Determination of Fura-2 dissociation constants following adjustment of the apparent Ca-EGTA association constant for temperature and ionic strength

2'-deoxy-ADPR activates human TRPM2 faster than ADPR and thereby induces higher currents at physiological Ca2+ concentrations

TRPM2 is a Ca2+ permeable, non-selective cation channel in the plasma membrane that is involved in the innate immune response regulating, for example, chemotaxis in neutrophils and cytokine secretion in monocytes and macrophages. The intracellular adenine nucleotides ADP-ribose (ADPR) and 2'-deoxy-ADPR (2dADPR) activate the channel, in combination with their co-agonist Ca2+. Interestingly, activation of human TRPM2 (hsTRPM2) by 2dADPR is much more effective than activation by ADPR. However, the underlying mechanism of the nucleotides' differential effect on the channel is not yet fully understood. In this study, we performed whole-cell patch clamp experiments with HEK293 cells heterologously expressing hsTRPM2. We show that 2dADPR has an approx. 4-fold higher Ca2+ sensitivity than ADPR (EC50 = 190 and 690 nM). This allows 2dADPR to activate the channel at lower and thus physiological intracellular Ca2+ concentrations. Kinetic analysis of our data reveals that activation by 2dADPR is faster than activation by ADPR. Mutation in a calmodulin binding N-terminal IQ-like motif in hsTRPM2 completely abrogated channel activation by both agonists. However, mutation of a single amino acid residue (W1355A) in the C-terminus of hsTRPM2, at a site of extensive inter-domain interaction, resulted in slower activation by 2dADPR and neutralized the difference in rate of activation between the two agonists. Taken together, we propose a mechanism by which 2dADPR induces higher hsTRPM2 currents than ADPR by means of faster channel activation. The finding that 2dADPR has a higher Ca2+ sensitivity than ADPR may indicate that 2dADPR rather than ADPR activates hsTRPM2 in physiological contexts such as the innate immune response.

Cell starvation increases uptake of extracellular Thymosin β4 and its complexes with calcium

Cell metastasis is the main cause of cancer mortality. Inhibiting early events during cell metastasis and invasion could significantly improve cancer prognosis, but the initial mechanisms of cell transition and migration are barely known. Calcium regulates cell migration, whilst Thymosin β4 is a G-actin and iron binding peptide associated with tumor metastasis and ferroptosis. Under normal cell growth conditions, intracellular free calcium ions and Thymosin β4 concentrations are strictly regulated, and are not influenced by extracellular supplementation. However, cell starvation decreases intracellular Thymosin β4 and increases extracellular peptide uptake above the normal range. Unexpectedly, cell starvation significantly increases internalization of extracellular Ca²⁺/Thymosin β4 complexes. Elucidating the role of Ca²⁺/Thymosin β4 in the early events of metastasis will likely be important in the future to develop therapies targeting metastasis.

An unexpected effect of risperidone reveals a nonlinear relationship between cytosolic Ca2+ and mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake

Mitochondria actively contribute to cellular Ca²⁺ homeostasis. The molecular mechanisms of mitochondrial Ca²⁺ uptake and release are well characterized and are attributed to the multi-protein assembly of the mitochondrial Ca²⁺ uniporter complex (MCUC) and the mitochondrial sodium-calcium exchanger (NCLX), respectively. Hence, Ca²⁺ transfer from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE) into the mitochondrial matrix has been quantitatively visualized on the subcellular level using targeted fluorescent biosensors. However, a correlation between the amplitude of cytosolic Ca²⁺ elevation with that in the mitochondrial matrix has not been investigated in detail so far. In the present study, we combined the Ca²⁺-mobilizing agonist histamine with the H₁-receptor antagonist risperidone to establish a well-tunable experimental approach allowing the correlation between low, slow, high, and fast cytosolic and mitochondrial Ca²⁺ signals in response to inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP₃)-triggered ER Ca²⁺ release. Our present data confirm a defined threshold in cytosolic Ca²⁺, which is necessary for the activation of mitochondrial Ca²⁺ uptake. Moreover, our data support the hypothesis of different modes of mitochondrial Ca²⁺ uptake depending on the source of the ion (i.e., ER vs SOCE).

Raman Thermometry Nanopipettes in Cancer Photothermal Therapy

Raman thermometry based on surface-enhanced Raman scattering has been developed using nanopipettes in cancer cell photothermal therapy (PTT). Gold nanorods (AuNRs) are robustly epoxied on glass pipettes with a high surface coverage of ∼95% and less than 10 nm-wide nanogaps for intracellular thermometry and photothermal cancer therapy. The temperature changes could be estimated from the N≡C band shifts of 4-fluorophenyl isocyanide (FPNC)-adsorbed AuNRs on the Raman thermometry nanopipette (RTN) surfaces. An intracellular temperature change of ∼2.7 °C produced by altering the [Ca²⁺] in A431 cells was detected using the RTN in vitro, as checked from fura-2 acetoxymethyl ester (fura-2 AM) fluorescence images. For in vivo experiments, local temperature rises of ∼19.2 °C were observed in the mouse skin, whereas infrared camera images could not tract due to spatial resolution. In addition, a tumor growth suppression was observed in the PTT processes after an administration of the three AuNR-coated nanopipettes combined with a 671 nm laser irradiation for 5 min in 30 days. These results demonstrate not only the localized temperature sensing ability of FPNC-tagged AuNR nanopipettes in cell biology but also anti-cancer effects in photothermal cancer therapy.

Retrograde Analysis of Calcium Signaling by CaMPARI2 Shows Cytosolic Calcium in Chondrocytes Is Unaffected by Parabolic Flights

Calcium (Ca2+) elevation is an essential secondary messenger in many cellular processes, including disease progression and adaptation to external stimuli, e.g., gravitational load. Therefore, mapping and quantifying Ca2+ signaling with a high spatiotemporal resolution is a key challenge. However, particularly on microgravity platforms, experiment time is limited, allowing only a small number of replicates. Furthermore, experiment hardware is exposed to changes in gravity levels, causing experimental artifacts unless appropriately controlled. We introduce a new experimental setup based on the fluorescent Ca2+ reporter CaMPARI2, onboard LED arrays, and subsequent microscopic analysis on the ground. This setup allows for higher throughput and accuracy due to its retrograde nature. The excellent performance of CaMPARI2 was demonstrated with human chondrocytes during the 75th ESA parabolic flight campaign. CaMPARI2 revealed a strong Ca2+ response triggered by histamine but was not affected by the alternating gravitational load of a parabolic flight.

A method for high-content functional imaging of intracellular calcium responses in gelatin-immobilized non-adherent cells

Functional imaging of the intracellular calcium concentration [Ca²⁺]_i using fluorescent indicators is a powerful and frequently applied method for assessing various biological questions in vitro, including ion channel function and intracellular signaling in homeostasis and disease. In functional [Ca²⁺]_i imaging experiments, the fluorescence intensity of single cells is typically recorded during application of a chemical stimulus, i.e. by exchange of modified extracellular media, exposure to drugs and/or ligands. The concomitant mechanical perturbation caused by the perfusion of different solution during experimentation severely hinders calcium imaging in non-adherent cells, including peripheral immune cells, as cells in suspension are dislocated by turbulent flow during chemical stimulation. The quantitative analysis, involving time-courses of intracellular fluorescence signal changes, necessitates cells to remain at the same position throughout the experiment. To prevent dislocation of cells during solution exchange, and to enable imaging as well as analysis of Ca²⁺ responses in immune cells, a gelatin-based method for immobilization of non-adherent cells was developed. Gelatin has been a long-serving material for cell immobilization, e.g. in 3D bio-printing of cells and has thus, also been employed in the context of this study. To demonstrate the applicability of the established method for functional Ca²⁺ imaging in gelatin-immobilized suspension cells, a proof-of-concept study was conducted using human peripheral blood model cell lines (Jurkat/T-lymphocytes and THP-1/monocytes), Ca²⁺ indicators (Fluo-4 and Fura-2) and two different fluorescence microscopy rigs. The data presented that the established methodology is applicable for studying Ca²⁺ signaling by in vitro high-content functional imaging of [Ca²⁺]_i in suspension cells, including but not restricted to human immune cells.

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Podocyte-Like Cells as Models for Assessing Mechanisms Underlying Heritable Disease Phenotype: Initial Studies Using Two Alport Syndrome Patient Lines Indicate Impaired Potassium Channel Activity

Renal podocyte survival depends upon the dynamic regulation of a complex cell architecture that links the glomerular basement membrane to integrins, ion channels, and receptors. Alport syndrome is a heritable chronic kidney disease where mutations in α3, α4, or α5 collagen genes promote podocyte death. In rodent models of renal failure, activation of the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) can protect podocytes from stress-related death. In this study, we assessed CaSR function in podocyte-like cells derived from induced-pluripotent stem cells from two patients with Alport Syndrome (AS1 & AS2) and a renal disease free individual [normal human mesangial cell (NHMC)], as well as a human immortalized podocyte-like (HIP) cell line. Extracellular calcium elicited concentration-dependent elevations of intracellular calcium in all podocyte-like cells. NHMC and HIP, but not AS1 or AS2 podocyte-like cells, also showed acute reductions in intracellular calcium prior to elevation. In NHMC podocyte-like cells this acute reduction was blocked by the large-conductance potassium channel (KCNMA1) inhibitors iberiotoxin (10 nM) and tetraethylammonium (5 mM), as well as the focal adhesion kinase inhibitor PF562271 (N-methyl-N-(3-((2-(2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-5-ylamino)-5-trifluoromethyl-pyrimidin-4-ylamino)-methyl)-pyridin-2-yl)-methanesulfonamide, 10 nM). Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and immunolabeling showed the presence of KCNMA1 transcript and protein in all podocyte-like cells tested. Cultivation of AS1 podocytes on decellularized plates of NHMC podocyte-like cells partially restored acute reductions in intracellular calcium in response to extracellular calcium. We conclude that the AS patient-derived podocyte-like cells used in this study showed dysfunctional integrin signaling and potassium channel function, which may contribute to podocyte death seen in Alport syndrome.

Nimodipine, an L-type calcium channel blocker attenuates mitochondrial dysfunctions to protect against 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-induced Parkinsonism in mice

Parkinson's disease (PD), the most common progressive neurodegenerative movement disorder, results from loss of dopaminergic neurons of substantia nigra pars compacta. These neurons exhibit Cav1.3 channel-dependent pacemaking activity. Epidemiological studies suggest reduced risk for PD in population under long-term antihypertensive therapy with L-type calcium channel antagonists. These prompted us to investigate nimodipine, an L-type calcium channel blocker for neuroprotective effect in cellular and animal models of PD. Nimodipine (0.1-10 μM) significantly attenuated 1-methyl-4-phenyl pyridinium ion-induced loss in mitochondrial morphology, mitochondrial membrane potential and increases in intracellular calcium levels in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line as measured respectively employing Mitotracker green staining, TMRM, and Fura-2 fluorescence, but only a feeble neuroprotective effect was observed in MTT assay. Nimodipine dose-dependently reduced 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced parkinsonian syndromes (akinesia and catalepsy) and loss in swimming ability in Balb/c mice. It attenuated MPTP-induced loss of dopaminergic tyrosine hydroxylase positive neurons in substantia nigra, improved mitochondrial oxygen consumption and inhibited reactive oxygen species production in the striatal mitochondria measured using dichlorodihydrofluorescein fluorescence, but failed to block striatal dopamine depletion. These results point to an involvement of L-type calcium channels in MPTP-induced dopaminergic neuronal death in experimental parkinsonism and more importantly provide evidences for nimodipine to improve mitochondrial integrity and function.

Human pluripotent stem cell derived midbrain PITX3(eGFP/w) neurons: a versatile tool for pharmacological screening and neurodegenerative modeling

PITX3 expression is confined to adult midbrain dopaminergic (mDA) neurons. In this study we describe the generation and basic functional characteristics of mDA neurons derived from a human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) line expressing eGFP under the control of the PITX3 promoter. Flow cytometry showed that eGFP was evident in 15% of the neuron population at day 12 of differentiation and this level was maintained until at least day 80. From days 20 to 80 of differentiation intracellular chloride decreased and throughout this period around ∼20% of PITX3^eGFP/w neurons exhibited spontaneous Ca²⁺ transients (from 3.3 ± 0.3 to 5.0 ± 0.1 min^-1, respectively). These neurons also responded to any of ATP, glutamate, acetylcholine, or noradrenaline with elevations of intracellular calcium. As neuronal cultures matured more dopamine was released and single PITX3^eGFP/w neurons began to respond to more than one neurotransmitter. MPP⁺ and tumor necrosis factor (TNF), but not prostaglandin E₂, caused death of the ∼50% of PITX3^eGFP/w neurons (day 80). Tracking eGFP using time lapse confocal microscopy over 24 h demonstrated significant TNF-mediated neurite retraction over time. This work now shows that these PITX3^eGFP/w neurons are amenable to flow cytometry, release dopamine and respond to multiple neurotransmitters with elevations of intracellular calcium, we believe that they represent a versatile system for neuropharmacological and neurotoxicological studies.

A polarized Ca2+, diacylglycerol and STIM1 signalling system regulates directed cell migration

Ca(2+) signals control cell migration by regulating forward movement and cell adhesion. However, it is not well understood how Ca(2+)-regulatory proteins and second messengers are spatially organized in migrating cells. Here we show that receptor tyrosine kinase and phospholipase C signalling are restricted to the front of migrating endothelial leader cells, triggering local Ca(2+) pulses, local depletion of Ca(2+) in the endoplasmic reticulum and local activation of STIM1, supporting pulsatile front retraction and adhesion. At the same time, the mediator of store-operated Ca(2+) influx, STIM1, is transported by microtubule plus ends to the front. Furthermore, higher Ca(2+) pump rates in the front relative to the back of the plasma membrane enable effective local Ca(2+) signalling by locally decreasing basal Ca(2+). Finally, polarized phospholipase C signalling generates a diacylglycerol gradient towards the front that promotes persistent forward migration. Thus, cells employ an integrated Ca(2+) control system with polarized Ca(2+) signalling proteins and second messengers to synergistically promote directed cell migration.

hGAAP promotes cell adhesion and migration via the stimulation of store-operated Ca2+ entry and calpain 2

Golgi antiapoptotic proteins (GAAPs) are highly conserved Golgi membrane proteins that inhibit apoptosis and promote Ca(2+) release from intracellular stores. Given the role of Ca(2+) in controlling cell adhesion and motility, we hypothesized that human GAAP (hGAAP) might influence these events. In this paper, we present evidence that hGAAP increased cell adhesion, spreading, and migration in a manner that depended on the C-terminal domain of hGAAP. We show that hGAAP increased store-operated Ca(2+) entry and thereby the activity of calpain at newly forming protrusions. These hGAAP-dependent effects regulated focal adhesion dynamics and cell migration. Indeed, inhibition or knockdown of calpain 2 abrogated the effects of hGAAP on cell spreading and migration. Our data reveal that hGAAP is a novel regulator of focal adhesion dynamics, cell adhesion, and migration by controlling localized Ca(2+)-dependent activation of calpain.

Human and viral Golgi anti-apoptotic proteins (GAAPs) oligomerize via different mechanisms and monomeric GAAP inhibits apoptosis and modulates calcium

Golgi anti-apoptotic proteins (GAAPs) are hydrophobic proteins resident in membranes of the Golgi complex. They protect cells from a range of apoptotic stimuli, reduce the Ca²⁺ content of intracellular stores, and regulate Ca²⁺ fluxes. GAAP was discovered in camelpox virus, but it is highly conserved throughout evolution and encoded by all eukaryote genomes examined. GAAPs are part of the transmembrane Bax inhibitor-containing motif (TMBIM) family that also includes other anti-apoptotic and Ca²⁺-modulating membrane proteins. Most TMBIM members show multiple bands when analyzed by SDS-PAGE, suggesting that they may be oligomeric. However, the molecular mechanisms of oligomerization, the native state of GAAPs in living cells and the functional significance of oligomerization have not been addressed. TMBIM members are thought to have evolved from an ancestral GAAP. Two different GAAPs, human (h) and viral (v)GAAP were therefore selected as models to examine oligomerization of TMBIM family members. We show that both hGAAP and vGAAP in their native states form oligomers and that oligomerization is pH-dependent. Surprisingly, hGAAP and vGAAP do not share the same oligomerization mechanism. Oligomerization of hGAAP is independent of cysteines, but oligomerization of vGAAP depends on cysteines 9 and 60. A mutant vGAAP that is unable to oligomerize revealed that monomeric vGAAP retains both its anti-apoptotic function and its effect on intracellular Ca²⁺ stores. In conclusion, GAAP can oligomerize in a pH-regulated manner, and monomeric GAAP is functional.

Ankyrin-B reduction enhances Ca spark-mediated SR Ca release promoting cardiac myocyte arrhythmic activity

Ankyrin-B (AnkB) loss-of-function may cause ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death in humans. Cardiac myocytes from AnkB heterozygous mice (AnkB(+/-)) show reduced expression and altered localization of Na/Ca exchanger (NCX) and Na/K-ATPase (NKA), key players in regulating [Na](i) and [Ca](i). Here we investigate how AnkB reduction affects cardiac [Na](i), [Ca](i) and SR Ca release. We found reduced NCX and NKA transport function but unaltered [Na](i) and diastolic [Ca](i) in myocytes from AnkB(+/-) vs. wild-type (WT) mice. Ca transients, SR Ca content and fractional SR Ca release were larger in AnkB(+/-) myocytes. The frequency of spontaneous, diastolic Ca sparks (CaSpF) was significantly higher in intact myocytes from AnkB(+/-) vs. WT myocytes (with and without isoproterenol), even when normalized for SR Ca load. However, total ryanodine receptor (RyR)-mediated SR Ca leak (tetracaine-sensitive) was not different between groups. Thus, in AnkB(+/-) mice SR Ca leak is biased towards more Ca sparks (vs. smaller release events), suggesting more coordinated openings of RyRs in a cluster. This is due to local cytosolic RyR regulation, rather than intrinsic RyR differences, since CaSpF was similar in saponin-permeabilized myocytes from WT and AnkB(+/-) mice. The more coordinated RyRs openings resulted in an increased propensity of pro-arrhythmic Ca waves in AnkB(+/-) myocytes. In conclusion, AnkB reduction alters cardiac Na and Ca transport and enhances the coupled RyR openings, resulting in more frequent Ca sparks and waves although the total SR Ca leak is unaffected. This could enhance the propensity for triggered arrhythmias in AnkB(+/-) mice.

In vitro maturation of dopaminergic neurons derived from mouse embryonic stem cells: implications for transplantation

The obvious motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease result from a loss of dopaminergic neurons from the substantia nigra. Embryonic stem cell-derived neural progenitor or precursor cells, adult neurons and fetal midbrain tissue have all been used to replace dying dopaminergic neurons. Transplanted cell survival is compromised by factors relating to the new environment, for example; hypoxia, mechanical trauma and excitatory amino acid toxicity. In this study we investigate, using live-cell fluorescence Ca²⁺ and Cl⁻ imaging, the functional properties of catecholaminergic neurons as they mature. We also investigate whether GABA has the capacity to act as a neurotoxin early in the development of these neurons. From day 13 to day 21 of differentiation [Cl⁻]_i progressively dropped in tyrosine hydroxylase positive (TH⁺) neurons from 56.0 (95% confidence interval, 55.1, 56.9) mM to 6.9 (6.8, 7.1) mM. At days 13 and 15 TH⁺ neurons responded to GABA (30 µM) with reductions in intracellular Cl⁻ ([Cl⁻]_i); from day 21 the majority of neurons responded to GABA (30 µM) with elevations of [Cl⁻]_i. As [Cl⁻]_i reduced, the ability of GABA (30 µM) to elevate intracellular Ca²⁺ ([Ca²⁺]_i) did also. At day 13 of differentiation a three hour exposure to GABA (30 µM) or L-glutamate (30 µM) increased the number of midbrain dopaminergic (TH⁺ and Pitx3⁺) neurons labeled with the membrane-impermeable nuclear dye TOPRO-3. By day 23 cultures were resistant to the effects of both GABA and L-glutamate. We believe that neuronal susceptibility to amino acid excitotoxicity is dependent upon neuronal maturity, and this should be considered when isolating cells for transplantation studies.

Calibration protocols for fluorescent calcium indicators

Fluorescent calcium indicators are useful for measuring intracellular calcium ion concentrations. For a quantitative understanding of the physiological roles of Ca2+, fluorescence signals measured with calcium indicators have to be converted to intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i). Most methods for converting a fluorescence signal to [Ca2+]i require the determination of a set of three calibration parameters: (Keff, Rmin, Rmax), (Kd, ΔF/Fmax, [Ca2+]rest), or (Kd, Rf, Fmax) or (Kapp, τmin, τmax). Here we describe the classical procedure for calibration of ratiometric measurements for both in vivo and in vitro calibrations, which is also useful for determining Kd and Rf. The [Ca2+]i dependence of the fluorescence ratio is measured using a set of at least three calibration solutions with known [Ca2+]i levels.

Androgens regulate adenylate cyclase activity and intracellular calcium in stromal cells derived from human prostate

BACKGROUND

Increased smooth muscle tone is a significant component of benign prostatic hyperplasia, the onset of which correlates with age and declining serum testosterone levels. This study investigates the effects of androgens on key regulators of smooth muscle tone: intracellular calcium ([Ca(2+)](i)) and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in human cultured prostatic stromal cells (HCPSC).

METHODS

HCPSC were cultured in the absence or presence of dihydrotestosterone (DHT; 3, 30, and 300 nM) or testosterone (0.3-300 nM) alone or in the presence of flutamide (10 microM). Changes in [Ca(2+)](i) were determined in FURA-2AM (10 microM) loaded cells. Changes in cAMP were determined by Alpha Screen(R) assay.

RESULTS

Up to 32% of cultured cells exhibited spontaneous elevations of [Ca(2+)](i). The frequency of these elevations was reduced by nifedipine (10 microM), ryanodine (1 microM), and the adenylate cyclase inhibitor MDL 12,330A (20 microM). Compared to steroid-free cells, a 3-day incubation of cells with testosterone (only 3 nM) elevated basal, but not peak [Ca(2+)](i). In the presence of flutamide, all concentrations of testosterone tested elevated basal, but not peak [Ca(2+)](i). DHT (30 and 300, but not 3 nM) lowered peak and basal [Ca(2+)](i). Increased testosterone concentration dependently decreased resting cell cAMP (pIC(50): 7.64 +/- 0.29 nM).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings demonstrate that some HCPSC have the ability to spontaneously and transiently elevate [Ca(2+)](i). The magnitude of these [Ca(2+)](i) peaks, along with resting levels of calcium and cAMP, appear to be regulated by androgens.

Extramitochondrial Ca2+ in the nanomolar range regulates glutamate-dependent oxidative phosphorylation on demand

We present unexpected and novel results revealing that glutamate-dependent oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) of brain mitochondria is exclusively and efficiently activated by extramitochondrial Ca²⁺ in physiological concentration ranges (S_0.5 = 360 nM Ca²⁺). This regulation was not affected by RR, an inhibitor of the mitochondrial Ca²⁺ uniporter. Active respiration is regulated by glutamate supply to mitochondria via aralar, a mitochondrial glutamate/aspartate carrier with regulatory Ca²⁺-binding sites in the mitochondrial intermembrane space providing full access to cytosolic Ca²⁺. At micromolar concentrations, Ca²⁺ can also enter the intramitochondrial matrix and activate specific dehydrogenases. However, the latter mechanism is less efficient than extramitochondrial Ca²⁺ regulation of respiration/OXPHOS via aralar. These results imply a new mode of glutamate-dependent OXPHOS regulation as a demand-driven regulation of mitochondrial function. This regulation involves the mitochondrial glutamate/aspartate carrier aralar which controls mitochondrial substrate supply according to the level of extramitochondrial Ca²⁺.

Impaired regulation of brain mitochondria by extramitochondrial Ca2+ in transgenic Huntington disease rats

Huntington disease (HD) is characterized by polyglutamine expansions of huntingtin (htt), but the underlying pathomechanisms have remained unclear. We studied brain mitochondria of transgenic HD rats with 51 glutamine repeats (htt(51Q)), modeling the adult form of HD. Ca(free)(2+) up to 2 mum activated state 3 respiration of wild type mitochondria with glutamate/malate or pyruvate/malate as substrates. Ca(free)(2+) above 2 mum inhibited respiration via cyclosporin A-dependent permeability transition (PT). Ruthenium red, an inhibitor of the mitochondrial Ca(2+) uniporter, did not affect the Ca(2+)-dependent activation of respiration but reduced Ca(2+)-induced inhibition. Thus, Ca(2+) activation was mediated exclusively by extramitochondrial Ca(2+), whereas inhibition was promoted also by intramitochondrial Ca(2+). In contrast, htt(51Q) mitochondria showed a deficient state 3 respiration, a lower sensitivity to Ca(2+) activation, and a higher susceptibility to Ca(2+)-dependent inhibition. Furthermore htt(51Q) mitochondria exhibited a diminished membrane potential stability in response to Ca(2+), lower capacities and rates of Ca(2+) accumulation, and a decreased Ca(2+) threshold for PT in a substrate-independent but cyclosporin A-sensitive manner. Compared with wild type, Ca(2+)-induced inhibition of respiration of htt(51Q) mitochondria was less sensitive to ruthenium red, indicating the involvement of extramitochondrial Ca(2+). In conclusion, we demonstrate a novel mechanism of mitochondrial regulation by extramitochondrial Ca(2+). We suggest that specific regulatory Ca(2+) binding sites on the mitochondrial surface, e.g. the glutamate/aspartate carrier (aralar), mediate this regulation. Interactions between htt(51Q) and distinct targets such as aralar and/or the PT pore may underlie mitochondrial dysregulation leading to energetic depression, cell death, and tissue atrophy in HD.

Dopaminergic signaling and striatal neurodegeneration in Huntington's disease

Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by polyglutamine (polyQ) expansion in Huntingtin protein (Htt). PolyQ expansion in Htt(exp) causes selective degeneration of striatal medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in HD patients. Striatal MSN neurons receive glutamatergic input from the cortex and dopaminergic input from the substantia nigra. In previous studies with the yeast artificial chromosome (YAC128) transgenic HD mouse model, we established a connection between glutamate receptor activation, disturbed calcium (Ca2+) signaling, and apoptosis of HD MSNs (Tang et al., 2005). Here, we used the same YAC128 mouse model to investigate the role of dopaminergic signaling in HD. We discovered that glutamate and dopamine signaling pathways act synergistically to induce elevated Ca2+ signals and to cause apoptosis of YAC128 MSNs in vitro. We demonstrated that potentiating effects of dopamine are mediated by D1-class dopamine receptors (DARs) and not by D2-class DARs. Consistent with in vitro findings, in whole-animal experiments we found that persistent elevation of striatal dopamine levels exacerbated the behavioral motor deficits and MSN neurodegeneration in YAC128 mice. We further discovered that the clinically relevant dopamine pathway inhibitor tetrabenazine alleviated the motor deficits and reduced striatal cell loss in YAC128 mice. Our results suggest that dopamine signaling pathway plays an important role in HD pathogenesis and that antagonists of dopamine pathway such as tetrabenazine or dopamine receptor blockers may have a therapeutic potential for treatment of HD beyond well established "symptomatic" benefit.

beta(2) and beta(3)-adrenoceptor inhibition of alpha(1)-adrenoceptor-stimulated Ca(2+) elevation in human cultured prostatic stromal cells

Prostatic beta-adrenoceptors inhibit alpha(1)-adrenoceptor-stimulated contractility. This study examines the effects of beta-adrenoceptor stimulation upon phenylephrine-induced elevations of intracellular Ca(2+)([Ca(2+)](i)) in human cultured prostatic stromal cells, and contractility of human prostatic tissue. Human cultured prostatic stromal cells were used for [(3)H]-cAMP accumulation studies or were loaded with 5-oxazolecarboxylic acid, 2-(6-(bis(2-((acetyloxy)methoxy)-2-oxoethyl)amino)-5-(2-(2-(bis(2-((acetyloxy)methoxy)-2-oxoethyl)amino)-5-methylphenoxy)ethoxy)-2-benzofuranyl)-, (acetyloxy)methyl ester (FURA-2AM, 10 microM) for Ca(2+) imaging studies. The beta-adrenoceptor agonist isoprenaline increased the accumulation of [(3)H]-cAMP (pEC(50)+/-S.E.M. 6.58+/-0.11) in human cultured prostatic stromal cells, an effect antagonized by the beta(2)-adrenoceptor antagonist (+/-)-1-[2,3-(dihydro-7-methyl-1H-inden-4-yl)oxy]-3-[(1-methylethyl)amino]-2-butanol (ICI 118,551), but not by the beta(1)-adrenoceptor antagonist, atenolol. Isoprenaline (3 microM), the adenylyl cyclase activator, forskolin (20 microM) and the phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor, rolipram (10 microM) inhibited the elevation of [Ca(2+)](i) elicited by phenylephrine (20 microM). The effect of isoprenaline could be blocked by ICI 118,551 (100 nM), the adenylyl cyclase inhibitor cis-N-(2-phenylcyclopentyl)-azacyclotridec-1-en-2-amine (MDL 12,330A, 20 microM) and the K(Ca) channel blocker, iberiotoxin (100 nM), but not by atenolol (1 microM) or the K(ATP) channel blocker, glibenclamide (3 microM). Agonists selective for beta(1)-(xamoterol and prenalterol), beta(2)-(procaterol and salbutamol) and beta(3)-((+/-)-(R(*), R(*))-[4-[2-[[2-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-hydroxyethyl]amino]propyl]phenoxy]acetic acid, BRL37344) adrenoceptors inhibited the elevation of [Ca(2+)](i) elicited by phenylephrine (20 microM) with a rank order of BRL37344> or =xamoterol> or =isoprenaline>procaterol> or =prenalterol>salbutamol. The xamoterol effect was reversed by ICI 118,551 (100 nM), but not by 1-(2-ethylphenoxy)-3-[[(1S)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1-naphthalenyl]amino]-(2S)-2-propanol (SR59230A, 100 nM) or atenolol (1 microM). The BRL37344 effect was reversed by SR59230A (100 nM), but not by atenolol (1 microM) or ICI 118,551 (100 nM). Both xamoterol and BRL37344 inhibited phenylephrine-induced tissue contractility. This study shows that both xamoterol and BRL37344 are effective inhibitors of phenylephrine-induced effects in human cultured prostatic stromal cells and in prostatic tissue.

Monomeric IgE stimulates NFAT translocation into the nucleus, a rise in cytosol Ca2+, degranulation, and membrane ruffling in the cultured rat basophilic leukemia-2H3 mast cell line

Mast cells are key regulators in allergy and inflammation, and release histamine, cytokines, and other proinflammatory mediators. In the classical view, IgE acts merely to prime mast cells, attaching to FcepsilonRs but not evoking any cell signaling response until cross-linked by the presence of a multivalent allergen. However, several recent studies have reported that IgE alone can promote cell survival and cytokine production in the absence of cross-linking by allergen. In this study we demonstrate that acute addition of monomeric IgE elicits a wide spectrum of responses in the rat basophilic leukemia-2H3 mast cell line, including activation of phospholipases Cgamma and D, a rise in cytosol Ca(2+), NFAT translocation, degranulation, and membrane ruffling within minutes. Calcium transients persist for hours as long as IgE is present resulting in the maintained translocation of the transcription factor NFAT to the nucleus. Removal of IgE reverses the signaling processes. Our results indicate that, far from simply preparing the cells for a response to allergen, monomeric IgE can stimulate signaling pathways that lead to degranulation, membrane ruffling, and NFAT translocation. The mechanism of activation is likely to be via aggregation of the FcepsilonR1 because activation by IgE can be inhibited with monovalent hapten.

Antimicrobial peptides from scorpion venom induce Ca(2+) signaling in HL-60 cells

Parabutoporin (PP) and opistoporin 1 (OP1) are amphipathic alpha-helical antimicrobial peptides that were recently isolated from scorpion venom. In assays in which single granulocyte-like HL-60 cells as well as cells in suspension were used, both peptides were able to induce a reversible Ca(2+) release from intracellular stores and to increase Ca(2+) influx. Both effects could be clearly differentiated for OP1, inducing Ca(2+) release at lower concentrations. The Ca(2+) release was pertussis toxin-sensitive indicating the involvement of G-proteins. Ca(2+) release depended on the stage of differentiation of the cells with undifferentiated cells being the most sensitive. Desensitization occurred with OP1. No cross-desensitization occurred between OP1 and the bacterial chemoattractant fMLP indicating the involvement of different types of receptors. Ca(2+) release by OP1 was found not to be mediated via interaction with the formyl peptide receptor-like 1. Although some of the results might favor a receptor-like interaction, the receptor involved could not be identified.

Suramin inhibits beta-bungarotoxin-induced activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors and cytotoxicity in primary neurons

We demonstrated that beta-bungarotoxin (beta-BuTX), a snake presynaptic neurotoxin, exhibited a potent cytotoxic effect on cultured cerebellar granule neurons. The mechanism of action of beta-BuTX and the cytoprotective agents against beta-BuTX were studied. The neuronal death of cerebellar granule neurons induced by beta-BuTX was manifested with apoptosis and necrosis processes as revealed by neurite fragmentation, morphological alterations, and staining apoptotic bodies with the fluorescent dye Hoechst 33258. By means of microspectrofluorimetry and fura-2, we measured intracellular Ca2+ concentration, [Ca2+]i and found that [Ca2+]i was increased markedly prior to the morphological changes and cytotoxicity. The downstream pathway of the increased [Ca2+]i was investigated: there was increased production of free radicals, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, and depleted cellular ATP content. MK801 and suramin effectively suppressed these detrimental effects of beta-BuTX. Furthermore, the [3H]MK801 binding was reduced by unlabeled MK801, beta-BuTX, and suramin. Thus, activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors appeared to play a crucial role in the cytotoxic effects following betaBuTX exposure. In conclusion, the novel finding of this study was that a polypeptide beta-BuTX exerted a potent cytotoxic effect through sequential events, including activating NMDA receptors followed by increasing [Ca2+]i, ROS production, and impaired mitochondrial energy metabolism. Suramin, clinically used as a trypanocidal agent, was an effective antagonist against beta-BuTX. Data suggest that suramin might have value to detect the possible pathway of certain neuropathological disorders.

Selective contractile dysfunction of left, not right, ventricular myocardium in the SHHF rat

The progression of hypertension to cardiac failure involves systemic changes that may ultimately affect contractility throughout the heart. Spontaneous hypertensive heart failure (SHHF) rats have depressed left ventricular (LV) function, but right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is less well characterized. Ultrathin (87 +/- 5 mircom) trabeculae were isolated from end-stage failing SHHF rats and from age-matched controls. Under near-physiological conditions (1 mM Ca(2+), 37 degrees C, 4 Hz), developed force (in mN/mm(2)) was not significantly different in SHHF LV and RV trabeculae and those of controls. SHHF LV preparations displayed a negative force-frequency behavior (40 +/- 7 vs. 23 +/- 4 mN/mm(2), 2 vs. 7 Hz); this relationship was positive in SHHF RV preparations (27 +/- 5 vs. 40 +/- 6 mN/mm(2)) and controls (32 +/- 6 vs. 44 +/- 9 mN/mm(2)). The response to isoproterenol (10(-6) M, 4 Hz) was depressed in SHHF LV preparations. The inotropic response to hypothermia was lost in SHHF LV trabeculae but preserved in SHHF RV trabeculae. Intracellular calcium measurements revealed impaired calcium handling at higher frequencies in LV preparations. We conclude that in end-stage failing SHHF rats, RV function is only marginally affected, whereas a severe contractile dysfunction of LV myocardium is present.

Neuronal death signaling by beta-bungarotoxin through the activation of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor and L-type calcium channel

The aim of this study was to elucidate the mechanism of the neurotoxic effect of beta-bungarotoxin (beta-BuTX, a snake presynaptic neurotoxin isolated from the venom of Bungarus multicinctus) on cultured cerebellar granule neurons. beta-BuTX exerted a potent, time-dependent, neurotoxic effect on mature granule neurons. Mature neurons, with an abundance of neurite outgrowths, were obtained after 7-8 days in culture. By means of microspectrofluorimetry and fura-2, we measured the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) and found it to be increased markedly. BAPTA-AM [1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid tertrakis(acetoxymethyl ester)], EGTA, MK801 (dizocilpine maleate), and diltiazem prevented not only the elevation of [Ca(2+)](i), but also the beta-BuTX-induced neurotoxic effect. The signaling pathway involved in the elevation of [Ca(2+)](i) in beta-BuTX-induced neurotoxicity was studied. The results obtained indicated that beta-BuTX initially increased the production of reactive oxygen species and subsequently reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and depleted ATP. All of these events in the signaling pathway were blocked by MK801, diltiazem, EGTA, and BAPTA-AM. These findings suggest that the neurotoxic effect of beta-BuTX is mediated, at least in part, by a cascade of events that include the direct or indirect activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors and L-type calcium channels that, in turn, lead to Ca(2+) influx, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and ATP depletion. Therefore, we suggest that this polypeptide neurotoxin, as a result of its high potency and irreversible properties, is a useful tool to elucidate the mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases.

Alpha 1-adrenoceptor effects mediated by protein kinase C alpha in human cultured prostatic stromal cells

1 We have investigated the effects of alpha(1)-adrenoceptor stimulation upon contractility, Ca(2+) influx, inositol phosphate production, and protein kinase C (PKC) translocation in human cultured prostatic stromal cells (HCPSC). 2 The alpha(1)-adrenoceptor selective agonist phenylephrine elicited contractile responses of HCPSC, i.e. a maximal cell shortening of 45+/-6% of initial cell length, with an EC(50) of 1.6+/-0.1 microM. The alpha(1)-adrenoceptor selective antagonists prazosin (1 microM) and terazosin (1 microM) both blocked contractions to phenylephrine (10 microM). The L-type calcium channel blocker nifedipine (10 microM), and the PKC inhibitors Gö 6976 (1 microM) and bisindolylmaleimide (1 microM) also inhibited phenylephrine-induced contractions. 3 Phenylephrine caused a concentration dependent increase in inositol phosphate production (EC(50) 119+/-67 nM). This response was blocked by terazosin (1 microM). 4 Phenylephrine caused the translocation of the PKC alpha isoform, but not the beta, delta, gamma, epsilon or lambda isoforms, from the cytosolic to the particulate fraction of HCPSC, with an EC(50) of 5.7+/-0.5 microM. 5 In FURA-2AM (5 microM) loaded cells, phenylephrine elicited concentration dependent increases in [Ca(2+)](i), with an EC(50) of 3.9+/-0.4 microM. The response to phenylephrine (10 microM) was blocked by prazosin (1 microM), bisindolymaleimide (1 microM), and nifedipine (10 microM). 6 In conclusion, this study has shown that HCPSC express functional alpha(1)-adrenoceptors, and that the intracellular pathways responsible for contractility may be largely dependent upon protein kinase C activation and subsequent opening of L-type calcium channels.

Characterization of a novel NCAM ligand with a stimulatory effect on neurite outgrowth identified by screening a combinatorial peptide library

The neural cell adhesion molecule, NCAM, plays a key role in neural development and plasticity mediating cell adhesion and signal transduction. By screening a combinatorial library of synthetic peptides with NCAM purified from postnatal day 10 rat brains, we identified a nonapeptide, termed NCAM binding peptide 10 (NBP10) and showed by nuclear magnetic resonance analysis that it bound the NCAM IgI module of NCAM. NBP10 modulated cell aggregation as well as neurite outgrowth induced specifically by homophilic NCAM binding. Moreover, both monomeric and multimeric forms of NBP10 stimulated neurite outgrowth from primary hippocampal neurons. The neurite outgrowth response to NBP10 was inhibited by a number of compounds previously shown to inhibit neurite outgrowth induced by homophilic NCAM binding, including voltage-dependent calcium channel antagonists, suggesting that NBP10 induced neurite outgrowth by activating a signal transduction pathway similar to that activated by NCAM itself. Moreover, an inhibitor of intracellular calcium mobilization, TMB-8, prevented NBP10-induced neurite outgrowth suggesting that NCAM-dependent neurite outgrowth also requires mobilization of calcium from intracellular calcium stores in addition to calcium influx from extracellular sources. By single-cell calcium imaging we further demonstrated that NBP10 was capable of inducing an increase in intracellular calcium in PC12E2 cells. Thus, the NBP10 peptide is a new tool for the study of molecular mechanisms underlying NCAM-dependent signal transduction and neurite outgrowth, and could prove to be a useful modulator of regenerative processes in the peripheral and central nervous system.

Long-term lithium treatment prevents neurotoxic effects of beta-bungarotoxin in primary cultured neurons

Lithium is the most commonly used drug for the treatment of manic-depressive illness. The precise mechanisms underlying its clinical efficacy remain unknown. In this study, we found that long-term exposure to lithium chloride protected cultured cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs) against beta-bungarotoxin (beta-BuTX)-induced neurotoxicity. This neuroprotection was exhibited at the therapeutically relevant concentration of 1.2 mM lithium. Pretreatments for 3-5 days (long-term) were required for protection to occur; but a 3 hr treatment (short-term) was ineffective. In contrast, a longer treatment for 6-7 days or a higher concentration of 3 mM lithium led not only to loss of the neuroprotective effect but also to a neurotoxic effect. These findings suggest that lithium protection is limited to its narrow window of concentration and apparently relevant to its narrow therapeutic index in clinical application. Measurement of intracellular calcium [Ca(2+)](i) revealed that neurotoxic concentrations of beta-BuTX markedly increased [Ca(2+)](i), which could be attenuated by long-term, but not short-term, lithium treatment. Thus, the protection induced by lithium in CGNs was attributed to its inhibition of calcium overload. In addition, the Ca(2+) signaling pathway, including reactive oxygen species production and mitochondrial membrane potential reduction, along with the neurotoxic effect of beta-BuTX was blocked by long-term, but not short-term, lithium treatment. All of these results indicate that a crucial step for lithium protection is modulation of [Ca(2+)](i) homeostasis and that lithium neurotoxicity possibly, at least in part, is due to calcium overload. In conclusion, our results suggest that lithium, in addition to its use in treatment of bipolar depressive illness, may have an expanded use in intervention for neurotoxicity.

Phorbol ester-induced contractility and Ca2+ influx in human cultured prostatic stromal cells

In this study, we investigated the effects of protein kinase C (PKC)-activating phorbol esters upon Ca(2+) influx and contractility in human cultured prostatic stromal cells. Tissue obtained from patients undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate was used to generate explant cultures of prostatic stromal cells. These cells expressed detectable levels of PKCalpha, delta, gamma, lambda, and zeta, but not epsilon, iota, mu, or theta; isoforms and responded to both phorbol 12,13-diacetate (PDA) and 12-deoxyphorbol 13-tetradecanoate (DPT) with concentration-dependent contractions (pEC50+/-SEM 7.07+/-0.41 and 6.39+/-0.27, respectively). The L-type Ca2+ channel blocker nifedipine (3 microM), and the PKC inhibitors Gö 6976, Gö 6983 (both 100 nM), myristoylated PKC inhibitor 19-27 (20 microM) and bisindolylmaleimide (1 microM) all abolished PDA-stimulated (1 microM) contractions. Neither PDA nor DPT (at 1 microM) caused translocation of any PKC isoform from the cytosolic to the particulate fraction. Nifedipine (3 microM), myristoylated PKC inhibitor 19-27 (20 microM), and bisindolylmaleimide (1 microM) inhibited PDA-stimulated Ca2+ influx into FURA-2 loaded cells. This study indicates that human cultured prostatic stromal cells respond to phorbol esters with contractions that are dependent upon the influx of Ca2+ through L-type Ca2+ channels and that this effect may be independent of the translocation of PKC from cytosolic to particulate fractions.

Direct measurement of local raised subplasmalemmal calcium concentrations in growth cones advancing on an N-cadherin substrate

We have used the membrane-localized calcium probe fura-piperazine-C12H25 (FFP-18) to examine cytosolic calcium concentrations in a volume close to the plasmalemma. Although promotion of axon outgrowth by cell adhesion molecules requires extracellular calcium and is correlated with an opening of plasmalemmal channels, conventional indicators cannot detect a change in the calcium concentration in such stimulated growth cones. We have examined calcium signalling in chick retinal ganglion cell growth cones extending along stripes of N-cadherin. Subplasmalemmal calcium concentrations, reported by FFP-18, were significantly higher in these growth cones than in neighbouring growth cones on either fibronectin or polylysine. In contrast, the bulk cytosolic calcium concentration throughout the growth cone, as measured by Fura-2, was identical in growth cones on and off the N-cadherin stripes. Our results suggest that guidance cues can use extremely local calcium signals to control pathfinding decisions.

Increased intracellular calcium is required for neurite outgrowth induced by a synthetic peptide ligand of NCAM

We have recently identified a synthetic peptide, termed C3, capable of binding the first immunoglobulin-like module of neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) by means of combinatorial chemistry and shown that this NCAM ligand promotes neurite outgrowth. By means of single cell calcium imaging using the calcium-sensitive probe fura-2-acetomethyl ester, we here show that the C3-peptide induced an increase in intracellular calcium in primary hippocampal neurons and PC12-E2 cells, presumably requiring mobilization of calcium from both extracellular and intracellular stores. We further observed that C3-induced neurite outgrowth was inhibited by antagonists of voltage-dependent calcium channels as well as by an inhibitor of intracellular calcium mobilization, TMB-8. These findings demonstrate at the single cell level that a synthetic NCAM ligand directly can induce an increase in intracellular calcium and suggest that NCAM-dependent neurite outgrowth requires calcium mobilization from both extracellular and intracellular calcium stores. Thus, the C3-peptide may be regarded as a useful tool for the study of NCAM-dependent signal transduction. Furthermore, the peptide may be of considerable therapeutical interest for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.

Dendritic calcium encodes striatal neuron output during up-states

Striatal spiny projection neurons control basal ganglia outputs via action potential bursts conveyed to the globus pallidus and substantia nigra. Accordingly, burst activity in these neurons contributes importantly to basal ganglia function and dysfunction. These bursts are driven by multiple corticostriatal inputs that depolarize spiny projection neurons from their resting potential of approximately -85 mV, which is the down-state, to a subthreshold up-state of -55 mV. To understand dendritic processing of bursts during up-states, changes in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) were measured in striatal spiny projection neurons from cortex-striatum-substantia nigra organotypic cultures grown for 5-6 weeks using somatic whole-cell patch recording and Fura-2. During up-states, [Ca2+]i transients at soma and primary, secondary, and tertiary dendrites were highly correlated with burst strength (i.e., the number of spontaneous action potentials). During down-states, the action potentials evoked by somatic current pulses elicited [Ca2+]i transients in higher-order dendrites that were also correlated with burst strength. Evoked bursts during up-states increased dendritic [Ca2+]i transients supralinearly by >200% compared with the down-state. In the presence of tetrodotoxin, burst-like voltage commands failed to elicit [Ca2+]i transients at higher-order dendrites. Thus, dendritic [Ca2+]i transients in spiny projection neurons encode somatic bursts supralinearly during up-states through active propagation of action potentials along dendrites. We suggest that this conveys information about the contribution of a spiny projection neuron to a basal ganglia output specifically back to the corticostriatal synapses involved in generating these outputs.

Myofilament properties comprise the rate-limiting step for cardiac relaxation at body temperature in the rat

The majority of studies aimed at characterizing basic contractile mechanisms have been conducted at room temperature. To elucidate the mechanism of cardiac relaxation under more physiological conditions, we investigated contractile function and calcium handling in ultrathin rat cardiac trabeculae. Active developed tension was unaltered between 22.5 and 30.0 degrees C (from 89 +/- 10 to 86 +/- 11 mN/mm(2), P = not significant) but steeply declined at 37.5 degrees C (30 +/- 5 mN/mm(2)). Meanwhile, the speed of relaxation (time from peak force to 50% relaxation) declined from 22.5 to 30.0 degrees C (from 360 +/- 40 to 157 +/- 17 ms) and further declined at 37.5 degrees C to 76 +/- 13 ms. Phase-plane analysis of calcium versus force revealed that, with increasing temperature, the relaxation phase is shifted rightward, indicating that the rate-limiting step of relaxation tends to depend more on calcium kinetics as temperature rises. The force-frequency relationship, which was slightly negative at 22.5 degrees C (0.1 vs. 1 Hz: 77 +/- 12 vs. 66 +/- 7 mN/mm(2)), became clearly positive at 37.5 degrees C (1 vs. 10 Hz: 30 +/- 5 vs. 69 +/- 9 mN/mm(2)). Phase-plane analyses indicated that, with increasing frequency, the relaxation phase is shifted leftward. We conclude that temperature independently affects contraction and relaxation, and cross-bridge cycling kinetics become rate limiting for cardiac relaxation under experimental conditions closest to those in vivo.

Cellular mechanisms underlying temperature-induced bleaching in the tropical sea anemone Aiptasia pulchella

Temperature-induced bleaching in symbiotic cnidarians is a result of the detachment and loss of host cells containing symbiotic algae. We tested the hypothesis that host cell detachment is evoked through a membrane thermotropic event causing an increase in intracellular calcium concentration, [Ca2+]i, which could then cause collapse of the cytoskeleton and perturb cell adhesion. Electron paramagnetic resonance measurements of plasma membranes from the tropical sea anemone Aiptasia pulchella and the Hawaiian coral Pocillopora damicornis labeled with 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO) revealed no membrane thermotropic event. In addition, intracellular imaging using Fura-2AM as well as labeling anemones with 45Ca revealed no significant change in [Ca2+]i. However, bleaching could be evoked at ambient temperature with 25 mmol l–1 caffeine without affecting [Ca2+]i. [Ca2+]i could be altered with ionomycin in isolated host cells, but ionomycin could not induce bleaching in A. pulchella. As caffeine can affect levels of intracellular protein phosphorylation, the ability of other agents that alter intracellular levels of protein phosphorylation to evoke bleaching was investigated. The protein phosphatase inhibitor vanadate could induce bleaching in A. pulchella. Two-dimensional gels of 32P-labeled proteins from cold-shocked, caffeine-treated and control anemones show that both temperature shock and caffeine alter the array of phosphorylated host soluble proteins. We conclude that cnidarian bleaching is linked to a temperature-induced alteration in protein phosphorylation.

Regulation of cytoplasmic calcium levels by two nitric oxide receptors

We examined the effects of dissolved nitric oxide (NO) gas on cytoplasmic calcium levels ([Ca(2+)](i)) in C6 glioma cells under anoxic conditions. The maximum elevation (27 +/- 3 nM) of [Ca(2+)](i) was reached at 10 microM NO. A second application of NO was ineffective if the first was >0.5 microM. The NO donor diethylamine/NO mimicked the effects of NO. Acute exposure of the cells to low calcium levels was without effect on the NO-evoked response. Thapsigargin (TG) increased [Ca(2+)](i) and was less effective if cells were pretreated with NO. Hemoglobin inhibited the effects of NO at a molar ratio of 10:1. 8-Bromo-cGMP was without effect on the NO-evoked response. If cells were pretreated with TG or exposed chronically to nominal amounts of calcium, NO decreased [Ca(2+)](i). The results suggest that C6 glioma cells have two receptors for NO. One receptor (NO(A)) elevates [Ca(2+)](i) and resides on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The other receptor (NO(B)) decreases [Ca(2+)](i) and resides on the plasmalemma or the ER. The latter receptor dominates when the level of calcium within intracellular stores is diminished.

Stimulation-evoked increases in cytosolic [Ca(2+)] in mouse motor nerve terminals are limited by mitochondrial uptake and are temperature-dependent

Increases in cytosolic [Ca(2+)] evoked by trains of action potentials (20-100 Hz) were recorded from mouse and lizard motor nerve terminals filled with a low-affinity fluorescent indicator, Oregon Green BAPTA 5N. In mouse terminals at near-physiological temperatures (30-38 degrees C), trains of action potentials at 25-100 Hz elicited increases in cytosolic [Ca(2+)] that stabilized at plateau levels that increased with stimulation frequency. Depolarization of mitochondria with carbonylcyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) or antimycin A1 caused cytosolic [Ca(2+)] to rise to much higher levels during stimulation. Thus, mitochondrial Ca(2+) uptake contributes importantly to limiting the rise of cytosolic [Ca(2+)] during repetitive stimulation. In mouse terminals, the stimulation-induced increase in cytosolic [Ca(2+)] was highly temperature-dependent over the range 18-38 degrees C, with greater increases at lower temperatures. At the lower temperatures, application of CCCP continued to depolarize mitochondria but produced a much smaller increase in the cytosolic [Ca(2+)] transient evoked by repetitive stimulation. This result suggests that the larger amplitude of the stimulation-induced cytosolic [Ca(2+)] transient at lower temperatures was attributable in part to reduced mitochondrial Ca(2+) uptake. In contrast, the stimulation-induced increases in cytosolic [Ca(2+)] measured in lizard motor terminals showed little or no temperature-dependence over the range 18-33 degrees C.

Cardiac ischemia oxidizes regulatory thiols on ryanodine receptors: captopril acts as a reducing agent to improve Ca2+ uptake by ischemic sarcoplasmic reticulum

We tested the hypothesis that ischemia alters sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ transport by oxidizing regulatory thiols on ryanodine receptors (RyRs), and that membrane-permeable sulfhydryl-containing angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors protect against ischemia-induced oxidation and explain in part, the therapeutic actions of captopril. Ca2+ uptake and adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activity was measured from SR vesicles isolated from control or ischemic dog and human ventricles and compared with or without sulfhydryl reductants. The rate and amount of Ca2+ uptake was lower for canine ischemic SR compared with control (6.5 +/- 0.2 --> 18.5 +/- 1.1 nmol Ca2+/mg/min and 123.1 +/- 4.7 --> 235.0 +/- 17.3 nmol Ca2+/mg; n = 8 each). Captopril, dithiothreitol (DTT), glutathione (GSH), and L-cysteine increased the rate and amount of Ca2+ uptake by canine and human ischemic SR vesicles by approximately 50%. Reducing agents had no effect on Ca2+- ATPase activity in either canine control or ischemic (approximately 40% less than control) SR. Captopril was as potent as DTT at reversing the oxidation of skeletal and cardiac RyRs induced by reactive disulfides (RDSs) or nitric oxide (NO). In neonatal rat myocytes, RDSs or NO triggered SR Ca2+ release and increased cytosolic Ca2+, an effect reversed by captopril and DTT but not GSH or cysteine. Pretreatment of myocytes with captopril (exposure and then wash) inhibited Ca2+ elevation elicited by RDSs or NO, indicating that captopril is an effective, membrane-permeable intracellular reducing agent. Thus, net SR Ca2+ accumulation is reduced by ischemia in part due to the oxidation of thiols that gate RyRs, an effect reversed by captopril.

Immediate and neurotoxic effects of HIV protein gp120 act through CXCR4 receptor

Primary rat hippocampal neurones show pronounced elevations of intracellular calcium within minutes of exposure to the HIV coat protein gp120. Culture of hippocampal neurones with gp120 causes significant neurotoxicity. We find that the peptide VSLSYRCPCRFF, a competitive inhibitor of the CXCR4 chemokine receptor, markedly inhibits toxicity and eliminates the acute calcium elevation. CXCR4 receptors are thought to signal to the Gi/Go family of trimeric GTP binding proteins. Pretreatment of hippocampal neurones with pertussis toxin to inactivate Gi/Go proteins markedly reduced gp120 neurotoxicity. These results indicate that both short and long term effects of gp120 are the result of activation of the CXCR4 receptor.

The role of endoplasmic reticular Ca(2+) stores in cell viability and tumor necrosis factor-alpha production of the murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cell line

Thapsigargin (TG), an endoplasmic reticular (ER) Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitor, can increase the intracellular calcium concentration and then deplete the TG-sensitive intracellular Ca(2+) pool. In this study, we investigated the effects of TG on cell viability and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) production in the murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cell line. We found that treatment with TG (10-800 nM) induced apoptosis in RAW 264.7 cells in a dose-dependent manner (IC(50), 200 nM). Lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 1 microg/ml) markedly potentiated low concentrations of TG (10-75 nM) in inducing apoptosis (IC(50), 20 nM) as revealed by the DNA ladder. Polymycin B (an LPS receptor antagonist) inhibited the cytotoxic effect induced by LPS plus TG. Although TG, A23187 and ionomycin all definitely increased intracellular Ca(2+) concentrations, neither A23187 nor ionomycin mimicked TG in inducing apoptotic events in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cells. Moreover, the production of TNF-alpha induced by LPS was profoundly potentiated by TG but not by A23187 or by ionomycin. We conclude from these combined results that TG-sensitive ER Ca(2+) stores play a pivotal role in modulating cell viability and TNF-alpha production. The mutual potentiation between the LPS receptor signaling pathway and the depletion of ER Ca(2+) stores implies the existence of cross-talk between these multiregulatory mechanisms in this murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cell line.

Mechanisms through which PDGF alters intracellular calcium levels in U-1242 MG human glioma cells

PDGF-BB induces a rapid, sustained increase in intracellular calcium levels in U-1242 MG cells. We used several calcium channel blockers to identify the types of channels involved. L channel blockers (verapamil, nimodipine, nicardipine, nitrendipine and taicatoxin) had no effect on PDGF-BB induced alterations in intracellular calcium. Blockers of P, Q and N channels (omega-agatoxin-IVA, omega-conotoxin MVIIC and omega-conotoxin GVIA) also had no effect. This indicates that these channels play an insignificant role in supplying the Ca2+ necessary for PDGF stimulated events in U-1242 MG cells. However, a T channel blocker (NDGA) and the non-specific (NS) calcium channel blockers (FFA and SK&F 9365) abolished PDGF-induced increases in intracellular calcium. This indicates that PDGF causes calcium influx through both non-specific cationic channels and T channels. To study the participation of intracellular calcium stores in this process, we used thapsigargin, caffeine and ryanodine, all of which cause depletion of intracellular calcium stores. The PDGF effect was abolished using both thapsigargin and caffeine but not ryanodine. Collectively, these data indicate that in these human glioma cells PDGF-BB induces release of intracellular calcium from caffeine- and thapsigargin-sensitive calcium stores which in turn lead to further calcium influx through both NS and T channels.

Measurement of intracellular calcium

To a certain extent, all cellular, physiological, and pathological phenomena that occur in cells are accompanied by ionic changes. The development of techniques allowing the measurement of such ion activities has contributed substantially to our understanding of normal and abnormal cellular function. Digital video microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and more recently multiphoton microscopy have allowed the precise spatial analysis of intracellular ion activity at the subcellular level in addition to measurement of its concentration. It is well known that Ca2+ regulates numerous physiological cellular phenomena as a second messenger as well as triggering pathological events such as cell injury and death. A number of methods have been developed to measure intracellular Ca2+. In this review, we summarize the advantages and pitfalls of a variety of Ca2+ indicators used in both optical and nonoptical techniques employed for measuring intracellular Ca2+ concentration.

CAMs and FGF cause a local submembrane calcium signal promoting axon outgrowth without a rise in bulk calcium concentration

Binding of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and cell adhesion molecules to the nerve cell membrane promotes axon outgrowth. This response can be blocked by antagonists of voltage-gated calcium channels, yet no change of cytosolic calcium concentration in the growth cone can be detected upon binding of the growth factor bFGF or the cell adhesion molecule L1. Using barium as a charge carrier, we show that bFGF and L1 open a calcium influx pathway in growth cones of rat sensory neurons without changing the membrane voltage. L1 does not activate influx in cells expressing a dominant negative mutant of the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) tyrosine kinase. FGFR-activated influx is blocked by specific antagonists of L- and N-type voltage-gated calcium channels and by an inhibitor of diacylglycerol lipase. We propose that both L1 and bFGF act via the FGFR to generate polyunsaturated fatty acids which in turn cause calcium channels to flicker open and shut. Short-lived domains of raised calcium at the cytosolic mouth of open channels activate axon outgrowth without raising bulk cytosolic calcium concentration. In confirmation of this model, the rapidly-acting calcium buffer BAPTA is significantly more effective at blocking FGF-induced axon outgrowth when compared with the slower buffer EGTA. Generation of short-lived calcium domains may provide a crucial mechanism for axon guidance during development and for promoting regeneration of damaged axons.

Roles of thapsigargin-sensitive Ca2+ stores in the survival of developing cultured neurons

The roles of the intracellular calcium pool involved in regulating the Ca2+ profile and the neuronal survival rate during development were studied by using thapsigargin (TG), a specific inhibitor of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+-ATPase in cultured cerebellar granule neurons. Measuring the neuronal [Ca2+]i directly in the culture medium, we found a bell-shaped curve for [Ca2+]i versus cultured days in cerebellar granule neurons maintained in medium containing serum and 25 mM K+. The progressive increase in [Ca2+]i of the immature granule neurons (1-4 days in vitro) was abolished by TG, which resulted in massive neuronal apoptosis. When the [K+] was lowered from 25 to 5 mM, neither the progressively increasing [Ca2+]i nor the survival of immature granule neurons was significantly changed over 24-h incubation. Similarly, TG caused a dramatic decrease in the [Ca2+]i and survival rate of these immature neurons when switched to 5 mM K+ medium. Following maturation, the granule neurons became less sensitive to TG for both [Ca2+]i and neuronal survival. However, TG can protect mature granule neurons from the detrimental effect of switching to a 5 mM K+ serum-free medium by decreasing [Ca2+]i to an even lower level than in the respective TG-free group. Based on these findings, we propose that during the immature stage, TG-sensitive ER Ca2+-ATPase plays a pivotal role in the progressive increase of [Ca2+]i, which is essential for the growth and maturation of cultured granule neurons.

Role of tyrosine phosphorylation in thrombin-induced endothelial cell contraction and barrier function

Thrombin-induced endothelial cell (EC) barrier dysfunction is highly dependent upon phosphorylation of serine and threonine residues present on myosin light chains (MLC) catalyzed by a novel EC myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) isoform. In this study, we examined the participation of tyrosine protein phosphorylation in EC contraction, gap formation and barrier dysfunction. We first determined that thrombin significantly increases protein tyrosine kinase activity and protein tyrosine phosphorylation in bovine pulmonary artery EC. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors, genistein and 2,5 DHC, reduced EC tyrosine kinase activities, however, only genistein significantly attenuated thrombin-mediated increases in albumin clearance and reductions in transendothelial electrical resistance. Similarly, genistein but not 2,5 DHC, decreased basal and thrombin-induced Ca2+ increases and MLC phosphorylation in the absence of alterations in Type 1 or 2A serine/threonine phosphatase activities. Immunoprecipitation of the EC MLCK isoform revealed a 214 kD immunoreactive phosphotyrosine protein and genistein pretreatment significantly reduced MLCK activity in MLCK immunoprecipitates. Although thrombin induced the translocation of p60src from the cytosol to the EC cytoskeleton, a detectable increase in the level of MLCK tyrosine phosphorylation was not noted after thrombin challenge. Taken together, our data suggest that genistein-sensitive tyrosine kinase activities are involved in thrombin-mediated EC MLCK activation, MLC phosphorylation, and barrier dysfunction.

Progesterone-mediated calcium influx and acrosome reaction of human spermatozoa: pharmacological investigation of T-type calcium channels

The mechanisms of the progesterone (P4)-activated Ca2+ influx and the relationship between the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and the acrosome reaction (AR) were investigated in this study. We compared the [Ca2+]i of uncapacitated and capacitated human sperm populations in response to P4 stimulation; characterized the effects of the pharmacological agents pimozide and mibefradil, inhibitors of T-type voltage-operated calcium channels (VOCCT), on the P4-activated Ca2+ influx; and determined the effects of these drugs on the P4-initiated AR. Since pimozide can also inhibit calmodulin-dependent enzymes, we examined the effects of the calmodulin antagonist, calmidazolium, on the above-mentioned events. The basal [Ca2+]i and the amplitude of the P4-activated Ca2+ influx were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in capacitated sperm populations. Also, in capacitated sperm populations, all three pharmacological agents significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited the P4-activated Ca2+ influx (IC50): calmidazolium (0.7 microM) > pimozide (8 microM) > mibefradil (11 microM). By contrast, the effects of these drugs on the P4-initiated AR were varied: pimozide (10 and 20 microM) significantly (p < 0.05) increased the percentage of AR spermatozoa, calmidazolium was without effect, and mibefradil (20 microM) significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited the AR. These disparate results do not allow us to reach any definitive conclusion concerning the role of a sperm VOCCT in the mechanism of the P4-initiated AR. However, the differences between the [Ca2+]i and AR effects, in particular the inverse relationship in the case of pimozide, suggest a dissociation between the amplitude of the P4-stimulated Ca2+ signal and the downstream biological effect of that signal, the AR.

Nuclear and cytosolic calcium changes in osteoclasts stimulated with ATP and integrin-binding peptide

Cytosolic calcium modulates the activity of osteoclasts, large multinucleate cells that resorb bone. Nuclear events, such as gene transcription, are also calcium-regulated in these cells, and fluorescence imaging has suggested that calcium signals produced by some stimuli are specifically targeted to, or amplified within, osteoclast nuclei. We used two alternative techniques of dye loading to examine the changes of intracellular calcium induced in rat osteoclasts by three stimuli. Osteoclasts loaded with the calcium indicator Fura-2 by the acetoxymethyl (AM) ester technique appeared to display marked nuclear calcium amplification. During stimulation with integrin-binding peptides, ATP, or high extracellular calcium, fluorescence ratios recorded from the nuclei rose higher than did ratios recorded from extranuclear regions. In contrast, nuclear calcium amplification was not observed after AM loading in the presence of the anion transport inhibitor sulfinpyrazone, nor in osteoclasts injected with Fura-2 conjugated to a high MW dextran. In these cells, nuclear fluorescence ratios were equal to the extranuclear values at all times: upon stimulation by an agonist, the nuclear and cytosolic calcium concentrations increased by the same amount. The calcium changes seen in stimulated osteoclasts can no longer be taken as evidence for the general validity of the phenomenon of nuclear calcium amplification.

Regulation of endothelial cell myosin light chain phosphorylation and permeability by vanadate

The involvement of tyrosine protein phosphorylation in the regulation of endothelial cell (EC) contraction and barrier function is poorly understood. We have previously shown that myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation catalyzed by a novel 214 kDa EC myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) isoform is a key event in EC contraction and barrier dysfunction [Garcia et al. (1995): J Cell Physiol 163:510-522; Garcia et al. (1997): Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 16:487-491]. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that tyrosine phosphatases participate in the regulation of EC contraction and barrier function via modulation of MLCK activity. The tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor, sodium orthovanadate (vanadate), significantly decreased electrical resistance across bovine EC monolayers and increased albumin permeability consistent with EC barrier impairment. Vanadate significantly increased EC MLC phosphorylation in a time-dependent manner (maximal increase observed at 10 min) and augmented both the MLC phosphorylation and permeability responses produced by thrombin, an agonist which rapidly increases tyrosine kinase activities. The vanadate-mediated increase in MLC phosphorylation was not associated with alterations in either phosphorylase A Ser/Thr phosphatase activities or in cytosolic [Ca2+] but was strongly associated with significant increases in EC MLCK phosphotyrosine content. These data suggest that tyrosine phosphatase activities may participate in EC contractile and barrier responses via the regulation of the tyrosine phosphorylation status of EC MLCK.

Sodium-calcium exchanger in cultured human retinal pigment epithelium

Regulation of intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) by an Na+/Ca2+ exchanger was studied in cultures of human retinal pigment epithelial cells using Ca(2+)-indicator dyes (fura-2 and fluo-3) and digital fluorescence imaging. Mean resting [Ca2+]i of cultured RPE in a control Ringer solution was 189 +/- 16 nM. Replacing extracellular Na+ with N-methyl-D-glucamine elicited a two-fold rise in [Ca2+]i; the magnitude of the [Na+]o-free-induced rise in [Ca2+]i varied as a function of extracellular [Ca2+]. The [Na+]o-free response was not significantly affected by the Ca2+ channel blocker nifedipine, or by pretreatment with thapsigargin which depletes intracellular Ca2+ stores. By contrast, the [Na+]o-free-induced rise in [Ca2+]i was significantly reduced by CBDMB, an amiloride derivative that is highly selective for Na+/Ca2+ exchange inhibition. These findings indicate that removal of extracellular Na+ promotes net [Ca2+]i gain via Na+/Ca2+ exchange. Western and Northern blot analyses, respectively, confirmed the presence of Na+/Ca2+ exchanger protein and mRNA in cultures of human RPE. Specifically, Western blot analysis of whole cell lysates of cultured RPE using a polyclonal antibody made against the canine cardiac exchanger identified a major band at approximately 126 kD. Northern blot analysis of total human RPE RNA using a restriction fragment cRNA probe coding for the canine cardiac Na+/Ca2+ exchanger showed that the major exchanger-related transcript was approximately 6.8 kb. In sum, our findings demonstrate the presence of a cardiac-exchanger-related transcript was approximately 6.8 kb. In sum, our findings demonstrate the presence of a cardiac-type Na+/Ca2+ exchanger in cultures of human RPE.

Mastoparan-induced apoptosis of cultured cerebellar granule neurons is initiated by calcium release from intracellular stores

We have recently reported that mastoparan, a peptide toxin isolated from wasp venom, induces apoptosis in cultured cerebellar granule neurons that can be blocked by cholera toxin, an activator of Gs. Measurements of intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) reveal that mastoparan induces a dramatic elevation of [Ca2+]i that is frequently followed by enhanced leakage of fura-2 out of the neurons, suggesting that this rise in [Ca2+]i may be due to a more generalized change in membrane permeability. However, the mastoparan-induced initial elevation of [Ca2+]i is maintained in the absence of extracellular Ca2+, suggesting that the rise of [Ca2+]i is from intracellular stores. This conclusion is supported by the observation that depletion of [Ca2+]i stores by pretreatment with either caffeine or thapsigargin attenuates both the rise in [Ca2+]i and cell death induced by mastoparan. Phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitors, neomycin and U73122 block mastoparan-induced increases of [Ca2+]i and protect against neuronal death. Pretreatment with cholera toxin, but not pertussis toxin, reduced the mastoparan-induced rise in [Ca2+]i. Taken together, our data suggest that mastoparan initiates cell death in cerebellar granule neurons by inducing Ca2+ release from intracellular stores, probably via activation of PLC and IP3. A secondary or parallel process results in disruption of plasma membrane integrity and may be ultimately responsible for the death of these neurons by mastoparan.