Spatial and temporal patterns of intracellular calcium in colonic smooth muscle

Fast calcium waves

Calcium waves are propagated in five main speed ranges which cover a billion-fold range of speeds. We define the fast speed range as 3-30μm/s after correction to a standard temperature of 20°C. Only waves which are not fertilization waves are considered here. 181 such cases are listed here. These are through organisms in all major taxa from cyanobacteria through mammals including human beings except for those through other bacteria, higher plants and fungi. Nearly two-thirds of these speeds lie between 12 and 24μm/s. We argue that their common mechanism in eukaryotes is a reaction-diffusion one involving calcium-induced calcium release, in which calcium waves are propagated along the endoplasmic reticulum. We propose that the gliding movements of some cyanobacteria are driven by fast calcium waves which are propagated along their plasma membranes. Fast calcium waves may drive materials to one end of developing embryos by cellular peristalsis, help coordinate complex cell movements during development and underlie brain injury waves. Moreover, we continue to argue that such waves greatly increase the likelihood that chronic injuries will initiate tumors and cancers before genetic damage occurs. Finally we propose numerous further studies.

Rhythmicity in arterial smooth muscle

Many arteries and arterioles exhibit rhythmical contractions which are synchronous over considerable distances. This vasomotion is likely to assist in tissue perfusion especially during periods of altered metabolism or perfusion pressure. While the mechanism underlying vascular rhythmicity has been investigated for many years, it has only been recently, with the advent of imaging techniques for visualizing intracellular calcium release, that significant advances have been made. These methods, when combined with mechanical and electrophysiological recordings, have demonstrated that the rhythm depends critically on calcium released from intracellular stores within the smooth muscle cells and on cell coupling via gap junctions to synchronize oscillations in calcium release amongst adjacent cells. While these factors are common to all vessels studied to date, the contribution of voltage-dependent channels and the endothelium varies amongst different vessels. The basic mechanism for rhythmical activity in arteries thus differs from its counterpart in non-vascular smooth muscle, where specific networks of pacemaker cells generate electrical potentials which drive activity within the otherwise quiescent muscle cells.

Opposing actions of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and ryanodine receptors on nuclear factor of activated T-cells regulation in smooth muscle

The nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT), originally identified in T-cells, has since been shown to play a role in mediating Ca(2+)-dependent gene transcription in diverse cell types outside of the immune system. We have previously shown that nuclear accumulation of NFATc3 is induced in ileal smooth muscle by platelet-derived growth factor in a manner that depends on Ca(2+) influx through L-type, voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels. Here we show that NFATc3 is also the predominant NFAT isoform expressed in cerebral artery smooth muscle and is induced to accumulate in the nucleus by UTP and other G(q/11)-coupled receptor agonists. This induction is mediated by calcineurin and is dependent on sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) release through inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors and extracellular Ca(2+) influx through L-type, voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels. Consistent with results obtained in ileal smooth muscle, depolarization-induced Ca(2+) influx fails to induce NFAT nuclear accumulation in cerebral arteries. We also provide evidence that Ca(2+) release by ryanodine receptors in the form of Ca(2+) sparks may exert an inhibitory influence on UTP-induced NFATc3 nuclear accumulation and further suggest that UTP may act, in part, by inhibiting Ca(2+) sparks. These results are consistent with a multifactorial regulation of NFAT nuclear accumulation in smooth muscle that is likely to involve several intracellular signaling pathways, including local effects of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) release and effects attributable to global elevations in intracellular Ca(2+).

On the conservation of fast calcium wave speeds

Calcium waves were first seen about 25 years ago as the giant, 10 micro m/s wave or tsunami which crosses the cytoplasm of an activating medaka fish egg [J Cell Biol 76 (1978) 448]. By 1991, reports of such waves with approximately 10 micro m/s velocities through diverse, activating eggs and with approximately 30 micro m/s velocities through diverse, fully active systems had been compiled to form a class of what are now called fast calcium waves [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 88 (1991) 9883; Bioessays 21 (1999) 657]. This compilation is now updated to include organisms from algae and sponges up to blowflies, squid and men and organizational levels from mammalian brains and hearts as well as chick embryos down to muscle, nerve, epithelial, blood and cancer cells and even cell-free extracts. Plots of these data confirm the narrow, 2-3-fold ranges of fast wave speeds through activating eggs and 3-4-fold ones through fully active systems at a given temperature. This also indicate Q(10)'s of 2.7-fold per 10 degrees C for both activating eggs and for fully activated cells.Speeds through some ultraflat preparations which are a few-fold above the conserved range are attributed to stretch propagated calcium entry (SPCE) rather than calcium-induced calcium release (CICR).

Invited review: significance of spatial and temporal heterogeneity of calcium transients in smooth muscle

The multiplicity of mechanisms involved in regulation of intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) in smooth muscle results in both intra- and intercellular heterogeneities in [Ca(2+)](i). Heterogeneity in [Ca(2+)](i) regulation is reflected by the presence of spontaneous, localized [Ca(2+)](i) transients (Ca(2+) sparks) representing Ca(2+) release through ryanodine receptor (RyR) channels. Ca(2+) sparks display variable spatial Ca(2+) distributions with every occurrence within and across cellular regions. Individual sparks are often grouped, and fusion of sparks produces large local elevations in [Ca(2+)](i) that occasionally trigger propagating [Ca(2+)](i) waves. Ca(2+) sparks may modulate membrane potential and thus smooth muscle contractility. Sparks may also be the target of other regulatory factors in smooth muscle. Agonists induce propagating [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations that originate from foci with high spark incidence and also represent Ca(2+) release through RyR channels. With increasing agonist concentration, the peak of regional [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations remains relatively constant, whereas both frequency and propagation velocity increase. In contrast, the global cellular response appears as a concentration-dependent increase in peak as well as mean cellular [Ca(2+)](i), representing a spatial and temporal integration of the oscillations. The significance of agonist-induced [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations lies in the establishment of a global [Ca(2+)](i) level for slower Ca(2+)-dependent physiological processes.

Spatial and temporal aspects of ACh-induced [Ca2+]i oscillations in porcine tracheal smooth muscle

This study evaluated the relationship between regional elevation in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) induced by acetylcholine (ACh) and the global cellular responses in porcine tracheal smooth muscle (TSM) cells. Regional (approximately 1.5 microm3) and global (whole cell) changes in [Ca2+]i were measured in fluo-3 loaded TSM cells using real-time confocal microscopy. Regional responses appeared as propagating [Ca2+]i oscillations whereas global responses reflected the spatiotemporal integration of these regional responses. Within a region, [Ca2+]i oscillations were 'biphasic' with initial higher frequencies, followed by slower steady-state oscillations. With increasing ACh concentration, the peak (maximum value relative to 0 nM) of regional [Ca2+]i oscillations remained relatively constant, whereas both frequency and propagation velocity increased. In contrast, the global spatiotemporal integration of the regional oscillatory responses appeared as a concentration-dependent increase in peak as well as mean cellular [Ca2+]i. We conclude that the significance of ACh-induced [Ca2+]i oscillations lies in the establishment of mean [Ca2+]i level for slower Ca2+-dependent physiological processes via modulation of oscillation frequency and propagation velocity.

Calcium waves in colonic myocytes produced by mechanical and receptor-mediated stimulation

The mechanisms underlying intracellular Ca2+ waves induced by either mechanical or receptor-mediated stimulation of myocytes isolated from the longitudinal muscle layer of the rabbit distal colon were compared using fura 2 and fluorescence videomicroscopy. Light focal mechanical deformation of the plasma membrane or focal application of substance P resulted in localized intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) transients that propagated throughout the cell. In both cases, the Ca2+ response consisted of a transient peak response followed by a delayed-phase response. Substance P-mediated [Ca2+]i responses involved generation of inositol 1,4, 5-trisphosphate and release of Ca2+ from thapsigargin-sensitive stores, whereas mechanically induced responses were partially (29%) dependent on La3+-sensitive influx of extracellular Ca2+ and partially on release of intracellular Ca2+ from thapsigargin-insensitive stores gated by ryanodine receptors. The delayed-phase response in both cases was dependent on extracellular Ca2+. However, although the response to substance P was sensitive to La3+, that after mechanical stimulation was not. In the later case, the underlying mechanism may involve capacitative Ca2+ entry channels that are activated after mechanical stimulation but not by substance P.

Mechanisms involved in the cellular calcium homeostasis in vascular smooth muscle: calcium pumps

The regulation of cytosolic Ca2+ homeostasis is essential for cells, and particularly for vascular smooth muscle cells. In this regulation, there is a participation of different factors and mechanisms situated at different levels in the cell, among them Ca2+ pumps play an important role. Thus, Ca2+ pump, to extrude Ca2+; Na+/Ca2+ exchanger; and different Ca2+ channels for Ca2+ entry are placed in the plasma membrane. In addition, the inner and outer surfaces of the plasmalemma possess the ability to bind Ca2+ that can be released by different agonists. The sarcoplasmic reticulum has an active role in this Ca2+ regulation; its membrane has a Ca2+ pump that facilitates luminal Ca2+ accumulation, thus reducing the cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration. This pump can be inhibited by different agents. Physiologically, its activity is regulated by the protein phospholamban; thus, when it is in its unphosphorylated state such a Ca2+ pump is inhibited. The sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane also possesses receptors for 1,4,5-inositol trisphosphate and ryanodine, which upon activation facilitates Ca2+ release from this store. The sarcoplasmic reticulum and the plasmalemma form the superficial buffer barrier that is considered as an effective barrier for Ca2+ influx. The cytosol possesses different proteins and several inorganic compounds with a Ca2+ buffering capacity. The hypothesis of capacitative Ca2+ entry into smooth muscle across the plasma membrane after intracellular store depletion and its mechanisms of inhibition and activation is also commented.

Effect of halothane on intracellular calcium oscillations in porcine tracheal smooth muscle cells

The effect of halothane on intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) regulation in porcine tracheal smooth muscle cells was examined with real-time confocal microscopy. Both 1 and 2 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) halothane increased basal [Ca2+]i when Ca2+ influx and efflux were blocked, suggesting increased sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ leak and/or decreased reuptake. In beta-escin-permeabilized cells, heparin inhibition of inositol 1,4, 5-trisphosphate-receptor channels blunted the halothane-induced increase in [Ca2+]i. Both 1 and 2 MAC halothane decreased the frequency and amplitude of ACh-induced [Ca2+]i oscillations (which represent SR Ca2+ release through ryanodine-receptor channels), abolishing oscillations in approximately 20% of tracheal smooth muscle cells at 2 MAC. When Ca2+ influx and efflux were blocked, halothane increased the baseline and decreased the frequency and amplitude of [Ca2+]i oscillations, inhibiting oscillations in approximately 70% of cells at 2 MAC. The fall time of [Ca2+]i oscillations and the rate of fall of the [Ca2+]i response to caffeine were both increased by halothane. These results suggest that halothane abolishes agonist-induced [Ca2+]i oscillations by 1) depleting SR Ca2+ via increased Ca2+ leak through inositol 1,4, 5-trisphosphate-receptor channels, 2) decreasing Ca2+ release through ryanodine-receptor channels, and 3) inhibiting reuptake.

Smooth muscle aldolase C-bound inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate studied in vitro under physiological conditions

Our goal was to quantitate inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (Ins(1,4,5)P3) binding to aldolase C tetramer (aldolase4) and its displacement by inositol 1,3,4-trisphosphate (Ins(1,3,4)P3) under conditions which approximated the in vivo state. Anions were found to have major effects. Decreasing [KCl] from 100 to 10mM, at 0 degrees C and pH 7.0, increased maximal Ins(1,4,5)P3 binding to 1.0 to 2.4mol per mol aldolase4. At 10 and 30mEq/l [Cl-], an additional high affinity site was detected (Kds = 0.43 and 0.86 microM, respectively). Increasing concentrations of other anions (SO42-, propanoate-, HCO3-, acetate-) also inhibited binding, but effects would be minimal at concentrations of these anions present in the cytoplasm of living cells. Ins(1,3,4)P3 displacement of aldolase C-bound Ins(1,4,5)P3 was sensitive to [Cl-]; at 30mEq/l [Cl-] and 37 degrees C, Ins(1,3,4)P3 released 20% of bound Ins(1,4,5)P3 at concentrations of 100nM. Changing temperature from 0 to 37 degrees C increased Kds for Ins(1,4,5)P3 binding. Changes in free [Ca2+], [Mg2+], [Na+] and [K+] and changes in osmolality had no effect on Ins(1,4,5)P3 binding to aldolase C. In vivo Ins(1,4,5)P3-aldolase4 binding at 30mEq/l [Cl-] and 37 degrees C were calculated for different [Ins(1,4,5)P3]free over the range 0.2 to 1.0 microM. For different cytoplasmic [Ins(1,4,5)P3]free. Ins(1,4,5)P3 binding to aldolase4 was sufficient, if acutely released, to nearly double cytoplasmic [Ins(1,4,5)P3]free. We proposed a schema whereby release of aldolase C-bound Ins(1,4,5)P3 evoked by Ins(1,3,4)P3 amplifies effects of phospholipase C-formed Ins(1,4,5)P3.

Effects of salbutamol on intracellular calcium oscillations in porcine airway smooth muscle

Relaxation of airway smooth muscle (ASM) by beta-adrenoceptor agonists involves reduction of intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). In porcine ASM cells, acetylcholine induces [Ca2+]i oscillations that display frequency modulation by agonist concentration and basal [Ca2+]i. We used real-time confocal microscopy to examine the effect of salbutamol (1 nM to 1 microM), a beta 2-adrenoceptor agonist, on [Ca2+]i oscillations in freshly dissociated porcine ASM cells. Salbutamol decreased the frequency of [Ca2+]i oscillations in a concentration-dependent fashion, completely inhibiting the oscillations at 1 microM. These effects were mimicked by a cell-permeant analog of adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate. The inhibitory effect of salbutamol was partially reversed by BAY K 8644. Salbutamol reduced [Ca2+]i even when sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ reuptake and Ca2+ influx were blocked. Lanthanum blockade of Ca2+ efflux attenuated the inhibitory effect of salbutamol on [Ca2+]i. The [Ca2+]i response to caffeine was unaffected by salbutamol. On the basis of these results, we conclude that beta 2-adrenoceptor agonists have little effect on SR Ca2+ release in ASM cells but reduce [Ca2+]i by inhibiting Ca2+ influx through voltage-gated channels and by enhancing Ca2+ efflux.

Spontaneous and repetitive calcium transients in C2C12 mouse myotubes during in vitro myogenesis

Fluorescence videomicroscopy was used to monitor changes in the cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in the mouse muscle cell line C2Cl2 during in vitro myogenesis. Three different patterns of changes in [Ca2+]i were observed: (i) [Ca2+]i oscillations; (ii) faster Ca2+ events confined to subcellular regions (localized [Ca2+]i spikes) and (iii) [Ca2+]i spikes detectable in the entire myotube (global [Ca2+]i spikes). [Ca2+]i oscillations and localized [Ca2+]i spikes were detectable following the appearance of caffeine-sensitivity in differentiating C2Cl2 cells. Global [Ca2+]i spikes appeared later in the process of myogenesis in cells exhibiting coupling between voltage-operated Ca2+ channels and ryanodine receptors. In contrast to [Ca2+]i oscillations and localized [Ca2+]i spikes, the global events immediately stopped when cells were perfused either with a Ca2+-free solution, or a solution with TTX, TEA and verapamil. To explore further the mechanism of the global [Ca2+]i spikes, membrane currents and fluorescence signals were measured simultaneously. These experiments revealed that global [Ca2+]i spikes were correlated with an inward current. Moreover, while the depletion of the Ca2+ stores blocked [Ca2+]i oscillations and localized [Ca2+]i spikes, it only reduced the amplitude of global [Ca2+]i spikes. It is suggested that, during the earlier stages of the myogenesis, spontaneous and repetitive [Ca2+]i changes may be based on cytosolic oscillatory mechanisms. The coupling between voltage-operated Ca2+ channels and ryanodine receptors seems to be the prerequisite for the appearance of global [Ca2+]i spikes triggered by a membrane oscillatory mechanism, which characterizes the later phases of the myogenic process.

Oscillations and multiple steady states in active membrane transport models

The dynamic behavior of some non-linear extensions of the six-state alternating access model for active membrane transport is investigated. We use stoichio-metric network analysis to study the stability of steady states. The bifurcation analysis has been done through standard numerical methods. For the usual six-state model we have proved that there is only one steady state, which is globally asymptotically stable. When we added an autocatalytic step we found self-oscillations. For the competition between a monomer cycle and a dimer cycle, with steps of dimer formation, we have also found self-oscillations. We have also studied models involving the formation of a complex with other molecules. The addition of two steps for formation of a complex of the monomer with another molecule does not alter either the number or the stability of steady states of the basic six-state model. The model which combines the formation of a complex with an autocatalytic step shows both self-oscillations and multiple steady states. The results lead us to conclude that oscillations could be produced by active membrane transport systems if the transport cycle contains a sufficiently large number of steps (six in the present case) and is coupled to at least one autocatalytic reaction,. Oscillations are also predicted when the monomer cycle is coupled to a dimer cycle. In fact, the autocatalytic reaction can be seen as a simplification of the model involving competition between monomer and dimer cycles, which seems to be a more realistic description of biological systems. A self-regulation mechanism of the pumps, related to the multiple stationary states, is expected only for a combined effect of autocatalysis and formation of complexes with other molecules. Within the six-state model this model also leads to oscillation.

Classes and mechanisms of calcium waves

The best known calcium waves move at about 5-30 microns/s (at 20 degrees C) and will be called fast waves to distinguish them from slow (contractile) ones which move at 0.1-1 microns/s as well as electrically propagated, ultrafast ones. Fast waves move deep within cells and seem to underlie most calcium signals. Their velocity and hence mechanism has been remarkably conserved among all or almost all eukaryotic cells. In fully active (but not overstimulated) cells of all sorts, their mean speeds lie between about 15-30 microns/s at 20 degrees C. Their amplitudes usually lie between 3-30 microM and their frequencies from one per 10-300 s. They are propagated by a reaction diffusion mechanism governed by the Luther equation in which Ca2+ ions are the only diffusing propagators, and calcium induced calcium release, or CICR, the only reaction; although this reaction traverses various channels which are generally modulated by IP3 or cADPR. However, they may be generally initiated by a second, lumenal mode of CICR which occurs within the ER. Moreover, they are propagated between cells by a variety of mechanisms. Slow intracellular waves, on the other hand, may be mechanically propagated via stretch sensitive calcium channels.

Spontaneous oscillations of cytoplasmic free calcium ion concentration in cultured smooth muscle cells from guinea pig ileum

The cytoplasmic free calcium ion concentration ([Ca2+]i) of cultured guinea pig ileum longitudinal muscle cells loaded with a fluorescent [Ca2+]i indicator, fura-2, was measured by digital ratio imaging microscopy. Spontaneous [Ca2+]i oscillations were observed in 25% to 80% of the cells, which differed with the batches of the cultured cells after 5 to 8 days in culture. The frequency and amplitude of the [Ca2+]i oscillations in each individual cell were usually regular, but heterogeneity between neighboring cells was observed. The spontaneous [Ca2+]i oscillations were also observed even after incubation of the cells under a serum-free condition for 72 hr. Exchange of extracellular solution to Ca(2+)-free solution containing EGTA or BAPTA immediately stopped the [Ca2+]i oscillations. The ratio of the oscillating cells was dependent on the extracellular calcium ion concentration ([Ca2+]o); and heterogeneity in the range of the [Ca2+]o to generate the [Ca2+]i oscillations was observed. An inorganic Ca(2+)-antagonist, LaCl3, immediately suppressed the [Ca2+]i oscillations, but the treatment with verapamil or nicardipine, Ca(2+)-channel blockers, did not have any effect on the [Ca2+]i oscillations. An inhibitor of the intracellular Ca2+ pump, thapsigargin, induced a transient increase in [Ca2+]i and then inhibited the spontaneous [Ca2+]i oscillations. Neomycin, a compound known to inhibit phosphoinositide turnover, inhibited the [Ca2+]i oscillations.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

VIP modulates intracellular calcium oscillations in human lymphoblasts

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) has been shown to stimulate adenylate cyclase in a human lymphoblast cell line (MOLT 4). In the present study, we monitored fluorescence in cell suspensions and in single fura-2 loaded MOLT 4 lymphoblasts to determine if VIP modulates intracellular calcium concentrations ([Ca2+]i), and if this modulation is mediated by adenylate cyclase. The distribution of [Ca2+]i in resting and stimulated cells was non-homogeneous, with gradients of high [Ca2+]i present in the subplasmalemmal space. In a subset of cells (10-30% of all cells studied), [Ca2+]i showed La(3+)-sensitive, temporal changes in the form of [Ca2+]i oscillations with a baseline [Ca2+]i value of 115 +/- 10 nM, an oscillation amplitude of 150 +/- 18 nM and a mean period of 9.2 +/- 2 s. The remaining non-oscillating cells showed a constant [Ca2+]i level of 75 +/- 5 nM (n = 65 cells from 4 experiments). In the subset of cells with spontaneous [Ca2+]i oscillations, VIP dose-dependently (10(-12) to 10(-8) M) increased the amplitude of oscillations but did not stimulate their frequency. The stimulatory effect of VIP was correlated with baseline [Ca2+]i in these cells, was attenuated in the presence of La3+ (25 microM), but was unaffected by cell depolarization (126 mM KCl). Dibutyryl cyclic AMP (10(-4) to 10(-3) M) and forskolin (10(-4) M) had no effect on [Ca2+]i oscillations, or on [Ca2+]i in cells without oscillations. In cell suspensions, baseline [Ca2+]i was found to be 55.1 +/- 11.2 nM (mean +/- S.E.M., n = 11); VIP, cyclic AMP analogues or forskolin had no significant effect on [Ca2+]i. These findings suggest that: a) VIP modulates the amplitude of [Ca2+]i oscillations generated by a cytosolic [Ca2+] oscillator in a subset of cells at a concentration of 10(-12) M, a thousand-fold below the KD for the VIP receptor; b) baseline [Ca2+] values may be related to both the ability of cells to generate spontaneous [Ca2+] oscillations and of oscillating cells to respond to VIP; c) due to the small number of responding cells, VIP-induced [Ca2+]i changes are not detectable when studied in cell suspensions.

Calcium waves

Intracellular Ca2+ oscillations and waves are commonly observed both in excitable cells, including neurons, and in non-excitable cells. Current attempts to describe and explain these complex intracellular signals suggest that the oscillations are the result of a highly regulated mechanism, the details of which vary among different cells. Recently, the Xenopus oocyte has become an important model system in which a single pool of IP3 receptors release Ca2+ to initiate waves. The intrinsic bell-shaped dependence of the IP3 receptor on Ca2+ is sufficient to explain the regenerative wave phenomenon.

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.