Subcellular calcium transients visualized by confocal microscopy in a voltage-clamped vertebrate neuron

Real-time imaging of neurons retrogradely and anterogradely labelled with calcium-sensitive dyes

Membrane-impermeant calcium indicator dyes were used to retrogradely label dorsal root ganglia, spinal motoneurons and interneurons in the spinal cord of the chick embryo. The dyes were also used to label anterogradely primary afferent axons in the spinal cord and synaptic endings in the ciliary ganglion. Labelled neurons were imaged using digital videomicroscopy. Motoneurons and dorsal root ganglion cells exhibited a frequency-dependent change in fluorescence during antidromic stimulation. Single antidromic stimuli resulted in fluorescence transients that could be resolved in individual cells in real time. In addition, fluorescence changes could be recorded in motoneurons during episodes of bursting generated by rhythmic synaptic inputs from premotor networks. Stimulus-induced fluorescence signals were also detected in axons and synaptic endings labelled anterogradely. Optical signals were largely abolished in the absence of extracellular calcium. The results show that calcium changes can now be measured in identified populations of neurons and presynaptic terminals. The strong dependence of these signals on impulse activity suggests that the technique will be useful for monitoring the activity of identified neuronal populations. The calcium-dependent fluorescence signal probably results from cytosolic dye derived from diffusion which may limit the technique to situations in which the dye can be applied close (< 1 cm) to cell bodies.

Confocal microfluorimetry of Ca2+ signals evoked in Xenopus oocytes by photoreleased inositol trisphosphate

1. The subcellular characteristics of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3)-induced Ca2+ liberation were studied in Xenopus oocytes by the use of confocal microfluorimetry to monitor Ca2+ signals from minutely localized region of the cell in response to photorelease of InsP3 from a caged precursor. 2. Photorelease of increasing amounts of InsP3 by progressively longer light flashes evoked transient Ca2+ responses that appeared abruptly at a certain threshold duration, and then grew steeply over a narrow range of flash durations to reach a maximum. Further lengthening of flash duration gave no increase in size of the Ca2+ signals, but their rate of rise continued to increase and their duration became longer. Simultaneous measurements of Ca(2+)-activated Cl- currents showed a slightly higher threshold than the Ca2+ signal, and a more graded dependence upon flash duration. 3. The threshold flash durations required to evoke Ca2+ and membrane current signals grew by more than 100-fold as the area of the oocyte exposed to photolysis light was reduced from a square of 140 microns to 5 microns. 4. Ca2+ signals evoked by photoreleased InsP3 began following a dose-dependent latency that was as long as several seconds with low intensity light, but shortened to about 50 ms at maximum intensity. The extrapolated minimum latency with infinite photorelease of InsP3 was about 30 ms. 5. InsP3-evoked membrane currents began 30 ms or longer after the corresponding Ca2+ signals, whereas currents evoked by photorelease of Ca2+ from a caged precursor began within 5 ms of the onset of the light flash. 6. No differences in duration of InsP3-evoked Ca2+ signals were apparent when the confocal measuring spot was positioned close to the plasma membrane or about 10 microns more deeply into the oocyte. At both locations the Ca2+ signals were more prolonged than the associated membrane current signals. 7. Ca2+ signals to a test light flash were suppressed for about 2 s following a conditioning suprathreshold flash, but recovered almost completely after 6 s. The associated membrane current signals were facilitated at short intervals, suppressed at intervals between 0.5 and 3 s, and subsequently recovered more slowly than the Ca2+ signals. 8. Photorelease of InsP3 during 30 s exposures of low intensity evoked trains of repetitive Ca2+ spikes. The overall amplitudes of these responses changed little with increasing in frequency, and became smaller and superimposed on a more sustained elevation of Ca2+.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Time courses of calcium and calcium-bound buffers following calcium influx in a model cell

Fixed and diffusible calcium (Ca) buffers shape the spatial and temporal distribution of free Ca following Ca entry through voltage-gated ion channels. This modeling study explores intracellular Ca levels achieved near the membrane and in deeper locations following typical Ca currents obtained with patch clamp experiments. Ca ion diffusion sets an upper limit on the maximal average Ca concentration achieved near the membrane. Fixed buffers restrict Ca elevation spatially to the outermost areas of the cell and slow Ca equilibration. Fixed buffer bound with Ca near the membrane can act as Ca source after termination of Ca influx. The relative contribution of fixed versus diffusible buffers to shaping the Ca transient is determined to a large extent by the binding rate of each buffer, with diffusible buffer dominating at equal binding rates. In the presence of fixed buffers, diffusible buffers speed Ca equilibration throughout the cell. The concentration profile of Ca-bound diffusible buffer differs from the concentration profile of free Ca, reflecting theoretical limits on the temporal resolution which can be achieved with commonly used diffusible Ca indicators. A Ca indicator which is fixed to an intracellular component might more accurately report local Ca concentrations.

Intracellular calcium dynamics in response to action potentials in bullfrog sympathetic ganglion cells

1. Dynamic changes in the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) following electrical membrane activity, were recorded from the neurone soma of the excised bullfrog sympathetic ganglion, using Fura-2 fluorescence and compared with the accompanying Ca(2+)-dependent electrical membrane responses. 2. The resting [Ca2+]i was about 100 nM, a value little changed by penetration with an intracellular electrode. 3. A net rise in fluorescence at a wavelength of 340 nm (Ca2+ transient) induced by a single action potential in Ringer solution rose almost in parallel with the initial decay phase of a slow Ca(2+)-dependent after-hyperpolarization; decayed in parallel with the late phase; and increased in amplitude and duration in the presence of tetraethylammonium (20 mM). 4. A Ca2+ transient induced by repetitive action potentials was increased asymptotically in amplitude and progressively in duration by increasing the number of spikes, and was slower in time course than the associated Ca(2+)-dependent K+ current. 5. Scanning a single horizontal line across the cytoplasm with an ultraviolet argon ion laser (351 nm) and recording Indo-1 fluorescence with a confocal microscope demonstrated an inward spread of a rise in [Ca2+]i following a tetanus. 6. Both single spike- and tetanus-induced Ca2+ transients were abolished in a Ca(2+)-free solution, while single or repetitive transient rises in [Ca2+]i induced by caffeine (5-10 mM) were generated under the same conditions. 7. Ryanodine (10-50 microM) did not affect tetanus-induced Ca2+ transients, whereas it blocked completely the caffeine-induced oscillation of [Ca2+]i. 8. Ca2+ transients induced by a tetanus in Ringer solution were independent of the interval from the preceding tetanus. The amplitude of Ca2+ transients induced by a tetanus in the presence of caffeine (5 mM) was equal to, or greater than, that generated in Ringer solution in any of the phases of [Ca2+]i oscillation. 9. It is suggested that under the physiological conditions here, the induction of action potentials does not cause the release of Ca2+ in the cells of the freshly excised bullfrog sympathetic ganglion, and that Ca(2+)-buffering systems contribute not only to lowering a transient rise in [Ca2+]i but also to sustaining an increased [Ca2+]i after a large Ca2+ load into the cell.

Single Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels in human erythrocytes: Ca2+ dependence of opening frequency but not of open lifetimes

Using the patch-clamp technique single-channel properties of Ca(2+)-activated K+ (CaK) channels were investigated in inside-out membrane patches of human erythrocytes. In a physiological K+ gradient (5 mM K+ externally: 150 mM K+ internally) the single CaK channel conductance is 15 pS in the membrane potential range of -40 to +40 mV. The channel open probability, opening frequency and open and closed time distributions are voltage-independent. The open probability and the opening frequency of the CaK channel depend on [Ca2+]i and increase between 0.5 and 60 microM Ca2+ from approx. 10% to 90% of the maximum value obtained at 115 microM. The relation between open probability and [Ca2+]i can be described by a sigmoid concentration-effect curve with an EC50 of 4.7 microM and a slope factor of 1. Independent of [Ca2+]i open time distributions yield two time constants of 5.3 and 22 ms. The relative amplitudes of the fast and slow components of the open time histogram as well as the maximum open probability and the maximum opening frequency of CaK channels vary considerably. In addition, CaK channels in multiple channel patches are highly interdependent. It is concluded that the Ca(2+)-dependence of CaK channels in human erythrocytes is due to the modulation of opening frequency by internal Ca2+. The results are consistent with a classical receptor-agonist model in which ligand interaction kinetics are much faster than channel gating.

The nuclear membrane

The nuclear membrane forms a major barrier within the cell, permitting levels of regulation not found in prokaryotes. The dynamics and diverse functions of the nuclear membrane and its associated structures are considered in this review. The role of the nuclear pore complex in selective transport across the nuclear membrane has been studied to a considerable degree; however, many crucial questions remain. Components of a signal transduction mechanism are associated with the nucleus, suggesting that nuclear functions may be influenced directly by this system. The involvement of the heat shock cognate protein Hsc70 in nuclear protein import is discussed, and a specific signal-presentation role for this protein is proposed.

Calcium ion homeostasis in smooth muscle

Ca2+ plays an important role in the regulation of smooth-muscle contraction. In this review, we will focus on the various Ca(2+)-transport processes that contribute to the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration. Mainly the functional aspects will be covered. The smooth-muscle inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor and ryanodine receptor will be extensively discussed. Smooth-muscle contraction also depends on extracellular Ca2+ and both voltage- and Ca(2+)-release-activated plasma-membrane Ca2+ channels will be reviewed. We will finally discuss some functional properties of the Ca2+ pumps that remove Ca2+ from the cytoplasm and of the Ca2+ regulation of the nucleus.

Cytosolic and intranuclear calcium signals in rat basophilic leukemia cells as revealed by a confocal fluorescence microscope

A confocal fluorescence microscope with an argon-ion laser (488 nm) and a He-Cd laser (325 nm) was used to study spatial heterogeneity of the calcium signals in rat basophilic leukemia 2H3 cloned cell line (RBL-2H3). After stimulation with antigen (2,4-dinitrophenol-conjugated bovine serum albumin), fluo-3-fluorescence intensities increased in individual RBL-2H3 cells with different lag times. Time-dependent profiles of the fluo-3-fluorescence intensities resembled closely the patterns of the sequential fluorescence-ratio images of fura-2, which were used to measure the intracellular free-calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in individual RBL-2H3 cells using a conventional fluorescence microscope. The present results obtained using the confocal fluorescence microscope showed spatial heterogeneities of fluo-3-fluorescence intensities, suggesting the existence of spatial heterogeneity of [Ca2+]i in RBL-2H3 cells. That is, the results showed that calcium signals first occurred transiently at pseudopodia in RBL-2H3 cells, then the signals transferred to the central parts of the cells. In addition, from the fluorescence images of co-loaded Hoechst 33342 (bisbenzimide H 33342, a DNA-specific probe) which were produced by excitation with a He-Cd laser, it was found that the fluorescence images of the nucleus were quite similar to those of the calcium signals mentioned above. This suggested that the receptor-mediated calcium signals were transferred not only to the cytoplasm but also to the nucleus.

Evaluation of cellular mechanisms for modulation of calcium transients using a mathematical model of fura-2 Ca2+ imaging in Aplysia sensory neurons

A theoretical model of [Ca++]i diffusion, buffering, and extrusion was developed for Aplysia sensory neurons, and integrated with the measured optical transfer function of our fura-2 microscopic recording system, in order to fully simulate fura-2 video or photomultiplier tube measurements of [Ca++]i. This allowed an analysis of the spatial and temporal distortions introduced during each step of fura-2 measurements of [Ca++]i in cells. In addition, the model was used to evaluate the plausibility of several possible mechanisms for modulating [Ca++]i transients evoked by action potentials. The results of the model support prior experimental work (Blumenfeld, Spira, Kandel, and Siegelbaum, 1990. Neuron. 5: 487-499), suggesting that 5-HT and FMRFamide modulate action potential-induced [Ca++]i transients in Aplysia sensory neurons through changes in Ca++ influx, and not through changes in [Ca++]i homeostasis or release from internal stores.

Single cell observation of ligand-induced desensitization of B-cell membrane immunoglobulin-mediated calcium signals

Using a digital imaging fluorescence microscope we have observed the membrane immunoglobulin (mIg)-induced desensitization of calcium signals in individual BAL17 B lymphoma cells which express two kinds of antigen receptors, mIgM and mIgD. The mIgD-mediated desensitization was partly abrogated by pretreating the cells with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) for 24 h, however, the mIgM-mediated one was not affected by the pretreatment. This supports the idea that at least two mechanisms are operative for mIg-induced desensitization in B cells.

Intracellular calcium regulates the survival of early sensory neurons before they become dependent on neurotrophic factors

To investigate the role of intracellular Ca2+ in the survival of developing neurons before they become neurotrophic factor dependent, we have studied chick embryo nodose neurons, which have a particularly protracted period of neuorophic factor independence. Pharmacological reduction of intracellular free Ca2+ or depletion of either Ca(2+)-regulated or inositol trisphosphate-regulated intracellular Ca2+ stores kills early neurotrophic factor-independent neurons, but has a negligible effect on older neurons growing in the presence of brain-derived neutrotrophic factor. Shortly before they become dependent on brain-derived neurotrophic factor, nodose neurons express L-type Ca2+ channels and their survival can be enhanced by depolarization-induced Ca2+ influx. We conclude that intracellular Ca2+ plays a role in regulating neuronal survival both prior to and after the onset of neurotrophic factor dependence, but does not mediate the survival-promoting effects of neurotrophic factors.

An intracellular medium formulary

Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings allow diffusible intracellular ions and molecules to be replaced by the contents of the recording pipette. In this review, the formulation of intracellular media is considered with a view to improving the stability of recordings and emulating the intracellular environment.

Intranuclear Ca2+ transients during neurite regeneration of an adult mammalian neuron

Depolarization-induced increases in cytoplasmic and intranuclear Ca2+ were visualized in adult mammalian dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons during different stages of neurite extension by using confocal laser scanning microscopy and the long-wavelength Ca2+ indicator dye fluo 3-AM (acetoxymethyl ester of fluo 3). In neurons beginning to extend neurites, depolarization led to pronounced increases in nuclear and nucleolar Ca2+ levels severalfold greater than corresponding increases in the cytoplasm. The nucleolar Ca2+ signal often exceeded that of the nucleus, indicating regional heterogeneity of the nucleus. The subcellular calcium transients were dependent on extracellular Ca2+ and the level of depolarization, indicating the importance of transmembrane Ca2+ fluxes in triggering the nuclear events. After neurite extension, the nuclear Ca2+ signals were attenuated and never exceeded cytoplasmic levels. These results indicate that activity-dependent modulation of intranuclear Ca2+ levels is greater in DRG neurons during early neurite extension. Given the importance of Ca2+ in gene expression, the results may be relevant to Ca(2+)-dependent nuclear events responsible for axonal regeneration.

Involvement of Ca2+ uptake by a reticulum-like store in the control of transmitter release

At an identified neuro-neuronal synapse of Aplysia, 2,5-diterbutyl 1,4-benzohydroquinone, a selective blocker of the reticulum Ca2+ pump, was found to potentiate evoked quantal release of acetylcholine through an increased accumulation of Ca2+ in the presynaptic neuron during depolarization without any accompanying changes in the presynaptic Ca2+ current. We conclude that a rapid Ca2+ buffering system, similar to that associated with the endoplasmic reticulum, must be present in the nerve terminal and play a role in the control of Ca2+ which reaches the release system.

Gap junction-mediated intercellular diffusion of Ca2+ in cultured human corporal smooth muscle cells

Ratio imaging using the calcium-sensitive probe fura-2 was employed to study intracellular calcium concentrations and intercellular calcium flux through gap junctions in homogeneous vascular smooth muscle cell cultures derived from the human corpora cavernosa. Microinjection techniques demonstrated that fura-2 free acid was freely diffusible through gap junctions between cultured cells. The resting intracellular calcium level in fura-2-loaded cells was 176.9 +/- 10.5. A robust increase in intracellular calcium was seen in response to both phenylephrine and the calcium ionophore A23187. Microinjection of Ca2+ into individual smooth muscle cells always resulted in significant, although temporally delayed, increases in intracellular calcium levels in adjacent cells; this intercellular calcium flux was reversibly blocked by inhibition of gap junctional communication with 2 mM heptanol. However, although microinjection of D-myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate [Ins(1,4,5)P3] into individual smooth muscle cells always produced significant increases in intracellular calcium levels in the injected cell, the intercellular spread of Ca2+ in response to Ins(1,4,5)P3 was more variable than for Ca2+ injections. These studies demonstrate that Ca2+, and perhaps Ins(1,4,5)P3 as well, can diffuse between smooth muscle cells through gap junction channels.

Calcium-activated currents in cultured neurones from rat dorsal root ganglia

1. Voltage-activated Ca2+ currents and caffeine (1 to 10 mM) were used to increase intracellular Ca2+ in rat cultured dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurones. Elevation of intracellular Ca2+ resulted in activation of inward currents which were attenuated by increasing the Ca2+ buffering capacity of cells by raising the concentration of EGTA in the patch solution to 10 mM. Low and high voltage-activated Ca2+ currents gave rise to Cl- tail currents in cells loaded with CsCl patch solution. Outward Ca2+ channel currents activated at very depolarized potentials (Vc + 60 mV to + 100 mV) also activated Cl- tail currents, which were enhanced when extracellular Ca2+ was elevated from 2 mM to 4 mM. 2. The Ca(2+)-activated Cl- tail currents were identified by estimation of tail current reversal potential by use of a double pulse protocol and by sensitivity to the Cl- channel blocker 5-nitro 2-(3-phenyl-propylamino) benzoic acid (NPPB) applied at a concentration of 10 microM. 3. Cells loaded with Cs acetate patch solution and bathed in medium containing 4 mM Ca2+ also had prolonged Ca(2+)-dependent tail currents, however these smaller tail currents were insensitive to NPPB. Release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores by caffeine gave rise to sustained inward currents in cells loaded with Cs acetate. Both Ca(2+)-activated tail currents and caffeine-induced inward currents recorded from cells loaded with Cs acetate were attenuated by Tris based recording media, and had reversal potentials positive to 0 mV suggesting activity of Ca(2+)-activated cation channels.4. Our data may reflect (a) different degrees of association between Ca2+-activated channels with voltage-gated Ca2+ channels, (b) distinct relationships between channels and intracellular Ca2" stores and Ca2+ homeostatic mechanisms, (c) regulation of Ca2+-activated channels by second messengers, and (d) varying channel sensitivity to Ca2 , in the cell body of DRG neurones.

Flow-induced calcium transients in single endothelial cells: spatial and temporal analysis

Endothelial cells (EC) are uniquely situated to respond to hemodynamic forces. Because flow-mediated release of endothelial-derived relaxing factors is associated with increased EC intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i), we sought to determine the effects of fluid shear stress on EC [Ca2+]i. Cells were subjected to flow in parallel-plate flow chambers and glass capillary tubes, and single cell [Ca2+]i was measured using fura-2. Upon initiation of flow (shear stress of 30 dyn/cm2), [Ca2+]i increased within 30 s to a peak value (approximately 4 times basal) and then decreased slowly to a plateau (approximately 2 times basal) that persisted for greater than 5 min. A striking finding was that the increases in [Ca2+]i were nonhomogeneous; the nuclear region and a periplasma membrane region were higher than the cytosol. After flow cessation, the increase in [Ca2+]i could be elicited repeatedly by resumption of flow. Removing extracellular Ca2+ did not eliminate the response. In contrast to EC, rat aortic smooth muscle cells showed no flow-mediated increase in [Ca2+]i. The complexity of EC [Ca2+]i response to flow suggests regulation of [Ca2+]i by several mechanisms that may serve a role in both short- and long-term EC responses to flow.

Phase-dependent contributions from Ca2+ entry and Ca2+ release to caffeine-induced [Ca2+]i oscillations in bullfrog sympathetic neurons

Sympathetic neurons display robust [Ca2+]i oscillations in response to caffeine and mild depolarization. Oscillations occur at constant membrane potential, ruling out voltage-dependent changes in plasma membrane conductance. They are terminated by ryanodine, implicating Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release. Ca2+ entry is necessary for sustained oscillatory activity, but its importance varies within the oscillatory cycle: the slow interspike rise in [Ca2+]i requires Ca2+ entry, but the rapid upstroke does not, indicating that it reflects internal Ca2+ release. Sudden alterations in [Ca2+]o, [K+]o, or [caffeine]o produce immediate changes in d[Ca2+]i/dt and provide information about the relative rates of surface membrane Ca2+ transport as well as uptake and release by internal stores. Based on our results, [Ca2+]i oscillations can be explained in terms of coordinated changes in Ca2+ fluxes across surface and store membranes.

Neuronal Ca2+ signalling takes the local route

The past year has seen several sets of experimental results demonstrate that fast, large and highly localized rises in intracellular Ca2+ concentration can occur in neurons. These results confirm previous theoretical predictions of acute spatial compartmentalization of Ca2+ signalling, and document a form of signalling that may occur whenever rapid and local signal processing is the goal. The dimensions involved present severe challenges for attempts to directly measure these signalling events.

Calcium gradients and buffers in bovine chromaffin cells

1. Digital imaging and photometry were used in conjunction with the fluorescent Ca2+ indicator, Fura-2, to examine intracellular Ca2+ signals produced by depolarization of single adrenal chromaffin cells. 2. Depolarization with a patch pipette produced radial gradients of Ca2+ within the cell, with Ca2+ concentration highest in the vicinity of the plasma membrane. These gradients dissipated within a few hundred milliseconds when the voltage-gated Ca2+ channels were closed. 3. Dialysis of Fura-2 into the chromaffin cell caused concentration-dependent changes in the depolarization-induced Ca2+ signal, decreasing its magnitude and slowing its recovery time course. These changes were used to estimate the properties of the endogenous cytoplasmic Ca2+ buffer with which Fura-2 competes for Ca2+. 4. The spatially averaged Fura-2 signal was well described by a model assuming fast competition between Fura-2 and an endogenous buffer on a millisecond time scale. Retrieval of calcium by pumps and slow buffers occurs on a seconds-long time scale. No temporal changes indicative of buffers with intermediate kinetics could be detected. 5. Two independent estimates of the capacity of the fast endogenous Ca2+ buffer suggest that 98-99% of the Ca2+ entering the cell normally is taken up by this buffer. This buffer appears to be immobile, because it does not wash out of the cell during dialysis. It has a low affinity for Ca2+ ions, because it does not saturate with 1 microM-Ca2+ inside the cell. 6. The low capacity, affinity and mobility of the endogenous Ca2+ buffer makes it possible for relatively small amounts of exogenous Ca2+ buffers, such as Fura-2, to exert a significant influence on the characteristics of the Ca2+ concentration signal as measured by fluorescence ratios. On the other hand, even at moderate Fura-2 concentrations (0.4 mM) Fura-2 will dominate over the endogenous buffers. Under these conditions radiometric Ca2+ concentration signals are largely attenuated, but absolute fluorescence changes (at 390 nm) accurately reflect calcium fluxes.

A caffeine- and ryanodine-sensitive Ca2+ store in bullfrog sympathetic neurones modulates effects of Ca2+ entry on [Ca2+]i

1. We studied how in changes in cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) produced by voltage-dependent Ca2+ entry are influenced by a caffeine-sensitive Ca2+ store in bullfrog sympathetic neurones. Ca2+ influx was elicited by K+ depolarization and the store was manipulated with either caffeine or ryanodine. 2. For a time after discharging the store with caffeine and switching to a caffeine-free medium: (a) [Ca2+]i was depressed by up to 40-50 nM below the resting level, (b) caffeine responsiveness was diminished, and (c) brief K+ applications elicited [Ca2+]i responses with slower onset and faster recovery than controls. These effects were more pronounced as the conditioning caffeine concentration was increased over the range 1-30 mM. 3. [Ca2+]i, caffeine and K+ responsiveness recovered in parallel with a half-time of approximately 2 min. Recovery required external Ca2+ and was speeded by increasing the availability of cytosolic Ca2+, suggesting that it reflected replenishment of the store at the expense of cytosolic Ca2+. 4. During recovery, Ca2+ entry stimulated by depolarization had the least effect on [Ca2+]i when the store was filling most rapidly. This suggests that the effect of Ca2+ entry on [Ca2+]i is modified, at least in part, because some of the Ca2+ which enters the cytosol during stimulation is taken up by the store as it refills. 5. Further experiments were carried out to investigate whether the store can also release Ca2+ in response to stimulated Ca2+ entry. In the continued presence of caffeine at a low concentration (1 mM), high K+ elicited a faster and larger [Ca2+]i response compared to controls; at higher concentrations of caffeine (10 and 30 mM) responses were depressed. 6. Ryanodine (1 microM) reduced the rate at which [Ca2+]i increased with Ca2+ entry, but not to the degree observed after discharging the store. At this concentration, ryanodine completely blocked responses to caffeine but had no detectable effect on Ca2+ channel current or the steady [Ca2+]i level achieved during depolarization. 7. We propose that, depending on its Ca2+ content, the caffeine-sensitive store can either attenuate or potentiate responses to depolarization. When depleted and in the process of refilling, the store reduces the impact of Ca2+ entry as some of the Ca2+ entering the cytosol during stimulation is captured by the store.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Intracellular ion imaging using fluorescent dyes: artefacts and limits to resolution

Development of highly efficient fluorescent ratio indicators has made imaging of ion concentrations within individual cells possible (Grynkiewicz et al. 1985; Tsien and Poenie 1986). Ion imaging is a complex technique and is therefore prone to artefacts. In this paper we investigate the limits of the technique and its potential pitfalls. The spatial resolution of an imaging system is determined for different cell geometries. We describe a technique to increase the time resolution of existing systems by using a single excitation wavelength to measure changes in ion concentration. We demonstrate examples of potential artefacts arising from hardware limitations, image processing and fundamental optics. Methods for recognition and minimization of these problems are discussed.

Kinetics of diffusion in a spherical cell. I. No solute buffering

Realistic neuron models that involve effects of concentration changes of second messengers on ion channels must include processes such as diffusion and solute buffering. These processes, which span a wide range of spatial and temporal scales, may impose a severe computational burden. In this paper and its companion, we examine the kinetics of diffusion and present methods for stimulating it accurately and efficiency. The problem of calcium diffusion in a spherical cell is used as a device to demonstrate the practical application of our analysis. However, the scope of these papers is not limited to this problem. The same analysis that we apply and concerns that we raise are germane to the spread of any second messenger, and can be adapted to other geometries. The focus of this paper is the simplest case: diffusion in the absence of solute buffering. This analysis also applies whenever buffering is so fast that it is instantaneous compared to diffusion, or so slow that concentration gradients have dissipated before substantial buffering takes place. The second paper investigates the more difficult situation where diffusion and buffering occur at comparable rates. In the absence of buffering, concentration changes produced by diffusion can be fit by an infinite series of exponential terms. We show how to design a model with N + 1 compartments that fits the N slowest terms of this series exactly in a shell just inside the cell membrane.

Confocal microscopic imaging of [Ca2+]i in cultured rat hippocampal neurons following exposure to N-methyl-D-aspartate

1. The confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) was used in conjunction with the calcium indicator dye Fluo-3 to record changes in free intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in cultured hippocampal neurons in response to superfusion of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA). 2. NMDA caused a rapid rise in [Ca2+]i in all parts of the neuron. The rise in [Ca2+]i was dependent on activation of an NMDA receptor, was enhanced by the removal of Mg2+ and addition of glycine to the superfusion medium, and was dependent on normal [Ca2+]o. 3. The rise of [Ca2+]i was seen first near the membrane. A wave of elevated [Ca2+]i moved centripetally at a rate of 117 microns/s. 4. Dantrolene pre-incubation caused a significant reduction in the efficacy of the NMDA-induced rise in [Ca2+]i, indicating that at least part of the rise is caused by intracellular release of calcium. 5. The replacement of calcium by barium caused a reduction in the response to NMDA, but a significant response was still present in these cells, supporting the assumption that NMDA causes release of calcium from intracellular stores. 6. The removal of sodium from the superfusion medium prolonged the [Ca2+]i rise in response to NMDA indicating that the Na-Ca antiporter is instrumental in reducing [Ca2+]i. 7. These studies demonstrate the multiplicity of regulating mechanisms of [Ca2+]i following activation of NMDA receptors.

Confocal microscopy of fertilization-induced calcium dynamics in sea urchin eggs

Although confocal microscopy has typically been utilized in studies of fixed specimens, its potential for exploring dynamic processes in living cells is rapidly being realized. In this report, confocal laser scanning microscopy is used to analyze the calcium wave that occurs following fertilization in living sea urchin eggs microinjected with the calcium-sensitive fluorescent probes fluo-3 or calcium green. Time-lapse recordings of optical sections depicting calcium dynamics within the eggs are also subjected to volumetric reconstructions. Such analyses indicate that (1) cytoplasmic free calcium levels become elevated throughout the fertilized egg, (2) fertilization also causes the egg nucleus to undergo a transient increase in free calcium, and (3) normal cleavage can be obtained following time-lapse imaging of the calcium waves.

Thin-section ratiometric Ca2+ images obtained by optical sectioning of fura-2 loaded mast cells

The availability of the ratiometric Ca2+ indicator dyes, fura-2, and indo-1, and advances in digital imaging and computer technology have made it possible to detect Ca2+ changes in single cells with high temporal and spatial resolution. However, the optical properties of the conventional epifluorescence microscope do not produce a perfect image of the specimen. Instead, the observed image is a spatial low pass filtered version of the object and is contaminated with out of focus information. As a result, the image has reduced contrast and an increased depth of field. This problem is especially important for measurements of localized Ca2+ concentrations. One solution to this problem is to use a scanning confocal microscope which only detects in focus information, but this approach has several disadvantages for low light fluorescence measurements in living cells. An alternative approach is to use digital image processing and a deblurring algorithm to remove the out of focus information by using a knowledge of the point spread function of the microscope. All of these algorithms require a stack of two-dimensional images taken at different focal planes, although the "nearest neighbor deblurring" algorithm only requires one image above and below the image plane. We have used a modification of this scheme to construct a simple inverse filter, which extracts optical sections comparable to those of the nearest neighbors scheme, but without the need for adjacent image sections. We have used this "no neighbors" processing scheme to deblur images of fura-2-loaded mast cells from beige mice and generate high resolution ratiometric Ca2+ images of thin sections through the cell. The shallow depth of field of these images is demonstrated by taking pairs of images at different focal planes, 0.5-microns apart. The secretory granules, which exclude the fura-2, appear in focus in all sections and distinct changes in their size and shape can be seen in adjacent sections. In addition, we show, with the aid of model objects, how the combination of inverse filtering and ratiometric imaging corrects for some of the inherent limitations of using an inverse filter and can be used for quantitative measurements of localized Ca2+ gradients. With this technique, we can observe Ca2+ transients in narrow regions of cytosol between the secretory granules and plasma membrane that can be less than 0.5-microns wide. Moreover, these Ca2+ increases can be seen to coincide with the swelling of the secretory granules that follows exocytotic fusion.

Subcellular distribution of cytosolic Ca2+ in isolated rat hepatocyte couplets: evaluation using confocal microscopy

Ca2+ agonists induce Ca2+ waves and other non-uniform Ca2+ patterns in the cytosol of epithelial cells. To define subcellular Ca2+ transients in the cytosol of hepatocytes we examined Fluo-3-loaded isolated rat hepatocyte couplets using confocal microscopy. Optical sections of less than 1 micron in thickness were observed in couplets, and fluorescence from cytosolic Ca2+ signals was readily distinguished from nuclear, mitochondrial, and lysosomal fluorescence. The nature of the noncytosolic components of the fluorescent images was verified by double labelling with the mitochondrial dye DiOC6(3) and with the lysosomal marker acridine orange. Using the line scanning mode of confocal microscopy, measurements of cytosolic Ca2+ were made with a frequency of up to 250 Hz and without significant bleaching. It was found that phenylephrine-induced Ca2+ signals generally began at the basal pole of the hepatocytes, then spread to the canaliculus at average speeds of 80 micron/s. These findings demonstrate the utility of confocal line scanning microscopy for detecting rapid changes in the subcellular distribution of cytosolic Ca2+ in hepatocyte couplets, and suggest that phenylephrine-induced Ca2+ waves radiate in a basal-to-apical direction in this cell type.

Regulation of cytosolic free calcium concentration by intrasynaptic mitochondria

By the use of digitonin permeabilized presynaptic nerve terminals (synaptosomes), we have found that intrasynaptic mitochondria, when studied "in situ," i.e., surrounded by their cytosolic environment, are able to buffer calcium in a range of calcium concentrations close to those usually present in the cytosol of resting synaptosomes. Adenine nucleotides and polyamines, which are usually lost during isolation of mitochondria, greatly improve the calcium-sequestering activity of mitochondria in permeabilized synaptosomes. The hypothesis that the mitochondria contributes to calcium homeostasis at low resting cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in synaptosomes has been tested; it has been found that in fact this is the case. Intrasynaptic mitochondria actively accumulates calcium at [Ca2+]i around 10(-7) M, and this activity is necessary for the regulation of [Ca2+]i. When compared with other membrane-limited calcium pools, it was found that depending on external concentration the calcium pool mobilized from mitochondria is similar or even greater than the IP3- or caffeine-sensitive calcium pools. In summary, the results presented argue in favor of a more prominent role of mitochondria in regulating [Ca2+]i in presynaptic nerve terminals, a role that should be reconsidered for other cellular types in light of the present evidence.

In-vivo confocal scanning laser microscopy of the cerebral microcirculation

Confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM) was used to study the microcirculation of the brain neocortex in anaesthetized rats. After removal of the dura mater, implantation of a closed cranial window, and intravenous injection of fluorescein, three-dimensional reconstructions of cortical capillaries were performed down to a depth of 250 microns below the pial surface. Using a one-dimensional approach (single line scanning), erythrocyte (negative contrast in fluorescently labelled plasma) and leucocyte (labelled with rhodamine 6 G) velocity and supply rate in cortical capillaries were measured. The effect of CO2-inhalation on capillary blood flow dynamics was studied. Capillaries were imaged continuously for up to 1 h without changes in flow or fluorescence pattern. However, by increasing the laser power 10-100-fold, aggregate formation was induced and capillaries were occluded, possibly due to damage to vascular endothelium. We conclude that CSLM can be used to study morphological and dynamic aspects of fluorescently labelled subsurface structures in organs of experimental animals.

Characteristics and function of Ca(2+)- and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-releasable stores of Ca2+ in neurons

Molecular, biochemical and physiological evidence for the existence of releasable Ca2+ stores in neurons is strong. There are two separate molecules that function as release channels from those Ca2+ stores, the RyanR and InsP3R, and both have multiple regulatory sites for positive and negative control. Perhaps most intriguing is the biphasic, concentration-dependent action of cytosolic Ca2+ on both channels, first to stimulate release then, at higher concentration, to depress release. Whether the InsP3R and RyanR channels regulate Ca2+ release from different or identical functional compartments will need to be defined for each neuron type and perhaps even for each intracellular region within neurons since the evidence for functional separation of stores is mixed. The identification of Ca2+ storage and releasing capacity throughout all subcellular regions of neurons and the increasing evidence for a role for Ca2+ stores in neuronal plasticity suggests that the further characterization of the functional properties of Ca2+ stores will be an increasingly important and expanding area of interest in neurobiology.

Release of intracellular calcium and modulation of membrane currents by caffeine in bull-frog sympathetic neurones

1. Calcium release and sequestration were studied in whole-cell voltage-clamped bull-frog sympathetic neurones by image analysis of Fura-2 signals. 2. Application of caffeine (10 mM) to cells voltage clamped at -38 mV caused a rapid increase in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) to a mean value of 352 +/- 33 nM, which activated an outward current. In the continued presence of caffeine the rise in [Ca2+]i slowly declined to a sustained plateau of 196 +/- 20 nM (112 nM above control levels), while the outward current rapidly decayed. Peak calcium release was highest at the edge of the cell. 3. The caffeine-evoked intracellular calcium increase was reduced by two inhibitors of calcium-induced calcium release, ryanodine and procaine. The residual non-suppressible increase in [Ca2+]i may indicate that caffeine can release calcium from two pharmacologically distinct intracellular stores. 4. Inhibition of the caffeine-evoked release of calcium by ryanodine was both concentration and 'use dependent' so that the full inhibitory effect was only observed when caffeine was applied for the second time in the presence of ryanodine. In contrast, the action of procaine did not show any 'use dependence' and unlike ryanodine was fully reversible. 5. The outward current was sensitive to blockers of the large conductance calcium-activated potassium current, Ic. Analysis of variance from this current indicated that it arose at least partly from summation of spontaneous miniature outward currents. 6. The magnitude and duration of calcium release by caffeine was dependent on the resting level of intracellular calcium and the caffeine exposure time. This, together with the pharmacology of the release, suggests that caffeine increases intracellular calcium by sensitizing calcium-induced calcium release. 7. The evoked [Ca2+]i increase was enhanced in amplitude by intracellular application of Ruthenium Red. This effect was mimicked by extracellular application of the mitochondrial uncoupler carbonyl cyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenyl-hydrazone (FCCP) but not by internal application of FCCP or other inhibitors of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake. This suggests that the evoked increase in [Ca2+]i is predominantly buffered by a Ruthenium Red-sensitive sequestration process which is not mitochondrial.

Increases in intracellular calcium ion concentration during depolarization of cultured embryonic Xenopus spinal neurones

1. Changes in intracellular Ca2+ ion concentrations ([Ca2+]i) during potassium-induced depolarizations were studied in cultured embryonic Xenopus spinal neurones using the Ca(2+)-sensitive dye Fura-2 and quantitative fluorescence microscopy. 2. Membrane voltages attained during exposure to bath solutions containing 3, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 mM-K+ were determined under current clamp. In 3 mM-K(+)-containing solution (normal saline), the resting potential was -65 mV. The threshold voltage required to observe a measurable rise in [Ca2+]i was -40 mV (external potassium concentration [K+]o = 20 mM). The depolarization-induced [Ca2+]i signal had two components: a non-relaxing component, and, at voltages positive to -40 mV, an additional transient component on the rising phase that decayed over tens of seconds. There was substantial variability in the magnitudes of resting and voltage-induced changes in [Ca2+]i, but [Ca2+]i responses were qualitatively consistent between neurons of similar ages. 3. External potassium (K+o)-induced increases in [Ca2+]i were spatially non-homogeneous. The largest increases were seen in the nucleus, near the base of a major neurite, and in growth cones. Increases occurred more rapidly in neurites and growth cones than in somas. T-type and high-voltage-activated (HVA) channels appeared to be present in all cell regions. 4. Increases in [Ca2+]i evoked by 50 mM-K+ (depolarization to approximately -15 mV) were sensitive to treatments demonstrated to inhibit Ca2+ currents in these cells (T-type, HVA-relaxing and HVA-sustained), including Ni2+ (200 microM), Metenkephalin (17.5 microM), and omega-conotoxin (omega-CgTx; 5.5 microM). [Ca2+]i increases were reduced by caffeine (10 mM) and ryanodine (10-100 microM), agents that affect Ca2+ release from intracellular stores. 5. A sustained increase in [Ca2+]i observed at approximately -40 mV ([K+]o = 20 mM) was investigated in greater detail. Concentrations of Ni2+ sufficient to block T-type Ca2+ current slowed but did not block the rise in [Ca2+]i induced by 20 mM-K+. Met-enkephalin did not affect the [Ca2+]i response. omega-CgTx reduced the amplitude of the [Ca2+]i response, but did not eliminate the sustained component. Verapamil (100 microM), caffeine and ryanodine differentially reduced the sustained component as compared to the initial rising phase. These observations suggest that the rising phase was due to Ca2+ influx through T-type and other Ca2+ channels, and that the sustained phase was differentially sensitive to inhibition of internal Ca2+ release.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Imaging of leukocytes within the rat brain cortex in vivo

Confocal laser scanning microscopy was used in a rat closed cranial window preparation in order to study rhodamin 6G-labeled leukocytes within the brain cortex in vivo. Leukocytes were visualized up to 150 microns beneath the rat brain surface in noninvasive optical sections. In pial venules, leukocytes were seen flowing with the blood stream, rolling along or sticking to the endothelium, and migrating through the vessel wall. Within cerebral capillaries, leukocyte flux, velocities, and leukocyte plugging were measured. After additional intravenous administration of fluorescein, the plasma, leukocytes, and erythrocytes were visualized simultaneously. Based on stacks of optical sections of fluorescein-labeled capillaries, the individual capillaries were localized within the three-dimensional microvascular network. The usefulness of this technique was illustrated in a feasibility study in which leukocyte sticking to the vascular walls of venules, leukocyte extravasation, and intracapillary leukocyte plugging were monitored in a model of global cerebral ischemia.

The path of calcium in cytosolic calcium oscillations: a unifying hypothesis

Data from 42 systems have been assembled in which the overall spatial course of relatively natural, intracellular calcium pulses has been or can be determined. These include 21 cases of solitary pulses in activating eggs and 21 cases of periodic (as well as solitary) pulses in various fully active cells. In all cases, these pulses prove to be waves of elevated calcium that travel from one pole of a cell to the other or from the periphery inward. The velocities of these waves are remarkably conserved--at approximately 10 microns/sec in activating eggs and approximately 25 microns/sec in other cells at room temperature. Moreover, in three cases, the data suffice to show that these velocities fit the Luther equation for a reaction/diffusion wave of calcium through the cytosol. It is proposed that (i) natural intracellular calcium pulses quite generally take the form of cytosolic calcium waves and (ii) cytoplasmically controlled calcium waves are triggered and then propagated by the successive action of two distinct modes of calcium-induced calcium release. First, in the lumenal mode, a slow increase of calcium within the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum reaches a level that triggers fast lumenal release as well as fast localized release into the cytosol. Then, the well-known cytosolic mode drives a reaction/diffusion wave across or into the cell.

Calcium-induced release of calcium regulates differentiation of cultured spinal neurons

Voltage-dependent calcium influx has been shown to regulate the differentiation of cultured amphibian spinal neurons. We have examined the transient elevation of intracellular calcium induced by depolarization, using calcium indicators and confocal microscopy with high temporal and spatial resolution. Rapid calcium elevations in both the nucleus and the cytosol are primarily due to calcium-dependent release of calcium from intracellular stores. Depletion of stores associated with the endoplasmic reticulum reduces all transients. Elevations diminish with neuronal maturation. Depletion of stores of intracellular calcium at early times affects neuronal differentiation in a manner similar to the prevention of influx. The results indicate that both influx and release are necessary to promote neuronal differentiation.