Relationships between calcium and cyclic nucleotides in cell activation

Influence of inorganic phosphate on glucose-induced insulin release in vitro

The effect of various extracellular phosphate concentrations on glucose induced insulin secretion has been investigated in two experimental systems the isolated perfused rat pancreas and the isolated rat pancreatic islets incubated in vitro. In both systems, total insulin secretion in response to 16.7 mmol/l glucose increased as extracellular phosphate concentration increased from 0 to 3.6 mmol/l. In perfusion experiments insulin secretion was significantly reduced at 4.8 mmol/l phosphate. In incubation experiments insulin secretion was inhibited only at 9.6 mmol/l phosphate concentration. When IBMX 1 mmol/l was used in incubation experiments glucose induced insulin secretion increased as extracellular phosphate increased from 0 to 3.6 mmol/l, but was also inhibited at 4.8 mmol/l.

Calcium blocker diltiazem inhibits platelet activation and stimulates vascular prostacyclin synthesis

The effects of slow channel calcium blocker diltiazem on platelet aggregation and on the generation of vasoactive prostanoids, thromboxane A2 and prostacyclin were examined. Diltiazem, in therapeutic concentrations (50-200 ng/ml), inhibited human platelet activation induced by cumulative subthreshold concentrations of calcium ionophore A 23187 plus ADP or epinephrine. However, platelet activation induced by cumulative effects of ADP plus epinephrine was inhibited by diltiazem only in very high concentrations (greater than 5 micrograms/ml). These data indicate that platelet aggregation mediated only through calcium flux is inhibited by diltiazem in therapeutic concentrations. In other experiments, diltiazem significantly potentiated prostacyclin release from human umbilical veins. These effects of diltiazem may contribute to efficacy of this compound in ischemic heart disease.

Comparative structural analysis of calmodulins from Trypanosoma brucei, T. congolense, T. vivax, Tetrahymena thermophila and bovine brain

Calmodulin is an intracellular calcium receptor protein utilized extensively by eukaryotic cells to mediate responsiveness to calcium signals. The present study evaluates the effects on protein structure of amino acid substitutions in trypanosome calmodulin. Calmodulin conformation, hydrophobicity and antigenic determinants are compared among Trypanosoma brucei, Trypanosoma congolense, Trypanosoma vivax, Tetrahymena thermophila and bovine brain. Trypanosome calmodulin differs from brain and Tetrahymena calmodulins based upon isoelectric point, retention time on a C-2/C-18 reverse phase column and interaction with polyclonal antibodies against trypanosome calmodulin by radioimmunoassay or Western procedures. These same analyses do not distinguish trypanosome calmodulins from each other. Polyclonal antibodies against Tetrahymena calmodulin are equally specific and do not recognize the trypanosome or brain calmodulins. Calcium-induced exposure of hydrophobic binding sites are quantitated using the fluorescent probe, N-phenyl-1-naphthylamine. All calmodulins, regardless of source, enhance the fluorescence of N-phenyl-1-naphthylamine 3-4 fold in the presence of calcium. These data demonstrate the extent to which functional calmodulins vary in their structures. We conclude that African trypanosomes share a common calmodulin that is structurally distinct from calmodulin of vertebrates or Tetrahymena.

Association of increased polyamine levels with isoproterenol-stimulated mucin secretion in the rat submandibular gland

Incubation of rat submandibular gland slices with 50 microM isoproterenol for 10-40 min stimulated mucin secretion and induced a 3- to 4-fold increase in tissue concentrations of the polyamines putrescine, spermidine and spermine. alpha-Difluoromethylornithine, a specific inhibitor of ornithine decarboxylase, suppressed the isoproterenol-induced increase in submandibular polyamines and inhibited mucin secretion. Exogenous putrescine restored tissue polyamine levels and partially reversed the inhibitory effect of alpha-difluoromethylornithine on mucin secretion. Rapid increases in polyamine levels appear to mediate isoproterenol-stimulated mucin secretion in the rat submandibular gland.

Surface charge of mammalian neurones as revealed by microelectrophoresis

The surface charge of isolated rat dorsal root ganglion neurones was studied by microelectrophoresis technique. The increase of Ca concentration caused greater reduction of the electrophoretic mobility compared to that produced by an equivalent amount of divalent organic cations, dimethonium or hexamethonium. No charge reversal for Ca concentrations up to 80 mM was observed. These data fit the suggestion that two anion groups of the outer membrane surface can bind one Ca ion with apparent binding constant of about 50 M-1. In solutions of low pH the electrophoretic mobility of cells decreased corresponding to titration of acidic groups with apparent pK = 4.2. Trypsin treatment in mild conditions markedly reduced the surface charge; however, neuraminidase and hyaluronidase did not change it. N-bromosuccinimide (a specific reagent for carboxylic groups of proteins) decreased the electrophoretic mobility about 60%. However, no increase of the surface charge after the action of specific reagents for amino groups (2,4,6-trinitrobenzene-sulfonic acid and maleic anhydride) was observed. It was shown that the surface charge depends also on the intracellular metabolism. If 1 mM dibutyryl cAMP or theophilline was added to the culture medium (thus, raising the concentration of cAMP inside the cell) the surface charge increased. This effect developed slowly and reached its maximum on the third day of incubation. Treatment of cells by 5 mM tolbutamide (an inhibitor of some protein kinases) did not change cell mobility. Addition of 5 mM N-ethylmaleimide (an inhibitor of adenylate cyclase) to the culture medium produced some decrease of the surface charge.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Diphenylhydantoin inhibits parathyroid hormone and prostaglandin E2-stimulated bone resorption in mouse calvaria without affecting cyclic AMP formation

The effect of diphenylhydantoin (DPH) on mouse calvarial bone metabolism was studied in vitro. DPH caused a dose-dependent, reversible inhibition of PTH and PGE2-stimulated bone resorption at concentrations above 20-30 micrograms/ml without affecting cyclic AMP formation. The inhibition was observed already after 60 min and was accompanied by a reduced release of the lysosomal enzymes beta-glucuronidase and beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase. The calcium antagonist Verapamil had similar effects on bone resorption and lysosomal enzyme release and it is suggested that DPH influences bone resorption by interfering with calcium fluxes across osteoclastic cell membranes resulting in low intracellular calcium levels and reduced exocytotic processes.

Effects of trifluoperazine and verapamil on the hydro-osmotic response to antidiuretic hormone in the urinary bladder of the toad

To investigate the role of the intracellular calcium-calmodulin complex in the hydro-osmotic response to antidiuretic hormone (ADH), the effects of trifluoperazine (TFP), a well-established inhibitor of calmodulin-mediated functions, and of verapamil (V), a calcium entry blocker, were examined in the urinary bladder of the toad, a model for the late distal tubule and the collecting duct of the mammalian nephron. Preincubation of the hemibladders with TFP at serosal concentrations of 10(-5) and 10(-4) M was without effect on basal water flow but markedly reduced the maximal hydroosmotic response to ADH (50 mU/ml) in a dose-dependent manner as compared to control hemibladders (23.60 +/- 1.23 vs. 42.17 +/- 4.18 mg/min per hemibladder (10(-5) M TFP) and 5.43 +/- 0.59 vs. 52.50 +/- 4.67 mg/min per hemibladder (10(-4) M TFP). This inhibitory effect of TFP on the ADH-stimulated osmotic water flow persisted in the presence of naproxen (10(-5) M), a known inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis. The hydro-osmotic response to cyclic adenosine 3',5' monophosphate (cAMP, 10(-3) M) was also significantly reduced in TFP-pretreated tissues (11.68 +/- 1.84 vs. 32.83 +/- 3.14 mg/min per hemibladder), suggesting a post-cAMP inhibitory effect of TFP. V (10(-4) M) had no effect on basal water flow but significantly reduced the hydro-osmotic effect of 50 mU/ml ADH (15.17 +/- 1.05 vs. 38.00 +/- 3.39 mg/min per hemibladder). In contrast, cAMP-stimulated osmotic water flow was significantly stimulated in V-treated tissues (48.07 +/- 1.95 vs. 27.13 +/- 1.50 mg/min per hemibladder).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Diacylglycerol-activated, calcium/phospholipid-dependent protein kinase (protein kinase C) activity in bovine thyroid

Bovine thyroid 100,000 X g supernatant contained diacylglycerol-activated, calcium/phospholipid-dependent protein kinase (protein kinase C). The protein kinase C was partially purified using ion-exchange chromatography and characterized. Substrate specificity studies revealed that the enzyme was most active when histone F1 was used as substrate. The thyroid protein kinase C was not stimulated by Ca2+ or phosphatidylserine (PS), but was stimulated by the combination of the two by 570%. Diolein stimulated the kinase by increasing its sensitivity to Ca2+. Other phospholipids could not substitute for PS and were ineffective in stimulating the protein kinase C in the absence of diolein. However, in the presence of diolein some of the other phospholipids were stimulatory albeit not to the extent of PS. Quercitin, a protein kinase C inhibitor in other systems, inhibited the thyroid enzyme in a dose-related manner. Protein kinase C could also be demonstrated using endogenous thyroid proteins as substrate. Separation of these 32P-labelled proteins by electrophoresis and subsequent autoradiography revealed that three proteins were phosphorylated by the protein kinase C of approximate molecular weights 60,000, 45,000, and less than 29,000. These results offer a possible mechanism by which Ca2+ and/or diacylglycerol effects may be mediated in thyroid.

Calcium-dependent interactions of an ionophore A23187 with calmodulin

We found that ionophore A23187 interacted reversibly with calmodulin (CaM), in a calcium-dependent fashion. It was found that A23187 interacts selectively with CaM, among calcium binding proteins (such as troponin C and S-100 protein) and other proteins. However, apparently differing from W-7, A23187 did not suppress CaM-dependent enzyme activity such as myosin light chain kinase and Ca2+-dependent cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase. Our observations suggest that there are novel calcium-dependent regions of CaM which can be monitored using ionophore A23187 and may not be related to enzyme activation.

In vitro dopamine biosynthesis in the median eminence of rat hypothalamic slices: possible involvement of a Na+-Ca2+ exchange mechanism

Equimolar replacement of Na+ in medium with choline chloride or sucrose and experimental manipulations known to increase [Na+]i, such as ouabain addition and K+ deprivation from medium, caused a marked increase in in vitro DOPA synthesis in the median eminence of rat hypothalamic slices in a Ca2+-dependent manner. These results suggest that a Na+-Ca2+ exchange mechanism is closely involved in the regulation of dopamine biosynthesis in tuberoinfundibular neurons.

Characterization of interaction between Tb3+ and porcine intestinal brush-border membranes

Effects of ionic strength and temperature on the interaction between Tb3+ and porcine intestinal brush-border membrane vesicles were studied. When Tb3+ was added to the vesicle suspension, Tb3+ fluorescence increased with increasing concentration of Tb3+, showing a saturation. The apparent dissociation constant of one of at least two components of this binding reaction was estimated to be about 12.5 microM at 25 degrees C, pH 7.4. But the affinity of Tb3+ for the membrane vesicles was variable with changes of ionic strength and temperature. The affinity was lowered by addition of KCl to medium and by increase of temperature above 30 degrees C. In addition, temperature-induced change in the affinity of Tb3+ for the membranes was reversible over a temperature range from 13 to 46 degrees C. Temperature-dependence profiles of the excimer formation efficiency of pyrene-labeled membranes and of the harmonic mean of the rotational relaxation times of pyrene molecules in the membranes revealed that the phase transition of the membrane lipids occurs at about 30 degrees C. Based on these results, characteristics of Tb3+ binding to the membranes are discussed in relation to the nature of lipid phase and surface charges of the membranes.

Effect of pentobarbital dependence on adenylate cyclase activity and calmodulin levels in rat cerebral cortex

The effect of calcium (Ca2+) on the adenylate cyclase activity and calmodulin level of cerebral cortex was determined in pentobarbital dependent rats and age matched controls. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were made dependent and maintained on pentobarbital by eating a mixture of pentobarbital and rat chow (350 mg pentobarbital/30 g chow). Ca2+ activated then inhibited the adenylate cyclase activity associated with a 20,000 X g particulate fraction from pentobarbital dependent and age matched control rats. The values for one-half maximal stimulation and inhibition by Ca2+ did not differ significantly in either cortical preparation. However, the ability of Ca2+ to activate adenylate cyclase from pentobarbital dependent animals was significantly decreased (p less than 0.05) when compared to control animals. Pentobarbital (10(-4) - 10(-3) added to particulate fractions from naive control rats did not alter the ability of Ca2+ to activate adenylate cyclase. The calmodulin levels in the particulate fraction from pentobarbital dependent animals (30.2 +/- 6.7 ng calmodulin/mg protein) did not differ significantly when compared to control (33.0 +/- 4.7 ng/mg). By contrast, the calmodulin levels (37.9 +/- 5.9 ng/mg) in the 20,000 X g supernatant from cortex of pentobarbital dependent animals was significantly greater than the level in the supernatant from control animals (28.6 +/- 2.6 ng/mg). The ability of forskolin, dopamine, GTP or forskolin plus GTP (all at a concentration of 100 microM) to activate adenylate cyclase was significantly decreased in particulate preparations from pentobarbital dependent animals. In summary, our data show that alterations in calmodulin levels and a decreased responsivity of adenylate cyclase occur in animals physically dependent on pentobarbital.

Ultrastructural localization of the calcium-binding protein parvalbumin in neurons of the song system of the zebra finch, Poephila guttata

The distribution of parvalbumin (PV) within neurons of the vocal motor nucleus hyperstriatum ventralepars caudalis (HVc) was investigated in the forebrain of adult male zebra finches by means of light and electron microscopy using the indirect immunoperoxidase technique. Parvalbumin-reaction product was located in the amorphous material of perikarya, dendrites and nuclei, and associated to microtubuli, postsynaptic densities and intracellular membranes; it was found in some axons and Gray type-2 boutons, but rarely in type-1 boutons and never in the Golgi apparatus. These observations suggest that parvalbumin may regulate calcium-dependent processes at the postsynaptic membrane and in the cytosol. Furthermore, the partial association of parvalbumin to microtubuli points to an involvement in calcium-dependent tubular functions. Calcium currents and microtubular assembly or transport may be relevant for the known functions of HVc in song learning.

Histochemical and cytochemical demonstration of Ca++-ATPase activity in the stellate cells of the adenohypophysis of the guinea pig

The histo- and cytochemical localization of Ca++-ATPase activity in the adenohypophysis of the guinea pig was studied utilizing a newly developed method (Ando et al. 1981). An intense reaction was observed in the wall of the blood vessels and between non-secretory cells (stellate cells) and endocrine cells of the pars distalis. Under the electron microscope the Ca++-ATPase reaction product was located extracellularly in relation to the plasmalemma of the stellate cells. This reaction was dependent on Ca++ and the substrate, ATP, and reduced by the addition of 0,1 mM quercetin to the standard incubation medium. Preheating of the sections before incubation completely inhibited the enzyme activity. When Mg++ in different concentrations were substituted for Ca++ in the incubation medium the reaction was always reduced. Both Ca++ and Mg++ in the incubation medium also reduced the reaction. The plasmalemma of the endocrine cells contains no demonstrable amount of Ca++-ATPase activity. The function of the Ca++-ATPase activity is discussed in relation to the regulation of the extracellular Ca++ concentration which seems to be important with respect not only to the secretory process of the endocrine cells but also to the metabolism of the adenohypophysis.

Characterization of a calcium-dependent ATPase in Entamoeba invadens

A high-affinity calcium-dependent ATPase (Ca2+-ATPase) was identified in a crude plasma membrane fraction from Entamoeba invadens (IP-1 strain). The Ca2+-ATPase activity was solubilized from the membrane by utilizing the non-ionic detergent octylglucoside. The activity had an apparent half maximal saturation constant of 0.4 +/- 0.05 microM for free calcium. The calcium activation of ATPase activity followed a cooperative mechanism (Hill number of 2.3 +/- 0.13) which suggests that two interacting sites were involved. The high-affinity Ca2+-ATPase appeared to be magnesium-independent, since by lowering contaminant free magnesium with trans-cyclohexane-1,2-diamine-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid did not modify the activity observed with Ca2+. The apparent Km of the enzyme for ATP was 31 microM. The observed activity had an optimum pH of 8.8. The enzyme was insensitive to various agents such as Na+, K+, ouabain, dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, KCN, NaN3, mersalyl, quercetin, ruthenium red and vanadate. Only lanthanum (0.5 mM) inhibited 100% the enzymatic activity. Calmodulin and trifluoperazine at the concentrations tested did not modify the Ca2+-ATPase activity.

Effects of platelet-derived growth factor on Ca2+ in 3T3 cells

The effect of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) on cellular Ca2+ was examined in BALB/c-3T3 cells. PDGF induced: A decrease in cell 45Ca2+ content. An apparent increased rate of efflux of preloaded 45Ca2+. A decrease in residual intracellular 45Ca2+ remaining after rapid efflux. When added after the rapid phase of efflux of 45Ca2+ had occurred, an immediate decrease in post-efflux residual intracellular 45Ca2+. All of the observed changes in 45Ca2+ induced by PDGF are consistent with a rapid release of Ca2+ from an intracellular Ca2+ pool that has the slowest efflux and is relatively inaccessible to extracellular EDTA. When incubated with chlortetracycline (CTC), a fluorescent Ca2+ probe, 3T3 cell mitochondria became intensely fluorescent. Addition of PDGF resulted in a rapid decrease in CTC fluorescence intensity in both adherent and suspended 3T3 cells. The effects of PDGF on 3T3 cell Ca2+ stores and CTC fluorescence intensity were identical with the effects of the Ca2+ ionophore A23187 and of the proton ionophore carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazone. Serum, which contains PDGF, also altered intracellular Ca2+ stores, but platelet-poor plasma, which does not contain PDGF, had no effect. EGF, insulin, and tetradecanoyl phorbol acetate (TPA), other factors which stimulate 3T3 cell growth, did not alter 3T3 cell Ca2+ stores. Release of Ca2+ from intracellular sequestration sites may be a mechanism by which PDGF stimulates cell growth.

Muscle cell membranes from early degeneration muscle cell fibers in Solenopsis are leaky to lanthanum: electron microscopy and X-ray analysis

Lanthanum infusion techniques, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray microanalysis were utilized to compare the permeability of muscle cell membranes from normal and degenerating muscle fibers of Solenopsis spp. In normal fibers, the electron-dense tracer was limited to components of the sarcotubular system. However, the insemination-induced degeneration of muscle fibers was characterized by the presence of an electron-dense precipitate within the myofibrils and mitochondria as well as in the extramyofibrillar spaces. The electron-dense material was subsequently identified by elemental analysis to be lanthanum. Such data indicate that one of the earliest stages of muscle degeneration involves an alteration in cell membrane permeability.

Cholinergic kindling: what has it taught us about epilepsy?

We reviewed recent evidence that chemical kindling of epileptic seizures can be induced by injection into the amygdala of multiple cholinergic muscarinic agonists, and blocked by multiple muscarinic antagonists. The stereospecific induction of kindling by (+) but not by (-) acetyl-beta-methylcholine shows that some types of repeated synaptic activation can produce epilepsy, in the absence of specific brain damage. The failure of bicuculline (but not of carbachol) to produce kindling with amygdaloid injections, and its ability to produce a limited seizure spread in neocortex, suggest that repetitive seizure activity alone is not sufficient to produce kindling. A review of some recent neurochemical changes in the synaptic apparatus associated with some types of kindling suggests potential areas for future investigation, but no cause-and-effect relationship between neurochemical and behavioral changes can be inferred so far.

Intracellular calcium activity in split frog skin epithelium: effect of cAMP

Measurement of intracellular calcium activity (acCa) by ion-selective microelectrodes has previously been technically limited to relatively large cells (greater than or equal to 20 micron). We now report results obtained with this technique in the small epithelial cells (less than or equal to 10 micron) of split frog skin using microelectrodes having an outer tip diameter of less than 0.2 micron. The basolateral membrane potential was measured with Ca2+-selective microelectrodes (EscCa) and with reference micropipettes (psi sc) either sequentially or simultaneously in 15 successful experiments. Under baseline conditions, acCa was measured to be 215 +/- 39 nM (mean +/- SE), in close agreement with the mean values estimated from published data obtained with Necturus proximal tubule. Stimulation of Na+ transport across six skins with 1 mM serosal 8 p-chlorophenylthio-3,5' cyclic AMP (CPTcAMP) increased acCa by a factor of 2.6 +/- 0.6. The increase in acCa preceded the CPTcAMP-induced increase in Isc. The results of the present study indicate that electrometric determination of intracellular calcium activity is now feasible in a much wider range of cell systems than heretofore possible. CPT cAMP elevates intracellular Ca2+ activity; this phenomenon is an early event, preceding the natriferic effect of CPTcAMP.

Histamine modulates contraction and cyclic nucleotides in cultured rat mesangial cells. Differential effects mediated by histamine H1 and H2 receptors

Histamine influences the glomerular microcirculation and modulates immune-inflammatory responses. In the rat kidney, histamine is synthesized by glomeruli and stimulates cyclic nucleotide production specifically in glomeruli. We investigated the in vitro effect of histamine on cyclic nucleotide accumulation in rat cultured glomerular mesangial and epithelial cells. Histamine stimulated cyclic AMP (cAMP) accumulation in cultured mesangial cells (64.0 +/- 22.1 to 511.4 +/- 86.6 pmol/mg protein, n = 9) but had no effect on cAMP accumulation in epithelial cells. This effect was dose-dependent and time-dependent. Stimulation of cAMP accumulation occurred in the range of 5 X 10(-6) M-10(-4) M histamine with a half maximal stimulatory effect of 2 X 10(-5) M. Initial stimulation was noted by 30 s, and maximum stimulation was observed at 5 min. The H2 antagonist cimetidine (10(-4) M) abolished the stimulatory effect of histamine (10(-4) M), while equimolar concentrations of the H1 antagonist diphenhydramine had no significant effect on cAMP accumulation. Moreover, the specific H2 agonist dimaprit, but not the H1 agonist 2-pyridylethylamine, stimulated cAMP accumulation. Histamine had no effect on cAMP accumulation in epithelial cells or on cyclic guanosine monophosphate accumulation in epithelial or mesangial cells. Since the in vivo infusion of histamine reduces ultrafiltration coefficient and since mesangial cell contraction is thought to be responsible for the reduction in the ultrafiltration coefficient, we examined the effect of histamine on the contractile property of mesangial cells. Histamine (5 X 10(-6)-10(-4) M) contracted mesangial cells, and the H1 antagonist diphenhydramine (10(-4) M) but not the H2 antagonist cimetidine (10(-4) M) prevented histamine (10(-4) M) induced contraction. In addition, the H1 agonist 2-pyridylethylamine, but not the H2 agonist dimaprit, contracted mesangial cells. Histamine and its specific agonists and antagonists induced contraction of isolated glomeruli as assessed by glomerular planar surface area in a manner parallel to their effect on mesangial cells. Cinnarizine (10(-5) M), a Ca++ channel blocker, or Ca++, Mg++-free medium prevented histamine (10(-4) M) induced mesangial cell and glomerular contraction. Thus, histamine enhances cAMP accumulation specifically in mesangial cells via an H2 receptor. In contrast, histamine contracts mesangial cells and glomeruli via an H1 receptor, an effect that is dependent on extracellular Ca++ entry. These findings show that histamine potentially influences intraglomerular hemodynamics via effects on mesangial cell contraction. Moreover, our findings considered with the in vivo observation that histamine reduces kf via and H1 receptor provide further support of the hypothesis that mesangial cell contraction regulates the glomerular capillary surface area available for filtration. Our studies also show that this contractile effect of histamine is dependent on extracellular calcium. The presence of a cAMP system sensitive to histamine may have major implications in the pathogenesis of inflammatory glomerulopathies. Mesangial cells possess characteristics similar to circulating and tissue immune effector cells, including lysosomal enzyme release, oxygen radical production, and release of a number of immunomodulatory factors. Histamine and cAMP have been shown to modulate such characteristics of inflammatory cells. It is therefore conceivable that histamine, via its interaction with H2 receptors and subsequent generation cAMP, may have profound effects on such properties of mesangial cells, suggesting that this autacoid may modulate not only glomerular hemodynamics but also immune, inflammatory responses within the glomerulus.

Modulation of calcium channels by norepinephrine in internally dialyzed avian sensory neurons

Modulation of voltage-dependent Ca channels by norepinephrine (NE) was studied in chick dorsal root ganglion cells using the whole-cell configuration of the patch-clamp technique. Cells dialyzed with K+ and 2-10 mM EGTA exhibited Ca action potentials that were reversibly decreased in duration and amplitude by NE. Ca channel currents were isolated from other channel contributions by using: (a) tetrodotoxin (TTX) to block gNa, (b) internal K channel impermeant ions (Cs or Na/N-methylglucamine mixtures) as K substitutes, (c) external tetraethylammonium (TEA) to block K channels, (d) internal EGTA to reduce possible current contribution from Ca-activated channels. A marked decline (rundown) of Ca conductance was observed during continual dialysis, which obscured reversible NE effects. The addition of 2-5 mM MgATP to the intracellular solutions greatly retarded Ca channel rundown and permitted a clear assessment of modulatory drug effects. The inclusion of an intracellular creatine phosphate/creatine phosphokinase nucleotide regeneration system further stabilized Ca channels, which permitted recording of Ca currents for up to 3 h. NE reversibly decreased both steady state Ca currents and Ca tail currents in Cs/EGTA/MgATP-dialyzed cells. A possible role of several putative intracellular second messengers in NE receptor-Ca channel coupling was investigated. Cyclic AMP or cyclic GMP added to the intracellular solutions at concentrations several orders of magnitude higher than the Kd for activation of cyclic nucleotide-dependent protein kinases did not block or mask the expression of the NE-mediated decrease in gCa. Addition of internal EGTA to a final concentration of 10 mM also did not affect the expression of the NE response. These results suggest that neither cyclic AMP nor cyclic GMP nor Ca is acting as a second messenger coupling the NE receptor to the down-modulated Ca channel population.

Leishmania major: excreted factor, calcium ions, and the survival of amastigotes

Mouse macrophages infected with amastigotes of Leishmania major contain about 40% more intracellular exchangeable calcium than control macrophages. Similar elevation of intracellular exchangeable calcium was observed in macrophages engulfing red blood cells coated with purified excreted factor from L. major. The rate of cytolysis of red blood cells coated with excreted factor was significantly lower than that of uncoated controls. Excreted factor strongly binds calcium; thus, the possible role of a microenvironment rich in calcium bound to excreted factor within the phagolysosome in protecting the amastigotes may be considered.

The effect of hypothyroidism on sarcoplasmic reticulum in fast-twitch muscle of the rat

The effects of hypothyroidism on the Ca2+-transport capabilities of fast-twitch muscle (m. gastrocnemius) of the rat were studied in whole-muscle homogenate and isolated sarcoplasmic reticulum. Hypothyroidism did not affect the percentage recovery and the vesicle composition of the sarcoplasmic reticulum fraction, the total lipid and phospholipid-to-protein ratios and the protein composition (both qualitative and quantitative). Also the Ca2+-loading capacity of purified sarcoplasmic reticulum, in the presence of oxalate, and the Ca2+ and pH dependence of both the uptake reaction and the coupled ATPase activity were unchanged. However, the homogenate Ca2+-loading capacity and the Ca2+-uptake activity were depressed, as was the yield of purified sarcoplasmic reticulum. The results indicate a 31% reduction of the entire sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane system per volume of muscle. Ca2+/ATP coupling ratios, determined in purified sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles by measurement of initial rates of net Ca2+ uptake and Ca2+-Mg2+-dependent hydrolysis of ATP, were found to be 1.48 +/- 0.06 and 2.08 +/- 0.05 in the euthyroid and hypothyroid groups, respectively. Identical values were obtained with a recently described Ca2+-pulse method (Meltzer, S. and Berman, M.C. (1984) Anal. Biochem. 138, 458-464), i.e., 1.53 +/- 0.06 and 2.01 +/- 0.03 in the euthyroid and hypothyroid groups, respectively. Passive Ca2+ efflux from sarcoplasmic reticulum was the same in both groups (30 nmol/mg per min), as was the fraction of vesicles that did not show net uptake of Ca2+ (less than 10%), which makes it unlikely that these parameters provide an explanation for the differences in the coupling ratio. The energy of activation of the (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase was increased in hypothyroidism, which may point to changes in the phospholipid environment of the enzyme. Physiological concentrations of T3 and T4 had no effect on the (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase in vitro, but all observed changes in the hypothyroid state could be reversed within 14 days by administration of T3 to hypothyroid animals. Approximate calculations indicate that the observed changes in the sarcoplasmic reticulum as a result of thyroid-hormone depletion may contribute significantly to the decrease in relaxation rate and the decrease in energy consumption during contraction.

RIA determination and immunofluorescence localization of cyclic nucleotides in rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) testes

Using histological criteria, testicular development was divided into six stages (I-Va). The testicular amounts of 3',5'-cyclic adenosine- and guanosine monophosphate (cAMP, cGMP) were determined radioimmunologically, and their testicular distribution patterns were monitored by indirect immunofluorescence microscopy. During slow testicular growth (stages I-III), the nucleotide concentrations were high (0.62-1.2 pmol cAMP/mg, 0.17-0.24 pmol cGMP/mg). With the appearance of spermatozoa in stage IV, they fell to low levels which were maintained with some fluctuations until the end of the cycle (0.05-0.1 pmol cAMP/mg, 0.016-0.05 pmol cGMP/mg). The cAMP antiserum intensely stained spermatogonia, a portion of the spermatocytes, and spermatids. Spermatozoa showed almost no staining. Fluorescence labeling of somatic cells was observed in immature testes and during spermiation. Except for staining all spermatocytes, the same pattern was observed using the cGMP antiserum.

Evidence that adrenaline activates key oxidative enzymes in rat liver by increasing intramitochondrial [Ca2+]

The effects of intramitochondrial Ca2+ on the activities of the Ca2+-sensitive intramitochondrial enzymes, (i) pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) phosphate phosphatase, and (ii) oxoglutarate dehydrogenase (OGDH), were investigated in intact rat liver mitochondria by measuring (i) the amount of active PDH (PDHa) and (ii) the rate of decarboxylation of alpha-[l-14C]oxoglutarate (at non-saturating [oxoglutarate]), at different concentrations of extramitochondrial Ca2+. In the presence of Na+ and Mg2+, both PDH and OGDH could be activated by increases in extramitochondrial [Ca2+] within the expected physiological range (0.05-5 microM). When liver mitochondria were prepared from rats treated with adrenaline, and then incubated in Na-free media containing EGTA, both PDH and OGDH activities were found to be enhanced. Evidence is presented that the activation of these enzymes by adrenaline is brought about by a mechanism involving increases in intramitochondrial [Ca2+].

Influence of calcium-channel blockers on platelet function and arachidonic acid metabolism

Available data indicate that platelet function and arachidonic acid metabolism are important factors in hemostasis and regulation of vascular tone. Plasma membrane and intracellular mobilization of calcium ions are intimately related to platelet activation and release of platelet contents. Release of arachidonic acid from membrane phospholipids as well as subsequent synthesis and release of vasoconstrictor thromboxane A2 are also regulated by movement of calcium ions. Adenosine 3':5'-cyclic phosphate in turn controls levels of free calcium ions in platelets and regulates calcium-dependent reactions. Slow-channel calcium blockers, such as verapamil, diltiazem and nifedipine, inhibit platelet activation in vitro, and decrease platelet adhesion intravascularly. These agents have also been shown to decrease platelet nucleotide release and thromboxane A2 generation. Some preliminary data suggest that calcium blockers also increase generation of vasodilator and platelet antiaggregant prostacyclin, which could contribute to decrease in platelet function. These effects of calcium blockers on platelet function and arachidonic acid metabolism could contribute in part to their efficacy in patients with ischemic heart disease.

Induction by cyclic GMP of cationic conductance in plasma membrane of retinal rod outer segment

Vertebrate rod photoreceptors hyperpolarize when illuminated, due to the closing of cation-selective channels in the plasma membrane. The mechanism controlling the opening and closing of these channels is still unclear, however. Both 3',5'-cyclic GMP and Ca2+ ions have been proposed as intracellular messengers for coupling the light activation of the photopigment rhodopsin to channel activity and thus modulating light-sensitive conductance. We have now studied the effects of possible conductance modulators on excised 'inside-out' patches from the plasma membrane of the rod outer segment (ROS), and have found that cyclic GMP acting from the inner side of the membrane markedly increases the cationic conductance of such patches (EC50 30 microM cyclic GMP) in a reversible manner, while Ca2+ is ineffective. The cyclic GMP-induced conductance increase occurs in the absence of nucleoside triphosphates and, hence, is not mediated by protein phosphorylation, but seems rather to result from a direct action of cyclic GMP on the membrane. The effect of cyclic GMP is highly specific; cyclic AMP and 2',3'-cyclic GMP are completely ineffective when applied in millimolar concentrations. We were unable to recognize discrete current steps that might represent single-channel openings and closings modulated by cyclic GMP. Analysis of membrane current noise shows the elementary event to be 3 fA with 110 mM Na+ on both sides of the membrane at a membrane potential of -30 mV. If the initial event is assumed to be the closure of a single cyclic GMP-sensitive channel, this value corresponds to a single-channel conductance of 100 fS. It seems probable that the cyclic GMP-sensitive conductance is responsible for the generation of the rod photoresponse in vivo.

Interaction of vasopressin and prostaglandins through calcium ion in the renal circulation

To determine whether the effects of arginine vasopressin (AVP) on the renal and systemic vessels are modulated by prostaglandins (PGs), AVP (10, 20, and 50 mU/kg/min) was infused into the renal artery before and after treatment with indomethacin (8 mg/kg) in anesthetized rabbits. Arginine vasopressin elicited a dose-dependent increase in systemic arterial pressure and renal vasoconstriction. However, after cessation of the infusion, significant renal vasodilation was observed. Indomethacin potentiated the systemic and renal vasoconstrictor actions and attenuated the renal vasodilator reaction induced by AVP. These results suggest that endogenously produced PGs buffer the vasoconstrictor action of AVP, and the renal vasodilator reaction induced by AVP could be mediated through PGs. Further, to investigate whether the effects of AVP on the systemic and renal vessels are mediated by calcium ion (Ca++), the Ca++ entry blocker nifedipine was used. Intravenous administration of nifedipine (50 micrograms/kg) attenuated the systemic and renal vasoconstrictor action of AVP. The renal vasodilator reaction induced by AVP was also diminished after treatment with nifedipine. These results indicate that the systemic and renal vasoconstrictor actions of AVP are mediated through Ca++ influx into the vascular smooth muscle cells. The present study suggests that Ca++ participates in the AVP-induced vasodilator reaction, itself probably mediated by PGs.

The effect of ethanol and calcium on fluid state of plasma membranes of rat hepatocytes

Basolateral (blLPM) and canalicular (cLPM) plasma membrane vesicles were isolated from rat liver to compare membrane fluidity, fluidity responses to membrane perturbants, and the relationship between fluidity and a membrane protein function such as carrier-mediated taurocholate transport. Membrane fluidity was measured by fluorescence polarization using 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene as a probe. Uptake of [3H] taurocholate was measured by a rapid Millipore filtration technique. blLPM were more fluid than cLPM. Ethanol produced a concentration-dependent fluidizing effect on both membrane preparations, the change being greater in blLPM. Incubation with calcium for 2 hr at 37 degrees C rendered both membrane preparations more rigid, again the cLPM being more resistant to perturbation. There was a linear correlation between an increase in membrane fluidity and inhibition of taurocholate uptake into blLPM in the presence of increasing concentrations of ethanol. The data support the concept that membrane lipid fluidity is an important regulator of membrane protein functions and hence also of overall cellular activity.

Role of protein kinase C in transmembrane signaling

Many extracellular signals elicit Ca2+ mobilization and diacylglycerol formation in their target cells. Diacylglycerol is derived from the receptor-linked phosphoinositide turnover and serves as a second messenger for the activation of protein kinase C in the presence of Ca2+ and phosphatidylserine. Unique diacylglycerols such as 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-glycerol, which activate intracellular protein kinase C when added to intact cells, have been synthesized. Tumor-promoting phorbol esters substitute for such diacylglycerols and directly activate protein kinase C in both intact cell and cell-free systems. Under appropriate conditions, the synthetic diacylglycerols and phorbol esters induce protein kinase C activation without Ca2+ mobilization, whereas Ca2+ ionophore A23187 induces Ca2+ mobilization without protein kinase C activation. Using these substances, we have obtained evidence that both protein C and Ca2+ are involved in and play a synergistic role in exocytosis, cell division, and other cellular functions. In this article, the role of protein kinase C in transmembrane signaling is discussed.

Interdependent effects of the ionophore A23187 and serum on the serotonin N-acetyltransferase activity of cultured chick pineal glands

Marked effects of the ionophore A23187 on the cycle of N-acetyltransferase (NAT) activity in cultured chick pineal glands were observed under three conditions of illumination. However, the effects were qualitatively and quantitatively dependent on the batch of fetal calf serum used in the medium and time of explanation into culture. Ionophore increased the level of NAT activity remaining in glands exposed prematurely to light regardless of the serum used. The ionophore suppressed the "spike" in cyclic GMP content of glands cultured in the dark, and extended the period of maximum cyclic GMP content of glands under diurnal illumination.

Calcium role in base-line and ADH-stimulated sodium transport in frog skin

Treatment of ventral frog skin with serosal A23187 calcium ionophore caused an initially transient increase in transepithelial sodium transport. After 60 min of treatment with A23187, a steady-state transport value was reached which was significantly lower than the initial one. Furthermore, it was found that ionophore treatment greatly inhibited the natriferic response to ADH and to 8br-cAMP. A further analysis on the possible ionophore action mechanism was carried out through pretreatment of the skin with indomethacin, very powerful prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor. In the experimental conditions reported, A23187 seems no longer capable of inducing a transient increase in sodium transport, although it does inhibit the natriferic response to ADH.

Effects of Cd2+ upon Ca2+ fluxes and proliferation in concanavalin A-stimulated lymphocytes

The mitogenic response of human peripheral blood lymphocytes to the lectin concanavalin A (conA) is inhibited by micromolar concentrations of CdCl2. This inhibition is partially relieved by an increase in the external Ca2+ concentration (from 0.6 to 2.2 mM). The initial rate of conA-induced 45Ca2+ influx is unaltered by CdCl2, although the level of 45Ca2+ accumulation increases. The basal rate of 45Ca2+ entry is not measurably disturbed by CdCl2 (100 microM). The steady-state efflux of 45Ca2+ and the calmodulin-activated (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase activity of erythrocyte ghosts are inhibited by CdCl2 (10 microM). Thus, the mechanism behind the Cd2+-induced suppression of the mitogenic response to conA is not due to alteration of mitogen-stimulated Ca2+ influx. We suggest that Cd2+ competes with Ca2+ for intracellular Ca2+-binding molecules, such as calmodulin, essential for the induction of cell proliferation.

The calcium ionophore A23187 evokes and potentiates antiviral activity of interferon

Calcium ionophore A23187, which causes a rapid efflux of Ca2+ from cells, evokes an antiviral response in mouse LB, simian COS-1, Hela, human amniotic (U), baby hamster kidney (BHK), and VERO cells against Sindbis (SBV) and vesicular stomatitis (VSV) viruses. The degree of antiviral activity depends on the type of cell, virus, and the dose of A23187. A23187 inhibits the production of infectious VSV; however, VSV particle production was not significantly inhibited as measured by viral RNA and viral proteins. The VSV released from the A23187-treated cells is deficient in VSV glycoprotein (G) and membrane (M) protein. A23187 potentiates the antiviral activity of interferon (IFN) against SBV and VSV in mouse LB and human U cells. It is possible to postulate that a change in intracellular Ca2+ may play an important role in the antiviral activity of IFN.