An ubiquitous protein which regulates calcium-dependent cellular functions and calcium movements

Influence of W-7, a calmodulin antagonist on phospholipid biosynthesis in Candida albicans

AIM

This study was undertaken to investigate the role of calmodulin in phospholipid biosynthesis in Candida albicans using W-7, a calmodulin antagonist.

METHODS

Cells were grown as shake cultures in the absence and presence of W-7 at different concentrations. Changes in cell mass, phospholipid content and incorporation of labelled precursor into phospholipid and activities of respective enzymes have been studied.

RESULTS

Decreased incorporation of labelled acetate into total lipids and phospholipids was observed in the presence of 40 microm of W-7 which was not as a consequence of altered growth of Candida in the presence of calmodulin antagonist. Further, a significant decrease in the levels of calmodulin and CaM dependent protein kinase activity was observed in cells grown with different concentrations of W-7. This was accompanied by decreased/increased activity of phosphatidic acid phosphatase and phospholipase A, respectively in W-7 grown cells as compared to controls.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest definite involvement of calmodulin in the regulation of phospholipid metabolism in Candida albicans.

Self-assembling of glutathione S-transferase/calmodulin fusion protein on chemically modified gold surface

The fusion protein technique was used to prepare an artificial polyfunctional protein from calmodulin (CaM) and glutathione S-transferase (GST). The fusion protein was designed, expressed, and then assembled to the glutathione self-assembled gold surface. The protein assembly was confirmed through enzyme binding assay and enzyme immunoassay. Specific binding of the fusion protein to glutathione self-assembled on the gold surface was assessed via a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). The fusion protein was reversibly adsorbed and desorbed by the competitive binding of glutathione present in a solution, thus showing that the binding of the fusion protein was specific and had a highly oriented molecular configuration.

Calcium, calmodulin and 3',5'-cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase activity in human muscular disorders

3',5'-Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) is known to play an important role in the regulation of cyclic nucleotide levels in various tissues including the muscle. Previous studies have estimated the level of this enzyme in several neuromuscular disorders but the results have been variable. Moreover, there was no attempt made to correlate the enzyme levels with the levels of calcium and calmodulin, both of which regulate diverse biological processes including muscle contraction. In the present study we have estimated phosphodiesterase in the muscle of normal controls as well as patients with myotonic (MyD) and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). PDE was found to be increased significantly in all of the diseased muscles as compared to controls (P less than 0.01). But the increase could be coupled with an increase in calcium and calmodulin only in Duchenne dystrophic muscle.

Calcium-activated potassium conductance. An alternative to the dopamine hypothesis of neuroleptic action?

Neuroleptics are structurally a heterogenous group of compounds which possess antipsychotic activity. They increase dopamine metabolites by blocking dopamine receptors and enhancing presynaptic turnover. This forms the cornerstone of the dopamine hypothesis of neuroleptic action, which is supported by wide-ranging behavioural, physiological and biochemical studies. It is, however, clear that neuroleptics are far less specific for the dopamine receptor than was previously considered. They influence a range of neuronal activities, including calcium-activated potassium conductance, which governs the rate of action potential generation by many neurones. Recent physiological studies indicate that all commonly used neuroleptics alter calcium-activated potassium conductance in central neurones, in concentrations similar to those achieved clinically. An adaptive increase in calcium-activated potassium conductance mechanisms in key sensory processing neurones would render the psychotic patient less susceptible to bombardment by environmental stimuli. This action may explain in part the therapeutic effect of neuroleptics.

Control of blastema cell proliferation by possible interplay of calcium and cyclic nucleotides during newt limb regeneration

The effects of the divalent cation ionophore A23187, papaverine, and chlorpromazine on the mitotic index and cyclic nucleotide levels in newt limb regeneration blastemata (Notophthalmus viridescens) were assessed. The results of the experiments suggest that an intracellular increase in divalent cation (Ca2+) concentration results in elevated cGMP levels, suppressed cAMP levels, and a corresponding increase in blastema cell proliferation. The results also suggest that the converse conditions, namely, calcium efflux or inhibition of calmodulin activation (i.e., inhibition of Ca2+ binding), yields elevated cAMP levels, suppressed cGMP levels, and a corresponding decrease in blastema cell divisions.

The use of Xenopus oocytes for the study of ion channels

Recently, in addition to the "traditional" research on meiotic reinitiation and fertilization mechanisms, the oocytes of the African frog Xenopus laevis have been exploited for the study of numerous aspects of ion channel function and regulation, such as the properties of several endogenous voltage-dependent channels and the involvement of second messengers in mediation of neurotransmitter-evoked membrane responses. In addition, injection of these cells with exogenous messenger RNA results in production and functional expression of foreign membranal proteins, including various voltage- and neurotransmitter-operated ion channels originating from brain, heart, and other excitable tissues. This method provides unique opportunities for the study of the structure, function, and regulation of these channels. A multidisciplinary approach is required, involving molecular biology, electrophysiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, and cytology.

The role of calcium in the mechanism of corticotropin releasing factor mediated ACTH release

To investigate the role of calcium (Ca+2) in CRF stimulated ACTH release, we studied the effect of the following conditions on CRF (10 nM) mediated ACTH release in primary pituitary monolayer culture: different concentrations of Ca+2; EGTA; lanthanum (La+3) and nifedipine, blockers of calcium cell influx and penfluridol, trifluoperazine, and pimozide, inhibitors of calmodulin activation. Higher concentrations of Ca+2 in the culture medium led to greater amounts of CRF induced ACTH release. EGTA at 3 mM decreased the amount of CRF stimulated ACTH release by 60% but did not alter the spontaneous release of ACTH. At 0.5 mM and 1.0 mM La+3, ACTH release induced by CRF was inhibited by 23% and 35% respectively (p less than 0.01). Nifedipine (both 10(-5) and 10(-4) M) inhibited CRF stimulated ACTH release but only to a maximum of 30%. This inhibition was completely overcome by the addition of 12 mM calcium. Penfluridol, pimozide, and trifluoperazine blocked the release of ACTH induced by CRF by 63%, 26%, and 0% respectively. In conclusion, extracellular Ca+2, Ca+2 influx, and calmodulin play a role in the mechanism of CRF stimulated ACTH in vitro.

Affinity of heavy metal ions to intracellular Ca2+-binding proteins

Parvalbumin, troponin C and vitamin D dependent Ca2+-binding proteins (CaBP type I and II) share the property of calmodulin to interact with some heavy metal ions. In flow dialysis and in spot tests the affinities of Cd2+ and Pb2+ to these proteins were comparable to those of Ca2+. The relative affinities were for calmodulin: Pb2+ greater than Ca2+ greater than Cd2+, for troponin C: Ca2+ greater than Cd2+ greater than Pb2+, for CaBP I: Ca2+ approximately Pb2+, for CaBP II; Ca2+ greater than Pb2+ greater than Cd2+, and for parvalbumin: Cd2+ approximately Ca2+ greater than Pb2+. Upon gel filtration of the supernatant of a pig mucosal homogenate, binding for both Pb2+ and Ca2+ appeared in the MW range of 10,000, together with CaBP II. We conclude that the investigated proteins bind heavy metal ions, in particular Pb2+ and Cd2+, similar to calmodulin. Their role in transport, storage and toxicity remains to be assessed.

Contamination of commercial preparations of calmodulin by phospholipase A2

In the course of studies of the possible regulation of cellular phospholipase A2 activities by calcium and calmodulin, it was observed that some of the commercial preparations of calmodulin contained significant phospholipase A2 activity. Six commercially available calmodulin sources were compared for the presence of contaminating phospholipase A2 activity, relative purity by SDS-gel electrophoresis, and relative biological activity in stimulating calmodulin-deficient phosphodiesterase. One of the commercial calmodulin sources contained a relatively high specific phospholipase A2 activity (1.30 +/- 0.11 nmol [1-14C]arachidonic acid released/mg protein per h) and yielded two major bands in SDS-gel electrophoresis. Two of the calmodulin sources tested were relatively free of phospholipase A2 activity, were quite pure (one band on SDS-gel) and had high biological activity in stimulating calmodulin-deficient phosphodiesterase. Thus, investigators using commercially available preparations of calmodulin should be aware of the contamination of some of these sources by phospholipase A2 activity. These findings may be of importance to investigators considering the role of calmodulin in activating a variety of calcium-dependent enzymes, including phospholipase A2.

Role of calcium and calmodulin in release of kallikrein and tonin from rat submandibular gland

We investigated the role of calcium and calmodulin as intracellular mediators of kallikrein and tonin release induced by norepinephrine (NE). We studied the secretion rate of kallikrein and tonin from submandibular gland of rat in response to NE in the presence or absence of calcium, two calcium blockers, and four different calmodulin antagonists. Submandibular gland slices were incubated in vitro, and glandular kallikrein and tonin secreted into the incubation medium were determined by direct radioimmunoassays and expressed as nanograms per minute per milligram tissue. NE (10(-5) and 10(-4) M) increased the kallikrein secretion from the control value of 8.2 +/- 2.6 to 134.9 +/- 41.4 (P less than 0.05) and to 191.2 +/- 62.7 (P less than 0.05), and the release of tonin from a basal rate of 3.5 +/- 0.6 to 51.5 +/- 9.1 (P less than 0.05) and to 64.4 +/- 13.7 (P less than 0.05). The deletion of calcium and addition of EGTA into the incubation medium significantly attenuated the secretion of kallikrein and tonin induced by NE. Nifedipine, at concentrations which inhibit voltage-dependent calcium channels, did not affect the release of kallikrein and tonin, and only a high concentration (10(-4) M) reduced the release. TMB-8, a blocker of intracellular calcium, had no effect either. Phenothiazines, triflupromazine (10(-6) M) and trifluoperazine (10(-4) M), decreased significantly the kallikrein release elicited by 10(-5) M NE.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Neuronal alterations in hippocampus following severe hypoglycaemia: a light microscopic and ultrastructural study in the rat

Because they induce similar neuropathological changes (ischaemic cell change with microvacuolization), it has been suggested that ischaemia, status epilepticus and hypoglycaemia produce cell death by similar mechanisms, especially those resulting from intracellular calcium accumulation. We have recently demonstrated microvacuolation of neurons, mitochondrial swelling (the electron microscopic correlate of microvacuolization) and massive mitochondrial calcium sequestration (using the pyroantimonate technique) following ischaemia or status epilepticus. We therefore studied the selectively vulnerable neurons of rat hippocampus by light and electron microscopy (including the pyroantimonate technique) following 30 and 60 min of EEG isoelectricity resulting from insulin hypoglycaemia. The neuropathology at the light and EM level is unique and different from that following status epilepticus or ischaemia. The most constant finding is dark cell change of the granule cells at the tip of the dentate gyrus. In contrast to status epilepticus and ischaemia, hippocampal pyramidal neurons are far less frequently involved. Microvacuoles are rarely seen and, when present, their ultrastructural correlate is swollen Golgi apparatus, not dilated mitochondria. No intracellular calcium accumulation is demonstrable with pyroantimonate technique. Thus the cellular alterations produced by hypoglycaemia differ in character and distribution from those produced by anoxia-ischaemia. Mitochondrial calcium accumulation is not prominent in cell death from hypoglycaemia. Whether calcium toxicity plays another, subtler role in hypoglycaemic brain injury is unknown.

Role of calcium mobilization in mediation of acetylcholine-evoked chloride currents in Xenopus laevis oocytes

The involvement of Ca ions in the mediation of muscarinic Cl- current responses in Xenopus oocytes was studied using the voltage-clamp technique and direct measurements of 45Ca efflux. The injection of Ca into the oocytes produced a dose-dependent transient inward (depolarizing) current carried by Cl. This current was occasionally followed by a second, long-lasting inward current. The muscarinic response was evoked by the application of acetylcholine (ACh). It consisted of a transient inward current response, and a long-lasting inward current response, both inward currents carried by Cl ions. Both responses were inhibited by intracellular injection of ethyleneglycol-bis-(beta-aminoethylether)N,N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA), the long-lasting response being inhibited faster than the transient response. The calmodulin inhibitor, trifluoperazine, inhibited both the Cl-current responses to ACh and to Ca injection. ACh (10 microM) evoked a release of 45Ca from pre-loaded oocytes. This effect was inhibited by atropine (1 microM). In the absence of external Ca, the muscarinic transient and long-lasting responses were partially inhibited. The long-lasting response was more sensitive to the external Ca depletion than the transient response. Repetitive applications of ACh in the absence of external Ca resulted in a progressive decrease in the response amplitudes. Under these conditions, a temporary exposure to normal Ca solution ('Ca window') resulted in a partial recovery of the response amplitudes. The muscarinic inward current responses were not inhibited by nifedipine (20 microM). In the presence of a high external concentration of Mn ions ([Mn]o = 18 mM), the transient response was potentiated. Subsequent applications of ACh in high [Mn]o resulted in progressively decreasing responses. It is concluded that the muscarinic Cl responses in Xenopus oocytes are mediated by an increase in the intracellular free Ca activity, aiCa. Ca ions involved in the mediation of the muscarinic Cl current responses are released from cellular Ca stores. It is also proposed that the transient and long-lasting responses result from the release of Ca from two different stores.

Inhibitory effects of chlorpromazine on Candida species

Chlorpromazine was tested for antifungal activity by using Candida albicans and standard assays. The MIC of chlorpromazine was 35 micrograms/ml; the minimal fungicidal concentration was also 35 micrograms/ml. The minimal effective concentration was 2.2 to 3.5 micrograms/ml (using assays based on quantitative cultures and growth). There was a slight positive interaction between chlorpromazine and amphotericin B but no interaction between chlorpromazine and rifampin. Chlorpromazine also inhibited C. krusei, C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, and Torulopsis glabrata. We conclude that phenothiazines have direct anti-Candida activity and that these drugs appear to have a broad antimicrobial spectrum.

Trifluoperazine and calcium antagonists accelerate cholinergic desensitization in Aplysia neurons

The onset of desensitization of excitatory acetylcholine responses in isolated, voltage clamped Aplysia RB neurons to microperfused agonist was accelerated by trifluoperazine and the calcium antagonists SKF-525A and D-600. In the absence of these drugs the time course of desensitization is described as the sum of two exponentials plus a constant. All 3 compounds accelerated the fast exponential component of desensitization, but had opposite effects on the slow component: trifluoperazine and SKF-525A accelerated the slow component, whereas this phase was greatly slowed by D-600. These results provide further evidence that the two components of cholinergic desensitization may be independent and influenced by agents which may affect calcium binding to the acetylcholine receptor.

In vitro effects of toxaphene on mitochondrial calcium ATPase and calcium uptake in selected rat tissues

In vitro effects of toxaphene on Ca2+-ATPase activity and 45Ca2+-uptake were studied in mitochondrial fractions of heart, kidney and liver tissues of rat. Mitochondrial fractions were prepared by the conventional centrifugation method. Ca2+-ATPase activity was determined by measuring the inorganic phosphate liberated during ATP hydrolysis. Toxaphene inhibited Ca2+-ATPase in a concentration dependent manner in all the three tissues. Substrate activation kinetics, with heart, kidney and liver tissue fractions, revealed that toxaphene inhibited Ca2+-ATPase activity non-competitively by decreasing the maximum velocity of the enzyme without affecting the enzyme-substrate affinity. Toxaphene also inhibited mitochondrial 45Ca2+-uptake in the three selected tissues in a concentration dependent manner. These results indicate that toxaphene is an inhibitor of mitochondrial Ca2+-ATPase and calcium transport in heart, kidney and liver tissues of rat.

Phosphatidylserine and calmodulin effects on Ca2+-stimulated ATPase activity of dog brain synaptosomal plasma membranes

Phosphatidylserine (PtdSer)-liposomes when incubated with synaptosomal plasma membranes (SPM) of dog brain, evoked a significant increase (approx 80%) of the Ca2+-stimulated ATPase activity with maximal effect achieved at around 0.7 mumol PtdSer/mg SPM protein. Higher concentrations of PtdSer led to inhibition of the enzyme activity with respect to the maximal percentage of stimulation. Treatment of SPM with EGTA, to minimize the presence of bound cytoplasmic activator calmodulin, resulted in a mixed mechanism of inhibition of the enzyme activity (Vmax was decreased and Km increased) as estimated by Lineweaver-Burk plots. Addition of exogenous calmodulin resulted in an increase of Vmax and in a restoration of Km to control value. Ca2+-stimulated ATPase activity, in EGTA-treated SPM, showed the same figure of changes at different concentrations of PtdSer-liposomes as those of the control, but the turning point was now located at higher PtdSer concentrations. The results suggest that Ca2+-stimulated ATPase activity of SPM is modulated by PtdSer and that calmodulin participates in these interactions, probably, by regulating the contact between the enzyme and Ca2+ ions.

Studies of the mechanism of noradrenaline stimulation of fluid absorption by rat jejunum in vitro

The everted-sac technique was used to study the mechanism of action of noradrenaline on fluid absorption by rat jejunum. Noradrenaline (10(-3) M) significantly stimulated fluid absorption and this effect was dependent on the presence of calcium ions in the serosal fluid. Strontium, but not magnesium could substitute for calcium. Verapamil, manganese and neodymium, all inhibitors of calcium transport, blocked noradrenaline-stimulated fluid absorption when present in the serosal compartment without any effect on basal or glucose-stimulated absorption. Inhibitors of the translation stage of protein synthesis inhibited the response whereas blocking the transcription stage of protein synthesis was without effect. The noradrenaline response was not attenuated by tetrodotoxin suggesting that the response is not indirect due to noradrenaline altering endogenous intestinal nervous activity. It is concluded that noradrenaline acts by opening calcium channels in the basolateral membranes of epithelial cells, resulting in an influx of calcium which stimulates ribosomal protein synthesis to produce proteins involved in fluid transport.

Calcium overload in selectively vulnerable neurons of the hippocampus during and after ischemia: an electron microscopy study in the rat

Light and electron microscopy has been used to study the cytopathological changes in the rat hippocampus directly after a 30-min period of forebrain ischemia and after 30 or 120 min of reperfusion. The fine structural localization of calcium has been demonstrated using the oxalate/pyroantimonate procedure. Cellular changes considered typical of ischemia (swelling of astrocytic processes, distention of mitochondria, condensation of cytoplasm, "ischemic cell change") are most prominent after 30 min of reperfusion. At this time, dense calcium pyroantimonate deposits are evident in swollen mitochondria in pyramidal and hilar neurons. After 120 min of reperfusion, substantial restitution has occurred; most mitochondria appear normal and there are few calcium deposits. However, a small number of selectively vulnerable neurons (hilar and pyramidal neurons) show dense condensation (ischemic cell change) with multiple vacuoles containing calcium deposits. The role of excessive calcium entry and mitochondrial calcium overload during the reperfusion period in determining the death of selectively vulnerable neurons is discussed.

The effect of serum calcium levels on the rate of epidermal renewal in the rat

The growth and differentiation of epidermal cells in vitro show a marked dependence on the calcium concentration of the medium. In this study the effect of experimentally produced hyper- and hypocalcaemia on the rat epidermis in vivo has been investigated. Hypercalcaemia, induced by injections of calcium chloride, produced a decrease in epidermal labelling index and some epidermal thinning. On the other hand hypocalcaemia, induced by calcitonin, failed to lead to changes in these measurements. The diurnal variation in epidermal labelling index and serum calcium levels was also measured. Whilst the labelling index decreased considerably over the period 09.00 hours to 18.00 hours, no significant changes were observed in serum calcium. These results suggest that while, under certain circumstances in vivo, the epidermal cell shows the same sensitivity to calcium as it does in vitro, calcium is not a major regulator of epidermopoiesis.

Pain threshold and morphine activity in vitamin D-deficient rats

In rats, vitamin D-deficiency increases basal pain threshold and the analgesic effect of morphine (hot plate test). Cholecalciferol (1000 I.U./Kg/day s.c.x 5 days) restores pain sensitivity in vitamin D-deficient rats and brings the analgesic effect of morphine back to normal. On the other hand, tolerance to morphine develops faster in vitamin D-deficient rats, this effect too being prevented by cholecalciferol treatment. These data suggest a role for vitamin D status in pain sensitivity and opiate activity.

The benzodiazepine agonist diazepam inhibits basal and secretagogue-stimulated prolactin release in vitro

Benzodiazepines reduce basal and stimulated rat prolactin (PRL) serum levels in vivo. We investigated whether the inhibition of PRL secretion by the benzodiazepine receptor agonist, diazepam, occurs directly at the pituitary. At nanomolar concentrations diazepam did not affect PRL secretion, whereas at micromolar concentrations, diazepam dose-dependently inhibited basal and secretagogue-stimulated PRL release from hemipituitary glands and from primary cultures of rat anterior pituitary cells. The inhibitory effect of the highest concentration of diazepam (100 microM) was abolished when the pituitary tissue was incubated with the benzodiazepine receptor antagonist Ro 15-1788. Although nanomolar concentrations of diazepam alone did not affect PRL release, they did enhance the PRL inhibitory effect of muscimol, a gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) receptor agonist. Neither diazepam nor muscimol affected cellular adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) content. Since these effects do not appear to occur through an inhibition of the cAMP generating system, diazepam may inhibit PRL release via a cAMP-independent pathway. We suggest that diazepam inhibits PRL secretion either by enhancing the GABAergic inhibition of PRL release, or by inhibiting, at micromolar concentrations, a benzodiazepine-sensitive Ca2+-calmodulin dependent protein kinase.

Effects of local anesthetics on calmodulin-dependent guanylate cyclase in the plasma membrane of Tetrahymena pyriformis

A highly purified preparation of Tetrahymena calmodulin activated a membrane-bound guanylate cyclase by more than 40-fold. This activation of guanylate cyclase by calmodulin was inhibited completely by local anesthetics such as dibucaine, tetracaine, lidocaine and procaine at concentrations that had no appreciable effect on the activities of basal guanylate cyclase (without calmodulin) and adenylate cyclase. The inhibition by dibucaine of calmodulin-mediated activation of the enzyme activity was not reversed by calcium but was partially overcome by increasing the concentration of calmodulin. Kinetic analysis of local anesthetic-induced inhibition of activation of guanylate cyclase demonstrated a mixed type of antagonism. These results suggest the possibility that the inhibition of calmodulin-dependent guanylate cyclase resulted, in part, from interaction of the drugs with calmodulin.

Lead activates calmodulin sensitive processes

The effect of lead on two calcium sensitive processes was determined. Micromolar concentrations of lead successfully replaced calcium in the activation of calmodulin-sensitive phosphodiesterase and in the promotion of potassium loss from erythrocytes. Both actions of lead were blocked by trifluoperazine--an inhibitor of calmodulin function. We propose that some of the toxic effects of lead may be explained by its interaction with calmodulin.

Role of calcium and calmodulin in activation of the oxyntic cell by histamine and carbamylcholine in the guinea pig

The role of calcium in stimulation of the oxyntic cell by histamine and carbamylcholine was studied using a sensitive quantitative cytochemical staining technique that measures oxyntic cell hydroxyl ion production (HIP) as an index of acid secretion. Histamine (10(-17)-10(-14) M), carbamylcholine (10(-12)-10(-9) M), and extracellular calcium (10(-7)-10(-3) M) caused a linear, dose-dependent stimulation of the oxyntic cell. EGTA (10(-6) M) inhibited carbamylcholine by 50% but not histamine-stimulated activity. Lanthanum chloride (10(-6) M) caused 100% inhibition of carbamylcholine-induced activity but did not affect histamine-stimulated activity. A maximally effective dose of calcium (10(-4) M) caused additive effects on HIP at low doses of carbamylcholine without alteration of the maximal effect of carbamylcholine. Calcium (10(-4) M) did not enhance the effects of histamine. The calmodulin antagonists, trifluoperazine (10(-5) M), pimozide (10(-5) M), and a naphthalenesulfonamide (W-7), inhibited the integrated response to histamine by 54, 56, and 53%, and that of carbamylcholine by 65, 64, and 99%, respectively. Thus, extracellular calcium per se, stimulates the oxyntic cell. The action of carbamylcholine is completely dependent upon calcium/calmodulin mediation, supporting the concept that cholinergic actions are mediated via calcium-calmodulin events. Although histamine does not require extracellular or membrane calcium events to stimulate the oxyntic cell, calmodulin appears to participate in histamine action.

Synergistic effect of nifedipine and propranolol on adenosine (catabolite) release from ischemic rat heart

Both nifedipine a calcium antagonist, and propranolol a beta-adrenergic blocker, are used as protective agents of the ischemic myocardium. In the clinical setting, the combination of the two drugs is used successfully although several case reports indicate potential dangers of the combination. For this reason we decided to study the combined effect of nifedipine and DL-propranolol in the isolated rat heart made ischemic for a short period of time. Apex displacement was taken as a measure of contractility. Release of the AMP catabolites adenosine, inosine, (hypo)xanthine and uric acid was used as a marker of ATP breakdown. Contractility during ischemia was not affected by the drugs. DL-Propranolol (30 or 150 micrograms/l) had no effect on ischemic myocardial purine release, while nifedipine (15 micrograms/l) reduced purine release during ischemia by 33% (P less than 0.02). The combination of 15 micrograms/l nifedipine and 150 micrograms/l DL-propranolol decreased purine release by 53% (P less than 0.005 vs. nifedipine). We conclude from these results that propranolol has a synergistic effect, adding to the beneficial action of nifedipine on ischemic myocardium.

Melanin: the organizing molecule

The hypothesis is advanced that (neuro)melanin (in conjunction with other pigment molecules such as the isopentenoids) functions as the major organizational molecule in living systems. Melanin is depicted as an organizational "trigger" capable of using established properties such as photon-(electron)-phonon conversions, free radical-redox mechanisms, ion exchange mechanisms, and semiconductive switching capabilities to direct energy to strategic molecular systems and sensitive hierarchies of protein enzyme cascades. Melanin is held capable of regulating a wide range of molecular interactions and metabolic processes primarily through its effective control of diverse covalent modifications. To support the hypothesis, established and proposed properties of melanin are reviewed (including the possibility that (neuro)melanin is capable of self-synthesis). Two "melanocentric systems"--key molecular systems in which melanin plays a central if not controlling role--are examined: 1) the melanin-purine-pteridine (covalent modification) system and 2) the APUD (or diffuse neuroendocrine) system. Melanin's role in embryological organization and tissue repair/regeneration via sustained or direct current is considered in addition to its possible control of the major homeostatic regulatory systems--autonomic, neuroendocrine, and immunological.

Characterization of a calmodulin-binding protein that is deficient in trifluoperazine-resistant variants of the macrophage-like cell line J774

A calmodulin-binding protein is present in extracts of the macrophage-like mouse cell line J774 and in extracts of thioglycollate-stimulated mouse peritoneal macrophages; it is deficient in variants of J774 resistant to trifluoperazine and in resident peritoneal macrophages. The calmodulin-binding protein [CaMBP (J7)0.5] was purified from J774 and resolved from endogenous cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase and protein kinase activities. The protein has an apparent native Mr of 125,000-150,000 and binds calmodulin in a calcium-dependent manner with a Kd of 20 nM. It inhibits the ability of calmodulin to activate phosphodiesterase. Its sedimentation constant in glycerol gradients containing calmodulin was dependent upon the relative concentrations of calmodulin and the calmodulin-binding protein.

Effect of calmodulin antagonists on lysosomal enzyme secretion and phospholipid metabolism in guinea-pig macrophages

The effects of calmodulin antagonists on the secretion of lysosomal enzyme and lipid metabolism in guinea-pig peritoneal macrophages were studied. Calmodulin antagonists, such as trifluoperazine, dibucaine and quinacrine, inhibited the secretion of N-acetyl-beta-d-glucosaminidase from cytochalasin B-treated macrophages when the macrophages were stimulated by the chemotactic peptide, formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (f Met-Leu-Phe) or the Ca(2+) ionophore A23187. The effect of calmodulin antagonists on the incorporation of [(32)P]P(i) or [(3)H]glycerol into glycerolipids as well as on the redistribution of [(14)C]glycerol or [(3)H]arachidonic acid in [(14)C]glycerol- or [(3)H]arachidonic acid-prelabelled lipids were examined. Trifluoperazine, dibucaine or quinacrine stimulated [(32)P]P(i) incorporation into phosphatidic acid (PtdA) and phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) without significant effect on the labelling of phosphatidylethanolamine (PtdEtn), phosphatidylserine (PtdSer), lysophosphatidylcholine (lyso-PtdCho) and lysophosphatidylethanolamine (lyso-PtdEtn). The incorporation of [(32)P]P(i) into phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho) was, on the contrary, inhibited. When calmodulin antagonists were added to macrophages stimulated by fMet-Leu-Phe, [(32)P]P(i) incorporation into PtdIns and PtdA was synergistically increased compared with that induced only by calmodulin antagonists. Trifluoperazine inhibited the incorporation of [(3)H]glycerol into PtdCho, triacylglycerol and PtdEtn. Also in this case, the incorporation of [(3)H]glycerol into PtdA and PtdIns was greatly enhanced. But [(3)H]glycerol incorporation into PtdSer, lyso-PtdEtn and lyso-PtdCho was not affected by the drug. On the other hand, diacylglycerol labelling with [(3)H]glycerol was maximally activated by 10mum-trifluoperazine and levelled off with the increasing concentration. When the effect of calmodulin antagonists on the redistribution of [(14)C]glycerol among lipids was examined in pulse-chase experiments, no significant effect on [(14)C]glycerol redistribution in PtdEtn, PtdCho, PtdIns, PtdSer, PtdA and tri- and di-acylglycerol could be detected. When macrophages prelabelled with [(3)H]arachidonic acid were treated with trifluoperazine, dibucaine or quinacrine, the [(3)H]arachidonic acid moiety in PtdEtn and PtdCho was decreased and that in PtdA was increased. The formation of [arachidonate-(3)H]diacylglycerol and non-esterified [(3)H]-arachidonic acid was also enhanced, but the increase in [(3)H]arachidonic acid was only observed at concentrations between 1 and 50mum. [Arachidonate-(3)H]PtdIns was not significantly affected. The activated formation of [arachidonate-(3)H]PtdA, diacylglycerol and non-esterified arachidonic acid by these drugs was synergistically enhanced in the presence of fMet-Leu-Phe.

Inhibition of 45Ca2+ uptake and catecholamine secretion by phenothiazines and pimozide in adrenal medulla cells cultures

The inhibition by several phenothiazine drugs and pimozide of the uptake of 45Ca2+ and secretion of catecholamines by cultured adrenal medulla cells stimulated with nicotine, veratridine, 50 mM K+, ionomycin and Ba2+ was studied. The inhibition of 45Ca2+ uptake, except for ionomycin, closely parallelled the inhibition of catecholamine secretion. The nicotine-and veratridine-stimulated effects were several fold more sensitive to inhibition by the drugs than were those stimulated by 50mM K+, ionomycin and Ba2+; the ionomycin-stimulated effects were least sensitive to inhibition. These studies indicate that the drugs have multiple effects on stimulus-secretion coupling in adrenal medulla cells. It is suggested that inhibition of the veratridine- and nicotine-stimulated events is due to membrane perturbations caused by the drugs, that inhibition of the 50mM K+- and Ba2+-stimulated events is due to alterations in the voltage sensitive membrane Ca2+ channel, and that inhibition of secretion elicited by ionomycin may be due to inhibition of Ca2+-calmodulin reactions or to more profound non specific membrane effects.