Receptor-specific contributions of caveolae, PKC, and Src tyrosine kinase to serotonergic and adrenergic regulation of Kv channels and vasoconstriction

Aims: Caveolae are invaginated, Ω-shaped membrane structures. They are now recognized as portals for signal transduction of multiple chemical and mechanical stimuli. Notably, the contribution of caveolae has been reported to be receptor-specific. However, details of how they differentially contribute to receptor signaling remain unclear.

Main methods: Using isometric tension measurements, patch-clamping, and western blotting, we examined the contribution of caveolae and their related signaling pathways to serotonergic (5-HT_2A receptor-mediated) and adrenergic (α1-adrenoceptor-mediated) signaling in rat mesenteric arteries.

Key findings: Disruption of caveolae by methyl-β-cyclodextrin effectively blocked vasoconstriction mediated by the 5-HT_2A receptor (5-HT_2AR), but not by the α1-adrenoceptor. Caveolar disruption selectively impaired 5-HT_2AR-mediated voltage-dependent K⁺ channel (Kv) inhibition, but not α1-adrenoceptor-mediated Kv inhibition. In contrast, both serotonergic and α1-adrenergic effects on vasoconstriction, as well as Kv currents, were similarly blocked by the Src tyrosine kinase inhibitor PP₂. However, inhibition of protein kinase C (PKC) by either GO6976 or chelerythrine selectively attenuated the effects mediated by the α1-adrenoceptor, but not by 5-HT_2AR. Disruption of caveolae decreased 5-HT_2AR-mediated Src phosphorylation, but not α1-adrenoceptor-mediated Src phosphorylation. Finally, the PKC Inhibitor GO6976 blocked Src phosphorylation by the α1-adrenoceptor, but not by 5-HT_2AR.

Significance: 5-HT_2AR-mediated Kv inhibition and vasoconstriction are dependent on caveolar integrity and Src tyrosine kinase, but not on PKC. In contrast, α1-adrenoceptor-mediated Kv inhibition and vasoconstriction are not dependent on caveolar integrity, but rather on PKC and Src tyrosine kinase. Caveolae-independent PKC is upstream of Src activation for α1-adrenoceptor-mediated Kv inhibition and vasoconstriction.