In addition to forming gap-junction channels, a subset of connexins (Cxs) also form functional hemichannels. Most hemichannels are activated by depolarization, and opening depends critically on the external Ca 2؉ concentration. Here we describe the mechanisms of action and the structural determinants underlying the Ca 2؉ regulation of Cx32 hemichannels. At millimolar calcium concentrations, hemichannel voltage gating to the full open state of Ϸ90 pS is inhibited, and ion conduction at negative voltages of the partially open hemichannels (Ϸ18 pS) is blocked. Thus, divalent cation blockage should be considered as a physiological mechanism to protect the cell from the potentially adverse effects of leaky hemichannels. A ring of 12 Asp residues within the external vestibule of the pore is responsible for the binding of Ca 2؉ that accounts for both pore occlusion and blockage of gating. The residue Asp-169 of one subunit and the Asp-178 of an adjacent subunit must be arranged precisely to allow interactions with Ca 2؉ to occur. Interestingly, a naturally occurring mutation (D178Y) that causes an inherited peripheral neuropathy induces a complete Ca 2؉ deregulation of Cx32 hemichannel activity, suggesting that this dysfunction may be involved in the pathogenesis of the neuropathy.

Neurotransmission through electrical synapses plays an important role in the spike synchrony among neurons and oscillation of neuronal networks. Indeed, electrical transmission has been implicated in the hypersynchronous electrical activity of epilepsy. We have investigated the influence of intracellular pH on the strength of electrical coupling mediated by connexin36 (Cx36), the principal gap junction protein in the electrical synapses of vertebrates. In striking contrast to other connexin isoforms, the activity of Cx36 channels decreases following alkalosis rather than acidosis when it is expressed in Xenopus oocytes and N2A cells. This uncoupling of Cx36 channels upon alkalinization occurred in the vertebrate orthologues analyzed (human, mouse, chicken, perch, and skate). While intracellular acidification caused a mild or moderate increase in the junctional conductance of virtually all these channels, the coupling of the skate Cx35 channel was partially blocked by acidosis. The mutational analysis suggests that the Cx36 channels may contain two gating mechanisms operating with opposing sensitivity to pH. One gate, the dominant mechanism, closes for alkalosis and it probably involves an interaction between the Cand N-terminal domains, while a secondary acid sensing gate only causes minor, albeit saturating, changes in coupling following acidosis and alkalosis. Thus, we conclude that neuronal Cx36 channels undergo unique regulation by pH i since their activity is inhibited by alkalosis rather than acidosis. These data provide a novel basis to define the relevance and consequences of the pH-dependent modulation of Cx36 synapses under physiological and pathological conditions. alkalosis ͉ electrical synapses ͉ intracellular pH ͉ pH gating ͉ gap junction

In a model of glial-specific chemical anoxia, we have examined how astrocytes influence both synaptic transmission and the viability of hippocampal pyramidal neurons. This relationship was assessed using electrophysiological, pharmacological, and biochemical techniques in rat slices and cell cultures, and oxidative metabolism was selectively impaired in glial cells by exposure to the mitochondrial gliotoxin, fluoroacetate. We found that synaptic transmission was blocked shortly after inducing glial metabolic stress and peri-infarct-like spreading depression (SD) waves developed within 1 to 2 h of treatment. Neuronal electrogenesis was not affected until SD waves developed, thereafter decaying irreversibly. The blockage of synaptic transmission was totally reversed by A 1 adenosine receptor antagonists, unlike the development of SD waves, which appeared earlier under these conditions. Such blockage led to a marked reduction in the electrical viability of pyramidal neurons 1 h after gliotoxin treatment. Cell culture experiments confirmed that astrocytes indeed release adenosine. We interpret this early glial response as a novel safety mechanism that allocates metabolic resources to vital processes when the glia itself sense an energy shortage, thereby delaying or preventing entry into massive lethal ischemic-like depolarization. The implication of these results on the functional recovery of the penumbra regions after ischemic insults is discussed.

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