Junyuan Gao

Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells as a Gene Delivery System to Create Cardiac Pacemakers

Abstract— We tested the ability of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) to deliver a biological pacemaker to the heart. hMSCs transfected with a cardiac pacemaker gene, mHCN2, by electroporation expressed high levels of Cs+-sensitive current (31.1±3.8 pA/pF at −150 mV) activating in the diastolic potential range with reversal potential of −37.5±1.0 mV, confirming the expressed current as If-like. The expressed current responded to isoproterenol with an 11-mV positive shift in activation. Acetylcholine had no direct effect, but in the presence of isoproterenol, shifted activation 15 mV negative. Transfected hMSCs influenced beating rate in vitro when plated onto a localized region of a coverslip and overlaid with neonatal rat ventricular myocytes. The coculture beating rate was 93±16 bpm when hMSCs were transfected with control plasmid (expressing only EGFP) and 161±4 bpm when hMSCs were expressing both EGFP+mHCN2 (P <0.05). We next injected 10 6 hMSCs transfected with either control plasmid or mHCN2 gene construct subepicardially in the canine left ventricular wall in situ. During sinus arrest, all control (EGFP) hearts had spontaneous rhythms (45±1 bpm, 2 of right-sided origin and 2 of left). In the EGFP+mHCN2 group, 5 of 6 animals developed spontaneous rhythms of left-sided origin (rate=61±5 bpm; P <0.05). Moreover, immunostaining of the injected regions demonstrated the presence of hMSCs forming gap junctions with adjacent myocytes. These findings demonstrate that genetically modified hMSCs can express functional HCN2 channels in vitro and in vivo, mimicking overexpression of HCN2 genes in cardiac myocytes, and represent a novel delivery system for pacemaker genes into the heart or other electrical syncytia.

Effects of the Renin-Angiotensin System on the Current Ito in Epicardial and Endocardial Ventricular Myocytes From the Canine Heart

The Ca(2+)-independent portion of transient outward K(+) current (I(to)) exhibits a transmural gradient in ventricle. To investigate control mechanisms for this gradient, we studied canine epicardial and endocardial ventricular myocytes with use of the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. I(to) was larger in amplitude, had a more negative voltage threshold for activation, and had a more negative midpoint of inactivation in epicardium. Recovery from inactivation was >10-fold slower in endocardium. Incubation of epicardial myocytes with angiotensin II for 2 to 52 hours altered I(to) to resemble unincubated endocardium and reduced the amplitude of the phase 1 notch of the action potential. In contrast, incubation of endocardial myocytes with losartan for 2 to 52 hours altered I(to) to resemble unincubated epicardium and induced a phase 1 notch in the action potential. With RNase protection assays, we determined that incubations with angiotensin II or losartan did not alter mRNA levels for either Kv4.3 or Kv1.4; thus, a change in the alpha subunit for I(to) is unlikely to be responsible. To test whether posttranslational modification produced the effects of angiotensin II, we coexpressed Kv4.3 and the angiotensin II type 1a receptor in Xenopus oocytes. Incubation with angiotensin II increased the time constant for recovery from inactivation of the expressed current by 2-fold with an incubation time constant of 3.7 hours. No effect on activation or inactivation voltage dependence was observed. These results demonstrate that the properties of I(to) in endocardium and epicardium are plastic and likely under the tonic-differing influence of the renin-angiotensin system.

Transient Outward Current, Ito1, Is Altered in Cardiac Memory

BACKGROUND Cardiac memory refers to an altered T-wave morphology induced by ventricular pacing or arrhythmias that persist for variable intervals after resumption of sinus rhythm. METHODS AND RESULTS We induced long-term cardiac memory (LTM) in conscious dogs by pacing the ventricles at 120 bpm for 3 weeks. ECGs were recorded daily for 1 hour, during which time pacing was discontinued. At terminal study, the heart was removed and the electrophysiology of left ventricular epicardial myocytes was investigated. Control (C) and LTM ECG did not differ, except for T-wave amplitude, which decreased from 0.12+/-0.18 to -0.34+/-0.21 mV (+/-SEM, P<0.05), and T-wave vector, which shifted from -37+/-12 degrees to -143+/-4 degrees (P<0.05). Epicardial action potentials revealed loss of the notch and lengthening of duration at 20 days (both P<0.05). Calcium-insensitive transient outward current (Ito) was investigated by whole-cell patch clamp. No difference in capacitance was seen in C and LTM myocytes. Ito activated on membrane depolarization to -25+/-1 mV in C and -7+/-1 mV (P<0.05) in LTM myocytes, indicating a positive voltage shift of activation. Ito density was reduced in LTM myocytes, and a decreased mRNA level for Kv4.3 was observed. Recovery of Ito from inactivation was significantly prolonged: it was 531+/-80 ms (n=10) in LTM and 27+/-6 ms (n=9) in C (P<0.05) at -65 mV. CONCLUSIONS Ito changes are associated with and can provide at least a partial explanation for action-potential and T-wave changes occurring with LTM.

Isoform-specific Stimulation of Cardiac Na/K Pumps by Nanomolar Concentrations of Glycosides

It is well-known that micromolar to millimolar concentrations of cardiac glycosides inhibit Na/K pump activity, however, some early reports suggested nanomolar concentrations of these glycosides stimulate activity. These early reports were based on indirect measurements in multicellular preparations, hence, there was some uncertainty whether ion accumulation/depletion rather than pump stimulation caused the observations. Here, we utilize the whole-cell patch-clamp technique on isolated cardiac myocytes to directly measure Na/K pump current (IP) in conditions that minimize the possibility of ion accumulation/depletion causing the observed effects. In guinea pig ventricular myocytes, nanomolar concentrations of dihydro-ouabain (DHO) caused an outward current that appeared to be due to stimulation of IP because of the following: (1) it was absent in 0 mM [K+]o, as was IP; (2) it was absent in 0 mM [Na+]i, as was IP; (3) at reduced [Na+]i, the outward current was reduced in proportion to the reduction in IP; (4) it was eliminated by intracellular vanadate, as was IP. Our previous work suggested guinea pig ventricular myocytes coexpress the α1- and α2-isoforms of the Na/K pumps. The stimulation of IP appears to be through stimulation of the high glycoside affinity α2-isoform and not the α1-isoform because of the following: (1) regulatory signals that specifically increased activity of the α2-isoform increased the amplitude of the stimulation; (2) regulatory signals that specifically altered the activity of the α1-isoform did not affect the stimulation; (3) changes in [K+]o that affected activity of the α1-isoform, but not the α2-isoform, did not affect the stimulation; (4) myocytes from one group of guinea pigs expressed the α1-isoform but not the α2-isoform, and these myocytes did not show the stimulation. At 10 nM DHO, total IP increased by 35 ± 10% (mean ± SD, n = 18). If one accepts the hypothesis that this increase is due to stimulation of just the α2-isoform, then activity of the α2-isoform increased by 107 ± 30%. In the guinea pig myocytes, nanomolar ouabain as well as DHO stimulated the α2-isoform, but both the stimulatory and inhibitory concentrations of ouabain were ∼10-fold lower than those for DHO. Stimulation of IP by nanomolar DHO was observed in canine atrial and ventricular myocytes, which express the α1- and α3-isoforms of the Na/K pumps, suggesting the other high glycoside affinity isoform (the α3-isoform) also was stimulated by nanomolar concentrations of DHO. Human atrial and ventricular myocytes express all three isoforms, but isoform affinity for glycosides is too similar to separate their activity. Nevertheless, nanomolar DHO caused a stimulation of IP that was very similar to that seen in other species. Thus, in all species studied, nanomolar DHO caused stimulation of IP, and where the contributions of the high glycoside affinity α2- and α3-isoforms could be separated from that of the α1-isoform, it was only the high glycoside affinity isoform that was stimulated. These observations support early reports that nanomolar concentrations of glycosides stimulate Na/K pump activity, and suggest a novel mechanism of isoform-specific regulation of IP in heart by nanomolar concentrations of endogenous ouabain-like molecules.

Connections Between Connexins, Calcium, and Cataracts in the Lens

There is a good deal of evidence that the lens generates an internal micro circulatory system, which brings metabolites, like glucose, and antioxidants, like ascorbate, into the lens along the extracellular spaces between cells. Calcium also ought to be carried into the lens by this system. If so, the only path for Ca2+ to get out of the lens is to move down its electrochemical gradient into fiber cells, and then move by electrodiffusion from cell to cell through gap junctions to surface cells, where Ca-ATPase activity and Na/Ca exchange can transport it back into the aqueous or vitreous humors. The purpose of the present study was to test this calcium circulation hypothesis by studying calcium homeostasis in connexin (Cx46) knockout and (Cx46 for Cx50) knockin mouse lenses, which have different degrees of gap junction coupling. To measure intracellular calcium, FURA2 was injected into fiber cells, and the gradient in calcium concentration from center to surface was mapped in each type of lens. In wild-type lenses the coupling conductance of the mature fibers was ∼0.5 S/cm2 of cell to cell contact, and the best fit to the calcium concentration data varied from 700 nM in the center to 300 nM at the surface. In the knockin lenses, the coupling conductance was ∼1.0 S/cm2 and calcium varied from ∼500 nM at the center to 300 nM at the surface. Thus, when the coupling conductance doubled, the concentration gradient halved, as predicted by the model. In knockout lenses, the coupling conductance was zero, hence the efflux path was knocked out and calcium accumulated to ∼2 μM in central fibers. Knockout lenses also had a dense central cataract that extended from the center to about half the radius. Others have previously shown that this cataract involves activation of a calcium-dependent protease, Lp82. We can now expand on this finding to provide a hypothesis on each step that leads to cataract formation: knockout of Cx46 causes loss of coupling of mature fiber cells; the efflux path for calcium is therefore blocked; calcium accumulates in the central cells; at concentrations above ∼1 μM (from the center to about half way out of a 3-wk-old lens) Lp82 is activated; Lp82 cleaves cytoplasmic proteins (crystallins) in central cells; and the cleaved proteins aggregate and scatter light.

Isoform-specific function and distribution of Na/K pumps in the frog lens epithelium.

Abstract. Epithelial cells from the anterior and equatorial surfaces of the frog lens were isolated and used the same day for studies of the Na/K ATPase. RNase protection assays showed that all cells express α1- and α2-isoforms of the Na/K pump but not the α3-isoform, however the α2-isoform dominates in anterior cells whereas the α1-isoform dominates in equatorial cells. The whole cell patch-clamp technique was used to record functional properties of the Na/K pump current (IP), defined as the current specifically inhibited by dihydro-ouabain (DHO). DHO-IP blockade data indicate the α1-isoform has a dissociation constant of 100 μm DHO whereas for the α2-isoform it is 0.75 μm DHO. Both α1- and α2-isoforms are half maximally activated at an intracellular Na+-concentration of 9 mm. The α1-isoform is half maximally activated at an extracellular K+-concentration of 3.9 mm whereas for the α2-isoform, half maximal activation occurs at 0.4 mm. Lastly, transport by the α1-isoform is inhibited by a drop in extracellular pH, which does not affect transport by the α2-isoform. Under normal physiological conditions, IP in equatorial cells is approximately 0.23 μA/μF, and in anterior cells it is about 0.14 μA/μF. These current densities refer to the area of cell membrane assuming a capacitance of around 1 μF/cm2. Because cell size and geometry are different at the equatorial vs. anterior surface of the intact lens, we estimate Na/K pump current density per area of lens surface to be around 10 μA/cm2 at the equator vs. 0.5 μA/cm2 at the anterior pole.

Isoprenaline, Ca2+ and the Na(+)-K+ pump in guinea-pig ventricular myocytes.

1. The whole‐cell patch clamp technique was employed to study the effects of the beta‐agonist isoprenaline (ISO) on the Na(+)=K+ pump current, Ip, in acutely isolated ventricular myocytes from guinea‐pig hearts. Propranolol, a beta‐adrenergic antagonist, was used to demonstrate that all of the effects of ISO, stimulatory or inhibitory, are mediated by beta‐receptors. 2. Below about 150 nM [Ca2+]i, we find that ISO reduces Ip, while above this [Ca2+]i ISO increases Ip. The stimulatory and inhibitory effects of ISO on Ip are independent of either intracellular sodium ([Na+]i) or extracellular potassium ([K+]o). These results suggest that the end‐effect of ISO is directly on the maximum pump turnover rate (Vmax) rather than indirectly through changes in [Na+]i or [K+]o or modulatory effects on Na+ or K+ affinity. 3. The maximum effect of ISO increases Ip by 25% when [Ca2+] is buffered at 1.4 microM. A half‐maximal effect is reached at roughly 10 nM‐ISO and a near‐maximal effect by 0.5 microM. 4. The permeabilized patch technique, using amphotericin B (Horn & Marty, 1988; Rae, Cooper, Gates & Watsky, 1991), was employed to minimize changes in the normal second messenger systems and calcium buffers. In these experiments, we used a high intracellular sodium solution (pipette sodium was 50 mM), thus sodium‐calcium exchange was depressed and we expected [Ca2+]i to be above 150 nM. ISO increases Ip in these conditions as in the dialysed cells. 5. Our results suggest that beta‐stimulation can increase Ip, but only if [Ca2+]i is above about 150 nM. In the beating heart [Ca2+]i rises well above this value during systole and the average [Ca2+]i, which depends on heart rate, is expected to normally be above this level. During beta‐stimulation, the increase in Ip along with a concomitant increase in IK (Giles, Nakajima, Ono & Shibata, 1989; Duchatelle‐Gourdon, Hartzell & Lagrutta, 1989) helps prevent action potential lengthening and allows an increase in heart rate even in the presence of increased calcium current. Further, beta‐stimulation will compensate for the effects on Ip of either hypokalaemia or digitalis toxicity, and so reduce the expected rise in both [Na+]i and [Ca2+]i.

Lens intracellular hydrostatic pressure is generated by the circulation of sodium and modulated by gap junction coupling

We recently modeled fluid flow through gap junction channels coupling the pigmented and nonpigmented layers of the ciliary body. The model suggested the channels could transport the secretion of aqueous humor, but flow would be driven by hydrostatic pressure rather than osmosis. The pressure required to drive fluid through a single layer of gap junctions might be just a few mmHg and difficult to measure. In the lens, however, there is a circulation of Na+ that may be coupled to intracellular fluid flow. Based on this hypothesis, the fluid would cross hundreds of layers of gap junctions, and this might require a large hydrostatic gradient. Therefore, we measured hydrostatic pressure as a function of distance from the center of the lens using an intracellular microelectrode-based pressure-sensing system. In wild-type mouse lenses, intracellular pressure varied from ∼330 mmHg at the center to zero at the surface. We have several knockout/knock-in mouse models with differing levels of expression of gap junction channels coupling lens fiber cells. Intracellular hydrostatic pressure in lenses from these mouse models varied inversely with the number of channels. When the lens’ circulation of Na+ was either blocked or reduced, intracellular hydrostatic pressure in central fiber cells was either eliminated or reduced proportionally. These data are consistent with our hypotheses: fluid circulates through the lens; the intracellular leg of fluid circulation is through gap junction channels and is driven by hydrostatic pressure; and the fluid flow is generated by membrane transport of sodium.

α‐Adrenergic effects on Na+‐K+ pump current in guinea‐pig ventricular myocytes

1 The whole‐cell patch clamp was employed to study Na+‐K+ pump current (Ip) in acutely isolated myocytes. α‐Adrenergic receptors were activated with noradrenaline (NA) after blocking β‐adrenergic receptors with propranolol. Ip was measured as the current blocked by strophanthidin (Str). 2 Activation of α‐receptors by NA increased Ip in a concentration‐dependent manner. The K0.5 depended on intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i), however maximal stimulation did not. At 15 nm[Ca2+]i the K0.5 was 219 nm NA whereas at 1.4 μm [Ca2+]i it was 3 nm. 3 The voltage dependence of Ip was not shifted by NA at either high or low [Ca2+]i. At each voltage, maximal stimulation of Ip was 14‐15 %. 4 Staurosporine (St), an inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC), eliminated the α‐receptor‐mediated stimulation of Ip at either high or low[Ca2+]i. 5 The stimulation of Ip was independent of changes in intracellular sodium or external potassium concentrations, and did not reflect a change in affinity for Str. 6 Phenylephrine, methoxamine and metaraminol, three selective α1‐adrenergic agonists, stimulate Ip in a similar manner to NA. Stimulation of Ip by NA was eliminated by prazosin, an α1‐antagonist, but was unaffected by yohimbine, an α2‐antagonist. 7 We conclude noradrenaline activates ventricular α1‐receptors, which are specifically coupled via PKC to increase Na+‐K+ pump current. The sensitivity of the coupling is [Ca2+]i dependent, however the maximal increase in pump current is [Ca2+]i and voltage independent.

Regulation of the beta‐stimulation of the Na(+)‐K+ pump current in guinea‐pig ventricular myocytes by a cAMP‐dependent PKA pathway.

1. The whole‐cell patch‐clamp technique was employed with the free intracellular [Ca2+] fixed at 1.4 microM in order to study the isoprenaline (Iso)‐induced increase in the Na(+)‐K+ pump current (Ip) in acutely isolated guinea‐pig ventricular myocytes. 2. The non‐specific protein kinase inhibitor, H‐7, eliminated the stimulatory effect of Iso, suggesting a phosphorylation step is involved in the beta‐agonist stimulation of Ip. 3. H‐7 or the phosphatase inhibitor calyculin A individually had no effect on basal Ip; however, when Ip was first increased by Iso, H‐7 inhibited and calyculin A further increased Ip. This suggests phosphorylation is not important to the basal regulation of Ip, but does have an effect during beta‐stimulation. 4. The Iso‐induced increase in Ip could be mimicked by adding the membrane‐permanent cAMP analogue chlorophenylthio‐cAMP, blocking cAMP degradation with IBMX or stimulating cAMP production with forskolin. Alternatively the protein kinase A inhibitor PKI blocked the stimulatory effect of Iso. This suggests the Iso‐induced phosphorylation responsible for increasing Ip is mediated by cAMP, which then activates protein kinase A (PKA). 5. We conclude that the beta‐agonist‐induced increase in Ip in the presence of high intracellular [Ca2+] is mediated by a phosphorylation step via the cAMP‐dependent PKA pathway. During beta‐stimulation, this increase in active Na(+)‐K+ transport can serve to offset the effects of increases in passive membrane conductances.