Separate Ca2+ sources are buffered by distinct Ca2+ handling systems in aplysia neuroendocrine cells

J Neurosci. 2013 Apr 10;33(15):6476-91. doi: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.6384-11.2013.

Abstract

Although the contribution of Ca(2+) buffering systems can vary between neuronal types and cellular compartments, it is unknown whether distinct Ca(2+) sources within a neuron have different buffers. As individual Ca(2+) sources can have separate functions, we propose that each is handled by unique systems. Using Aplysia californica bag cell neurons, which initiate reproduction through an afterdischarge involving multiple Ca(2+)-dependent processes, we investigated the role of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondrial sequestration, as well as extrusion via the plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase (PMCA) and Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger, to the clearance of voltage-gated Ca(2+) influx, Ca(2+)-induced Ca(2+)-release (CICR), and store-operated Ca(2+) influx. Cultured bag cell neurons were filled with the Ca(2+) indicator, fura-PE3, to image Ca(2+) under whole-cell voltage clamp. A 5 Hz, 1 min train of depolarizing voltage steps elicited voltage-gated Ca(2+) influx followed by EGTA-sensitive CICR from the mitochondria. A compartment model of Ca(2+) indicated the effect of EGTA on CICR was due to buffering of released mitochondrial Ca(2+) rather than uptake competition. Removal of voltage-gated Ca(2+) influx was dominated by the mitochondria and PMCA, with no contribution from the Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger or sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA). In contrast, CICR recovery was slowed by eliminating the Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger and PMCA. Last, store-operated influx, evoked by ER depletion, was removed by the SERCA and depended on the mitochondrial membrane potential. Our results demonstrate that distinct buffering systems are dedicated to particular Ca(2+) sources. In general, this may represent a means to differentially regulate Ca(2+)-dependent processes, and for Aplysia, influence how reproductive behavior is triggered.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Aplysia*
  • Calcium / metabolism*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Egtazic Acid / pharmacology
  • Endoplasmic Reticulum / metabolism
  • Membrane Potentials / physiology
  • Mitochondria / metabolism
  • Molecular Imaging / methods
  • Neuroendocrine Cells / drug effects
  • Neuroendocrine Cells / metabolism*
  • Neurons / drug effects
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Plasma Membrane Calcium-Transporting ATPases / metabolism
  • Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Calcium-Transporting ATPases / metabolism
  • Sodium-Calcium Exchanger / metabolism

Substances

  • Sodium-Calcium Exchanger
  • Egtazic Acid
  • Plasma Membrane Calcium-Transporting ATPases
  • Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Calcium-Transporting ATPases
  • Calcium