Deglycosylation altered the gating properties of rNav1.3:glycosylation/deglycosylation homeostasis probably complicates the functional regulation of voltage-gated sodium channel

Objective To examine the effect of deglycosylation on gating properties of rNav1.3. Methods rNav1.3 was expressed in Xenopus oocyte, with glycosylation inhibition by using tunicamycin. Two-electrode voltage clamp was employed to record the whole-cell sodium current and data were analyzed by Origin software. Those of glycosylated rNav1.3 were kept as control. Results Compared with glycosylated ones, the steady-state activation curve of deglycosylated rNav1.3 was positively shifted by about 10 mV, while inactivation curve was negatively shifted by about 8 mV. Conclusion Glycosylation altered the gating properties of rNav 1.3 and contributed to the functional diversity.

Activin A maintains cerebral cortex neuronal survival and increases voltage-gated Na^+ neuronal current

Activin A, which was first described in 1986, has been shown to maintain hippocampal neuronal survival. Activin A increases intracellular free Ca2＋ via L-type Ca2＋ channels. Our previous study showed that activin A promotes neurite growth of dorsal root ganglia in embryonic chickens and inhibits nitric oxide secretion. The present study demonstrated for the first time that activin A could maintain cerebral cortex neuronal survival in vitro for a long period, and that activin A was shown to increase voltage-gated Na＋ current （/Na） in Neuro-2a cells, which was recorded by patch clamp technique. The present study revealed a novel mechanism for activin A, as well as the influence of activin A on neurons by regulating expressions of vasoactive intestine peptide and inducible nitric oxide synthase.

Targeting voltage-gated sodium channels for treatment for chronic visceral pain

Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) play a fundamental role in controlling cellular excitability,and their abnormal activity is related to several pathological processes,including cardiac arrhythmias,epilepsy,neurodegenerative diseases,spasticity and chronic pain.In particular,chronic visceral pain,the central symptom of functional gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome,is a serious clinical problem that affects a high percentage of the world population.In spite of intense research efforts and after the dedicated decade of pain control and research,there are not many options to treat chronic pain conditions.However,there is a wealth of evidence emerging to give hope that a more refined approach may be achievable.By using electronic databases,available data on structural and functional properties of VGSCs in chronic pain,particularly functional gastrointestinal hypersensitivity,were reviewed.We summarize the involvement and molecular bases of action of VGSCs in the pathophysiology of several organic and functionalgastrointestinal disorders.We also describe the efficacy of VGSC blockers in the treatment of these neurological diseases,and outline future developments that may extend the therapeutic use of compounds that target VGSCs.Overall,clinical and experimental data indicate that isoform-specific blockers of these channels or targeting of their modulators may provide effective and novel approaches for visceral pain therapy.

Functional Expression of Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels Nav1.5 in Human Breast Caner Cell Line MDA-MB-231

Voltage-gated sodium channels （VGSCs） are known to be involved in the initiation and progression of many malignancies, and the different subtypes of VGSCs play important roles in the metastasis cascade of many tumors. This study investigated the functional expression of Nav1.5 and its effect on invasion behavior of human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. The mRNA and protein expression of Nav1.5 was detected by real time PCR, Western Blot and immunofluorescence. The effects of Nav1.5 on cell proliferation, migration and invasion were respectively assessed by MTT and Transwell. The effects of Nav1.5 on the secretion of matrix metalloproteases （MMPs） by MDA-MB-231 were analyzed by RT-PCR. The over-expressed Nav 1.5 was present on the membrane of MDA-MB-231 cells. The invasion ability in vitro and the MMP-9 mRNA expression were respectively decreased to （47.82±0.53）% and （43.97±0.64）% （P〈0.05） respectively in MDA-MB-23 t cells treated with VGSCs specific inhibitor tetrodotoxin （TTX） by blocking Navl.5 activity. It was concluded that Navl.5 functional expression potentiated the invasive behavior of human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 by increasing the secretion of MMP-9.

Do age-associated changes of voltage-gated sodium channel isoforms expressed in the mammalian heart predispose the elderly to atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation(AF)is the most common cardiac arrhythmia worldwide.The prevalence of the disease increases with age,strongly implying an age-related process underlying the pathology.At a time when people are living longer than ever before,an exponential increase in disease prevalence is predicted worldwide.Hence unraveling the underlying mechanics of the disease is paramount for the development of innovative treatment and prevention strategies.The role of voltage-gated sodium channels is fundamental in cardiac electrophysiology and may provide novel insights into the arrhythmogenesis of AF.Na_v1.5 is the predominant cardiac isoform,responsible for the action potential upstroke.Recent studies have demonstrated that Na_v1.8(an isoform predominantly expressed within the peripheral nervous system)is responsible for cellular arrhythmogenesis through the enhancement of pro-arrhythmogenic currents.Animal studies have shown a decline in Na_v1.5 leading to a diminished action potential upstroke during phase 0.Furthermore,the study of human tissue demonstrates an inverse expression of sodium channel isoforms;reduction of Na_v1.5 and increase of Na_v1.8 in both heart failure and ventricular hypertrophy.This strongly suggests that the expression of voltage-gated sodium channels play a crucial role in the development of arrhythmias in the diseased heart.Targeting aberrant sodium currents has led to novel therapeutic approaches in tackling AF and continues to be an area of emerging research.This review will explore how voltage-gated sodium channels may predispose the elderly heart to AF through the examination of laboratory and clinical based evidence.

Neuroprotective effect of interleukin-6 regulation of voltage-gated Na^+ channels of cortical neurons is time-and dose-dependent

Interleukin-6 has been shown to be involved in nerve injury and nerve regeneration, but the effects of long-term administration of high concentrations of interleukin-6 on neurons in the central nervous system is poorly understood. This study investigated the effects of 24 hour expo-sure of interleukin-6 on cortical neurons at various concentrations （0.1, 1, 5 and 10 ng/mL） and the effects of 10 ng/mL interleukin-6 exposure to cortical neurons for various durations （2, 4, 8, 24 and 48 hours） by studying voltage-gated Na＋ channels using a patch-clamp technique. Volt-age-clamp recording results demonstrated that interleukin-6 suppressed Na＋ currents through its receptor in a time- and dose-dependent manner, but did not alter voltage-dependent activation and inactivation. Current-clamp recording results were consistent with voltage-clamp recording results. Interleukin-6 reduced the action potential amplitude of cortical neurons, but did not change the action potential threshold. The regulation of voltage-gated Na＋channels in rat corti-cal neurons by interleukin-6 is time- and dose-dependent.

Chlorogenic acid alters the voltage-gated potassium channel currents of trigeminal ganglion neurons

Chlorogenic acid（5-caffeoylquinic acid, CGA） is a phenolic compound that is found ubiquitously in plants, fruits and vegetables and is formed via the esterification of caffeic acid and quinic acid. In addition to its notable biological functions against cardiovascular diseases, type-2 diabetes and inflammatory conditions, CGA was recently hypothesized to be an alternative for the treatment of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer＇s disease and neuropathic pain disorders. However, its mechanism of action is unclear.Voltage-gated potassium channel（Kv） is a crucial factor in the electro-physiological processes of sensory neurons. Kv has also been identified as a potential therapeutic target for inflammation and neuropathic pain disorders. In this study, we analysed the effects of CGA on the two main subtypes of Kv in trigeminal ganglion neurons, namely, the IK,Aand IK,Vchannels. Trigeminal ganglion（TRG）neurons were acutely disassociated from the rat TRG, and two different doses of CGA（0.2 and 1 mmol·L21） were applied to the cells.Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were performed to observe alterations in the activation and inactivation properties of the IK,Aand IK,Vchannels. The results demonstrated that 0.2 mmol·L21CGA decreased the peak current density of IK,A. Both 0.2 mmol·L21and1 mmol·L21CGA also caused a significant reduction in the activation and inactivation thresholds of IK,Aand IK,V. CGA exhibited a strong effect on the activation and inactivation velocities of IK,Aand IK,V. These findings provide novel evidence explaining the biological effects of CGA, especially regarding its neurological effects.

Voltage-gated Sodium Channels and Blockers:An Overview and Where Will They Go?

Voltage-gated sodium(Nav)channels are critical players in the generation and propagation of action potentials by triggering membrane depolarization.Mutations in Nav channels are associated with a variety of channelopathies,which makes them relevant targets for pharmaceutical intervention.Sofar,the cryoelectron microscopic structure of the human Nav 1.2,Nav 1.4,and Nav 1.7 has been reported,which sheds light on the molecular basis of functional mechanism of Nav channels and provides a path toward structure-based drug discovery.In this review,we focus on the recent advances in the structure,molecular mechanism and modulation of Nav channels,and state updated sodium channel blockers for the treatment of pathophysiology disorders and briefly discuss where the blockers may be developed in the future.

PROPERTIES OF VOLTAGE-GATED SODIUM CHANNELS IN DEVELOPING AUDITORY NEURONS OF THE MOUSE IN VITRO

Objective. To investigate the properties of voltage-gated sodium (Na+) channels in developing auditoryneurons during early postnatal stages in the mammalian central nervous system.Methods. Using the whole-cell voltage-clamp technique, we have studied changes in the electrophysi-ological properties of Na+ channels in the principal neurons of the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB).Results. We found that MNTB neurons already express functional Na+ channels at postnatal day 1 (P1),and that channel density begins to increase at P5 when the neurons receive synaptic innervation andreach its maximum (～3 fold) at P11 when functional hearing onsets. These changes were paralleled byan age-dependent acceleration in both inactivation and recovery from inactivation. In contrast, there wasvery little alteration in the voltage-dependence of inactivation.Conclusion. These profound changes in the properties of voltage-gated Na+ channels may increase theexcitability of MNTB neurons and enhance their phase-locking fidelity and capacity during high-frequencysynaptic transmission.

Effect of genistein on voltage-gated potassium channels in guinea pig proximal colon smooth muscle cells

AIM： To investigate the action of genistein （GST）, a broad spectrum tyrosine kinase inhibitor, on voltagegated potassium channels in guinea pig proximal colon smooth muscle cells. METHODS： Smooth muscle cells in guinea pig proximal colon were enzymatically isolated. Nystatin-perforated whole cell patch clamp technique was used to record potassium currents including fast transient outward current （Ikto） and delayed rectifier current （Ikdr）, tWO of which were isolated pharmacologically with 10 mmol/L tetraethylammonium or 5 mmol/L 4-aminopyridine. Contamination of calcium-dependent potassium currents was minimized with no caldum and 0.2 mmol/L CdCl2 in an external solution. RESULTS： GST （10-100 μmol/L） reversibly and dosedependently reduced the peak amplitude of Ikto with an IC50 value of 22.0±6.9 μmol/L. To a lesser extent, Ikdr, was also inhibited in both peak current and sustained current. GST could not totally block the outward potassium current as a fraction of the outWard potassium current, which was insensitive to GST. GST had no effect on the steady-state activation （n =6） and inactivation kinetics （n =6） of Ikto. Sodium orthovanadate （1 retool/L）, a potent inhibitor of tyrosine phosphatase, significantly inhibited GST-induced inhibition （P〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： GST can dose-dependently and reversibly block voltage-gated potassium channels in guinea pig proximal colon smooth muscle cells.

Upregulated voltage-gated potassium channel Kvl.3 on CD4＋CD28null T lymphocytes from patients with acute coronary syndrome

Objective The purpose of our study is to observe the voltage-gated potassium channel Kvl.3 expressed on CD4＋CD28~ T cells from the peripheral blood of acute coronary syndrome （ACS） patients by the patch clamp technique. Methods Kvl.3 potassium channels expression from 17 patients with ACS and 11 healthy age-match controls was detected in single cell（CD4＋CD28null T cells and CD4＋CD28＋T cells） by fluorescence mieroscopy and patch clamp. Results The percentage of CD4＋CD28mullT cells was higher in the ACS patients [（6.97±2.05）%] than that in the controls [（1.38±0.84）%, P〈0.05]. The concentration of hsCRP was directly correlated with the number of the CD4~CD28nul~ T cells in the ACS patients （r=0.52, P〈0,05）. The conductance （6.89±1.17ns vs 3.36±0.66ns）, dens （1.95±0.80 μm2 vs 1.13±0.57 μm2） and numbers （574.5±97.6 n/cell vs. 280.3±55.3 n/cell） of the Kv1.3 channels on the CIM＋CD28null T cells were significantly higher than those on the CD4＋CD28＋ T cells （all P〈0.01） in ACS patients, but were similar on CD4＋CD28＋T betweenACS patients and controls. Conclusion The CD4＋CD28nullT cells and the numbers of Kvl.3 channels on the CD4＋CD28nullT cells from patients with ACS are significantly upregulated and might contribute to the pathogenesis of ACS （d Geriatr Cardio12010; 7：40-46）.

Whole-cell recordings of voltage-gated Calcium,Potassium and Sodium currents in acutely isolated hippocampal pyramidal neurons

Objective：To record Calcium, Potassium and Sodium currents in acutely isolated hippocampal pyramidal neurons. Methods：Hippocampal CA3 neurons were freshly isolated by 1 mg protease/3 ml SES and mechanical trituration with polished pipettes of progressively smaller tip diameters. Patch clamp technique in whole-cell mode was employed to record voltage-gated channel currents. Results：The procedure dissociated hippocampal neurons, preserving apical dendrites and several basal dendrites, without impairing the electrical characteristics of the neurons. Whole-cell patch clamp configuration was successfully used to record voltage-gated Ca^2＋ currents, delayed rectifier K^＋ current and voltage-gated Na^＋ currents. Conclusion：Protease combined with mechanical trituration may be used for the dissociation of neurons from rat hippocampus. Voltage-gated channels currents could be recorded using a patch clamp technique.

Motor Neuron Disease Associated with Voltage-Gated Potassium Channel Antibodies

Introduction: Antibodies to voltage-gated potassium channels have been implicated in causing a host of peripheral and central nervous system disorders. However, the presence of these antibodies has not been previously associated with motor neuropathy. We describe the first case of acquired motor neuron disease associated with voltage-gated potas-sium channel antibodies. Case Report: The patient is an 81-year-old female who developed signs and symptoms of an idiopathic motor neuron disease. The patient was found to have increased antibodies to voltage-gated potassium chan-nels in the absence of a known metastatic or autoimmune process. Magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine demonstrated increased signal in the anterior horn regions of the cervical and upper thoracic spinal cord on T2-weighted imaging. The patient’s disease progression was refractory to both intravenous immunoglobulin and ster-oid therapy. Conclusion: Voltage-gated potassium channels may be causal or simply associated with motor neuron disease;this relationship needs to be elucidated. Testing for these antibodies may be warranted in cases of idiopathic rapidly progressing motor neuron disease.

Isoprenylated Flavonoids as Cav3.1 Low Voltage-Gated Ca^(2+)Channel Inhibitors from Salvia digitaloides

Saldigones A-C(1,3,4),three new isoprenylated flavonoids with diverse flavanone,pterocarpan,and isoflavanone architec-tures,were characterized from the roots of Salvia digitaloides,together with a known isoprenylated flavanone(2).Notably,it’s the first report of isoprenylated flavonoids from Salvia species.The structures of these isolates were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis.All of the compounds were evaluated for their activities on Cav3.1 low voltage-gated Ca^(2+)channel(LVGCC),of which 2 strongly and dose-dependently inhibited Cav3.1 peak current.

Molecular Docking Studies on Anticonvulsant Enaminones Inhibiting Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels

Epilepsy is described as the most common chronic brain disorder. A typical symptom of epilepsy results in uncontrolled convulsions caused by temporary excessive neuronal discharges. Although several new anticon-vulsants have been introduced, some types of seizures have still not been adequately controlled with these new and current therapies. There is an urgent need to develop new anticonvulsant drugs to control the many different types of seizures. Many studies have shown that the epilepsies involve more than one mechanism and therefore may be responsible for the various types of observed seizures. Recently reported studies have shown that a group of newly synthesized 6 Hz active anticonvulsant fluorinated N-benzamide enaminones exhibited selective inhibitions of voltage-gated sodium (Nav) channels. Nav channels are responsible for the initial inward currents during the depolarization phases of the action potential in excitable cells. The activation and opening of Nav channels result in the initial phases of action potentials. We hypothesize that there is an essential pharmacophore model for the interactions between these enaminones and the active sites of Nav channels. The research reported here is focused on molecular docking studies of the interactions that occur between the fluorinated N-benzamide enaminones and the Nav channels. These studies may open an avenue for designing anticonvulsant drugs by inhibiting Nav channels.

Frequency Switches at Transition Temperature in Voltage-Gated Ion Channel Dynamics of Neural Oscillators

Understanding of the mechanisms of neural phase transitions is crucial for clarifying cognitive processes in the brain. We investigate a neural oscillator that undergoes different bifurcation transitions from the big saddle homoclinic orbit type to the saddle node on an invariant circle type, and the saddle node on an invariant circle type to the small saddle homoclinic orbit type. The bifurcation transitions are accompanied by an increase in thermodynamic temperature that affects the voltage-gated ion channel in the neural oscillator. We show that nonlinear and thermodynamical mechanisms are responsible for different switches of the frequency in the neural oscillator. We report a dynamical role of the phase response curve in switches of the frequency, in terms of slopes of frequency-temperature curve at each bifurcation transition. Adopting the transition state theory of voltagegated ion channel dynamics, we confirm that switches of the frequency occur in the first-order phase transition temperature states and exhibit different features of their potential energy derivatives in the ion channel. Each bifurcation transition also creates a discontinuity in the Arrhenius plot used to compute the time constant of the ion channel.

Role of voltage-gated potassium channel α subunits in cardiovascular system

Voltage-gated ion channels(VGICs) are central to cellular excitation, orchestrating skeletal and cardiac muscle contractions and enabling neural signal transduction. Among these, voltage-gated potassium(Kv) channels are particularly significant in cardiac electrophysiology, especially during the repolarization phase of the cardiac action potential. In cardiac myocytes, Kv channels are integral to a multitude of sophisticated functions, including electrical conduction. Despite their importance, research on Kv channels in the context of cardiovascular diseases is limited. This review offers a comprehensive summary of the structural complexities of Kv channels, delineating the regulatory mechanisms involved in channel gating, expression, and membrane localization. Additionally, we examine the role of different Kv α-subunits in modulating Kv channels and their impact on cardiac remodeling, and assess the potential of targeting Kv channels for the development of anti-arrhythmic therapies.

Role of the Voltage-Gated Proton Channel Hv1 in Nervous Systems

Hv1 is the only voltage-gated proton-selective channel in mammalian cells.It contains a conserved voltage-sensor domain,shared by a large class of voltage-gated ion channels,but lacks a pore domain.Its primary role is to extrude protons from the cytoplasm upon pH reduction and membrane depolarization.The best-known function of Hv1 is the regulation of cytosolic pH and the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase-dependent production of reactive oxygen species.Accumulating evidence indicates that Hv1 is expressed in nervous systems,in addition to immune cells and others.Here,we summarize the molecular properties,distribution,and physiological functions of Hv1 in the peripheral and central nervous systems.We describe the recently discovered functions of Hv1 in various neurological diseases,including brain or spinal cord injury,ischemic stroke,demyelinating diseases,and pain.We also summarize the current advances in the discovery and application of Hv1-targeted small molecules in neurological diseases.Finally,we discuss the current limitations of our understanding of Hv1 and suggest future research directions.

Electroacupuncture of Neiguan(PC 6) inhibits enhanced voltage-gated sodium currents in ischemic ventricular myocytes

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of electroacupuncture(EA) at bilateral Neiguan(PC 6) on voltage-gated Na+currents(INa) and channels(Nav) in ischemic ventricular myocytes.METHODS: EA serum was prepared from six male adult Sprague-Dawley rats that had received EA at bilateral Neiguan(PC 6). Eighteen ventricular myocytes were prepared from six SD rats using an enzymolysis approach. Myocardial ischemia was mimicked by perfusion of ischemic solution. Whole-cell patch-clamping was used to record three currents evoked from isolated cells. The first current was the control, and recorded in absence of ischemic solution current. The second was the ischemic current,and recorded after perfusion of ischemic solution for 5 min, while the EA current was last, and recorded after perfusion of EA serum for 5 min. Navkinetic curves were fitted using related formulas.RESULTS: Compared with those in controls, in the presence of ischemic solution, peak amplitudes of INasignificantly increased from ﹣40 m V to +30 m V,and half-maximal inactivation potentials of Navincreased significantly, while half-maximal activation potentials, slope factors and the recovery time from inactivation to activation of Navwere unchanged. Compared with those in the ischemic solution, in the presence of EA serum, peak ischemic current amplitudes significantly reduced from ﹣40m V to + 40 m V, and half-maximal inactivation potentials were restored, while half-maximal activation potentials, slope factors and the recovery time from inactivation to activation of Navwere unchanged.CONCLUSION: EA at bilateral Neiguan(PC 6) can reduce enhanced INavia restoration of delayed Navinactivation in ischemic ventricular myocytes.

Expression and Role of Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels in Human Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons with Special Focus on Nav1.7,Species Differences, and Regulation by Paclitaxel

Voltage-gated sodium channels （Navs） play an important role in human pain sensation. However, the expression and role of Nav subtypes in native human sensory neurons are unclear. To address this issue, we obtained human dorsal root ganglion （hDRG） tissues from healthy donors. PCR analysis of seven DRG-expressed Nav subtypes revealed that the hDRG has higher expression of Navl.7 （,-~ 50% of total Nav expression） and lower expres- sion of Navl.8 （~ 12%）, whereas the mouse DRG has higher expression of Nav 1.8 （- 45%） and lower expression of Navl.7 （- 18%）. To mimic Nav regulation in chronic pain, we treated hDRG neurons in primary cultures with paclitaxel （0.1-1 μmol/L） for 24 h. Paclitaxel increased the Navl.7 but not Navl.8 expression and also increased the transient Na＋ currents and action potential firing frequency in small-diameter （〈50 ~tm） hDRG neurons. Thus, the hDRG provides a translational model in which to study ＂human pain in a dish＂ and test new pain therapeutics.