Relationship of thyrotropin-releasing hormone-induced spike and plateau phases in cytosolic free Ca2+ concentrations to hormone secretion. Selective blockade using ionomycin and nifedipine

GH3 cells, an anterior pituitary cell line, express CCK-B receptors

We found that GH3 cells, a rat anterior pituitary tumor cell line, expressed a single class of high-affinity binding sites for radiolabeled cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8) with a Kd of 48 pM. The binding sites had high affinity for CCK-8, CCK-4, gastrin I, and L-365,260 (CCK-B antagonist), and had low affinity for devazepide (CCK-A antagonist), indicating that the binding sites are CCK-B receptors. GTP and its stable analogues inhibited radiolabeled CCK-8 binding to GH3 cell membranes, suggesting a coupling of CCK-B receptors to a G-protein.

Activation of protein kinase C increases Ca2+ sensitivity of secretory response of GH3 pituitary cells

The effect of protein kinase C on the secretory response of GH3 pituitary cells to Ca2+ was investigated. Activation of protein kinase C with 100 nM 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) for 40 min reduced the rise in intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) stimulated by depolarization with high K+ but did not affect the threefold increase in prolactin secretion stimulated by 50 mM K+. Both [Ca2+]i and prolactin release were measured for control and TPA-treated cells over a range of [Ca2+]i values attained by adding the acetoxymethyl ester of 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)-ethane -N,N,N',N'- tetraacetic acid (BAPTA/AM) to reduce [Ca2+]i or high K+ with or without BAY K 8644 to increase [Ca2+]i. Half-maximal prolactin secretion occurred at lower [Ca2+]i concentrations for cells treated with TPA (approximately 160 nM) than for control cells (approximately 270 nM), but the rate of secretion at high [Ca2+]i was the same. GH3 cells also secreted more prolactin in response to thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) after protein kinase C activation, although TRH evoked a smaller Ca2+ transient. Fluorescence ratio imaging revealed that GH3 cells undergo spontaneous [Ca2+]i oscillations (4-12/min) and that TPA nearly abolishes [Ca2+]i oscillations as well as inhibits the increase in [Ca2+]i stimulated by depolarization. These results demonstrate that activation of protein kinase C increases the Ca2+ sensitivity of the secretory response in GH3 cells, causing up to a twofold increase in the rate of secretion at typical intracellular Ca2+ concentrations.

Intracellular free sodium concentrations in GH4C1 cells

In the present investigation, intracellular sodium ([Na+]i) levels were determined in GH4C1 cells using the fluorescent probe SBFI. Fluorescence was determined by excitation at 340 nm and 385 nm, and emission was measured at 500 nm. Intracellular free sodium ([Na+]i) was determined by comparing the ratio 340/385 to a calibration curve. The ratio was linear between 10 and 60 mM Na+. Resting [Na+]i in GH4C1 cells was 26 +/- 6.2 mM (mean +/- SD). In cells incubated in Na(+)-free buffer [Na+]i decreased to 3 +/- 3.6 mM. If Na+/K+ ATPase was inhibited by incubating the cells with 1 mM ouabain, [Na+]i increased to 47 +/- 12.8 mM in 15 min. Stimulating the cells with TRH, phorbol myristyl acetate, or thapsigargin had no effect on [Na+]i. Incubating the cells in Ca(2+)-free buffer rapidly increased [Na+]i. The increase was not inhibited by tetrodotoxin. Addition of extracellular Ca2+, nimodipine, or Ni2+ to these cells immediately decreased [Na+]i, whereas Bay K 8644 enhanced the influx of Na+. In cells where [Na+]i was increased the TRH-induced increase in intracellular free calcium ([Ca2+]i) was decreased compared with control cells. Our results suggest that Na+ enters the cells via Ca2+ channels, and [Na+]i may attenuate TRH-induced changes in [Ca2+]i in GH4C1 cells.

Regulation of protein synthesis by modulation of intracellular calcium in rat liver

The rate of protein synthesis can be modulated in intact cells by varying the concentration and subcellular distribution of intracellular calcium. Because the biochemical reactions required for the pathway of protein synthesis occur in the cytosol of the cell, it might be expected that protein synthesis would be controlled by free cytosolic calcium rather than the sequestered cation. However, a recent report proposed that maintenance of optimal rates of protein synthesis depends on the amount of calcium sequestered in the endoplasmic reticulum rather than free cytosolic calcium (C.O. Brostrom and M. A. Brostrom, Annu. Rev. Physiol. 52: 577-590, 1990). In the present study, rat livers were perfused with buffer containing various compounds previously shown to alter intracellular calcium concentration and distribution in isolated cells. It was found that conditions designed to cause a rise in free cytosolic calcium had no effect on protein synthesis. In contrast, conditions designed to cause depletion of sequestered calcium resulted in an inhibition of protein synthesis characterized by a reduction in peptide-chain initiation relative to elongation. The inhibition of protein synthesis was further localized to a decrease in the activity of eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 2B as measured in extracts from perfused livers. The inhibition of eIF-2B activity was associated with a 2.4-fold increase in the proportion of the alpha-subunit of eIF-2 in the phosphorylated form. In summary, the results of the present study support a model whereby mobilization of calcium sequestered in the endoplasmic reticulum results in an inhibition of protein synthesis in rat liver.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Blockade of NMDA receptor-mediated mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ prevents neurotoxicity

NMDA receptor activation leads to elevated Ca2+ in cultured rat cortical and retinal ganglion cell neurons. If excessive, this Ca2+ response is associated with delayed neurotoxicity. We used dantrolene and ionomycin to test if the Ca2+ response to NMDA was due to mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ stores rather than merely to Ca2+ influx. In the presence of EGTA, ionomycin resulted in release and subsequent depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores. Henceforth, despite normal extracellular Ca2+, NMDA elicited only about half of its former Ca2+ response. Similarly, when dantrolene was used to block Ca2+ release from intracellular stores, we observed > 50% smaller NMDA-evoked Ca2+ responses. These results quite surprisingly indicate that at least half the Ca2+ response to NMDA is due to release of intracellular Ca2+, a process triggered by influx of extracellular Ca2+. Dantrolene also protected neurons from NMDA receptor-mediated neurotoxicity. Release of intracellular Ca2+ may therefore be a necessary step in the cascade leading to neuronal damage induced by excessive NMDA receptor stimulation and may be amenable to pharmacological intervention.

Tetronothiodin, a novel CCKB receptor ligand, antagonizes cholecystokinin-induced Ca2+ mobilization in a pituitary cell line

We found a novel nonpeptide CCKB receptor antagonist, tetronothiodin (Ro 09-1468), in the culture broth of Streptomyces sp. NR0489. The structure of the compound (C31O8H38S), which has a 19-membered ring with an alpha-acyltetronic acid and tetrahydrothiophene moiety, is completely different from that of any known CCK receptor antagonist. Tetronothiodin inhibited [125I]CCK-8 binding to rat brain CCKB receptors with an IC50 of 3.6 nM, whereas it showed only weak affinity for rat CCKA receptors (IC50 = 70 microM). As demonstrated autoradiographically, tetronothiodin concentration dependently inhibited [125I]CCK-8 binding to CCKB receptors in rat forebrain slices. The effects of tetronothiodin on cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations in GH3 cells, a rat anterior pituitary tumor cell line, were investigated with the fura-2 method. Tetronothiodin inhibited CCK-8-induced Ca2+ mobilization without affecting basal cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations. In conclusion, tetronothiodin is a new, potent and highly selective CCKB receptor antagonist. It is a useful tool for investigating the pharmacological and physiological roles of CCKB receptors.

Characterization of the TRH-induced activation of Na+/H(+)-exchange in pituitary GH4C1 cells

In the present study in GH4C1 cells, the dependence of TRH-induced activation of Na+/H(+)-exchange on extracellular Na+ and Ca2+ was examined. Furthermore, the effects of both extracellular and intracellular H+ on Na+/H(+)-exchange were investigated. The buffering capacity was 63 +/- 11.8 mM (pH unit)-1 at basal intracellular pH (pHi) of 7.02 +/- 0.02. The initial rate of alkalinization in cells acidified with nigericin increased with increasing concentrations of extracellular Na+ according to simple Michaelis-Menten kinetics. The apparent Km-value for Na+ was 53 +/- 17.5 mM and the Vmax value was 28 +/- 4.5 mM H+/min. Addition of Na+ together with TRH increased Vmax to 56 +/- 6.4 mM H+/min (P < 0.05), while no difference was observed in Km. Decreasing extracellular pH (pHo) decreased the rate of alkalinization of acid-loaded cells, despite a large inward Na+ gradient. Furthermore, a decrease in pHi was necessary to obtain activation of Na+/H+ exchange. At pHi-values close to basal pHi no activation of Na+/H(+)-exchange was obtained. In addition, the results showed that extracellular Ca2+ was necessary for TRH-induced activation of Na+/H+ exchange. Blocking influx of extracellular Ca2+ with Ni2+ abolished the effect of TRH, suggesting that the TRH-induced activation of Na+/H(+)-exchange in GH4C1 cells is dependent on influx of extracellular Ca2+.

Augmentation of transient low-threshold Ca2+ current induced by GTP-binding protein signal transduction system in GH3 pituitary cells

We characterized the effects of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH; 500 nM) and guanosine 5'-0-3-thiotriphosphate (GTP gamma S; 50 microM) on two types of Ca2+ currents in pituitary-hormone-secretory GH3 cells and were surprised to find marked increases in transient, low-threshold Ca2+ currents (T currents) induced by extracellularly applied TRH or intracellularly applied GTP gamma S. The effect of TRH was blocked by intracellularly applied guanosine 5'-0-2-thiodiphosphate (GDP beta S; 100 microM). The increase in the T current was found to be accompanied by a decrease in long-lasting, high-threshold Ca2+ current (L-current), in response to both TRH or GTP gamma S. These indicate that the enhancement of Ca2+ influx by TRH (500 nM) is largely conferred by T currents in GH3 cells. A reduced concentration of TRH (5 nM) still markedly increased the T current, but failed to decrease the L current. These data suggest that the augmentation of the T currents as well as depression of the L currents by TRH (500 nM), through the activation of a GTP-binding protein, may constitute an important regulatory mechanism of sustained pituitary hormone secretion in GH3 cells.

Calcium signaling and secretory responses in agonist-stimulated pituitary gonadotrophs

In cultured pituitary gonadotrophs, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) caused dose-dependent and biphasic increases in cytoplasmic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) and LH release. Both extra- and intracellular calcium pools participate in GnRH-induced elevation of [Ca2+]i and LH secretion. The spike phase of the [Ca2+]i response represents the primary signal derived predominantly from the rapid mobilization of intracellular Ca2+. In contrast, the prolonged phase of the Ca2+ signal depends exclusively on Ca2+ entry from the extracellular pool. The influx of Ca2+ occurs partially through dihydropyridine-sensitive calcium channels. Both [Ca2+]i and LH responses to increasing concentrations of GnRH occur over very similar time scales, suggesting that increasing degrees of receptor occupancy are transduced into amplitude-modulated Ca2+ responses, which in turn activate exocytosis in a linear manner. However, several lines of evidence indicated the complexity over the relationship between Ca2+ signaling and LH exocytosis. In contrast to [Ca2+]i measurements in cell suspension, single cell Ca2+ measurements revealed the existence of a more complicated pattern of Ca2+ response to GnRH, with a biphasic response to high agonist doses and prominent oscillatory responses to lower GnRH concentrations, with a log-linear correlation between GnRH dose and the frequency of Ca2+ spiking. In addition, analysis of the magnitudes of the [Ca2+]i and LH responses of gonadotrophs to a wide range of GnRH concentrations in the presence and absence of extracellular Ca2+, and to K+ and phorbol ester stimulation, showed non-linearity between these parameters with amplification of [Ca2+]i-mediated exocytosis. Studies on cell depleted of protein kinase C under conditions that did not change the LH pool suggested the participation of protein kinase C in this amplification, especially during the plateau phase of the secretory response to GnRH.

Depletion of intracellular calcium stores activates a calcium current in mast cells

In many cell types, receptor-mediated Ca2+ release from internal stores is followed by Ca2+ influx across the plasma membrane. The sustained entry of Ca2+ is thought to result partly from the depletion of intracellular Ca2+ pools. Most investigations have characterized Ca2+ influx indirectly by measuring Ca(2+)-activated currents or using Fura-2 quenching by Mn2+, which in some cells enters the cells by the same influx pathway. But only a few studies have investigated this Ca2+ entry pathway more directly. We have combined patch-clamp and Fura-2 measurements to monitor membrane currents in mast cells under conditions where intracellular Ca2+ stores were emptied by either inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate, ionomycin, or excess of the Ca2+ chelator EGTA. The depletion of Ca2+ pools by these independent mechanisms commonly induced activation of a sustained calcium inward current that was highly selective for Ca2+ ions over Ba2+, Sr2+ and Mn2+. This Ca2+ current, which we term ICRAC (calcium release-activated calcium), is not voltage-activated and shows a characteristic inward rectification. It may be the mechanism by which electrically nonexcitable cells maintain raised intracellular Ca2+ concentrations and replenish their empty Ca2+ stores after receptor stimulation.

Medium hyperosmolarity inhibits prolactin secretion induced by depolarizing K+ in GH4C1 cells by blocking Ca2+ influx

Medium hyperosmolarity between 300 (normal medium osmolarity) and 600 mOsm inhibited in a concentration-correlated fashion (r greater than 0.97, p less than 0.001) the rise in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and prolactin (PRL) secretion induced in GH4C1 cells by depolarizing 30 mM K+. [Ca2+]i concentration and PRL secretion were tightly related between 300 and 600 mOsm (r = 0.976, p less than 0.001); 50% inhibition of both occurred at 450 mOsm. Medium hyperosmolarity slowed the rate of Ca2+ influx. At 600 mOsm the rise in both [Ca2+]i and PRL secretion was abolished but PRL secretion induced by 1 microM phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate was not significantly reduced. Our data suggest that inhibition of Ca2+ influx may be the primary mechanism by which extracellular hyperosmolarity inhibits PRL secretion induced by high medium K+ in GH4C1 cells. Depression of the Ca2+ intracellular transduction system may play a pathophysiological role in vivo in conditions such as dehydration and hypertonic coma.

PMA-sensitive protein kinase C is not necessary in TRH-stimulated prolactin release from female rat primary pituitary cells

In GH3 cells and other clonal rat pituitary tumor cells, TRH has been shown to mediate its effects on prolactin release via a rise of cytosolic Ca2+ and activation of protein kinase C. In this study, we examined the role of protein kinase C in TRH-stimulated prolactin release from female rat primary pituitary cell culture. Both TRH and PMA stimulated prolactin release in a dose-dependent manner. When present together at maximal concentrations, TRH and PMA produced an effect which was slightly less than additive. Pretreatment of rat pituitary cells with 10(-6) M PMA for 24 hrs completely down-regulated protein kinase C, since such PMA-pretreated cells did not release prolactin in response to a second dose of PMA. Interestingly, protein kinase C down-regulation had no effect on TRH-induced prolactin release from rat pituitary cells. In contrast, PMA-pretreated GH3 cells did not respond to a subsequent stimulation by either PMA or TRH. Pretreatment of rat pituitary cells with TRH (10(-7) M, 24 hrs) inhibited the subsequent response to TRH, but not PMA. Forskolin, an adenylate cyclase activator, stimulated prolactin release by itself and in a synergistic manner when incubated together with TRH or PMA. The synergistic effects of forskolin on prolactin release was greater in the presence of PMA than TRH. Down-regulation of protein kinase C by PMA pretreatment abolished the synergistic effect produced by PMA and forskolin but had no effect on those generated by TRH and forskolin. sn-1,2-Dioctanylglycerol (DOG) pretreatment attenuated the subsequent response to DOG and PMA but not TRH. The effect of TRH, but not PMA, on prolactin release required the presence of extracellular Ca2+. In conclusion, the mechanism by which TRH causes prolactin release from rat primary pituitary cells is different from that of GH3 cells; the former is a protein kinase C-independent process whereas the latter is at least partially dependent upon the activation of protein kinase C.

Evidence for TRH-induced influx of extracellular Ca2+ in pituitary GH4C1 cells

The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH)-induced changes in intracellular free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i), and influx of extracellular Ca2+ in Fura 2 loaded pituitary GH4C1 cells. Stimulating the cells with TRH in a Ca(2+)-containing buffer induced a biphasic change in [Ca2+]i. First, a transient increase in [Ca2+]i, followed by a sustained phase. In cells stimulated with TRH in a Ca(2+)-free buffer, the transient increase in [Ca(2+)]i was decreased (p less than 0.05), and the sustained phase was totally abolished. Addition of Ni2+ prior to TRH blunted the component of the TRH-induced transient increase in [Ca2+]i dependent on influx of Ca2+. In the presence of extracellular Mn2+, TRH stimulated quenching of Fura 2 fluorescence. This quenching was blocked by Ni2+. The results indicate that both the TRH-induced transient increase in [Ca2+]i as well as the sustained phase in [Ca2+]i in GH4C1 cells is dependent on influx of extracellular Ca2+.

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone-induced cytosolic calcium transients: characterisation of store refilling in bovine anterior pituitary cells

The intracellular calcium ion concentration ([Ca2+]i) in individual bovine anterior pituitary cells was measured using fura-2 and ratiometric imaging. Addition of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) in the presence of external calcium ion ([Ca2+]e; 1 mM) caused a rapid transient increase in [Ca2+]i falling to a plateau which remained above pre-stimulation levels in the continued presence of TRH. Decreasing [Ca2+]e to 0.1 microM decreased [Ca2+]i. At 0.1 microM [Ca2+]e, the first TRH addition caused the rapid transient rise in [Ca2+]i but no plateau phase and a second addition of TRH did not cause a second transient rise. However, the second application of TRH in 0.1 microM [Ca2+]e caused a rise in [Ca2+]i if it was preceded by transient exposure of the cells to 2 mM [Ca2+]e. The presence of nitrendipine, 2,5-di-(tert-butyl)-1,4-benzohydroquinone (tBHQ), or TRH during the re-exposure to external calcium blocked this recovery of subsequent responses to TRH in the presence of only 0.1 microM [Ca2+]e. We conclude that refilling of the calcium stores depleted by TRH occurred only after the removal of agonist, used a tBHQ-sensitive uptake mechanism, and was mainly sustained by voltage-gated calcium entry into the cells.

Cytosolic calcium responses of single rMTC 44-2 cells to stimulation with external calcium and potassium

Few endocrine tissues can detect changes in the extracellular Ca2+ concentration within the physiological range and modify their hormone secretion accordingly. A rat cell line of C-cell origin (rMTC 44-2) secretes calcitonin and neurotensin in response to small increases in external Ca2+. To better understand the mechanism of extracellular Ca2+ sensing in this cell type, we studied single fura-2-loaded rMTC 44-2 cells perfused with increasing concentrations of Ca2+ and K+. In the basal state (Ca2+ = 0.5 mM), cytosolic Ca2+ levels were 53 nM, with 27% of the cells having spikes or oscillations. With elevation of the external Ca2+ to between 0.5 and 4 mM, 84% of the cells showed a rapid (less than 5 s) rise in cytosolic Ca2+ to values 2- to 10-fold higher than basal levels. Most of the responding cells exhibited complex patterns of cytosolic Ca2+ fluctuations, including oscillations with frequencies varying from less than 1/min to as many as 6/min. When averaged over time, the cytosolic Ca2+ of individual cells showed a dose-dependent response with changes in external Ca2+, resembling the relationship between extracellular Ca2+ and calcitonin secretion. With continued or repeated stimulation, the spike amplitude often declined. These cytosolic Ca2+ responses were attenuated in the presence of the Ca(2+)-channel blockers cadmium and nifedipine. Cytosolic Ca2+ responses to perfusion with elevated K+ (20 mM) were similar in waveform to those seen with Ca2+ stimulation. Most cells displayed cytosolic Ca2+ changes in response to both ionic secretagogues when stimulated with external Ca2+ or K+.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Evidence for a delayed rectifier-like potassium current in the clonal rat pituitary cell line GH3

Whole cell patch-clamp techniques were used to investigate voltage-dependent potassium currents in the clonal rat pituitary cell line GH3. Inactivation of the voltage-dependent potassium current was best fit by two time constants (50-80 ms and 2-3 s) plus a sustained value. These components of inactivation could be separated based on their voltage-dependent properties and pharmacological sensitivity to 10 mM tetraethylammonium (TEA) and 5 mM 4-aminopyridine (4-AP). The fast component begins to activate around -50 mV, is half-maximally activated at -19 mV, is 50% inactivated at -55 mV, and is sensitive to 4-AP but insensitive to TEA. The slow component begins to activate at around -10 mV, is half-maximally activated at +4 mV, is 50% inactivated at -23 mV, and is sensitive to both TEA and 4-AP. The sustained component is apparent by 0 mV but has not yet reached half-maximal activation at +57 mV. It is somewhat sensitive to TEA but relatively resistant to 4-AP. In the presence of TEA it was found that the fast-inactivating component actually inactivated in a biphasic manner with time constants of approximately 50 and 500 ms. From the properties of these components it is concluded that at least three distinct voltage-dependent potassium channel types exist in GH3 cells as follows: an A-like current (fast-inactivating component), a delayed rectifier-like current (slow-inactivating component), and the voltage-dependent properties of calcium-dependent potassium channels (the sustained component).

Ca2+ channel agonists enhance thyrotropin-releasing hormone-induced inositol phosphates and prolactin secretion

The dihydropyridine Ca2+ channel activator BAY K 8644 (1 microM) stimulated basal prolactin secretion from perifused primary cultures of anterior pituitary cells and potentiated the stimulation of prolactin secretion by 1 microM thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) 5-fold over 30 min. This potentiation was mimicked by other dihydropyridine agonists CGP 28392 and (+)-SDZ 202-791 and by (-)-BAY K 8644 (1 microM), but not by (+)-BAY K 8644. The Ca2+ channel antagonist nimodipine, at a concentration sufficient to block BAY K 8644-stimulated 45Ca2+ uptake in GH4C1 anterior pituitary tumor cells, decreased basal prolactin secretion and blocked the enhancement of basal and TRH-stimulated secretion by BAY K 8644. These results suggest that dihydropyridine agonists potentiate TRH-induced secretion through interaction with known stereospecific sites on Ca2+ channels. In GH4C1 cells, BAY K 8644 alone did not affect inositol polyphosphate accumulation, but potentiated TRH-stimulated accumulation of inositol 1,3,4-trisphosphate and inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate. Accumulation of the Ca(2+)-mobilizing isomer inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate was not potentiated, suggesting that potentiation of TRH-stimulated hormone secretion by BAY K 8644 does not result from synergistic stimulation of phospholipase C, but may correlate with enhanced inositol trisphosphate-3-kinase activity.

Role of calcium in dopaminergic regulation of TRH- and angiotensin II-stimulated prolactin release

The contributions of intracellular and extracellular calcium to thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH)- and angiotensin II (ANG II)-stimulated prolactin (PRL) release and the role of calcium in dopaminergic inhibition of these events were examined because of unresolved controversies in these areas. Dispersed normal female rat anterior pituitary cells were used to evaluate radiocalcium fluxes and the intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca]i). Both peptides increased PRL release, fractional 45Ca2+ efflux, and [Ca]i in a spike and plateau pattern, and neither increased 45Ca2+ uptake. In a low-calcium buffer, TRH and ANG II stimulated less than 5% of the normal PRL response, yet efflux was at least 50% of normal and [Ca]i was 20-40% of normal. Dopamine reduced TRH-stimulated PRL release by greater than 90% and abolished the plateau, yet the calcium responses to TRH were at least 50% of normal. Although dopamine prevented the plateau component of peptide-stimulated [Ca]i, the plateau phase of efflux persisted. Thus TRH and ANG II may control at least two cell-associated calcium pools, one readily depleted and the other highly resistant to depletion, without evidence for stimulation of calcium uptake. Dopamine inhibits PRL release stimulated by these peptides, with a relatively greater influence on the plateau component, through mechanisms only minimally related to calcium flux. Dopamine may slightly increase the extrusion of calcium mobilized by these peptides and thus may limit the anticipated increase in [Ca]i.

Neuropeptide inhibition of voltage-gated calcium channels mediated by mobilization of intracellular calcium

Many neurotransmitters and hormones regulate secretion from endocrine cells and neurons by modulating voltage-gated Ca2+ channels. One proposed mechanism of neurotransmitter inhibition involves protein kinase C, activated by diacylglycerol, a product of phosphatidyl-inositol inositol hydrolysis. Here we show that thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), a neuropeptide that modulates hormone secretion from pituitary tumor cells, inhibits Ca2+ channels via the other limb of the phosphatidylinositol signaling system: TRH causes inositol trisphosphate-triggered Ca2+ release from intracellular organelles, thus causing Ca2(+)-dependent inactivation of Ca2+ channels. Elevation of intracellular Ca2+ concentration is coincident with the onset of TRH-induced inhibition and is necessary and sufficient for its occurrence. The inhibition is blocked by introducing Ca2+ buffers into cells and mimicked by a variety of agents that mobilize Ca2+. Treatments that suppress protein kinase C have no effect on the inhibition. Hence inactivation of Ca2+ channels occurs not only as a result of Ca2+ influx through plasma membrane channels, but also via neurotransmitter-induced Ca2+ mobilization. This phenomenon may be common but overlooked because of the routine use of Ca2+ buffers in patch-clamp electrodes.

Role of calcium in regulation of phosphoinositide signaling pathway

Using primary neuronal cultures we have examined the role of extracellular Ca2+ in a receptor-regulated phosphoinositide turnover. We report that receptor (glutamic acid and acetylcholine)-activated phosphoinositide turnover requires the presence of extracellular Ca2+ (EC50 = 21.1 microM). The requirement for Ca2+ appears to be at an intracellular level and is highly selective for Ca2+. We also found that several inorganic and organic Ca2+ channel blockers, including La3+ and verapamil, inhibit phosphoinositide turnover. However, the pharmacological profile of these agents in this regard was distinct from their actions at the voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels. To explain the above requirement for extracellular Ca2+ in agonist-stimulated phosphoinositide turnover and its sensitivity to Ca(2+)-channel blockers, we propose a hypothetical model suggesting that Ca2+, following IP-3-mediated mobilization, exerts a facilitatory action on the activity of receptor-phospholipase C complex. We further propose that in the absence of extracellular Ca2+ or in the presence of certain Ca(2+)-channel blockers, refilling of calciosomes is ineffectual or inhibited, causing its depletion and subsequent inactivation of agonist-stimulated phosphoinositide turnover.

Effects of Ca2+ and ionophore A23187 on protein synthesis in intact rabbit reticulocytes

1. Amino acid incorporation in intact rabbit reticulocytes was unaffected by depletion of Ca2+ with EGTA. 2. The Ca2+ ionophore A23187 strongly inhibited incorporation in reticulocytes incubated in 1 mM Ca2+ but not in EGTA. Polysomal profiles and average ribosomal transit times of cells treated with Ca2+ ionophore at 1 mM Ca2+ were characteristic of translational elongation block. 3. The behavior of reticulocytes with respect to Ca2+ and A23187 contrasts with that of nucleated cells possessing endoplasmic reticulum in which protein synthesis is inhibited at translational initiation by either Ca2+ depletion or by exposure to Ca2+ ionophore.

Two Ca2+ transport systems are distinguished on the basis of their Mg2+ dependency in a post-nuclear particulate fraction of bovine adrenal cortex

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) is a second messenger responsible for Ca2+ release from an internal store whose nature and location remains undefined. To get more information on this intracellular Ca2+ store, a post-nuclear particulate fraction was prepared from bovine adrenal cortex and its Ca2+ uptake and release activities were monitored with the fluorescent indicator Fura-2. In the presence of Mg2+ (2 mM), the particulate preparation showed high ATP-dependent Ca2+ sequestering activity and decreased the ambient Ca2+ concentration to about 150 nM. In the absence of Mg2+, Ca2+ was still sequestered but less efficiently, reaching a level around 170 nM. In the presence of Mg2+, the Ca2+ released by a maximal dose of InsP3 (2 microM) was completely resequestered whereas in the absence of Mg2+, no resequestration occurred even after complete degradation of InsP3. The use of selective agents such as oligomycin, saponin, ionomycin and biliary salts indicated that Ca2+ was stored in three different pools which are distinct from the mitochondria and from inside-out membrane vesicles. Our data also indicate that InsP3 releases Ca2+ from a pool which is filled up by a Mg2(+) -dependent Ca2+ ATPase.

Neuropeptide modulation of single calcium and potassium channels detected with a new patch clamp configuration

Calcium channel activity is crucial for secretion and synaptic transmission, but it has been difficult to study Ca2+ channel modulation because survival and regulation of some of these channels require cytoplasmic constituents that are lost with the formation of cell-free patches. Here we report a new patch clamp configuration in which activity and regulation of channels are maintained after removal from cells. A pipette containing the pore-forming agent nystatin is sealed onto a cell and withdrawn to form an enclosed vesicle. The resulting perforated vesicle, formed from pituitary tumour cells, contains Ca2+ and K+ channels. Ca2(+)-activated K+ channels in the vesicle are activated by cyclic AMP analogues, and by a neuropeptide (thyrotropin-releasing hormone) that stimulates phosphatidylinositol turnover and inositol trisphosphate-gated Ca2+ release from intracellular organelles. Thus, the perforated vesicle retains signal transduction systems necessary for ion channel modulation. Functional dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca2+ channels (L-type) are maintained in the vesicle, and their gating is inhibited by thyrotropin-releasing hormone. Hence, this new patch clamp configuration has allowed a direct detection of the single-channel basis of transmitter-induced inhibition of L-type Ca2+ channels. The modulation of Ca2(+)-channel gating may be an important mechanism for regulating hormone secretion from pituitary cells.

Priming effect of hyperosmotic stress on TRH-induced activation of Na+/H+ exchange in GH4C1 rat pituitary cells

The effect of mild hyperosmotic stress on cytosolic pH (pHi) alone, and in combination with thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) or the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) was investigated in GH4C1 cells at resting pHi. Hyperosmotic stress induced by addition of 50 mM choline was without an effect on pHi. In cells stimulated with either TRH or TPA after choline, pHi increased 0.15 +/- 0.05 and 0.14 +/- 0.03 pH units, respectively (mean +/- SD). A similar response was obtained if TRH or TPA was added prior to choline. The effect was abolished by replacing extracellular Na+ with choline+, and by pretreatment of the cells with amiloride, indicating that the change in pHi probably was dependent on activation of Na+/H+ exchange. The results thus indicate that, in GH4C1 cells, hyperosmotic stress in combination with TRH or TPA can activate Na+/H+ exchange at resting pHi levels.

Participation of transient-type Ca2+ channels in the sustained increase of Ca2+ level in GH3 cells

Participation of two types of Ca2+ channels (T- and L-types) in the sustained increase of cytosolic-free Ca2+ concentration [( Ca2+]i) was studied in thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH)-stimulated clonal GH3 pituitary cells. The effects of Ca2+ channel blockers were analyzed by measuring Ca2+ channel current and [Ca2+]i, using whole-cell voltage-clamp and Fura-2 fluorometry, respectively. Phenytoin (100 microM) and Ni2+ (100 microM) selectively blocked T-type Ca2+ channels and suppressed the TRH-induced sustained [Ca2+]i increase in single cells. Synthetic omega-conotoxin (omega-CgTX, 2 microM) preferentially blocked L-type Ca2+ channels, but it did not suppress the TRH-induced sustained [Ca2+]i increase. The present results suggest that the sustained elevations of [Ca2+]i triggered by TRH may be mediated by T-type Ca2+ channels in GH3 cells.

Endothelin stimulation of cytosolic calcium and gonadotropin secretion in anterior pituitary cells

The presence of endothelin, a vasoconstrictor peptide, in the hypothalamus and posterior pituitary suggests that it also regulates neural and other nonvascular target cells. In pituitary gonadotrophs, low doses of endothelin evoked oscillations in the intracellular calcium concentration, and high doses induced a biphasic calcium response. Mobilization of intracellular calcium predominated during the spike phase of the calcium response to endothelin, whereas calcium entry through dihydropyridine-sensitive channels contributed to both the spike and plateau phases of the calcium response. Endothelin was a potent as hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) in stimulation of gonadotropin release in perifused pituitary cells. Endothelin bound specifically to pituitary cells with a dissociation constant of 70 picomolar, and induced rapid formation of inositol trisphosphate and diacyglycerol. Although intracellular calcium concentration and gonadotropin secretory responses to endothelin were independent to the GnRH receptor, endothelin and GnRH appeared to have a common signal transduction mechanism. These observations suggest that endothelin can act as a neuropeptide to regulate anterior pituitary function.

The mechanisms by which vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) stimulate prolactin release from pituitary cells

The effect of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) on prolactin (PRL) secretion from pituitary cells is reviewed and compared to the effect of thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH). These two peptides induced different secretion profiles from parafused lactotrophs in culture. TRH was found to increase PRL secretion within 4 s and induced a biphasic secretion pattern, while VIP induced a monophasic secretion pattern after a lag time of 45-60 s. The secretion profiles are compared to changes in adenylate cyclase activity, production of inositol polyphosphates, changes in intracellular calcium concentrations and changes in electrophysiological properties of the cell membrane.

Effects of depolarizing concentrations of K+ and reduced osmotic pressure on 45Ca2+ accumulation by the rostral pars distalis of the tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus)

The accumulation of 45Ca2+ into tilapia prolactin (PRL) tissue was examined under conditions which alter prolactin release. In initial experiments, PRL tissue was incubated in medium containing 12 microCi/ml 45Ca2+ in hyperosmotic medium (355 mOsmolal). Under these conditions, 45Ca2+ accumulated steadily, reaching a plateau within 15-20 min. Subsequent exposure to La3+, which displaces Ca2+ from superficial pools in a wide variety of tissues, rapidly (within 5 min) removed nearly 70% of the 45Ca2+ associated with the tissue. Following this initial removal of 45Ca2+, the level of 45Ca2+ in the PRL tissue remained constant, and is referred to as the La3(+)-resistant pool of Ca2+. This pool of Ca2+ is thought to reflect the entry rate of Ca2+ from extracellular sources. Prolactin tissue exposed to hyposmotic medium or to depolarizing [K+], which stimulates PRL release, significantly increased 45Ca2+ accumulation in this La3(+)-resistant pool. These results indicate that reduced osmotic pressure and depolarization may alter release from tilapia PRL cells, in part, through their ability to increase the entry of extracellular Ca2+.

Characteristics of two types of calcium channels in rat pituitary gonadotrophs

The properties of Ca2+ channels in cultured rat pituitary gonadotrophs were analyzed by the patch-clamp technique. The inward Ca2+ currents, recorded in the presence of 5.2 mM Ca2+ or Ba2+, included a fast, transient component with activation-inactivation kinetics and a delayed component with slower activation. The midpoint of the activation curve lay at -30 mV for the transient component and at -12 mV for the delayed component. At the midpoint, changes in potential of 9.5 and 13 mV induced an e-fold change in the activation of the transient and delayed components, respectively. The rate of inactivation of the first component was strongly voltage dependent. At -43 mV, a 7.4-mV change in potential induced an e-fold change in the fraction of Ca2+ channels available to conduct Ca2+ current. During long-lasting (100-200 ms) low-frequency depolarizing voltage-clamp pulses, the size of the delayed component of the Ca2+ current remained constant. The differential effects of membrane potential on inactivation and the different time constants for activation of the two components of the Ca2+ conductance indicate the presence of two types of Ca2+ channels in the membrane of the gonadotroph: the rapidly inactivating current appears to be attributable to a T-type channel, and the noninactivating current corresponds to the L-type channel described in many other cell types.

Adenosine A1 receptors inhibit both adenylate cyclase activity and TRH-activated Ca2+ channels by a pertussis toxin-sensitive mechanism in GH3 cells

The present study has examined the effects of adenosine A1 receptors on second messenger processes in GH3 cells. A1 receptors are present which are shown to inhibit adenylate cyclase in a GTP-requiring manner. Hormone (VIP) stimulation is also absolutely required for the observation of inhibition. Adenosine A1 receptor analogues also inhibit TRH-stimulated [Ca2+]i-mobilization in GH3 cells. Both effects of the adenosine receptor agonists are apparently mediated by pertussis toxin substrates, of which there are two--41,000 and 40,000 daltons respectively--in these cells. Somatostatin exerts analogous effects to the adenosine agonists in GH3 cells. Thus it may turn out that a general property of 'cyclase inhibitory receptors' is also to inhibit [Ca2+]i-mobilization in the same cells, when such mechanisms are present.

The effects of thyrotropin-releasing hormone and potassium depolarization on phosphoinositide metabolism and cytoplasmic calcium in bovine pituitary cells

Addition of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) (10 nM to 10 microM) to bovine anterior pituitary cells labelled with [3H]inositol decreased the radioactivity in inositol-containing lipids and increased it in inositol phosphates. TRH also increased the cytoplasmic calcium concentration biphasically. At TRH concentrations below 10 nM, the increase was sustained and sensitive to inhibitors of calcium influx through voltage-gated channels, whereas concentrations over 10 nM elicited in addition a rapid transient increase in calcium, which was relatively insensitive to such inhibition. Incubation of the cells in medium containing 25 mM KCl increased the cytoplasmic calcium concentration by stimulating influx through voltage-gated channels, and markedly enhanced the initial transient increase of calcium seen at TRH concentrations above 10 nM. It did not affect the generation of InsP3 and it also enhanced the calcium response to ionomycin. It is suggested that stimulation of calcium entry through voltage-gated channels can increase the amount of calcium available for mobilisation by TRH.

Diacylglycerol, but not inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate, accounts for platelet-derived growth factor-stimulated proliferation of BALB 3T3 cells

Recently we found that an intracellular event related to phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) is crucial for platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-induced mitogenesis in fibroblastic cells (Matuoka, K., et al.: Science 239:640-643, 1988). In the present study we examined the mitogenic effects of PIP2 and its hydrolysis products introduced into the cytoplasm of BALB 3T3 cells by micro-injection to confirm the role of PIP2 hydrolysis in PDGF stimulation of cell proliferation. Injection of 1,2-dioleylglycerol (diolein) into serum-deprived quiescent cells induced DNA synthesis with the same time course as that induced by exposure of the cells to PDGF and, in the presence of PDGF, caused no additional increase in the cell population entering S phase. The injection of PIP2, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate, or 1,2-dioleylphosphatidic acid into the cells did not induce mitogenesis. Consistent results were obtained in experiments in which the cells were exposed to 1-oleyl-2-acetylglycerol (OAG) and ionomycin; namely, OAG stimulated proliferation of BALB 3T3 cells, but ionomycin did not induce any mitogenesis. Desensitization of the protein kinase C pathway by prolonged exposure of the cells to phorbol ester abolished the induction of cell proliferation by subsequent injection of diolein or exposure to phorbol ester or OAG as well as by PDGF challenge. These findings strongly suggest that activation of the protein kinase C system following formation of diacylglycerol by PIP2 hydrolysis is mainly responsible for the mitogenic action of PDGF on BALB 3T3 cells.

5,6-Epoxyeicosatrienoic acid stimulates growth hormone release in rat anterior pituitary cells

The effect of arachidonic acid and some of its metabolites have been examined in rat anterior pituitary cells for their ability to release growth hormone. The cytochrome P-450 metabolite, 5,6-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid is a much more effective growth-hormone releasing agent than 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid methyl ester, 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid or arachidonic acid. The release of growth hormone is rapid, dose-dependent and reaches an apparent saturation after eight minutes. These studies described herein provide evidence that lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase products of arachidonic acid are less potent while cytochrome P-450 products are more potent in the release of growth hormone from anterior pituitary cells.