing in pulmonary artery myocytes. In addition, it is the most effective inhibitor of Kv4.2 channels described thus far, with an IC50 of 1.2 nM. HmTx toxins share sequence similarities with both the potassium channel blocker toxins (HmTx1) and the calcium channel blocker toxin omega-GsTx SIA (HmTx2). They inhibit potassium current associated with Kv2 subtypes in the 100 to 300 nM concentration range. HmTx2 seems to be a specific inhibitor of Kv2 channels, whereas HmTx1 also inhibits Kv4 channels, including Kv4.1, with the same potency. HmTx1 is the first described peptide effector of the Kv4.1 subtype. Those novel toxins are new tools for the investigation of the physiological role of the different potassium channel subunits in cellular physiology.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Cloning and expression of an inwardly rectifying ATP-regulated potassium channel.

A complementary DNA encoding an ATP-regulated potassium channel has been isolated by expression cloning from rat kidney. The predicted 45K protein, which features two potential membrane-spanning helices and a proposed ATP-binding domain, represents a major departure from the basic structural design characteristic of voltage-gated and second messenger-gated ion channels. But the presence of an H5 region, which is likely to form the ion conduction pathway, indicates that the protein may share a common origin with voltage-gated potassium channel proteins.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗