Gbetagamma dimers stimulate vascular L-type Ca2+ channels via phosphoinositide 3-kinase

FASEB J. 1999 Apr;13(6):685-94. doi: 10.1096/fasebj.13.6.685.

Abstract

We have previously reported that, in venous myocytes, Gbetagamma scavengers inhibit angiotensin AT1A receptor-induced stimulation of L-type Ca2+ channels (1). Here, we demonstrate that intracellular infusion of purified Gbetagamma complexes stimulates the L-type Ca2+ channel current in a concentration-dependent manner. Additional intracellular dialysis of GDP-bound inactive Galphao or of a peptide corresponding to the Gbetagamma binding region of the beta-adrenergic receptor kinase completely inhibited the Gbetagamma-induced stimulation of Ca2+ channel currents. The gating properties of the channel were not affected by intracellular application of Gbetagamma, suggesting that Gbetagamma increased the whole-cell calcium conductance. In addition, both the angiotensin AT1A receptor- and the Gbetagamma-induced stimulation of L-type Ca2+ channels were blocked by pretreatment of the cells with wortmannin, at nanomolar concentrations. Correspondingly, intracellular infusion of an enzymatically active purified recombinant Gbetagamma-sensitive phosphoinositide 3-kinase, PI3Kgamma, mimicked Gbetagamma-induced stimulation of Ca2+ channels. Both Gbetagamma- and PI3Kgamma-induced stimulations of Ca2+ channel currents were reduced by protein kinase C inhibitors suggesting that the Gbetagamma/PI3Kgamma-activated transduction pathway involves a protein kinase C. These results indicate for the first time that Gbetagamma dimers stimulate the vascular L-type Ca2+ channels through a Gbetagamma-sensitive PI3K.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Calcium Channels / metabolism*
  • Calcium Channels, L-Type
  • GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Ion Channel Gating*
  • Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / cytology
  • Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / metabolism*
  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases / metabolism*
  • Protein Kinase C / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Rats

Substances

  • Calcium Channels
  • Calcium Channels, L-Type
  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases
  • Protein Kinase C
  • GTP-Binding Proteins