Document Type
Article
Journal Title
PLoS One
Publication Date
Summer 8-21-2009
Volume
4
Abstract
Calcium is a messenger ion that controls all aspects of cone photoreceptor function, including synaptic release. The dynamic range of the cone output extends beyond the activation threshold for voltage-operated calcium entry, suggesting another calcium influx mechanism operates in cones hyperpolarized by light. We have used optical imaging and whole-cell voltage clamp to measure the contribution of store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE) to Ca(2+) homeostasis and its role in regulation of neurotransmission at cone synapses. Mn(2+) quenching of Fura-2 revealed sustained divalent cation entry in hyperpolarized cones. Ca(2+) influx into cone inner segments was potentiated by hyperpolarization, facilitated by depletion of intracellular Ca(2+) stores, unaffected by pharmacological manipulation of voltage-operated or cyclic nucleotide-gated Ca(2+) channels and suppressed by lanthanides, 2-APB, MRS 1845 and SKF 96365. However, cation influx through store-operated channels crossed the threshold for activation of voltage-operated Ca(2+) entry in a subset of cones, indicating that the operating range of inner segment signals is set by interactions between store- and voltage-operated Ca(2+) channels. Exposure to MRS 1845 resulted in approximately 40% reduction of light-evoked postsynaptic currents in photopic horizontal cells without affecting the light responses or voltage-operated Ca(2+) currents in simultaneously recorded cones. The spatial pattern of store-operated calcium entry in cones matched immunolocalization of the store-operated sensor STIM1. These findings show that store-operated channels regulate spatial and temporal properties of Ca(2+) homeostasis in vertebrate cones and demonstrate their role in generation of sustained excitatory signals across the first retinal synapse.
MeSH Headings
Animals, Calcium, Cell Membrane, Homeostasis, Ion Channels, Retinal Rod Photoreceptor Cells, Signal Transduction
DOI Link
ISSN
1932-6203
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Szikra, Tamas; Barabas, Peter; Bartoletti, Theodore M.; Huang, Wei; Akopian, Abram; Thoreson, Wallace B.; and Krizaj, David, "Calcium homeostasis and cone signaling are regulated by interactions between calcium stores and plasma membrane ion channels." (2009). Journal Articles: Ophthalmology. 65.
https://digitalcommons.unmc.edu/com_eye_articles/65