Ca2+ Enhances U-Type Inactivation of N-Type (CaV2.2) Calcium Current in Rat Sympathetic Neurons

2006 ◽  
Vol 96 (3) ◽  
pp. 1075-1083 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yong Sook Goo ◽  
Wonil Lim ◽  
Keith S. Elmslie
Keyword(s):  
Slow Component ◽  
Divalent Cations ◽  
Sympathetic Neurons ◽  
Slow Inactivation ◽  
Fast Inactivation ◽  
Extracellular Solution ◽  
Channel Inactivation ◽  
Dependent Inactivation ◽  
Preferential Inactivation

Ca2+-dependent inactivation (CDI) has recently been shown in heterologously expressed N-type calcium channels (CaV2.2), but CDI has been inconsistently observed in native N-current. We examined the effect of Ca2+ on N-channel inactivation in rat sympathetic neurons to determine the role of CDI on mammalian N-channels. N-current inactivated with fast (τ ∼ 150 ms) and slow (τ ∼ 3 s) components in Ba2+. Ca2+ differentially affected these components by accelerating the slow component (slow inactivation) and enhancing the amplitude of the fast component (fast inactivation). Lowering intracellular BAPTA concentration from 20 to 0.1 mM accelerated slow inactivation, but only in Ca2+ as expected from CDI. However, low BAPTA accelerated fast inactivation in either Ca2+ or Ba2+, which was unexpected. Fast inactivation was abolished with monovalent cations as the charge carrier, but slow inactivation was similar to that in Ba2+. Increased Ca2+, but not Ba2+, concentration (5–30 mM) enhanced the amplitude of fast inactivation and accelerated slow inactivation. However, the enhancement of fast inactivation was independent of Ca2+ influx, which indicates the relevant site is exposed to the extracellular solution and is inconsistent with CDI. Fast inactivation showed U-shaped voltage dependence in both Ba2+ and Ca2+, which appears to result from preferential inactivation from intermediate closed states (U-type inactivation). Taken together, the data support a role for extracellular divalent cations in modulating U-type inactivation. CDI appears to play a role in N-channel inactivation, but on a slower (sec) time scale.

scholarly journals Crystal structures of Ca2+–calmodulin bound to NaV C-terminal regions suggest role for EF-hand domain in binding and inactivation

2019 ◽  
Vol 116 (22) ◽  
pp. 10763-10772 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernd R. Gardill ◽  
Ricardo E. Rivera-Acevedo ◽  
Ching-Chieh Tung ◽  
Filip Van Petegem
Keyword(s):  
Crystal Structure ◽  
Binding Sites ◽  
Binding Mode ◽  
Conformational Switch ◽  
Channel Inactivation ◽  
Dependent Inactivation ◽  
Ef Hand ◽  
Inherited Arrhythmia ◽  
A Site

Voltage-gated sodium (NaV) and calcium channels (CaV) form targets for calmodulin (CaM), which affects channel inactivation properties. A major interaction site for CaM resides in the C-terminal (CT) region, consisting of an IQ domain downstream of an EF-hand domain. We present a crystal structure of fully Ca2+-occupied CaM, bound to the CT of NaV1.5. The structure shows that the C-terminal lobe binds to a site ∼90° rotated relative to a previous site reported for an apoCaM complex with the NaV1.5 CT and for ternary complexes containing fibroblast growth factor homologous factors (FHF). We show that the binding of FHFs forces the EF-hand domain in a conformation that does not allow binding of the Ca2+-occupied C-lobe of CaM. These observations highlight the central role of the EF-hand domain in modulating the binding mode of CaM. The binding sites for Ca2+-free and Ca2+-occupied CaM contain targets for mutations linked to long-QT syndrome, a type of inherited arrhythmia. The related NaV1.4 channel has been shown to undergo Ca2+-dependent inactivation (CDI) akin to CaVs. We present a crystal structure of Ca2+/CaM bound to the NaV1.4 IQ domain, which shows a binding mode that would clash with the EF-hand domain. We postulate the relative reorientation of the EF-hand domain and the IQ domain as a possible conformational switch that underlies CDI.

scholarly journals Inactivation of N-type calcium current in chick sensory neurons: calcium and voltage dependence.

1994 ◽  
Vol 104 (2) ◽  
pp. 311-336 ◽  
Author(s):  
D H Cox ◽  
K Dunlap
Keyword(s):  
Voltage Dependence ◽  
Kinetic Properties ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Slow Inactivation ◽  
Fast Inactivation ◽  
Drg Neurons ◽  
Rapid Phase ◽  
Dependent Inactivation ◽  
Voltage Dependent ◽  
Dependent Processes

We have studied the inactivation of high-voltage-activated (HVA), omega-conotoxin-sensitive, N-type Ca2+ current in embryonic chick dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Voltage steps from -80 to 0 mV produced inward Ca2+ currents that inactivated in a biphasic manner and were fit well with the sum of two exponentials (with time constants of approximately 100 ms and > 1 s). As reported previously, upon depolarization of the holding potential to -40 mV, N current amplitude was significantly reduced and the rapid phase of inactivation all but eliminated (Nowycky, M. C., A. P. Fox, and R. W. Tsien. 1985. Nature. 316:440-443; Fox, A. P., M. C. Nowycky, and R. W. Tsien. 1987a. Journal of Physiology. 394:149-172; Swandulla, D., and C. M. Armstrong. 1988. Journal of General Physiology. 92:197-218; Plummer, M. R., D. E. Logothetis, and P. Hess. 1989. Neuron. 2:1453-1463; Regan, L. J., D. W. Sah, and B. P. Bean. 1991. Neuron. 6:269-280; Cox, D. H., and K. Dunlap. 1992. Journal of Neuroscience. 12:906-914). Such kinetic properties might be explained by a model in which N channels inactivate by both fast and slow voltage-dependent processes. Alternatively, kinetic models of Ca-dependent inactivation suggest that the biphasic kinetics and holding-potential-dependence of N current inactivation could be due to a combination of Ca-dependent and slow voltage-dependent inactivation mechanisms. To distinguish between these possibilities we have performed several experiments to test for the presence of Ca-dependent inactivation. Three lines of evidence suggest that N channels inactivate in a Ca-dependent manner. (a) The total extent of inactivation increased 50%, and the ratio of rapid to slow inactivation increased approximately twofold when the concentration of the Ca2+ buffer, EGTA, in the patch pipette was reduced from 10 to 0.1 mM. (b) With low intracellular EGTA concentrations (0.1 mM), the ratio of rapid to slow inactivation was additionally increased when the extracellular Ca2+ concentration was raised from 0.5 to 5 mM. (c) Substituting Na+ for Ca2+ as the permeant ion eliminated the rapid phase of inactivation. Other results do not support the notion of current-dependent inactivation, however. Although high intracellular EGTA (10 mM) or BAPTA (5 mM) concentrations suppressed the rapid phase inactivation, they did not eliminate it. Increasing the extracellular Ca2+ from 0.5 to 5 mM had little effect on this residual fast inactivation, indicating that it is not appreciably sensitive to Ca2+ influx under these conditions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

scholarly journals Voltage- and Calcium-Dependent Inactivation of Calcium Channels in Lymnaea Neurons

1999 ◽  
Vol 114 (4) ◽  
pp. 535-550 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shalini Gera ◽  
Lou Byerly
Keyword(s):  
Cytochalasin B ◽  
Lymnaea Stagnalis ◽  
Slow Component ◽  
Freshwater Snail ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Calcium Dependent ◽  
Channel Inactivation ◽  
Dependent Inactivation ◽  
Lymnaea Neurons ◽  
Ca2 Channels

Ca2+ channel inactivation in the neurons of the freshwater snail, Lymnaea stagnalis, was studied using patch-clamp techniques. In the presence of a high concentration of intracellular Ca2+ buffer (5 mM EGTA), the inactivation of these Ca2+ channels is entirely voltage dependent; it is not influenced by the identity of the permeant divalent ions or the amount of extracellular Ca2+ influx, or reduced by higher levels of intracellular Ca2+ buffering. Inactivation measured under these conditions, despite being independent of Ca2+ influx, has a bell-shaped voltage dependence, which has often been considered a hallmark of Ca2+-dependent inactivation. Ca2+-dependent inactivation does occur in Lymnaea neurons, when the concentration of the intracellular Ca2+ buffer is lowered to 0.1 mM EGTA. However, the magnitude of Ca2+-dependent inactivation does not increase linearly with Ca2+ influx, but saturates for relatively small amounts of Ca2+ influx. Recovery from inactivation at negative potentials is biexponential and has the same time constants in the presence of different intracellular concentrations of EGTA. However, the amplitude of the slow component is selectively enhanced by a decrease in intracellular EGTA, thus slowing the overall rate of recovery. The ability of 5 mM EGTA to completely suppress Ca2+-dependent inactivation suggests that the Ca2+ binding site is at some distance from the channel protein itself. No evidence was found of a role for serine/threonine phosphorylation in Ca2+ channel inactivation. Cytochalasin B, a microfilament disrupter, was found to greatly enhance the amount of Ca2+ channel inactivation, but the involvement of actin filaments in this effect of cytochalasin B on Ca2+ channel inactivation could not be verified using other pharmacological compounds. Thus, the mechanism of Ca2+-dependent inactivation in these neurons remains unknown, but appears to differ from those proposed for mammalian L-type Ca2+ channels.

scholarly journals Role of Domain 4 in Sodium Channel Slow Inactivation

2000 ◽  
Vol 115 (6) ◽  
pp. 707-718 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nenad Mitrovic ◽  
Alfred L. George ◽  
Richard Horn
Keyword(s):  
Covalent Modification ◽  
Slow Inactivation ◽  
Fast Inactivation ◽  
Current Reduction ◽  
Kinetics Of ◽  
S4 Segment ◽  
Critical Site ◽  
Positively Charged ◽  
Domain 4

Depolarization of sodium channels initiates at least three gating pathways: activation, fast inactivation, and slow inactivation. Little is known about the voltage sensors for slow inactivation, a process believed to be separate from fast inactivation. Covalent modification of a cysteine substituted for the third arginine (R1454) in the S4 segment of the fourth domain (R3C) with negatively charged methanethiosulfonate-ethylsulfonate (MTSES) or with positively charged methanethiosulfonate-ethyltrimethylammonium (MTSET) produces a marked slowing of the rate of fast inactivation. However, only MTSES modification produces substantial effects on the kinetics of slow inactivation. Rapid trains of depolarizations (2–20 Hz) cause a reduction of the peak current of mutant channels modified by MTSES, an effect not observed for wild-type or unmodified R3C channels, or for mutant channels modified by MTSET. The data suggest that MTSES modification of R3C enhances entry into a slow-inactivated state, and also that the effects on slow inactivation are independent of alterations of either activation or fast inactivation. This effect of MTSES is observed only for cysteine mutants within the middle of this S4 segment, and the data support a helical secondary structure of S4 in this region. Mutation of R1454 to the negatively charged residues aspartate or glutamate cannot reproduce the effects of MTSES modification, indicating that charge alone cannot account for these results. A long-chained derivative of MTSES has similar effects as MTSES, and can produce these effects on a residue that does not show use-dependent current reduction after modification by MTSES, suggesting that the sulfonate moiety can reach a critical site affecting slow inactivation. The effects of MTSES on R3C are partially counteracted by a point mutation (W408A) that inhibits slow inactivation. Our data suggest that a region near the midpoint of the S4 segment of domain 4 plays an important role in slow inactivation.

scholarly journals Sodium Channel Inactivation Is Altered by Substitution of Voltage Sensor Positive Charges

1997 ◽  
Vol 110 (4) ◽  
pp. 403-413 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kris J. Kontis ◽  
Alan L. Goldin
Keyword(s):  
Sodium Channel ◽  
Voltage Dependence ◽  
Voltage Sensor ◽  
Voltage Sensitivity ◽  
Slow Inactivation ◽  
Fast Inactivation ◽  
Α Subunit ◽  
Channel Inactivation ◽  
Sodium Channel Inactivation ◽  
Domain I

The role of the voltage sensor positive charges in fast and slow inactivation of the rat brain IIA sodium channel was investigated by mutating the second and fourth conserved positive charges in the S4 segments of all four homologous domains. Both charge-neutralizing mutations (by glutamine substitution) and charge-conserving mutations were constructed in a cDNA encoding the sodium channel α subunit. To determine if fast inactivation altered the effects of the mutations on slow inactivation, the mutations were also constructed in a channel that had fast inactivation removed by the incorporation of the IFMQ3 mutation in the III–IV linker (West, J.W., D.E. Patton, T. Scheuer, Y. Wang, A.L. Goldin, and W.A. Catterall. 1992. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 89:10910– 10914). Most of the mutations shifted the v1/2 of fast inactivation in the negative direction, with the largest effects resulting from mutations in domains I and II. These shifts were in the opposite direction compared with those observed for activation. The effects of the mutations on slow inactivation depended on whether fast inactivation was intact or not. When fast inactivation was eliminated, most of the mutations resulted in positive shifts in the v1/2 of slow inactivation. The largest effects again resulted from mutations in domains I and II. When fast inactivation was intact, the mutations in domains II and III resulted in negative shifts in the v1/2 of slow inactivation. Neutralization of the fourth charge in domain I or II resulted in the appearance of a second component in the voltage dependence of slow inactivation that was only observable when fast inactivation was intact. These results suggest the S4 regions of all four domains of the sodium channel are involved in the voltage dependence of inactivation, but to varying extents. Fast inactivation is not strictly coupled to activation, but it derives some independent voltage sensitivity from the charges in the S4 domains. Finally, there is an interaction between the fast and slow inactivation processes.

scholarly journals Ca2+-induced Ca2+ Release Phenomena in Mammalian Sympathetic Neurons Are Critically Dependent on the Rate of Rise of Trigger Ca2+

1997 ◽  
Vol 109 (2) ◽  
pp. 147-167 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arturo Hernández-Cruz ◽  
Ariel L. Escobar ◽  
Nicolás Jiménez
Keyword(s):  
Sympathetic Neurons ◽  
Feedback Gain ◽  
Release Channel ◽  
Linear Diffusion ◽  
Intracellular Release ◽  
Dependent Inactivation ◽  
Initial Release ◽  
Agonist Concentration ◽  
Fast Release

The role of ryanodine-sensitive intracellular Ca2+ stores present in nonmuscular cells is not yet completely understood. Here we examine the physiological parameters determining the dynamics of caffeine-induced Ca2+ release in individual fura-2–loaded sympathetic neurons. Two ryanodine-sensitive release components were distinguished: an early, transient release (TR) and a delayed, persistent release (PR). The TR component shows refractoriness, depends on the filling status of the store, and requires caffeine concentrations ≥10 mM. Furthermore, it is selectively suppressed by tetracaine and intracellular BAPTA, which interfere with Ca2+-mediated feedback loops, suggesting that it constitutes a Ca2+-induced Ca2+-release phenomenon. The dynamics of release is markedly affected when Sr2+ substitutes for Ca2+, indicating that Sr2+ release may operate with lower feedback gain than Ca2+ release. Our data indicate that when the initial release occurs at an adequately fast rate, Ca2+ triggers further release, producing a regenerative response, which is interrupted by depletion of releasable Ca2+ and Ca2+-dependent inactivation. A compartmentalized linear diffusion model can reproduce caffeine responses: When the Ca2+ reservoir is full, the rapid initial Ca2+ rise determines a faster occupation of the ryanodine receptor Ca2+ activation site giving rise to a regenerative release. With the store only partially loaded, the slower initial Ca2+ rise allows the inactivating site of the release channel to become occupied nearly as quickly as the activating site, thereby suppressing the initial fast release. The PR component is less dependent on the store's Ca2+ content. This study suggests that transmembrane Ca2+ influx in rat sympathetic neurons does not evoke widespread amplification by CICR because of its inability to raise [Ca2+] near the Ca2+ release channels sufficiently fast to overcome their Ca2+-dependent inactivation. Conversely, caffeine-induced Ca2+ release can undergo considerable amplification especially when Ca2+ stores are full. We propose that the primary function of ryanodine-sensitive stores in neurons and perhaps in other nonmuscular cells, is to emphasize subcellular Ca2+ gradients resulting from agonist-induced intracellular release. The amplification gain is dependent both on the agonist concentration and on the filling status of intracellular Ca2+ stores.

scholarly journals A CACNA1A variant associated with trigeminal neuralgia alters the gating of Cav2.1 channels

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eder Gambeta ◽  
Maria A. Gandini ◽  
Ivana A. Souza ◽  
Laurent Ferron ◽  
Gerald W. Zamponi
Keyword(s):  
Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽  
Missense Mutation ◽  
Neurotransmitter Release ◽  
Trigeminal System ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Calcium Dependent ◽  
Whole Cell Patch Clamp ◽  
C Terminus ◽  
Dependent Inactivation

AbstractA novel missense mutation in the CACNA1A gene that encodes the pore forming α1 subunit of the CaV2.1 voltage-gated calcium channel was identified in a patient with trigeminal neuralgia. This mutation leads to a substitution of proline 2455 by histidine (P2455H) in the distal C-terminus region of the channel. Due to the well characterized role of this channel in neurotransmitter release, our aim was to characterize the biophysical properties of the P2455H variant in heterologously expressed CaV2.1 channels. Whole-cell patch clamp recordings of wild type and mutant CaV2.1 channels expressed in tsA-201 cells reveal that the mutation mediates a depolarizing shift in the voltage-dependence of activation and inactivation. Moreover, the P2455H mutant strongly reduced calcium-dependent inactivation of the channel that is consistent with an overall gain of function. Hence, the P2455H CaV2.1 missense mutation alters the gating properties of the channel, suggesting that associated changes in CaV2.1-dependent synaptic communication in the trigeminal system may contribute to the development of trigeminal neuralgia.

The neuro-cardiac junction defines an extracellular microdomain required for neurotrophic signaling

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Mongillo ◽  
M Franzoso ◽  
V Prando ◽  
L Dokshokova ◽  
A Di Bona ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Culture Medium ◽  
Heart Diseases ◽  
Sympathetic Neurons ◽  
Confocal Imaging ◽  
Public Institution ◽  
Mdx Mice ◽  
Mouse Heart ◽  
Funding Source ◽  
Neurotrophic Signaling

Abstract Background Sympathetic neurons (SNs) innervate the myocardium with a defined topology that allows physiological modulation of cardiac activity. Neurotrophins released by cardiac cells control SN viability and myocardial distribution, which are impaired in heart diseases with reduced (e.g. heart failure) or heterogenous sympathetic stimulation (e.g. arrhythmias). We previously demonstrated that SNs interact directly with cardiomyocytes (CMs) at neuro-cardiac junctions (NCJ), and such structured contact sites allow neurons to efficiently activate β-adrenoceptors on the myocyte membrane. Aims We here asked whether NCJs are functional for retrograde (myocyte to neuron) neurotrophic signaling. Methods and results Electron microscopy and immunofluorescence on mouse heart slices and SN/CM co-cultures showed that the NGF receptor, TrkA, is preferentially found in correspondence of the NCJ. Consistently, neurons taking structured contact with CMs showed fast TrkA activation and its retrograde transport to the soma, which was monitored using live confocal imaging in cells expressing TrkA-RFP. In accord with NGF dependent effects, CM-contacted SN showed larger synaptic varicosities and did not require NGF supplementation in the culture medium. In support that NGF locally released at NCJs sustains SN viability, the neurotrophin concentration in the culture medium was 1.61 pg/mL, and did not suffice to maintain neuronal viability, which was also perturbed (66% decrease of neuronal density) by silencing NGF expression in CMs. These results support that the NCJ is essential for intercellular neurotrophin signaling. Consistently, by applying competitive inhibition of TrkA with increasing doses of K252a, we estimated NGF concentration at the contact site to be about 1000-fold higher than that released by CM in the culture medium. To seek for the structural determinants of the NCJ, we focused on dystrophin, based on the finding that the protein accumulates on the CM membrane portion contacted by SNs, as observed in mouse heart slices, and co-cultured CMs. In support of a role of CM-expressed dystrophin in neurotrophic signaling, hearts from dystrophin-KO (mdx) mice showed 74.36% decrease of innervation, with no significant changes of NGF expression. In line with the purported role of NCJs, in co-cultures between wild type SNs and mdx CMs, TrkA activation (TrkA movements toward SN soma (%): WTCM-WTSN=18±4; MDXCM-WTSN= 12±3; p<0,05) and neuronal survival were reduced. Conclusions Taken together, our results suggest that NGF-dependent signaling to SNs requires a direct and specialized interaction with myocytes, and that loss of dystrophin at the CM membrane impairs retrograde signaling to the neurons leading to cardiac sympathetic dys-innervation. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): University of Padova

P1597Two novel mutations in SCN5A gene cause enhanced inactivation and lead to Brugada syndrome

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Zaytseva ◽  
A V Karpushev ◽  
A V Karpushev ◽  
Y Fomicheva ◽  
Y Fomicheva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Steady State ◽  
Sodium Channel ◽  
Brugada Syndrome ◽  
Slow Inactivation ◽  
Fast Inactivation ◽  
Novel Mutations ◽  
Patch Clamp Technique ◽  
Inactivation Curve ◽  
Voltage Gated ◽  
Cardiac Sodium Channel

Abstract Background Mutations in gene SCN5A, encoding cardiac potential-dependent sodium channel Nav1.5, are associated with various arrhythmogenic disorders among which the Brugada syndrome (BrS) and the Long QT syndrome (LQT) are the best characterized. BrS1 is associated with sodium channel dysfunction, which can be reflected by decreased current, impaired activation and enhanced inactivation. We found two novel mutations in our patients with BrS and explored their effect on fast and slow inactivation of cardiac sodium channel. Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of BrS (Y739D, L1582P) mutations on different inactivation processes in in vitro model. Methods Y739D and L1582P substitutions were introduced in SCN5A cDNA using site-directed mutagenesis. Sodium currents were recorded at room temperature in transfected HEK293-T cells using patch-clamp technique with holding potential −100 mV. In order to access the fast steady-state inactivation curve we used double-pulse protocol with 10 ms prepulses. To analyze voltage-dependence of slow inactivation we used two-pulse protocol with 10s prepulse, 20ms test pulse and 25ms interpulse at −100mV to allow recovery from fast inactivation. Electrophysiological measurements are presented as mean ±SEM. Results Y739D mutation affects highly conserved tyrosine 739 among voltage-gated sodium and calcium channels in the segment IIS2. Mutation L1582P located in the loop IVS4-S5, and leucine in this position is not conserved among voltage-gated channels superfamily. We have shown that Y739D leads to significant changes in both fast and slow inactivation, whereas L1582P enhanced slow inactivation only. Steady-state fast inactivation for Y739D was shifted on 8.9 mV towards more negative potentials compare with that for WT, while L1582P did not enhanced fast inactivation (V1/2 WT: −62.8±1.7 mV; Y739D: −71.7±2.3 mV; L1582P: −58.7±1.4 mV). Slow inactivation was increased for both substitutions (INa (+20mV)/INa (−100mV) WT: 0.45±0.03; Y739D: 0,34±0.09: L1582P: 0.38±0.04). Steady-state fast inactivation Conclusions Both mutations, observed in patients with Brugada syndrome, influence on the slow inactivation process. Enhanced fast inactivation was shown only for Y739D mutant. The more dramatic alterations in sodium channel biophysical characteristics are likely linked with mutated residue conservativity. Acknowledgement/Funding RSF #17-15-01292

Halothane Inhibition of Recombinant Cardiac L-type Ca2+ Channels Expressed in HEK-293 Cells

2005 ◽  
Vol 103 (6) ◽  
pp. 1156-1166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin J. Gingrich ◽  
Son Tran ◽  
Igor M. Nikonorov ◽  
Thomas J. Blanck
Keyword(s):  
Charge Transfer ◽  
Calcium Channels ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Current Time ◽  
Hek 293 ◽  
Hek 293 Cells ◽  
293 Cells ◽  
Dependent Inactivation ◽  
Voltage Dependent

Background Volatile anesthetics depress cardiac contractility, which involves inhibition of cardiac L-type calcium channels. To explore the role of voltage-dependent inactivation, the authors analyzed halothane effects on recombinant cardiac L-type calcium channels (alpha1Cbeta2a and alpha1Cbeta2aalpha2/delta1), which differ by the alpha2/delta1 subunit and consequently voltage-dependent inactivation. Methods HEK-293 cells were transiently cotransfected with complementary DNAs encoding alpha1C tagged with green fluorescent protein and beta2a, with and without alpha2/delta1. Halothane effects on macroscopic barium currents were recorded using patch clamp methodology from cells expressing alpha1Cbeta2a and alpha1Cbeta2aalpha2/delta1 as identified by fluorescence microscopy. Results Halothane inhibited peak current (I(peak)) and enhanced apparent inactivation (reported by end pulse current amplitude of 300-ms depolarizations [I300]) in a concentration-dependent manner in both channel types. alpha2/delta1 coexpression shifted relations leftward as reported by the 50% inhibitory concentration of I(peak) and I300/I(peak)for alpha1Cbeta2a (1.8 and 14.5 mm, respectively) and alpha1Cbeta2aalpha2/delta1 (0.74 and 1.36 mm, respectively). Halothane reduced transmembrane charge transfer primarily through I(peak) depression and not by enhancement of macroscopic inactivation for both channels. Conclusions The results indicate that phenotypic features arising from alpha2/delta1 coexpression play a key role in halothane inhibition of cardiac L-type calcium channels. These features included marked effects on I(peak) inhibition, which is the principal determinant of charge transfer reductions. I(peak) depression arises primarily from transitions to nonactivatable states at resting membrane potentials. The findings point to the importance of halothane interactions with states present at resting membrane potential and discount the role of inactivation apparent in current time courses in determining transmembrane charge transfer.

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