Effect of training and growth hormone suppression on insulin-like growth factor I mRNA in young rats

The growth hormone (GH)-insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) axis plays a role in the adaptation to exercise training, but IGF-I gene expression in response to exercise training and GH suppression has not been studied. Twenty female rates underwent a 4-wk treadmill training program begun in the prepubertal period (day 14 of life). In 10 of the training rats, GH production was suppressed by anti-GH-releasing hormone antibodies (GH suppressed). IGF-I mRNA and protein levels were measured in liver and hindlimb skeletal muscle. GH suppression reduced IGF-I mRNA expression in the liver to a much greater extent than in the muscle. In the GH control rats, training induced significant increases in hepatic exon 1-derived IGF-I mRNA (mean increase 30%; P < 0.05) and muscle exon 2-derived mRNA (mean increase 35%; P < 0.05). In the GH-suppressed rats, only muscle exon 1-derived transcripts were significantly increased by training (55%; P < 0.05) and this was associated with a significant increase in muscle IGF-I protein levels (P < 0.05). We speculate that the anabolic response to training may involve both GH-dependent increases in IGF-I mRNA in the liver and GH-independent increases in the muscle.

Type VIII adenylyl cyclase. A Ca2+/calmodulin-stimulated enzyme expressed in discrete regions of rat brain

A cDNA that encodes type VIII adenylyl cyclase has been isolated from two rat brain libraries. The open reading frame encodes a 1248-amino acid protein predicted to have two sets of six transmembrane spans and two putative nucleotide binding domains as is characteristic of other mammalian adenylyl cyclases. Two type VIII messages are detected in rat brain with estimated sizes of 5.5 and 4.4 kilobases. In situ hybridization indicates that the type VIII messages are most abundantly expressed in the granule cells of the dentate gyrus, the pyramidal cells of hippocampal fields CA1-CA3, the entorhinal cortex, and the piriform cortex. Hybridization is also detected in the neocortex, the amygdaloid complex, and regions of the thalamus and hypothalamus. Stable expression of the type VIII cDNA in human embryonal kidney cells leads to the appearance of a novel 165-kDa glycoprotein in the membrane fraction. Stimulation of these cells with agents that increase intracellular Ca2+ results in up to 43-fold increases in cAMP accumulation over that of control cells transfected with the expression vector. Addition of isoproterenol alone does not lead to type VIII-specific effects in intact cells. Adenylyl cyclase activity in membranes prepared from type VIII-transformed cells is stimulated up to 40-fold by the addition of Ca2+/calmodulin (EC50 = 53 nM calmodulin). The addition of activated recombinant alpha subunit of Gs synergistically increases the Ca2+/calmodulin-stimulated activity. A possible role for type VIII adenylyl cyclase in long-term potentiation is discussed.

Definitions and guidelines for assessment of wounds and evaluation of healing

BACKGROUND

Chronic wounds represent a worldwide problem. For laboratory and clinical research to adequately address this problem, a common language needs to exist.

OBSERVATION

This language should include a system of wound classification, a lexicon of wound descriptors, and a description of the processes that are likely to affect wound healing and wound healing end points.

CONCLUSIONS

The report that follows defines wound, acute wound, chronic wound, healing and forms of healing, wound assessment, wound extent, wound burden, and wound severity. The utility of these definitions is demonstrated as they relate to the healing of a skin wound, but these definitions are broadly applicable to all wounds.

Selective expression of one Ca(2+)-inhibitable adenylyl cyclase in dopaminergically innervated rat brain regions

Type I adenylyl cyclase, which can be stimulated by elevated cellular levels of Ca2+, has been proposed to provide a positive coincidence signal detection system, which can integrate signals arising via Gs- and Ca(2+)-mediated pathways. The occurrence of this adenylyl cyclase in brain regions implicated with associative learning in invertebrates and with the mammalian model of plasticity--hippocampal long-term potentiation, supports the notion that the ability of this species of adenylyl cyclase to detect two signals simultaneously may play a role in this neuronal function. In the present study, two recently cloned, closely-related adenylyl cyclases (Types V and VI), are shown to be inhibited by physiological elevation in [Ca2+]i. As a first step towards probing the neuronal significance of Ca(2+)-inhibitable adenylyl cyclases, their distribution was evaluated by in situ hybridization analysis of the rat brain. Strikingly distinct patterns of gene expression were found, ranging from a highly selective distribution of Type V mRNA within the striatum, nucleus accumbens and olfactory tubercle, to a weak and ubiquitous distribution of Type VI mRNA. Type V AC mRNA is expressed exclusively in medium-sized striatal neurons, which also express D1-dopaminergic (Gs-linked) and M1-muscarinic cholinergic (Ca(2+)-linked) receptors. Thus the adenylyl cyclase is primed for simultaneous detection of opposing regulatory influences. The utility of this novel mode of signal detection to dopaminergic function remains to be established.

Capacitative Ca2+ entry regulates Ca(2+)-sensitive adenylyl cyclases

A number of the currently described adenylyl cyclase species can be regulated by Ca2+ in the submicromolar concentration range in in vitro assays. The regulatory significance of these observations hinges on whether a physiological elevation in intracellular Ca2+ can regulate these cyclase activities in intact cells. However, achieving a physiological elevation in cytosolic Ca2+ is complicated by the fact that hormonal increases in cytosolic Ca2+ can be accompanied by additional effects, such as liberation of beta gamma-subunits of G-proteins and activation of protein kinase C, which can have disparate type-specific effects on cyclase activities. Therefore we have devised a strategy based on capacitative Ca2+ entry to show that, when types I and VI adenylyl cyclase are expressed in human embryonic kidney 293 cells, they are stimulated and inhibited respectively by Ca2+ entry. Blockade of Ca2+ entry by La3+ ions blocks the effects of Ca2+ entry on cyclic AMP synthesis. These studies establish that adenylyl cyclases deemed to be sensitive to Ca2+ in in vitro assays can be regulated by physiological Ca2+ entry, and therefore, such cyclases are poised to respond to changes in intracellular Ca2+ in tissues in which they are expressed.

Effects of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor on wound contraction

The effect of topical recombinant murine and human GM-CSF, 1 or 10 micrograms/cm2 for one to ten days, on the contraction and healing of acute and chronic granulating wounds infected with Escherichia coli was studied in Sprague-Dawley rats. Bacterial contamination of wounds produced significant inhibition of wound contraction. Application of GM-CSF at either dose level to infected wounds markedly increased the rate of wound closure compared to the rate in infected untreated controls. Ten days treatment was found to be more effective than a single application. An advanced stage of wound healing was observed at ten days in the GM-CSF-treated rats compared with controls. Bacterial counts decreased in the GM-CSF-treated wounds which may suggest bactericidal activity. Topical treatment with GM-CSF was shown to effectively inhibit the retardation of wound closure produced by bacterial contamination and may therefore be useful in the management of patients with infected wounds.

Effect of growth hormone suppression on exercise training and growth responses in young rats

Exercise training improves maximal oxygen uptake and endurance times in adult human beings and other animals. The mechanism of this improvement results in part from anabolic effects of exercise and may be mediated by growth hormone (GH). Little is known about the role of GH in the adaptation to exercise in younger, still-developing organisms. To examine this role, we began a 4-wk treadmill exercise training protocol in 14-d-old female rats. GH was suppressed by passive immunization with anti-GH releasing hormone antisera. There were four experimental groups: 1) GH-control (normal GH secretory capacity), untrained (n = 21); 2) GH-suppressed, untrained (n = 13); 3) GH-control, trained (n = 14); and 4) GH-suppressed; trained (n = 11). At the end of the training period, maximal oxygen uptake and treadmill endurance running time were measured. Serum GH and IGF-I were assessed using RIA, and whole hind limb musculature succinate dehydrogenase (an indicator of mitochondrial function) was measured with standard fluorometric technique. Body weight gain was markedly reduced in GH-suppressed rats (mean, 54% of GH-controls in untrained rats and 55% in trained; p < 0.05). No apparent effect of training on linear growth was observed. As expected, serum IGF-I was markedly reduced by GH suppression, but no exercise-induced increase occurred in IGF-I as a result of training in either the GH-control or GH-suppressed rats. In GH-control rats, maximal oxygen uptake and succinate dehydrogenase were 69% and 25% greater, respectively, in trained compared with untrained rats (p < 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Predominant expression of type-VI adenylate cyclase in C6-2B rat glioma cells may account for inhibition of cyclic AMP accumulation by calcium

In C6-2B cells, agonist-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation is inhibited when the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration is increased. We now demonstrate that in C6-2B cells: (i) the early kinetics of the cyclic AMP inhibition by substance K (t1/2 = 35 s) and thapsigargin (t1/2 = 1.6 min) closely mimic the kinetics of the cytosolic Ca2+ increase evoked by either agent (t1/2 = 25 s and 1.5 min respectively); (ii) the Ca2+ rise and cyclic AMP inhibition by substance K or thapsigargin are similarly affected in EGTA-containing medium; (iii) PCR detects type-III and type-VI adenylate cyclase cDNAs, and RNAase protection assays show that the mRNA for type-VI adenylate cyclase, an isoform inhibitable by submicromolar Ca2+ concentrations, is the predominant species, strongly suggesting that type-VI adenylate cyclase is probably the target molecule for Ca(2+)-mediated inhibition of cyclic AMP accumulation.

Acute effects of high fat and high glucose meals on the growth hormone response to exercise

The health promoting, anabolic effects of physical activity may be mediated, in part, by an exercise-associated increase in GH. However, little is known about the acute effects of diet on exercise-induced GH release. We hypothesized that a single meal could attenuate the GH response to exercise by modulating substances like somatostatin, insulin, or glucose. Eleven healthy young adults performed 10 min of high intensity, standardized cycle ergometry in the morning following an overnight fast. On separate days they ingested a noncaloric placebo liquid meal or an isovolemic, isocaloric liquid meal high in either fat or glucose. Venous blood samples were obtained before and for 90 min after exercise began, whereas gas exchange data were measured breath by breath. Peak mean oxygen consumption (VO2) was, on average, 9-fold greater than preexercise levels in all groups. Although there was no difference in preexercise GH levels, mean peak, postexercise GH was 54% lower after the high-fat meal compared with placebo (P < 0.01). Modest decreases in GH response to exercise after the high-glucose meal were not statistically significant. Mean serum somatostatin was significantly higher after the high-fat meal compared with both high glucose and placebo meals. This study demonstrates that exercise-induced GH release can be significantly attenuated by the contents of a single preexercise meal. The high fat meal increased circulating somatostatin and was associated with an inhibition of the GH secretion. The data provide a possible specific mechanism to explain how diet can acutely modulate the anabolic effects of exercise.

The measurement of thoraco-abdominal asynchrony in infants with severe laryngotracheobronchitis

Retractions of the lower ribcage (chest wall distortion [CWD]) during inspiration are frequently observed with moderate to severe respiratory disease in the infant. Laryngotracheobronchitis (LTB) results in a reversible partial airway obstruction with severe CWD. We wished to measure the motion of the chest wall during distortion to determine the changes in minute ventilation (VE) and to evaluate this clinical sign as a means of assessing disease severity. The respiratory inductance plethysmograph was used to determine the distortion of the lower chest wall, and distortion was correlated with VE, measured at the mouth, in six infants with severe LTB and ventilatory failure. As the conditions of these infants improved, the CWD decreased with decreasing transcutaneous carbon dioxide tension (tcPCO2), VE increased from 0.27 +/- 0.12 L.min-1 x kg-1 at a tcPCO2 of 64 mm Hg to 0.64 +/- 0.06 L.min-1 x kg-1 when the tcPCO2 had fallen to 28 mm Hg. Over the same change in tcPCO2, the tidal volume (VT) increased from 4.8 +/- 0.5 ml.kg-1 to 15.7 +/- 1.4 ml.kg-1. In the most severe disease state, the excursion of the chest wall (as an inductance) was -14 +/- 3 mV in severe obstruction, but increased to 75 mV +/- 4 mV with resolution of the illness. The timing and vector of movement of the abdomen and chest wall were expressed as a Lissajous figure, which is measured as a phase angle. The severity of the disease process, as determined by tcPCO2 was directly related to the phase relationship, and thus reflected both VE and VT. The severity of the CWD may be assessed rapidly by the use of Lissajous figures.

31P-magnetic resonance spectroscopy of leg muscle metabolism during exercise in children and adults

Gas exchange response to high-intensity exercise differs in children and adults. We hypothesized that these findings are related to a lower anaerobic ATP supply in children. We predicted therefore a maturation of muscle high-energy phosphate metabolism during exercise. To test this hypothesis, we measured calf muscle Pi, phosphocreatine (PCr), and pH with 31P-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy during rest and progressive exercise in 10 children and 8 adults. No differences were found at rest in pH and Pi/PCr between children and adults. Exercise resulted in a greater increase in Pi/PCr (P < 0.001) and decrease in pH (P < 0.0001) in adults than in children. Six adults and five children exhibited a transition from a slow to a faster rate of Pi/PCr increase and pH decrease during exercise. No significant differences were found between the two groups in the initial slow-phase slopes of Pi/PCr and pH as a function of work rate. In contrast, during the fast phase, Pi/PCr increased (slope: adults 23.6 +/- 9.8, children 10.7 +/- 2.5; P < 0.05) and pH decreased (slope: adults -6.0 +/- 1.9, children -3.7 +/- 1.2; P < 0.05) more rapidly in adults than in children. In conclusion, high-intensity exercise results in different kinetics of Pi/PCr and pH between children and adults. These results suggest that children are less able than adults to affect ATP rephosphorylation by anaerobic metabolic pathways during high-intensity exercise.

Discrete expression of Ca2+/calmodulin-sensitive and Ca(2+)-insensitive adenylyl cyclases in the rat brain

Physiological studies and inferences from invertebrate models implicate Ca2+/calmodulin-sensitive adenylyl cyclase with memory processes. However, Ca2+/calmodulin-insensitive adenylyl cyclase also occurs in brain, and its neuronal functions are less clear. Two oligonucleotide probes, based on rat cDNAs for Types I and II adenylyl cyclase, which appear to correspond to these functional forms, were used to conduct in situ hybridization analysis of the relative abundance and localization of these two species in the rat brain as a first step in evaluating their neuronal role. Quite discrete patterns of expression were encountered; in some areas, both species were co-expressed, but in others, little overlap was observed. The differential expression of the two mRNAs suggests that discrete roles may be fulfilled by the two adenylyl cyclases in neural tissues.

Oxygen uptake during exercise in patients with primary fibromyalgia syndrome

OBJECTIVE

Muscle ischemia has been postulated as a causative factor in pain and disability in patients with primary fibromyalgia syndrome (PFS) and previous studies have demonstrated that patients with PFS have reduced maximum oxygen uptake (VO2). Our objective was to examine the level and pattern of VO2 in response to graded exercise and defined levels of constant work rate exercise in patients with PFS.

METHODS

Unmedicated patients fulfilling modified Yunus' criteria for the diagnosis of PFS and healthy control subjects performed upright cycle ergometry exercise with measurements of respiratory gas exchange and grading of pain using visual analog scores.

RESULTS

Patients, but not controls, had significantly higher levels of pain after graded exercise than before exercise. Although peak VO2 did not differ between the 2 groups, effort dependent variables of exercise function were more variable in the patients than in control subjects. The onset of muscle anaerobiosis as reflected in respiratory gas exchange, the relationship between VO2 and work rate throughout the range of exercise work rates, and the mean response time for the increase in VO2 to the exercise level in response to a constant work rate of exercise were not different for patients compared to controls.

CONCLUSION

Despite the subjective reports of pain, our studies demonstrate no abnormality in the overall rate and pattern of utilization of oxygen during muscular exercise in patients with PFS.

A novel adenylyl cyclase sequence cloned from the human erythroleukemia cell line

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect several forms of adenylyl cyclase (AC's) expressed in human erythroleukemia (HEL) cells. Degenerate oligonucleotide primers were synthesized based on the conserved sequences in the C2a area of the AC's. HEL cells were found to contain mRNA for type III and type VI AC. In addition, a novel AC message was identified. The cloned sequence, excluding primer areas, represented 69 amino acids with most similarity to rat AC's II and IV. Northern analysis of RNA from HEL cells demonstrated a 6.7 kilobase message. RNase protection assays revealed that in HEL cells the novel AC mRNA was dominant compared to types III and VI. Human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293) were also used a source of mRNA to synthesize cDNA for PCR reactions. The HEK293 cells were found to contain message corresponding to type II, III, VI AC as well as the novel AC message. The novel AC message was also detected in human brain tissue and was most abundant in the caudate, cerebellum and hippocampus. The smallest amount of novel AC mRNA in the tested brain tissue was found in the cortex. The mRNA for the novel AC was relatively abundant in human liver.

Type-specific stimulation of adenylylcyclase by protein kinase C

Ca(2+)-stimulable (type I), Ca(2+)-insensitive (type II), and Ca(2+)-inhibitable adenylylcyclase (type VI) were transiently expressed in the human embryonic kidney 293 cell line. Phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu) increased cAMP synthesis by the Ca(2+)-insensitive type II adenylylcyclase more than 9-fold within 10 min, while the treatment had no effect on the other two types of adenylylcyclases. This stimulatory effect of PDBu on type II activity was dose-dependent and synergistic with the effect of forskolin. Another phorbol ester, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), had a similar stimulatory effect on type II activity, while its inactive isomer, 4 alpha-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (4 alpha-PMA), had no effect. Staurosporine, a potent protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, markedly attenuated the action of PDBu on cAMP synthesis by type II adenylylcyclase. These results are particularly significant in that they indicate that a species of adenylylcyclase that is insensitive to regulation by one arm of the phosphatidylinositide pathway, i.e. Ca2+, nevertheless can be regulated by the other arm, i.e. PKC.

13CO2 washout dynamics during intermittent exercise in children and adults

To test the hypothesis that children store less CO2 than adults during exercise, we measured breath 13CO2 washout dynamics after oral bolus of [13C]bicarbonate in nine children [8 +/- 1 (SD) yr, 4 boys] and nine (28 +/- 6 yr, 5 males) adults. Gas exchange [O2 uptake and CO2 production (Vco2)] was measured breath by breath during rest and during light (80% of the anaerobic threshold) intermittent exercise. Breath samples were obtained for subsequent analysis of 13CO2 by isotope ratio mass spectrometry. The tracer estimate of Vco2 was highly correlated to Vco2 measured by gas exchange (r = 0.97, P < 0.0001). The mean residence time was shorter in children (50 +/- 5 min) compared with adults (69 +/- 7 min, P < 0.0001) at rest and during exercise (children, 35 +/- 7 min; adults, 50 +/- 11 min, P < 0.001). The estimate of stored CO2 (using mean Vco2 measured by gas exchange and mean residence time derived from tracer washout) was not statistically different at rest between children (254 +/- 36 ml/kg) and adults (232 +/- 37 ml/kg). During exercise, CO2 stores in the adults (304 +/- 46 ml/kg) were significantly increased over rest (P < 0.001), but there was no increase in children (mean exercise value, 254 +/- 38 ml/kg). These data support the hypothesis that CO2 distribution in response to exercise changes during the growth period.

Inhibition of cyclic AMP accumulation in intact NCB-20 cells as a direct result of elevation of cytosolic Ca2+

Earlier studies established that adenylyl cyclase in NCB-20 cell plasma membranes is inhibited by concentrations of Ca2+ that are achieved in intact cells. The present studies were undertaken to prove that agents such as bradykinin and ATP, which elevate the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) from internal stores in NCB-20 cells, could inhibit cyclic AMP (cAMP) accumulation as a result of their mobilization of [Ca2+]i and not by other mechanisms. Both bradykinin and ATP transiently inhibited [3H]cAMP accumulation in parallel with their transient mobilization of [Ca2+]i. The [Ca2+]i rise stimulated by bradykinin could be blocked by treatment with thapsigargin; this thapsigargin treatment precluded the inhibition of cAMP accumulation mediated by bradykinin (and ATP). A rapid rise in [Ca2+]i, as elicited by bradykinin, rather than the slow rise evoked by thapsigargin was required for inhibition of [3H]cAMP accumulation. Desensitization of protein kinase C did not modify the inhibitory action of bradykinin on [3H]cAMP. Effects of Ca2+ on phosphodiesterase were also excluded in the present studies. The accumulated data are consistent with the hypothesis that hormonal mobilization of [Ca2+]i leads directly to the inhibition of cAMP accumulation in these cells and presumably in other cells that express the Ca(2+)-inhibitable form of adenylyl cyclase.

Effect of increased metabolic rate on oxygen isotopic fractionation

16O16O is preferentially used over 18O16O (a stable isotope of oxygen comprising about 0.2% of atmospheric O2) as oxygen is consumed during respiration in humans (Epstein and Zeiri, 1988, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85: 1727-1731). To test the hypothesis that oxygen isotopic fractionation is related to the metabolic rate, 8 healthy adults performed 5 min of constant work rate cycle ergometer exercise below and above their anaerobic threshold. Moreover, 3 subjects performed an incremental exercise to the limit of tolerance. Oxygen uptake (VO2) was measured breath by breath. Samples of the exhaled breath for oxygen isotope measurement were obtained at rest and at various times during exercise and recovery. Oxygen isotopic fractionation was determined by isotope ratio mass spectrometry and calculated as the ratio of the degree of fractionation to the oxygen consumed in the breath sample (Z value). For the constant work rate protocol, both low and high intensity exercise resulted in a significant decrease in Z compared to the rest values (P less than 0.01). However, for the high intensity exercise the reduction in fractionation was greater compared to the low intensity protocol (P less than 0.05). For the incremental test, there was a significant negative correlation between oxygen isotopic fractionation and VO2 expressed as percent of the maximal oxygen uptake (r = -0.91, P less than 0.0001). These data suggest that during exercise low-fractionating processes become more important as limiting steps for O2 transport.

Spontaneous Intracellular Calcium Oscillations and G(s) α Subunit Expression are Inversely Correlated with Secretory Granule Content in Pituitary Cells

Cells of the pituitary tumour cell line GH(4) C(1) were exposed to epidermal growth factor, estradiol and insulin for 5 days, a treatment which resulted in 1) increased prolactin storage in secretory granules, 2) the loss of spontaneous [Ca(2+) ](1) oscillations, and 3) a selective reduction of the protein G(s) α, seen in immunoblots, cholera toxin labelling, and vasoactive intestinal peptide stimulation of adenylyl cyclase. In contrast, the glucocorticoid dexamethasone, which increases the expression of G(s) α, partially restored spontaneous [Ca(2+) ](1) oscillations and decreased prolactin storage. It is concluded that G(s) α levels in tumoral cells result in spontaneous electrical activity which may empty prolactin stores by the continuous activation of exocytosis.

Cloning and expression of a Ca(2+)-inhibitable adenylyl cyclase from NCB-20 cells

A cDNA that encodes an adenylyl cyclase [ATP pyrophosphate-lyase (cyclizing), EC 4.6.1.1] has been cloned from NCB-20 cells, in which adenylyl cyclase activity is inhibited by Ca2+ at physiological concentrations. The cDNA clone (5.8 kilobases) was isolated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using degenerate primers designed by comparison of three adenylyl cyclase sequences (types I, II, and III) and subsequent library screening. Northern analysis revealed expression of mRNA (6.1 kilobases) corresponding to this cDNA in cardiac tissue, which is a prominent source of Ca(2+)-inhibitable adenylyl cyclase. The clone encodes a protein of 1165 amino acids, whose hydrophilicity profile was very similar to those of other mammalian adenylyl cyclases that have recently been cloned. A noticeable difference between this protein and other adenylyl cyclases was a lengthy aminoterminal region before the first transmembrane span. Transient expression of this cDNA in the human embryonic kidney cell line 293 revealed a 3-fold increase in cAMP production in response to forskolin compared with control transfected cells. In purified plasma membranes from transfected cells, increased adenylyl cyclase activity was also detected, which was susceptible to inhibition by submicromolar Ca2+. Thus, this adenylyl cyclase seems to represent the Ca(2+)-inhibitable form that is encountered in NCB-20 cells, cardiac tissue, and elsewhere. Its identification should permit a determination of the structural features that determine the mode of regulation of adenylyl cyclase by Ca2+.

Manipulation of intracellular calcium in NCB-20 cells

A number of lines of evidence indicate that the Ca2+ and cyclic AMP signalling systems interact in NCB-20 cells. However, to date, the regulation of [Ca2+]i homeostasis has not been studied in this cell line. The present study aimed to clarify our understanding of [Ca2+]i homeostasis in these cells and to evaluate tools that manipulate [Ca2+]i, independently of protein kinase C effects. Bradykinin, by a B2-receptor, elevated [Ca2+]i by a pertussis-toxin-insensitive mechanism. The BK-stimulated [Ca2+]i rise originated from intracellular sources, without a contribution from Ca2+ entry mechanisms. The effect of BK was precluded by pretreatment with thapsigargin and ionomycin--compounds that elevated [Ca2+]i independent of phospholipase C activation. Both compounds, however, exerted effects in addition to stimulating release of Ca2+ from BK-sensitive stores; the BK-sensitive Ca2+ pool was a subset of the thapsigargin-sensitive pool; ionomycin strongly stimulates Ca2+ entry. Activation of protein kinases A and C attenuated the duration of the BK-induced rise in [Ca2+]i, without affecting the peak [Ca2+]i, suggesting interference with the BK response at a step downstream of the activation of phospholipase C. Application of these approaches should enhance the delineation of the consequences of Ca2+ mobilization on cyclic AMP accumulation.