Global genetic deletion of CaV3.3 channels facilitates anaesthetic induction and enhances isoflurane-sparing effects of T-type calcium channel blockers

Sci Rep. 2020 Dec 9;10(1):21510. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-78488-8.

Abstract

We previously documented that the CaV3.3 isoform of T-type calcium channels (T-channels) is inhibited by clinically relevant concentrations of volatile anaesthetics, including isoflurane. However, little is understood about the functional role of CaV3.3 channels in anaesthetic-induced hypnosis and underlying neuronal oscillations. To address this issue, we used CaV3.3 knock-out (KO) mice and a panselective T-channel blocker 3,5-dichloro-N-[1-(2,2-dimethyltetrahydro-pyran-4-ylmethyl)-4-fluoro-piperidin-4-ylmethyl]-benzamide (TTA-P2). We found that mutant mice injected with the vehicle showed faster induction of hypnosis than wild-type (WT) mice, while the percent isoflurane at which hypnosis and immobility occurred was not different between two genotypes. Furthermore, we found that TTA-P2 facilitated isoflurane induction of hypnosis in the CaV3.3 KO mice more robustly than in the WT mice. Isoflurane-induced hypnosis following injections of TTA-P2 was accompanied with more prominent delta and theta EEG oscillations in the mutant mice, and reached burst-suppression pattern earlier when compared to the WT mice. Our findings point to a relatively specific value of CaV3.3 channels in anaesthetic induced hypnosis. Furthermore, we propose that T-channel blockers may be further explored as a valuable adjunct to reducing the usage of potent volatile anaesthetics, thereby improving their safety.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials / physiology
  • Animals
  • Benzamides / pharmacology
  • Calcium Channel Blockers / pharmacology
  • Calcium Channels, T-Type / genetics*
  • Calcium Channels, T-Type / metabolism
  • Female
  • Ion Transport / drug effects
  • Isoflurane / pharmacology
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Piperidines / pharmacology

Substances

  • 3,5-dichloro-N-(1-(2,2-dimethyltetrahydropyran-4-ylmethyl)-4-fluoropiperidin-4-ylmethyl)benzamide
  • Benzamides
  • Cacna1i protein, mouse
  • Calcium Channel Blockers
  • Calcium Channels, T-Type
  • Piperidines
  • benzamide
  • Isoflurane