Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate directs Ca2+ flow between mitochondria and the endoplasmic/sarcoplasmic reticulum:: A role in regulating cardiac autonomic Ca2+ spiking

The signaling role of Me Ca2+. releaser inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) has been associated with diverse cell functions. Yet, the physiological significance of IP3 in tissues that feature a ryanodine-sensitive sarcoplasmic reticulum has remained elusive. IP3 generated by photolysis of caged IP3 or by purinergic activation of phospholipase C gamma slowed down or abolished autonomic Ca2+ spiking hi neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. Microinjection of heparin, blocking dominant-negative fusion protein, or anti-phospholipase C gamma antibody prevented the IP3-mediated purinergic effect. IP3 triggered a ryanodine- and caffeine-insensitive Ca2+ release restricted to the perinuclear region. In cells loaded with Rhod2 or expressing a mitochondria-targeted cameleon and TMRM to monitor mitochondrial Ca2+ and potential, IP3 induced transient Ca2+ loading and depolarization of the organelles. These mitochondrial changes were associated with Ca2+ depletion of the sarcoplasmic reticulum and preceded the arrest of cellular Ca2+ spiking. Thus, IP3 acting within a restricted cellular region regulates the dynamic of calcium flow between mitochondria and the endoplasmic/sarcoplasmic reticulum. We have thus uncovered a novel role for IP3 in excitable cells, the regulation of cardiac autonomic activity.