G-protein-independent modulation of P-type calcium channels by μ-opioids in Purkinje neurons of rat

P-type calcium channels play a key role in the synaptic transmission between mammalian central neurons since a major part of calcium entering pre-synaptic terminals is delivered via these channels. Using conventional whole-cell patch clamp techniques we have studied the effect of μ-opioids on P-type calcium channels in acutely isolated Purkinje neurons from rat cerebellum. The selective μ-opioid agonist DAMGO (10 nM) produced a small, but consistent facilitation of current through P-type calcium channels (10 ± 1%, n = 27, p < 0.001). The effect of DAMGO was rapid (less than 10 s) and fully reversible. This effect was both concentration and voltage-dependent. The EC50 for the effect of DAMGO was 1.3 ± 0.4 nM and the saturating concentration was 100 nM. The endogenous selective agonist of μ-opioid receptors, endomorphin-1 demonstrated similar action. Intracellular perfusion of Purkinje neurons with GTPγS (0.5 mM) or GDPβS (0.5 mM), as well as strong depolarizing pre-pulses (+50 mV), did not eliminate facilitatory action of DAMGO on P-channels indicating that this effect is not mediated by G-proteins. Furthermore, the effect of DAMGO was preserved in the presence of a non-specific inhibitor of PKA and PKC (H7, 10 μM) inside the cell. DAMGO-induced facilitation of P-current was almost completely abolished by the selective μ-opioid antagonist CTOP (100 nM). These observations indicate that μ-type opioid receptors modulate P-type calcium channels in Purkinje neurons via G-protein-independent mechanism.