Comprehensive 4-year follow-up on a case of maternal heterodisomy for chromosome 16

Uniparental disomy for chromosome 16 has been previously identified in fetal deaths and newborn infants with limited follow-up. Thus there is a lack of information about the long-term effects of maternal uniparental disomy 16 on growth and development. We present a case of maternal heterodisomy for chromosome 16 and a comprehensive 4-year physical and cognitive evaluation. Cytogenetic analysis of chorionic villus obtained at 10 weeks gestation for advanced maternal age showed trisomy 16. At 15 weeks, amniocentesis demonstrated low level mosaicism 47,XY,+16[1]/46,XY[25]. Decreased fetal growth was noted in the last 2 months of pregnancy and the infant was small for gestational age at birth. Molecular studies revealed only maternal alleles for chromosome 16 in a peripheral blood sample from the child, consistent with maternal uniparental heterodisomy 16. Although short stature remains a concern, there appears to be no major cognitive effects of maternal disomy 16. Clinical evaluation and follow-up on additional cases should further clarify the role of placental mosaicism and maternal disomy 16 in intrauterine growth retardation and its effects on long-term growth in childhood.

Peripheral catecholamine output in Parkinson's disease: effects of drug treatment

Recent reports have indicated depressed levels of catecholamines in the adrenal medulla of advanced Parkinson's Disease (PD) patients undergoing autologous transplant and at autopsy. Such an adrenal defect might have compromised the efficacy of autologous transplants in PD patients. The question arose whether these findings were the result of a generalized defect in catecholamine metabolism in both central and peripheral nervous systems or simply due to drug treatment with levodopa and carbidopa (L/C), the latter being an inhibitor of peripheral catecholamine synthesis. If indeed there are defects in adrenal catecholamine output in PD it might be possible to screen candidates for autologous adrenal medullary transplants. We investigated these issues by measuring 24-h urinary epinephrine (EPI), norepinephrine (NE), metanephrines (METS), and vanilmandelic acid (VMA) levels in three groups of patients: PD patients on standard treatment with L/C, PD patients not on L/C drug treatment, and control non-PD patients. There were no significant differences in 24-h urinary catecholamines, METS, or VMA among the three groups. However, trends in the present results together with previously published data suggest that parkinsonian drug treatment may lower urinary EPI excretion and increase NE excretion. The former may be related to the depressed adrenal medullary tissue levels of EPI, while the latter may reflect conversion of levodopa and incomplete suppression of sympathetic catecholamine synthesis. If there are depressed levels of tissue catecholamines in the sympathoadrenal system in untreated PD patients this is not reflected in a significantly decreased catecholamine output in 24-h urine samples.

Nicotine tolerance in chromaffin cell cultures: acute and chronic exposure to smoking-related nicotine doses

Nicotine tolerance and dependence are key aspects of tobacco addiction; however, the cellular mechanisms underlying these phenomena are poorly understood. Adrenal chromaffin cells release catecholamines upon exposure to nicotine and with repeated exposure this response exhibits nicotine tolerance. Using bovine adrenal chromaffin cells in culture, we have demonstrated acute and chronic nicotine tolerance at doses relevant to that in the blood and tissues of smokers (10(-7) M to 10(-6) M). Chromaffin cells are preexposed to low doses of nicotine for time periods ranging from 10 min to 7 days and then subsequently challenged with a maximally stimulating dose of nicotine (10(-5) M) for 10 min, all at 37 degrees C. Preexposure to nicotine results in a depression of 45Ca uptake and catecholamine release upon subsequent nicotine challenge. Acute tolerance or desensitization of nicotine-stimulated catecholamine release begins to occur in minutes after preexposure to 10(-6) M nicotine at 37 degrees C. The depression of catecholamine release upon preexposure to nicotine is both dose and temperature dependent and is not seen with potassium-evoked release. Chronic exposure to 10(-7) M nicotine for 3 days led to a depression of the secretory response to approximately 70% of control responses. There was a trend toward recovery of full response by days 5 and 7 of 10(-7) M nicotine preexposure. Nearly complete depression of the nicotine-evoked release occurs within the first day of exposure to 10(-6) M nicotine and persists for at least a week of nicotine exposure at 37 degrees C.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Sodium-dependent calcium efflux from adrenal chromaffin cells following exocytosis. Possible role of secretory vesicle membranes

Although cytosolic Ca2+ transients are known to influence the magnitude and duration of hormone and neurotransmitter release, the processes regulating the decay of such transients after cell stimulation are not well understood. Na(+)-dependent Ca2+ efflux across the secretory vesicle membrane, following its incorporation into the plasma membrane, may play a significant role in Ca2+ efflux after stimulation of secretion. We have measured an enhanced 45Ca2+ efflux from cultured bovine adrenal chromaffin cells following cell stimulation with depolarizing medium (75 mM K+) or nicotine (10 microM). Such stimulation also causes Ca2+ uptake via voltage-gated Ca2+ channels and secretion of catecholamines. Na+ replacement with any of several substitutes (N-methyl-glucamine, Li+, choline, or sucrose) during cell stimulation inhibited the enhanced 45Ca2+ efflux, indicating and Na(+)-dependent Ca2+ efflux process. Na+ deprivation did not inhibit 45Ca2+ uptake or catecholamine secretion evoked by elevated K+. Suppression of exocytotic incorporation of secretory vesicle membranes into the plasma membrane with hypertonic medium (620 mOsm) or by lowering temperature to 12 degrees C inhibited K(+)-stimulated 45Ca2+ efflux in Na(+)-containing medium but did not inhibit the stimulated 45Ca2+ uptake. Enhancement of exocytotic secretion with pertussis toxin resulted in an enhanced 45Ca2+ efflux without affecting calcium uptake. The combined results suggest that Na(+)-dependent Ca2+ efflux across secretory vesicle membranes, following their incorporation into the plasma membrane during exocytosis, plays a significant role in regulating calcium efflux and the decay of cytosolic Ca2+ in adrenal chromaffin cells and possibly in related secretory cells.

D2 dopamine receptors modulate calcium channel currents and catecholamine secretion in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells

Although dopamine is known to be present in sympathetic ganglia, its role and mode of action as a peripheral neurotransmitter are still poorly understood. Dopaminergic agonists have been shown to inhibit adrenal catecholamine release and calcium uptake. However, the specific dopamine receptor subtype mediating these effects and the receptor transduction mechanism remain unknown. We now provide evidence demonstrating 1) that slowly inactivating, voltage-gated calcium channels serve as a target site for dopaminergic modulation of chromaffin cell function and 2) that it is the D2 receptor subtype which mediates dopaminergic inhibitory effects on catecholamine secretion, 45Ca uptake and voltage-gated calcium currents. Whole cell patch clamp electrophysiological techniques were used to monitor directly voltage-gated Ca++ channels. The D2 agonist apomorphine but not the D1 agonist SKF 38393 reduced reversibly a slowly inactivating, voltage-gated calcium current in cultured chromaffin cells and this effect was blocked by the D2 receptor antagonist haloperidol. The presence of D2 but not D1 dopamine receptors on chromaffin cell membranes was demonstrated by radioligand binding methods, using the specific D1 and D2 receptor radioligands, [3H]SCH23390 and [3H]N-methylspiperone, respectively. Nicotine- and KCl (60 mM)-evoked catecholamine secretion and 45Ca uptake were inhibited by the D2 agonist, apomorphine, but not by the D1 agonist, SKF 38393. These inhibitory effects were prevented by the D2 antagonist, sulpiride, but not by the D1 antagonist, SCH 23390. D2 dopamine receptors appear to function as inhibitory modulators of adrenal catecholamine secretion with a mode of action involving inhibition of calcium channel currents.

Identification of omega-conotoxin binding sites on adrenal medullary membranes: possibility of multiple calcium channels in chromaffin cells

Binding of 125I-omega-conotoxin GVIA and [3H]nitrendipine to membranes from bovine adrenal medulla was investigated to test for the presence of N- and L-type Ca2+ channels in adrenal chromaffin cells. Saturable, high-affinity binding sites for 125I-omega-conotoxin and [3H]nitrendipine were detected in a membrane fraction from adrenal medulla. [3H]Nitrendipine binding sites were found to have a KD of 500 +/- 170 pM and a Bmax of 26 +/- 11 pmol/g of protein. 125I-omega-Conotoxin binding sites had a KD of 215 +/- 56 pM and a Bmax of 105 +/- 18 pmol/g of protein, about four times the number of sites found for [3H]nitrendipine. 125I-omega-Conotoxin binding was potently inhibited by unlabeled toxin and Ca2+ but was unaffected by dihydropyridines, verapamil, and diltiazem. [3H]Nitrendipine binding was not affected by omega-conotoxin, whereas it was inhibited by other dihydropyridines. Bay K 8644 potentiated K+-evoked cytosolic Ca2+ transients measured by fura-2 fluorescence, and this potentiation was completely blocked by nifedipine. In contrast, omega-conotoxin had no effect on Bay K 8644-evoked Ca2+ transients. Thus, the binding sites for omega-conotoxin and for nitrendipine appear to be different. The results confirm the presence of L-type Ca2+ channels and open the possibility of N-type Ca2+ channels as the omega-conotoxin binding sites in chromaffin cell membranes.

Muscarinic receptor-mediated inositol tetrakisphosphate response in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells

Inositol trisphosphate (IP3), a product of the phosphoinositide cycle, mobilizes intracellular Ca2+ in many cell types. New evidence suggests that inositol tetrakisphosphate (IP4), an IP3 derivative, may act as another second messenger to further alter calcium homeostasis. However, the function and mechanism of action of IP4 are presently unresolved. We now report evidence of muscarinic receptor-mediated accumulation of IP4 in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells, a classic neurosecretory system in which calcium movements have been well studied. Muscarine (0.4 mM) stimulated an increase in [3H]IP4 and [3H]IP3 accumulation in chromaffin cells and this effect was completely blocked by atropine (0.5 mM). [3H]IP4 accumulation was detectable within 15 sec, increased to a maximum by 30 sec and thereafter declined. 2,3-diphosphoglycerate, an inhibitor of IP3 and IP4 hydrolysis, enhanced accumulation of these inositol polyphosphates. The results provide the first evidence of a rapid inositol tetrakisphosphate response in adrenal chromaffin cells, which should facilitate the future resolution of the relationship between IP4 and calcium homeostasis.

Effect of striatal implantation of bovine adrenal chromaffin cells on turning behavior in a rat model of Parkinson's disease

Rats lesioned unilaterally with 6-hydroxydopamine, as an animal model of Parkinson's disease, were tested for D-amphetamine-induced rotation. Buffer or isolated bovine adrenal chromaffin cells were implanted into the lesioned striatum. Rats were retested for rotation 1 and 4 weeks postimplantation. Those with surviving implants rotated significantly less than controls. HPLC assay of striata showed that implants contained elevated norepinephrine and epinephrine, but not dopamine. The results show that the bovine chromaffin cell implants can function as a restorative treatment for nigrostriatal damage, that neonatal implants work better than adult implants, and that such restoration occurs independent of dopamine levels.

Calcium dependence of the thrombin-induced increase in endothelial albumin permeability

We examined whether the increase in endothelial albumin permeability induced by alpha-thrombin is dependent on extracellular Ca2+ influx. Permeability of 125I-albumin across confluent monolayers of cultured bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells was measured before and after the addition of 0.1 microM alpha-thrombin. In the presence of normal extracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]o, 1000 microM), alpha-thrombin produced a 175 +/- 10% increase in 125I-albumin permeability. At lower [Ca2+]o (100, 10, 1, or less than 1 microM), alpha-thrombin caused a 140% increase in permeability (P less than 0.005). LaCl3 (1 mM), which competes for Ca2+ entry, blunted 38% of the increase in permeability. Preloading endothelial monolayers with quin2 to buffer cytosolic Ca2+ (Cai2+) produced a dose-dependent inhibition of the increase in 125I-albumin permeability. Preincubation with nifedipine or verapamil was ineffective in reducing the thrombin-induced permeability increase. A 60 mM K+ isosmotic solution did not alter base-line endothelial permeability. alpha-Thrombin increased [Ca2+]i in a dose-dependent manner and the 45Ca2+ influx rate. Extracellular medium containing 60 mM K+ did not increase 45Ca2+ influx, and nifedipine did not block the rise in 45Ca2+ influx caused by alpha-thrombin. Ca2+ flux into endothelial cells induced by alpha-thrombin does not occur through voltage-sensitive channels but may involve receptor-operated channels. In conclusion, the increase in endothelial albumin permeability caused by alpha-thrombin is dependent on Ca2+ influx and intracellular Ca2+ mobilization.

Dopamine receptors on adrenal chromaffin cells modulate calcium uptake and catecholamine release

The presence of dopamine-containing cells in sympathetic ganglia, i.e., small, intensely fluorescent cells, has been known for some time. However, the role of dopamine as a peripheral neurotransmitter and its mechanism of action are not well understood. Previous studies have demonstrated the presence of D2 dopamine receptors on the surface of bovine adrenal chromaffin cells using radioligand binding methods and dopamine receptor inhibition of catecholamine release from perfused adrenal glands. In the present study, we provide evidence confirming a role of dopamine receptors as inhibitory modulators of adrenal catecholamine release from bovine chromaffin cell cultures and further show that the mechanism of modulation involves inhibition of stimulated calcium uptake. Apomorphine gave a dose-dependent inhibition (IC50 = 1 microM) of 45Ca2+ uptake stimulated by either nicotine (10 microM) or membrane depolarization with an elevated K+ level (60 mM). This inhibition was reversed by a series of specific (including stereospecific) dopamine receptor antagonists: haloperidol, spiperone, sulpiride, and (+)-butaclamol, but not (-)-butaclamol. In addition, the calcium channel agonist Bay K 8644 was used to stimulate uptake of 45Ca2+ into chromaffin cells, and this uptake was also inhibited by the dopamine receptor agonist apomorphine. The combined results suggest that dopamine receptors on adrenal chromaffin cells alter Ca2+ channel conductance, which, in turn, modulates catecholamine release.

Calcium dependence of muscarinic receptor-mediated catecholamine secretion from the perfused rat adrenal medulla

It had previously been thought that muscarinic cholinergic receptors utilize an influx of extracellular calcium for activation of adrenomedullary catecholamine secretion. However, it has recently been demonstrated that muscarinic receptors on isolated adrenal chromaffin cells can elevate cytosolic free calcium levels in a manner independent of extracellular calcium, presumably by mobilizing intracellular calcium stores. We now demonstrate that muscarinic receptor-mediated catecholamine secretion from perfused rat adrenal glands can occur under conditions of extracellular calcium deprivation that are sufficient to block both nicotine- and electrically stimulated release. Three independent conditions of extracellular calcium deprivation were used: nominally calcium-free perfusion solution (no calcium added), EGTA-containing calcium-free perfusion solution, and perfusion solution containing the calcium channel blocker verapamil. Secretion was evoked from the perfused glands by either transmural electrical stimulation or injection of nicotine or muscarine into the perfusion stream. Each condition of calcium deprivation was able to block nicotine- and electrically stimulated catecholamine release in an interval that left muscarine-evoked release largely unaffected. The above results demonstrate that muscarine-evoked catecholamine secretion from perfused rat adrenal glands can occur in the absence of extracellular calcium, presumably by mobilization of intracellular calcium. The latter may be due to muscarinic receptor-mediated generation of inositol trisphosphate.

D2 dopamine receptors on bovine chromaffin cell membranes: identification and characterization by [3H]N-methylspiperone binding

Although dopamine-containing cells are known to be present in sympathetic ganglia, the site of action and the role of dopamine in ganglion function remain obscure. In the present work, we evaluated the interaction of dopamine receptor ligands with particulate membrane fractions from bovine chromaffin cells and adrenal medullary homogenates using the D2 dopamine receptor radioligand [3H]N-methylspiperone ([3H]NMSP). Scatchard analysis of [3H]NMSP saturation experiments revealed a Bmax of 24.1 +/- 1.6 fmol/mg of protein and a KD of 0.23 +/- 0.03 nM in the particulate fraction from adrenal medulla homogenates and a Bmax of 26.5 +/- 2.7 fmol/mg of membrane protein and a KD of 0.25 +/- 0.02 nM in the particulate fraction prepared from isolated adrenal chromaffin cells. There were approximately 1,000 receptors/cell. There were no detectable levels of specific [3H]NMSP binding in the particulates prepared from adrenal cortical or capsular homogenates. Competition studies with the nonradioactive D2 receptor antagonists spiperone, chlorpromazine, and (-)-sulpiride revealed KI values of 0.28, 21, and 196 nM, respectively. The (+) isomer of butaclamol displayed a 604-fold higher affinity than the (-) isomer. Competition studies with the dopamine receptor agonists dopamine and apomorphine revealed affinities of 3,960 and 417 nM, respectively. A correlation coefficient of 0.96 was obtained in studies comparing the potencies of drugs in inhibiting specific [3H]NMSP binding in bovine adrenal medullary homogenates and in inhibiting specific [3H]NMSP binding to brain D2 dopamine receptors. In summary, radiolabeling studies using [3H]NMSP have revealed the presence of D2 dopamine receptors on bovine adrenal chromaffin cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Comparison of the effects of colchicine and beta-lumicolchicine on cultured adrenal chromaffin cells: lack of evidence for an action of colchicine on receptor-associated microtubules

The involvement of microtubules in adrenomedullary secretion is presently unclear. Evidence exists for a possible role of microtubules in cholinergic nicotinic receptor-related events. We now describe the actions of the microtubule disrupter, colchicine, on primary cultures of bovine adrenal chromaffin cells and compare these with corresponding actions of beta-lumicolchicine. beta-Lumicolchicine is a structural isomer of colchicine which neither binds microtubular protein (tubulin) nor interferes with microtubule assembly. Both colchicine and beta-lumicolchicine were found to inhibit acetylcholine-induced secretion with similar potencies (half maximal inhibitory concentration 0.2-0.5 mM). The inhibitory actions of both drugs are time-dependent and reversible. However, unlike colchicine which has no inhibitory effects on secretion evoked by depolarization with excess K+, beta-lumicolchicine also inhibits K+-induced secretion. Because colchicine and beta-lumicolchicine have similar effects, the selective inhibitory actions of colchicine on nicotinic receptor-mediated secretion cannot in itself be used as evidence in support of a role of microtubules in receptor-mediated events. However, our data do not preclude such a role. Differences in the effect of colchicine and beta-lumicolchicine on K+-evoked secretion suggests different modes of action of these structural isomers on chromaffin cell function.

The effect of dodecyl sulfate on immunoglobulin hapten binding

The instantaneous effect of dodecyl sulfate (DDS), in the mM concn range, on the binding of monovalent hapten by immunoglobulin was examined. Fluorescence measurements were utilized to study the effect of the detergent on sheep antiserum generated against thyroxin (T4) and against methamphetamine. Haptens were conjugated with the thiocyanate derivative of fluorescein in order to determine hapten binding on the basis of increased fluorescence polarization for the fluorescein-thiocarbamyl-hapten adducts (FT4 or FA) bound to immunoglobulin. Incubation of anti-T4-serum with DDS for 1 hr before the addition of FT4 resulted in diminished binding. The effect occurred at DDS concns greater than 0.1 mM and was essentially complete at a DDS conc of 1 mM. A kinetic study demonstrated a two stage process. An initial, rapid stage, with a half time less than 30 sec accounted for a reduction of immunoglobulin binding by 75%. The remaining 25% binding capacity was lost during a second, much slower phase with a half-time of about 11/2 hr. Prior hapten binding inhibited the effect of DDS. The degree of protection from combining site denaturation afforded by prior hapten binding was limited by the dissociation rate of bound hapten. The major, rapid phase was completely and immediately reversible by dilution. Prolonged incubation in DDS resulted in irreversible denaturation. The overall rate of DDS denaturation of the entire immunoglobulin molecule, as revealed by changes in the circular dichroism spectrum of a sheep gamma globulin fraction, was considerably slower than the denaturation rate of the combining site.

Calcium mobilization and catecholamine secretion in adrenal chromaffin cells. A Quin-2 fluorescence study

To better understand the relation between cell calcium and exocytotic secretion, a quantitative dependence of adrenal catecholamine secretion on cytosolic free calcium has been determined for isolated, intact, bovine chromaffin cells, using the fluorescent probe Quin-2. The cells required a threshold of 250-300 nM cytosolic calcium to be reached before detectable secretion occurred and half-maximal secretion occurred near 2 microM cytosolic calcium. Nicotinic receptors mediated an increase of cytosolic calcium from resting levels near 100 nM to levels in the 1-10 microM range within seconds followed by a decay back to resting levels over several minutes. Muscarinic receptors mediated a smaller rise in cytosolic free calcium from 100 to about 200 nM, within seconds. The nicotinic response required extracellular calcium, while the muscarinic response was largely independent of extracellular calcium, suggesting the latter mobilizes intracellular calcium. The acetylcholine-evoked rise in cytosolic calcium decayed by at least two kinetically distinct processes with half-time constants: t1 = 0.6 min and t2 = 3.2 min. Extracellular Na+ deprivation caused a more prolonged elevation of the acetylcholine-evoked calcium transient, suggesting a possible role of Na+/Ca2+ exchange and/or other Na+ -dependent processes in lowering cytosolic calcium following stimulation. The possible perturbing effects of Quin-2 on resting and stimulated cytosolic calcium levels and on secretion were examined and a novel use of Quin-2 to measure membrane calcium flux was demonstrated.

Interactions of microtubule-active agents with nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Relationship to their inhibition of catecholamine secretion by adrenal chromaffin cells

Several microtubule-active drugs block cholinergically mediated catecholamine secretion from adrenal chromaffin cells without affecting secretion induced by other secretagogues. Interactions of these agents with nicotinic acetylcholine receptor-ion channel complexes from Torpedo californica electric organs were studied using radiolabeled probes for receptor and associated ion channel-binding sites. Colchicine, taxol, and the Vinca alkaloids had minimal affinity for cholinergic receptor-binding sites (nicotinic or muscarinic). The Vinca alkaloids (vinblastine, vincristine, vindesine) and colchicine inhibited [3H]perhydrohistrionicotoxin ([3H]H12-HTX) binding to the receptor-gated ion channel with IC50 values of 2-32 microM and 6 mM, respectively. The ability of the microtubule-active drugs to inhibit [3H]H12-HTX binding was increased by up to 5-fold in the presence of 1 microM carbamylcholine. The IC50 values for inhibition of [3H]H12-HTX binding by colchicine and three Vinca alkaloids were closely correlated with their abilities to inhibit acetylcholine-induced catecholamine secretion from cultured bovine adrenal chromaffin cells. As a consequence of its interaction (direct or indirect) with the ion channel, at least one Vinca alkaloid (vinblastine) stabilized a high agonist affinity conformation of the nicotinic receptor complex. beta-Lumicolchicine, an analog of colchicine devoid of microtubule activity, also blocked ion channel binding. On the other hand, taxol, a microtubule-stabilizing agent which also selectively blocks cholinergically mediated secretion, did not affect receptor or ion channel binding. The present results indicate that interactions with the nicotinic receptor-ion channel complex may underlie the actions of certain microtubule-active agents on catecholamine secretion by adrenal chromaffin cells.

Membrane potential and catecholamine secretion by bovine adrenal chromaffin cells: use of tetraphenylphosphonium distribution and carbocyanine dye fluorescence

Changes in plasma membrane potential of isolated bovine adrenal chromaffin cells were measured independently by two chemical probe methods and related to corresponding effects on catecholamine secretion. The lipophilic cation tetraphenylphosphonium (TPP+) and the carbocyanine dye 3,3'-dipropylthiadicarbocyanine [DiS-C3-(5)] were used. The necessity of evaluating the subcellular distribution of TPP+ among cytoplasmic, mitochondrial, secretory granule, and bound compartments was demonstrated and the resting plasma membrane potential determined to be -55 mV. The relationship between membrane potential and catecholamine secretion was determined in response to variations in extracellular K+ and to the presence of several secretagogues including cholinergic receptor ligands, veratridine, and ionophores for Na+ and K+. The dependence of potential on K+ concentration fit the Goldman constant field equation with a Na/K permeability ratio of 0.1. The dependence of both K+- and veratridine-evoked catecholamine secretion on membrane potential exhibited a potential threshold of about -40 mV before a significant rise in secretion occurred. This is likely related to the threshold for opening of voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels. Acetylcholine and nicotine evoked a large secretory response without a sufficiently sustained depolarization to be detectable by the relatively slow potential sensitive chemical probes. Decamethonium induced a detectable depolarization of the chromaffin cells. Veratridine and gramicidin evoked both membrane depolarization and catecholamine release. By contrast the K ionophore valinomycin evoked significant levels of secretion without any depolarization. This is consistent with its utilization of an intracellular source of Ca2+ and the independence of its measured secretory response on extracellular Ca2+.

Muscarinic receptors on bovine chromaffin cells mediate a rise in cytosolic calcium that is independent of extracellular calcium

Although the mechanism by which nicotinic receptors on adrenal chromaffin cells regulate catecholamine secretion is reasonably well understood, that of the muscarinic receptors remains obscure. The effects of both acetylcholine and specific muscarinic agonists on cytosolic free calcium in isolated bovine adrenal chromaffin cells have been measured using the fluorescent probe Quin-2. Acetylcholine (0.1 mM) evokes a large increase in cytosolic free calcium from resting levels near 100 nM into the microM range, most of which is blocked by hexamethonium (0.5 mM) or removal of extracellular calcium. A small component of the acetylcholine-evoked rise in cytosolic free calcium (approximately 50-100 nM) is independent of extracellular calcium and is unaffected by 0.5 mM hexamethonium, but is totally blocked by 0.5 microM atropine. The muscarinic nature of this component is further confirmed by the fact that the muscarinic agonists, muscarine (0.1 mM) and methacholine (0.3 mM), stimulate a 50-100 nM rise in chromaffin cell cytosolic calcium which is blocked by 0.5 microM atropine and is largely independent of extracellular calcium. These results suggest that muscarinic receptors regulate cytosolic calcium in chromaffin cells by a new mechanism different from that of nicotinic receptors, a mechanism utilizing an intracellular calcium source. The small size of the muscarinic-induced rise in cytosolic calcium in the bovine chromaffin cell would explain why no secretion is evoked by muscarinic agonists in this species.

Selective inhibition of cholinergic receptor-mediated 45Ca++ uptake and catecholamine secretion from adrenal chromaffin cells by taxol and vinblastine

We have characterized the actions of taxol, a novel drug promoting microtubule formation, on 45Ca++ uptake and catecholamine release by isolated and cultured bovine adrenal chromaffin cells. The effects of taxol are compared with corresponding actions of vinblastine. We also have measured the effects of microtubule-active drugs on the dynamic pattern of release by means of column perifusion of isolated chromaffin cells. Taxol inhibits acetylcholine-stimulated catecholamine secretion (IC50: approximately 1 microM) and 45Ca++ uptake. The inhibitory effects of both taxol and vinblastine on secretion are rapid in onset (approximately 1 min) and reversible. Taxol and vinblastine (5 microM) exert little or no inhibitory effect on catecholamine secretion induced by 1) the nonreceptor mediated secretagogues K+, Ba++ or veratridine or by 2) the receptor-mediated secretagogues histamine or bradykinin. Similarly, taxol and vinblastine had no effect on K+-induced 45Ca++ uptake into chromaffin cells. The inhibitory effects of taxol and vinblastine during a secretory challenge are specific for cholinergic receptor-mediated 45Ca++ uptake and catecholamine release and prevent receptor-mediated membrane depolarization. These results do not support a role for microtubules either in the exocytosis event or in granule transport during an initial secretory challenge. The results would be consistent with either an interaction of microtubule protein with the acetylcholine receptor or a direct action of the drugs on the acetylcholine receptor.

Chlortetracycline as a probe of membrane-associated calcium and magnesium: interaction with red cell membranes, phospholipids, and proteins monitored by fluorescence and circular dichroism

The fluorescence emission and circular dichroism spectra of chlortetracycline (CTC) have been measured, including the effects of multivalent cations (Ca, Mg, La), of medium polarity, and of interaction with human red cell membranes, lipids, and a variety of proteins. An obligatory role of Ca in the association of CTC with membranes was demonstrated. Binding and kinetic constants for the CTC-Ca chelate interaction with membranes and phospholipids were determined. The results suggest that the CTC-Ca chelate fluorescence is greatly enhanced in the vicinity of membrane phospholipid head groups. The circular dichroism spectra indicate a number of distinct CTC conformations corresponding to chelation of specific cations, to interaction with membranes and phospholipids, and to medium polarity. The high quantum yield CTC-Ca conformation associated with membranes or phospholipids was identified by its characteristic circular dichroism spectrum and is different from the CTC-Ca conformation in nonpolar media (80% methanol).

Sensitive fluorometry of heat-stable alkaline phosphatase (Regan enzyme) activity in serum from smokers and nonsmokers

We developed a simple, sensitive enzymatic assay involving the fluorogenic substrate naphthol AS-MX phosphate [(3-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid 2,4-dimethylanilide) phosphate] to measure heat-stable alkaline phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.1), the Regan isoenzyme, in human serum. The day-to-day CV was 5.7% for a serum activity of 0.080 arbitrary units/L. Measurable amounts of enzyme were detected in most normal individuals. The mean for 51 nonsmokers was 0.068 (SD 0.037) arb. units/L; for 25 smokers it was 0.440 (SD 0.360) arb. units/L. Activity of this isoenzyme in smokers was as much as 10-fold the upper normal limit for nonsmokers. Activation of this tumor marker by smoking has not received attention hitherto. We conclude that a truly normal range can only be established among nonsmokers. The isoenzymes in smokers, nonsmokers, and pregnant women were similar in their heat stability, immunologic cross reactivity, and inhibition by L-phenylalanine.

Sensitive fluorometry of heat-stable alkaline phosphatase (Regan enzyme) activity in serum from smokers and nonsmokers

We developed a simple, sensitive enzymatic assay involving the fluorogenic substrate naphthol AS-MX phosphate [(3-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid 2,4-dimethylanilide) phosphate] to measure heat-stable alkaline phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.1), the Regan isoenzyme, in human serum. The day-to-day CV was 5.7% for a serum activity of 0.080 arbitrary units/L. Measurable amounts of enzyme were detected in most normal individuals. The mean for 51 nonsmokers was 0.068 (SD 0.037) arb. units/L; for 25 smokers it was 0.440 (SD 0.360) arb. units/L. Activity of this isoenzyme in smokers was as much as 10-fold the upper normal limit for nonsmokers. Activation of this tumor marker by smoking has not received attention hitherto. We conclude that a truly normal range can only be established among nonsmokers. The isoenzymes in smokers, nonsmokers, and pregnant women were similar in their heat stability, immunologic cross reactivity, and inhibition by L-phenylalanine.