Stimulation by nifedipine of calcium transport by cardiac sarcolemmal vesicles from spontaneously hypertensive rats

Solubilization, characterization and photoaffinity labeling of the mitochondrial dihydropyridine receptor from bovine adrenal medulla

1. The mitochondrial dihydropyridine receptor was solubilized with Chaps at a detergent/protein ratio of 2.5, during 45 min at 4 degrees C. 2. From the rate constants of association (8.10 +/- 0.25 x 10(4) M-1 min-1) and dissociation (0.022 +/- 0.001 min-1) a Kd of 275 nM was calculated, while from saturation experiments a Kd of 270 +/- 30 nM and a density of receptors of 106 +/- 9 pmol/mg protein was obtained. 4. The solubilized receptors are heat-resistant, sensitive to the trypsin and to the reduction of disulfide bonds. 5. In native membranes, a polypeptide of 50 kDa was specifically photolabelled with [3H]Azidopine.

Ca2+ antagonists do not protect isolated perfused rat hepatocytes from anoxic injury

Ca2+ antagonists were studied during anoxia in perfused isolated rat hepatocytes. Cytosolic free calcium (Ca2+i) was measured with aequorin. Anoxia was induced for 2 h by saturating the perfusate with 95% N2/5+ CO2. Anoxia increased Ca2+i in two distinct phases reaching a maximum of 1.5 microM. The increase in Ca2+i was caused by Ca2+ influx from the extracellular fluids because the main Ca2+i surge was totally abolished in Ca(2+)-free media. LDH release increased 6-fold during the second hour of anoxia, but when Ca2+ was removed from the perfusate during the anoxic period, LDH rose only 2.7-fold. Ca2+ antagonists (10(-7) to 10(-5) M) did not prevent the increase in Ca2+i and the rise in LDH release. On the contrary, high concentrations (10(-6) and 10(-5) M) of the blockers nifedipine and diltiazem significantly increased anoxic cell injury. The observation that the increase in LDH and the rise in Ca2+i were not suppressed by Ca2+ antagonists suggests that (i) Ca2+ antagonists protect the whole liver from anoxic injury by acting on cells other than parenchymal cells; (ii) the influx of Ca2+ responsible for the massive increase in hepatocyte Ca2+i evoked by anoxia did not take place through voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels but must have occurred via the Na(+)-Ca2+ antiporter operating in the reverse mode (Ca2+ influx vs. Na+ efflux), and (iii) high concentrations of Ca2+ antagonists may be deleterious to the parenchymal cells of the liver.

The effect of dihydropyridine calcium channel agents on 5-HT metabolism in the CNS of the rat

The effects of dihydropyridines on the levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and 5-hydroxy-3-indole acetic acid (5-HIAA) in the spinal cord and various brain regions of the rat have been studied. Nimodipine, nitrendipine and nifedipine (10 mg kg-1), nisoldipine (5 mg kg-1), and BAY K8644 (0.2 and 2 mg kg-1) were administered i.p. 1 h before killing. The administration of nifedipine and nitrendipine increased 5-HT turnover in all of the areas studied except for the spinal cord. Nisoldipine increased 5-HT turnover in midbrain, hippocampus and cortex, while the effect of nimodipine was restricted to midbrain. BAY K8644 at 2 mg kg-1 produced the same effects as nifedipine and nitrendipine; however, at low doses (0.2 mg kg-1), this compound increased 5-HT turnover only in midbrain and medulla oblongata. These results indicate that both dihydropyridine calcium channel agonist and antagonists are able to activate the 5-HT-ergic system in the central nervous system of the rat in-vivo. Therefore, it seems likely that such effects could be due to indirect actions or to interactions of the compounds with receptors other than the voltage-sensitive calcium channels.

Reduced calcium sensitivity of dihydropyridine binding to calcium channels in spontaneously hypertensive rats

To explore the role of calcium channels in hypertension, dihydropyridine ([3H]PN200-110) binding to heart, brain, and skeletal muscle microsomes of 4-, 8- and 15-week-old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats was measured. At a constant Ca2+ ion concentration (pCa 3.0), maximal binding (Bmax) of dihydropyridine binding to heart and brain microsomes was significantly enhanced in 8- and 15-week-old SHR compared with WKY rats (p less than 0.01), whereas this phenomenon was not observed in 4-week-old SHR and WKY rats. Bmax and dissociation constant (Kd) values for skeletal muscle microsomes from SHR showed no difference compared with WKY rats irrespective of age. Dihydropyridine binding to heart microsomes, brain microsomes, and solubilized skeletal muscle microsomes exhibited strong calcium dependence. The Ca2(+)-dependent dihydropyridine binding curves for heart showed a Hill slope, and pK 0.5 values for 15-week-old SHR and WKY rats were 0.70 +/- 0.12 and 4.66 +/- 0.12 versus 0.72 +/- 0.12 and 5.66 +/- 0.08 (n = 4, mean +/- SD), respectively, indicating that 15-week-old SHR require 10-fold higher calcium concentration than WKY rats to promote dihydropyridine binding. The pK 0.5 values of calcium for brain and solubilized skeletal muscle calcium channels in 15-week-old SHR were also significantly lower than in WKY rats. This difference first became apparent in SHR and WKY rats as early as 4 and 8 weeks after birth. These results suggest that enhancement of calcium channel density might occur in the heart and brain of SHR in response to elevated blood pressure and that reduced calcium sensitivity of dihydropyridine binding to calcium channels might be a primary characteristic of this rat strain.

Effects of anipamil on myocardial sarcolemmal and mitochondrial calcium transport, comparison with verapamil and nifedipine

The calcium antagonists anipamil, verapamil and nifedipine inhibited, dose dependently, passive and ATP-driven 45Ca2(+)-uptake in purified rabbit ventricular sarcolemmal vesicles exposed to a wide range of free calcium concentration (from 0 to 200 microM). The IC50 values for passive binding were virtually identical for all calcium antagonists and the inhibition was relatively independent of the amount of free calcium employed. On the contrary, the order of potency for inhibition of the ATP-driven calcium uptake was: anipamil greater than verapamil greater than nifedipine. The inhibition of nifedipine, at free calcium concentrations lower than 80 microM, was preceded by a slight stimulation. The inhibitory effects of anipamil and verapamil, but not those of nifedipine, on the ATP-driven calcium uptake were more evident with increasing external calcium concentration. Verapamil and nifedipine failed to modify the initial rate of mitochondrial calcium transport either in the presence or in the absence of ADP; on the contrary, anipamil induced a dose-dependent inhibition of mitochondrial calcium transport. The inhibition occurred over the whole range of calcium concentrations tested, independent of the presence of ADP. The effects of anipamil, but not those of verapamil and nifedipine, on sarcolemmal and mitochondrial calcium transport were long lasting and survived membrane isolation.

Effects of verapamil on ischaemia-induced impairment of ATP-dependent calcium extrusion in rat heart sarcolemma

1. The effects of ischaemia and reperfusion were studied on adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP)-dependent 45Ca2+-transport in rat heart sarcolemma vesicles. 2. The effect of verapamil, 1 mumol l-1, was studied by pretreatment of the hearts during Langendorff-perfusion and in vitro by adding the drug after isolation of the vesicles. 3. Without drug pretreatment the Ca2+-uptake appeared to be strongly reduced after 30 and after 60 min of global ischaemia, whereas after 30 min of reperfusion it was restored to slightly above the control level. 4. Verapamil pretreatment during the Langendorff perfusion significantly increased Ca2+-uptake in sarcolemma vesicles both before the onset of ischaemia and after 30 min of reperfusion, whereas no beneficial effect was found on the impaired uptake activity during the ischaemic period. 5. When tested in vitro after the isolation of the sarcolemma vesicles, verapamil only inhibited the Ca2+-uptake activity with an IC50 of 112 mumol l-1, which was increased to 250 mumol l-1 after ischaemia and reperfusion. 6. The present study indicates that pretreatment with verapamil, 1 mumol l-1, of the intact rat heart activates an ATP-dependent Ca2+ extrusion process that may contribute to decrease cellular calcium levels in control and, more importantly, in a reperfusion situation. In contrast, in vitro only a less potent inhibition of the extrusion process was found, indicating that physiological regulatory mechanisms may be altered in the vesicles.

Bay K 8644-induced potentiation of the contractile response of rabbit iliac artery to caffeine in a Ca2+-free medium

1. In a Ca2+-free medium caffeine (10 mM) was still able to cause a phasic contraction in rabbit iliac arteries. 2. Bay K 8644 at 10(-6) but not at 10(-7) M potentiated the residual response to caffeine in a Ca2+-free medium. In a Ca2+-free medium with or without KCl (40 mM), Bay K 8644, however, caused no contraction. 3. Nifedipine (10(-6) M) did not affect the residual caffeine-response or the potentiating effect of Bay K 8644. Verapamil (10(-6) M), however, inhibited both the caffeine response and the potentiation. 4. Bay K 8644 (10(-6) M) potentiated the contractile response to Ca2+ (0.01-2.4 mM) in a Ca2+-free medium containing KCl. The potentiation was equally inhibited by nifedipine or verapamil. 5. La#+ (1 mM), EGTA (0.1 mM), or vanadate (10(-4) M) completely inhibited the Bay K 8644-induced potentiation without affecting the residual caffeine response. 6. These results suggest that the potentiating action of Bay K 8644 on the residual caffeine response in a Ca2+-deficient medium may not be related to voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels. In addition, the activity of Ca2+-ATPase in sarcolemmal membranes may be important in this potentiation.

Potentiating effect of Bay K 8644 on the noradrenaline-induced contraction in rabbit renal and femoral arteries

1. In rabbit renal and femoral arteries, Bay K 8644 produced a contraction and nifedipine inhibited it. 2. Bay K 8644 potentiated the responses to noradrenaline (NA) and potassium (K+). In the presence of nifedipine, Bay K 8644 potentiated NA. 3. In a Ca2+-free medium with EGTA, NA produced a transient contraction which was not affected by Bay K 8644 or nifedipine. Bay K 8644 enhanced the Ca2+-induced contraction in a Ca2+-free medium containing EGTA, nifedipine and NA. 4. The combined treatment with nimodipine and nifedipine further inhibited the Bay K 8644 induced potentiation of Ca2+ responses in the presence of NA as compared to nifedipine alone. 5. In the presence of but not absence of Bay K 8644, Ca2+ caused contractions in a Ca2+-free medium containing EGTA, nifedipine and KCl. 6. Vanadate further enhanced the Bay K 8644 induced potentiation of the Ca2+ responses in the presence of K+ but not NA. 7. These results suggest that, in rabbit renal and femoral arteries, Bay K 8644 does not affect the intracellular translocation of Ca2+ but increases Ca2+-influx activated by K+ or NA. Bay K 8644-induced potentiation of NA responses is likely due to an increase in Ca2+-influx through voltage operated channels (VOC) activated by NA. Also, K+ activated VOC may be coupled to Ca2+-extrusion pumps more than NA activated VOC.

Modulation of Na+-Ca2+ exchange in cardiac sarcolemmal vesicles by Ca2+ antagonists

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of three classes of Ca2+ antagonists, diltiazem, verapamil and nifedipine on Na+-Ca2+ exchange mechanism in the sarcolemmal vesicles isolated from canine heart. Na+-Ca2+ exchange and Ca2+ pump (ATP-dependent Ca2+ uptake) activities were assessed using the Millipore filtration technique. Sarcolemmal vesicles used in this study are estimated to consist of several subpopulations wherein 23% are inside-out and 55% are right side-out sealed vesicles in orientation. The affect of each Ca2+ antagonist on the Na+ dependent Ca2+ uptake was studied in the total population of sarcolemmal vesicles, in which none of the agents depressed the initial rate of Ca2+ uptake until concentrations of 10 microM were incubated in the incubation medium. However, when sarcolemmal vesicles were preloaded with Ca2+ via ATP-dependent Ca2+ uptake, cellular Ca2+ influx was depressed only by verapamil (28%) at 1 microM in the efflux medium with 8 mM Na+. Furthermore, inhibition of Ca2+ efflux by verapamil was more pronounced in the presence of 16 mM Na+ in the efflux medium. The order of inhibition was verapamil greater than diltiazem greater than nifedipine. These results indicate that same forms of Ca2+-antagonist drugs may affect the Na+-Ca2+ exchange mechanism in the cardiac sarcolemmal vesicles and therefore we suggest this site of action may contribute to their effects on the myocardium.

A novel 1,4-dihydropyridine-binding site on mitochondrial membranes from guinea-pig heart, liver and kidney

The 1,4-dihydropyridine (+/-)-[3H]nitrendipine reversibly binds to mitochondrial preparations from guinea-pig heart with a dissociation constant (Kd) of 593 +/- 77 nM and a maximum density of binding sites (Bmax.) of 1.75 +/- 0.27 nmol/mg of protein. This low-affinity high-capacity 1,4-dihydropyridine-binding site does not discriminate between the enantiomers of nitrendipine and is also found in mitochondrial membranes from guinea-pig liver (Kd 586 +/- 91 nM; Bmax. 0.36 +/- 0.04 nmol/mg of protein) and kidney (Kd 657 +/- 149 nM; Bmax. 0.56 +/- 0.12 nmol/mg of protein). Phenylalkylamines (e.g. verapamil) inhibit ( +/- )-[3H]nitrendipine binding with micromolar inhibition constants, but the benzothiazepine D-cis-diltiazem, a potent Ca2+-channel blocker, is without effect. The binding is heat-stable, shows a V-shaped pH-dependence with a minimum around pH 7.0, and is strongly dependent on ionic strength in the incubation medium. The cations La3+ greater than Cd2+ much greater than Co2+ greater than Ca2+ much greater than Ba2+ greater than Mg2+ greater than Li+ greater than Na+ and the anions NO3- greater than C1- greater than or equal to F- stimulate the binding, whereas PO4(3-) greater than SO4(2-) slightly inhibit it. The low-affinity ( +/- )-[3H]nitrendipine-binding site located on the mitochondrial inner membrane is biochemically and pharmacologically different from the 1,4-dihydropyridine-receptor domain of the L-type Ca2+ channel. Furthermore, it is not identical with any of the low-affinity 1,4-dihydropyridine-binding sites described so far.

Red blood cell ionized calcium concentration in spontaneous hypertension: modulation in vivo by the calcium antagonist PN 200.110

1. Altered calcium regulation has been observed in experimental and human hypertension. In this study erythrocyte (RBC) intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) was compared in conscious spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and their normotensive controls (WKY) at rest and after injection of the dihydropyridine calcium antagonist PN 200.110. 2. Resting [Ca2+]i was similar in SHR and WKY. 3. PN 200.110 administration induced a rapid decrease in blood pressure in SHR and WKY. Five minutes after the injection no change in [Ca2+]i was observed; at 1 h [Ca2+]i was significantly decreased in SHR, but not in WKY. 4. These results suggest that the mutual adaptation of the rate of calcium influx through calcium channels and the activity of the calcium extruding pump differ between WKY and SHR.

Modulation of neurotransmitter metabolism by dihydropyridine calcium channel ligands in mouse brain

The regional concentrations of dopamine, serotonin, dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, homovanillic acid and 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid were measured in mouse brain following administration of the dihydropyridine calcium channel activator BAY K 8644, and antagonist, nifedipine. BAY K 8644 (1-8 mg/kg) produced dose- and time-dependent increases in dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, homovanillic acid and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid concentrations in the caudate, without altering dopamine and serotonin levels. No changes in 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid concentration were observed in the raphe nuclei, hypothalamus, hippocampus and frontal cortex. Nifedipine (4 mg/kg) blocked BAY K 8644- (2 mg/kg) elicited increases in dihydroxyphenylacetic acid in the caudate. Furthermore, a higher dose of nifedipine (8 mg/kg) decreased dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and homovanillic acid, but did not affect dopamine, serotonin or 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid concentrations, while a lower dose of nifedipine (2 mg/kg) significantly increased serotonin, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid and homovanillic acid, but did not affect dopamine and dihydroxyphenylacetic acid concentrations. The findings that both BAY K 8644 and nifedipine affect neurotransmitter metabolism in vivo in a dose-, time- and brain region-dependent manner, suggest that high-affinity dihydropyridine calcium channel binding sites play an important role in regulating neurotransmitter turnover in the central nervous system.

Novel interactions of cations with dihydropyridine calcium antagonist binding sites in brain

The effects of monovalent (Na+, Li+, K+, Rb+) and divalent (Ca2+, Mg2+, Mn2+) cations on dihydropyridine calcium antagonist binding sites in brain and cardiac membranes were investigated using a low ionic strength buffer (5 mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.4), and the dihydropyridine, [3H]-nitrendipine. At 25 degrees C, the monovalent cations Na+, Li+, and K+ (100 mM) but not Rb+ significantly decreased the apparent dissociation constant (KD) but had no effect on the maximum binding site capacity (Bmax) of [3H]-nitrendipine in brain. The divalent cations Ca2+, Mg2+, and Mn2+ (2 mM) significantly increased the Bmax, but did not affect the KD of [3H]-nitrendipine. The effects of cations were concentration-dependent (EC50 monovalent cations 10-25 mM; EC50 divalent cations 50-200 microM) and demonstrated brain region selectivity. The effect of Ca2+, but not Mg2+ or Mn2+ on [3H]-nitrendipine binding was described by a two-site model. At 25 degrees C, neither mono- nor divalent cations altered the characteristics of [3H]-nitrendipine binding to rat cardiac membranes. At 37 degrees C, Na+ (100 mM) but not K+ (100 mM) significantly increased the Bmax of [3H]-nitrendipine in rat brain membranes. Ca2+ (2 mM) significantly increased the Bmax of [3H]-nitrendipine binding to rat brain membranes to a greater extent than at 25 degrees C. Both Na+ and K+ had no effect on [3H]-nitrendipine binding to cardiac membranes, while Ca2+ (2 mM) significantly decreased the KD of [3H]-nitrendipine. It is suggested that the selective effects of mono- and divalent cations on [3H]-nitrendipine binding to rat brain and cardiac membranes may be associated with differences in the calcium current blocking activity of dihydropyridine calcium antagonists in brain and cardiac tissues.

Modulation of ATP-dependent calcium extrusion and Na+/Ca2+ exchange across rat cardiac sarcolemma by calcium antagonists

The calcium antagonists verapamil, bepridil, nifedipine and nimodipine inhibited ATP-dependent 45Ca2+ uptake in purified rat ventricular sarcolemma vesicles dose dependently. This inhibition was preceded by a slight stimulation in the case of the two dihydropyridines, but not with bepridil and verapamil. In contrast, Na+/Ca2+ exchange was only inhibited by verapamil and bepridil and not affected by the dihydropyridines. The steepness of the inhibition curves was significantly different for the two processes. No stereoselectivity was found with either process for inhibition by the verapamil enantiomers. Inhibition of the exchange was not due to a decrease of the exchange velocity but to a decrease in exchange capacity. Variation of the antagonist preincubation time did not modify the inhibition of the uptake. The results indicate that two different sites, located at the inner surface of the sarcolemma are involved in the modulation of the ATP-dependent uptake and the Na+/Ca2+ exchange. However, the possibility cannot be ruled out that inhibition of the exchange process is also mediated by an extracellularly located site.

Slow calcium channel blockers and calmodulin. Effect of felodipine, nifedipine, prenylamine and bepridil on cardiac sarcolemmal calcium pumping ATPase

The effect of four slow Ca2+ channel blockers (felodipine, nifedipine, prenylamine and bepridil) that possess the ability to bind to calmodulin (CaM) section and to inhibit myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) on CaM-regulated Ca2+ pumping ATPase of cardiac sarcolemma (SL) and brain cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase (PDE) was studied. The ability of these drugs to inhibit Ca2+ pumping ATPase correlated with their inhibitory effect on CaM-activated Ca2+-dependent PDE. Nifedipine was unable to inhibit markedly both enzymes. Prenylamine also was a weak inhibitor, which was unexpected because of its CaM binding potency. Felodipine (10-50 microM) and bepridil (50 microM) markedly reduced activities of SL Ca2+ pumping ATPase and PDE. Striking differences were, however, demonstrated when Ca2+ and CaM concentrations, respectively, were increased. Previously it was reported that inhibition of the SL Ca2+ pumping ATPase by the CaM antagonist calmidazolium could be overcome by increasing Ca2+ concentrations (J. M. J. Lamers and J. T. Stinis, Cell Calcium 4, 281-294, 1983). Felodipine (10-50 microM) in the present study, appeared to be equipotent with calmidazolium in reducing Ca2+ pumping ATPase, but increasing Ca2+ up to 12.2 microM could not counteract this effect. Felodipine (2-10 microM) also inhibited brain PDE noncompetitively with respect to CaM contrary to the competitive effectors calmidazolium and bepridil. On the other hand, bepridil (10-20 microM) decreased or increased Ca2+ pumping ATPase activity depending on the Ca2+ concentration (0.29 and 12.2 microM, respectively) used. These findings suggest at least two types of CaM antagonists, which can be discriminated on basis of their inhibition patterns of PDE and heart SL Ca2+ pumping ATPase.

Calmodulin abolishes the changes in Ca2+ binding and transport by heart sarcolemmal membranes of spontaneously hypertensive rats

Both Ca2+ transport and binding properties of heart sarcolemmal membranes are altered in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) when compared to their normotensive controls (WKY). The effects of calmodulin on these two processes were studied at free calcium concentrations presumed to be the physiological levels in the cytosol. At a calcium concentration of 2.10(-8)M, calmodulin did not significantly modify either binding or ATP-dependent accumulation of calcium by membranes of both origins. In contrast, at a free calcium concentration of 4.10(-7)M, calmodulin enhanced the calcium binding to SHR membranes and the ATP-dependent calcium transport by SHR and WKY membranes. Differences in calcium binding and ATP-dependent accumulation between the two substrains were suppressed in presence of calmodulin. These data demonstrate that modifications in calcium handling by SHR cardiac plasma membranes might be due to altered intracellular content or function of calmodulin in SHR.

Ibuprofen, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in the isolated rabbit heart

Myocardial pharmacokinetics and dynamic effects of the non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug ibuprofen were studied in isolated, spontaneously beating and retrogradely perfused rabbit hearts. Both myocardial uptake and disposition of ibuprofen showed two-compartment characteristics, which possibly reflects extracellular and intracellular binding sites. Initial and terminal kinetic half-lives were about 0.6 and 13.4 min., respectively. Vd beta was about 82 ml/g myocardial tissue. Stepwise increased ibuprofen concentrations from 30 to 160 micrograms/ml in the Krebs-Henseleit perfusion liquid produced a progressive increase in coronary flowrate up to 178%, which then decreased somewhat at higher concentrations. Preliminary observations showed a direct relaxing effect on PGF-2 alpha produced contractions in coronary vasculature. Oxygen consumption increased simultaneously to 143% at 160 micrograms/ml and then decreased. Myocardial contractility (measured by amplitude and rate of contraction) decreased progressively to about 55% at concentrations from 60-160 micrograms/ml and further to 20% at 580 micrograms/ml. Myocardial efficiency expressed as the ratio of contraction rate to oxygen consumption decreased to about 0.2. Heart beat frequency decreased simultaneously to 73%. The electrocardiographic PQ and QRS intervals increased to 143 and 139%, respectively, whereas the QT interval did not increase significantly. Asystolia occurred in some cases at ibuprofen concentrations of 580 micrograms/ml. The findings suggest that ibuprofen at therapeutic concentrations may possibly produce some coronary vasodilation accompanied by a slight negative inotropic effect. Interactions with other cardioactive drugs seem possible. The drug may cause direct cardiotoxic effects at supratherapeutic concentrations.