Endothelial TRPV4 channels modulate vascular tone by Ca 2+-induced Ca 2+ release at inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors

Heathcote, Helen R. and Lee, Matthew D. and Zhang, Xun and Saunter, Christopher D. and Wilson, Calum and McCarron, John G. (2019) Endothelial TRPV4 channels modulate vascular tone by Ca 2+-induced Ca 2+ release at inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors. British Journal of Pharmacology, 176 (17). pp. 3297-3317. ISSN 1476-5381 (https://doi.org/10.1111/bph.14762)

[thumbnail of Heathcote-etal-BJP-2019-Endothelial-TRPV4-channels-modulate-vascular-tone]
Preview
Text. Filename: Heathcote_etal_BJP_2019_Endothelial_TRPV4_channels_modulate_vascular_tone.pdf
Final Published Version
License: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 logo

Download (5MB)| Preview

Abstract

Background and Purpose: The TRPV4 ion channels are Ca 2+ permeable, non-selective cation channels that mediate large, but highly localized, Ca 2+ signals in the endothelium. The mechanisms that permit highly localized Ca 2+ changes to evoke cell-wide activity are incompletely understood. Here, we tested the hypothesis that TRPV4-mediated Ca 2+ influx activates Ca 2+ release from internal Ca 2+ stores to generate widespread effects. Experimental Approach: Ca 2+ signals in large numbers (~100) of endothelial cells in intact arteries were imaged and analysed separately. Key Results: Responses to the TRPV4 channel agonist GSK1016790A were heterogeneous across the endothelium. In activated cells, Ca 2+ responses comprised localized Ca 2+ changes leading to slow, persistent, global increases in Ca 2+ followed by large propagating Ca 2+ waves that moved within and between cells. To examine the mechanisms underlying each component, we developed methods to separate slow persistent Ca 2+ rise from the propagating Ca 2+ waves in each cell. TRPV4-mediated Ca 2+ entry was required for the slow persistent global rise and propagating Ca 2+ signals. The propagating waves were inhibited by depleting internal Ca 2+ stores, inhibiting PLC or blocking IP 3 receptors. Ca 2+ release from stores was tightly controlled by TRPV4-mediated Ca 2+ influx and ceased when influx was terminated. Furthermore, Ca 2+ release from internal stores was essential for TRPV4-mediated control of vascular tone. Conclusions and Implications: Ca 2+ influx via TRPV4 channels is amplified by Ca 2+-induced Ca 2+ release acting at IP 3 receptors to generate propagating Ca 2+ waves and provide a large-scale endothelial communication system. TRPV4-mediated control of vascular tone requires Ca 2+ release from the internal store.