José Carlos Fernández-Morales

Positive allosteric modulation of alpha-7 nicotinic receptors promotes cell death by inducing Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum

Positive allosteric modulation of α7 isoform of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7‐nAChRs) is emerging as a promising therapeutic approach for central nervous system disorders such as schizophrenia or Alzheimers disease. However, its effect on Ca2+ signaling and cell viability remains controversial. This study focuses on how the type II positive allosteric modulator (PAM II) PNU120596 affects intracellular Ca2+ signaling and cell viability. We used human SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells overexpressing α7‐nAChRs (α7‐SH) and their control (C‐SH). We monitored cytoplasmic and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ with Fura‐2 and the genetically encoded cameleon targeting the ER, respectively. Nicotinic inward currents were measured using patch‐clamp techniques. Viability was assessed using methylthiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide or propidium iodide staining. We observed that in the presence of a nicotinic agonist, PNU120596 (i) reduced viability of α7‐SH but not of C‐SH cells; (ii) significantly increased inward nicotinic currents and cytosolic Ca2+ concentration; (iii) released Ca2+ from the ER by a Ca2+‐induced Ca2+ release mechanism only in α7‐SH cells; (iv) was cytotoxic in rat organotypic hippocampal slice cultures; and, lastly, all these effects were prevented by selective blockade of α7‐nAChRs, ryanodine receptors, or IP3 receptors. In conclusion, positive allosteric modulation of α7‐nAChRs with the PAM II PNU120596 can lead to dysregulation of ER Ca2+, overloading of intracellular Ca2+, and neuronal cell death.

Cytosolic organelles shape calcium signals and exo–endocytotic responses of chromaffin cells

The concept of stimulus-secretion coupling was born from experiments performed in chromaffin cells 50 years ago. Stimulation of these cells with acetylcholine enhances calcium (Ca(2+)) entry and this generates a transient elevation of the cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](c)) that triggers the exocytotic release of catecholamines. The control of the [Ca(2+)](c) signal is complex and depends on various classes of plasmalemmal calcium channels, cytosolic calcium buffers, the uptake and release of Ca(2+) from cytoplasmic organelles, such as the endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, chromaffin vesicles and the nucleus, and Ca(2+) extrusion mechanisms, such as the plasma membrane Ca(2+)-stimulated ATPase, and the Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger. Computation of the rates of Ca(2+) fluxes between the different cell compartments support the proposal that the chromaffin cell has developed functional calcium tetrads formed by calcium channels, cytosolic calcium buffers, the endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondria nearby the exocytotic plasmalemmal sites. These tetrads shape the Ca(2+) transients occurring during cell activation to regulate early and late steps of exocytosis, and the ensuing endocytotic responses. The different patterns of catecholamine secretion in response to stress may thus depend on such local [Ca(2+)](c) transients occurring at different cell compartments, and generated by redistribution and release of Ca(2+) by cytoplasmic organelles. In this manner, the calcium tetrads serve to couple the variable energy demands due to exo-endocytotic activities with energy production and protein synthesis.

Multi-target novel neuroprotective compound ITH33/IQM9.21 inhibits calcium entry, calcium signals and exocytosis

Compound ITH33/IQM9.21 (ITH/IQM) belongs to a new family of l-glutamic acid derivatives with antioxidant and neuroprotective properties on in vitro and in vivo models of stroke. Because neuronal damage after brain ischemia is tightly linked to excess Ca2+ entry and neuronal Ca2+ overload, we have investigated whether compound ITH/IQM antagonises the elevations of the cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]c) and the ensuing exocytotic responses triggered by depolarisation of bovine chromaffin cells. In fluo-4-loaded cell populations, ITH/IQM reduced the K+-evoked [Ca2+]c transients with an IC50 of 5.31 μM. At 10 μM, the compound decreased the amplitude and area of the Ca2+ transient elicited by challenging single fura-2-loaded cells with high K+, by 40% and 80%, respectively. This concentration also caused a blockade of K+-induced catecholamine release at the single-cell level (78%) and cell populations (55%). These effects are likely due to blockade of the whole-cell inward Ca2+ currents (IC50=6.52 μM). At 10 μM, ITH/IQM also inhibited the Ca2+-dependent outward K+ current, leaving untouched the voltage-dependent component of IK. The inward Na+ current was unaffected. Inhibition of depolarisation-elicited Ca2+ entry, [Ca2+]c elevation and exocytosis could contribute to the neuroprotective effects of ITH/IQM in vulnerable neurons undergoing depolarisation during brain ischemia.

Resveratrol augments nitric oxide generation and causes store calcium release in chromaffin cells.

The cardiovascular protecting effect of the grape fruit trans-resveratrol has been explained among other factors, through augmentation of nitric oxide (NO) production in cardiovascular tissues. Another effect of low resveratrol concentration is the inhibition of single-vesicle quantal release of catecholamine from bovine adrenal chromaffin cells, that was recently suggested to be an additional factor contributing to its beneficial cardiovascular effects. We have investigated here the effects of a low concentration of trans-resveratrol (1 μM) on Ca(2+) and NO signaling pathways in bovine chromaffin cells, in an attempt to understand the mechanism underlying its previously reported inhibitory effects on quantal secretion. In cells loaded with fura-2 acetoxymethyl ester (fura-2), we have found that 1 μM resveratrol produces a transient elevation of the cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](c)). This Ca(2+) transient was drastically reduced when the Ca(2+) store was depleted by ryanodine and dantrolene; it was also inhibited by N(ω)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME) and 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ). Furthermore, the Ca(2+) transient was mimicked by NO donor S-nitroso-N-acetyl-penicillamine (SNAP). Resveratrol also enhanced the production of nitrites and NO, and L-NAME blocked both responses; in contrast, augmentation by SNAP of nitrites and NO was unaffected by ODQ and was only partially inhibited by L-NAME. On the basis of these results, we are proposing that resveratrol is mitigating the catecholamine surge occurring during stress, through its ability to elicit mild local [Ca(2+)](c) transients and enhanced NO production, that blocks the last steps of exocytosis.

Blockade by Nanomolar Resveratrol of Quantal Catecholamine Release in Chromaffin Cells

The cardiovascular protecting effects of resveratrol, an antioxidant polyphenol present in grapes and wine, have been attributed to its vasorelaxing effects and to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiplatelet actions. Inhibition of adrenal catecholamine release has also been recently implicated in its cardioprotecting effects. Here, we have studied the effects of nanomolar concentrations of resveratrol on quantal single-vesicle catecholamine release in isolated bovine adrenal chromaffin cells. We have found that 30 to 300 nM concentrations of resveratrol blocked the acetylcholine (ACh) and high K+-evoked quantal catecholamine release, amperometrically measured with a carbon fiber microelectrode. At these concentrations, resveratrol did not affect the whole-cell inward currents through nicotinic receptors or voltage-dependent sodium and calcium channels, neither the ACh- or K+-elicited transients of cytosolic Ca2+. Blockade by nanomolar resveratrol of secretion in ionomycin- or digitonin-treated cells suggests an intracellular site of action beyond Ca2+-dependent exocytotic steps. The fact that nanomolar resveratrol augmented cGMP is consistent with the view that resveratrol could be blocking the quantal secretion of catecholamine through a nitric oxide-linked mechanism. Because this effect occurs at nanomolar concentrations, our data are relevant in the context of the low circulating levels of resveratrol found in moderate consumers of red wines, which could afford cardioprotection by mitigating the catecholamine surge occurring during stress.

Depressed excitability and ion currents linked to slow exocytotic fusion pore in chromaffin cells of the SOD1G93A mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Altered synaptic transmission with excess glutamate release has been implicated in the loss of motoneurons occurring in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Hyperexcitability or hypoexcitability of motoneurons from mice carrying the ALS mutation SOD1(G93A) (mSOD1) has also been reported. Here we have investigated the excitability, the ion currents, and the kinetics of the exocytotic fusion pore in chromaffin cells from postnatal day 90 to postnatal day 130 mSOD1 mice, when motor deficits are already established. With respect to wild-type (WT), mSOD1 chromaffin cells had a decrease in the following parameters: 95% in spontaneous action potentials, 70% in nicotinic current for acetylcholine (ACh), 35% in Na(+) current, 40% in Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) current, and 53% in voltage-dependent K(+) current. Ca(2+) current was increased by 37%, but the ACh-evoked elevation of cytosolic Ca(2+) was unchanged. Single exocytotic spike events triggered by ACh had the following differences (mSOD1 vs. WT): 36% lower rise rate, 60% higher decay time, 51% higher half-width, 13% lower amplitude, and 61% higher quantal size. The expression of the α3-subtype of nicotinic receptors and proteins of the exocytotic machinery was unchanged in the brain and adrenal medulla of mSOD1, with respect to WT mice. A slower fusion pore opening, expansion, and closure are likely linked to the pronounced reduction in cell excitability and in the ion currents driving action potentials in mSOD1, compared with WT chromaffin cells.

Benzothiazepine CGP37157 Analogues Exert Cytoprotection in Various in Vitro Models of Neurodegeneration

Mitochondria regulate cellular Ca(2+) oscillations, taking up Ca(2+) through its uniporter and releasing it through the mitochondrial sodium/calcium exchanger. The role of mitochondria in the regulation of Ca(2+) cycle has received much attention recently, as it is a central stage in neuronal survival and death processes. Over the last decades, the 4,1-benzothiazepine CGP37157 has been the only available blocker of the mitochondrial sodium/calcium exchanger, although it targets several other calcium transporters. We report the synthesis of 4,1-benzothiazepine derivatives with the goal of enhancing mitochondrial sodium/calcium exchanger blockade and selectivity, and the evaluation of their cytoprotective effect. The compound 4c presented an interesting neuroprotective profile in addition to an important blockade of the mitochondrial sodium/calcium exchanger. The use of this benzothiazepine could help to understand the physiological functions of the mitochondrial sodium/calcium exchanger. In addition, we hypothesize that a moderate blockade of the mitochondrial sodium/calcium exchanger would provide enhanced neuroprotection in neurons.

Electrophysiological properties and augmented catecholamine release from chromaffin cells of WKY and SHR rats contributing to the hypertension development elicited by chronic EtOH consumption

Abstract It is known that chronic ethanol (EtOH) consumption leads to hypertension development and has been associated with deleterious effects on the cardiovascular system. Whether this condition alters calcium (Ca2+) signaling and exocytosis in adrenal chromaffin cells (CCs) as the case is for genetic hypertension, is unknown. We explored this question in four randomized experimental groups, male Wistar Kyoto (WKY/EtOH) and Spontaneously Hypertensive (SHR/EtOH) rats were subjected to the intake of increasing EtOH concentrations (5–20%, for 30 days) and their respective controls (WKY/Control and SHR/Control) received water. WKY/EtOH developed hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy; blood aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) and H2O2 were also augmented. In comparison with WKY/Control, CCs from WKY/EtOH had the following features: (i) depolarization and higher frequency of spontaneous action potentials; (ii) decreased Ca2+ currents with slower inactivation; (iii) decreased K+ currents; (iv) augmented K+‐elicited cytosolic Ca2+ transients ([Ca2+]c); (v) enhanced K+‐elicited catecholamine release. These cardiovascular, blood and CCs changes were qualitatively similar to those undergone by SHR/Control and SHR/EtOH. The results suggest that the hypertension elicited by chronic EtOH has pathogenic features common to genetic hypertension namely, augmented [Ca2+]c transients and catecholamine release from their CCs. Graphical abstract Figure. No caption available.

Blockade by NNC 55-0396, mibefradil, and nickel of calcium and exocytotic signals in chromaffin cells: Implications for the regulation of hypoxia-induced secretion at early life

Adrenal chromaffin cells (CCs) express high-voltage activated calcium channels (high-VACCs) of the L, N and PQ subtypes; in addition, T-type low-VACCs are also expressed during embryo and neonatal life. Effects of the more frequently used T channel blockers NNC 55-0396 (NNC), mibefradil, and Ni2+ on the whole-cell Ba2+ current (IBa), the K+-elicited [Ca2+]c transients and catecholamine secretion have been studied in adult bovine CCs (BCCs) and rat embryo CCs (RECCs). NNC, mibefradil, and Ni2+ blocked BCC IBa with IC50 of 1.8, 4.9 and 70 μM, while IC50 to block IBa in RECCs were 2.1, 4.4 and 41 μM. Pronounced blockade of K+-elicited [Ca2+]c transients and secretion was also elicited by the three agents. However, the hypoxia-induced secretion (HIS) of catecholamine in RECCs was blocked substantially (75%) with thresholds concentrations of NCC (IC20 to block IBa); this was not the case for mibefradil and Ni2+ that required higher concentrations to block the HIS response. Thus, out of the three compounds, NNC seemed to be an adequate pharmacological tool to discern the contribution of T channels to the HIS response, without a contamination with high-VACC blockade.

Tight mitochondrial control of calcium and exocytotic signals in chromaffin cells at embryonic life

Calcium buffering by mitochondria plays a relevant physiological function in the regulation of Ca2+ and exocytotic signals in mature chromaffin cells (CCs) from various adult mammals. Whether a similar or different role of mitochondrial Ca2+ buffering is present in immature CCs at early life has not been explored. Here we present a comparative study in rat embryonic CCs and rat mother CCs, of various physiological parameters that are known to be affected by mitochondrial Ca2+ buffering during cell activation. We found that the clearance of cytosolic Ca2+ transients ([Ca2+]c) elicited by high K+ was 7-fold faster in embryo CCs compared to mother CCs. This strongly suggests that at embryonic life, the mitochondria play a more significant role in the clearance of [Ca2+]c loads compared to adult life. Consistent with this view are the following results concerning the transient suppression of mitochondrial Ca2+ buffering by protonophore FCCP, in embryonic CCs compared to mother CCs: (i) faster and greater inactivation of inward calcium currents, (ii) higher K+-elicited [Ca2+]c transients with 25-fold faster clearance, (iii) higher increase of basal catecholamine release and (iv) higher potentiation of K+-evoked secretion. These pronounced differences could be explained by two additional features (embryo versus mother CCs): (a) slower recovery of mitochondrial resting membrane potential after the application of a transient FCCP pulse and (b) greater relative density of the mitochondria in the cytosol. This tighter control by the mitochondria of Ca2+ and exocytotic signals may be relevant to secure a healthy catecholamine secretory response at early life.