Greater antiarrhythmic activity of acute 17beta-estradiol in female than male anaesthetized rats: correlation with Ca2+ channel blockade.
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ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Philp KL
PROVIDER: S-EPMC2014275 | biostudies-other | 2006 Oct
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other
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Project description:PURPOSE:To investigate the effect of estrogen on the expression of calcium-activated potassium (KCa) channels in an overactive bladder rat model. To this end, mRNA and protein levels of KCa channel subtypes in the bladder of ovariectomized rats were measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, respectively. METHODS:Ten-week-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into 3 groups: sham-operated control group (n=11), ovariectomy group (n=11), and the group treated with estrogen after ovariectomy (n=12). Rats in the last group were subcutaneously injected with 17?-estradiol (50 ?g/kg) every other day for 2 weeks, whereas rats in the other 2 groups received vehicle (soybean oil) alone. Two weeks after treatment, the whole bladder was excised for mRNA and protein measurements. RESULTS:Protein levels of the large-conductance KCa (BK) channels in the ovariectomy group were 1.5 folds higher than those in the sham-operated control group. However, the protein levels of the other KCa channel subtypes did not change significantly upon bilateral ovariectomy. Treatment with 17?-estradiol after ovariectomy restored BK channel protein levels to the control value. In contrast, BK channel mRNA levels were not significantly affected by either ovariectomy alone or 17?-estradiol treatment. The small-conductance KCa type 3 channel (SK3) mRNA and protein levels decreased to 75% of control levels upon 17?-estradiol treatment. CONCLUSIONS:These results suggest that 17?-estradiol may influence urinary bladder function by modulating BK and SK3 channel expression.
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Project description:The class Ic antiarrhythmic drug flecainide inhibits KCNH2-encoded "hERG" potassium channels at clinically relevant concentrations. The aim of this study was to elucidate the underlying molecular basis of this action. Patch clamp recordings of hERG current (IhERG) were made from hERG expressing cells at 37°C. Wild-type (WT) IhERG was inhibited with an IC50 of 1.49μM and this was not significantly altered by reversing the direction of K(+) flux or raising external [K(+)]. The use of charged and uncharged flecainide analogues showed that the charged form of the drug accesses the channel from the cell interior to produce block. Promotion of WT IhERG inactivation slowed recovery from inhibition, whilst the N588K and S631A attenuated-inactivation mutants exhibited IC50 values 4-5 fold that of WT IhERG. The use of pore-helix/selectivity filter (T623A, S624A V625A) and S6 helix (G648A, Y652A, F656A) mutations showed <10-fold shifts in IC50 for all but V625A and F656A, which respectively exhibited IC50s 27-fold and 142-fold their WT controls. Docking simulations using a MthK-based homology model suggested an allosteric effect of V625A, since in low energy conformations flecainide lay too low in the pore to interact directly with that residue. On the other hand, the molecule could readily form π-π stacking interactions with aromatic residues and particularly with F656. We conclude that flecainide accesses the hERG channel from the cell interior on channel gating, binding low in the inner cavity, with the S6 F656 residue acting as a principal binding determinant.
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Project description:Estrogen is atheroprotective and a high-affinity ligand for both known estrogen receptors, ERalpha and ERbeta. However, the role of the ERalpha in early-stage atherosclerosis has not been directly investigated and is incompletely understood. ERalpha-deficient (ERalpha-/-) and wild-type (ERalpha+/+) female mice consuming an atherogenic diet were studied concurrent with estrogen replacement to distinguish the actions of 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) from those of ERalpha on the development of early atherosclerotic lesions. Mice were ovariectomized and implanted with subcutaneous slow-release pellets designed to deliver 6 or 8 mug/day of exogenous 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) for a period of up to 4 months. Ovariectomized mice (OVX) with placebo pellets (E(2)-deficient controls) were compared to mice with endogenous E(2) (intact ovaries) and exogenous E(2). Aortas were analyzed for lesion area, number, and distribution. Lipid and hormone levels were also determined. Compared to OVX, early lesion development was significantly (p < 0.001) attenuated by E(2) with 55-64% reduction in lesion area by endogenous E(2) and >90% reduction by exogenous E(2). Compared to OVX, a decline in lesion number (2- to 4-fold) and lesser predilection (~4-fold) of lesion formation in the proximal aorta also occurred with E(2). Lesion size, development, number, and distribution inversely correlated with circulating plasma E(2) levels. However, atheroprotection was independent of ERalpha status, and E(2) athero-protection in both genotypes was not explained by changes in plasma lipid levels (total cholesterol, triglyceride, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol). The ERalpha is not essential for endogenous/exogenous E(2)-mediated protection against early-stage atherosclerosis. These observations have potentially significant implications for understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms and timing of estrogen action in different estrogen receptor (ER) deletion murine models of atherosclerosis, as well as implications to human studies of ER polymorphisms and lipid metabolism. Our findings may contribute to future improved clinical decision-making concerning the use of hormone therapy.
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Project description:The acetylcholine-activated inward rectifier potassium current ( IKACh) is constitutively active in persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). We tested the hypothesis that the blocking of IKACh with the small molecule chloroquine terminates persistent AF. We used a sheep model of tachypacing-induced, persistent AF, molecular modeling, electrophysiology, and structural biology approaches. The 50% inhibition/inhibitory concentration of IKACh block with chloroquine, measured by patch clamp, was 1 ?M. In optical mapping of sheep hearts with persistent AF, 1 ?M chloroquine restored sinus rhythm. Molecular modeling suggested that chloroquine blocked the passage of a hydrated potassium ion through the intracellular domain of Kir3.1 (a molecular correlate of IKACh) by interacting with residues D260 and F255, in proximity to I228, Q227, and L299. 1H 15N heteronuclear single-quantum correlation of purified Kir3.1 intracellular domain confirmed the modeling results. F255, I228, Q227, and L299 underwent significant chemical-shift perturbations upon drug binding. We then crystallized and solved a 2.5 Å X-ray structure of Kir3.1 with F255A mutation. Modeling of chloroquine binding to the mutant channel suggested that the drug's binding to the pore becomes off centered, reducing its ability to block a hydrated potassium ion. Patch clamp validated the structural and modeling data, where the F255A and D260A mutations significantly reduced IKACh block by chloroquine. With the use of numerical and structural biology approaches, we elucidated the details of how a small molecule could block an ion channel and exert antiarrhythmic effects. Chloroquine binds the IKACh channel at a site formed by specific amino acids in the ion-permeation pathway, leading to decreased IKACh and the subsequent termination of AF.-Takemoto, Y., Slough, D. P., Meinke, G., Katnik, C., Graziano, Z. A., Chidipi, B., Reiser, M., Alhadidy, M. M., Ramirez, R., Salvador-Montañés, O., Ennis, S., Guerrero-Serna, G., Haburcak, M., Diehl, C., Cuevas, J., Jalife, J., Bohm, A., Lin,Y.-S., Noujaim, S. F. Structural basis for the antiarrhythmic blockade of a potassium channel with a small molecule.
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Project description:NUCB2/nesfatin-1 known to regulate appetite and energy homeostasis is expressed not only in the hypothalamus, but also in various organs and tissues. Our previous reports also demonstrated that NUCB2/nesfatin-1 was expressed in the reproductive organs, including the ovaries, uterus, and testes of mice. However, it is yet known whether NUCB2/nesfatin-1 is expressed in the oviduct and how its expression is regulated. Therefore, we investigated the expression of NUCB2/nesfatin-1 in the oviduct and its expression is regulated by gonadotropin. Immunohistochemical staining results showed that nesfatin-1 protein was localized in epithelial cells of the oviduct. As a result of quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot, NUCB2/nesfatin-1 was detected strongly in the oviducts. During the estrus cycle, NUCB2/nesfatin-1 expression in the oviducts was markedly higher in the proestrus stage than in other estrus stages. In order to elucidate whether the expression of NUCB2 mRNA is controlled by the gonadotropins, we injected PMSG and hCG and measured NUCB2 mRNA level in the oviduct after injection. Its level was increased in the oviduct after PMSG injection, but no significant change after hCG injection. In addition, NUCB2 mRNA levels were markedly reduced after ovariectomy, while recovered after 17?-estradiol (E2) injection, but not by progesterone (P4). This study demonstrated that NUCB2/nesfatin-1 is highly expressed in the oviduct of mouse and its expression is regulated by E2 secreted by the ovaries. These results suggest that NUCB2/nesfatin-1 expressed by the oviduct may affect the function of the oviduct regulated by the ovaries.
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Project description:Cytochrome P4501 (CYP1) and CYP3A proteins are primarily responsible for the metabolism of 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) in mammals. We have cloned and heterologously expressed CYP1A, CYP1B1, CYP1C1, CYP1C2, CYP1D1, and CYP3A65 from zebrafish (Danio rerio) to determine the CYP-mediated metabolism of E(2) in a non-mammalian species. Constructs of each CYP cDNA were created using a leader sequence from the bacterial ompA gene to allow appropriate expression in Escherichia coli without 5' modification of the gene. Membrane vesicles were purified, and functional CYP protein was verified using carbon monoxide difference spectra and fluorescent catalytic assays with the substrates 7-ethoxyresorufin and 7-benzyloxy-4-(trifluoromethyl)-coumarin. Rates of in vitro E(2) metabolism into 4-hydroxyE(2) (4-OHE(2)), 2-hydroxyE(2) (2-OHE(2)), and 16alpha-hydroxyE(1) (16alpha-OHE(1)) metabolites were determined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The 2-OHE(2) metabolite was produced by all CYPs tested, while 4-OHE(2) was only detected following incubation with CYP1A, CYP1B1, CYP1C1, and CYP1C2. The 16alpha-OHE(1) metabolite was only produced by CYP1A. The highest rates of E(2) metabolism were from CYP1A and CYP1C1, followed by CYP1C2. CYP1B1, CYP1D1, and CYP3A65 had low rates of E(2) metabolism. E(2) metabolism by zebrafish CYP1A, CYP1C1, and CYP1C2 produced similar ratios of 4-OHE(2) to 2-OHE(2) as previous studies with mammalian CYP1As. CYP1B1 formed the highest ratio of 4-OHE(2) to 2-OHE(2) metabolites. Contrary to mammals, these results suggest that fish CYP1A and CYP1C proteins are primarily responsible for E(2) metabolism, with only minor contributions from CYP3A65 and CYP1B1. Similar to mammals, 2-OHE(2) is the predominant metabolite from CYP-mediated E(2) metabolism in fish, suggesting that all vertebrate species produce the same major E(2) metabolite.
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Project description:For many traits, males show greater variability than females, with possible implications for understanding sex differences in health and disease. Here, the ENIGMA (Enhancing Neuro Imaging Genetics through Meta-Analysis) Consortium presents the largest-ever mega-analysis of sex differences in variability of brain structure, based on international data spanning nine decades of life. Subcortical volumes, cortical surface area and cortical thickness were assessed in MRI data of 16,683 healthy individuals 1-90 years old (47% females). We observed significant patterns of greater male than female between-subject variance for all subcortical volumetric measures, all cortical surface area measures, and 60% of cortical thickness measures. This pattern was stable across the lifespan for 50% of the subcortical structures, 70% of the regional area measures, and nearly all regions for thickness. Our findings that these sex differences are present in childhood implicate early life genetic or gene-environment interaction mechanisms. The findings highlight the importance of individual differences within the sexes, that may underpin sex-specific vulnerability to disorders.
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Project description:Low-voltage-activated (T-type) calcium channels are responsible for burst firing and transmitter release in neurons and are important for exocytosis and hormone secretion in pituitary cells. T-type channels contain an alpha1 subunit, of which there are three subtypes, Cav3.1, -3.2, and -3.3, and each subtype has distinct kinetic characteristics. Although 17beta-estradiol (E2) modulates T-type calcium channel expression and function, little is known about the molecular mechanisms involved. We used real-time PCR quantification of RNA extracted from hypothalamic nuclei and pituitary in vehicle and E2-treated C57BL/6 mice to elucidate E2-mediated regulation of Cav3.1, -3.2, and -3.3 subunits. The three subunits were expressed in both the hypothalamus and the pituitary. E2 treatment increased the mRNA expression of Cav3.1 and -3.2, but not Cav3.3, in the medial preoptic area and the arcuate nucleus. In the pituitary, Cav3.1 was increased with E2 treatment, and Cav3.2 and -3.3 were decreased. To examine whether the classical estrogen receptors (ERs) were involved in the regulation, we used ERalpha- and ERbeta-deficient C57BL/6 mice and explored the effects of E2 on T-type channel subtypes. Indeed, we found that the E2-induced increase in Cav3.1 in the hypothalamus was dependent on ERalpha, whereas the E2 effect on Cav3.2 was dependent on both ERalpha and ERbeta. However, the E2-induced effects in the pituitary were dependent on only the expression of ERalpha. The robust E2 regulation of T-type calcium channels could be an important mechanism by which E2 increases the excitability of hypothalamic neurons and modulates pituitary secretion.
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Project description:Estrogen can significantly influence CD16 expression and alter monocytic cytokine release upon CD16 receptor activation. However, the function of the estrogen receptor (ER) alpha and beta in this response is unclear. To test whether estrogen binds ERalpha and/or ERbeta to affect CD16 expression, monocytic cells were treated with and without physiological levels of 17beta-estradiol and various doses of the ERalpha and ERbeta antagonist fulvestrant followed by measurement of CD16 transcript levels. To determine how estrogen induced changes in TNF-alpha and IL-1beta release due to CD16 activation we quantitated the amount of cytokines after treatment with estrogen, fulvestrant and antibodies that specifically bind and activate the CD16 receptor. Interaction of ERalpha and the CD16 promoter was then determined by chromatin immunoprecipitation. Furthermore, specific promoter elements utilized by estrogen to control CD16 expression were mutated and expression from a luciferase reporter quantitated after transfection. Using the luciferase reporter construct containing a wild type CD16 promoter, the role of ERalpha and ERbeta in the estrogen response was tested by treating transfected monocytes with an ERalpha specific agonist or an ERbeta specific agonist and measuring expression. Our results show that CD16 transcript levels significantly decreased in monocytic cells due to estrogen and that the observed decrease in message was blocked by the antagonist fulvestrant. Estrogen reduced CD16 expression and decreased TNF-alpha and IL-1beta release upon CD16 activation but the administration of fulvestrant blocked this decrease. ERalpha was found to interact with a region 5' of the CD16 gene in the presence of estrogen, and site-directed mutational analysis of this region indicated the necessity for an estrogen response element in modulating estrogen effects on CD16 expression. Moreover, both an ERalpha and an ERbeta agonist reduced expression of the CD16 reporter construct suggesting both receptors can play a role in CD16 regulation. In conclusion, CD16 expression can be altered by the activity of ERalpha or ERbeta and our results also show that ERalpha can associate with a region within the CD16 promoter that is important in production of transcript.
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Project description:The neuropeptides kisspeptin, neurokinin B, and dynorphin A (collectively abbreviated as KNDy) are, respectively, encoded by KiSS-1, NKB, and PDYN and are coexpressed by neurons of the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC). Here, using quantitative real-time PCR, we examined age-related changes in the expression of genes encoding KNDy and associated receptors G protein-coupled receptor 54 (encoded by GPR54), neurokinin 3 receptor (encoded by NK3), and kappa-opioid receptor (encoded by KOR), in the female rhesus macaque ARC-median eminence (ARC-ME). Expression of KiSS-1 and NKB was highly elevated in old perimenopausal compared with young or middle-aged premenopausal animals. To test whether these age-related changes could be attributed to perimenopausal loss of sex steroids, we then examined KNDy, GPR54, NK3, and KOR expression changes in response to ovariectomy (OVX) and exposure to 17beta-estradiol (E(2)). Short-term (7 months) OVX (with or without 1 month of estrogen replacement) failed to modulate the expression of any of the KNDy-related genes. In contrast, long-term ( approximately 4 yr) OVX significantly increased KiSS-1 and NKB expression, and this was reversed by E(2) administration. Finally, we examined the expression of KNDy-related genes in young adult females during the early follicular, late follicular, or midluteal phases of their menstrual cycle but found no difference. Together, the results suggest that short-term alterations in circulating E(2) levels, such as those occurring during the menstrual cycle, may have little effect on the ARC-ME expression of KNDy and associated receptors. Nevertheless, they clearly demonstrate that loss of ovarian steroid negative feedback that occurs during perimenopause plays a major role in modulating the activity of KNDy circuits of the aging primate ARC-ME.
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