Abstract
Phagocytosis of shed photoreceptor outer segments by the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is critical for maintenance of visual function. Because changes in intracellular Ca2+ regulate phagocytosis, we studied in vitro the impact of different ion channels in addition to mice deficient for Ca(v)1.3 L-type Ca2+ channels (Ca1.3(-/-)) and maxiK Ca(2+-)dependent K+ channels (BK-/-). The knockdown of ...
Abstract
Phagocytosis of shed photoreceptor outer segments by the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is critical for maintenance of visual function. Because changes in intracellular Ca2+ regulate phagocytosis, we studied in vitro the impact of different ion channels in addition to mice deficient for Ca(v)1.3 L-type Ca2+ channels (Ca1.3(-/-)) and maxiK Ca(2+-)dependent K+ channels (BK-/-). The knockdown of Bestrophin-1 protein, a regulator of intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis, affected phagocytosis in porcine RPE cultures. Blockage of voltage-gated L-type channels by (+)BayK8644 inhibitor reduced phagocytosis in vitro, in contrast L-type activation by ()BayK8644 had no impact The expression rate of Ca(v)1.3, the predominant L-type Ca2+ channel in RPE cells, varied at different times of day. Ca(v)1.3(-/-) RPE lacked peak phagocytic activity following morning photoreceptor shedding in wild-type RPE and retained a higher number of phagosomes at a later time of day. The BK-channel blacker paxilline lowered phagocytosis in RPE cultures in a concentration-dependent manner. BK-/- RPE in vivo retained phagocytic capability but this activity, which is normally well synchronized with circadian photoreceptor shedding, shifted out of phase. Retinae of older BK-/- mice showed shortened photoreceptor outer segments and diminished rhodopsin content. Store-operated Ca2+ channels Orai-1 did not affect phagocytosis in cultured RPE. TRPV channel inhibition by ruthenium-red reduced phagocytosis, whereas activation at high concentrations of 2-APB increased phagocytosis. Our data demonstrate essential roles for bestrophin-1, BK, TRPV and L-type channels in regulating retinal phagocytosis. These data indicate further the importance of BK and Ca(v)1.3 for rhythmic phagocytic activity synchronized. with photoreceptor shedding. (C) 2014 Elsevier Inc All rights reserved.
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