CaV1.3 L-type channels, maxiK Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) channels and bestrophin-1 regulate rhythmic photoreceptor outer segment phagocytosis by retinal pigment epithelial cells.

Phagocytosis of shed photoreceptor outer segments by the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is critical for maintenance of visual function. Because changes in intracellular Ca(2+) regulate phagocytosis, we studied in vitro the impact of different ion channels in addition to mice deficient for Cav1.3 L-type Ca(2+) channels (Ca1.3(-/-)) and maxiK Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) channels (BK(-/-)). The knockdown of Bestrophin-1 protein, a regulator of intracellular Ca(2+) homeostasis, affected phagocytosis in porcine RPE cultures. Blockage of voltage-gated L-type channels by (+)BayK8644 inhibitor reduced phagocytosis in vitro, in contrast L-type activation by (-)BayK8644 had no impact. The expression rate of Cav1.3, the predominant L-type Ca(2+) channel in RPE cells, varied at different times of day. CaV1.3(-/-) RPE lacked peak phagocytic activity following morning photoreceptor shedding in wild-type RPE and retained a higher number of phagosomes at a later time of day. The BK-channel blocker paxilline lowered phagocytosis in RPE cultures in a concentration-dependent manner. BK(-/-) RPE in vivo retained phagocytic capability but this activity, which is normally well synchronized with circadian photoreceptor shedding, shifted out of phase. Retinae of older BK(-/-) mice showed shortened photoreceptor outer segments and diminished rhodopsin content. Store-operated Ca(2+) channels Orai-1 did not affect phagocytosis in cultured RPE. TRPV channel inhibition by ruthenium-red reduced phagocytosis, whereas activation at high concentrations of 2-APB increased phagocytosis. Our data demonstrate essential roles for bestrophin-1, BK, TRPV and L-type channels in regulating retinal phagocytosis. These data indicate further the importance of BK and CaV1.3 for rhythmic phagocytic activity synchronized with photoreceptor shedding.