Activation of transient receptor potential canonical 3 (TRPC3)-mediated Ca2+ entry by A1 adenosine receptor in cardiomyocytes disturbs atrioventricular conduction

Abstract

Although the activation of the A1-subtype of the adenosine receptors (A1AR) is arrhythmogenic in the developing heart, little is known about the underlying downstream mechanisms. The aim of this study was to determine to what extent the transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) channel 3, functioning as receptor-operated channel (ROC), contributes to the A1AR-induced conduction disturbances. Using embryonic atrial and ventricular myocytes obtained from 4-day-old chick embryos, we found that the specific activation of A1AR by CCPA induced sarcolemmal Ca 2+ entry. However, A1AR stimulation did not induce Ca 2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Specific blockade of TRPC3 activity by Pyr3, by a dominant negative of TRPC3 construct, or inhibition of phospholipase Cs and PKCs strongly inhibited the A1AR-enhanced Ca2+ entry. Ca2+entry through TRPC3 was activated by the 1,2-diacylglycerol (DAG) analog OAG via PKC-independent and -dependent mechanisms in atrial and ventricular myocytes, respectively. In parallel, inhibition of the atypical PKCζ by myristoylated PKCζpseudosubstrate inhibitor significantly decreased the A1AR-enhanced Ca2+ entry in both types of myocytes. Additionally, electrocardiography showed that inhibition of TRPC3 channel suppressed transient A1AR-induced conduction disturbances in the embryonic heart. Our data showing that A 1AR activation subtly mediates a proarrhythmic Ca2+ entry through TRPC3-encoded ROC by stimulating the phospholipase C/DAG/PKC cascade provide evidence for a novel pathway whereby Ca2+entry and cardiac function are altered. Thus, the A1AR-TRPC3 axis may represent a potential therapeutic target. © 2012 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.