Intracellular calcium signaling induced by thapsigargin in excitable and inexcitable cells

Reduced Expression of Oligodendrocyte Linage-Enriched Transcripts During the Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress/Integrated Stress Response

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in oligodendrocyte (OL) linage cells contributes to several CNS pathologies including traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) and multiple sclerosis. Therefore, primary rat OL precursor cell (OPC) transcriptomes were analyzed using RNASeq after treatments with two ER stress-inducing drugs, thapsigargin (TG) or tunicamycin (TM). Gene ontology term (GO) enrichment showed that both drugs upregulated mRNAs associated with the general stress response. The GOs related to ER stress were only enriched for TM-upregulated mRNAs, suggesting greater ER stress selectivity of TM. Both TG and TM downregulated cell cycle/cell proliferation-associated transcripts, indicating the anti-proliferative effects of ER stress. Interestingly, many OL lineage-enriched mRNAs were downregulated, including those for transcription factors that drive OL identity such as Olig2. Moreover, ER stress-associated decreases of OL-specific gene expression were found in mature OLs from mouse models of white matter pathologies including contusive SCI, toxin-induced demyelination, and Alzheimer's disease-like neurodegeneration. Taken together, the disrupted transcriptomic fingerprint of OL lineage cells may facilitate myelin degeneration and/or dysfunction when pathological ER stress persists in OL lineage cells.

Nitric oxide, endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor, and smooth muscle-dependent mechanisms contribute to magnesium-dependent vascular relaxation in mouse arteries

AIM

Magnesium (Mg2+ ) is a vasorelaxant. The underlying physiological mechanisms driving this vasorelaxation remain unclear. Studies were designed to test the hypothesis that multiple signaling pathways including nitric oxide (NO) and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) in endothelial cells as well as Ca2+ antagonization and TRPM7 channels in vascular smooth muscle cells mediate Mg2+ -dependent vessel relaxation.

METHODS

To uncover these mechanisms, force development was measured ex vivo in aorta rings from mice using isometric wire myography. Concentration responses to Mg2+ were studied in intact and endothelium-denuded aortas. Key findings were confirmed in second-order mesenteric resistance arteries perfused ex vivo using pressure myography. Effects of Mg2+ on NO formation were measured in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells, isolated mesenteric vessels, and mouse urine.

RESULTS

Mg2+ caused a significant concentration-dependent relaxation of aorta rings. This relaxation was attenuated significantly in endothelium-denuded aortas. The endothelium-dependent portion was inhibited by NO and cGMP blockade but not by cyclooxygenase inhibition. Mg2+ stimulated local NO formation in CHO cells and isolated mesenteric vessels without changing urinary NOx levels. High extracellular Mg2+ augmented acetylcholine-induced relaxation. SKCa and IKCa channel blockers apamin and TRAM34 inhibited Mg2+ -dependent relaxation. The endothelium-independent relaxation in aorta rings was inhibited by high extracellular Ca2+ . Combined blockade of NO, SKCa , and IKCa channels significantly reduced Mg2+ -dependent dilatation in mesenteric resistance vessels.

CONCLUSIONS

In mouse conductance and resistance arteries Mg2+ -induced relaxation is contributed by endothelial NO formation, EDHF pathways, antagonism of Ca2+ in smooth muscle cells, and additional unidentified mechanisms.

Elucidation of GPR55-Associated Signaling behind THC and LPI Reducing Effects on Ki67-Immunoreactive Nuclei in Patient-Derived Glioblastoma Cells

GPR55 is involved in many physiological and pathological processes. In cancer, GPR55 has been described to show accelerating and decelerating effects in tumor progression resulting from distinct intracellular signaling pathways. GPR55 becomes activated by LPI and various plant-derived, endogenous, and synthetic cannabinoids. Cannabinoids such as THC exerted antitumor effects by inhibiting tumor cell proliferation or inducing apoptosis. Besides its effects through CB1 and CB2 receptors, THC modulates cellular responses among others via GPR55. Previously, we reported a reduction in Ki67-immunoreactive nuclei of human glioblastoma cells after GPR55 activation in general by THC and in particular by LPI. In the present study, we investigated intracellular mechanisms leading to an altered number of Ki67+ nuclei after stimulation of GPR55 by LPI and THC. Pharmacological analyses revealed a strongly involved PLC-IP3 signaling and cell-type-specific differences in Gα-, Gβγ-, RhoA-ROCK, and calcineurin signaling. Furthermore, immunochemical visualization of the calcineurin-dependent transcription factor NFAT revealed an unchanged subcellular localization after THC or LPI treatment. The data underline the cell-type-specific diversity of GPR55-associated signaling pathways in coupling to intracellular G proteins. Furthermore, this diversity might determine the outcome and the individual responsiveness of tumor cells to GPR55 stimulation by cannabin oids.

Neuronal Store-Operated Calcium Channels

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is the major intracellular calcium (Ca²⁺) storage compartment in eukaryotic cells. In most instances, the mobilization of Ca²⁺ from this store is followed by a delayed and sustained uptake of Ca²⁺ through Ca²⁺-permeable channels of the cell surface named store-operated Ca²⁺ channels (SOCCs). This gives rise to a store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE) that has been thoroughly investigated in electrically non-excitable cells where it is the principal regulated Ca²⁺ entry pathway. The existence of this Ca²⁺ route in neurons has long been a matter of debate. However, a growing body of experimental evidence indicates that the recruitment of Ca²⁺ from neuronal ER Ca²⁺ stores generates a SOCE. The present review summarizes the main studies supporting the presence of a depletion-dependent Ca²⁺ entry in neurons. It also addresses the question of the molecular composition of neuronal SOCCs, their expression, pharmacological properties, as well as their physiological relevance.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress induces Alzheimer's disease-like phenotypes in the neuron derived from the induced pluripotent stem cell with D678H mutation on amyloid precursor protein

Alzheimer's disease (AD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, is mainly caused by the interaction of genetic and environmental factors. The impact of environmental factors on the genetic mutation in the amyloid precursor protein (APP) is not well characterized. We hypothesized that Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) stress would promote disease for the patient carrying the APP D678H mutation. Therefore, we analyzed the impact of a familial AD mutation on amyloid precursor protein (APP D678H) under ER stress. Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) from APP D678H mutant carrier was differentiated into neurons, which were then analyzed for AD-like changes. Immunocytochemistry and whole-cell patch-clamp recording revealed that the derived neurons on day 28 after differentiation showed neuronal markers and electrophysiological properties similar to those of mature neurons. However, the APP D678H mutant neurons did not have significant alterations in the levels of amyloid-β (Aβ) and phosphorylated tau (pTau) compared to its isogenic wild-type neuron. Only under ER stress, the neurons with the APP D678H mutation had more Aβ and pTau via immune detection assays. The higher level of Aβ in the APP D678H mutant neurons was probably due to the increased level of β-site APP cleaving enzyme (BACE1) and decreased level of Aβ degrading enzymes under ER stress. Increased Aβ and pTau under ER stress reduced the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) in Western blot analysis and altered electrophysiological properties in the mutant neurons. Our study provides evidence that the interaction between genetic mutation and ER stress would induce AD-like changes.

An Increase in Membrane Cholesterol by Graphene Oxide Disrupts Calcium Homeostasis in Primary Astrocytes

The use of graphene nanomaterials (GNMs) for biomedical applications targeted to the central nervous system is exponentially increasing, although precise information on their effects on brain cells is lacking. In this work, the molecular changes induced in cortical astrocytes by few-layer graphene (FLG) and graphene oxide (GO) flakes are addressed. The results show that exposure to FLG/GO does not affect cell viability or proliferation. However, proteomic and lipidomic analyses unveil alterations in several cellular processes, including intracellular Ca²⁺ ([Ca²⁺ ]_i ) homeostasis and cholesterol metabolism, which are particularly intense in cells exposed to GO. Indeed, GO exposure impairs spontaneous and evoked astrocyte [Ca²⁺ ]_i signals and induces a marked increase in membrane cholesterol levels. Importantly, cholesterol depletion fully rescues [Ca²⁺ ]_i dynamics in GO-treated cells, indicating a causal relationship between these GO-mediated effects. The results indicate that exposure to GNMs alters intracellular signaling in astrocytes and may impact astrocyte-neuron interactions.

Calcium oscillations in wounded fibroblast monolayers are spatially regulated through substrate mechanics

The maintenance of tissue integrity is essential for the life of multicellular organisms. Healing of a skin wound is a paradigm for how various cell types localize and repair tissue perturbations in an orchestrated fashion. To investigate biophysical mechanisms associated with wound localization, we focus on a model system consisting of a fibroblast monolayer on an elastic substrate. We find that the creation of an edge in the monolayer causes cytosolic calcium oscillations throughout the monolayer. The oscillation frequency increases with cell density, which shows that wound-induced calcium oscillations occur collectively. Inhibition of myosin II reduces the number of oscillating cells, demonstrating a coupling between actomyosin activity and calcium response. The spatial distribution of oscillating cells depends on the stiffness of the substrate. For soft substrates with a Young's modulus E ~ 360 Pa, oscillations occur on average within 0.2 mm distance from the wound edge. Increasing substrate stiffness leads to an average localization of oscillations away from the edge (up to ~0.6 mm). In addition, we use traction force microscopy to determine stresses between cells and substrate. We find that an increase of substrate rigidity leads to a higher traction magnitude. For E  <  ~2 kPa, the traction magnitude is strongly concentrated at the monolayer edge, while for E  >  ~8 kPa, traction magnitude is on average almost uniform beneath the monolayer. Thus, the spatial occurrence of calcium oscillations correlates with the cell-substrate traction. Overall, the experiments with fibroblasts demonstrate a collective, chemomechanical localization mechanism at the edge of a wound with a potential physiological role.

Spontaneous long-range calcium waves in developing butterfly wings

Background

Butterfly wing color patterns emerge as the result of a regular arrangement of scales produced by epithelial scale cells at the pupal stage. These color patterns and scale arrangements are coordinated throughout the wing. However, the mechanism by which the development of scale cells is controlled across the entire wing remains elusive. In the present study, we used pupal wings of the blue pansy butterfly, Junonia orithya, which has distinct eyespots, to examine the possible involvement of Ca²⁺ waves in wing development.

Results

Here, we demonstrate that the developing pupal wing tissue of the blue pansy butterfly displayed spontaneous low-frequency Ca²⁺ waves in vivo that propagated slowly over long distances. Some waves appeared to be released from the immediate peripheries of the prospective eyespot and discal spot, though it was often difficult to identify the specific origins of these waves. Physical damage, which is known to induce ectopic eyespots, led to the radiation of Ca²⁺ waves from the immediate periphery of the damaged site. Thapsigargin, which is a specific inhibitor of Ca²⁺-ATPases in the endoplasmic reticulum, induced an acute increase in cytoplasmic Ca²⁺ levels and halted the spontaneous Ca²⁺ waves. Additionally, thapsigargin-treated wings showed incomplete scale development as well as other scale and color pattern abnormalities.

Conclusions

We identified a novel form of Ca²⁺ waves, spontaneous low-frequency slow waves, which travel over exceptionally long distances. Our results suggest that spontaneous Ca²⁺ waves play a critical role in the coordinated development of scale arrangements and possibly in color pattern formation in butterflies.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12861-015-0067-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Lamotrigine increases intracellular Ca(2+) levels and Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent kinase II activation in mouse dorsal root ganglion neurones

AIM

Lamotrigine is a neuroprotective agent that is used clinically for the treatment of seizures and neuropathic pain. A significant volume of literature has reported that lamotrigine exerts analgesic effect by blocking Ca(2+) channels. However, little is known regarding the effect of lamotrigine on the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)). The aim of this study was to determine whether lamotrigine modulates [Ca(2+)](i) in sensory neurones.

METHODS

Lamotrigine-induced changes in [Ca(2+)](i) were measured in mouse dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurones using the Ca(2+)-sensitive fluorescent indicator Fluo 3-AM and a confocal laser scanning microscope. Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) activation was assessed by the fluorescence intensity using immunocytochemical procedures.

RESULTS

Treatment with 1, 10, 30 or 100 μM lamotrigine transiently increased [Ca(2+)](i) in DRG neurones in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with 100 μM lamotrigine induced a significant (threefold) increase in the Ca(2+) peak in the presence or absence of extracellular Ca(2+). The lamotrigine-induced Ca(2+) increase was abolished or decreased by the treatment with a specific PLC inhibitor (U73122), IP3R antagonist (xestospongin C) or RyR antagonist (dantrolene). In some cells, treatment with 100 μM lamotrigine caused a transient Ca(2+) increase, and the Ca(2+) levels quickly fell to below the basal Ca(2+) level observed prior to lamotrigine application. The decrease in basal Ca(2+) levels was blocked by the treatment with a CaMKII inhibitor (KN93). Immunocytochemical analysis indicated that lamotrigine treatment increased the expression of phosphorylated CaMKII in DRG neurones.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with lamotrigine increased [Ca(2+)](i) apparently as a result of Ca(2+) release from intracellular stores and CaMKII activity.

The role of IL-1β in nicotine-induced immunosuppression and neuroimmune communication

Although a number of inflammatory cytokines are increased during sepsis, the clinical trials aimed at down-regulating these mediators have not improved the outcome. These paradoxical results are attributed to loss of the "tolerance" phase that normally follows the proinflammatory response. Chronic nicotine (NT) suppresses both adaptive and innate immune responses, and the effects are partly mediated by the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the brain; however, the mechanism of neuroimmune communication is not clear. Here, we present evidence that, in rats and mice, NT initially increases IL-1β in the brain, but the expression is downregulated within 1-2 week of chronic exposure, and the animals become resistant to proinflammatory/pyrogenic stimuli. To examine the relationship between NT, IL-1β, and immunosuppression, we hypothesized that NT induces IL-1β in the brain, and its constant presence produces immunological "tolerance". Indeed, unlike wild-type C57BL/6 mice, chronic NT failed to induce immunosuppression or downregulation of IL-1β expression in IL-1β-receptor knockout mice. Moreover, while acute intracerebroventricular administration of IL-1β in Lewis (LEW) rats activated Fyn and protein tyrosine kinase activities in the spleen, chronic administration of low levels of IL-1β progressively diminished the pyrogenic and T cell proliferative responses of treated animals. Thus, IL-1β may play a critical role in the perception of inflammation by the CNS and the induction of an immunologic "tolerant" state. Moreover, the immunosuppressive effects of NT might be at least partly mediated through its effects on the brain IL-1β. This represents a novel mechanism for neuroimmune communication.

Nicotine inhibits Fc epsilon RI-induced cysteinyl leukotrienes and cytokine production without affecting mast cell degranulation through alpha 7/alpha 9/alpha 10-nicotinic receptors

Smokers are less likely to develop some inflammatory and allergic diseases. In Brown-Norway rats, nicotine inhibits several parameters of allergic asthma, including the production of Th2 cytokines and the cysteinyl leukotriene LTC(4). Cysteinyl leukotrienes are primarily produced by mast cells, and these cells play a central role in allergic asthma. Mast cells express a high-affinity receptor for IgE (FcepsilonRI). Following its cross-linking, cells degranulate and release preformed inflammatory mediators (early phase) and synthesize and secrete cytokines/chemokines and leukotrienes (late phase). The mechanism by which nicotine modulates mast cell activation is unclear. Using alpha-bungarotoxin binding and quantitative PCR and PCR product sequencing, we showed that the rat mast/basophil cell line RBL-2H3 expresses nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) alpha7, alpha9, and alpha10; exposure to exceedingly low concentrations of nicotine (nanomolar), but not the biologically inactive metabolite cotinine, for > or = 8 h suppressed the late phase (leukotriene/cytokine production) but not degranulation (histamine and hexosaminidase release). These effects were unrelated to those of nicotine on intracellular free calcium concentration but were causally associated with the inhibition of cytosolic phospholipase A(2) activity and the PI3K/ERK/NF-kappaB pathway, including phosphorylation of Akt and ERK and nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB. The suppressive effect of nicotine on the late-phase response was blocked by the alpha7/alpha9-nAChR antagonists methyllycaconitine and alpha-bungarotoxin, as well as by small interfering RNA knockdown of alpha7-, alpha9-, or alpha10-nAChRs, suggesting a functional interaction between alpha7-, alpha9-, and alpha10-nAChRs that might explain the response of RBL cells to nanomolar concentrations of nicotine. This "hybrid" receptor might serve as a target for novel antiallergic/antiasthmatic therapies.

Substance P receptor in U373 MG human astrocytoma cells activates mitogen-activated protein kinases ERK1/2 through Src

Substance P (SP) acting through substance P receptor (SPR) increases the proliferation of glioblastoma cells. At the molecular level, stimulation of SPR in human U373 MG glioblastoma cells results in phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases ERK1/2. Examination of the underlying mechanism reveals that SPR mediates ERK1/2 phosphorylation in a calcium-dependent manner. Surprisingly, blockade of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which is transactivated by SPR, has a minimal effect on SPR-mediated ERK1/2 phosphorylation. However, SPR-mediated ERK1/2 phosphorylation is significantly reduced by the Src kinase inhibitor PP2. Interestingly, ERK1/2 in U373 MG cells is also activated by several other mitogenic G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) including alpha(1B)-adrenergic, M(3)-muscarinic, and H(1)-histaminergic in an Src-dependent manner. We conclude that c-Src is a mediator of SP-stimulated ERK1/2 phosphorylation in human U373 MG glioblastoma cells.

Role of STIM1 in regulation of store-operated Ca2+ influx in pheochromocytoma cells

Changes in the local environment such as pH (acidosis/alkalosis), temperature (hypothermia/hyperthermia), and agonist (glutamate) can adversely affect neuronal function, and are important factors in clinical situations such as anesthesia and intensive care. Regulation of intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+](i)) is key to neuronal function. Stromal interaction molecule (STIM1) has been recently recognized to trigger store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE), an important component of [Ca2+](i) regulation. Using differentiated, fura-2 loaded rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells transfected with small interference RNA for STIM1 (or vehicle), we examined the role of STIM1 in SOCE sensitivity to temperature, pH, and glutamate. SOCE was triggered following endoplasmic reticulum depletion. Cells were washed and exposed to altered pH (6.0-8.0), altered temperature (34-40 degrees C), or to glutamate. In non-transfected cells, SOCE was inhibited by acidosis or hypothermia, but increased with alkalosis and hyperthermia. Increasing glutamate concentrations progressively stimulated SOCE. STIM1 siRNA decreased SOCE at normal temperature and pH, and substantially decreased sensitivity to acidosis and hypothermia, eliminating the concentration-dependence to glutamate. Sensitivity of SOCE to these environmental parameters was less altered by decreased extracellular Ca2+ alone (with STIM1 intact). We conclude that STIM1 mediates exquisite susceptibility of SOCE to pH, temperature, and glutamate: factors that can adversely affect neuronal function under pathological conditions.

T cells express alpha7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunits that require a functional TCR and leukocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase for nicotine-induced Ca2+ response

Acute and chronic effects of nicotine on the immune system are usually opposite; acute treatment stimulates while chronic nicotine suppresses immune and inflammatory responses. Nicotine acutely raises intracellular calcium ([Ca(2+)](i)) in T cells, but the mechanism of this response is unclear. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are present on neuronal and non-neuronal cells, but while in neurons, nAChRs are cation channels that participate in neurotransmission; their structure and function in nonexcitable cells are not well-defined. In this communication, we present evidence that T cells express alpha7-nAChRs that are critical in increasing [Ca(2+)](i) in response to nicotine. Cloning and sequencing of the receptor from human T cells showed a full-length transcript essentially identical to the neuronal alpha7-nAChR subunit (>99.6% homology). These receptors are up-regulated and tyrosine phosphorylated by treatment with nicotine, anti-TCR Abs, or Con A. Furthermore, knockdown of the alpha7-nAChR subunit mRNA by RNA interference reduced the nicotine-induced Ca(2+) response, but unlike the neuronal receptor, alpha-bungarotoxin and methyllycaconitine not only failed to block, but also actually raised [Ca(2+)](i) in T cells. The nicotine-induced release of Ca(2+) from intracellular stores in T cells did not require extracellular Ca(2+), but, similar to the TCR-mediated Ca(2+) response, required activation of protein tyrosine kinases, a functional TCR/CD3 complex, and leukocyte-specific tyrosine kinase. Moreover, CD3zeta and alpha7-nAChR co-immunoprecipitated with anti-CD3zeta or anti-alpha7-nAChR Abs. These results suggest that in T cells, alpha7-nAChR, despite its close sequence homology with neuronal alpha7-nAChR, fails to form a ligand-gated Ca(2+) channel, and that the nicotine-induced rise in [Ca(2+)](i) in T cells requires functional TCR/CD3 and leukocyte-specific tyrosine kinase.

Early postnatal exposure to cigarette smoke impairs the antigen-specific T-cell responses in the spleen

Annually, approximately two million babies are exposed to cigarette smoke in utero and postnatally through cigarette smoking of their mothers. Exposure to mainstream cigarette smoke is known to impair both innate and adaptive immunities, and it has been hypothesized that the effects of in utero exposure to cigarette smoke on children's health might primarily stem from the adverse effects of cigarette smoke on the immune system. To simulate the environment that babies from smoking mothers encounter, we examined the effects of prenatal mainstream and postnatal sidestream cigarette smoke on spleen cell responses. Results show that postnatal exposure of newborn Balb/c mouse pups to sidestream cigarette smoke through the first 6 weeks of life strongly suppresses the antibody response of spleen cells to the T-cell-dependent antigen, sheep red blood cells. The reduction in the antibody response seen within 6 weeks of postnatal smoke exposure is much quicker than the published data on the time 25 weeks) required to establish reproducible immunosuppression in adult rats and mice. Moreover, the immunosuppression is not associated with significant changes in T-cell numbers or subset distribution. While the postnatal exposure to cigarette smoke did not affect the mitogenic response of T and B cells, the exposure inhibited the T cell receptor-mediated rise in the intracellular calcium concentration. These results suggest that the early postnatal period is highly sensitive to the immunosuppressive effects of environmental tobacco smoke, and the effects are causally associated with impaired antigen-mediated signaling in T cells.

CaMKII inactivation by extracellular Ca(2+) depletion in dorsal root ganglion neurons

A mechanism by which Ca(2+)/CaM-dependent protein kinase (CaMKII) is autophosphorylated by changes in extracellular calcium in the absence of detectable changes in cytoplasmic [Ca(2+)] has been identified. We find that when the external Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](O)) is lowered, Ca(2+) is released from intracellular stores to maintain a constant cytoplasmic Ca(2+) level, gradually depleting the endoplasmic Ca(2+) stores. Accompanying the store-depletion is a rapid decrease in CaMKII activity. Approximately 25% of the measured CaMKII autophosphorylation in DRG neurons in culture can be regulated by Ca(2+) flux from intracellular stores caused by manipulating [Ca(2+)](O), as shown by blocking refilling of store-operated Ca(2+)-channels with SK&F 96365, Ruthenium Red, and a partial block with Ni(2+). Blocking voltage-gated Ca(2+)-channels with either isradipine or SR 33805, had no effect on CaMKII autophosphorylation induced by restoring Ca(2+)(O) to normal after depleting the intracellular Ca(2+) stores. These results show that removal of Ca(2+)(O) has profound effects on intracellular Ca(2+) signaling and CaMKII autophosphorylation, in the absence of measurable changes in intracellular Ca(2+). These findings have wide-ranging significance, because [Ca(2+)](O) is manipulated in many experimental studies. Moreover, this explanation for the paradoxical changes in CaMKII phosphorylation in response to manipulating [Ca(2+)](O) provides a possible mechanism linking activity-dependent depletion of Ca(2+) from the synaptic cleft to a protein kinase regulating many neuronal properties.

Chronic nicotine inhibits inflammation and promotes influenza infection

Epidemiological data suggest an association between smoking, respiratory infections, and impaired wound healing. Inflammation is critical in the body's defense against pathogens and in the wound-healing process. Although nicotine is used to treat some inflammatory conditions, the mechanism of this action is largely unknown. To determine how nicotine affects inflammation, rats and mice were exposed to nicotine via miniosmotic pumps, and the inflammatory response to turpentine or influenza virus was assessed. Results showed that while nicotine suppressed the migration of leukocytes to the inflammation/infection site, it increased the influenza titer in the lung. The decreased inflammation correlated with lower chemotaxis/chemokinesis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) toward formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 without affecting the density of their respective receptors. However, nicotine suppressed the chemokine-induced Ca(2+) response in PBMC, indicating impaired chemokine signaling. Thus, because nicotine suppresses leukocyte migration, it might contribute to the delayed wound healing and increased incidence of respiratory infections among smokers.

The adapter molecule Sin regulates T-cell-receptor-mediated signal transduction by modulating signaling substrate availability

Engagement of the T-cell receptor (TCR) results in the activation of a multitude of signaling events that regulate the function of T lymphocytes. These signaling events are in turn modulated by adapter molecules, which control the final functional output through the formation of multiprotein complexes. In this report, we identified the adapter molecule Sin as a new regulator of T-cell activation. We found that the expression of Sin in transgenic T lymphocytes and Jurkat T cells inhibited interleukin-2 expression and T-cell proliferation. This inhibitory effect was specific and was due to defective phospholipase C-gamma (PLC-gamma) phosphorylation and activation. In contrast to other adapters that become phosphorylated upon TCR stimulation, Sin was constitutively phosphorylated in resting cells by the Src kinase Fyn and bound to signaling intermediates, including PLC-gamma. In stimulated cells, Sin was transiently dephosphorylated, which coincided with transient dissociation of Fyn and PLC-gamma. Downregulation of Sin expression using Sin-specific short interfering RNA oligonucleotides inhibited transcriptional activation in response to TCR stimulation. Our results suggest that endogenous Sin influences T-lymphocyte signaling by sequestering signaling substrates and regulating their availability and/or activity in resting cells, while Sin is required for targeting these intermediates to the TCR for fast signal transmission during stimulation.

A Biphasic Response to Silica

Inhalation of crystalline silica may lead to acute or chronic silicosis. Although chronic silicosis is associated with increased incidence/exacerbation of autoimmune disorders, the immunologic effects of chronic silicosis are not completely understood. In an animal model of chronic silicosis, Lewis rats were exposed to filtered air or silica (1.75 microm average particle size) at an exposure concentration of 6.2 mg/m(3), 6 h/d, 5 d/wk for 6 wk, and observed up to 27 wk after the exposure. Based on silica burden, lung histopathology, and immunologic changes, two distinct stages were identified in the development of chronic silicosis. Stage 1 (4-28 d after exposure) was characterized by silica deposition in various tissues, and augmented antibody and cellular immunity. Although bronchoalveolar lavage contained an increased number of activated macrophages, protein and lactate dehydrogenase levels were comparable to controls. In Stage 2 (>/= 10 wk), silica was localized in epithelioid macrophages, and T cell immunity had returned to normal, but the lavage fluids contained increased protein concentration and lactate dehydrogenase activity. Moreover, lungs from silica-treated animals contained neutrophils and lymphocytes, and exhibited granulomatous changes around the silica-containing epithelioid macrophages. Thus, in the early stages of silicosis, silica activates the immune system; however, the progression of lung granulomas does not depend on a continually activated adaptive immune system.

Immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory effects of nicotine administered by patch in an animal model

To study the immunological effects of nicotine, there are several rodent models for chronic nicotine administration. These models include subcutaneously implanted miniosmotic pumps, nicotine-spiked drinking water, and self-administration via jugular cannulae. Administration of nicotine via these routes affects the immune system. Smokers frequently use nicotine patches to quit smoking, and the immunological effects of nicotine patches are largely unknown. To determine whether the nicotine patch affects the immune system, nicotine patches were affixed daily onto the backs of Lewis rats for 3 to 4 weeks. The patches efficiently raised the levels of nicotine and cotinine in serum and strongly inhibited the antibody-forming cell response of spleen cells to sheep red blood cells. The nicotine patch also suppressed the concanavalin A-induced T-cell proliferation and mobilization of intracellular Ca(2+) by spleen cells, as well as the fever response of animals to subcutaneous administration of turpentine. Moreover, immunosuppression was associated with chronic activation of protein tyrosine kinase and phospholipase C-gamma1 activities. Thus, in this animal model of nicotine administration, the nicotine patch efficiently raises the levels of nicotine and cotinine in serum and impairs both the immune and inflammatory responses.

Sarco-endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA) inhibitors identify a novel calcium pool in the central nervous system

Ca2+ uptake into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is mediated by Ca2+ ATPase isoforms, which are all selectively inhibited by nanomolar concentrations of thapsigargin. Using ATP/Mg2+-dependent 45Ca2+ transport in rat brain microsomes, tissue sections, and permeabilized cells, as well as Ca2+ imaging in living cells we distinguish two ER Ca2+ pools in the rat CNS. Nanomolar levels of thapsigargin blocked one component of brain microsomal 45Ca2+ transport, which we designate as the thapsigargin-sensitive pool (TG-S). The remaining component was only inhibited by micromolar thapsigargin, and thus designated as thapsigargin resistant (TG-R). Ca2+ ATPase and [32P]phosphoenzyme assays also distinguished activities with differential sensitivities to thapsigargin. The TG-R Ca2+ uptake displayed unique anion permeabilities, was inhibited by vanadate, but was unaffected by sulfhydryl reduction. Ca2+ sequestered into the TG-R pool could not be released by inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate, caffeine, or cyclic ADP-ribose. The TG-R Ca2+ pool had a unique anatomical distribution in the brain, with selective enrichment in brainstem and spinal cord structures. Cell lines that expressed high levels of the TG-R pool required micromolar concentrations of thapsigargin to effectively raise cytoplasmic Ca2+ levels. TG-R Ca2+ accumulation represents a distinct Ca2+ buffering pool in specific CNS regions with unique pharmacological sensitivities and anatomical distributions.

Chronic self-administration of nicotine in rats impairs T cell responsiveness

Chronic exposure of rodents to nicotine via subcutaneously or intracerebroventricularly implanted miniosmotic pumps affects T cell function. However, this method of continuous nicotine administration does not replicate the self-motivated administration of nicotine in human smokers. To determine whether nicotine impairs the immune system under conditions pertinent to human smokers, we investigated the T cell responsiveness of male Lewis rats self-administering (SA) nicotine (0.03 mg/kg of body weight per injection) 40 to 50 times/day for 5 weeks, using a model of virtually unlimited access to nicotine. Compared with sham control animals, the concanavalin A-induced proliferation of spleen cells from SA rats was significantly decreased. Moreover, the ability of spleen cells to mobilize intracellular Ca(2+) after ligation of the T cell antigen receptor (TCR) with an anti-alphabeta TCR antibody was significantly less in SA than in control rats. In addition, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP(3))-sensitive intracellular Ca(2+) stores were markedly depleted in spleen cells from SA animals. These results suggest that chronic nicotine self-administration suppresses T cell responsiveness, and this suppression may result from an impaired TCR-mediated signaling that stems from the depletion of IP(3)-sensitive intracellular Ca(2+) stores.

Changes in ryanodine receptor-mediated calcium release during skeletal muscle differentiation. II. Resolution of a caffeine-ryanodine paradox

Our previous study demonstrated a disparity of action between two established pharmacological modulators of the same calcium (Ca2+) release channel, the ryanodine receptor (RyR). Specifically, we observed that caffeine sensitivity was elicited at earlier stages of development than that of ryanodine. In the present study, we offer a hypothesis to resolve this paradox. We provide evidence that ryanodine acts as a pure uncompetitive inhibitor of Ca2+ transport, with respect to Ca2+ itself. This explains why little ryanodine inhibition was observed at low Ca2+ concentrations, while maximal ryanodine inhibition was observed at saturating Ca2+ concentrations. In order to exclude the possibility of nonspecific ryanodine actions as an alternative explanation, we established the phenomenon of capacitative calcium entry (CCE) for L6 cells. Since it is known that CCE is inversely correlated with [Ca2+] of the ER/SR lumen, the extent of CCE is therefore an indirect measure of Ca2+ concentration within the SR. We also demonstrated the functional pathway for Ca2+ entry. Employing pharmacological inhibitors, we found that a T-type plasma membrane channel was predominant in the myoblasts, while an L-type channel was predominant in the adult myotubes. Our data using these inhibitors made nonspecific ryanodine actions an unlikely explanation of the disparity in action between ryanodine and caffeine. Moreover, we found no evidence that inositol trisphosphate, a proposed regulator of CCE for other cells, could influence CCE in L6 cells. We conclude that the disparity between caffeine and ryanodine can be explained by Ca2+ dependence of ryanodine action. This study may also offer an explanation of other studies showing unclear actions of ryanodine binding and action.

Characterisation of thapsigargin-releasable Ca(2+) from the Ca(2+)-ATPase of sarcoplasmic reticulum at limiting [Ca(2+)]

The Ca(2+) binding sites of the Ca(2+)-ATPase of skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) have been identified as two high-affinity sites orientated towards the cytoplasm, two sites of low affinity facing the lumen, and a transient occluded species that is isolated from both membrane surfaces. Binding and release studies, using (45)Ca(2+), have invoked models with sequential binding and release from high- and low-affinity sites in a channel-like structure. We have characterised turnover conditions in isolated SR vesicles with oxalate in a Ca(2+)-limited state, [Ca(2)](lim), where both high- and low-affinity sites are vacant in the absence of chelators (Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1418 (1999) 48-60). Thapsigargin (TG), a high-affinity specific inhibitor of the Ca(2+)-ATPase, released a fraction of total Ca(2+) at [Ca(2+)](lim) that accumulated during active transport. Maximal Ca(2+) release was at 2:1 TG/ATPase. Ionophore, A23187, and Triton X-100 released the rest of Ca(2+) resistant to TG. The amount of Ca(2+) released depended on the incubation time at [Ca(2+)](lim), being 3.0 nmol/mg at 20 s and 0.42 nmol/mg at 1000 s. Rate constants for release declined from 0. 13 to 0.03 s(-1). The rapidly released early fraction declined with time and k=0.13 min(-1). Release was not due to reversal of the pump cycle since ADP had no effect; neither was release impaired with substrates acetyl phosphate or GTP. A phase of reuptake of Ca(2+) followed release, being greater with shorter delay (up to 200 s) following active transport. Reuptake was minimal with GTP, with delays more than 300 s, and was abolished by vanadate and at higher [TG], >5 microM. Ruthenium red had no effect on efflux, indicating that ryanodine-sensitive efflux channels in terminal cisternal membranes are not involved in the Ca(2+) release mechanism. It is concluded that the Ca(2+) released by TG is from the occluded Ca(2+) fraction. The Ca(2+) occlusion sites appear to be independent of both high-affinity cytoplasmic and low-affinity lumenal sites, supporting a multisite 'in line' sequential binding mechanism for Ca(2+) transport.

Calcium transient activity in cultured murine neural crest cells is regulated at the IP(3) receptor

In a previous study we have shown that cultured neural crest cells exhibit spontaneous calcium transients and that these events are required for neurogenesis. In this study, we examine the mechanism that generates these calcium transients. Extracellular Ca(2+) modulates calcium transient activity. Lanthanum (La(3+)), a general calcium channel antagonist and zero extracellular Ca(2+), reduces the percentage of cells exhibiting calcium transients (26.2 and 40. 5%, respectively) and decreases calcium spiking frequency (4.5 to 1. 0 and 2.5 to 1.0 spikes/30 min, respectively). Intracellular calcium stores also contribute to the generation of calcium transients. Depleting the calcium stores of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) reduces the percentage of active cells (15.7%) and calcium spiking frequency (2.8 to 1.5 spikes/30 min). Ryanodine (100 microM), which blocks calcium release regulated by the ryanodine receptor (RyR), had no effect on calcium transient activity. Blocking inositol 1,4, 5-triphosphate receptor (IP(3)R)-dependent calcium release, with elevated extracellular Mg(2+) (20 mM), abolished calcium transient activity. Mg(2+) did not block caffeine-sensitive calcium release (RyR-dependent) or voltage dependent calcium channels. Mg(2+) also suppressed thimerosal-induced calcium oscillations (IP(3)R-dependent). Small increases in the intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)), increases the percentage of active cells and the calcium spiking frequency, while larger increases in [Ca(2+)](i) block the transients. Reducing intracellular IP(3) levels reduces the percentage of active cells and the calcium spiking frequency. We conclude that the mechanism for generating spontaneous calcium transients in cultured neural crest cells fits the model for IP(3)R-dependent calcium excitability of the ER.

Acute and chronic nicotine exposures modulate the immune system through different pathways

We have previously shown that T cells from rats exposed chronically to cigarette smoke or nicotine (NT) exhibit T cell anergy and decreased proliferation to T cell mitogens. Effects of chronic NT on T cell function persist for at least 2 weeks after the termination of NT treatment. Moreover, these effects of NT are causally related to the decreased Ca(2+) response to T cell receptor (TCR) ligation and constitutive activation of protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) and phospholipase C (PLC)-gamma1 activities. Acute NT treatment also suppresses the Con A-induced T cell proliferation; however, it is not known whether the mechanism(s) by which acute and chronic NT treatments inhibit T cell proliferation are identical. To evaluate this question, LEW rats were acutely treated with NT (1 mg/kg body wt) for 1, 2, or 24 h by an ip injection or implanted with constant-release miniosmotic pumps containing saline or NT (1 mg/kg body wt/day) for a 3-week chronic exposure. Inhibition of Con A-induced proliferation of peripheral blood cells (PBC) by both acute and chronic treatments was reversed by the inhibitor of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, mecamylamine (MEC), indicating that these receptors are required for T cell proliferation. However, the effect of acute NT on the Con A response was short lived (i.e., observed at 1 and 2 h but not at 24 h after NT administration) and was seen in PBC but not in spleen cells. Unlike the chronic treatment, acute NT administration neither suppressed significantly the TCR-mediated [Ca(2+)](i) response nor did it cause the constitutive activation of PTK and PLC-gamma1 activities in blood lymphocytes. Acute, but not chronic, NT administration increased the plasma corticosterone concentration, and this increase was also inhibited by MEC. Moreover, adrenalectomy abrogated the acute but not chronic NT effects on the Con A response. Thus, the acute and chronic effects of NT on T lymphocytes are mechanistically distinct phenomena. Whereas chronic administration of NT causes T cell anergy, acute effects are primarily mediated via the activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis.

A pre- and postsynaptic modulatory action of 5-HT and the 5-HT2A, 2C receptor agonist DOB on NMDA-evoked responses in the rat medial prefrontal cortex

Intracellular recordings were made from pyramidal neurons in layers V and VI of the rat medial prefrontal cortex in slice preparations to investigate the effect of the serotonin 5-HT2A,2C receptor agonist (-)-1-2,5-dimethoxy-4-bromophenol-2-aminopropane (DOB) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-induced responses. Bath application of either DOB or 5-HT [in the presence of antagonists to 5-HT1A, 5-HT3 and gamma-aminobutytric acid (GABA) receptors] produced a concentration-dependent biphasic modulation of the NMDA responses. They facilitated and inhibited NMDA responses at low (</= 1 microM DOB and </= 50 microM 5-HT) and higher concentrations, respectively. Both the facilitating and inhibitory action were blocked by the highly selective 5-HT2A receptor antagonist R-(+)-alpha-(2, 3-dimethoxyphenil)-1-[4-fluorophenylethyl]-4-piperidineme thanol (M100907) and the 5-HT2 receptor antagonist ketanserin, thus indicating that both facilitation and inhibition were mediated by the activation of the 5-HT2A receptor subtype. However, the facilitating, but not inhibitory, action of DOB showed a marked desensitization, suggesting that the facilitation and inhibition of NMDA responses resulted from activation of different 5-HT2A receptor subtypes and/or signal-transduction pathways. Indeed, the selective PKC inhibitor chelerythrine and the Ca2+/CaM-KII inhibitor KN-93 prevented the facilitating and inhibitory action of DOB, respectively. We have generated several lines of evidence to indicate the following scenario. Low concentrations of DOB, at presynaptic nerve terminals, markedly enhance NMDA-induced release of excitatory amino acids (EAAs), which then act upon both NMDA and non-NMDA receptors to elicit inward current. The massive inward current masks the postsynaptic inhibitory action of DOB. At higher concentrations, DOB inhibits the release of EAAs and discloses the postsynaptic inhibitory action.

Nicotine-induced modulation of T Cell function. Implications for inflammation and infection

Tobacco smoking may predispose humans to respiratory disease, and may be a compounding risk factor in HIV infection and progression to AIDS. We have demonstrated that chronic exposure of mice and rats to cigarette smoke or nicotine inhibits T cell responsiveness, which may account for the decreased antibody response to T-dependent antigens seen in these animals. This inhibition may result from aberrant antigen-mediated signaling and depletion of IP3-sensitive Ca2+ stores in nicotine-treated animals. Moreover, nicotine appears to moderate the inflammation associated with turpentine-induced sterile abscess and influenza infection. These anti-inflammatory properties of nicotine may account for longer survival of nicotine-treated than control mice lethally infected with influenza virus. However, because inflammation is required for clearance of many pathogens, nicotine-treated mice exhibit significantly higher titers of influenza virus following infection. These results offer an explanation for the higher susceptibility to some infectious diseases, but greater resistance to some inflammatory diseases among human smokers.

Control of the calcium concentration involved in acetylcholine release and its facilitation: an additional role for synaptic vesicles?

2,5-Diterbutyl-1,4-benzohydroquinone, a specific blocker of Ca2+-ATPase pumps, increased acetylcholine release from an identified synapse of Aplysia, as well as from Torpedo and mouse caudate nucleus synaptosomes. Because 2,5-diterbutyl-1,4-benzohydroquinone does not change the presynaptic Ca2+ influx, the enhancement of acetylcholine release could be due to an accumulation of Ca2+ in the terminal. This possibility was further checked by studying the effects of 2,5-diterbutyl-1,4-benzohydroquinone on twin pulse facilitation, classically attributed to residual Ca2+. While preventing the fast sequestration of Ca2+ by presynaptic organelles, 2,5-diterbutyl-1,4-benzohydroquinone magnified both twin pulse facilitation observed under low extracellular Ca2+ concentration and twin pulse dysfacilitation observed under high extracellular Ca2+ concentration. Thus, it is concluded that 2,5-diterbutyl-1,4-benzohydroquinone, by preventing Ca2+ buffering near transmitter release sites, modulates acetylcholine release. As 2,5-diterbutyl-1,4-benzohydroquinone was also shown to decrease by 50% the uptake of 45Ca2+ by isolated synaptic vesicles, we propose that synaptic vesicles can control the presynaptic Ca2+ concentration triggering the release of neurotransmitter.

Effect of nicotine on the immune system: possible regulation of immune responses by central and peripheral mechanisms

Nicotine (NT) treatment impairs T-cell receptor (TCR)-mediated signaling, leading to the arrest of T cells in the G1 phase of the cell cycle and inhibition of the antibody plaque-forming cell (AFC) response to sheep red blood cells (SRBC). This paper summarizes some of the previous findings related to cigarette smoke/NT and the immune response, and presents preliminary evidence suggesting that mice chronically treated with NT (0.5 mg/day/kg body weight) have a depressed inflammatory response in the turpentine-induced abscess model of inflammation. This ability of nicotine to attenuate an inflammatory response may also be the cause of reduced mortality of chronically nicotine-treated mice from acute influenza A pneumonitis. Moreover, in LEW rats, decreased anti-SRBC AFC responses were also observed after intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of relatively small concentrations of NT (28 micrograms/day/kg body weight) which, when given peripherally, did not affect the AFC response. In vitro the addition of NT to T cells increased protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) activity and intracellular Ca2+ concentration [Ca2+]i. These results support the hypothesis that NT alters immune responses by directly interacting with T cells, as well as indirectly through brain-immune interactions.

Spatial gradients of cytosolic calcium concentration in neurones during paradoxical activation by calcium

4-Br-A23187 caused a calcium influx into chick sensory neurones and raised cytosolic calcium from a rest level of 97 +/- 7 nM to a peak of 296 +/- 30 nM. Despite the continued presence of ionophore, however, cytosolic calcium concentrations then fell. After 30 min in ionophore, cytosolic calcium concentration had returned to 105 +/- 5 nM, not significantly different from the value before ionophore addition. The permeability of the plasmalemma to divalent cations, as estimated by the manganese quench technique, was no lower at 30 min than at the peak of the cytosolic calcium transient. Thus the fall of calcium from its peak was not due to a slowing of calcium influx, but was due to an upregulation of mechanisms that remove calcium from the cytosol- an upregulation that persists even though cytosolic calcium has apparently returned to pre-stimulus levels. We used a novel fixed slit confocal microscope to examine the calcium concentration profile close to the plasmalemma. We found that after 25-30 min ionophore treatment, calcium concentration was elevated only in the cytoplasm within 1 micron of the plasmalemma. A maintained, elevated calcium under the plasmalemma can help explain the phenomenon of paradoxical activation seen in this and other cell types.