title: Dynorphin A-mediated reduction in multiple calcium currents involves a G(o) alpha-subtype G protein in rat primary afferent neurons.
abstract: We examined the effect of antisera directed at specific G-protein subtype(s) on dynorphin A (Dyn A)-mediated reduction of calcium currents in rat dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons. Whole cell patch-clamp recordings were performed on acutely dissociated neurons. Dyn A (1 microM)-mediated decrease in calcium currents was inhibited > 90% by the preferential kappa-receptor antagonist norbinaltorphimine. Dyn A (300-1,000 nM)-mediated reduction in calcium currents was examined during intracellular administration of antisera directed against specific regions of G(o) alpha, G(i) 1 alpha/G(1) 2 alpha, and G(i) 3 alpha subunits. Intracellular dialysis with an antiserum specific for G(o) alpha for 20 min decreased calcium current inhibition by Dyn A (1 microM) in 13 of 15 neurons by an average of 75%. Dialysis with nonimmune serum did not affect Dyn A's action to reduce calcium currents. Intracellular dialysis with either anti-G(i) 1 alpha/G(i) 2 alpha or anti-G(i) 3 alpha antisera did not affect Dyn A-induced changes in calcium currents. In the presence of the N-type calcium channel antagonist omega-conotoxin GVIA, the P-type calcium channel antagonist omega-Aga IVA, and omega-Aga MVIIC applied subsequent to the other toxins, the effect of Dyn A to reduce calcium currents was inhibited by 52, 28, and 16%, respectively. The L channel antagonist nifedipine did not affect the ability to Dyn A to inhibit calcium currents. These results suggest that in rat DRG neurons coupling of kappa-opioid receptors to multiple transient, high-threshold calcium currents involves the G(o) alpha subclass of G proteins.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA.
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Wiley
authors.forename: H C
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Moises
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Gross
authors.forename: R L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: MacDonald
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015153:Blotting, Western; D015740:Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide / Q000494:pharmacology; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000494:pharmacology; D015220:Calcium Channels / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D004399:Dynorphins / Q000502:physiology*; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D019204:GTP-Binding Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D005727:Ganglia, Spinal / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008564:Membrane Potentials / Q000502:physiology; D009271:Naltrexone / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000494:pharmacology; D009292:Narcotic Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology; D009475:Neurons, Afferent / Q000502:physiology*; D018408:Patch-Clamp Techniques; D051381:Rats; D017473:Receptors, Opioid, kappa / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D015220:Calcium Channels; D009292:Narcotic Antagonists; D017473:Receptors, Opioid, kappa; C051844:norbinaltorphimine; D009271:Naltrexone; D004399:Dynorphins; D019204:GTP-Binding Proteins; D015740:Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide