Evidence for a Ca2+ gradient across the plasma membrane of wheat protoplasts

Oscillatory NAD(P)H waves and calcium oscillations in neutrophils? A modeling study of feasibility

The group of Howard Petty has claimed exotic metabolic wave phenomena together with mutually phase-coupled NAD(P)H- and calcium-oscillations in human neutrophils. At least parts of these phenomena are highly doubtful due to extensive failure of reproducibility by several other groups and hints that unreliable data from the Petty lab are involved in publications concerning circular calcium waves. The aim of our theoretical spatiotemporal modeling approach is to propose a possible and plausible biochemical mechanism which would, in principle, be able to explain metabolic oscillations and wave phenomena in neutrophils. Our modeling suggests the possibility of a calcium-controlled glucose influx as a driving force of metabolic oscillations and a potential role of polarized cell geometry and differential enzyme distribution for various NAD(P)H wave phenomena. The modeling results are supposed to stimulate further controversial discussions of such phenomena and potential mechanisms and experimental efforts to finally clarify the existence and biochemical basis of any kind of temporal and spatiotemporal patterns of calcium signals and metabolic dynamics in human neutrophils. Independent of Petty's observations, they present a general feasibility study of such phenomena in cells.

The effect of external Ca2+ and Ca(2+)-channel modulators on red-light-induced swelling of protoplasts of Phaseolus radiatus L

Red-light-induced swelling of the protoplasts isolated from hypocotyl of etiolated mung bean (Phaseolus radiatus L.) was observed only when Ca2+ ions were present in the medium. The optimal CaCl2 concentration was 250 microM. Swelling response declined when Ca2+ was supplied into the medium after red light irradiation. The Ca(2+)-chelator EGTA eliminated the red-light-induced swelling and 45Ca2+ accumulation in the protoplasts. In contrast, A23187, a Ca(2+)-ionophore, could mimic the effect of red light in darkness. These results indicate that Ca2+ may play a role in light signal transduction. In addition, swelling response was prevented by TFP and CPZ (both are CaM antagonists), implying the involvement of CaM in red-light-induced and Ca(2+)-dependent protoplast swelling.

The role of calcium ions in phytochrome-controlled swelling of etiolated wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) protoplasts

Protoplasts from dark-grown wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) maintained at a constant osmotic potential at 22°C, were found to swell upon red irradiation (R) and the effect was negated by subsequent far-red light (FR), indicating phytochrome involvement. Swelling only occurred when Ca(2+) ions were present in the surrounding medium, or were added within 10 min after R. Furthermore, Mg(2+), Ba(2+) or K(+) could not replace this requirement for Ca(2+). The presence of K(+) did not enhance the Ca(2+)-dependent swelling response. When the Ca(2+)-ionophore A 23187 was added to the medium, protoplasts swelled in the dark to the same extent as after R. Both the Ca(2+)-channelblocker Verapamil and La(3+) inhibited R-induced swelling. It is proposed that R causes the opening of Ca(2+)-channels in the plasma membrane. Boyle-van't Hoff analyses of protoplast volume after R and FR are consistent with the conclusion that R irradiation causes changes in membrane properties.

Evidence of regulation of calcium uptake by phytochrome in maize protoplasts

Red light stimulated calcium uptake in maize leaf protoplasts upto 140% over the dark control. The stimulation was maximally noticed after 120 seconds of incubation and was reversed by far red light. 5-Hydroxytryptamine also enhanced calcium uptake in dark, upto the red level. A possible role of phosphoinositide for signal transduction in calcium uptake for phytochrome mediated responses in higher plants is suggested.