Distribution of calcium ATPase in the sarcoplasmic reticulum of fast- and slow-twitch muscles determined with monoclonal antibodies

Improper Remodeling of Organelles Deputed to Ca2+ Handling and Aerobic ATP Production Underlies Muscle Dysfunction in Ageing

Proper skeletal muscle function is controlled by intracellular Ca2+ concentration and by efficient production of energy (ATP), which, in turn, depend on: (a) the release and re-uptake of Ca2+ from sarcoplasmic-reticulum (SR) during excitation-contraction (EC) coupling, which controls the contraction and relaxation of sarcomeres; (b) the uptake of Ca2+ into the mitochondrial matrix, which stimulates aerobic ATP production; and finally (c) the entry of Ca2+ from the extracellular space via store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE), a mechanism that is important to limit/delay muscle fatigue. Abnormalities in Ca2+ handling underlie many physio-pathological conditions, including dysfunction in ageing. The specific focus of this review is to discuss the importance of the proper architecture of organelles and membrane systems involved in the mechanisms introduced above for the correct skeletal muscle function. We reviewed the existing literature about EC coupling, mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake, SOCE and about the structural membranes and organelles deputed to those functions and finally, we summarized the data collected in different, but complementary, projects studying changes caused by denervation and ageing to the structure and positioning of those organelles: a. denervation of muscle fibers-an event that contributes, to some degree, to muscle loss in ageing (known as sarcopenia)-causes misplacement and damage: (i) of membrane structures involved in EC coupling (calcium release units, CRUs) and (ii) of the mitochondrial network; b. sedentary ageing causes partial disarray/damage of CRUs and of calcium entry units (CEUs, structures involved in SOCE) and loss/misplacement of mitochondria; c. functional electrical stimulation (FES) and regular exercise promote the rescue/maintenance of the proper architecture of CRUs, CEUs, and of mitochondria in both denervation and ageing. All these structural changes were accompanied by related functional changes, i.e., loss/decay in function caused by denervation and ageing, and improved function following FES or exercise. These data suggest that the integrity and proper disposition of intracellular organelles deputed to Ca2+ handling and aerobic generation of ATP is challenged by inactivity (or reduced activity); modifications in the architecture of these intracellular membrane systems may contribute to muscle dysfunction in ageing and sarcopenia.

The excitation-contraction coupling mechanism in skeletal muscle

First coined by Alexander Sandow in 1952, the term excitation-contraction coupling (ECC) describes the rapid communication between electrical events occurring in the plasma membrane of skeletal muscle fibres and Ca2+ release from the SR, which leads to contraction. The sequence of events in twitch skeletal muscle involves: (1) initiation and propagation of an action potential along the plasma membrane, (2) spread of the potential throughout the transverse tubule system (T-tubule system), (3) dihydropyridine receptors (DHPR)-mediated detection of changes in membrane potential, (4) allosteric interaction between DHPR and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) ryanodine receptors (RyR), (5) release of Ca2+ from the SR and transient increase of Ca2+ concentration in the myoplasm, (6) activation of the myoplasmic Ca2+ buffering system and the contractile apparatus, followed by (7) Ca2+ disappearance from the myoplasm mediated mainly by its reuptake by the SR through the SR Ca2+ adenosine triphosphatase (SERCA), and under several conditions movement to the mitochondria and extrusion by the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX). In this text, we review the basics of ECC in skeletal muscle and the techniques used to study it. Moreover, we highlight some recent advances and point out gaps in knowledge on particular issues related to ECC such as (1) DHPR-RyR molecular interaction, (2) differences regarding fibre types, (3) its alteration during muscle fatigue, (4) the role of mitochondria and store-operated Ca2+ entry in the general ECC sequence, (5) contractile potentiators, and (6) Ca2+ sparks.

Fiber Types in Mammalian Skeletal Muscles

Mammalian skeletal muscle comprises different fiber types, whose identity is first established during embryonic development by intrinsic myogenic control mechanisms and is later modulated by neural and hormonal factors. The relative proportion of the different fiber types varies strikingly between species, and in humans shows significant variability between individuals. Myosin heavy chain isoforms, whose complete inventory and expression pattern are now available, provide a useful marker for fiber types, both for the four major forms present in trunk and limb muscles and the minor forms present in head and neck muscles. However, muscle fiber diversity involves all functional muscle cell compartments, including membrane excitation, excitation-contraction coupling, contractile machinery, cytoskeleton scaffold, and energy supply systems. Variations within each compartment are limited by the need of matching fiber type properties between different compartments. Nerve activity is a major control mechanism of the fiber type profile, and multiple signaling pathways are implicated in activity-dependent changes of muscle fibers. The characterization of these pathways is raising increasing interest in clinical medicine, given the potentially beneficial effects of muscle fiber type switching in the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases.

Effect of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on calcium pump ATPase expression in human diaphragm

We have previously demonstrated that human diaphragm remodeling elicited by severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by a fast-to-slow myosin heavy chain isoform transformation. To test the hypothesis that COPD-induced diaphragm remodeling also elicits a fast-to-slow isoform shift in the sarcoendoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) ATPase (SERCA), the other major ATPase in skeletal muscle, we obtained intraoperative biopsies of the costal diaphragm from 10 severe COPD patients and 10 control subjects. We then used isoform-specific monoclonal antibodies to characterize diaphragm fibers with respect to the expression of SERCA isoforms. Compared with control diaphragms, COPD diaphragms exhibited a 63% decrease in fibers expressing only fast SERCA (i.e., SERCA1; P < 0.001), a 190% increase in fibers containing both fast and slow SERCA isoforms (P < 0.01), and a 19% increase (P < 0.05) in fibers expressing only the slow SERCA isoform (i.e., SERCA2). Additionally, immunoblot experiments carried out on diaphragm homogenates indicated that COPD diaphragms expressed only one-third the SERCA1 content noted in control diaphragms; in contrast, COPD and control diaphragms did not differ with respect to SERCA2 content. The combination of these histological and immunoblot results is consistent with the hypothesis that diaphragm remodeling elicited by severe COPD is characterized by a fast-to-slow SERCA isoform transformation. Moreover, the combination of these SERCA data and our previously reported myosin heavy chain isoform data (Levine S, Nguyen T, Kaiser LR, Rubinstein NA, Maislin G, Gregory C, Rome LC, Dudley GA, Sieck GC, and Shrager JB. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 168: 706-713, 2003) suggests that diaphragm remodeling elicited by severe COPD should decrease ATP utilization by the diaphragm.

The Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase alpha2-subunit isoform modulates contractility in the perinatal mouse diaphragm

This study uses genetically altered mice to examine the contribution of the Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase alpha2 catalytic subunit to resting potential, excitability, and contractility of the perinatal diaphragm. The alpha2 protein is reduced by 38% in alpha2-heterozygous and absent in alpha2-knockout mice, and alpha1-isoform is upregulated 1.9-fold in alpha2-knockout. Resting potentials are depolarized by 0.8-4.0 mV in heterozygous and knockout mice. Action potential threshold, overshoot, and duration are normal. Spontaneous firing, a developmental function, is impaired in knockout diaphragm, but this does not compromise its ability to fire evoked action potential trains, the dominant mode of activation near birth. Maximum tetanic force, rate of activation, force-frequency and force-voltage relationships, and onset and magnitude of fatigue are not changed. The major phenotypic consequence of reduced alpha2 content is that relaxation from contraction is 1.7-fold faster. This finding reveals a distinct cellular role of the alpha2-isoform at a step after membrane excitation, which cannot be restored simply by increasing alpha1 content. Na+/Ca2+ exchanger expression decreases in parallel with alpha2-isoform, suggesting that Ca2+ extrusion is affected by the altered alpha2 genotype. There are no major compensatory changes in expression of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase, phospholamban, or plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase. These results demonstrate that the Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase alpha1-isoform alone is able to maintain equilibrium K+ and Na+ gradients and to substitute for alpha2-isoform in most cellular functions related to excitability and force. They further indicate that the alpha2-isoform contributes significantly less at rest than expected from its proportional content but can modulate contractility during muscle contraction.

Hyperthyroidism increases the uncoupled ATPase activity and heat production by the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase

The sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase is able to modulate the distribution of energy released during ATP hydrolysis, so that a portion of energy is used for Ca2+ transport (coupled ATPase activity) and a portion is converted into heat (uncoupled ATPase activity). In this report it is shown that T4 administration to rabbits promotes an increase in the rates of both the uncoupled ATPase activity and heat production in sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles, and that the degree of activation varies depending on the muscle type used. In white muscles hyperthyroidism promotes a 0.8-fold increase of the uncoupled ATPase activity and in red muscle a 4-fold increase. The yield of vesicles from hyperthyroid muscles is 3-4-fold larger than that obtained from normal muscles; thus the rate of heat production by the Ca2+-ATPase expressed in terms of g of muscle in hyperthyroidism is increased by a factor of 3.6 in white muscles and 12.0 in red muscles. The data presented suggest that the Ca2+-ATPase uncoupled activity may represent one of the heat sources that contributes to the enhanced thermogenesis noted in hyperthyroidism.

Nandrolone decanoate treatment affects sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) ATPase function in skinned rat slow- and fast-twitch fibres

The effects of anabolic-androgenic steroid administration on the function of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) pump were investigated in chemically skinned fibres from the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and soleus muscles of sedentary rats. Twenty male rats were divided into two groups, one group received an intramuscular injection of nandrolone decanoate (15 mg x kg(-1)) weekly for 8 weeks, the second received similar weekly doses of vehicle (sterile peanut oil). Compared with control muscles, nandrolone decanoate treatment reduced SR Ca(2+) loading in EDL and soleus fibres by 49% and 29%, respectively. In control and treated muscles, the rate of Ca(2+) leakage depended on the quantity of Ca(2+) loaded. Furthermore, for similar SR Ca(2+) contents, the Ca(2+) leakage rate was not significantly modified by nandrolone decanoate treatment. Nandrolone decanoate treatment thus affects Ca (2+) uptake by the SR in a fibre-type dependent manner.

The thermogenic function of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase of normal and hyperthyroid rabbit

After formation of a Ca(2+) gradient, the amount of heat released during the hydrolysis of each mol of ATP cleaved (DeltaH(cal)) varies depending on the Ca(2+)-ATPase isoform expressed by the muscle cell. In vesicles derived from the sarcoplasmic reticulum of white muscle (SERCA 1) most of the ATP cleaved is not coupled to Ca(2+) transport, and the DeltaH(cal) varies between -20 and -22 kcal/mol. In contrast, in vesicles derived from red muscle (SERCA 2a) the hydrolysis of ATP is coupled with Ca(2+) transport, and the DeltaH(cal) varies between -12 and -14 kcal/mol. Hyperthyroidism increases the rate of heat production by the Ca(2+)-ATPase fourfold in white muscle and 40-fold in red muscle. In hyperthyroid rabbits, the amount of sarcoplasmic reticulum protein recovered from white and red muscle is four- to fivefold greater than that obtained from control rabbits. Hyperthyroid red muscle expresses SERCA 1, and the vesicles derived from these muscle hydrolyze ATP through a catalytic route that is not coupled to Ca(2+) transport, thus increasing the amount of heat released during ATP hydrolysis, the DeltaH(cal) varying between -20 and -22 kcal/mol.

Low-frequency stimulation of fast muscle affects the abundance of Ca(2+)-ATPase but not its oligomeric status

After chronic, low-frequency stimulation, a rapid decline in Ca(2+) pump activity is observed during the early stages of skeletal muscle transformation. However, this variation in enzymatic activity does not coincide with a drastic reduction in the amount of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPases. To investigate whether changes in subunit interactions within Ca(2+) pump complexes contribute to this phenomena, we performed a chemical cross-linking analysis of 4 days continuously, and 4 days discontinuously, electrostimulated fast muscle fibers. The abundance of the slow and fast Ca(2+)-ATPase isoforms sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca(2+)- ATPase types 1 and 2 was affected during the fast-to-slow transition process, demonstrating that, even after short-term stimulation, distinct changes in the isoform expression pattern of muscle proteins occur. However, the oligomeric status of both ion pump species did not change. Hence, chemical modifications of critical enzyme domains must be responsible for the rapid stimulation-induced activity changes, not variations in protein-protein interactions within Ca(2+)-ATPase units. Oligomerization appears to be of central importance to the proper physiological functioning of the Ca(2+)-ATPase and does not undergo changes during skeletal muscle conditioning.

Relaxation of diaphragm muscle

Relaxation is the process by which, after contraction, the muscle actively returns to its initial conditions of length and load. In rhythmically active muscles such as diaphragm, relaxation is of physiological importance because diaphragm must return to a relatively constant resting position at the end of each contraction-relaxation cycle. Rapid and complete relaxation of the diaphragm is likely to play an important role in adaptation to changes in respiratory load and breathing frequency. Regulation of diaphragm relaxation at the molecular and cellular levels involves Ca(2+) removal from the myofilaments, active Ca(2+) pumping by the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), and decrease in the number of working cross bridges. The relative contribution of these mechanisms mainly depends on sarcomere length, muscle tension, and the intrinsic contractile function. Increased capacity of SR to take up Ca(2+) can arise from increased density of active SR pumping sites or in slow-twitch fibers from phosphorylation of phospholamban, whereas impaired coupling between ATP hydrolysis and Ca(2+) transport into the SR or intracellular acidosis reduces SR Ca(2+) pump activity. In experimental conditions of decreased contractile performance, slowed, enhanced, or unchanged relaxation rates have been reported in vitro. In vivo, a slowing in the rate of decline of the respiratory pressure is generally considered an early reliable index of respiratory muscle fatigue. Impaired relaxation rate may, in turn, favor mismatch between blood flow and metabolic demand, especially at high breathing frequencies.

Inhibition and kinetic properties of membrane-bound carbonic anhydrases in rabbit skeletal muscles

It was the aim of this study to investigate whether the carbonic anhydrases associated with the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and sarcolemmal membranes differ in their kinetic and inhibitory properties. To this end, sarcolemmal and SR membrane vesicle fractions were prepared from rabbit white and red skeletal muscles, the white muscle sarcolemmal fraction (WSL), the red muscle sarcolemmal fraction (RSL), the white muscle SR fraction (WSR), and the red muscle SR fraction (RSR). WSL displayed a specific carbonic anhydrase activity of 22.1 U . ml/mg and RSL of 7.5 U . ml/mg, whereas the SR fractions showed a much lower activity of 0.5 U . ml/mg for WSR and of 2.4 U . ml/mg for RSR. In both SR fractions phase separation experiments with Triton X-114 demonstrated that the carbonic anhydrase activity is due to a membrane-bound enzyme and not due to a cytosolic isozyme. The kinetic properties of carbonic anhydrase from the four distinct membane fractions were evaluated by determination of the Michaelis constant, Km, and of the catalytic centre activity kcat. Km appears to be somewhat lower for SR than for SL. Inhibition constants of SR and SL carbonic anhydrases were determined applying six carbonic anhydrase inhibitors: chlorzolamide, ethoxzolamide, methazolamide, benzolamide, and acetazolamide, and also cyanate. The inhibition constants of the SR fractions were significantly different from those of the corresponding sarcolemmal fractions, indicating that the carbonic anhydrase measured in the SR fractions does not originate from contaminating sarcolemmal membrane vesicles, but appears to represent a distinct carbonic anhydrase associated with the SR membrane.

Comparison of sarcoplasmic reticulum capabilities in toadfish (Opsanus tau) sonic muscle and rat fast twitch muscle

The sonic muscle of the oyster toadfish, Opsanus tau, can produce unfused contractions at 300 Hz. Electron microscopy shows a great abundance of the Sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) in this muscle, but no functional characterization of the capabilities of the SR has been reported. We measured the oxalate-supported Ca2+ uptake rate and capacities of homogenates of toadfish sonic muscle and rat extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle, and estimated the number of pump units by titration with thapsigargin, a high-affinity, specific inhibitor of the SR Ca-ATPase. The Ca2+ uptake rate averaged 70.9 +/- 9.5 mumol min -1 per g tissue for the toad fish sonic muscle, and 73.5 +/- 3.7 mumol min -1 g-1 for rat EDL. The capacity for Ca2+ -oxalate uptake was 161 +/- 20 mumol g -1 and 33 +/- 2 mumol g -1 for toadfish sonic muscle and rat EDL, respectively. Thus, the rates of Ca2+ uptake were similar in the two muscles, but the toadfish sonic muscle had about five times the capacity of the rat EDL. The number of pumps as estimated by thapsigargin titration was 68 +/- 4 nmol of Ca-ATPase per g tissue in the toadfish, and 42 +/- 5 nmol Ca-ATPase per g tissue in the rat EDL. The turnover number, defined as the Ca2+ uptake divided by the number of pumps, was 1065 +/- 150 min -1 for toadfish and 1786 +/- 230 min -1 for rat EDL (p < 0.05) at 37 degrees C. The Ca2+ uptake rate of toadfish sonic muscle at 22 degree C, a typical temperature for calling toadfish, averaged 42 +/- 1% of its rate at 37 degree C. At these operating temperatures, the toadfish SR is likely to be slower than the rat fast-twitch SR, yet the toadfish sonic muscle supports more rapid contractions. One explanation for this is that the voluminous SR provides activator Ca2+ for contraction, but the abundant parvalbumin plays a major role in relaxation.

Complex formation between calsequestrin and the ryanodine receptor in fast- and slow-twitch rabbit skeletal muscle

Linkage between the high-capacity Ca2+-binding protein calsequestrin and the ryanodine receptor is proposed to be essential for proper Ca2+-release during skeletal muscle excitation-contraction coupling. However, no direct biochemical evidence exists showing a connection between these high-molecular-mass complexes in native skeletal muscle membranes. Here, using immunoblot analysis of chemically crosslinked membrane vesicles enriched in triad junctions, we have demonstrated that a very close neighborhood relationship exists between calsequestrin and the ryanodine receptor in both main fiber types. Hence, the luminal Ca2+-reservoir complex appears to be directly coupled to the membrane Ca2+-release complex and oligomerization seems to be of functional importance.

Characterization of the promoter of the rat sarcoplasmic endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase 1 gene and analysis of thyroid hormone responsiveness

Relaxation of skeletal muscle requires the re-uptake of Ca2+, which is mediated by the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA). Thyroid hormone (T3) stimulates the expression of the SERCA1 isoform, which is essential for fast skeletal muscle fiber phenotype. We have cloned and studied the first 962 base pairs of the 5'-flanking region of the rat SERCA1 gene. This sequence was tested for T3-regulated expression in transient transfection experiments using COS7 cells and for binding of thyroid hormone receptor (TR) alpha in mobility shift assays. A construct of the 5'-flanking region and a reporter gene was unresponsive to T3 in the absence of co-transfected thyroid hormone receptor. In the presence of TRalpha, a T3 induction ratio of almost 4.0 was found, and this induction ratio was doubled with co-transfection of an RXR expression plasmid. Analysis of progressive 5'-deletion fragments of the sequence indicated multiple regions involved in T3 responsiveness. Three regions, R1, R2, and R3, were identified that bound TR complexes in mobility shift assays and conferred T3 responsiveness to a heterologous promoter. The most potent of these thyroid hormone response elements, R3, increased the 2-fold background T3 stimulation of the thymidine kinase promoter to nearly 6-fold. Detailed analysis of this element showed that four TR-binding half-sites, comprising two independent thyroid hormone response elements, interact cooperatively to give the maximal T3 response. T3 regulation of SERCA1 expression is mediated by a complex thyroid hormone response element that may serve to provide a greater range of response in interaction with nuclear receptor partners or cell-specific transcription factors.

Fiber-specific regulation of Ca(2+)-ATPase isoform expression by thyroid hormone in rat skeletal muscle

We studied the effect of thyroid hormone (3,5,3'-triiodo-L-thyronine, T3) on the expression of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) fast- and slow-type Ca(2+)-ATPase isoforms, SERCA1 and SERCA2a, respectively, and total SR Ca(2+)-ATPase activity in rat skeletal muscle. Cross sections and homogenates of soleus and extensor digitorum longus muscles from hypo-, eu-, and hyperthyroid rats were examined, and expression of Ca(2+)-ATPase isoforms in individual fibers was compared with expression of fast (MHC II) and slow (MHC I) myosin heavy chain isoforms. In both muscles, T3 induced a coordinated and full conversion to a fast-twitch phenotype in one-half of the fibers that were slow twitch in the absence of T3. The conversion was partial in the other one-half of the fibers, giving rise to a mixed phenotype. The stimulation by T3 of total SERCA expression in all fibers was reflected by increased SR Ca(2+)-ATPase activity. The time course of the T3-induced changes of SERCA isoform expression was examined 1-14 days after the start of daily T3 treatment of euthyroid rats. SERCA1 expression was stimulated by T3 at a pretranslational level in all fibers. SERCA2a mRNA expression was transiently stimulated and disappeared in a subset of fibers. In these fibers SR Ca(2+)-ATPase activity was high because of high SERCA1 protein levels. These data suggest that the ultimate downregulation of SERCA2a expression, which is always associated with high SR Ca(2+)-ATPase activities, occurs at a pretranslational level.

Total and sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium contents of skinned fibres from rat skeletal muscle

1. The Ca2+ content of single mammalian skeletal muscle fibres was determined using a novel technique. Mechanically skinned fibres were equilibrated with varying amounts of the Ca2+ buffer BAPTA and were then lysed in a detergent-paraffin oil emulsion. The subsequent myofilament force response was used to estimate the additional amount of Ca2+ bound to BAPTA following lysis of intracellular membranes. 2. The total endogenous Ca2+ content (corrected for endogenous Ca2+ buffering) of fast-twitch (FT) and slow-twitch (ST) fibres at a myoplasmic pCa (-log[Ca2+]) of 7.15 was 1.32 +/- 0.02 and 1.35 +/- 0.08 mM per fibre volume, respectively. The sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) component of these estimates was calculated as 1.01 and 1.14 mM, respectively, which normalized to SR volume corresponds to resting SR Ca2+ contents of 11 and 21 mM, respectively. 3. Equilibration of 'resting' fibres with low myoplasmic [Ca2+] (pCa 7.67-9.00) elicited a time-dependent decrease in Ca2+ content in both fibre types. Equilibration of resting fibres with higher myoplasmic [Ca2+] (pCa 5.96-6.32) had no effect on the Ca2+ content of ST fibres but increased the Ca2+ content of FT fibres. The maximum steady-state total Ca2+ content (3.85 mM) was achieved in FT fibres after 3 min equilibration at pCa 5.96. Equilibration at higher myoplasmic [Ca2+] was less effective, probably due to Ca2(+)-induced Ca2+ release from the SR. 4. Exposure of fibres to either caffeine (30 mM, pCa approximately 8, 2 min) or low myoplasmic [Mg2+] (0.05 mM, pCa approximately 9, 1 min) released approximately 85% of the resting SR Ca2+ content. The ability of caffeine to release SR Ca2+ was dependent on the myoplasmic Ca2+ buffering conditions. 5. The results demonstrate that the SR of ST fibres is saturated with Ca2+ at resting myoplasmic [Ca2+] while the SR of FT fibres is only about one-third saturated with Ca2+ under equivalent conditions. These differences suggest that the rate of SR Ca2+ uptake in FT fibres is predominantly controlled by myoplasmic [Ca2+] while that of ST fibres is more likely to be limited by the [Ca2+] within the SR lumen.

Characteristics of two types of chloride channel in sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles from rabbit skeletal muscle

A comparison is made of two types of chloride-selective channel in skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) vesicles incorporated into lipid bilayers. The I/V relationships of both channels, in 250/50 mM Cl- (cis/trans), were linear between -20 and +60 mV (cis potential,) reversed near Ecl and had slope conductances of approximately 250 pS for the big chloride (BCl) channel and approximately 70 pS for the novel, small chloride (SCl) channel. The protein composition of vesicles indicated that both channels originated from longitudinal SR and terminal cisternae. BCl and SCl channels responded differently to cis SO4(2-) (30-70 mM), 4,4'-diisothiocyanatostilbene 2,2'-disulfonic acid (8-80 microM) and to bilayer potential. The BCl channel open probability was high at all potentials, whereas SCl channels exhibited time-dependent activation and inactivation at negative potentials and deactivation at positive potentials. The duration and frequency of SCl channel openings were minimal at positive potentials and maximal at -40 mV, and were stationary during periods of activity. A substate analysis was performed using the Hidden Markov Model (S. H. Chung, J. B. Moore, L. Xia, L. S. Premkumar, and P. W. Gage, 1990, Phil. Trans. R. Soc. Lond. B., 329:265-285) and the algorithm EVPROC (evaluated here). SCl channels exhibited transitions between 5 and 7 conductance levels. BCl channels had 7-13 predominant levels plus many more short-lived substates. SCl channels have not been described in previous reports of Cl- channels in skeletal muscle SR.

Porin-type 1 proteins in sarcoplasmic reticulum and plasmalemma of striated muscle fibres

The location of porin-type 1 proteins in mammalian striated muscle has been assessed using immunogold electron microscopy with an anti-porin 31HL monoclonal antibody as the primary antibody. Gold particles were found on the mitochondrial outer membrane, the sarcoplasmic reticulum and plasmalemma in longitudinal sections of rat and rabbit skeletal muscle and rabbit and sheep cardiac muscle. The relative densities of gold particles in the mitochondrial outer membrane, sarcoplasmic reticulum and plasmalemma were 7:3:1 in white sternomastoid muscle, for example. Skeletal and cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles, which had been fractionated by discontinuous sucrose density centrifugation, were subjected to SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blotting. The anti-porin 31HL monoclonal antibody detected a band of relative molecular mass (M(r)) 31,000 in all muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicle fractions and also in liver mitochondria. The intensity of immunostaining of the sarcoplasmic reticulum fractions was 2.5-10% that of mitochondrial outer membranes per microgram of membrane protein blotted. Contamination of the sarcoplasmic reticulum fractions by mitochondrial outer membrane was < 0.75% as determined from the specific activity of monoamine oxidase. Thus, only a small part of the porin detected in sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles can be attributed to mitochondrial contamination. These results show that porin-type1 immunoreactivity is not restricted to mitochondria but found in the sarcoplasmic reticulum and plasmalemma of both mammalian skeletal and cardiac muscle.

Development of the locomotory muscle of the chaetognath Sagitta. 2. Stereological study of fibre growth and differentiation processes

The cellular growth and differentiation of A and B fibers was studied using classical stereological methods and the results have then been analysed using linear regression analysis and hypothesis testing procedures. At a given level, the development of the muscular tissue slows down and stabilises, at this same level the growth of the two types of fibres slows down sharply. This is not the case for the cellular organelles. The growth of the contractile apparatus is continuous in each fibre, but the density of myofibrils is higher in the A fibres. The surface of the SR increases in a different fashion in the two types of fibre, but its volumic density evolves in a similar fashion. The mitochondria develop differently in the two types of fibre, neither their shape nor their distribution are comparable from one type of fibre to the other. Despite this overall difference between the mitochondrial populations the individual mitochondria growth mechanisms seem to be comparable. These parameters reflect the organisation and the development of the fiber groups and cellular architecture. They indicate the existence of unknown morphogenetic signals and fields, in this epithelial tissue having paracellular paths communicating with sea water. Muscle development seems to be largely a myogenic property regulated by various extrinsic factors, which are examined.

Subcellular distribution of ryanodine receptor-like and calcium ATPase-like immunoreactivity in brainstem and cerebellar neurones of rat and guinea pig

Monoclonal antibodies against ryanodine receptor (5C3) and calcium ATPase (D12) of skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum were used in an immunoelectron microscopic study of cerebellar Purkinje cells and neurons of the hypoglossal and dorsal motor nuclei of the vagus (DMV) from rat and guinea-pig. All neurones were labelled with D12 and all, except rat DMV, labelled with 5C3. Most labelling was on smooth endoplasmic reticulum within 500 nm of the plasmalemma where Ca(2+)-activated Ca2+ release would rapidly increase cytosolic calcium following a small Ca2+ influx across the plasmalemma.

Distribution of ryanodine receptor-like immunoreactivity in mammalian central nervous system is consistent with its role in calcium-induced calcium release

The distributions of ryanodine receptor-like immunoreactivity and Ca-ATPase-like immunoreactivity were identified in the guinea-pig and rat central nervous system using antibodies raised against the rabbit skeletal muscle ryanodine receptor and Ca-ATPase. In both guinea-pig and rat cerebellum, the ryanodine receptor-like immunoreactivity was restricted to the soma and dendrites of Purkinje cells. In the medulla, neuron somata in the hypoglossal nucleus were stained in both species, but in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus somata were stained in guinea-pigs but not in rats. This species difference in ryanodine receptor-like immunoreactivity is consistent with the species difference in expression of a ryanodine sensitive, calcium activated potassium conductance in neurons of the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus. Immunoreactivity to Ca-ATPase was present in vagal motoneurons in both species with denser staining in the guinea-pig. The data further support the idea that, in neurons of the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, release of intracellular calcium stores via a ryanodine receptor activates a specific class of potassium channels, thereby modulating cell excitability.

Ultrastructure of sarcoballs on the surface of skinned amphibian skeletal muscle fibres

The formation of sarcoballs on the surface of skinned fibres from semitendinosus muscles of Xenopus laevis, and the sarcoplasmic reticulum content of the structures, have been studied using conventional electron microscopic techniques and immunoelectron microscopy. Examination of the fibres showed many membrane-bound blebs projecting from the surface in areas where vesicles of internal membranes (including sarcoplasmic reticulum, T-tubules and mitochondria) were clustered in interfilament spaces. The blebs varied in size from 1 micron to 150 microns and those with diameters > 10 microns are referred to as sarcoballs. Small blebs were often seen in close association with each other and might have fused during sarcoball formation. The interior of the sarcoball was filled with foam-like material made up of vesicles with diameters of 100 nm to 1.0 microns. The sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane content of the sarcoballs was evaluated using two monoclonal antibodies, one to the Ca2+ ATPase of the sarcoplasmic reticulum and the second to ryanodine receptor calcium release channels in the junctional-face membrane. The antibodies bound to some components of the surface and interior of the sarcoball, but not to mitochondrial-like structures and tubular vesicles. The results show that a large component of the sarcoball and its surface is derived from sarcoplasmic reticulum and suggest that mitochondria and T-tubules might also contribute membranes to the structures. Our hypothesis is that (a) blebs bud out from the surface of the skinned fibre following fusion of internal vesicles that are extruded along interfilament channels during unrestrained contractures, (b) blebs grow into sarcoballs by additional fusion of internal membrane vesicles and fusion of adjacent blebs, and (c) the sarcoball is a foam-like structure composed of bathing medium and membrane lipid (containing membrane proteins).

Immunological relatedness of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase and the Na+,K(+)-ATPase

The effect of anti-ATPase antibodies with epitopes near Asp-351 (PR-8), Lys-515 (PR-11) and the ATP binding domain (D12) of the Ca(2+)-ATPase of sarcoplasmic reticulum (EC 3.6.1.38) was analyzed. The PR-8 and D12 antibodies reacted freely with the Ca(2+)-ATPase in the native membrane, indicating that their epitopes are exposed on the cytoplasmic surface. Both PR-8 and D12 interfered with the crystallization of the Ca(2+)-ATPase, suggesting that their binding sites are at interfaces between ATPase molecules. PR-11 had no effect on ATPase-ATPase interactions or on the ATPase activity of sarcoplasmic reticulum. The epitope of PR-11 is suggested to be the VIDRC sequence at residues 520-525, while that of D12 at residues 670-720 of the Ca(2+)-ATPase. The use of predictive algorithms of antigenicity for identification of potential antigenic determinants in the Ca(2+)-ATPase is analyzed.

Calcium ATPase in the sarcoplasmic reticulum of muscle from normal and malignant hyperthermia susceptible pigs

The density of Mg(2+)-dependent Ca2+ ATPase in the terminal cisternae of pig skeletal muscle fibers was investigated to discover whether a reduction in Ca2+ ATPase content impairs Ca2+ sequestration and contributes to the elevated myoplasmic Ca2+ concentration in malignant hyperthermia. Unexpectedly, immunogold electron microscopy showed an increase in Ca2+ ATPase, while densitometry of SDS-polyacrylamide gels suggested that the Ca2+ ATPase content of terminal cisternae vesicles did not change. The affinity of Ca2+ ATPase in vesicles for our monoclonal antibody was not altered. We suggest that the availability of antigenic sites in malignant hyperthermia increases after processing for electron microscopy, perhaps as a consequence of altered sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane properties.

Sarcolemmal carbonic anhydrase in red and white rabbit skeletal muscle

Sarcolemmal vesicles of white and red skeletal muscles of the rabbit were prepared by consecutive density gradient centrifugations in sucrose and dextran according to Seiler and Fleischer (1982, J. Biol. Chem. 257, 13,862-13,871). White and red muscle membrane fractions enriched in sarcolemma were characterized by high ouabain-sensitive Na+, K(+)-ATPase, by high Mg2(+)-ATPase activity, and by a high cholesterol content. Ca2(+)-ATPase activity, a marker enzyme for sarcoplasmic reticulum, was not detectable in the highly purified white and red muscle sarcolemmal fractions. White and red muscle sarcolemmal fractions exhibited no significant differences with regard to Na+, K(+)-ATPase, Mg2(+)-ATPase, and cholesterol. Specific activity of carbonic anhydrase in white muscle sarcolemmal fractions was 38 U.ml/mg and was 17.6 U.ml/mg in red muscle sarcolemma. Inhibition properties of sarcolemmal carbonic anhydrase were analyzed for acetazolamide, chlorzolamide, and cyanate. White muscle sarcolemmal carbonic anhydrase is characterized by inhibition constants, KI, toward acetazolamide of 4.6 X 10(-8) M, toward chlorzolamide of 0.75 X 10(-8) M, and toward cyanate of 1.3 X 10(-4) M. Red muscle sarcolemmal carbonic anhydrase is characterized by KI values toward acetazolamide of 8.1 X 10(-8) M, toward chlorzolamide of 6.3 X 10(-8) M, and toward cyanate of 0.81 X 10(-4) M. In contrast to the high specific carbonic anhydrase activities in sarcolemma, carbonic anhydrase activity in sarcoplasmic reticulum from white muscle varied between values of only 0.7 and 3.3 U.ml/mg. Carbonic anhydrase of red muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum ranged from 2.4 to 3.7 U.ml/mg.

The binding of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies to the Ca2(+)-ATPase of sarcoplasmic reticulum: effects on interactions between ATPase molecules

We analyzed the interaction of 14 monoclonal and 5 polyclonal anti-ATPase antibodies with the Ca2(+)-ATPase of rabbit sarcoplasmic reticulum and correlated the location of their epitopes with their effects on ATPase-ATPase interactions and Ca2+ transport activity. All antibodies were found to bind with high affinity to the denatured Ca2(+)-ATPase, but the binding to the native enzyme showed significant differences, depending on the location of antigenic sites within the ATPase molecule. Of the seven monoclonal antibodies directed against epitopes on the B tryptic fragment of the Ca2(+)-ATPase, all except one (VIE8) reacted with the enzyme in native sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles in both the E1 and E2V conformations. Therefore these regions of the Ca2(+)-ATPase molecule are freely accessible in the native enzyme. The monoclonal antibody VIE8 bound with high affinity to the Ca2(+)-ATPase only in the E1 conformation stabilized by 0.5 mM Ca2+ but not in the E2V conformation stabilized by 0.5 mM EGTA and 5 mM vanadate. Several antibodies that reacted with the B fragment interfered with the crystallization of Ca2(+)-ATPase in the presence of EGTA and vanadate and at least two of them destabilized preformed Ca2(+)-ATPase crystals, suggesting inhibition of interactions between ATPase molecules. Of five monoclonal antibodies with epitopes on the A1 tryptic fragment of the Ca2(+)-ATPase only one gave strong reaction with the native enzyme, and none interfered with ATPase-ATPase interactions as measured by the polarization of fluorescence of FITC-labeled Ca2(+)-ATPase. Therefore the regions of the molecule containing these epitopes are relatively inaccessible in the native structure. Partial tryptic cleavage of the Ca2(+)-ATPase into the A1, A2 and B fragments did not promote the reaction of anti-A1 antibodies with sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles, but solubilization of the membrane with C12E8 rendered the antigenic site fully accessible to several of them, suggesting that their epitopes are located in areas of contacts between ATPase molecules. Two monoclonal anti-B antibodies that interfered with ATPase-ATPase interactions, produced close to 50% inhibition of the rate of ATP-dependent Ca2+ transport, with significant inhibition of ATPase; this may suggest a role for ATPase oligomers in the regulation of Ca2+ transport. The other antibodies that interact with the native Ca2(+)-ATPase produced no significant inhibition of ATPase activity even at saturating concentrations; therefore their antigenic sites do not undergo major movements during Ca2+ transport.

The rate of tetanic relaxation is correlated with the density of calcium ATPase in the terminal cisternae of thyrotoxic skeletal muscle

The density of calcium ATPase was measured in the terminal cisternae of extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and soleus muscles from normal and thyrotoxic rats. The experiments tested the hypothesis that the rate of relaxation of these muscles following contraction, at temperatures above 22 C, is correlated with the density of calcium ATPase in the sarcoplasmic reticular membrane. In soleus fibres there was a progressive increase in calcium ATPase density, measured with immuno-electronmicroscopic techniques, of more than two-fold after 3 weeks of daily injections with triiodothyronine (T3). There was a parallel decrease in the relaxation time (from 80% to 20% of peak tension) of the tetanus: the parameters were closely correlated (r = 0.998) during the 3-week period. The rate of relaxation of the twitch also doubled and was correlated with the increase in gold particle density at the end of the 3-week injection period. However, twitch relaxation slowed during the 1st week of T3 injection and was not correlated with gold particle density at that time. The changes in calcium ATPase density and relaxation times in EDL fibres were small and largely insignificant. In contrast to relaxation, an increase in the rate of rise of tension is soleus was complete after only 2 weeks of T3 injection. The results show that the relaxation of tetanic tension is closely correlated with the calcium uptake capacity of the sarcoplasmic reticulum and that thyroid hormone acts more rapidly on factors regulating the rate of rise of tension than on those regulating tension relaxation and the density of calcium ATPase in the terminal cisternae.

Actions of caffeine on fast- and slow-twitch muscles of the rat

1. The effects of caffeine (0.2-20 mmol l-1) have been examined on calcium transients (measured with aequorin) and isometric force in intact bundles of fibres from soleus (slow-twitch) and extensor digitorum longus (EDL; fast-twitch) muscles of the rat. 2. At 25 degrees C, threshold caffeine concentration for an observable increase in resting [Ca2+]i was 0.2 and 1.0 mmol l-1 for soleus and EDL muscles respectively. Increases in resting force were first detectable at about 0.5 mmol l-1 caffeine for soleus muscles and 5.0 mmol l-1 caffeine for EDL muscles and occurred in the range 0.2-0.4 mumol l-1 [Ca2+]i for soleus and 0.7-0.9 mumol l-1 for EDL. 3. Caffeine potentiated the twitch responses of soleus and EDL in a dose-related manner. The soleus was more sensitive in this respect, with 50% potentiation occurring at 1 mmol l-1 caffeine compared with 3.5 mmol l-1 for the EDL. Concentrations of caffeine below 2 mmol l-1 potentiated Ca2+ transients associated with twitches in both soleus and EDL muscles with no apparent change in the decay rate constant. 4. High concentrations of caffeine (greater than 2 mmol l-1) further potentiated peak Ca2+ in the EDL but depressed it in the soleus. The rate of decay of the Ca2+ transient in high caffeine was significantly prolonged in the soleus but remained unaffected in the EDL. 5. The phosphodiesterase inhibitor, 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) had little effect on force or [Ca2+]i at concentrations known to significantly increase intracellular cyclic AMP levels. 6. The Ca2+ transient during fused tetani was characterized by an initial peak, a decline to a plateau level and sometimes a gradual rise towards the end of the stimulus train. Peak [Ca2+]i during normal tetani ranged between 1.1 and 2.4 mumol l-1 in the soleus and 1.9 and 4.0 mumol l-1 in the EDL. 7. Caffeine potentiated both force and [Ca2+]i during tetanus. Since the increase of the Ca2+ transient was significantly greater than potentiation of force, it is likely that saturation of myofilaments occurs. The primary effect of caffeine on the Ca2+ transient was an elevation of the plateau phase. 8. Caffeine concentrations below 5 mmol l-1 potentiate twitch and tetanic force in both fast- and slow-twitch mammalian skeletal muscles primarily by increasing both the basal and stimulus-evoked release of Ca2+ from the sarcoplasmic reticulum.

Effects on ATPase activity of monoclonal antibodies raised against (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase from rabbit skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum and their correlation with epitope location

A total of 28 monoclonal antibodies have been raised against the (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase of rabbit skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum. Epitope mapping, using protein fragments generated by proteolysis, indicates that these antibodies include examples binding to at least four distinct epitopes on the A1 and B tryptic fragments of the ATPase. Competition data also show that the 28 antibodies are directed against at least five spatially distinct regions. Altogether, nine inhibitory antibodies were produced: six of these inhibitory antibodies mapped to the same spatial region, although they appear to bind to two distinct epitopes located within the hinge region and the nucleotide-binding domains of current structural models; one antibody bound to an epitope located within the phosphorylation domain and the stalk-transmembranous region designated M4S4 by Brandl, Green, Korczak & MacLennan [(1986) Cell 44, 597-607]. Two of the inhibitory antibodies recognized assembled epitopes exclusively and could not be mapped. Binding to four of the five identified spatial regions was without effect on activity. These data show that the inhibition of catalytic activity by monoclonal antibodies is achieved only by binding to defined regions of the ATPase and they may therefore provide useful probes of structure-function relationships.

Evidence for the cytoplasmic location of the N- and C-terminal segments of sarcoplasmic reticulum (Ca2+-Mg2+)-ATPase

Antibodies were produced against 5 peptides corresponding to segments of the (Ca2+-Mg2+)-ATPase of fast-twitch rabbit skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) including the N- and C-terminal regions. With the exception of antibodies directed against the peptide corresponding to residues 567-582 all antibodies bound strongly to the ATPase in intact SR vesicles, indicating that the epitopes were located on the cytoplasmic face of the SR. When the vesicles were disrupted, by solubilisation in SDS, binding of these antibodies was unchanged, further supporting the idea that these epitopes were located on the cytoplasmic face of SR. This is the first demonstration of the location of the N- and C-terminal regions of SR (Ca2+-Mg2+)-ATPase. These observations are discussed in the light of current structural models of the ATPase.

Quantitative determination of Ca2+-dependent Mg2+-ATPase from sarcoplasmic reticulum in muscle biopsies

The possibility of quantifying the total concentration of Ca2+-dependent Mg2+-ATPase of sarcoplasmic reticulum was investigated by measurement of the Ca2+-dependent steady-state phosphorylation from [gamma-32P]ATP and the Ca2+-dependent 3-O-methylfluorescein phosphatase (3-O-MFPase) activity in crude muscle homogenates. The Ca2+-dependent phosphorylation at 0 degree C (mean +/- S.E.) was 40.0 +/- 2.5 (n = 6) and 6.2 +/- 0.7 (n = 4) nmol/g wet wt. in rat extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and soleus muscle, respectively (P less than 0.001). The Ca2+-dependent 3-O-MFPase activity at 37 degrees C was 1424 +/- 238 (n = 6) and 335 +/- 56 (n = 4) nmol/min per g wet wt. in rat EDL and soleus muscle, respectively (P less than 0.01). The molecular activity calculated from these measurements amounted to 35 +/- 5 min-1 (n = 6) and 55 +/- 10 min-1 (n = 4) for EDL and soleus muscle respectively. These values were not different from the molecular activity calculated for purified Ca2+-ATPase (36 min-1). The Ca2+-dependent 32P incorporation in soleus muscle decreased in the order mice greater than rats greater than guinea pigs. In EDL muscles from hypothyroid rats at a 30% reduction of the Ca2+-dependent phosphorylation was observed. The Ca2+-dependent phosphorylation in vastus lateralis muscle from three human subjects amounted to 4.5 +/- 0.8 nmol/g wet wt. It is concluded that measurement of the Ca2+-dependent phosphorylation allows rapid and reproducible quantification of the concentration of Ca2+-dependent Mg2+-ATPase of sarcoplasmic reticulum. Since only 20-60 mg of tissue is required for the measurements, the method can also be used for biopsies obtained in clinical studies.

Smooth muscle expresses a cardiac/slow muscle isoform of the Ca2+-transport ATPase in its endoplasmic reticulum

Smooth muscle expresses in its endoplasmic reticulum an isoform of the Ca2+-transport ATPase that is very similar to or identical with that of the cardiac-muscle/slow-twitch skeletal-muscle form. However, this enzyme differs from that found in fast-twitch skeletal muscle. This conclusion is based on two independent sets of observations, namely immunological observations and phosphorylation experiments. Immunoblot experiments show that two different antibody preparations against the Ca2+-transport ATPase of cardiac-muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum also recognize the endoplasmic-reticulum/sarcoplasmic-reticulum enzyme of the smooth muscle and the slow-twitch skeletal muscle whereas they bind very weakly or not at all to the sarcoplasmic-reticulum Ca2+-transport ATPase of the fast-twitch skeletal muscle. Conversely antibodies directed against the fast-twitch skeletal-muscle isoform of the sarcoplasmic-reticulum Ca2+-transport ATPase do not bind to the cardiac-muscle, smooth-muscle or slow-twitch skeletal-muscle enzymes. The phosphorylated tryptic fragments A and A1 of the sarcoplasmic-reticulum Ca2+-transport ATPases have the same apparent Mr values in cardiac muscle, slow-twitch skeletal muscle and smooth muscle, whereas the corresponding fragments in fast-twitch skeletal muscle have lower apparent Mr values. This analytical procedure is a new and easy technique for discrimination between the isoforms of endoplasmic-reticulum/sarcoplasmic-reticulum Ca2+-transport ATPases.

The rate and capacity of calcium uptake by sarcoplasmic reticulum in fast, slow, and cardiac muscle: effects of ryanodine and ruthenium red

The rate and capacity of oxalate-supported calcium uptake was measured in homogenates of rat fast, slow, and cardiac muscle. The contribution of the releasing fraction of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) to the calcium uptake abilities was estimated using ruthenium red or ryanodine to block the release channel. A relatively small fraction (12-20%) of the calcium pumping activity was associated with the release channel in skeletal muscle compared to 50% or more in cardiac muscle. The total capacity of the SR in the muscle types was in the ratio 1:0.75:1.5 for cardiac, slow, and fast muscle, respectively, while the rates of uptake were in the ratio 1:3.8:14.4. The major difference in the muscle types appears to be the density of pumping activity in the SR rather than the volume of the SR. The difference in the density of pumping activity is due to intrinsic differences in the kinetics of the calcium pump units and in their surface density.