Voltage dependence of the coupling of Ca2+ sparks to BKCa channels in urinary bladder smooth muscle

Abstract

Large-conductance Ca2+-dependent K+(BKCa) channels play a critical role in regulating urinary bladder smooth muscle (UBSM) excitability and contractility. Measurements of BKCa currents and intracellular Ca2+ revealed that BKCa currents are activated by Ca2+ release events (Ca2+ sparks) from ryanodine receptors (RyRs) in the sarcoplasmic reticulum. The goals of this project were to characterize Ca2+ sparks and BKCa currents and to determine the voltage dependence of the coupling of RyRs (Ca2+ sparks) to BKCachannels in UBSM. Ca2+ sparks in UBSM had properties similar to those described in arterial smooth muscle. Most Ca2+ sparks caused BKCa currents at all voltages tested, consistent with the BKCa channels sensing ∼10 μM Ca2+. Membrane potential depolarization from −50 to −20 mV increased Ca2+ spark and BKCacurrent frequency threefold. However, membrane depolarization over this range had a differential effect on spark and current amplitude, with Ca2+ spark amplitude increasing by only 30% and BKCa current amplitude increasing 16-fold. A major component of the amplitude modulation of spark-activated BKCa current was quantitatively explained by the known voltage dependence of the Ca2+ sensitivity of BKCa channels. We, therefore, propose that membrane potential, or any other agent that modulates the Ca2+sensitivity of BKCa channels, profoundly alters the coupling strength of Ca2+ sparks to BKCa channels.