Excitement about calcium signaling in inexcitable cells

Ca2+ influx induced by store release and cytosolic Ca2+ chelation in Ht29 colonic carcinoma cells

Cl- secretion in HT29 cells is regulated by agonists such as carbachol, neurotensin and adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP). These agonists induce Ca2+ store release as well as Ca2+ influx from the extracellular space. The increase in cytosolic Ca2+ enhances the Cl- and K+ conductances of these cells. Removal of extracellular Ca2+ strongly attenuates the secretory response to the above-mentioned agonists. The present study utilises patch-clamp methods to characterise the Ca2+ influx pathway. Inhibitors which have been shown previously to inhibit non-selective cation channels, such as flufenamate (0.1 mmol.l-1, n = 6) and Gd3+ (10 micromol.l-1, n=6) inhibited ATP (0.1 mmol.l-1) induced increases in whole-cell conductance (Gm). When Cl- and K+ currents were inhibited by the presence of Cs2SO4 in the patch pipette and gluconate in the bath, ATP (0.1 mmol.l-1) still induced a significant increase in Gm from 1.2 +/- 0.3 nS to 4.7 +/- 1 nS (n = 24). This suggests that ATP induces a cation influx with a conductance of approximately 3-4 nS. This cation influx was inhibited by flufenamate (0.1 mmol.l-1, n = 6) and Gd3+ (10 micromol.l-1, n = 9). When Ba2+ (5 mmol.l-1) and 4,4'-diisothiocyanato-stilbene-2-2'-disulphonic acid (DIDS, 0.1 mmol.l-1) were added to the KCl/K-gluconate pipette solution to inhibit K+ and Cl- currents and the cells were clamped to depolarised voltages, ATP (0.1 mmol.l-1) reduced the membrane current (Im) significantly from 86 +/- 14 pA to 54 +/- 11 pA (n = 13), unmasking a cation inward current. In another series, the cation inward current was activated by dialysing the cell with a KCl/K-gluconate solution containing 5-10 mmol.l-1 1,2-bis-(2-aminoethoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA) or 1,2-bis-(2-aminophenoxy) ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA). The zero-current membrane voltage (Vm) and Im (at a clamp voltage of +10 mV) were monitored as a function of time. A new steady-state was reached 30-120 s after membrane rupture. Vm depolarised significantly from -33 +/- 2 mV to -12 +/- 1 mV, and Im fell significantly from 17 +/- 2 pA to 8.9 +/- 1.0 pA (n = 71). This negative current, representing a cation inward current, was activated when Ca2+ stores were emptied and was reduced significantly ( Im) when Ca2+ and/or Na+ were removed from the bathing solution: removal of Ca2+ in the absence of Na+ caused a Im of 5.0 +/- 1.2 pA (n = 12); removal of Na+ in the absence of Ca2+ caused a Im of 12.8 +/- 3.5 pA (n = 4). The cation inward current was also reduced significantly by La3+, Gd3+, and flufenamate. We conclude that store depletion induces a Ca2+/Na+ influx current in these cells. With 145 mmol.l-1 Na+ and 1 mmol.l-1 Ca2+, both ions contribute to this cation inward current. This current is an important component in the agonist-regulated secretory response.

Family of cyclic nucleotide gated ion channels

A variety of different cyclic nucleotide gated ion channels have recently been identified using molecular cloning and electrophysiological techniques. Current research is focussed on the specific molecular determinants that endow these channels with their distinctive character of gating, selectivity and modulation. In some cases, it has been possible to identify the specific physiological roles of different cyclic nucleotide gated channels. Their interactions with Ca2+ and calmodulin are particularly important, and determine the specific functions these channels subserve in distinct cells.

Ca2+ increase and Ca(2+)-influx in human tracheal smooth muscle cells: role of Ca2+ pools controlled by sarco-endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase 2 isoform

1. The contribution of sarco-endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPases (SERCA)-regulated Ca2+ stores to the increase in intracellular free calcium ([Ca2+]i) induced by bradykinin (BK) was investigated in fura-2 loaded human tracheal smooth muscle cells (TSMC). For this purpose, we used thapsigargin, a selective inhibitor of Ca(2+)-ATPases of intracellular organelles. 2. Thapsigargin (10(-9) to 10(-6) M) induced a dose-dependent increase in [Ca2+]i in the presence of external Ca2+ with an EC50 value of 7.33 +/- 1.26 nM. In Ca(2+)-free conditions, the addition of Ca2+ (1.25 mM) caused an increase in [Ca2+]i which was directly proportional to the pre-incubation time of the cells with thapsigargin. Net increases of 60 +/- 9, 150 +/- 22 and 210 +/- 27 nM were obtained after 1, 3 and 5 min, respectively. 3. In the presence of extracellular Ca2+, BK induced a typical biphasic increase in [Ca2+]i with a fast transient phase and a sustained phase. The sustained component was reversed by addition of a bradykinin B2-receptor antagonist (Hoe 140, 10(-6) M) to the buffer as well as by deprivation of Ca2+. The transient phase induced by BK, histamine and carbachol was inhibited in a time-dependent way by preincubation of the cells with thapsigargin. 4. Comparative western blotting of human TSMC membranes using anti-SERCA2 isoform-specific antibodies clearly showed the greater expression of the 100-kDa SERCA2-b isoform compared with the SERCA2-a isoform. 5. Our data show that thapsigargin-sensitive Ca2+ stores contribute significantly to the activation of human TSMC which suggests a role for these stores in the subsequent induction of Ca2+ influx. These stores appear to be controlled by the Ca2+-ATPases (SERCA2-b isoform) which could also participate in the regulation of Ca2+ influx through the plasma membrane.

Calcium responses of isolated, immunocytochemically identified rat pinealocytes to noradrenergic, cholinergic and vasopressinergic stimulations

Calcium responses of isolated rat pineal cells to noradrenergic, cholinergic and vasopressinergic stimulations were recorded by use of the fura-2 technique and an image analysis system. Subsequently the recorded cells were identified as pinealocytes by immunocytochemical demonstration of S-antigen, a pinealocyte-specific marker. S-antigen immunoreactive pinealocytes were shown to respond to norepinephrine stimulation with an elevation of the intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i). This response was dose-dependent and consisted of a rapid increase in [Ca2+]i (primary phase) followed by a decrease to an elevated plateau well above the basal level (secondary phase). The plateau persisted for at least 1 h when cells were constantly exposed to norepinephrine and dropped to basal level upon removal of the stimulus. Analysis of the calcium responses of cells treated with caffeine or thapsigargin suggested that the primary phase reflects mobilization of calcium from inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-sensitive intracellular calcium stores. Depletion of these calcium stores was a decisive and sufficient prerequisite to evoke the secondary phase which was apparently elicited by calcium influx. These data suggest that a capacitative calcium entry is involved in pineal calcium signalling. Acetylcholine induced an increase in [Ca2+]i in rat pinealocytes. Experiments with different cholinergic agonists and antagonists provided evidence that the acetylcholine-induced calcium response was mediated via nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Stimulation of isolated rat pineal cells with arginine-vasopressin caused a rise in [Ca2+]i in approx. 5% of the cells. However, these cells remained unidentified because they contained neither immunoreactive S-antigen nor immunoreactive glial fibrillary acidic protein, a marker for interstitial (glial) cells of the rat pineal organ. Taken together, the results underline the pivotal role of norepinephrine for the regulation of pineal signal transduction, but they also support the notion that other neurotransmitters and neuropeptides are involved in the modulation of pineal calcium signalling.

Different calcium-dependent pathways control fertilisation-triggered glycoside release and the cortical contraction in ascidian eggs

Fertilisation of ascidian eggs induces the rapid release of a cell surface N-acetylglycosaminidase that blocks sperm binding to vitelline coat sperm receptors resulting in a block to polyspermy. Fertilisation also triggers a large contraction of the egg (thus stimulating ooplasmic segregation) that is completed within 5 min of insemination. In eggs of the ascidian Phallusia mammillata, glycosidase release and cortical contractions are blocked by BAPTA-AM [bis-(o-aminophenoxy)-ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid, tetra(acetoxymethyl)-ester], a cell-permeant calcium chelator, indicating that both processes are probably dependent on a rise in intracellular calcium levels. Both glycosidase release and the cortical contraction are induced by treatment of the egg with the protein synthesis inhibitor emetine, while only the glycosidase release is induced by isoproterenol, carbachol or acetylcholine. Previous work with ryanodine demonstrated that ryanodine also caused glycosidase release but not the cortical contraction. Inversely, activation by ionomycin in calcium-free sea water causes cortical contractions but not glycosidase release. Thus the two processes can be activated independently. Dextran-coupled (10 kDa) calcium green-1 injected eggs show an increase in intracellular calcium 30-40 s before the cortical contraction is triggered by fertilisation or ionomycin-induced activation. This confirms previous findings that the cortical contraction is a consequence of the activation calcium wave triggered by the sperm. The extracellular calcium requirement for the glycosidase release suggests that calcium influx may be more important for this phase of egg activation. Thus activation of ascidian eggs appears to involve two independent pathways involving calcium.

The inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor is essential for T-cell receptor signaling

Antigen-specific activation of T lymphocytes, via stimulation of the T-cell antigen receptor (TCR) complex, is marked by a rapid and sustained increase in the concentration of cytoplasmic free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i). It has been suggested that the second messenger inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) produced after TCR stimulation binds to the IP3 receptor (IP3R), an intracellular Ca(2+)-release channel, and triggers the increase in [Ca2+]i that activates transcription of the gene for T-cell growth factor interleukin 2 (IL-2). However, the role of the IP3R in T-cell signaling and possibly in plasma membrane Ca2+ influx in T cells remains unproven. Stable transfection of T cells (Jurkat) with antisense type 1 IP3R cDNA prevented type 1 IP3R expression, providing a tool for dissecting the role of IP3 signaling during T-cell activation. T cells lacking type 1 IP3R failed to increase [Ca2+]i or produce IL-2 after TCR stimulation. Moreover, depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores without TCR activation stimulated Ca2+ influx in cells lacking the type 1 IP3R. These results establish that the type 1 IP3R is required for intracellular Ca2+ release that triggers antigen-specific T-cell proliferation but not for plasma membrane Ca2+ influx.

Clotrimazole inhibits cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo

Cell proliferation is critically dependent on the regulated movement of ions across various cellular compartments. The antimycotic drug clotrimazole (CLT) has been shown to inhibit movement of Ca2+ and K+ across the plasma membrane. Our results show that CLT inhibits the rate of cell proliferation of normal and cancer cell lines in a reversible and dose-dependent manner in vitro. Moreover, CLT depletes the intracellular Ca2+ stores and prevents the rise in cytosolic Ca2+ that normally follows mitogenic stimulation. In mice with severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID) and inoculated intravenously with MM-RU human melanoma cells, daily subcutaneous injections of CLT induced a significant reduction in the number of lung metastases. Modulation of early ionic mitogenic signals and potent inhibition of cell proliferation both in vitro and in vivo are new and potentially useful clinical effects of CLT.

Mechanisms of neurotoxicity: applications to human biomonitoring

Interactions of chemicals with cerebral neurotransmitters, receptors, and second messenger systems are often accompanied by similar changes involving components in non-neural tissues. On this basis, indirect strategies have been developed to investigate neural cell function parameters by methods using accessible cells such as platelets or peripheral blood lymphocytes. The validity of certain surrogate markers of biochemical events occurring in the nervous system has been documented by recent studies in both laboratory animals and humans. Although experience with neurotoxicants is still limited, advantages and limitations of methods using peripheral blood cells as indicators of chemically-induced nervous system changes have been documented by a number of studies in psychopharmacology and biological psychiatry. Applicability of this approach in conventional population studies of environmental chemicals remains to be demonstrated. However, recent data regarding the action of low doses of mercury and organophosphates on receptors and signal transduction pathways in peripheral lymphocytes suggest useful applications of certain surrogate markers in mechanistic studies of neurotoxicity in vivo and, possibly, in assessing early biochemical effects of neurotoxicants in humans.

Oxytocin induced a biphasic increase in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration of porcine myometrial cells: participation of a pertussis toxin-insensitive G-protein, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-sensitive Ca2+ pool, and Ca2+ channels

This study investigated the underlying mechanisms of oxytocin (OT)-induced increases in intracellular Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) in acutely dispersed myometrial cells from prepartum sows. A dose-dependent increase in [Ca2+]i was induced by OT (0.1 nM to 1 microM) in the presence and absence of extracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]e). [Ca2+]i was elevated by OT in a biphasic pattern, with a spike followed by a sustained plateau in the presence of [Ca2+]e. However, in the absence of [Ca2+]e, the [Ca2+]i response to OT became monophasic with a lower amplitude and no plateau, and this monophasic increase was abolished by pretreatment with ionomycin, a Ca2+ ionophore. Administration of OT (1 microM) for 15 sec increased inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) formation by 61%. Pretreatment with pertussis toxin (PTX, 1 microgram/ml) for 2 hr failed to alter the OT-induced increase in [Ca2+]i and IP3 formation. U-73122 (30 nM to 3 microM), a phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor, depressed the rise in [Ca2+]i by OT dose dependently. U-73122 (3 microM) also abolished the OT-induced IP3 formation. Thapsigargin (2 microM), an inhibitor of Ca(2+)-ATPase in the endoplasmic reticulum, did not increase [Ca2+]i. However, it did time-dependently inhibit the OT-induced increase in [Ca2+]i. Nimodipine (1 microM), a voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel (VDCC) blocker, inhibited the OT-induced plateau by 26%. La3+ (1 mM), a nonspecific Ca2+ channel blocker, abrogated the OT-induced plateau. In whole-cell patch-clamp studies used to evaluate VDCC activities, OT (0.1 microM) increased Ca2+ current (ICa) by 40% with no apparent changes in the current-voltage relationship.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Lysophosphatidic acid induces inositol phosphate and calcium signals in exocrine cells from the avian nasal salt gland

We tested lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) known to induce inositol phosphate generation and calcium signals as well as rearrangements of the cytoskeleton and mitogenic responses in fibroblasts, for its ability to activate phospholipase C in an exocrine cell system, the salt-secreting cells from the avian nasal salt gland. LPA (> 10 nmol/l) caused the generation of inositol phosphates from membrane-bound phosphatidylinositides. The resulting calcium signals resembled those generated upon activation of muscarinic receptors, the physiological stimulus triggering salt secretion in these cells. However, close examination of the LPA-mediated calcium signals revealed that the initial calcium spike induced by high concentrations of LPA (> 10 mumol/l) may contain a component that is not dependent upon generation of inositol (1,4,5)-trisphosphate (Ins(1,4,5)P3) and may result from calcium influx from the extracellular medium induced by LPA in a direct manner. Low concentrations of LPA (< 10 mumol/l), however, induce inositol phosphate generation, Ins(1,4,5)P3-mediated release of calcium from intracellular pools and calcium entry. These effects seem to be mediated by a specific plasma membrane receptor and a G protein transducing the signal to phospholipase C in a pertussis-toxin-insensitive manner. Signaling pathways of the muscarinic receptor and the putative LPA-receptor seem to merge at the G-protein level as indicated by the fact that carbachol and LPA trigger hydrolysis of the same pool of phosphatidylinositol (4,5)-bisphosphate (PIP2) and mobilize calcium from the same intracellular stores.

Vasopressin induces frequency-modulated repetitive calcium transients in single insulin-secreting hit cells

Ca2+ is central to the stimulation of insulin secretion from pancreatic beta-cells. Arginine-vasopressin (AVP) may participate in the modulation of insulin release. In the present study, the AVP-induced changes in cytosolic free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) were investigated in single fura-2 loaded insulin-secreting HIT cells. Stimulation with AVP (0.1-5 nM) caused repetitive Ca2+ transients. The frequency but not the amplitude of the Ca2+ transients was modulated by the concentration of AVP. High concentrations of AVP (10-100 nM) triggered a biphasic rise in [Ca2+]i. In Ca(2+)-free medium AVP caused only one or two Ca2+ transients. Withdrawal of extracellular Ca2+ rapidly abolished the AVP-induced Ca2+ transients in all cells tested. The Ca2+ channel blocker, verapamil (50 microM), reduced amplitude and frequency of the Ca2+ transients by about 25% and 60%, respectively, and terminated the Ca2+ transients in 2 of 6 cells. When HIT cells were incubated in Ca(2+)-free medium, and extracellular Ca2+ was restored, there was a small increase in [Ca2+]i. If, however, the agonist-sensitive Ca2+ pool was functionally depleted by repetitive stimulation with high concentrations of AVP or thapsigargin in Ca(2+)-free medium before extracellular Ca2+ was restored, an agonist-independent increase in [Ca2+]i was observed, which was transiently larger than in the control cells, and was mainly preserved in the presence of verapamil. Thus, depletion of the agonist-sensitive Ca2+ pool enhances the influx of extracellular Ca2+ through a Ca2+ entry mechanism independent from verapamil-sensitive voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels (VDCC).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Model for external influences on cellular signal transduction pathways including cytosolic calcium oscillations

Experiments on the effects of extremely-low-frequency (ELF) electric and magnetic fields on cells of the immune system, T-lymphocytes in particular, suggest that the external field interacts with the cell at the level of intracellular signal transduction pathways. These are directly connected with changes in the calcium-signaling processes of the cell. Based on these findings, a theoretical model for receptor-controlled cytosolic calcium oscillations and for external influences on the signal transduction pathway is presented. We discuss the possibility that the external field acts on the kinetics of the signal transduction between the activated receptors at the cell membrane and the G-proteins. It is shown that, depending on the specific combination of cell internal biochemical and external physical parameters, entirely different responses of the cell can occur. We compare the effects of a coherent (periodic) modulation and of incoherent perturbations (noise). The model and the calculations are based on the theory of self-sustained, nonlinear oscillators. It is argued that these systems form an ideal basis for information-encoding processes in biological systems.

Receptor occupancy regulates Ca2+ entry and intracellular Ca2+ redistribution in activated human platelets

Fura-2-loaded human platelets were used to study Ca2+ release from intracellular compartments, as well as Ca2+ influx from the extracellular space. We investigated the response towards the endoperoxide/thromboxane-receptor agonist. U46619, and the inhibitor of the endoplasmic-reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase, thapsigargin. U46619 dose-dependently depleted intracellular Ca2+ stores, followed by active sequestration of released Ca2+. Ca2+ influx induced by U46619 largely relies on receptor occupancy. Removing the thromboxane analogue from its receptor by using the endoperoxide/thromboxane-receptor antagonist BM 13177 largely blunted U46619-mediated Ca2+ influx. The Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitor thapsigargin evoked a gradual rise in intracellular Ca2+, which was potentiated by a preceding activation of platelets with the receptor agonist U46619. This agonist-sensitizing effect also depends on receptor occupancy. Removing U46619 from its receptor by addition of the endoperoxide/thromboxane-receptor antagonist BM13177 suppressed the sensitizing effect completely. Furthermore, interrupting downstream receptor signalling events by raising intracellular levels of cyclic nucleotides (cyclic AMP, cyclic GMP) again suppressed the U46619-sensitizing effect on thapsigargin-induced Ca2+ release. This study indicates that the process of Ca2+ release followed by resequestration in response to a platelet agonist by its own is not sufficient to produce the sensitizing effect. Rather, a continuously occupied receptor triggering sustained downstream signalling events seems to be required for sensitization. The presence of a receptor agonist may induce an increased cycling of Ca2+ between the agonist-responsive and the thapsigargin-dischargeable compartment, leading to faster and more intense accumulation of Ca2+ in the cytosolic compartment after inhibition of the Ca(2+) ATPase. Suggestively, receptor occupancy increases the Ca(2+)-releasing potency of thapsigargin by coupling the thapsigargin-sensitive Ca(2+)-storing compartments with an agonist-responsive compartment that exhibits a high leakage rate in stimulated platelets.

Antigen and thapsigargin promote influx of Ca2+ in rat basophilic RBL-2H3 cells by ostensibly similar mechanisms that allow filling of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-sensitive and mitochondrial Ca2+ stores

In single, Fura 2-loaded RBL-2H3 cells, antigen and thapsigargin depleted the same intracellular pool of Ca2+ in the absence of external Ca2+; provision of external Ca2+ induced immediate increases in levels of free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i). These increases were dependent on the presence of external Ca2+ and, presumably, on influx of Ca2+ across the cell membrane. Both stimulants enhanced intracellular accumulation of 45Ca2+ through ostensibly similar mechanisms because accumulation was blocked to similar extents by various multivalent cations or by depolarization with K+. Because thapsigargin blocked reuptake of Ca2+ into inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate sensitive stores, uptake occurred independently of the refilling of these stores. Uptake was dependent instead on sequestration of 45Ca2+ in a pool of high capacity that was insensitive to thapsigargin, caffeine, GTP and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate but sensitive to ionomycin and mitochondrial inhibitors. The existence of an inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-insensitive pool was also apparent in permeabilized cells; at 0.1 microM [Ca2+]i, uptake of 45Ca2+ was largely confined (> 80%) to the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-sensitive pool, but at 2 microM [Ca2+]i uptake was largely (> 60%) into the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-insensitive pool. Provision of mitochondrial inhibitors along with thapsigargin to block uptake into both pools, did not impair the thapsigargin-induced increase in [Ca2+]i or influx of Ca2+, as indicated by changes in Fura 2 fluorescence, but did block the intracellular accumulation of 45Ca2+. The studies illustrate the utility of simultaneous measurements of [Ca2+]i and 45Ca2+ uptake for a full accounting of Ca2+ homoeostasis as exemplified by the ability to distinguish between influx and mitochondrial uptake of Ca2+.

Capacitative Ca2+ influx in adrenal glomerulosa cells: possible role in angiotensin II response

We examined the effect of the depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores on Ca2+ influx in rat glomerulosa cells. Depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores was achieved by inhibiting sarco/endoplasmic reticulumtype Ca(2+)-ATPase with thapsigargin or 2,5,di-(t-butyl)-1,4-benzohydroquinone (t-BHQ). Both inhibitors induced a sustained rise in cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration. The initial rise was observed also in Ca(2+)-free medium, while the sustained phase disappeared, indicating that the latter requires Ca2+ influx. In Ca(2+)-free medium, the readdition of Ca2+ induced a steeper and higher rise in intracellular Ca2+ concentration in thapsigargin-treated cells than in controls, supporting the role of Ca2+ influx. In normal medium, the addition of Cd2+ (80 microM) evoked an immediate inhibition of the sustained phase of thapsigargin response. The response to thapsigargin was insensitive to nifedipine. Thapsigargin failed to enhance Mn2+ quenching of fura 2. Our results provide evidence for the existence of capacitative Ca2+ influx in rat glomerulosa cells and indicate that dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca2+ channels do not participate in capacitative Ca2+ entry. High concentrations of thapsigargin and t-BHQ, similar to the reported effects of angiotensin II and vasopressin, inhibited K(+)-induced Ca2+ signals. These effects appear, however, to be independent of the depletion of internal Ca2+ stores.

Effect of extracellular ATP on breast tumor cell growth, implication of intracellular calcium

We studied the effects of purine nucleotides and particularly adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in two (one hormonosensitive, MCF7 and one hormonoinsensitive, MDA-MB 231) human breast tumor cell lines. As described in other cells, we observed that purine nucleotides produced transient elevations in intracellular calcium ions, [Ca2+]i, in both types of cells as determined from Indo-1 fluorescence of loaded cells. In the absence of external calcium the [Ca2+]i transients consisted of single narrow peaks while an extension of peak duration along with a biphasic appearance were observed in the presence of external calcium. The potency of different purine nucleotides in elevating [Ca2+]i was ATP > ADP >> AMP > adenosine (which was inefficient) proving the presence of P2 purinergic receptor subtypes. Suramin, a compound known to compete with ATP for its binding sites, nearly abolished the effect of ATP on [Ca2+]i increase. while verapamil, a calcium channel blocker, was unable to abolish such an an ATP-induced [Ca2+]i increase. The concentrations of ATP required to increase [Ca2%bdi ranged from 10(-7) M to 10(-3) M, the maximal effect being obtained with 10(-4) M ATP. At this latter concentration, ATP induced cell growth inhibition which was dose-independent as triggered only when maximal elevation of [Ca2+]i was attained. This ATP concentration also induced maximal apoptotic features in both types of cells. Together, our results highlighted an 'all or none' effect of ATP on breast tumor cell growth mediated by its effect on [Ca2+]i liberation from intracellular stores, the first rise of [Ca2+]i being further amplified by an influx of calcium from extracellular space. The attainment of sufficient [Ca2+]i level then triggers cellular events.

Calcium wave propagation in the giant axon of the earthworm

We examined a spatio-temporal pattern of intracellular free Ca2+ concentration in the giant axons of the earthworm, Eisenia foetida, with a fluorescent imaging technique using conforcal laser-scanning microscope and calcium indicator. 'Calcium Green 1'. Electrical tetanic stimulation applied to the nerve cord induced calcium waves along the giant axon. The calcium waves propagated both anteriorly and posteriorly with various speeds, and sometimes were split into several waves with different velocities. The results suggest that some types of calcium-releasing mechanisms may be associated with the calcium wave propagation.

Intracellular free Ca2+ in dissociated cells of the chick pineal gland: regulation by membrane depolarization, second messengers and neuromodulators, and evidence for release of intracellular Ca2+ stores

The regulation of intracellular free Ca2+ concentration was examined in single dissociated chick pineal cells using the fura-2 technique. Approximately 10% of cells examined exhibited spontaneous Ca2+ oscillations while the rest were quiescent. Application of salines containing 80 mM KCl evoked large increases in intracellular free Ca2+ that were dependent upon external Ca2+ ions. These responses were inhibited by 10 microM nifedipine indicating involvement of L-type Ca2+ channels. Application of the tumor promoter thapsigargin (2 microM) evoked increases in intracellular free Ca2+. These responses could be observed in the absence of external Ca2+ indicating mobilization of internal stores. In the absence of external Ca2+, the responses to thapsigargin gradually decayed due to depletion of internal Ca2+ pools. A subsequent exposure to saline containing 5.8 mM CaCl2 caused a rapid increase in intracellular Ca2+ that was consistently larger than the peak response to thapsigargin. Application of 100 nM vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), a neurohormone that stimulates melatonin secretion from pineal cells, induced a sustained increase in intracellular free Ca2+ in a subpopulation of cells. In a small number of cells, VIP evoked Ca2+ oscillations. Approximately half of the cells examined showed no response to VIP. Application of 200 microM norepinephrine, which inhibits melatonin secretion from the chick pineal, had no effect on intracellular free Ca2+ in any quiescent or spontaneously oscillating cells. Application of 5 mM 8-Br-cAMP evoked sustained increases in intracellular Ca2+. Similar effects were obtained with the phosphodiesterase inhibitors papaverine (50 microM) or isobutylmethylxanthine (100 microM). Application of 200 nM forskolin, an activator of adenylate cyclase, evoked increases in intracellular free Ca2+ that could be detected in the presence of 10 microM nifedipine. The responses to forskolin gradually decayed in Ca(2+)-free external salines due to depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores. Subsequent exposure to external Ca2+ caused a rapidly developing increase in intracellular Ca2+ that was larger than the peak response to forskolin. These results indicate that the regulation of intracellular free Ca2+ in chick pineal cells is complex. These cells exhibit Ca2+ oscillations and can mobilize both external and internal Ca2+ pools. Agents that increase intracellular cAMP cause mobilization of internal Ca2+ stores, possibly secondary to effects on other second messenger systems. Chick pineal cells, like many other cell types, possess mechanisms to allow for refilling of depleted internal Ca2+ stores. These results suggest new mechanisms for the regulation of melatonin synthesis and secretion and possible sites of action for the intrinsic circadian oscillator.

Differential effects of carbachol on calcium entry and release in CHO cells expressing the m3 muscarinic receptor

Calcium signalling was examined in CHO-k1 cells that stably express the m3 subtype of the muscarinic receptor. The calcium indicator Fura-2 was retained in these cells only in the presence of probenecid (1 mM), suggesting that Fura-2 efflux was mediated by an organic anion transporter. The addition of carbachol (CCh) to Fura-2 loaded cells in suspension caused a rapid transient increase in intracellular calcium [Ca]i followed by a smaller sustained plateau phase. The transient rise in [Ca]i was dose-dependent with a threshold response of 89 +/- 18 nM above baseline with 10 nM CCh and a maximum stimulation of 734 +/- 46 nM with 10 microM CCh. This phase was accompanied by a similar dose-dependent stimulation of total inositol phosphate production and was assumed to be generated by release from intracellular stores of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The sustained increase in [Ca]i was generated by entry from the extracellular bath since it was blocked by pretreatment with La3+ (1 microM) and was absent when bath calcium was chelated with EGTA. This phase was not dependent on CCh dose, and a stimulation of [Ca]i of approximately 90 nM above baseline was observed with CCh concentrations between 50 nM and 10 microM. With this dose range, the rate of Mn2+ quenching of Fura-2 at the Ca-insensitive excitation wavelength of 360 nm was likewise maximally stimulated. At lower CCh concentrations (10-50 nM), it was clear that the activation of Ca entry could not be dissociated from a threshold release of Ca from intracellular stores. The phorbol ester PMA, which uncouples the muscarinic receptor from phospholipase C, reduced the transient rise in [Ca]i by approximately 50% with little or no effect on Ca entry at higher CCh levels (> or = 1 microM). At lower CCh concentrations (< or = 100 nM) however, pretreatment with PMA completely blocked all Ca mobilization and supports the contention that Ca entry is coupled to Ca release from stores or to store depletion. The emptying of inositol trisphosphate-sensitive stores with thapsigargin (10 nM) stimulated Ca entry and also the rate of Mn2+ quenching. Store depletion by incubation in Ca-free media likewise stimulated Mn2+ uptake without a rise in [Ca]i. Our data are therefore consistent with a 'capacitative' coupling model, whereby the activation of the plasma membrane receptor leads to an InsP3-induced change in the degree of filling of the ER Ca pool.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Pharmacology of a Ca(2+)-influx pathway activated by emptying the intracellular Ca2+ stores in HL-60 cells: evidence that a cytochrome P-450 is not involved

In HL-60 cells, inhibition of the endoplasmic-reticular Ca2+ pump by thapsigargin leads to the emptying of this intracellular Ca2+ store and a subsequent activation of plasma-membrane Ca2+ influx through a non-voltage-dependent pathway. The elevated intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) produced and maintained by this Ca2+ inflow was used to examine the potency of various compounds to inhibit this influx mechanism. As expected, specific blockers of known Ca2+ channels, such as nifedipine, omega-conotoxin GVIA and ryanodine were without effect. The less selective inhibitors La3+, SKF-96365 and L-651,582, which are thought to inhibit both voltage-dependent and voltage-independent Ca2+ channels, decreased [Ca2+]i back to resting levels, with pIC50 values of 5.2, 5.9 and 6.2 respectively. It has been proposed that a cytochrome P-450 is involved in activating Ca(2+)-influx pathways in thymocytes, neutrophils and platelets. Consistent with this idea, the imidazole cytochrome P-450 inhibitors miconazole, econazole, clotrimazole and ketoconazole inhibited the thapsigargin-elevated [Ca2+]i with pIC50 values of 7.1, 7.1, 7.1 and 5.8 respectively. The high affinity of imidazoles for cytochromes P-450 is due to co-ordinate binding to the haem. This interaction is greatly decreased in 2-substituted imidazoles. We examined whether the inhibition of Ca2+ influx was due to an interaction of the inhibitor imidazole nitrogen with the haem iron of the putative cytochrome P-450 by comparing the activity of two compounds, identical except that one was methylated at the imidazole 2-position. They were found to block thapsigargin-activated Ca2+ influx with equal potency. These results strongly suggest that a cytochrome P-450 is not involved in the activation of the Ca2+ influx produced by emptying the intracellular Ca2+ stores.

Molecular tuning of ion binding to calcium signaling proteins

Intracellular calcium plays an essential role in the transduction of most hormonal, neuronal, visual, and muscle stimuli. (Recent reviews include Putney, 1993; Berridge, 1993a,b; Tsunoda, 1993; Gnegy, 1993; Bachset al.1992; Hanson & Schulman, 1992; Villereal & Byron, 1992; Premack & Gardner, 1992; Meanset al.1991).

Caffeine inhibits cytosolic calcium oscillations induced by noradrenaline and vasopressin in rat hepatocytes

The effects of caffeine on agonist-induced changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) were studied in single fura 2-loaded cells and suspensions of rat hepatocytes. In single cells, caffeine (5-10 mM) inhibited [Ca2+]i oscillations induced both by noradrenaline (0.1 microM) and by vasopressin (0.1 nM). Caffeine shifted the dose-response curves of the [Ca2+]i rise induced by vasopressin (0.5 to 2 nM) and noradrenaline (from 80 to 580 nM) in suspensions of liver cells loaded with quin2. This inhibitory effect of caffeine was not due to inhibition of phosphodiesterase enzymes and elevation of cyclic AMP levels, because application of 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, forskolin or 8-bromo cyclic AMP had no inhibitory effect on the intracellular Ca2+ rise induced by inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3)-dependent agonists. We demonstrate that the inhibitory effect of caffeine may result from at least three actions of caffeine: (1) inhibition of receptor-stimulated InsP3 formation; (2) inhibition of agonist-stimulated Ca2+ influx; and (3) direct inhibition of the InsP3-sensitive Ca(2+)-release channel.

Role of ryanodine receptors

Recent findings on the ryanodine receptor of vertebrates, a Ca-release channel protein for the caffeine- and ryanodine-sensitive Ca pools, are reviewed in this article. Three distinct genes, i.e., ryr1, ryr2, and ryr3, express different isoforms in specific locations: Ryr1 in skeletal muscle and Purkinje cells of cerebellum; Ryr2 in cardiac muscle and brain, especially cerebellum; Ryr3 in skeletal muscle of nonmammalian vertebrates, the corpus striatum, and limbic cortex of brain, smooth muscles, and the other cells in vertebrates. While only one isoform (Ryr1) is expressed in mammalian skeletal muscles, two isoforms (alpha- and beta-isoforms expressed by ryr1 and ryr3, respectively) are found in nonmammalian vertebrate skeletal muscles. Although the coexistence of two isoforms may merely be related to differentiation and specialization, the biological significance remains to be clarified. Ryanodine receptors in vertebrate skeletal muscles are believed to mediate two different modes of Ca release: Ca(2+)-induced Ca release and action potential-induced Ca release. All results obtained so far with any isoform of ryanodine receptor are related to Ca(2+)-induced Ca release and show very similar characteristics. Ca(2+)-induced Ca release, however, cannot be the underlying mechanism of Ca release on skeletal muscle activation. Susceptibility of the ryanodine receptor's ryanodine-binding activity to modification by physical factors, such as osmolality of the medium, might be related to action potential-induced Ca release. A hypothesis of molecular interaction in view of the plunger model of action potential-induced Ca release is discussed, suggesting that the model could be compatible with Ryr1 and Ryr3, but incompatible with Ryr2. The functional relevance of ryanodine receptor isoforms, especially Ryr3, in brain also remains to be clarified. Among ryr1 gene-related diseases, malignant hyperthermia was the first to be identified; however, there is still the possibility of involvement of the other genes. Central core disease has been added to the list recently. A molecular approach for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases is now in progress.