Action Mechanism Research of Lanthanons to Slow Vacuolar Ion Channels in Raphanus Satirus L.(Xinlimei) Radish by Patch-Clamp

We used whole-vacuolar patch-clamp recording mode to study the action mechanism of La3+ to Slow Vacuolar (SV) channels for the first time. We recorded SV channel currents of Xinlimei (Raphanus satirus L.) vacuolars. The minimum activation potentials of voltage-dependent SV channels tied in 25+/-5 mV. The increase in cytoplasmic Ca2+ led to enhancement of SV-type currents. It was found that the threshold potential of activation shifted towards more depolarized values whenever cytoplasmic Ca2+ was increased. When 10(-10) mol/L free La3+ was added to the bath, SV-type current was suppressed by 60 similar to 75%. These data showed La3+ reduced ion permeabilities of Xinlimei root vacuolar membrane.

Study of Oligonucleotide Fixation on Bilayer Lipid Membranes by Patch-clamp Pipette Support

One kind of novel BLMs was fabricated by patch-clamp pipette technology characterized in considerably sensitive to changes of electrochemical parameters.Detectiye currents and voltage presented linear relationship when BLMs was formed and it could be confirmed by Gramicidin method.Ion current was increased by dihexyl (C_ (12)) modified ssDNA fixed on the BLMs and also indicated linear relationship to ssDNA's concentration due to the interaction of (C_ 12)-ssDNA and BLMs.Further more,the regression equations were different from BLMs fixed with ssDNA probe and a blank control BLM in the same experimental conditions.The ssDNA probe was successfully fixed on patch-clamp pipette supported-BLMs.Based on our studies,a biosensor with reactive element of patch-clamp pipette-supported BLMs has been established.

MicroRNA-502-3p regulates GABAergic synapse function in hippocampal neurons

Gamma-aminobutyric acid(GABA)ergic neurons,the most abundant inhibitory neurons in the human brain,have been found to be reduced in many neurological disorders,including Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's disease-related dementia.Our previous study identified the upregulation of microRNA-502-3p(miR-502-3p)and downregulation of GABA type A receptor subunitα-1 in Alzheimer's disease synapses.This study investigated a new molecular relationship between miR-502-3p and GABAergic synapse function.In vitro studies were perfo rmed using the mouse hippocampal neuronal cell line HT22 and miR-502-3p agomiRs and antagomiRs.In silico analysis identified multiple binding sites of miR-502-3p at GABA type A receptor subunitα-1 mRNA.Luciferase assay confirmed that miR-502-3p targets the GABA type A receptor subunitα-1 gene and suppresses the luciferase activity.Furthermore,quantitative reve rse transcription-polymerase chain reaction,miRNA in situ hybridization,immunoblotting,and immunostaining analysis confirmed that overexpression of miR-502-3p reduced the GABA type A receptor subunitα-1 level,while suppression of miR-502-3p increased the level of GABA type A receptor subunitα-1 protein.Notably,as a result of the overexpression of miR-502-3p,cell viability was found to be reduced,and the population of necrotic cells was found to be increased.The whole cell patch-clamp analysis of human-GABA receptor A-α1/β3/γ2L human embryonic kidney(HEK)recombinant cell line also showed that overexpression of miR-502-3p reduced the GABA current and overall GABA function,suggesting a negative correlation between miR-502-3p levels and GABAergic synapse function.Additionally,the levels of proteins associated with Alzheimer s disease were high with miR-502-3p overexpression and reduced with miR-502-3p suppression.The present study provides insight into the molecular mechanism of regulation of GABAergic synapses by miR-502-3p.We propose that micro-RNA,in particular miR-502-3p,could be a potential therapeutic to rget to modulate GABAergic synapse function in neurological disorders,including Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's diseaserelated dementia.

Isolation of Ca^(2+) Tolerant Cardiomyocytes from Aadult Rats for Patch Clamp Studies

Objective: To investigate the factors affecting the viability and Ca 2+ tolerance of isolated rats' cardiac myocytes for patch clamp research. Methods: Hearts were firstly perfused by the Langendorff perfusion apparatus with normal Tyrode's solution, then with Ca 2+-free Tyrode's solution and subsequently with low Ca 2+ enzyme solution containing collagenase 0.1-0.2 g/L. All the solutions were saturated with oxygen and the perfusion temperature was kept at 37 ℃. Finally hearts were washed by Ca 2+-free Tyrode's solution, after which the ventricles were minced into small pieces in KB solution, dispersed and filtered. The isolated myocytes were stored in KB solution at room temperature for 1 h and recovered to normal calcium concentration before patch clamp experiments.Results: When all the factors such as water, enzyme, Ca 2+,pH, and oxygen were well controlled, the well constructed and rod-like cardiac myocytes with a yielding rate of 30%-50% came out.Conclusion: All the factors should be well controlled, which ensured the isolated cells Ca 2+ tolerant and appropriate for patch clamp experiments.

奎尼丁增强大鼠软脑膜动脉平滑肌细胞BK_(Ca)通道介导的外向电流

目的研究奎尼丁对SD大鼠软脑膜动脉平滑肌细胞外向电流的作用及其机制。方法应用单细胞全细胞膜片钳技术,研究给予奎尼丁后大鼠软脑膜动脉单个平滑肌细胞(pial artery smooth muscle cell,PASMC)外向电流的变化情况。结果 (1)奎尼丁呈电压依赖性增强PASMC的外向电流(n=6,P<0.01)。(2)奎尼丁呈浓度依赖性增强大鼠PASMC的外向电流(n=6,P<0.05)。(3)应用BK Ca通道特异性阻断剂iberiotoxin(IBTX)后,不仅取消了奎尼丁增强外向电流的作用,而且抑制了对照组的外向电流(n=6,P<0.01)。结论奎尼丁通过增强BK Ca通道激活的外向电流,可能参与了舒张大鼠软脑膜动脉。

An optimized recording method to characterize biophysical and pharmacological properties of acid-sensing ion channel

Objective To re-confirm and characterize the biophysical and pharmacological properties of endogenously expressed human acid-sensing ion channel 1a （hASIC1a） current in HEK293 cells with a modified perfusion methods. Methods With cell floating method, which is separating the cultured cell from coverslip and putting the cell in front of perfusion tubing, whole cell patch clamp technique was used to record hASICla currents evoked by low pH external solution. Results Using cell floating method, the amplitude of hASICla currents activated by pH 5.0 in HEK293 cells is twice as large as that by the conventional method where the cells remain attached to coverslip. The time to reach peak at two different recording conditions is （21±5） ms and （270±25） ms, respectively. Inactivation time constants are （496±23） ms and （2284±120） ms, respectively. The cell floating method significantly increases the amiloride potency of block on hASIC 1 a [IC50 is （3.4± 1.1 ） μmol/L and （2.4± 0.9） μmol/L, respectively]. Both recording methods have similar pH activation ECs0 （6.6±0.6, 6.6±0.7, respectively）. Conclusion ASICs channel activation requires fast exchange of extracellular solution with the different pH values. With cell floating method, the presence of hASIC la current was re-confirmed and the biophysical and pharmacological properties of hASIC la channel in HEK293 cells was precisely characterized. This method could be used to study all ASICs and other ligand-gated channels that require fast extracellular solution exchange.

Inhibitory Effects of Neferine on Na_v1.5 Channels Expressed in HEK293 Cells

Neferine, a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid in Lotus Plumule, was proved to have a wide range of biological activities. In the present study, using whole-cell patch-clamp technique, we investigated the effects of neferine on Nav1.5 channels that are stably expressed in HEK 293 cells. We found that neferine potently and reversibly inhibited Nav1.5 currents in a concentration dependent manner with a half-maximal inhibition（IC50） being 26.15 μmol/L. The inhibitory effects of neferine on Nav1.5 currents were weaker than those of quinidine at the same concentration. The steady-state inactivation curve was significantly shifted towards hyperpolarizing direction in the presence of 30 μmol/L neferine, while the voltage-dependent activation was unaltered. Neferine prolonged the time to peak of activation, increased the inactivation time constants of Nav1.5 currents and markedly slowed the recovery from inactivation. The inhibitory effect of neferine could be potentiated in a frequency-dependent manner. These results suggested that neferine can block Nav1.5 channels under the open state and inactivating state and it is an open channel blocker of Nav1.5 channels.

Effects of antigliomatin from the scorpion venom of Buthus martensii Karsch on chloride channels on C6 glioma cells

Using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings, the effects of antigliomatin were observed on chloride channels on C6 glioma cells cultured in vitro. Antigliomatin was extracted from the venom of the scorpion Buthus martensii Karsch. Chloride channels are closed under normal osmotic pressure. When osmotic pressure was reduced to 120, 110 and 100 mV, the cell volume enlarged, chloride channels opened, and the chloride channel current increased. Three minutes after antigliomatin treatment, the chloride channel current decreased in a dose-dependent manner. These results show that antigliomatin extracted from the venom of the scorpion Buthus martensii Karsch diminishes chloride channel currents on C6 glioma cells.

Two outward potassium current types are expressed during the neural differentiation of neural stem cells

The electrophysiological properties of potassium ion channels are regarded as a basic index for determining the functional differentiation of neural stem cells. In this study, neural stem cells from the hippocampus of newborn rats were induced to differentiate with neurotrophic growth factor, and the electrophysiological properties of the voltage-gated potassium ion channels were observed. Immunofluorescence staining showed that the rapidly proliferating neural stem cells formed spheres in vitro that expressed high levels of nestin. The differentiated neurons were shown to express neuron-specific enolase. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that the neural stem cells were actively dividing and the percentage of cells in the S ＋ G2/M phase was high. However, the ratio of cells in the S ＋ G2/M phase decreased obviously as differentiation proceeded. Whole-cell patch-clamp re- cordings revealed apparent changes in potassium ion currents as the neurons differentiated. The potassium ion currents consisted of one transient outward potassium ion current and one delayed rectifier potassium ion current, which were blocked by 4-aminopyridine and tetraethylammonium, respectively. The experimental findings indicate that neural stem cells from newborn rat hippo- campus could be cultured and induced to differentiate into functional neurons under defined condi- tions in vitro. The differentiated neurons expressed two types of outward potassium ion cur＇ents similar to those of mature neurons in vivo.

Characteristics of Transient Outward Potassium Channel Exposed to 3 mT Static Magnetic Field

Acutely isolated mouse hippocampal CA3 pyramidal neurons were exposed to 3 mT static magnetic field,and the characteristics of transient outward K+ channel were studied using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique.The experiment revealed that the amplitude of transient outward potassium channel current was reduced.The maximum activated current densities of control group and exposure group were 163.62±20.68 pA/pF and 98.74±16.57 pA/pF(n=12,P<0.01) respectively.The static magnetic field exposure affected the activation and inactivation process of transient outward potassium channel current.Due to the magnetic field exposure,the half-activation voltage of the activation curves changed from 5.59±1.96 mV to 27.87±7.24 mV(n=12,P<0.05) ,and the slope factor changed from 19.43±2.11 mV to 25.87±4.22 mV(n=12,P<0.05) .The half-inactivation voltage of the inactivation curves also changed from-56.09±0.89 mV to-57.16±1.10 mV(n=12,P>0.05) and the slope factor of the inactivation curves from 8.69±0.80 mV to 10.87±1.02 mV(n=12,P<0.05) .The results show that the static magnetic field can change the characteristics of transient outward K+ channel,and affect the physiological functions of neurons.

Effects of simvastatin on ion channel currents in ventricular myocytes from rabbit with acute myocardial infarction

Objective To investigate the effects of simvastatin on membrane ionic currents in left ventricular myocytes after acute myocardial infarction (AMI,so as to explore the ionic mechanism of statin treatment for antiarrhythmia.Methods Fourty-five New Zeland rabbits were randomly divided into three groups:AMI group,simvastatin intervention group （statin group） and sham-operated control group （CON）.Rabbits were infarcted by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery after administration of oral simvastatin 5 mg·kg-1·d-1 （Statin group） or placebo （AMI group）for 3 days.Twenty-four hours later,single ventricular myocytes were isolated enzymatically from the epicardial zone of the infracted region.Whole cell patch clamp technique was used to record membrane ionic currents,including sodium current (INa),L-type calcium current (ICa-L) and transient outward potassium current (Ito).Results①There was no significant difference in serum cholesterol concentration among three groups.②The peak INa current density （at-30 mV） was significantly decreased in AMI group （-23.26±5.18） compared with CON （-42.78±5.48,P【0.05）,while it was significantly increased in Statin group （-39.23±5.45） compared with AMI group （P【0.01）;The peak ICa-L current density （at 0 mV） was significantly decreased in AMI group （-3.23±0.91） compared with CON （-4.56±1.01,P【0.05）,while it was significantly increased in Statin group （- 4.18±0.95） compared with AMI group （P【0.05）;The Ito current density（at +60 mV） was significantly decreased in AMI group（10.41±1.93）compared with CON （17.41±3.13,P【0.01）,while it was significantly increased in Statin group（16.21±2.42）compared with AMI group （P【0.01）.Conclusions AMI induces significant down-regulation of INa,ICa-L and Ito.Pretreatment with simvastatin could attenuate this change without lowering the serum cholesterol level,suggesting that simvastatin reverse this electrical remodeling,thus contributing to the ionic mechanism of statin treatment for antiarrhythmia.

Effect of Shenmai Injection on L-type Calcium Current of Diaphragmatic Muscle in Rats

In this study, whole cell patch clamp recording technique was employed to investigate the effect of Shenmai Injection (SMI) on L-type calcium current ofdiaphragmatic muscle in rats. The result showed that when the diaphragmatic muscle cell was held at —80 mV and depolarized to +60 mV, 10 μl/ml, 50 μl/ml and 100 μl/ml SMI enhanced the inner peak L-type calcium current from -(6.8±0.7) pA/pF (n=7) to -(7.3±0.8) pA/pF (P>0.05, n=7), -(8.6±1.0) pA/pF (P<0.05, n=7) and -(9.4±1.2) pA/pF (P<0.05, n=7), respectively. The rates of L-type calcium current were increased by (7.34±2.37) %, (25.72±5.94)% , and (38.16±7.33)% , respectively. However, it had no significant effect on maximal activation potential and reversal potential. Our results suggested that SMI could activate the calcium channel of the diaphragmatic fibers of the rats, increase the influx of Ca 2+, and enhance the contractility of diaphragmatic muscles.

Induced neuronal differentiation of neural stem cells by a combination of cytokines One-step versus two-step methods

BACKGROUND： A combination of basic fibroblast growth factor （bFGF）, platelet-derived growth factor （PDGF）, human heregulin-beta-1, beta-mercaptoethanol retinoic acid and forskolin has been reported to induce the differentiation of rat bone marrow stromal cells into myelinating Schwann-like cells. OBJECTIVE： To investigate the inducing effects of a combination of bFGF, PDGF, human heregulin-beta-1, beta-mercaptoethanol retinoic acid and forskolin on neural stem cell differentiation by one- and two-step methods. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A cytobiology experiment was performed at the Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical School of Nantong University, and Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration, China, between August 2005 and January 2007. MATERIALS： A total of 30 healthy Sprague Dawley rat embryos at gestational days 14-16 were selected, bFGF, PDGF, human heregulin-beta-t, beta-mercaptoethanol, retinoic acid, and forskolin were purchased from Sigma, USA. METHODS： Passage 3 rat neural stem cells were cultured by a one-step method in serum-free medium plus 10 ng/m/bFGF, 5 ng/mL PDGF, 200 ng/mL heregulin-beta-1,35 ng/mL all-trans retinoic acid, and 5 pmol/L forskolin or by a two-step method in serum-free medium plus 35 ng/m/ all-trans retinoic acid for 72 hours, followed by serum-free medium plus 10 ng/mL bFGF, 5 ng/mL PDGF, 200 ng/mL heregulin-beta-t and 5 μmol/L forskolin. The control condition consisted of 10% fetal bovine serum alone or 20 ng/mL bFGF alone. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Differentiated cells were identified by immunocytochemical staining for microtubule associate protein-2 （MAP2） and St 00 protein. Geometric parameters and sodium ion currents of the differentiated cells were measured by image analysis and whole-cell patch-clamp techniques, respectively. RESULTS： Compared with the two-step culture method, neuronal-like cells exhibited longer processes and a similar appearance to mature neurons using the one-step method. The percentage of MAP2 positive cells induced by the one-step method was significantly greater than the serum-alone group （P 〈 0.05）. Furthermore, the MAP2 positive cells induced by the one-step method had greater surface areas, cell body perimeters, and longer process than cells induced by serum-alone and bFGF-alone （P 〈 0.05）. There were no significant differences in these parameters between the one-step and two-step methods （P 〉 0.05）. In addition, 80% of the induced neuronal-like cells from the one-step method and 20% from the two-step method displayed inwardly-evoked currents. CONCLUSION： The combination of bFGF, PDGF, human heregulin-beta-t, beta-mercaptoethanol retinoic acid and forskolin successfully induced neuronal differentiation from neural stem cells, with the one-step induction being more effective than the two-step method.

Potassium channel in peripheral blood lymphocytes of turbot (Scophthalmus maximus)

In order to provide pertinent evidence of ion channel with immune response in the fish, whole cell patch-clamp technique was employed for potassium ion channel study in turbot （Scophthalmus maximus）. Lymphocytes were isolated by Percoll density gradient centrifugation from peripheral blood samples, and electrophysiological characters of the channel were analyzed. In the recorded cells, activated voltage of the channels was -42.5±3.7 mV and the average peak current was 313.12±28.2 pA. The channel was identified as voltage dependent, the current was outward and it could be inhibited by 10 mmol/dma TEA or 5 mmol/dm^3 4-AP, a specific potassium channel inhibitor, identifying the existence of potassium channel in peripheral lymphocytes of the turbot.

Effect of Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation on Calcium Channel of Ventricular Myocytes

Using whole-cell patch-clamp technique,the effect of radiofrequency catheter ablation(RFCA)on calcium current(Ica)of guinea pig ventricular myocytes was examined.The radiofrequency energy delivered was 20W×10 s.RFCA decreased Ica apparently with the affected area reaching up to 1.2 cm from the ablation focus.In the meanwhile,the pathological lesion size resulted from RFCA was merely 0.41±0.11 cm.These findings indicate that RFCA,apart from causing tissue necrosis by heat,can affect myocyte membrane currents in a large area.This may explain why RFCA has a very high success rate with a small pathological lesion.

Effects of Glucose on Transmembrane Ionic Current of Ventricular Myocytes in Guinea Pig

Aim To determine the effects of glucose on APD, I_(K1) , I_K , I_(Ca-L), ofventricular myocytes in guinea pigs, Methods Whole-cell patch-clamp technique was used to record thechanged action potential ionic current induced by glucose of single cell in guinea pig ventricularmyocytes, to compare the action of 0, 10 and 20 mmol·L^(-1) glucoses on trans-membrane ioniccurrent. Results (1) Compared with 10 mmol·L^(-1) glucose concentrations, 0 and 20 mmol·L^(-1)glucose both shortened APD of ventricular myocytes ( P < 0.05). (2) The inward components ofI_(K1) density were maximal when the glucose concentration was at 10 mmol·L^(-1) . Normalized Ⅰ -Ⅴ relationships showed that both 0 and 20 mmol·L^(-1) glucose produced a left-shift of Ⅰ - Ⅴcurve. The reverse potential changed from - 72.4 mV to - 64.6 mV. (3) Compared with 10 mmol·L^(-1),both 0 and 20 mmol·L^(-1) glucose markedly increased the I_(Ca-L) amplitude and density. TheI_(Ca-L) current density was ( - 8.035 +- 0.82) pA/pF ( n = 8) at a test potential of 10 mV when theglucose concentration was 10 mmol·L^(-1) . But its current density decreased to ( - 5.45 +- 0.67)pA/pF and ( - 6.50 +- 0.56) pA/pF when glucose concentrations were 0 and 20 mmol·L^(-1) ,respectively. (4) The current densities of I_K were (18.96+-2.86) pA/pF, (8.66 +-1.87) pA/pF, and(15.32 +- 3.12) pA/pF, at + 70 mV for 0, 10 and 20 mmol·L^(-1) glucoses, respectively. ConclusionGlucose in different concentrations has different effects on APD, I_(K1), I_K, and I_(Ca-L) ofsingle ventricular myocyte in guinea pigs. There are similar actions of 0 and 20 mmol· L^(-1)glucoses on the transmembrane ionic current of ventricular myocytes in guinea pigs.

CHARACTERISTICS OF ACTIONPOTENTIAL AND THEIR UNDERLYING OUTWARD CURRENTS IN MAMMALIAN TASTE RECEPTOR CELLS

Many rat taste receptor cells conduct action potentials(APs).APs had a mean threshold of -35 mV(n=95 cells)and a spike height of 52mV above threshold in current clamp(hold= -80mV).Aps could be classified into two significantly different (P<0.001) groups-fast,with short half-time durations and large outward currents (mean1.3 ms and 2.7nA),and slow,with long duration and small outward currents(mean9.2ms and 0. 29nA).AP upstrokes were conducted by TTX-sensitive sodium currents whereas the downstroke by TEA-blockable outward currents. Voltage dependent analysis of outward current separated transient and sustained components.The transient component was specifically blocked by 4-AP(1mmol/L).A calcium-dependent outward component was also revealed modulating voltage and external calcium concentration.The fast recovery phase of the AP appears related the sustained outward current whereas the after hyperpolarization(AHP) was blocked by 4AP suggesting a significant contribution of the transient component.Forskolin (FSK),which elevates cAMP,reversibly blocked the majority of the sustained current without influencing the transient. FSK greatly exaggerated the AHP without changing the spike height or duration. These data suggest that several components of the outward current contribute specifically to the gustatory AP and that the AP may be modulated by cyclic nucleotides.

Rapid effect of stress concentration corticosterone on glutamate receptor and its subtype NMDA receptor activity in cultured hippocampal neurons

Objective: To study the rapid effect of glucocorticoids (GCs) on NMDA receptor activity in hippocampal neurons in stress and to elucidate its underlying probable membrane mechanisms. Methods: Whole-cell patch-clamp recording was used to assess the effect of stress concentration corticosterone (B) on the responses of cultured hippocampal neurons to glutamate and NMDA (N-methy-D-asparatic acid). To make clear the target of B, intracellular dialysis of B(10 μmol/L)through patch pipette and extracellular application of bovine serum albumin-conjugated corticosterone(B-BSA, 10 μmol/L)were carried out to observe their influence on peak amplitude of NMDA-evoked current. Results: B had a rapid, reversible and inhibitory effect on peak amplitude of GLU- or NMDA-evoked current in cultured hippocampal neurons. Furthermore, B-BSA had the inhibitory effect on INMDA as that of B, but intracellularly dialyzed B had no significant effect on I NMDA. Conclusion: These results suggest that under the condition of stress, GCs may rapidly, negatively regulate excitatory synaptic receptors-glutamate receptors (GluRs), especially NMDA receptor (NMDAR) in central nervous system, which is mediated by rapid membrane mechanisms, but not by classical, genomic mechanisms.

2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate or lanthanum potentiates transient receptor potential-like channels in rat CA1 hippocampal neurons

Expression of transient receptor potential （TRP） channels is widespread with transcripts distributed throughout the brain. All TRP channel subunits are activated following phospholipase C activation and form cation-selective ion channels. Previous studies examining the existence of TRP channels in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons were based on cultured neurons. Therefore, their relevance for living tissue remains unclear. In the present study, patch-clamp recordings were conducted from CA1 pyramidal neurons in hippocampal slices from 7-day-old rats. Whole-cell currents were obtained from CA1 hippocampal neurons with potentiation effects of 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate and lanthanum, revealing that recorded experimental currents were characteristic TRP-like channel currents. Identification of rat hippocampal mRNA transcripts of TRPC4, TRPC5, TRPV1, TRPV2, and TRPV3 channels further verified the expression of characteristic TRP-like channels on rat CA1 hippocampal neurons.