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Satoshi Matsuoka

Publications and source records attributed to Satoshi Matsuoka.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

A simulation study to rescue the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger knockout mice.

The Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger (NCX) is the major Ca(2+) efflux system in cardiac myocytes, and thereby its global knockout is embryonically lethal. However, Henderson et al. (2004) found that mice with the cardiospecific knockout of NCX1 lived to adulthood. No adaptation was detected in expression levels of other proteins except for a 50% reduction in the L-type Ca(2+) current (I(CaL)) as revealed in electrophysiological studies. To predict mechanisms of survival, we simulated cardiac myocyte activity in the absence of NCX using a mathematical model of guinea pig ventricular myocytes. The NCX knockout resulted in contracture of the model cell because of a rise in the cytoplasmic Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)). However, up-regulation of the sarcolemmal Ca(2+) pump (PMCA) and/or down-regulation of I(CaL) enables steady rhythmic contractions even if NCX is totally excluded. The simulation predicted that the steady activities are maintained by a functional up-regulation of PMCA by about 2.3 times in addition to the down-regulation of I(CaL) to a half, as observed in the experiment. However, the model analysis predicted that the myocyte depending on PMCA for Ca(2+) extrusion is unstable against any changes in ionic fluxes and energetically unfavorable in comparison with the control. The reason for the instability is that the activity of PMCA driven by the ATP hydrolysis is hardly affected by changes in [Ca(2+)](i), but NCX has a reversal potential in the middle level of the action potential and is immediately affected by the Ca(2+) flux via NCX itself. The source code of the model is available at http://www.sim-bio.org/.

Action Potentials↗

Calcium-mediated coupling between mitochondrial substrate dehydrogenation and cardiac workload in single guinea-pig ventricular myocytes.

We measured mitochondrial NADH autofluorescence or Ca(2+) using Rhod-2, simultaneously with cell shortening in isolated guinea-pig ventricular myocytes. When both frequency and amplitude of twitch shortening (work intensity) were increased by raising stimulus frequency in incremental steps from 0.1 to 3.3 Hz, the steady level of NADH signal increased in a frequency-dependent manner. Mitochondrial Ca(2+) also increased with increasing work intensity. Applying Ru360, an inhibitor of mitochondrial Ca(2+) uniporter, largely attenuated the response of both NADH fluorescence and mitochondrial Ca(2+). The increase in mitochondrial Ca(2+) was slow with t(1/2)=~12 s and no obvious cyclic changes were observed in the NADH signal. When a step change from 0.1 to 3.3 Hz stimulation was applied, the NADH signal first decreased to 83% and then increased to 155% of the control level. Upon returning to 0.1 Hz, the NADH signal showed an overshoot before declining to the control level. The biphasic onset time course was well explained by the delayed Ca(2+) activation of the substrate dehydrogenation superimposed on the feedback control of the ATP synthesis, while the offset time course with a delayed deactivation of dehydrogenation. A computer simulation using an oxidative phosphorylation linked to the cardiac excitation contraction model well reconstructed the response of NADH. This model simulation predicts that the activation of substrate dehydrogenation provides ~23% of driving force of the ATP synthesis to meet the increased workload induced by the jump of stimulus from 0.1 to 3.3 Hz, and remaining ~77% is supplied by the feedback control.

Animals↗

Ionic mechanisms of cardiac cell swelling induced by blocking Na+/K+ pump as revealed by experiments and simulation.

Although the Na(+)/K(+) pump is one of the key mechanisms responsible for maintaining cell volume, we have observed experimentally that cell volume remained almost constant during 90 min exposure of guinea pig ventricular myocytes to ouabain. Simulation of this finding using a comprehensive cardiac cell model (Kyoto model incorporating Cl(-) and water fluxes) predicted roles for the plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase (PMCA) and Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger, in addition to low membrane permeabilities for Na(+) and Cl(-), in maintaining cell volume. PMCA might help maintain the [Ca(2+)] gradient across the membrane though compromised, and thereby promote reverse Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchange stimulated by the increased [Na(+)](i) as well as the membrane depolarization. Na(+) extrusion via Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchange delayed cell swelling during Na(+)/K(+) pump block. Supporting these model predictions, we observed ventricular cell swelling after blocking Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchange with KB-R7943 or SEA0400 in the presence of ouabain. When Cl(-) conductance via the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) was activated with isoproterenol during the ouabain treatment, cells showed an initial shrinkage to 94.2 +/- 0.5%, followed by a marked swelling 52.0 +/- 4.9 min after drug application. Concomitantly with the onset of swelling, a rapid jump of membrane potential was observed. These experimental observations could be reproduced well by the model simulations. Namely, the Cl(-) efflux via CFTR accompanied by a concomitant cation efflux caused the initial volume decrease. Then, the gradual membrane depolarization induced by the Na(+)/K(+) pump block activated the window current of the L-type Ca(2+) current, which increased [Ca(2+)](i). Finally, the activation of Ca(2+)-dependent cation conductance induced the jump of membrane potential, and the rapid accumulation of intracellular Na(+) accompanied by the Cl(-) influx via CFTR, resulting in the cell swelling. The pivotal role of L-type Ca(2+) channels predicted in the simulation was demonstrated in experiments, where blocking Ca(2+) channels resulted in a much delayed cell swelling.

Aniline Compounds↗

Beta-adrenergic stimulation does not activate Na+/Ca2+ exchange current in guinea pig, mouse, and rat ventricular myocytes.

The effect of beta-adrenergic stimulation on cardiac Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchange has been controversial. To clarify the effect, we measured Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchange current (I(NCX)) in voltage-clamped guinea pig, mouse, and rat ventricular cells. When I(NCX) was defined as a 5 mM Ni(2+)-sensitive current in guinea pig ventricular myocytes, 1 microM isoproterenol apparently augmented I(NCX) by approximately 32%. However, this increase was probably due to contamination of the cAMP-dependent Cl(-) current (CFTR-Cl(-) current, I(CFTR-Cl)), because Ni(2+) inhibited the activation of I(CFTR-Cl) by 1 microM isoproterenol with a half-maximum concentration of 0.5 mM under conditions where I(NCX) was suppressed. Five or ten millimolar Ni(2+) did not inhibit I(CFTR-Cl) activated by 10 microM forskolin, an activator of adenylate cyclase, suggesting that Ni(2+) acted upstream of adenylate cyclase in the beta-adrenergic signaling pathway. Furthermore, in a low-extracellular Cl(-) bath solution, 1 microM isoproterenol did not significantly alter the amplitude of Ni(2+)-sensitive I(NCX) at +50 mV, which is close to the reversal potential of I(CFTR-Cl). No change in I(NCX) amplitude was induced by 10 microM forskolin. When I(NCX) was activated by extracellular Ca(2+), it was not significantly affected by 1 microM isoproterenol in guinea pig, mouse, or rat ventricular cells. We concluded that beta-adrenergic stimulation does not have significant effects on I(NCX) in guinea pig, mouse, or rat ventricular myocytes.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗

Does the beta2-agonist clenbuterol help to maintain myocardial potential to recover during mechanical unloading?

OBJECTIVE: Chronic mechanical unloading induces left ventricular (LV) atrophy, which may impair functional recovery during support with an LV-assist device. Clenbuterol, a beta2-adrenergic receptor (AR) agonist, is known to induce myocardial hypertrophy and might prevent LV atrophy during LV unloading. Furthermore, beta2-AR stimulation is reported to improve Ca2+ handling and contribute to antiapoptosis. However, there is little information on the effects of clenbuterol during LV unloading. METHODS AND RESULTS: We investigated LV atrophy and function after LV unloading produced by heterotopic heart transplantation in isogenic rats. After transplantation, rats were randomized to 1 of 2 groups (n=10 each). The clenbuterol group received 2 mg.kg(-1).d(-1) of the drug for 2 weeks; the control group received normal saline. The weight of unloaded control hearts was 48% less than that of host hearts after 2 weeks of unloading. Clenbuterol significantly increased the weight of the host hearts but did not prevent unloading-induced LV atrophy. Papillary muscles were isolated and stimulated, and there was no difference in developed tension between the 2 groups. However, the inotropic response to the beta-AR agonist isoproterenol significantly improved in the clenbuterol group. The mRNA expression of myocardial sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase 2a (SERCA2a) and fetal gene shift (myosin heavy chain [MHC] mRNA isozyme) was also significantly improved by clenbuterol treatment. There was no difference in beta1-AR mRNA expression between the 2 groups. In contrast, beta2-AR mRNA was significantly decreased in the clenbuterol-treated, unloaded heart. This indicates that clenbuterol may downregulate beta2-ARs. In the evaluation of apoptosis, mRNA expression of caspase-3, which is the central pathway for apoptosis, tended to be better in the clenbuterol group. CONCLUSIONS: During complete LV unloading, clenbuterol did not prevent myocardial atrophy but improved gene expression (SERCA2a, beta-MHC) and beta-adrenergic responsiveness and potentially prevented myocardial apoptosis. However, chronic administration of clenbuterol may be associated with downregulation of beta2-ARs.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗

simBio: a Java package for the development of detailed cell models.

Quantitative dynamic computer models, which integrate a variety of molecular functions into a cell model, provide a powerful tool to create and test working hypotheses. We have developed a new modeling tool, the simBio package (freely available from ), which can be used for constructing cell models, such as cardiac cells (the Kyoto model from Matsuoka et al., 2003, 2004 a, b, the LRd model from Faber and Rudy, 2000, and the Noble 98 model from Noble et al., 1998), epithelial cells (Strieter et al., 1990) and pancreatic beta cells (Magnus and Keizer, 1998). The simBio package is written in Java, uses XML and can solve ordinary differential equations. In an attempt to mimic biological functional structures, a cell model is, in simBio, composed of independent functional modules called Reactors, such as ion channels and the sarcoplasmic reticulum, and dynamic variables called Nodes, such as ion concentrations. The interactions between Reactors and Nodes are described by the graph theory and the resulting graph represents a blueprint of an intricate cellular system. Reactors are prepared in a hierarchical order, in analogy to the biological classification. Each Reactor can be composed or improved independently, and can easily be reused for different models. This way of building models, through the combination of various modules, is enabled through the use of object-oriented programming concepts. Thus, simBio is a straightforward system for the creation of a variety of cell models on a common database of functional modules.

Algorithms↗

Regulation of oxidative phosphorylation in intact mammalian heart in vivo.

A dynamic computer model of oxidative phosphorylation in intact heart was developed by modifying the model of oxidative phosphorylation in intact skeletal muscle published previously. Next, this model was used for theoretical studies on the regulation of oxidative phosphorylation in intact heart in vivo during transition between different work intensities. It is shown that neither a direct activation of ATP usage alone nor a direct activation of both ATP usage and substrate dehydrogenation, including the calcium-activated tricarboxylate acid cycle dehydrogenases, can account for the constancy of [ADP], [PCr], [P(i)] and [NADH] during a significant increase in oxygen consumption and ATP turnover encountered in intact heart in vivo. Only a direct activation of all oxidative phosphorylation complexes in parallel with a stimulation of ATP usage and substrate dehydrogenation enabled to reproduce the experimental data concerning the constancy of metabolite concentrations. The molecular background of the differences between heart and skeletal muscle in the kinetic behaviour of the oxidative phosphorylation system is also discussed.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Computational modelling of H+-coupled peptide transport via human PEPT1.

H+-coupled peptide transporter 1 (PEPT1) mediates the transport of small peptides and peptide-like drugs in a pH- and voltage-dependent manner. Here, we investigated the transport mechanisms of PEPT1 for neutral and charged substrates by experimental studies and computational simulation. Uptake studies revealed that the Michaelis-Menten constant (Km) of glycylsarcosine (Gly-Sar), a neutral substrate, decreased with a fall in pH from 7.4 to 5.5, but at pH 5.0, the Km increased again. In contrast, the Km value of an anionic substrate, ceftibuten, declined steadily with decreasing pH. Based on these findings and information from the literature, we hypothesized the transport mechanisms in which (1) H+ binds to not only the H+-binding site, but also the substrate-binding site; and (2) H+ at the substrate-binding site inhibits the interaction of neutral and cationic substrates, but is necessary for that of anionic substrates. To validate these hypotheses, a computational model was constructed and various properties of substrate transport by PEPT1 were simulated. Our model reproduced the voltage dependence, hyperbolic saturation and bell-shaped pH-profile of Gly-Sar transport. Moreover, the various transport properties of negatively and positively charged substrates were also reconstructed. These findings indicated that the inferred mechanisms are able to sufficiently interpret the transport of both neutral and charged substrates by PEPT1.

Anions↗

Restriction and modification of SP10 phage by BsuM of Bacillus subtilis Marburg.

Bacillus subtilis Marburg has only one intrinsic restriction and modification system BsuM that recognizes the CTCGAG (XhoI site) sequence. It consists of two operons, BsuMM operon for two cytosine DNA methyltransferases, and BsuMR operon for a restriction nuclease and two associated proteins of unknown function. In this communication, we analyzed the BsuM system by utilizing phage SP10 that possesses more than twenty BsuM target sequences on the phage genome. SP10 phages grown in the restriction and modification-deficient strain could not make plaques on the restriction-proficient BsuMR(+) indicator strain. An enforced expression of the wild type BsuMM operon in the BsuMR(+) indicator strain, however, allowed more than thousand times more plaques. DNA extracted from SP10 phages, thus, propagated became more but not completely refractory to XhoI digestion in vitro. Thus, the SP10 phage genome DNA is able to be nearly full-methylated but some BsuM sites are considered to be unmethylated.

Bacillus subtilis↗

Forefront of Na+/Ca2+ exchanger studies: regulation kinetics of Na+/Ca2+ exchangers.

Five isoforms of Na+/Ca2+ exchanger have been identified: NCX1, NCX2, NCX3, NCX-SQ1, and CALX. In all of the exchangers, the Na+/Ca2+ exchange current, which was recorded in inside-out membrane patches, was regulated by cytoplasmic Ca2+. However, the mode of regulation is different among the exchangers. NCX1, NCX2, and NCX-SQ1 are positively regulated by cytoplasmic Ca2+, but CALX is negatively regulated. NCX3 apparently has both positive and negative regulation mechanisms. In this review, I briefly summarize the Ca2+ -dependent regulation mechanisms of the exchangers.

Animals↗

Two types of spontaneous depolarizations in the interstitial cells freshly prepared from the murine small intestine.

To explore the electrophysiological properties of the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) and fibroblast-like cells (FLCs), we developed a new preparation by treating the murine small intestine with collagenase. This thin muscle layer preparation contained at least two types of interstitial cells around the enteric nerve bundles, and the cluster of smooth muscle cells displayed a rhythmic contraction. We morphologically identified ICCs and FLCs and conducted patch clamp experiments on each type of cell. The c-kit-positive CD34-negative ICCs showed spontaneous and rhythmic potential fluctuations, and a large transient inward current was evoked by depolarization under voltage clamp conditions. Once the inward current was triggered, it took a regenerative time course and lasted approximately 500 ms. The current was inactivated by continuous depolarization, and by removal of external Ca2+. The application of acetylcholine (ACh) prolonged the duration of spontaneous depolarization as well as the depolarization-induced inward current. This inward current showed a reversal potential of around +3 mV and was considered to be due to non-selective cation channels. The c-kit-negative CD34-positive FLCs showed irregular or regular potential fluctuations, and spontaneous outward current was observed under voltage clamp conditions. This outward current showed a reversal potential of around -80 mV and might be classified as a potassium current. We failed to observe major time- and voltage-dependent currents except the above two currents in the interstitial cells.

Acetylcholine↗

Additional gene variants reduce effectiveness of beta-blockers in the LQT1 form of long QT syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Beta-blockers are widely used to prevent the lethal cardiac events associated with the long QT syndrome (LQTS), especially in KCNQ1-related LQTS (LQT1) patients. Some LQT1 patients, however, are refractory to this therapy. METHODS AND RESULTS: Eighteen symptomatic LQTS patients (12 families) were genetically diagnosed as having heterozygous KCNQ1 variants and received beta-blocker therapy. Cardiac events recurred in 4 members (3 families) despite continued therapy during mean follow-up of 70 months. Three of these patients (2 families) had the same mutation [A341V (KCNQ1)]; and the other had R243H (KCNQ1). The latter patient took aprindine, which seemed to be responsible for the event. By functional assay using a heterologous mammalian expression system, we found that A341V (KCNQ1) is a loss-of-function type mutation (not dominant negative). Further genetic screening revealed that one A341V (KCNQ1) family cosegregated with S706C (KCNH2) and another with G144S (KCNJ2). Functional assay of the S706C (KCNH2) mutation was found to reduce the current density of expressed heterozygous KCNH2 channels with a positive shift (+8 mV) of the activation curve. Action potential simulation study was conducted based on the KYOTO model to estimate the influence of additional gene modifiers. In both models mimicking LQT1 plus 2 and LQT1 plus 7, the incidence of early afterdepolarization was increased compared with the LQT1 model under the setting of beta-adrenergic stimulation. CONCLUSION: Multiple mutations in different LQTS-related genes may modify clinical characteristics. Expanded gene survey may be required in LQT1 patients who are resistant to beta-blocker therapy.

Action Potentials↗

Identification of the nonA and nonB loci of Bacillus subtilis Marburg permitting the growth of SP10 phage.

Mutational inactivation of both nonA and nonB genes are required for the permissiveness of Bacillus subtilis Marburg cells to infection by phage SP10. By transformational analysis of the nonA strain with DNAs from gently lysed protoplasts carrying the integrative plasmid pMUTIN (em) insertions in every 20 kb along the whole chromosome, we have identified the nonA to be the cured state of endogenous prophage SPbeta. Direct DNA sequencing, on the other hand, revealed one nonsense mutation of nonB in ydiR, which is a component gene of the intrinsic restriction system BsuMR of B.subtilis Marburg. Introduction of the wild type ydiR into the nonB strain at aprE locus resulted in complementation of nonB. Furthermore, as the SP10 genome was found to possess multiple BsuM target sites, it is considered that SP10 can infect and multiply in B.subtilis cells, which are SPbeta free and possess a defective BsuMR restriction system.

Bacillus subtilis↗

An in silico study of energy metabolism in cardiac excitation-contraction coupling.

The heart produces and uses ATP at a high rate. Each step involved in ATP metabolism has been extensively studied. However, functional coupling between ATP production and membrane excitation-contraction coupling, which is the main ATP consumption process, is not yet fully understood because of complicated interactions and the lack of quantitative data obtained in vivo. Computer simulation is a powerful tool for integrating experimental data and for solving their complicated interactions. To investigate the mechanisms underlying cardiac excitation-contraction-energy metabolism coupling, we have developed a computer model of cardiac excitation-contraction coupling (Kyoto model) that includes the major processes of ATP production, such as oxidative phosphorylation that was originally developed for skeletal muscle by Korzeniewski and Zoladz [Biophys Chem 92: 17-34, 2001], creatine kinase, and adenylate kinase. In this review, we briefly summarize cardiac energy metabolism and discuss the regulation of mitochondrial ATP synthesis, using the Kyoto model.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Down-regulation of bradykinin B2-receptor mRNA in the heart in pressure-overload cardiac hypertrophy in the rat.

To determine the potential role of the cardiac kallikrein-kinin system in the development of cardiac hypertrophy, we studied the expression patterns of kallikrein, kininogen, and bradykinin receptor mRNA in the heart by polymerase chain reaction during the development of pressure-overload-induced left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in rats. The abdominal aortic constriction produced LVH after 7, 14, and 28 days. Neither mRNA levels for high-molecular-weight (H-) or low-molecular-weight (L-) kininogens and T-kininogen, nor those for tissue kallikreins, changed during LVH. B(2)-receptor mRNA levels in the left ventricles decreased 4 and 7 days after aortic constriction, subsequently returning to the levels in sham-operated animals. B(2)-receptor densities in cardiac membrane preparations obtained 4 days after aortic constriction significantly decreased compared to preparations from sham-operated rats, whereas the receptor affinity was unchanged. Down-regulation of B(2)-receptor mRNA levels was abolished by oral administration of an angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor antagonist, candesartan, for 4 days after aortic constriction. Both cardiomyocytes and nonmyocytes obtained from neonatal rat hearts expressed B(2)-receptor mRNA in vitro, and the levels were not changed in either cell type by culture with 1 microM angiotensin II (Ang II). However, when a mixture of cardiomyocytes and nonmyocytes was cultured with 1 microM Ang II, B(2)-receptor mRNA levels decreased within 12 hr; this in vitro effect of Ang II was inhibited by the AT1-receptor antagonist losartan. These results indicate that the mechanical load in the myocardium caused by pressure-overload rapidly produces a down-regulation of B(2)-receptor expression during the initial stage of LVH, probably mediated by activating the AT1-receptor.

Angiotensin II↗

Role of individual ionic current systems in ventricular cells hypothesized by a model study.

Individual ion channels or exchangers are described with a common set of equations for both the sinoatrial node pacemaker and ventricular cells. New experimental data are included, such as the new kinetics of the inward rectifier K+ channel, delayed rectifier K+ channel, and sustained inward current. The gating model of Shirokov et al. (J Gen Physiol 102: 1005-1030, 1993) is used for both the fast Na+ and L-type Ca2+ channels. When combined with a contraction model (Negroni and Lascano: J Mol Cell Cardiol 28: 915-929, 1996), the experimental staircase phenomenon of contraction is reconstructed. The modulation of the action potential by varying the external Ca2+ and K+ concentrations is well simulated. The conductance of I(CaL) dominates membrane conductance during the action potential so that an artificial increase of I(to), I(Kr), I(Ks), or I(KATP) magnifies I(CaL) amplitude. Repolarizing current is provided sequentially by I(Ks), I(Kr), and I(K1). Depression of ATP production results in the shortening of action potential through the activation of I(KATP). The ratio of Ca2+ released from SR over Ca2+ entering via I(CaL) (Ca2+ gain = approximately 15) in excitation-contraction coupling well agrees with the experimental data. The model serves as a predictive tool in generating testable hypotheses.

Action Potentials↗

Role of individual ionic current systems in the SA node hypothesized by a model study.

This paper discusses the development of a cardiac sinoatrial (SA) node pacemaker model. The model successfully reconstructs the experimental action potentials at various concentrations of external Ca2+ and K+. Increasing the amplitude of L-type Ca2+ current (I(CaL)) prolongs the duration of the action potential and thereby slightly decreases the spontaneous rate. On the other hand, a negative voltage shift of I(CaL) gating by a few mV markedly increases the spontaneous rate. When the amplitude of sustained inward current (I(st)) is increased, the spontaneous rate is increased irrespective of the I(CaL) amplitude. Increasing [Ca2+](o) shortens the action potential and increases the spontaneous rate. When the spontaneous activity is stopped by decreasing I(CaL) amplitude, the resting potential is nearly constant (-35 mV) over 1-15 mM [K+](o) as observed in the experiment. This is because the conductance of the inward background non-selective cation current balances with the outward [K+](o)-dependent K+ conductance. The unique role of individual voltage- and time-dependent ion channels is clearly demonstrated and distinguished from that of the background current by calculating an instantaneous zero current potential ("lead potential") during the course of the spontaneous activity.

Action Potentials↗