Use of intracellular calcium and membrane potential fluorescent indicators in neuroendocrine cells

Effects of progesterone and its metabolites on neuronal membranes

Evidence supporting a membrane site of action for progesterone includes the rapidity of its effects when directly infused into tissue containing mainly nerve terminals, the absence of functional intracellular progesterone receptors in vitro and the fact that progesterone conjugated to bovine serum albumin (BSA) in the C-3 position (P-3-BSA) activates the release of hypothalamic luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) or modulates amphetamine-evoked striatal dopamine release. In addition, P2 membrane fractions from different areas of the CNS but not P1 fractions or P2 membranes from peripheral progesterone targets have specific binding sites for P-11-125I-BSA. Among several BSA-conjugated steroids tested for competition displacement P-3-BSA had the highest affinity with an estimated inhibition constant of 28.5 +/- 2.1 nM. This binding depends on the presence of cations such as Ca2+ and Mg2+ and after chemical depolarization of the P2 membranes the binding curve of P-3-BSA shifts to the right. While progesterone is effective in releasing LHRH from the hypothalamus, 5 beta-pregnan-3 beta-ol-20-one (a 5 beta reduced metabolite) is at least 1000-fold more potent than the parent compound when tested in vitro and in vivo. This action is indirect because tetrodotoxin at 10(-6) M blocks the LHRH releasing action, although 5 beta-prenan-3 beta-ol-20-one is still capable of releasing noradrenaline. Although 5 beta-pregnan-3 beta-ol-20-one can replace progesterone in activating the LHRH neural apparatus this is not true for the nigro-striatal dopamine system where only progesterone or P-3-BSA is effective, an action which is also indirect since tetrodotoxin blocks the effect of either compound. These results indicate that progesterone acts at membrane sites to modulate specific functions of the CNS and that site-specific mechanisms exist within the CNS which may differentially control its conversion to more active compounds.

Biphasic effects of oxethazaine, a topical anesthetic, on the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration of PC12 cells

There have been few reports on the mechanism(s) of action of oxethazaine (OXZ) despite its potent local anesthetic action. Generally, local anesthetics (LAs) not only inhibit Na(+) channels but also affect various membrane functions. In the present study, using PC12 cells as a nerve cell model, the effects of OXZ on intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) were examined in relation to cytotoxicity and dopamine release. [Ca(2+)](i) was determined by the quin2 method. In resting cells, (6-10)x10(-5)M OXZ produced lactate dehydrogenase leakage, which was Ca(2+)-dependent, inhibited by metal Ca(2+) channel blockers, and preceded by a marked increase in [Ca(2+)](i). Some other LAs showed no cytotoxicity at these concentrations. In K(+)-depolarized cells, however, lower concentrations of OXZ (10(-6)-10(-7)M), that had no effect on resting [Ca(2+)](i), inhibited both the dopamine release and the increase of [Ca(2+)](i) in parallel. The inhibitory potency against the [Ca(2+)](i) increase was in the order of nifedipine>OXZ approximately verapamil>diltiazem, and OXZ acted additively on the Ca(2+) channel blockers. OXZ showed the least effect on K(+)-depolarization as determined by bisoxonol uptake. OXZ also inhibited the increase in [Ca(2+)](i) induced by S(-)-BAY K 8644, a Ca(2+) channel agonist. These observations suggested that low concentrations of OXZ interact with L-type Ca(2+) channels. The biphasic effects of OXZ on Ca(2+) movement may be due to a unique chemical structure, and may participate in and complicate the understanding of the potent pharmacological and toxicological actions of OXZ.

Effect of environmental tobacco smoke on intracellular free calcium of boar sperm incubated in seminal plasma

The extractable-respirable particulate of environmental tobacco smoke (ERP-ETS) was collected and tested for its effect on the intracellular free Ca(2+) concentration, [Ca(2+)](i), in boar sperm incubated in seminal plasma in vitro. The intracellular free Ca(2+) level is reportedly closely related to in sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction, which must take place to confer upon sperm the full fertilizing potential. In the absence of ERP-ETS [Ca(2+)](i) in the boar sperm increased dramatically from initially 75 nM to about 248 nM after a 5-h incubation in seminal plasma. However, such an increase was virtually inhibited by ERP-ETS at a concentration of 10 microg/ml, without any significant reduction of the sperm motility and viability. We conclude that application of ERP-ETS negatively affected the [Ca(2+)](i) of boar sperm in vitro.

Relationships between dopamine-induced changes in cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) and rate of prolactin secretion. Elevated [Ca2+]i does not indicate prolactin release

This study was undertaken to investigate the relationship between dopamine (DA) induced changes in the cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) and the rate of prolactin secretion using GH4ZR7, a rat pituitary cell line, which express only one subtype of D2 receptor. GH4ZR7 cells were loaded with Fluo-3, a fluorescent Ca2+ indicator, and then perifused with two different doses of DA (10(-7) mol/L and 5 x 10(-4) mol/L). We monitored changes in [Ca2+]i and rate of prolactin release simultaneously by attaching a spectrofluorometer to a dynamic perifusion system. DA has stimulatory and inhibitory effect on prolactin secretion in GH4ZR7 cells; 10(-7) mol/LDA slightly increased [Ca2+]i and stimulated prolactin release, whereas 5 x 10(-4) mol/LDA decreased [Ca2+]i and inhibited prolactin secretion. When the cells were pretreated with pertussis toxin (PTX), 10(-7) mol/L DA had no significant change in [Ca2+]i while stimulating prolactin release, and 5 x 10(-4) mol/L DA reduced [Ca2+]i without having any significant effect on the rate of prolactin secretion. The results of this study demonstrate that changes in [Ca2+]i do not always correlate with the rate of prolactin release from lactotrophs. The dissociation between [Ca2+]i and prolactin release is somewhat expected considering the diverse role of [Ca2+]i and post-[Ca2+]i events, which can change the rate of prolactin release.

cis-FFA do not alter membrane depolarization but block Ca2+ influx and GH secretion in KCl-stimulated somatotroph cells. Suggestion for a direct cis-FFA perturbation of the Ca2+ channel opening

It has been reported that cis-unsaturated free fatty acids (cis-FFA) block intracellular Ca2+ rise in EGFR T17 and GH3 cells by perturbing the generation of Ins(1,4,5)P3. In the present work, it was found that cis-FFA did not alter potassium-induced cell depolarization in GH3 cells, while blocking Ca2+ rise and GH secretion. Interestingly enough, saturated or trans-unsaturated FFA exert the opposite actions, i.e., they block cell depolarization without altering Ca2+ rise and hormone secretion. As depolarization activates GH3 cells via direct opening of Ca2+ channels with no generation of intracellular mediators, these results suggest that cis-FFA act by a direct perturbation of the Ca2+ channel opening.

Enhanced intracellular calcium concentration during poliovirus infection

The infection of human fibroblasts by poliovirus leads to a notable increase in the intracellular calcium concentration, [Ca2+]i, measured by microfluorimetry or by flow cytometry. [Ca2+]i increases from 2 to 3 h postinfection, and by the fifth hour there is a 5- to 10-fold increase in [Ca2+]i. At this time postinfection there is active viral protein synthesis. The modifications in [Ca2+]i are not observed in the presence of cycloheximide, guanidine, or Ro 09-0179, indicating that virus gene expression is required for the increase in [Ca2+]i. Attempts to identify the source of the intracellular Ca2+ by using different inhibitors of calcium fluxes suggest that calcium enters from the culture medium through voltage-sensitive calcium channels.

The site of action of Ca2+ in the activation of steroidogenesis: studies in Ca(2+)-clamped bovine adrenal zona-glomerulosa cells

The Ca(2+)-messenger system plays a crucial role in the regulation of steroid production in adrenal zona-glomerulosa cells, as it is known to mediate the action of both angiotensin II and K+. In the present study we used intact isolated glomerulosa cells in which the cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]c) was clamped at various levels with the Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin in order to locate the site(s) of action of Ca2+. By measuring in parallel steroid synthesis and [Ca2+]c, we show that Ca2+ levels (50-860 nM) regulate the production of both pregnenolone (up to 669 +/- 71.1% of the basal production) and aldosterone (up to 301 +/- 42.2%; EC50 = 303 nM). By contrast, Ca2+ did not stimulate the conversion of 11-deoxycorticosterone into aldosterone. Ca2+ modulation did not affect the formation of pregnenolone from freely diffusible analogues of cholesterol, indicating that Ca2+ acts at a step upstream of cholesterol side-chain cleavage. Moreover cycloheximide, an inhibitor of protein translation and of adrenocorticotropin-induced facilitation of intramitochondrial cholesterol transport, the rate-limiting step in steroidogenesis, also blocked Ca(2+)-triggered pregnenolone formation. This is consistent with a model in which Ca2+ promotes cholesterol transfer between mitochondrial membranes. In addition, agents using the cyclic AMP pathway as well as angiotensin II potentiated the steroidogenic response to increases in [Ca2+]c by augmenting both the efficacy and the potency of Ca2+. This effect of angiotensin II did not involve protein kinase C. These results establish a direct link between agonist-induced [Ca2+]c rises and a specific step of the steroidogenic pathway.

Thapsigargin inhibits voltage-activated calcium channels in adrenal glomerulosa cells

Thapsigargin, an inhibitor of the microsomal Ca2+ pumps, has been extensively used to study the intracellular Ca2+ pool participating in the generation of the agonist-induced Ca2+ signal in various cell types. A dual effect of this agent was observed in bovine adrenal zona glomerulosa cells. At nanomolar concentrations, thapsigargin stimulated a sustained Ca2+ influx, probably resulting from Ca(2+)-store depletion. In contrast, when added at micromolar concentrations, thapsigargin prevented the rise in cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]c) induced by K+. This inhibitory effect of thapsigargin on voltage-activated Ca2+ channels was confirmed by measuring Ba2+ currents by the patch-clamp technique. Both low-threshold (T-type) and high-threshold (L-type) Ca2+ channels were affected by micromolar concentrations of thapsigargin. Analysis of the current-voltage relationship for T-type channels revealed that thapsigargin did not modify the sensitivity of these channels to the voltage, but decreased the maximal current flowing through the channels. In conclusion, thapsigargin appears to exert a dual effect on adrenal glomerulosa cells. At lower concentrations, this agent induces a sustained Ca2+ entry, whereas at higher concentrations it decreases [Ca2+]c by blocking voltage-activated Ca2+ channels.

Measurement of prolactin release and cytosolic calcium in estradiol-primed lactotrophs

We have developed a perifusion system that can measure both changes of cytosolic free calcium concentration [Ca2+]i and prolactin release simultaneously from cultured lactotrophs. This model incorporated a commonly-used perifusion system to a spectrofluorometer. Indo-1 loaded cells were injected into Sephadex G-150 matrix in the cuvette at a site where the emitting light of the fluorometer projects. During perifusion periods, the perifusate was collected in a fraction collector, while optical density of the emitting light at 405 nm was recorded. The [Ca2+]i was calculated based on an ionomycin and Mn2+ quenching technique. As expected, TRH (1 mumol/l) stimulated prolactin release from cultured lactotrophs in this system. We further observed that prolactin releases as induced by TRH and ionomycin were not proportional with changes of the [Ca2+]i, suggesting that changes of [Ca2+]i is not the sole final pathway of intracellular transduction systems for prolactin release.

NMDA-induced increase in [Ca2+]i and45Ca2+ uptake in acutely dissociated brain cells derived from adult rats

A preparation of acutely dissociated brain cells derived from adult (3-month-old) rat has been developed under conditions preserving the metabolic integrity of the cells and the function of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. The effects of glutamate and NMDA on [Ca2+]i measured with fluo3 and 45Ca2+ uptake have been studied on preparations derived from hippocampus and cerebral cortex. Glutamate (100 microM) and N-methyl-DL-aspartate (200 microM) increased [Ca2+]i by 26-12 nM and 23-9 nM after 90 s in cerebral cortex and hippocampus, and stimulated 45Ca2+ uptake about 16-10% in the same regions. The increases in [Ca2+]i and 45Ca2+ uptake were inhibited by 40% in the presence of 1 mM MgCl2 and by 90-50% in the presence of MK-801. The results indicate (a) that a large fraction of the [Ca2+]i response to glutamate in freshly dissociated brain cells from the adult rat involves NMDA receptors, (b) when compared with results in newborn rats, there is a substantial blunting of the [Ca2+]i increase in adult age.

Depolarization-induced changes in cellular energy production

Addition of high concentrations of KC1 to preparations of rat brain synaptosomes incubated with either glucose or pyruvate caused a transient stimulation of oxygen uptake. This increased respiration was insensitive to 1 mM ouabain and 10 microM ruthenium red but was dependent upon the presence of calcium. With 40 mM KCl in the incubation medium, the levels of high-energy phosphate compounds in the synaptosomes were unaltered, whereas pyridine nucleotides underwent a rapid, albeit small and temporary, oxidation. It is postulated that there is a calcium-dependent mechanism in synaptosomes through which the function of the mitochondrial respiratory chain or of oxidative phosphorylation is stimulated directly without the involvement of either adenine nucleotides or mitochondrial dehydrogenases.

A pharmacological model for studying the role of Na+ gradients in the modulation of synaptosomal free [Ca2+]i levels and energy metabolism

Lactate production (Jlac), oxygen consumption rate (QO2), plasma membrane potentials (Em) and cytosolic free calcium levels [Ca2+]i were studied on synaptosomes isolated from rat brains, incubated in presence of high doses of nicardipine (90 microM), diltiazem (0.5 mM) and verapamil (0.25 mM), and submitted to depolarizing stimulation or inhibition of mitochondrial respiration. Nicardipine was able to completely prevent the veratridine-induced stimulation of Jlac, QO2 and Em depolarization, whereas diltiazem and verapamil were less effective, although the concentrations used were 5 and 3 times higher, respectively, than nicardipine. Diltiazem, verapamil and nicardipine (9 microM) also prevented the veratridine-induced increase in [Ca2+]i, this effect being much less pronounced if the drugs were added after veratridine. Monensin (20 microM) was also able to increase [Ca2+]i but this effect was not affected by verapamil. Synaptosomes were also submitted to an inhibition of respiration of intrasynaptic mitochondria by incubation with rotenone (5 microM); in this condition of mimicked hypoxia Em was more positive of about 11 mV; none of the drugs utilized modified this situation. The rotenone-induced 3-fold increase in Jlac was barely modified by diltiazem and verapamil but it was completely abolished by nicardipine. The possible mechanism of the counteracting action of the drugs towards veratridine stimulation and rotenone inhibition and the involvement of Na+/Ca2+ exchanger in affecting [Ca2+]i are discussed.

Changes in intracellular calcium of porcine sperm during in vitro incubation with seminal plasma and a capacitating medium

The intracellular free Ca2+ concentration in ejaculated, porcine sperm was determined with a fluorescent, Ca2(+)-specific probe, Fura 2. Following suspension of sperm in a medium capable of sustaining capacitation and the acrosome reaction, the intracellular [Ca2+] increased from an initial value of about 75 nM to a peak value of 130 nM, after about 4 to 5 h of incubation. Within this period of time, a peak value of 246 nM was attained when sperm was incubated in seminal plasma. Ca2+ uptake is presumably not associated with membrane potential-dependent channels. The results indicate that a pronounced increase in intracellular free Ca2+ occurs towards the end of the incubation period when rather synchronous acrosome reactions take place in the sperm population, either in capacitating medium or in seminal plasma.

Acetylcholine stimulates cortisol secretion through the M3 muscarinic receptor linked to a polyphosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C in bovine adrenal fasciculata/reticularis cells

Zona fasciculata/reticularis (ZFR) cells, isolated from the bovine adrenal cortex, secreted cortisol in response to acetylcholine (AcCh). The response was present in freshly isolated cells and in cells maintained in primary culture, reaching a maximum after 48-72 h and thereafter declining. Cells maintained in primary culture for 72 h secreted cortisol with an ED50 at 1.2 x 10(-6) M. The potent inhibition of AcCh-stimulated secretion by atropine, and the relative ineffectiveness of nicotine or nicotinic antagonists, were consistent with a predominantly muscarinic response to AcCh in these cells. A selective M1-receptor agonist, McN-A-343, had no effect on cortisol secretion whereas the M3 antagonist, hexahydro-sila-difenidol, produced a dose-dependent inhibition of AcCh-stimulated cortisol secretion. These findings are consistent with AcCh mediating its effects on cortisol secretion through an M3 receptor. While AcCh had no effect on cAMP formation, a dose-dependent increase in [3H]phosphoinositols (identified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)) occurred in a manner that was not dependent on an influx of extracellular Ca2+. Detailed HPLC analysis of the formation of 3H-labelled phosphoinositols and glycerophosphoinositols from pre-labelled cells over the period 0-15 min showed that the earliest significant rise was in Ins(1,4,5)P3 at 5 s, followed by later rises in InsP1, InsP2 and Ins(1,3,4)P3. Additional studies using cells loaded with fura-2 indicator revealed a 1.6-fold increase in [Ca2+]i from a mean resting value of 75 nM in response to 10(-4) M AcCh. Furthermore, the rise in Ca2+ was not abolished by lowering extracellular Ca2+ to resting cytosolic levels, suggesting the mobilisation of an intracellular pool. These observations indicate that AcCh promotes rapid activation of a Ca2(+)-independent and polyphosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C, and that the Ins(1,4,5)P3 formed releases Ca2+ from an intracellular pool. The stimulation by AcCh of this signal transduction mechanism is consistent with our conclusion, based on the effects of the selective muscarinic agonist and antagonist on cortisol secretion, that the AcCh receptor is of the M3 subtype. We conclude that AcCh, acting through an M3 receptor coupled to phospholipase C, regulates cortisol secretion at the cellular level in bovine adrenal ZFR cells.

Relationships between the neuronal sodium/potassium pump and energy metabolism. Effects of K+, Na+, and adenosine triphosphate in isolated brain synaptosomes

The relationships between Na/K pump activity and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production were determined in isolated rat brain synaptosomes. The activity of the enzyme was modulated by altering [K+]e, [Na+]i, and [ATP]i while synaptosomal oxygen uptake and lactate production were measured simultaneously. KCl increased respiration and glycolysis with an apparent Km of about 1 mM which suggests that, at the [K+]e normally present in brain, 3.3-4 mM, the pump is near saturation with this cation. Depolarization with 6-40 mM KCl had negligible effect on ouabain-sensitive O2 uptake indicating that at the voltages involved the activity of the Na/K ATPase is largely independent of membrane potential. Increases in [Na+]i by addition of veratridine markedly enhanced glycoside-inhibitable respiration and lactate production. Calculations of the rates of ATP synthesis necessary to support the operation of the pump showed that greater than 90% of the energy was derived from oxidative phosphorylation. Consistent with this: (a) the ouabain-sensitive Rb/O2 ratio was close to 12 (i.e., Rb/ATP ratio of 2); (b) inhibition of mitochondrial ATP synthesis by Amytal resulted in a decrease in the glycoside-dependent rate of 86Rb uptake. Analyses of the mechanisms responsible for activation of the energy-producing pathways during enhanced Na and K movements indicate that glycolysis is predominantly stimulated by increase in activity of phosphofructokinase mediated via a rise in the concentrations of adenosine monophosphate [AMP] and inorganic phosphate [Pi] and a fall in the concentration of phosphocreatine [PCr]; the main moving force for the elevation in mitochondrial ATP generation is the decline in [ATP]/[ADP] [Pi] (or equivalent) and consequent readjustments in the ratio of the intramitochondrial pyridine nucleotides [( NAD]m/[NADH]m). Direct stimulation of pyruvate dehydrogenase by calcium appears to be of secondary importance. It is concluded that synaptosomal Na/K pump is fueled primarily by oxidative phosphorylation and that a fall in [ATP]/[ADP][Pi] is the chief factor responsible for increased energy production.

Ca2+ channels and intracellular Ca2+ stores in neuronal and neuroendocrine cells

Changes in [Ca2+]i are essential in modulating a variety of cellular functions. In no other cell type does the regulation of [Ca2+]i reach the level of sophistication observed in cells of neuronal origin. Because of its physicochemical characteristics, the fluorescent Ca2+ indicator Fura-2 has become extremely popular among neuroscientists. The use of this probe, however, has generated a number of problems, in particular, extracytosolic trapping and leakage from intact cells. In the first part of this contribution we briefly discuss the practical application of Fura-2 to the study of [Ca2+]i in primary cultures of neurons and astrocytes. In the second part, we review some recent data (mainly from our laboratories) obtained in neurons and neuroendocrine cells, concerning the regulation of different types of Ca2+ channels and the role and mechanism of intracellular Ca2+ mobilization. The experimental evidence supporting the existence of a previously unrecognised organelle, the calciosome, that we hypothesize represents the functional equivalent in non-muscle cells of sarcoplasmic reticulum, will also briefly be discussed.

Effect of Quin-2 on 45Ca2+ uptake mediated by Na+i/Ca2+o exchange and 45Ca2+ efflux in rat brain synaptosomes: a requirement for [Ca2+]i

The Na+/Ca2+ exchanger of squid axons, barnacle muscle and sarcolemma requires micromolar intracellular calcium for activation in the Na+i/Ca2+o exchange mode ('reverse' Na+/Ca2+ exchange). The requirement for [Ca2+]i has been demonstrated with the use of intracellular calcium buffers, such as Quin-2, to inhibit Na+i/Ca2+o exchange. However, the inhibition of Na+i/Ca2+o exchange in mammalian nerve terminals loaded with Quin-2 has not been observed [7], suggesting a lower sensitivity to low [Ca2+]i for this system. In contrast, the results reported herein indicate that 45Ca2+ uptake in synaptosomes through Na+i/Ca2+o exchange is inhibited by Quin-2 much in the same way as it is in the squid, provided that synaptosomes are preincubated in low Ca2+ medium to avoid saturation of Quin-2. Under these conditions, 45Ca2+ efflux via Ca2+i/Ca2+o exchange is also inhibited. Our results indicate that the Na+i/Ca2+o and Ca2+i/Ca2+o modes of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger from rat brain synaptosomes require intracellular calcium for activation. However, because no clear relationship between the observed [Ca2+]i values and the inhibition of Na+i/Ca2+o exchange has been found, it is suggested that localised submembrane calcium concentrations not detected by the [Ca2+]i probe might regulate the exchanger.

Effects of diltiazem on bioenergetics, K+ gradients, and free cytosolic Ca2+ levels in rat brain synaptosomes submitted to energy metabolism inhibition and depolarization

Diltiazem was able to decrease the oxygen consumption rate and lactate production in synaptosomes isolated from rat forebrains, both under control and depolarized (40 microM veratridine) conditions, starting from a concentration of 250 microM. This effect was particularly evident when synaptosomes were depolarized by veratridine. This depolarization-counteracting action was evident also when transplasma membrane K+ diffusion potentials were measured after depolarization induced by veratridine and by rotenone with a glucose shortage. The concentrations of ATP, phosphocreatine, and creatine were less sensitive to diltiazem action. The concentration/response relationships were the same as those found for the oxygen consumption were the same as those found for the oxygen consumption rate, lactate production, and K+ diffusion potentials. The effects of 0.5 mM diltiazem in counteracting inhibition of energy metabolism induced by rotenone without glucose were no longer detectable when either Ca2+ or Na+ was absent from the incubation medium of synaptosomes. Diltiazem at the same concentrations (starting from 250 microM) was able to inhibit both the veratridine-induced and the rotenone-without-glucose-induced increase in intrasynaptosomal free Ca2+ levels evaluated with the fluorescent probe quin2. The results are discussed in view of a possible effect of diltiazem on voltage-dependent Na+ channels and the possibility of utilizing this approach for counteracting neuronal failure due to derangement of energy metabolism or hyperexcitation.

Growth hormone releasing factor depolarizes rat pituitary cells in Na+-dependent mechanism

Human growth hormone releasing factor (hGRF) is a specific stimulator of growth hormone (GH) secretion from somatotrophs both in vivo and in vitro. In this secretory process of GH adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) is thought to function as an intracellular mediator. The influx of Ca2+ from the extracellular space is indispensable for hGRF-induced GH secretion, which probably occurs through voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels. We recently demonstrated that the extracellular Na+ is also essential for hGRF-induced GH secretion and proposed the possibility that hGRF depolarizes somatotrophs by increasing membrane Na+ conductance via cAMP, thereby activating voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels, which in turn facilitate GH secretion. To directly demonstrate this possibility, we measured changes in both the membrane potentials and the intracellular Ca2+ concentration with fluorescent dyes bis-oxonol and fura 2 respectively and found that: (1) hGRF depolarized rat somatotrophs, (2) this hGRF-induced depolarization was greatly suppressed by replacing extracellular Na+ with mannitol or tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (Tris+), but not by removing Ca2+ from the extracellular solution, and (3) hGRF augmented the intracellular Ca2+ concentration, which depended on both extracellular Ca2+ and Na+.

Mechanism of the activation of arachidonic acid release by oxysterols in NRK 49F cells: role of calcium

We previously demonstrated that oxysterols added to the culture medium of NRK 49F cells labelled with [14C] arachidonic acid potentiated arachidonic acid (AA) release and prostaglandin (PG) E2 biosynthesis induced by the activation of these cells with fetal calf serum (FCS). In the absence of FCS, oxysterols had no effect on AA release. As phospholipase (Plase) A2 activity is Ca2(+)-dependent, we investigated whether oxysterol potentiating effect on AA release was related to an effect of these compounds on cell Ca2+ concentration. In this paper, we show that the intensity of potentiation by oxysterol varies with the external cell Ca2+ concentration; when external Ca2+ is chelated by EGTA, the oxysterol effect persists, though it is decreased. The Ca2+ channel inhibitor nifedipine does not decrease the potentiating effect of 25-OH cholesterol, indicating that, if oxysterol favours Ca2+ entry into the cell, the nifedipine inhibited channel is not involved. At the usual concentration (5 micrograms/ml), oxysterols are not able to increase, immediately or after a short time of contact (90 min) the concentration of intracellular free Ca2+ ([Ca2+])i measured by fluorescence of Quin-2; at very high concentration of oxysterol (25 micrograms/ml), [Ca2+]i only slightly increases (+30%). The liberation of AA induced by cell activation with the Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin is also potentiated by 25-OH cholesterol. All these observations are not in favour of a proper effect of oxysterols on cell Ca2+ level.

Cytosolic free calcium levels increase with age in rat brain synaptosomes

Calcium homeostasis in synaptosomes is altered during ageing. The cytosolic free calcium concentration, [Ca2+]i was determined in synaptosomes and crude synaptosomal fractions from 3- and 24-month-old rats with the fluorescent indicator quin-2. The [Ca2+]i were around two times higher in 24-month-old rats than in adults, both under resting conditions and after K depolarization. This difference was still observed after incubation with an endogenous heavy metal chelator. To avoid the calcium buffering effect of quin-2, [Ca2+]i values were determined with the use of a null-point method and with fura-2. These methods confirmed the increase in [Ca2+]i with age in synaptosomes. The increase in [Ca2+]i in nerve endings may be pathologically important in brain ageing.

Adrenoreceptor mobilization of calcium in rat submandibular cells

The stimulation of adrenoreceptors by epinephrine leads to an alteration in the Ca2+ homeostasis of rat submandibular cells. The relative contributions of alpha- and beta-adrenoreceptors were assessed with specific adrenergic agents. Stimulation of alpha 1-adrenoreceptors resulted in enhanced unidirectional 45Ca2+ fluxes, while such effects following beta-adrenoreceptor stimulation, though suggestive, were equivocal. When the cytosolic Ca2+ level was followed in cells pre-loaded with the Ca2+-sensitive fluorescent indicator Quin 2, clear results were observed. Both alpha 1- and beta-adrenoreceptor stimulation were capable of mobilizing intracellular and extracellular Ca2+ pools, as assessed by differential responses of cells incubated in media (+/-)-ethylene-glycol-bis-(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N'-tetraacetic acid. However, Ca2+ mobilization following alpha 1-adrenoreceptor stimulation was more rapid (initial rate approximately 4-5 X) and to a greater extent (approximately 2 X) than seen with beta-adrenoreceptor stimulation.

Quantitative analysis of the cytosolic-free-Ca2+-dependency of aldosterone production in bovine adrenal glomerulosa cells. Different requirements for angiotensin II and K+

Angiotensin II (AII) and K+ raise the cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration [( Ca2+]i) and stimulate aldosterone production in isolated bovine adrenal glomerulosa cells. The mechanisms leading to an elevation of [Ca2+]i were analysed with the fluorescent Ca2+ probe quin 2. (1) Whereas [Ca2+]i rose transiently and returned to basal values within 5 min in response to AII, the effect of K+ was sustained for at least 15 min. (2) AII released Ca2+ from intracellular stores, whereas the [Ca2+]i response to K+ depended solely on extracellular [Ca2+]. (3) When added after K+ stimulation, AII provoked a dramatic decrease in [Ca2+]i to below the resting value. The role of [Ca2+]i in stimulating steroidogenesis was determined by manipulating the concentration of this cation. (4) In a cell superfusion system, the aldosterone response to AII is biphasic. Suppressing the transient [Ca2+]i elevation triggered by AII resulted in the disappearance of the initial secretory peak, but the final production rate was similar to that of control cells. (5) Normal basal [Ca2+]i levels were, however, necessary to maintain continuous AII-induced steroidogenesis. (6) When added after AII, the antagonist analogue [Sar1,Ala8]AII suppressed steroidogenesis without affecting [Ca2+]i levels. (7) In contrast, continuously elevated [Ca2+]i values were required for the initiation and the maintenance of K+-stimulated aldosterone production. These results demonstrate important differences in the mechanisms through which AII and K+ activate the Ca2+ messenger system. Moreover, functional correlations have shown that K+, but not AII, depends solely on a sustained [Ca2+]i response for its steroidogenic effect. However, the AII-induced effect is also a Ca2+-requiring process: the initial [Ca2+]i transient accelerates the onset of steroidogenesis, which is subsequently extremely sensitive to [Ca2+]i decreases below normal basal levels.

Calcium and inositolphosphates in the activation of T cell-mediated cytotoxicity

Reports from a number of laboratories have shown that mAbs against the T3-Ti receptor complex cause an increase in cytosolic-free Ca2+ [( Ca2+]i) and the hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositolbisphosphate (PIP2) in CTLs. In the present report we show that activation of CTLs by their specific targets causes: (a) release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores; (b) transient formation of inositol trisphosphate (InsP3); and (c) an increased permeability to Ca2+ of CTL plasma membrane. Killing of unrelated targets could be induced by cocentrifugation of the unrelated targets with CTLs in the presence of A23187 or PMA. We conclude that: (a) activation of CTLs by specific antigens triggers the generation of the same intracellular mediators generated by stimulation of lymphocytes with anti-T3-Ti receptor antibodies and/or with polyclonal mitogens; and (b) intracellular signals that mediate the delivery of the lethal hit by CTLs are indistinguishable from those that induce cell proliferation.