The inhibitors thapsigargin and 2,5-di(tert-butyl)-1,4-benzohydroquinone favour the E2 form of the Ca2+,Mg(2+)-ATPase

Inhibition of prostanoid formation in intact cells by 2,5-di-(tert-butyl)-1,4-benzohydroquinone, a blocker of Ca(2+)-ATPases

1 The blocker of endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase, 2,5-di-(tert-butyl)-1,4-benzohydroquinone (BHQ) was shown to inhibit formation of prostaglandin E2 and prostacyclin in the osteoblast-like cell lines, MC3T3-E1 and ROS 17/2.8, respectively, in a dose-dependent manner with an IC50 of 0.5-1 microM. Inhibition was observed with various stimuli (arachidonic acid, bradykinin, melittin and calcium ionophore, A23187). 2 This effect was also observed in human platelets, where BHQ dose-dependently blocked thromboxane biosynthesis and formation of 12-hydroxy-heptadecatrienoic acid after stimulation with arachidonic acid, but not formation of 12-hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acid. 3 Inhibition of prostaglandin E2 formation in MC3T3-E1 cells was not observed with thapsigargin after stimulation with arachidonic acid, A23187 or melittin, whereas bradykinin-induced prostaglandin E2 biosynthesis was blocked. 4 Taken together, the results suggest a direct inhibitory action of BHQ on the cyclo-oxygenase in these three cell systems.

The effect of 2,5-di-(tert-butyl)-1,4-hydroquinone on force responses and the contractile apparatus in mechanically skinned muscle fibres of the rat and toad

In this study, we investigated the effect of the Ca2+ pump inhibitor, 2,5-di-(tert-butyl)-1,4-hydroquinone on the function of the contractile apparatus, Ca2+ uptake, the permeability of the sarcoplasmic reticulum to Ca2+ and excitation-contraction coupling, in mechanically skinned muscle fibres of the rat and toad. 2,5-di-(tert-butyl)-1,4-hydroquinone had no significant effect on the maximum force and Ca2+ sensitivity of the contractile apparatus in rat and toad fibres at concentrations of 20 and 5 microM respectively. In rat fibres, 2,5-di-(tert-butyl)-1,4-hydroquinone was found to inhibit sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ loading in a dose dependent manner, with a half maximal effect at 2 microM. In toad fibres, 5 microM 2,5-di-(tert-butyl)-1,4-hydroquinone completely blocked sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ loading. Exposure to 5 mM BAPTA revealed a small resting sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ leak in unstimulated rat fibres. This Ca2+ leak was not significantly affected by the presence of 20 microM 2,5-di-(tert-butyl)-1,4-hydroquinone, suggesting that 2,5-di-(tert-butyl)-1,4-hydroquinone does not substantially block or activate the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release channels. Depolarisation-induced force responses elicited in rat and toad skinned fibres were not significantly affected by 0.5 microM 2,5-di-(tert-butyl)-1, 4-hydroquinone. In the rat fibres, 5 and 20 microM 2,5-di-(tert-butyl)-1,4-hydroquinone greatly increased the peak and duration of initial depolarisation-induced force responses, while subsequent responses were reduced. 2,5-di-(tert-butyl)-1,4-hydroquinone did not affect excitation contraction coupling, as depolarisation-induced force responses similar to initial controls could be elicited after 2,5-di-(tert-butyl)-1,4-hydroquinone exposure, provided that the initial Ca2+ release in 2,5-di-(tert-butyl)-1,4-hydroquinone was chelated with 0.5 mM EGTA (to prevent Ca(2+)-dependent damage) and the sarcoplasmic reticulum was reloaded with Ca2+. In the toad fibres, 5 microM 2,5-di-(tert-butyl)-1, 4-hydroquinone had a similar effect on depolarisation-induced force responses to that observed at 20 microM 2,5-di-(tert-butyl)-1, 4-hydroquinone in rat fibres. This study shows that 2,5-di-(tert-butyl)-1,4-hydroquinone specifically and reversibly inhibits the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump in skeletal muscle and therefore, 2,5-di-(tert-butyl)-1,4-hydroquinone could be a valuable tool for investigating the role of the sarcoplasmic reticulum in Ca2+ homeostasis in skeletal muscle.

Modulation of the Ca2+,Mg(2+)-ATPase of sarcoplasmic reticulum by the hypothalamic hypophyseal inhibitory factor

We have studied the effect of the endogenous inhibitor of the Na+ and Ca2+ pumps, HHIF, on sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) vesicles. The effect of HHIF on the SR Ca2+,Mg(2+)-ATPase activity shows a biphasic pattern. Low HHIF concentrations activate the Ca2+,Mg(2+)-ATPase by dissipation of Ca2+ gradient across the SR membrane. Higher concentrations irreversibly inhibit this activity following a slow kinetic process both in intact SR membranes and in purified Ca2+,Mg(2+)-ATPase. Differential scanning calorimetry shows that the Ca2+,Mg(2+)-ATPase is denatured after incubation with HHIF concentrations which produced full inhibition of its activity. Micromolar Ca2+ and millimolar Mg2+ ADP protect against the irreversible inhibition of the Ca2+,Mg(2+)-ATPase by HHIF. The concentration of HHIF which produces 50% inhibition depends upon SR membrane concentration and upon the lipid:protein ratio in purified Ca2+,Mg(2+)-ATPase. From this we have obtained a partition coefficient for binding of HHIF to SR membranes of 0.6 (microgram SR protein/ml)-1.

Thapsigargin discriminates strongly between Ca(2+)-ATPase phosphorylated intermediates with different subcellular distributions in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells

We studied the effects of thapsigargin on the formation of the phosphorylated intermediates (E approximately Ps) of endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPases in microsomes from bovine adrenal medulla. When submicrosomal fractions were separated on a sucrose gradient, two components of 100 kDa Ca(2+)-ATPase E approximately P displaying distinct subcellular distributions were resolved. The first component was defined by Ca(2+)-induced protection against thapsigargin inhibition. The second component did not display such protection, with a 3 orders of magnitude difference in thapsigargin inhibitory potency towards the 2 components. In the absence of Ca2+, both E approximately P components were highly sensitive to thapsigargin inhibition, revealing the presence of high-affinity thapsigargin-binding sites characteristic of SERCA ATPases. These data demonstrate a new level of molecular heterogeneity among Ca(2+)-ATPases of endoplasmic reticulum, and provide the first evidence of differential subcellular localization of individual Ca2+ pump subtypes in cells of neural origin.

Ligand-gated channel of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ transport ATPase

In resting muscle, cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration is maintained at a low level by active Ca2+ transport mediated by the Ca2+ ATPase from sarcoplasmic reticulum. The region of the protein that contains the catalytic site faces the cytoplasmic side of the membrane, while the transmembrane helices form a channel-like structure that allows Ca2+ translocation across the membrane. When the coupling between the catalytic and transport domains is lost, the ATPase mediates Ca2+ efflux as a Ca2+ channel. The Ca2+ efflux through the ATPase channel is activated by different hydrophobic drugs and is arrested by ligands and substrates of the ATPase at physiological pH. At acid pH, the inhibitory effect of cations is no longer observed. It is concluded that the Ca2+ efflux through the ATPase may be sufficiently fast to support physiological Ca2+ oscillations in skeletal muscle, that occur mainly in conditions of intracellular acidosis.

Binding of sesquiterpene lactone inhibitors to the Ca(2+)-ATPase

The mechanism of inhibition of the Ca(2+)-ATPase from sarcoplasmic reticulum by the sesquiterpene lactones thapsigargin, trilobolide and thapsivillosin A (TvA) has been determined. A decrease in the affinity of the ATPase for Ca2+ is observed in the presence of the inhibitors (I), consistent with a shift in the E1/E2 equilibrium for the ATPase towards E2 forms. Amounts of inhibitor beyond a 1:1 molar ratio with ATPase produce no further decrease in affinity for Ca2+, inconsistent with the formation of a dead-end complex. Measurements of the rate of quenching of the tryptophan fluorescence of the ATPase by TvA are consistent with an association step to give E2I followed by an isomerization to a modified state E2AI. The kinetics of the reversal of the effects of TvA by Ca2+ at sub-stoichiometric amounts of TvA are bi-exponential, with a fast component whose rate is independent of TvA concentration and equal to the rate observed in the absence of TvA, and a slow component whose rate decreases with increasing TvA concentration. These observations are also consistent with the formation of a modified state E2AI following the initial binding of I to E2. The equilibrium constant E2AI/E2I increases in the order TvA < trilobolide < thapsigargin. The results suggest that the effects of the inhibitors on the overall ratio of E2 to E1 forms of the ATPase follow largely from the formation of E2AI from E2I, and that binding constants are very similar for E1Ca2, E1 and E2.

Effects of polycations on Ca2+ binding to the Ca(2+)-ATPase

Spermine and polyarginine have been shown to increase the rate of dissociation of Ca2+ from the Ca(2+)-ATPase of skeletal-muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum. They also decrease the affinity of the ATPase for Mg2+ as detected by changes in the fluorescence intensity of the ATPase labelled with 4-(bromomethyl)-6,7-dimethoxycoumarin (DMC). Polyarginine itself also decreases the fluorescence intensity of DMC-labelled ATPase. These results are consistent with binding of spermine and polyarginine to a gating site controlling the rate of access of Ca2+ to its binding sites on the ATPase. A basic peptide PLN-(1-25) corresponding to residues 1-25 of phospholamban had no effect on the rate of dissociation of Ca2+ or on the fluorescence of DMC-labelled ATPase. Spermine, polyarginine and PLN-(1-25) all increased the equilibrium constant E1/E2, and spermine and polyarginine increased the rate of Ca2+ binding to the ATPase, consistent with an increase in the rate of the E2-->E1 transition. Spermine displaced Tb3+ and Ruthenium Red from the ATPase, consistent with binding in the stalk region of the ATPase. Polyarginine and PLN-(1-25), however, had no effect on Tb3+ or Ruthenium Red binding, suggesting a greater specificity in binding basic peptides to the ATPase than spermine.

Kinetics of thapsigargin-Ca(2+)-ATPase (sarcoplasmic reticulum) interaction reveals a two-step binding mechanism and picomolar inhibition

Thapsigargin is a high affinity inhibitor of sarco- and endoplasmic reticulum (SERCA) type ATPases. We have used kinetics to determine the dissociation constant of thapsigargin-sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase interaction in the absence and presence of non-ionic detergent. The observed "off" rate constant was measured as 0.0052 s-1 at 26 degrees C by the kinetics of inhibition of ATPase activity following transfer from an inactivated thapsigargin-ATPase complex to native ATPase. Inactive ATPase was produced by cross-linking the active site with glutaraldehyde. The observed dissociation rate constant was increased 7-fold by 0.1% Triton X-100, indicating that perturbation of the transmembrane and stalk region by detergent altered the binding parameters of the inhibitor. In addition, thapsigargin stabilized the ATPase against inactivation caused by detergent in the absence of Ca2+. The observed "on" rate constant of thapsigargin was measured at 26 degrees C as 25 s-1 irrespective of thapsigargin concentration, by the kinetics of thapsigargin- induced change in intrinsic fluorescence. An Arrhenius plot showed a temperature dependence of this rate constant, indicative of a conformational change in the protein with an activation energy of 9.5 kcal/mol for thapsigargin binding. The affinity of the Ca(2+)-ATPase for thapsigargin was calculated to be greater than 2 pM at pH 7.0 and 26 degrees C.

Subplasmalemmal Ca2+ stores of probable relevance for exocytosis in Paramecium. Alveolar sacs share some but not all characteristics with sarcoplasmic reticulum

Isolated subplasmalemmal Ca2+ stores ('alveolar sacs') from Paramecium tetraurelia cells sequester 45Ca2+ depending on ATP concentration. 45Ca2+ uptake is sensitive to SERCA-type Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitors. They cause a slow release of 45Ca2+, as does caffeine. Of some importance are also the negative results we obtained with ryanodine, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3), cyclic adenosinediphosphoribose (cADPR), 3',5'-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP, +/- beta-nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide) or with increased [Ca2+]. These data were corroborated by experiments in vivo, including microinjection studies. Again ryanodine, InsP3, cADPR or cGMP did not trigger exocytosis, the trigger effect of SERCA inhibitors was sluggish, whereas caffeine induced exocytosis in a dose-dependent fashion. We then tested 45Ca2+ release also with isolated cell cortices (cell fragments containing cell membranes with stores and secretory organelles still attached). Under conditions which initiate exocytosis in vitro (depending on [ATP], reduction of [Mg2+] in presence of Ca2+; c.f. Lumpert et al. 1990, Biochem. J. 269, 639) we observed significant 45Ca2+ release with cortices as with isolated alveolar sacs. Our interpretation is as follows. (a) Alveolar sacs have a SERCA-type Ca(2+)-pump. (b) They have some sensitivity to caffeine, but none to ryanodine, InsP3 or cADPR. (c) There might be a direct functional coupling of these subplasmalemmal Ca2+ stores to the plasmalemma to which they are connected via feet-like structures; also like the SR, activation of this store is modulated by Mg2+ and ATP.

Synthesis and interaction of fluorescent thapsigargin derivatives with the sarcoplasmic reticulum ATPase membrane-bound region

Fluorescent derivatives of thapsigargin (TG) were synthesized by replacing the C8-butanoyl chain with a dansyl (DTG) or eosin (ETG) moiety. DTG and ETG retain the inhibitory effect of TG on the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) ATPase, displaying a 2 and 10 microM Ki, respectively. Steady state and lifetime fluorescence measurements are consistent with energy transfer between tryptophanyl residues assigned to the ATPase membrane-bound region and DTG. This phenomenon exhibits saturation behavior, occurs in the presence of DTG concentrations producing ATPase inhibition, and is partially prevented by inhibitory concentrations of TG. Although long range conformational effects of TG binding affect the fluorescence properties of endogenous tryptophans as well as of a fluorescein 5'-isothiocyanate (FITC) label of the ATPase extramembranous region, no significant energy transfer was detected between DTG and the FITC label. It is concluded that the inhibitors partition within the membrane and the binding domain resides within or near the membrane-bound region of the ATPase.

Mechanism of inhibition of Ca(2+)-ATPase by myotoxin a

The peptide DCRQKWKCCKKGSG [myotoxin-(29-42)], corresponding to residues 29-42 of myotoxin a, inhibits the activity of the Ca(2+)-ATPase of skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum, with a Kd value of 19.4 microM at pH 7.5, in 100 mM KCl. The peptide YKQCHKKGGHCFPKEK, corresponding to residues 1-16 of myotoxin a, is a less potent inhibitor. Inhibition by myotoxin-(29-42) is reduced at low pH and at high ionic strength, suggesting that charge interactions are important in binding to the ATPase. Inhibition of the ATPase has been shown to follow from a decrease in the rate of dephosphorylation, with no effect on the rate of phosphorylation of the ATPase or on the rate of the Ca2+ transport step (E1PCa2-->E2P). Binding of myotoxin-(29-42) decreased the affinity of the ATPase for Ca2+ and Mg2+, and increased the rate of dissociation of the outer Ca2+ ion from the ATPase. Unlike the amphipathic peptide melittin, it is suggested that myotoxin-(29-42) does not bind significantly to the lipid bilayer portion of the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Fluorescence quenching studies suggest that it could bind to the ATPase in the vicinity of Cys-344 in the phosphorylation domain and Lys-515 in the nucleotide binding domain. Inhibition of the ATPase is observed when the ATPase is reconstituted in monomeric form in sealed vesicles, suggesting that aggregation of the ATPase is not involved in inhibition.

Effects of K+ on the binding of Ca2+ to the Ca(2+)-ATPase of sarcoplasmic reticulum

Equilibrium and kinetic fluorescence methods have been used to characterize the interactions between K+ and the Ca(2+)-ATPase of skeletal-muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum. K+ shifts the E2-E1 equilibrium of the ATPase towards E1 and increases the rate of Ca2+ binding to the ATPase, as detected by changes in tryptophan fluorescence intensity, suggesting that K+ increases the rate of the E2-E1 transition. The data are consistent with binding of K+ at the inner Ca(2+)-binding site on the ATPase in competition with H+ and Mg2+, with a higher affinity in the E1 than in the E2 conformation. K+ has no effect on the affinity for Mg2+, as detected by changes in tryptophan fluorescence intensity; since it has been proposed that the changes in tryptophan fluorescence follow from binding to Mg2+ at the outer Ca(2+)-binding site, this suggests that K+ is unable to bind at the outer Ca(2+)-binding site. K+ increases the rate of dissociation of Ca2+ from the Ca(2+)-bound ATPase and reduces the effect of Mg2+ on the fluorescence intensity of the ATPase labelled with 4-(bromomethyl)-6,7-dimethoxycoumarin. It is suggested that these effects of K+ are the result of binding at a 'gating' site on the ATPase, in competition with binding of H+. Binding of K+ at the inner Ca(2+)-binding site and at the gating site account for the observed effects of K+ on the affinity of the ATPase for Ca2+.

Effects of thapsigargin and cyclopiazonic acid on the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump of skinned fibres from frog skeletal muscle

Thapsigargin has been reported to inhibit ATP-dependent Ca2+ uptake by isolated sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) vesicles of vertebrate skeletal muscle fibres at nanomolar concentrations. There have been no reports confirming this effect in skinned muscle fibre preparations. We have examined the ability of thapsigargin to inhibit the uptake of Ca2+ by the SR in mechanically skinned fibres of frog iliofibularis muscles, using the size of the caffeine-induced contracture to assess the Ca2+ content of the SR. The SR was first depleted of Ca2+ and then reloaded for 1 min at pCa 6.2 in the presence and absence of thapsigargin. When 5 min were allowed for diffusion, a thapsigargin concentration of at least 131 microM was required to inhibit Ca2+ loading by 50%. In contrast, another SR Ca2+ uptake inhibitor, cyclopiazonic acid, was more effective, producing 50% inhibition at 7.0 microM and total inhibition at 50 microM. When cyclopiazonic acid (100 microM) was applied after, rather than during, Ca2+ loading, the caffeine-induced contracture was not changed. Thapsigargin (300 microM), on the other hand, caused some reduction in the peak amplitude of the caffeine-induced contracture when applied after Ca2+ loading. The poor effectiveness of thapsigargin in the skinned fibres, compared with in SR vesicles, is attributed to its slow diffusion into the skinned fibres, perhaps as a result of binding to myofibrillar components.

Characterization of the single Ca(2+)-binding site on the Ca(2+)-ATPase reconstituted with short- or long-chain phosphatidylcholines

On reconstitution of the Ca(2+)-ATPase of skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum into bilayers of dimyristoleoylphosphatidylcholine [di(C14:1)PC] or dinervonylphosphatidylcholine [di(C24:1)PC] the stoichiometry of Ca2+ binding changes from the usual two Ca2+ ions bound per ATPase molecule to one Ca2+ ion bound per ATPase molecule. For the ATPase in di(C24:1)PC, removal of Ca2+ from the Ca(2+)-bound ATPase results in a decrease in tryptophan fluorescence intensity, as observed for the ATPase in dioleoylphosphatidylcholine [di(C18:1)PC]. For the ATPase in di(C14:1)PC removal of Ca2+ results in no change in tryptophan fluorescence intensity. In the presence of Mg2+, removal of Ca2+ from the ATPase in di(C18:1)PC or di(C24:1)PC results in a decrease in tryptophan fluorescence intensity, but for the ATPase in di(C14:1)PC this results in an increase in intensity. Fluorescence of the ATPase labelled with 4-nitrobenzo-2-oxa-1,3-diazole (NBD) is the same for the ATPase in di(C18:1)PC or di(C24:1)PC, but is markedly greater in di(C14:1)PC, consistent with a 4-fold increase in the E1/E2 equilibrium constant. Addition of Mg2+ to NBD-labelled ATPase in di(C18:1) PC or di(C24:1)PC results in an increase in NBD fluorescence, attributed to stronger binding of Mg2+ to the E1 than to the E2 conformation; addition of Mg2+ had no effect on the fluorescence of the NBD-labelled ATPase in di(C14:1)PC. In the absence of Ca2+, Mg2+ increased the tryptophan fluorescence of the ATPase in di(C14:1)PC, di(C18:3)PC or di(C24:1)PC, with the same binding-constant for Mg2+ in all three lipids. Addition of Mg2+ to the ATPase labelled with 4-(bromomethyl)-6,7-dimethoxycoumarin resulted in a decrease in fluorescence in di(C18:1)PC or di(C24:1)PC but had no effect in di(C14:1)PC. These effects are interpreted in terms of binding of Ca2+ at a single outer Ca2+ binding-site on the ATPase in di(C14:1)PC and di(C24:1)PC, in a conformation in which the inner site is occluded [in di(C14:1)PC] or modified in its affinity for Ca2+ [in di(C24:1)PC]. Thapsigargin binds to the ATPase, reducing its affinity for Ca2+ both in di(C14:1)PC and di(C24:1)PC.

Characterisation of an intracellular Ca2+ pump in Dictyostelium

Calcium uptake by microsomal membranes from the cellular slime mould Dictyostelium discoideum was measured using Calcium Green-2 as a fluorescent probe of external free Ca2+ concentration. High-affinity Ca2+ uptake was found to be completely inhibited by low concentrations of vanadate, but not by thapsigargin, suggesting that the activity is mediated by a Ca(2+)-ATPase distinct from sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum type of higher animal cells. On sucrose density gradients, Ca2+ uptake distributes with vacuolar proton pump activity and part of the observed Ca2+ uptake is dependent on the pH gradient generated by the vacuolar-type H(+)-ATPase, indicating that the Ca2+ pump is located on both acidic and non-acidic vesicles, possibly derived from the H(+)-ATPase-rich contractile vacuole complex.

Characterisation of a novel Ca2+ pump inhibitor (bis-phenol) and its effects on intracellular Ca2+ mobilization

Bis-phenol, a phenolic antioxidant, is an inhibitor of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and plasma membrane Ca2+ ATPases. The concentration of bis-phenol giving half-maximal inhibition of the SR Ca(2+)-ATPase is 2 microM. On binding to the SR Ca(2+)-ATPase it shifts the E2 to E1 transition towards the E2 state and slows the transition between E2 to E1. Bis-phenol completely inhibits Ca(2+)-dependent ATP hydrolysis and Ca2+ uptake by rat cerebellar microsomes at a concentration of 30 microM. The plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase is also completely inhibited at similar concentrations, however, the Na+/K(+)-ATPase is only marginally affected. Other inhibitors of the ER Ca(2+)-ATPases, thapsigargin and 2,5-di-(tert-butyl)-1,4-benzohydroquinone (BHQ), inhibit Ca2+ uptake by approximately 75%. Bis-phenol therefore inhibits all types of ER Ca(2+)-ATPases present in cerebellum. This inhibitor is also able to mobilize Ca2+ from intracellular Ca2+ stores, including those sensitive to InsP3, in intact HL-60 cells.

Reaction of 7-chloro-4-nitrobenzo-2-oxa-1,3-diazole with the (Ca2+ + Mg2+)- ATPase protein of sarcoplasmic reticulum at low temperature

Modification of the (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase protein of rabbit skeletal sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) with 7-chloro-4-nitrobenzo-2-oxa-1,3-diazole, NBD-Cl, at 4 degrees C for 5 min caused a 63% loss of the Ca(2+)-dependent ATPase activity when 1 mol of the adenine analog was incorporated per 10(5) g of protein. At 25 degrees C, above the lipid phase transition, the extent of labeling was 3-fold higher although the Ca(2+)-ATPase activity was inhibited to the same extent. MgATP protected the ATPase activity at 4 degrees C and 25 degrees C but there was little change in the extent of labeling at 4 degrees C suggesting that changes in the fluidity of the lipid moiety made different sites on the ATPase protein accessible to the reagent. At 4 degrees C, addition of sodium deoxycholate enhanced the inactivation (6% ATPase activity remained) but the labeling of the SR-ATPase protein did not increase significantly. Incubation with MgATP prior to solubilization with deoxycholate resulted in the protection of the Ca(2+)-ATPase activity and only a small decrease in the labeling occurred. At 25 degrees C, a similar pattern was found with deoxycholate but the loss of ATPase activity was less dramatic and the extent of labeling by NBD-Cl was greater than that at 4 degrees C. MgATP induced changes in the conformation of the ATPase protein protecting essential cysteine residues while shifting the reaction of NBD-Cl with the ATPase protein to non-essential sites in the absence or presence of deoxycholate. An analysis of tryptic digests of the NBD-ATPase protein showed that MgATP shifted the labeling from the A2 subfragment to the A1 subfragment in the absence of deoxycholate and from the A1 subfragment to the A2 subfragment in the presence of deoxycholate. The reagent, NBD-Cl, can distinguish between different temperature dependent conformational states of the ATPase protein.

The hydrophilic domain of phospholamban inhibits the Ca2+ transport step of the Ca(2+)-ATPase

The peptide MEKVQYLTRSAIRRASTIEMPQQAR-Cys corresponding to residues 1-25 of phospholamban was found to inhibit the ATPase activity of skeletal muscle Ca(2+)-ATPase, but to have no effect on the Ca(2+)-dependence of its activity. The peptide was found to decrease the rate of the Ca2+ transport step (E1PCa2-->E2P) by a factor of 2.4. The rate of this same step was decreased by poly(L-Arg) by a factor of 2.2. The peptide shifted the E2-E1 equilibrium of the ATPase towards E1 by a factor of 4 due to stronger binding to the E1 than to the E2 conformation of the ATPase; dissociation constants for binding to E1 and E2 were estimated as 3 and 10 microM respectively. The peptide had no effect on the level of phosphorylation by Pi in the absence of Ca2+ or on the rate of phosphorylation by ATP in the presence of Ca2+.

Characterization of tachykinin mediated increases in [Ca2+]i in Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing human tachykinin NK3 receptors

The nature of the senktide response of the human NK3 receptor expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells was characterised using the Ca2+ sensitive dye Fura-2 and imaging methods. Application of the NK3 receptor agonist senktide caused an increase in [Ca2+]i in the cells. The profile for NK3 receptor agonists was that senktide was more potent than [beta-Ala8]neurokinin A-(4-10) which was more potent than [Sar9,Met(O2)11]substance P. SR 48968 was a poor antagonist of the senktide response in intact cells confirming the weak affinity of this agent for the NK3 receptor (IC50 of approximately 1 microM) shown in binding assays. The NK3 receptor mediated increase in intracellular Ca2+ was independent of [Ca2+]o, blocked by the microsomal Ca2+ ATPase inhibitor thapsigargin and the phospholipase C inhibitor U73122 but not by ryanodine. Thus the source of the Ca2+ was probably a ryanodine insensitive, inositol triphosphate sensitive intracellular store.

The cholecystokinin-induced increase in intracellular calcium in AR42J cells is mediated by CCKB receptors linked to internal calcium stores

Changes in intracellular levels of free [Ca2+]i were monitored in cell suspensions and either single cells or cell clusters of the rat pancreatic tumour cell line AR42J grown on cover slips. Increases in free [Ca2+]i were seen when the bathing medium contained cholecystokinin octapeptide sulphated (CCK) or CCKB receptor agonists. Responses to CCK agonists were repeatable and reversed on washout. The responses to cholecystokinin and pentagastrin could be blocked by selective CCKB receptor antagonists but not a CCKA receptor antagonist. Depleting internal Ca2+ stores with thapsigargin blocked the response to pentagastrin suggesting that the response was mediated by Ca2+ release from internal stores. The rapid run down of the pentagastrin response in the absence of extracellular Ca2+ shows that replenishment of internal stores by extracellular Ca2+ is important in maintaining the CCK response.

Inhibition of L-type calcium-channel activity by thapsigargin and 2,5-t-butylhydroquinone, but not by cyclopiazonic acid

Thapsigargin (TG), 2,5-t-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ) and cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) all inhibit the initial Ca(2+)-response to thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) by depleting intracellular Ca2+ pools sensitive to inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3). Treatment of GH3 pituitary cells for 30 min with 5 nM TG, 500 nM tBHQ or 50 nM CPA completely eliminated the TRH-induced spike in intracellular free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i). Higher concentrations of TG and tBHQ, but not CPA, were also found to inhibit strongly the activity of L-type calcium channels, as measured by the increase in [Ca2+]i or 45Ca2+ influx stimulated by depolarization. TG and tBHQ blocked high-K(+)-stimulated 45Ca2+ uptake, with IC50 values of 10 and 1 microM respectively. Maximal inhibition of L-channel activity was achieved 15-30 min after drug addition. Inhibition by tBHQ was reversible, whereas inhibition by TG was not. TG and CPA did not affect spontaneous [Ca2+]i oscillations when tested at concentrations adequate to deplete the IP3-sensitive Ca2+ pool. However, 20 microM TG and 10 microM tBHQ blocked [Ca2+]i oscillations completely. The effect of drugs on calcium currents was measured directly by using the patch-clamp technique. When added to the external bath, 10 microM CPA caused a sustained increase in the calcium-channel current amplitude over 8 min, 10 microM tBHQ caused a progressive inhibition, and 10 microM TG caused an enhancement followed by a sustained block of the calcium current over 8 min. In summary, CPA depletes IP3-sensitive Ca2+ stores and does not inhibit voltage-operated calcium channels. At sufficiently low concentrations, TG depletes IP3-sensitive stores without inhibiting L-channel activity, but, for tBHQ, inhibition of calcium channels occurs at concentrations close to those needed to block agonist mobilization of intracellular Ca2+.

Localization of the hinge region of the Ca(2+)-ATPase of sarcoplasmic reticulum using resonance energy transfer

The Ca(2+)-ATPase of skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum can be labelled at Cys-670 and Cys-674 with 5-[[2-[(iodoacetyl) amino]ethyl]amino]naphthalene-1-sulphonic acid (IAEDANS). Resonance energy transfer has been used to measure the distance between Cys-670/Cys-674 and Glu-439 labelled with 5-(bromomethyl)fluorescein as 40 A. The height of Cys-670/Cys-674 above the phospholipid/water interface has been measured by resonance energy transfer between IAEDANS-labelled ATPase and fluorescein-labelled phosphatidylethanolamine as 54 A. This locates the hinge region of the ATPase close to the mouth of the pore observed in the cytoplasmic region of the ATPase in electron micrographs. No significant changes in these distances can be detected by resonance energy transfer on binding Ca2+ or vanadate. The height of the IAEDANS label above the phospholipid/water interface is the same for bilayers of dimyristoleoylphosphatidylcholine and dioleoylphosphatidylcholine. Conformation changes on the Ca(2+)-ATPase appear to be localised to small regions of the ATPase.

Binding of Ca2+ to the (Ca(2+)-Mg2+)-ATPase of sarcoplasmic reticulum: kinetic studies

Stop-flow fluorescence and rapid-filtration methods have been used to establish the kinetics of Ca2+ binding to, and dissociation from, the (Ca(2+)-Mg2+)-ATPase of skeletal-muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum and to define the effects of H+ and Mg2+ on Ca2+ binding and dissociation rates. The kinetics have been interpreted in terms of the scheme: E2 E2<==>E1<==>E1Ca<==>E1'Ca<==>E1'Ca2. The kinetics of the E2<==>E1 E1 transition have been determined by measuring the rate of change of the fluorescence of the ATPase labelled with 4-nitrobenzo-2-oxa-1,3-diazole after a pH jump or the addition of Ca2+ to the labelled ATPase in the presence of thapsigargin or thapsivillosin A. It has been shown that Mg2+ has a marked effect on Ca2+ dissociation at pH 7.2 and that changes in the tryptophan fluorescence of the ATPase follow the same time course as the dissociation of 45Ca2+. It is proposed that the effect of Mg2+ follows from binding to a 'gating' site, as detected by changes in the fluorescence of the ATPase labelled with 4-(bromomethyl)-6,7-dimethoxycoumarin. The rate of dissociation of Ca2+ from the ATPase increases with increasing pH. The rate of dissociation of Ca2+ decreases with increasing Ca2+ concentration in the medium, with an apparent affinity for Ca2+ greater than that seen for the change in fluorescence amplitude. It is shown that this follows if the first, inner, Ca(2+)-binding site on the ATPase has a lower affinity for Ca2+ than the second, outer, site. Effects of H+ and Mg2+ on Ca2+ dissociation can be treated by the quasiequilibrium approach. Mg2+ and H+ also affect the rate of Ca2+ binding to the ATPase, and effects of H+ and Mg2+ on the E2<==>E1 equilibrium explain the results of experiments in which the concentrations of H+ and Mg2+ are jumped.

Binding of Ca2+ to the (Ca(2+)-Mg2+)-ATPase of sarcoplasmic reticulum: equilibrium studies

Equilibrium fluorescence methods have been used to establish a model for Ca2+ binding to the (Ca(2+)-Mg2+)-ATPase of skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum and to define the effects of H+ and Mg2+ on Ca2+ binding. The basic scheme proposed is: E2 <--> E1 <--> E1Ca <--> El'Ca <--> E1'Ca2. The E1 conformation of the ATPase initially has one high-affinity binding site for Ca2+ exposed to the cytoplasmic side of the sarcoplasmic reticulum, but in the E2 conformation this site is unable to bind Ca2+; Ca2+ does not bind to luminal sites on E2. The second, outer, Ca(2+)-binding site on the ATPase is formed after binding of Ca2+ to the first, inner, site on E1 and the E1Ca <--> E1'Ca conformation change. The pH- and Mg(2+)-dependence of the E2 <--> E1 equilibrium has been established after changes in the fluorescence of the ATPase labelled with 4-nitrobenzo-2-oxa-1,3-diazole. It is proposed that Mg2+ from the cytoplasmic side of the sarcoplasmic reticulum can bind to the first Ca(2+)-binding site on both E1 and E2. It is proposed that the change in tryptophan fluorescence intensity after binding of Ca2+ follows from the E1Ca <--> E1'Ca change. The pH- and Mg(2+)-dependence of this change defines H(+)- and Mg(2+)-binding constants at the two Ca(2+)-binding sites. It is proposed that the change in tryptophan fluorescence observed on binding Mg2+ follows from binding at the second Ca(2+)-binding site. Effects of pH and Mg2+ on the fluorescence of the ATPase labelled with 4-(bromomethyl)-6,7-dimethoxycoumarin are proposed to follow from binding to a site on the ATPase, the 'gating' site, which affects the affinity of the first Ca(2+)-binding site for Ca2+ and affects the rate of dissociation of Ca2+ from the ATPase.

The role of sarcoplasmic reticulum in relaxation of mouse muscle; effects of 2,5-di(tert-butyl)-1,4-benzohydroquinone

1. Intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) and force were measured from isolated single mouse skeletal muscle fibres at rest and during tetani. The actions of 2,5-di(tert-butyl)-1,4-benzohydroquinone (TBQ), an inhibitor of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ pump, were examined at a range of concentrations (100-1000 nM). 2. TBQ increased resting [Ca2+]i, increased tetanic [Ca2+]i and slowed the rate of decline of [Ca2+]i after a tetanus. TBQ produced a small increase in tetanic force and a large slowing of the rate of relaxation after a tetanus. All these effects were reversible. 3. TBQ had no important effects on the Ca2+ sensitivity or the maximum force produced by the myofibrillar proteins. 4. Analysis of the SR Ca2+ pump function confirmed that under control conditions and at very low levels of [Ca2+]i, the relationship between [Ca2+]i and SR pump rate was a 4th power function. TBQ caused a pronounced inhibition of the pump rate and reduced the power function to < 3. 5. Muscle fibres were fatigued by repeated tetani until tetanic [Ca2+]i and force were reduced and the rate of decline of [Ca2+]i after a tetanus was slowed. Under these conditions application of TBQ caused a further slowing of the rate of decline of [Ca2+]i but still increased tetanic [Ca2+]i and force. This result suggests that slowing of the SR pump rate is not the cause of the decline in tetanic [Ca2+]i and force at the late stage of fatigue. 6. A simple model of the interactions of Ca2+, TBQ and pump proteins is described, which predicts the 4th power function of the normal pump, inhibition by TBQ, and the reduced power function in the presence of TBQ. 7. A model of Ca2+ movements and force development in muscle is described, which closely matches the experimental results under control conditions. Inhibition of the SR pump by TBQ using the model of the pump described above simulates qualitatively all the observed effects of TBQ on [Ca2+]i and force. 8. In conclusion, TBQ is a potent, specific and reversible inhibitor of the SR Ca2+ pump in intact mouse skeletal muscle. Inhibition of the pump directly affects intracellular Ca2+ handling and force production.

Calcium signalling in platelets and other nonexcitable cells

By virtue of their biological simplicity and widespread availability, platelets frequently have been used as a model system to study signal transduction. Such studies have revealed that changes in intracellular free calcium concentration are central to platelet functioning. The following article reviews current concepts of platelet structure and function, with particular emphasis on the mechanisms involved in platelet Ca2+ signalling.

Hydrogen peroxide activates agonist-sensitive Ca(2+)-flux pathways in canine venous endothelial cells

The effect of the biological oxidant H2O2 on purinergic-receptor-stimulated Ca2+ signalling was determined in canine venous endothelial cells. H2O2 increased cytosolic free [Ca2+] ([Ca2+]i), the rate of rise of which was dose-dependently related to H2O2 concentration. The response of [Ca2+]i to H2O2 resulted in part from release of Ca2+ from internal stores. The H2O2-sensitive intracellular Ca2+ pool was characterized in cells suspended in Ca(2+)-free/EGTA buffer and stimulated in sequence with H2O2 and ionomycin or ATP. Under this condition, the rank order of apparent compartment size sensitive to each compound was ionomycin > H2O2 > ATP. Stimulation of cells with H2O2 eliminated any response of [Ca2+]i to subsequent addition of ATP. To test more directly whether H2O2 accesses the inositol trisphosphate-sensitive Ca2+ store, cells were pretreated with thapsigargin, a selective inhibitor of that store's Ca2+ pump. Release of Ca2+ from internal Ca2+ stores by H2O2 declined as the interval after thapsigargin addition increased, a finding that supports the contention that H2O2 accesses the inositol trisphosphate-sensitive Ca2+ store. H2O2-stimulated Ca2+ influx across the cell membrane was sensitive to Ni2+, La3+, and 1-(beta-[3-(4-methoxyphenyl)propoxy]-4-methoxyphenethyl)-1H-imidazole HCl (SKF-96365), a selective inhibitor of the agonist-stimulated Ca(2+)-influx pathway. Ca2+ entry triggered by H2O2 appears to occur via the agonist-sensitive Ca2+ influx pathway. Together, these results suggest that H2O2, which is normally secreted by activated neutrophils and monocytes, may act as an intercellular messenger and stimulate Ca2+ signalling in target endothelial cells.

Characterisation of ATP binding inhibition to the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase by thapsigargin

The inhibition of Ca(2+)-ATPase of sarcoplasmic reticulum by thapsigargin has been reported to be associated with a suppression of calcium binding to the high affinity transport sites. We report here that thapsigargin also acts as an inhibitor of ATP binding by reducing its apparent affinity by about two orders of magnitude. This inhibition is non-competitive indicating that thapsigargin does not bind to the ATP binding site. This is confirmed by the fact that thapsigargin binding to the Ca(2+)-ATPase does not affect the binding of 2',3'-O-(2,4,6-trinitrocyclohexadienylidene)-ATP (TNP-ATP).

Oxidant stress inhibits the store-dependent Ca(2+)-influx pathway of vascular endothelial cells

Oxidant stress induced by t-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BuOOH) inhibits bradykinin-stimulated Ca2+ signalling in vascular endothelial cells. The effect of t-BuOOH on intracellular Ca2+ pools was determined by addition of Ca(2+)-releasing agents to fura-2-loaded cells suspended in Ca(2+)-free/EGTA buffer. In control cells, sequential additions of bradykinin and ionomycin produced similar increases in cytosolic free [Ca2+] ([Ca2+]i). By contrast, incubation with t-BuOOH progressively decreased the response of [Ca2+]i to bradykinin and increased that to ionomycin, suggesting that the total (ionomycin-releasable) Ca2+ pool remains replete during oxidant stress. The effect of t-BuOOH on the InsP3-sensitive Ca2+ pool was measured by the increase in [Ca2+]i or efflux of 45Ca2+ stimulated by 2,5-di-t-butylhydroquinone (BHQ). Incubation with t-BuOOH did not inhibit BHQ-stimulated increases in [Ca2+]i or 45Ca2+ efflux, suggesting that the InsP3-sensitive Ca2+ pool remains replete and releasable. Activity of the Ca(2+)-influx pathway stimulated by release of internal Ca2+ stores was determined via re-addition of Ca2+ to BHQ-stimulated cells suspended in Ca(2+)-free/EGTA buffer and via BHQ-stimulated 45Ca2+ uptake. Incubation of cells with t-BuOOH for 1 h significantly inhibited the influx pathway. At later time points, t-BuOOH increased basal [Ca2+]i and potentiated the response of [Ca2+]i to BHQ. Similar results were demonstrated with thapsigargin. Together, these findings suggest that (1) the inhibitory effect of t-BuOOH on bradykinin-stimulated release of Ca2+ from internal stores is not related to depletion of these stores, and (2) inhibition of the store-dependent Ca(2+)-influx pathway occurs by a direct effect of the influx pathway or by inhibition of the mechanism which links the internal Ca2+ store to plasmalemmal Ca2+ influx.