BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEP2X receptors mediate sympathetic control and autoregulation of the renal circulation triggering contraction of renal vascular smooth muscle cells (RVSMCs) via an elevation of intracellular Ca 2+ concentration ([Ca 2+ ]i). Although it is well-appreciated that the myocyte Ca 2+ signalling system is composed of microdomains, little is known about the structure of the [Ca 2+ ]i responses induced by P2X receptor stimulation in vascular myocytes.
EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHESUsing confocal microscopy, perforated-patch electrical recordings, immuno-/organelle-specific staining, flash photolysis and RT-PCR analysis we explored, at the subcellular level, the Ca 2+ signalling system engaged in RVSMCs on stimulation of P2X receptors with the selective agonist ab-methylene ATP (ab-meATP).
KEY RESULTSRT-PCR analysis of single RVSMCs showed the presence of genes encoding inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor type 1(IP3R1) and ryanodine receptor type 2 (RyR2). The amplitude of the [Ca 2+ ]i transients depended on ab-meATP concentration. Depolarization induced by 10 mmol·L -1 ab-meATP triggered an abrupt Ca 2+ release from sub-plasmalemmal ('junctional') sarcoplasmic reticulum enriched with IP3Rs but poor in RyRs. Depletion of calcium stores, block of voltage-gated Ca 2+ channels (VGCCs) or IP3Rs suppressed the sub-plasmalemmal [Ca 2+ ]i upstroke significantly more than block of RyRs. The effect of calcium store depletion or IP3R inhibition on the sub-plasmalemmal [Ca 2+ ]i upstroke was attenuated following block of VGCCs.
CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSDepolarization of RVSMCs following P2X receptor activation induces IP3R-mediated Ca 2+ release from sub-plasmalemmal ('junctional') sarcoplasmic reticulum, which is activated mainly by Ca 2+ influx through VGCCs. This mechanism provides convergence of signalling pathways engaged in electromechanical and pharmacomechanical coupling in renal vascular myocytes.
Abbreviations2-APB, 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate; ab-meATP, ab-methylene ATP; CICR, Ca 2+ -induced Ca 2+ release; CPA, cyclopiazonic acid; IP3, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate; IP3R, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor; jSR, sub-plasmalemmal ('junctional') sarcoplasmic reticulum; MRS2578, N,N' NF279, 8,] bis(1,3,5-naphthalene-trisulphonic acid); PLC, phospholipase C; RBF, renal blood flow; RSNA, renal sympathetic nerve activity; RT-PCR, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction; RVSMC, renal vascular smooth muscle cells; RyR, ryanodine receptor; SERCA, sarco-/endoplasmic reticulum Ca 2+ -ATPase; SPCU, sub-plasmalemmal [Ca 2+ ]i upstroke; SR, sarcoplasmic reticulum; U-73122, 1-[6-([(17b)-3-methoxyestra-1,3,5(10)
IntroductionRenal blood flow (RBF) accounts for 20-25% of cardiac output at rest (Malpas and Leonard, 2000;Cupples and Braam, 2007). The mechanisms controlling contraction/relaxation of renal vascular smooth muscle cells (RVSMCs), which regulate the diameter of renal resistance arteries and hence RBF and glomerular filtration rate, play a fundamental role in the control of systemic blood pr...