Expression of three distinct families of calcium-activated chloride channel genes in the mouse dorsal root ganglion

Objective A calcium-activated chloride current （ICl（Ca）） has been observed in medium-sized sensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglion （DRG）. Axotomy of the sciatic nerve induces a similar current in the majority of medium and large diameter neurons. Our aim is to identify the molecule（s） underlying this current. Methods Using conventional and quantitative RT-PCR, we examined the expression in DRG of members of three families of genes, which have been shown to have latch） current inducing properties. Results We showed the detection of transcripts representing several members of these families, i.e. chloride channel calciumactivated （CLCA）, Bestrophin and Tweety gene families in adult DRG, in the normal state and 3 d after sciatic nerve section, a model for peripheral nerve injury. Conclusion Our analysis revealed that that mBestl and Tweety2 appear as the best candidates to play a role in the injury-induced Icl（Ca） in DRG neurons.

RNA interference reveals chloride channel 7 gene helps short-term hypersalinity stress resistance in Hong Kong oyster Crassostrea hongkongensis

The chloride channel 7 gene(CLC 7)of the Hong Kong oyster Crassostrea hongkongensis was cloned and named ChCLC 7.The cDNA was 2572 bp in length,with a 5′non-coding region containing 25 bp,a 3′non-coding region containing 327 bp,and an open reading frame of 2298 bp.ChCLC 7 has 96.8%and 92.1%homology with CLC 7 of Crassostrea gigas and Crassostrea virginica,respectively,and it was clustered with CLC 7 of C.gigas and C.virginica.QRT-PCR showed that ChCLC 7 was expressed in all eight tissues,with the highest in adductor muscle and second in gill.The ChCLC 7 expression pattern in gill was altered significantly under high salinity stress with an overall upward and then downward trend.After RNA interference,the expression of ChCLC 7 and survival rate of oyster under high salinity stress was reduced significantly,and so did the concentration of hemolymph chloride ion in 48-96 h after RNA interference.We believed that ChCLC 7 could play an important role in osmoregulation of C.hongkongensis by regulating Cl^(-)transport.This study provided data for the analysis of molecular mechanism against oyster salinity stress.

Increased expression of human calcium-activated chloride channel 1 is correlated with mucus overproduction in the airways of Chinese patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease （COPD） is usually complicated with mucus overproduction in airway. Recently the increased expression of the human calcium-activated chloride channel 1 （CaCC1） was found to play an important role in mucus overproduction in the asthmatic airways. To investigate the relationship of CaCC1 and mucus overproduction in the airway of Chinese patients with COPD, the expressions of CaCC1, MUC5AC and mucus in bronchial tissues were examined. Methods Bronchial tissues were obtained from fiberoptic bronchoscopy and bronchial biopsy in West China Hospital from April to July in 2004. Twenty-five patients were diagnosed as the patients with COPD overproduction, and other 20 were the control subjects. The expressions of CaCC1, MUC5AC and mucin in bronchial tissues were detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）, in situ hybridization with digoxigenin （DIG）-Iabeled RNA probe, immunohistochemical and alcian blue-periodic acid Schiff （AB-PAS） staining, respectively. Results Compared with the control group, the stronger expressions of CaCC1 were further detected throughout the bronchial tissues from patients with COPD （P〈0.01）. Furthermore, the stronger expressions of the CaCC1 mRNA were related to the severity of airflow obstruction. Samples from COPD showed a stronger staining for MUC5AC than those in control subjects （P〈0.01） and AB-PAS staining revealed more mucins in COPD patients＇ submucosal gland comparing with that in control subjects （P〈0.01）. Expression levels of the CaCC1 mRNA were respectively negatively correlated with the patients＇ forced expiratory volume in one second （FEV~） / forced vital capacity （FVC） data, FEV1% predicted data, V50% predicted data, V25% predicted data （r=-0.43, r=-0.43, r=-0.35, r=-0.36, P〈0.01, P〈0.01, P〈0.05, P〈0.05）. While the expression levels of the CaCC1 mRNA were well correlated with the expression levels of the MUC5AC mRNA of airway epithelium and the PAS-AB stained area of submucosal glands （r=0.39, r=0.46, P〈0.05, P〈0.01）. Expression levels of the MUC5AC mRNA were negatively correlated with the patients＇ FEV1/FVC data （P=0.01）, FEV1% pred data （P=-0.01）, V50% predicted data, V25% predicted data（r=-0.53, r=-0.53, r=-0.48, r=-0.43, P〈0.01, P〈0.01, P〈0.01, P〈0.01）. While the expression levels of the MUC5AC mRNA were well correlated with the positively PAS-AB stained area of submucosal gland （P〈0.05）, and the correlation coefficients were 0.43. Conclusion These results suggest that the stronger gene expression of CaCC1 exists, complicated with mucus overproduction in the airwav of Chinese patients with COPD.

Effect of electroacupuncture on calcium-activated chloride channel currents in interstitial cells of Cajal in rats with diabetic gastroparesis

Objective:To investigate the mechanisms of electroacupuncture(EA)at Zusanli(ST 36),Liangmen(ST 21)and Sanyinjiao(SP 6)in intervening diabetic gastroparesis(DGP)based on calcium-activated chloride channel.Methods:Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups,including a normal control group(group A),a model group(group B),an EA group(group C)and a metoclopramide group(group D),with 10 rats in each group.A single intraperitoneal injection of 2%streptozotocin(STZ)combined with 8-week high-glucose high-fat diet was used to establish a DGP rat model.After intervention,gastrointestinal propulsive rate was observed;the expression level of transmembrane protein 16A(TMEM16A)was examined by immunohistochemistry;the Ca2+concentration in interstitial cells of Cajal(ICCs)was detected by immunofluorescence;and whole-cell patch-clamp technique was applied to detect the current intensity of calcium-activated chloride channel(ICaCC)in ICCs in gastric antrum.Results:After modeling,the blood glucose levels in group B,group C and group D were significantly increased compared with group A(all P<0.01);after intervention,compared with group B,the blood glucose levels in group C and group D were significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01);the intra-group comparison of blood glucose level between after modeling and after intervention found significant difference only in group C(P<0.01).The gastrointestinal propulsive rates in group B,group C and group D were significantly different from that in group A(P<0.01 or P<0.05);the gastrointestinal propulsive rates were markedly higher in group C and group D than in group B(P<0.01,P<0.01).The expressions of TMEM16A in group B and group C were decreased compared with group A(P<0.01,P<0.05);the expressions of TMEM16A in group C and group D were increased compared with group B(P<0.01,P<0.05).The fluorescence intensity of Ca2+was significantly lower in group B than in group A(P<0.01);the fluorescence intensity of Ca2+was significantly higher in group C and group D than in group B(P<0.01,P<0.05).ICaCC in ICCs in group B was significantly decreased compared with group A;ICaCC in group C and group D were increased compared with group B.Conclusion:EA at Zusanli(ST 36),Liangmen(ST 21)and Sanyinjiao(SP 6)can significantly improve gastrointestinal motility in DGP rats by up-regulating the ICaCC in ICCs.

Murine calcium-activated chloride channel family member 3 induces asthmatic airway inflammation independently of allergen exposure

Background Expression of murine calcium-activated chloride channel family member 3 （mCLCA3） has been reported to be increased in the airway epithelium of asthmatic mice challenged with ovalbumin （OVA）. However, its role in asthmatic airway inflammation under no OVA exposure has not yet been clarified. Methods mCLCA3 plasmids were transfected into the airways of normal BALB/c mice. mCLCA3 expression and airway inflammation in mouse lung tissue were evaluated. Cell differentials and cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid （BALF） were analyzed. The expression of mCLCA3 protein and mucus protein mucin-5 subtype AC （MUC5AC） were analyzed by Western blotting. The mRNA levels of mCLCA3, MUC5AC and interleukin-13 （IL-13） were determined quantitatively. Results mCLCA3 expression was not detected in the control group while strong immunoreactivity was detected in the OVA and mCLCA3 plasmid groups, and was strictly localized to the airway epithelium. The numbers of inflammatory cells in lung tissue and BALF were increased in both mCLCA3 plasmid and OVA groups. The protein and mRNA levels of mCLCA3 and MUC5AC in the lung tissue were significantly increased in the mCLCA3 plasmid and OVA groups compared to the control group. The level of IL-13, but not IL-4, IL-5, IFN-y, CCL2, CCL5 or CCL11, was significantly increased compared with control group in BALF in the mCLCA3 plasmid and OVA groups. The level of IL-13 in the BALF in the mCLCA3 plasmid group was much higher than that in the OVA group （P 〈0.05）. The level of mCLCA3 mRNA in lung tissue was positively correlated with the levels of MUC5AC mRNA in lung tissue, IL-13 mRNA in lung tissue, the number of eosinophils in BALF, and the content of IL-13 protein in BALE The level of IL-13 mRNA in lung tissue was positively correlated with the number of eosinophils in BALF and the level of MUC5AC mRNA in lung tissue. Conclusion These findings suggest that increased expression of a single-gene, mCLCA3, could simulate an asthma attack, and its mechanism may involve mCLCA3 overexpression up-regulating IL-13 expression.

Differential Effect of Calcium-Activated Potassium and Chloride Channels on Rat Basilar Artery Vasomotion

Spontaneous, rhythmical contractions, or vasomotion, can be recorded from cerebral vessels under both normal physiological and pathophysiological conditions. We investigated the cellular mechanisms underlying vasomotion in the cerebral basilar artery （BA） of Wistar rats. Pressure myograph video microscopy was used to study the changes in cerebral artery vessel diameter. The main results of this study were as follows： （1） The diameters of BA and middle cerebral artery （MCA） were 314.5±15.7 μm （n=15） and 233.3±10.1 μm （n=12） at 10 mmHg working pressure （P〈0.05）, respectively. Pressure-induced vasomotion occurred in BA （22/28, 78.6%）, but not in MCA （4/31, 12.9%） from 0 to 70 mmHg working pressure. As is typical for vasomotion, the contractile phase of the response was more rapid than the relaxation phase; （2） The frequency of vasomotion response and the diameter were gradually increased in BA from 0 to 70 mmHg working pressure. The amplitude of the rhythmic con- tractions was relatively constant once stable conditions were achieved. The frequency of contractions was variable and the highest value was 16.7±4.7 （n=13） per 10 min at 60 mmHg working pressure; （3） The pressure-induced vasomotion of the isolated BA was attenuated by nifedipine, NFA, 181]-GA, TEA or in Ca2＋-free medium. Nifedipine, NFA, 18^-GA or Ca2＋-free medium not only dampened vasomotion, but also kept BA in relaxation state. In contrasts, TEA kept BA in contraction state. These results sug- gest that the pressure-induced vasomotion of the isolated BA results from an interaction between Ca2＋-activated C1- channels （CaCCs） currents and Kca currents. We hypothesize that vasomotion of BA depends on the depolarizing of the vascular smooth muscle cells （VSMCs） to activate CaCCs. Depolarization in turn activates voltage-dependent Ca2＋ channels, synchronizing contractions of adjacent cells through influx of extracellular calcium and the flow of calcium through gap junctions. Subsequent calcium-induced calcium release from ryanodine-sensitive stores activates Kca channels and hyperpo- larizes VSMCs, which provides a negative feedback loop for regenerating the contractile cycle.

Role of chloride channels in nitric oxide-induced rat hippocampal neuronal apoptosis in vitro

BACKGROUND：Chloride channels participate in non-neuronal apoptosis.However,it remains unclear whether chloride channels are involved in ischemic neuronal apoptosis.OBJECTIVE：To explore the effects of 4-acetamido-4＇-isothiocyanatostilbene-2,2＇-disulfonic acid （SITS） and 4,4＇-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2＇-disulfonic acid （DIDS）,two chloride channel blockers,on the hippocampal neuronal apoptosis induced by 3-morpholinosydnonimine （SIN-1） based on the nitric oxide toxicity theory of neuronal apoptosis following ischemic brain injury.DESIGN,TIME AND SETTING：Comparative observation and in vitro experiments were performed at the laboratory of Zhuhai Campus of Zunyi Medical College from January to May 2009.MATERIALS：SIN-1,SITS,and DIDS were purchased from Sigma,USA.METHODS：Hippocampal neurons from Sprague-Dawley rats,aged 1 day,were cultured In vitro for 12 days and randomly assigned to control,SIN-1,or chloride channel blocker groups.SIN-1 group neurons were induced by SIN-1 for 18 hours to establish a model of ischemic neuronal apoptosis.Neurons in chloride channel blocker groups were treated with SITS or DIDS plus SIN-1 for 18 hours.The controls were cultured in DMEM/Ham＇s F12 complete medium alone.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES：The apoptotic neurons and nuclear appearance were detected by Hoechst 33258 fluorescence staining; neuronal viability was quantitatively determined by 3-（4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl）-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide analysis.Caspase-3 activity was analyzed by Western blot.RESULTS：SIN-1 （1 mmol/L） dramatically induced apoptosis （50%-60%）.SITS and DIDS inhibited nitric oxide-induced neuronal injury in a dose-dependent manner,suppressed caspase-3 activation,reduced neuronal apoptosis,and improved neuronal survival.CONCLUSION：Chloride channel blockers can protect against neuronal injury induced by NO.Chloride channels might be involved in neuronal apoptosis following cerebral ischemia.

Chloride intracellular channel 1 regulates colon cancer cell migration and invasion through ROS/ERK pathway

AIM: To investigate the mechanisms of chloride intracellular channel 1 (CLIC1) in the metastasis of colon cancer under hypoxia-reoxygenation (H-R) conditions.

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator chloride channel blockers:Pharmacological,biophysical and physiological relevance

Dysfunction of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane con-ductance regulator(CFTR) chloride channel causes cys-tic fibrosis, while inappropriate activity of this channeloccurs in secretory diarrhea and polycystic kidney dis-ease. Drugs that interact directly with CFTR are there-fore of interest in the treatment of a number of diseasestates. This review focuses on one class of small mol-ecules that interacts directly with CFTR, namely inhibi-tors that act by directly blocking chloride movementthrough the open channel pore. In theory such com-pounds could be of use in the treatment of diarrheaand polycystic kidney disease, however in practice allknown substances acting by this mechanism to inhibitCFTR function lack either the potency or specificity forin vivo use. Nevertheless, this theoretical pharmaco-logical usefulness set the scene for the developmentof more potent, specific CFTR inhibitors. Biophysically,open channel blockers have proven most useful as ex-perimental probes of the structure and function of theCFTR chloride channel pore. Most importantly, the useof these blockers has been fundamental in developing afunctional model of the pore that includes a wide innervestibule that uses positively charged amino acid sidechains to attract both permeant and blocking anionsfrom the cell cytoplasm. CFTR channels are also subjectto this kind of blocking action by endogenous anionspresent in the cell cytoplasm, and recently this blocking effect has been suggested to play a role in the physio-logical control of CFTR channel function, in particular as a novel mechanism linking CFTR function dynamically to the composition of epithelial cell secretions. It has also been suggested that future drugs could target this same pathway as a way of pharmacologically increasing CFTR activity in cystic fibrosis. Studying open channel blockers and their mechanisms of action has resulted in significant advances in our understanding of CFTR as a pharmacological target in disease states, of CFTR chan-nel structure and function, and of how CFTR activity is controlled by its local environment.

Function of chloride intracellular channel 1 in gastric cancer cells

AIM:To investigate the effect of chloride intracellular channel 1(CLIC1) on the cell proliferation,apoptosis,migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells.METHODS:CLIC1 expression was evaluated in human gastric cancer cell lines SGC-7901 and MGC-803 by real time polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR).Four segments of small interference RNA(siRNA) targeting CLIC1 mRNA and a no-sense control segment were designed by bioinformatics technology.CLIC1 siRNA was selected using Lipofectamine 2000 and transfected transiently into human gastric cancer SGC-7901 and MGC-803 cells.The transfected efficiency was observed under fluorescence microscope.After transfection,mRNA expression of CLIC1 was detected with RT-PCR and Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression.Proliferation was examined by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium and apoptosis was detected with flow cytometry.Polycarbonate membrane transwell chamber and Matrigel were used for the detection of the changes of invasion and migration of the two cell lines.RESULTS:In gastric cancer cell lines SGC-7901 and MGC-803,CLIC1 was obviously expressed and CLIC1 siRNA could effectively suppress the expression of CLIC1 protein and mRNA.Proliferation of cells transfected with CLIC1 siRNA3 was enhanced notably,and the highest proliferation rate was 23.3%(P = 0.002) in SGC-7901 and 35.55%(P = 0.001) in MGC-803 cells at 48 h.The G2/M phase proportion increased,while G0/G1 and S phase proportions decreased.The apoptotic rate of the CLIC1 siRNA3 group obviously decreased in both SGC-7901 cells(62.24%,P = 0.000) and MGC-803 cells(52.67%,P = 0.004).Down-regulation of CLIC1 led to the inhibition of invasion and migration by 54.31%(P = 0.000) and 33.62%(P = 0.001) in SGC-7901 and 40.74%(P = 0.000) and 29.26%(P = 0.002) in MGC-803.However,there was no significant difference between the mock group cells and the negative control group cells.

ClC-3 chloride channel in hippocampal neuronal apoptosis

Over-production of nitric oxide is pathogenic for neuronal apoptosis around the ischemic area fol- lowing ischemic brain injury. In this study, an apoptotic model in rat hippocampal neurons was es- tablished by 0.5 mmol/L 3-morpholinosyndnomine （SIN-l）, a nitric oxide donor. The models were then cultured with 0.1 mmol/L of 4,4＇-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2＇-disulfonic acid （DIDS; the chloride channel blocker）for 18 hours. Neuronal survival was detected using the 3-（4,5-dimethylthiazol- 2-yl）-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide （MTT） assay, and apoptosis was assayed by Hoechst 33342-labeled neuronal DNA fluorescence staining. Western blot analysis and immunochemilumi- nescence staining were applied to determine the changes of activated caspase-3 and CIC-3 channel proteins. Real-time PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of CIC-3. The results showed that SIN-1 reduced the neuronal survival rate, induced neuronal apoptosis, and promoted CIC-3 chloride channel protein and mRNA expression in the apoptotic neurons. DIDS reversed the effect of SIN-I. Our findings indicate that the increased activities of the CIC-3 chloride channel may be involved in hippocampal neuronal apoptosis induced by nitric oxide.

Chloride channel blocker 4,4-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid inhibits nitric oxide-induced apoptosis in cultured rat hippocampal neurons

Apoptosis in cultured rat hippocampal neurons was induced using the nitric oxide donor 3-morpholinosydnonimine, and cells were treated with the chloride channel blocker, 4,4- diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2＇-disulfonic acid. Results showed that the survival rate of neurons was significantly increased after treatment with 4,4-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2＇-disulfonic acid, and the rate of apoptosis decreased. In addition, the expression of the apoptosis-related proteins poly（adenosine diphosphate-ribose）polymerase-1 and apoptosis-inducing factor were significantly reduced. Our experimental findings indicate that the chloride channel blocker 4,4- diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2＇-disulfonic acid can antagonize apoptotic cell death of hippocampal neurons by inhibiting the expression of the apoptosis-related proteins poly（adenosine diphosphate-ribose）polymerase-1 and apoptosis-inducing factor.

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.

Synthesis and Characterization of A Small Molecule CFTR Chloride Channel Inhibitor

A thiazolidinone CFTR inhibitor(CFTR_ inh-172 ) was synthesized by a three-step procedure with trifluromethylaniline as the starting material. The synthesized CFTR inhibitor was characterized structurally by means of 1H NMR and functionally in a CFTR-expressing cell line FRT/hCFTR/EYFP-H148Q by both fluorescent and electrophysiological methods. A large amount(100 g) of high-quality small molecule thiazolidinone CFTR chloride channel inhibitor,CFTR_ inh-172 ,can be produced with this simple three-step synthetic procedure. The structure of the final product 2-thioxo-3-(3-trifluromethylphenyl)-5-[4-carboxyphenyl- methylene]-4-thiazolidinone was confirmed by 1H NMR. The overall yield was 58% with a purity over 99% as analyzed by HPLC. The synthesized CFTR_ inh-172 specifically inhibited CFTR chloride channel function in a cell-based fluorescence assay( K _d≈1.5 μmol/L) and in a Ussing chamber-based short-circuit current assay( K _d≈0.2 μmol/L),indicating better quality than that of the commercial combinatorial compound. The synthesized inhibitor is nontoxic to cultured cells at a high concentration and to mouse at a high dose. The synthetic procedure developed here can be used to produce a large amount of the high-quality CFTR_ inh-172 suitable for antidiarrheal studies and for creation of cystic fibrosis models in large animals. The procedure can be used to synthesize radiolabled CFTR_ inh-172 for in vivo pharmacokinetics studies.

Chloride channel involved in the regulation of curcumin-induced apoptosis of human breast cancer cells

Objective: To investigate the role of ClC-3 chloride channel in the proliferation of breast cancer cell line Mcf-7 treated with curcumin and its specific mechanism. Methods: MTT assay was used to detect the effect of chloride channel blocker(DIDS) and curcumin on Mcf-7 and human normal cell viability. Patch-clamp technique was used to determine the current density before and after drug treatment. Apoptosis assay by flow cytometry was performed for further examination of cell apoptosis. Results: Curcumin had toxicity on Mcf-7 and HUVEC cells and DIDS reduced the survival rate of Mcf-7 cells by inhibiting proliferation. Curcumin could activate the chloride ion current on MCF-7 cell membrane, which would be inhibited by DIDS.Finally, curcumin in low concentration combined with DIDS could significantly promote the MCF-7 cells apoptosis. Conclusions: Our results suggest that ClC-3 protein is involved in the regulation of curcumin induced proliferation inhibiting in breast cancer cells through inducing cell apoptosis. ClC-3 may be a potential target of tumor therapy.

Activation Effect of Cathartic Natural Compound Rhein to CFTR Chloride Channel

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator （CFFR） is a cAMP-activated chloride channel expressed in intestinal exoerine glands, which plays a key role in intestinal fluid secretion. A natural anthraquinone ac tivator of CFTR Cl^- channel, rhein, was identified by screening 217 single compounds from Chinese herbs via a cellbased halide-sensitive fluorescent assay. Rhein activates CFTR Cl^- transportation in a dose-dependent manner in the presence of cAMP with a physiological concentration. This study provides a novel molecular pharmacological mechanism for the laxative drugs in Treditional Chinese Medicine such as aloe, cascara and senna.

Identification of Herbal Compound Imperatorin with Adverse Effects on ANO1 and CFTR Chloride Channels

Calcium-activated chloride channels（CaCCs） are the crucial regulators of transepithelial fluid secretion, smooth muscle contraction and sensory transduction. Recently, compelling evidence has indicated that TMEM16A（ANO1 or anoctamin-1） is a bona fide calcium-acvtivated chloride channel. A few small molecule CaCCs regulators are available for functional and therapeutic studies. We screened 126 natural compounds from Chinese herbs. Screening was performed with an iodide influx assay in Fischer rat thyroid epithelial cells to coexpress ANO1 and an iodide-sensitive fluorescent indicator（EYFP-H148Q/I152L）. Imperatorin, a coumarin compound, was identified to inhibit ANO1-mediated chloride transport activated by multiple calcium-elevating agonists. The inhibitory effect is dose-dependent with IC50～14.63 μmol/L. Interestingly, imperatorin activated CFTR chloride channel with EC50～35.52 μmol/L. The adverse effects of imperatorin on CaCC and CFTR chloride channels will make it useful in pharmacological dissection of chloride transport in airway and intestinal epithelium. Further studies are required to evaluate the therapeutic effects of imperatorin on hypertension, asthma and certain tumors.

Impact of Chloride Channel on Spiking Patterns of Morris-Lecar Model

In this paper,we study the complicated dynamics of general Morris-Lecar model with the impact of Cl- fluctuations on firing patterns of this neuron model. After adding Cl- channel in the original Morris-Lecar model, the dynamics of the original model such as its bifurcations of equilibrium points would be changed and they occurred at different values compared to the primary model. We discover these qualitative changes in the point of dynamical systems and neuroscience. We will conduct the co-dimension two bifurcations analysis with respect to different control parameters to explore the complicated behaviors for this new neuron model.

Influence of Associated Cations on the Transport and Adsorption of Chloride Ions in the Nano-channel of Calcium Aluminosilicate Hydrate Gel:A Molecular Dynamics Study

Molecular dynamics simulation was utilized to investigate the transport and adsorption of chloride in the nanopore of calcium aluminosilicate hydrate(C-A-S-H)with associated cation types of Ca,Mg,Na and K.The local ionic structure,atomic dynamics and bond stability were analyzed to elucidate the interaction between cations and chloride ions.The results show that interfacial chloride is absorbed through the ion pairing formation in the vicinity of C-A-S-H substrate.Interfacial cations can simultaneously interact aluminosilicate chains,water molecules and Cl^(-)ions,which restrict the motion of interfacial Cl^(-)ions.Pore solution chloride can be immobilized through the solvation effect of cations.Cations along with their hydration shell can connect to neighboring Cl^(-)ions to decrease their mobility.Owing to the varied ionic chemistry,cations show different interaction strength with neighboring water molecules and anions,which determines the chloride transport behavior in the nanopore of C-A-S-H.The chloride immobilization capacity of C-A-S-H nanopore with different associated cations is listed in following order:Mg^(2+)Ca^(2+)<Na^(+)≈K^(+),which agrees reasonably with previous experiments.

Chloride channels in vascular function and disease

Vascular smooth muscle cells（VSMCs） are the major component of vascular wall which are often stretched and compressed by pounding intravascular pressure.These mechanical signals are usually transformed to electrical signals by the opening or closing of ion channels in VSNCs and endothelial cells.Intravascular pressure causes a graded membrane potential depolarization of the VSMCs and leads to vasoconstriction（i.e.,myogenic response）,independent of the vascular endothelium. Although the important role of cation channels including L-type Ca2+ channels,K+ channels,and TRP channels in the regulation of vascular tone has been well established the functional roles played by Cl- channels in the regulation of the membrane potential and vascular tone remain essentially obscure. Recent emerging evidence implicates very important roles of Cl- channels in vascular function ranging from the control of membrane potential equilibrium, vascular contraction and relaxation to the regulation of intracellular pH,cell volume homeostasis,cell proliferation,migration,and apoptosis.