Effect of heat stress and Hsp90 inhibition on T-type calcium currents and voltage-dependent potassium currents in leydig cells
Tenorio, B.M.; Pereira da Silva, R.; Tenorio, F.dasC.A.M.; Costa Rosales, R.R.; Amaro da Silva Junior, V.; de Albuquerque Nogueira, R.
Journal of Thermal Biology 84: 1-7
2019
ISSN/ISBN: 0306-4565 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2019.05.022
Accession: 067000497
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Heat can trigger testicular damage and impair fertility. Leydig cells produce testosterone in response to stimulation by luteinizing hormone (LH), which induces Ca2+ entry and K+ efflux through ion channels in their plasma membrane. Considering that mechanisms coordinating the Leydig cell responses to hyperthermic stress remain unclear; the present study analyzed the effects of heat stress (HS, 43°C, 15 min) and inhibition of Hsp90 on T-type calcium currents and voltage-dependent potassium currents (VKC) in mice Leydig cells. Results show that HS reduced the VKC steady state currents at +80 mV (45.3%) and maximum conductance (71.5%), as well as increased the activation time constant (31.7%) and the voltage for which half the channels are open (30%). Hsp90 inhibition did not change the VKC currents. T-type calcium currents were not affected by HS or Hsp90 inhibition. In conclusion, HS can slow the activation, reduce the currents and voltage dependence of the VKC, suggesting a possible role of these currents in the response to hyperthermic stress in Leydig cells.