Arachidonic acid inhibits capacitative calcium entry in rat thymocytes and human neutrophils

Response mechanism of gut microbiome and metabolism of European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) to temperature stress

In animals, the gut microbiome is vital to growth, and changes in the composition of these microbial communities may affect growth and adaptability to the environment. Temperature is another important factor that influences the healthy growth of animals. To date, the mechanism by which juvenile European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and their symbiotic flora adapt to changes in environmental temperature is not well understood. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of temperature on the gut microbiota and metabolism of European seabass juveniles. We used 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and non-targeted liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based metabolomics to study the gut microbes of European seabass after 60 days of rearing of water temperature at 10 °C (T1), 15 °C (T2) and 20 °C (T3). At the phylum level, the abundance of the gut microbiota did not differ significantly among the three groups after 60 days of cultivation. At the genus level, however, the abundance of Faecalibacterium, Filifactor, Butyricicoccus, and Erysipelotrichaceae UCG-006 in the intestines differed significantly among the temperature groups. Compared with T2, the relative abundance of Filifactor in T1 was significantly increased, while Faecalibacterium was significantly decreased, while the relative abundance of Butyricicoccus and Erysipelotrichaceae UCG-006 in T3 was significantly increased. The LC-MS/MS analysis revealed 107 metabolites in the 10 °C group and 68 metabolites in the 20 °C group that differed significantly from those in the intestines of fish in the 15 °C control group. These metabolites are closely related to several metabolic pathways, including amino acid metabolism, glucose and lipid metabolism, and the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Correlation analysis of the Intestine microbiota, metabolic pathways, and metabolites identified metabolic pathways and metabolites that were strongly related to the observed significant differences in the microbiome among the temperature groups. These results show that temperature can induce significant changes in the gut microbiota and metabolism of European seabass juveniles, and that significant changes in metabolites may be mediated through the interaction of the microbiome and metabolic pathways.

Effect of oleic acid on store-operated calcium entry in immune-competent cells

PURPOSE

To study the mechanism by which oleic acid (OA) (C18:1) exerts its beneficial effects on immune-competent cells. Since store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE) is a Ca²⁺ influx pathway involved in the control of multiple physiological processes including cell proliferation, we studied the effect of OA in Ca²⁺ signals of Jurkat T cells and THP-1 monocytes, paying particular attention to SOCE.

METHODS

Changes in [Ca²⁺]_i were measured using the Fura-2 fluorescence dye. Mn²⁺ uptake was monitored as a rate of quenching of Fura-2 fluorescence measured at the Ca²⁺-insensitive wavelengths. Thapsigargin was used to induce SOCE in Fura-2-loaded cells.

RESULTS

We showed a clear dose-dependent SOCE-inhibitory effect of OA in both cell lines. Such an inhibitory effect was PKC independent and totally restored by albumin, suggesting that OA exerts its effect somewhere in the membrane. We also demonstrated that OA induces increases in [Ca²⁺]_i partly mediated by an extracellular Ca²⁺ influx through econazole-insensitive channels. Finally, we compared the effect of OA with stearic acid (C18:0), assuming the emerged evidence concerning the link between saturated fats and inflammation disorders. Stearic acid failed to inhibit SOCE, independently on the concentration tested, thus intensifying the physiological relevance of our findings.

CONCLUSION

We suggest a physiological pathway for the beneficial effects of OA in inflammation.

Oleic acid versus linoleic and α-linolenic acid. different effects on Ca2+ signaling in rat thymocytes

BACKGROUND

Oleic acid is the principal fatty acid of olive oil composition and is reported to play a crucial role in its healthy aspects. However, the detailed mechanism of action is poorly understood.

AIMS

This study aims to elucidate the role of oleic acid in calcium signaling in rat thymocytes, in comparison to linoleic and linolenic acid.

METHODS

Fatty acids were applied to thymocytes isolated from wistar rats and loaded with Fura-2 to measure calcium signals.

RESULTS

The main results showed a concentration-dependent increase in [Ca(2+)](i) induced by the 3 fatty acids. Raising the number of unsaturations resulted in greater increases. Two different pathways contributed to the increase induced by the polyunsaturated fatty acids: an IP(3)- independent release from the thapsigargin-sensitive stores and an extracellular calcium entry by econazole and nifedipine-insensitive channels. However, the OA-induced increases in [Ca(2+)](i) seemed to be due mostly to the Ca(2+) recruited from the intracellular stores.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that the fatty acids tested induce increases in [Ca(2+)](i) in rat thymocytes, with differences in close relation to the degree of unsaturation. Such differences could be responsible for their different physiological action.

Negative regulation of Ca(2+) influx during P2Y(2) purinergic receptor activation is mediated by Gbetagamma-subunits

We have previously reported that P2Y(2) purinoceptors and muscarinic M(3) receptors trigger Ca(2+) responses in HT-29 cells that differ in their timecourse, the Ca(2+) response to P2Y(2) receptor activation being marked by a more rapid decline of intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) after the peak response and that this rapid decline of [Ca(2+)](i) was slowed in cells expressing heterologous beta-adrenergic receptor kinase (betaARK). In the present study, we demonstrate that, during P2Y(2) receptor activation, betaARK expression increases the rate of Gd(3+)-sensitive Mn(2+) influx, a measure of the rate of store-operated Ca(2+) entry from the extracellular space, during P2Y(2) activation and that this effect of betaARK is mimicked by exogenous alpha-subunits of G(q), G(11) and G(i2). The effect of betaARK on the rate of Mn(2+) influx is thus attributable to its ability to scavenge G protein betagamma-subunits released during activation of P2Y(2) receptor. We further find that the effect of betaARK on the rate of Mn(2+) influx during P2Y(2) receptor activation can be overcome by arachidonic acid. In addition, the UTP-induced Mn(2+) influx rate was significantly increased by inhibitors of phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) and an siRNA directed against PLA(2)beta, but not by an siRNA directed against PLA(2)alpha or by inhibitors of arachidonic acid metabolism. These findings provide evidence for the existence of a P2Y(2) receptor-activated signalling system that acts in parallel with depletion of intracellular Ca(2+) stores to inhibit Ca(2+) influx across the cell membrane. This signalling process is mediated via Gbetagamma and involves PLA(2)beta and arachidonic acid.

Calcium signals activated by ghrelin and D-Lys(3)-GHRP-6 ghrelin antagonist in developing dorsal root ganglion glial cells

Ghrelin is a hormone regulating energy homeostasis via interaction with its receptor, GHSR-1a. Ghrelin activities in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) cells are unknown. Herein we show that ghrelin induces a change of cytosolic calcium concentration in both glia and neurons of embryonic chick DRG. Both RT-PCR and binding studies performed with fluorescent ghrelin in the presence of either unlabeled ghrelin or GHSR-1a antagonist D-Lys(3)-GHRP-6, indicate that DRG cells express GHSR-1a. In glial cells the response is characterized by a rapid transient rise in [Ca(2+)](i) followed by a long lasting rise. The calcium elevation is dependent on calcium release from thapsigargin-sensitive intracellular stores and on activation of two distinct Ca(2+) entry pathways, a receptor activated calcium entry and a store operated calcium entry. Surprisingly, D-Lys(3)-GHRP-6 exerts several activities in the absence of exogenous ghrelin: (i) it activates calcium release from thapsigargin-sensitive intracellular stores and calcium entry via voltage-operated channels in non-neuronal cells; (ii) it inhibits calcium oscillations in non-neuronal cells exhibiting spontaneous Ca(2+) activity and iii) it promotes apoptosis of DRG cells, both neurons and glia. In summary, we provide the first evidence for ghrelin activity in DRG, and we also demonstrate that the widely used D-Lys(3)-GHRP-6 ghrelin antagonist features ghrelin independent activities.

Mechanism of modulation of the plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase by arachidonic acid

The intracellular level of long chain fatty acids controls the Ca(2+) concentration in the cytoplasm. The molecular mechanisms underlying this Ca(2+) mobilization are not fully understood. We show here that the addition of low micromolar concentrations of fatty acids directly to the purified plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase enhance ATP hydrolysis, while higher concentration decrease activity, exerting a dual effect on the enzyme. The effect of arachidonic acid is similar in the presence or absence of calmodulin, acidic phospholipids or ATP at the regulatory site, thereby precluding these sites as probable acid binding sites. At low arachidonic acid concentrations, neither the affinity for calcium nor the phosphoenzyme levels are significantly modified, while at higher concentrations both are decreased. The action of arachidonic acid is isoenzyme specific. The increase on ATP hydrolysis, however, is uncoupled from calcium transport, because arachidonic acid increases the permeability of erythrocyte membranes to calcium. Oleic acid has no effect on membrane permeability while linoleic acid shows an effect similar to that of arachidonic acid. Such effects might contribute to the entry of extracellular Ca(2+) following to fatty acid release.

Comparison of the influence of NSAIDs with different COX-selectivity on histamine release from mast cells isolated from naïve and sensitized rats

Mast cell stimulation leads to an early response with histamine release and prostaglandin (PGD(2)) production but attempts to link these two events have been contradictory. In IgE-mediated mast cell activation, a late-phase PGD(2)-production is caused by increased cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression whereas a COX-2 involvement in the early response is uncertain. The present study compares the influence of four COX-inhibitors (NSAIDs) on the histamine release of mast cells from naïve and actively sensitized rats. NSAIDs of different COX-1 vs. COX-2 selectivity were used, i.e. acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), piroxicam, meloxicam, and NS-398, a selective COX-2-inhibitor. All could inhibit antigen-induced histamine release, with 64%, 34%, 27% and 85% inhibition by ASA (5 mM), piroxicam (100 microM), meloxicam (100 microM) and NS-398 (100 microM), respectively. Similar inhibition was found with compound 48/80 without calcium added to the medium whereas compound 48/80 with calcium was affected less by ASA and NS-398 and unaffected by the oxicams. Only small differences between the two kinds of mast cells were found, except with NS-398 which was a significantly more effective inhibitor of naïve than sensitized cells when exposed to compound 48/80 with calcium present. The results do not show any consistent relationship between the influence of the NSAIDs and their COX-2-selectivity. The high NSAID-concentrations required for inhibition cast doubt about an involvement of COX-inhibition and indicate additional or other targets. The results seem to exclude toxic effects on mast cell energy production but are consistent with an interference with the calcium disposition.

Interaction between store-operated and arachidonate-activated calcium entry

A ubiquitous pathway for cellular Ca(2+) influx involves 'store-operated channels' that respond to depletion of intracellular Ca(2+) pools via an as yet unknown mechanism. Due to its wide-spread expression, store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE) has been considered a principal route for Ca(2+) influx. However, recent evidence has suggested that alternative pathways, activated for example by lipid metabolites, are responsible for physiological Ca(2+) influx. It is not clear if these messenger-activated Ca(2+) entry routes exist in all cells and what interaction they have with SOCE. In the present study we demonstrate that HEK-293 cells and Saos-2 cells express an arachidonic acid (AA)-activated Ca(2+) influx pathway that is distinct from SOCE on the basis of sensitivity to pharmacological blockers and depletion of cellular cholesterol. We examined the functional interaction between SOCE and the arachidonate-triggered Ca(2+) influx (denoted non-SOCE). Both Ca(2+) entry routes could underlie substantial long-lasting Ca(2+) elevations. However, the two pathways could not operate simultaneously. With cells that had an on-going SOCE response, addition of arachidonate gave two profound effects. Firstly, it rapidly inhibited SOCE. Secondly, the mode of Ca(2+) influx switched to the non-SOCE mechanism. Addition of arachidonate to naïve cells resulted in rapid activation of the non-SOCE pathway. However, this Ca(2+) entry route was very slowly engaged if the SOCE pathway was already operative. These data indicate that the SOCE and arachidonate-activated non-SOCE pathways interact in an inhibitory manner. We probed the plausible mechanisms by which these two pathways may communicate.

Enhancement of Ca2+-regulated exocytosis by indomethacin in guinea-pig antral mucous cells: arachidonic acid accumulation

Ca2+-regulated exocytosis is enhanced by an autocrine mechanism via the PGE2-cAMP pathway in antral mucous cells of guinea-pigs. The inhibition of the PGE2-cAMP pathway by H-89 (an inhibitor of protein kinase A, PKA) or aspirin (ASA, an inhibitor of cyclo-oxygenase, COX) decreased the frequency of ACh-stimulated exocytotic events by 60%. Indomethacin (IDM, an inhibitor of COX), however, decreased the frequency of ACh-stimulated exocytotic events only by 30%. Moreover, IDM increased the frequency of ACh-stimulated exocytotic events by 50% in H-89-treated or ASA-treated cells. IDM inhibits the synthesis of Prostaglandin (PGG/H) and (15R)-15-hydroxy-5,8,11 cis-13-trans-eicosatetraenoic acid (15R-HPETE), while ASA inhibits only the synthesis of PGG/H. Thus, IDM may accumulate arachidonic acid (AA). AACOCF3 or N-(p-amylcinnamoyl) anthranilic acid (ACA; both inhibitors of phospholipase A2, PLA2), which inhibits AA synthesis, decreased the frequency of ACh-stimulated exocytotic events by 60%. IDM, however, did not increase the frequency in AACOCF3-treated cells. AA increased the frequency of ACh-stimulated exocytotic events in AACOCF3- or ASA-treated cells, similar to IDM in ASA- and H-89-treated cells. Moreover, in the presence of AA, IDM did not increase the frequency of ACh-stimulated exocytotic events in ASA-treated cells. The PGE2 release from antral mucosa indicates that inhibition of PLA2 by ACA inhibits the AA accumulation in unstimulated and ACh-stimulated antral mucosa. The dose-response study of AA and IDM demonstrated that the concentration of intracellular AA accumulated by IDM is less than 100 nm. In conclusion, IDM modulates the ACh-stimulated exocytosis via AA accumulation in antral mucous cells.

Different phospholipase-C-coupled receptors differentially regulate capacitative and non-capacitative Ca2+ entry in A7r5 cells

Several receptors, including those for AVP (Arg8-vasopressin) and 5-HT (5-hydroxytryptamine), share an ability to stimulate PLC (phospholipase C) and so production of IP3 (inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate) and DAG (diacylglycerol) in A7r5 vascular smooth muscle cells. Our previous analysis of the effects of AVP on Ca2+ entry [Moneer, Dyer and Taylor (2003) Biochem. J. 370, 439-448] showed that arachidonic acid released from DAG stimulated NO synthase. NO then stimulated an NCCE (non-capacitative Ca2+ entry) pathway, and, via cGMP and protein kinase G, it inhibited CCE (capacitative Ca2+ entry). This reciprocal regulation ensured that, in the presence of AVP, all Ca2+ entry occurred via NCCE to be followed by a transient activation of CCE only when AVP was removed [Moneer and Taylor (2002) Biochem. J. 362, 13-21]. We confirm that, in the presence of AVP, all Ca2+ entry occurs via NCCE, but 5-HT, despite activating PLC and evoking release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores, stimulates Ca2+ entry only via CCE. We conclude that two PLC-coupled receptors differentially regulate CCE and NCCE. We also address evidence that, in some A7r5 cells lines, AVP fails either to stimulate NCCE or inhibit CCE [Brueggemann, Markun, Barakat, Chen and Byron (2005) Biochem. J. 388, 237-244]. Quantitative PCR analysis suggests that these cells predominantly express TRPC1 (transient receptor potential canonical 1), whereas cells in which AVP reciprocally regulates CCE and NCCE express a greater variety of TRPC subtypes (TRPC1=6>2>3).

Arachidonic acid inhibits the store-operated Ca2+ current in rat liver cells

Vasopressin and other phospholipase-C-coupled hormones induce oscillations (waves) of [Ca2+]cyt (cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration) in liver cells. Maintenance of these oscillations requires replenishment of Ca2+ in intracellular stores through Ca2+ inflow across the plasma membrane. While this may be achieved by SOCs (store-operated Ca2+ channels), some studies in other cell types indicate that it is dependent on AA (arachidonic acid)-activated Ca2+ channels. We studied the effects of AA on membrane conductance of rat liver cells using whole-cell patch clamping. We found no evidence that concentrations of AA in the physiological range could activate Ca2+-permeable channels in either H4IIE liver cells or rat hepatocytes. However, AA (1-10 microM) did inhibit (IC50=2.4+/-0.1 microM) Ca2+ inflow through SOCs (ISOC) initiated by intracellular application of Ins(1,4,5)P3 in H4IIE cells. Pre-incubation with AA did not inhibit ISOC development, but decreased maximal amplitude of the current. Iso-tetrandrine, widely used to inhibit receptor-activation of phospholipase A2, and therefore AA release, inhibited ISOC directly in H4IIE cells. It is concluded that (i) in rat liver cells, AA does not activate an AA-regulated Ca2+-permeable channel, but does inhibit SOCs, and (ii) iso-tetrandrine and tetrandrine are effective blockers of CRAC (Ca2+-release-activated Ca2+) channel-like SOCs. These results indicate that AA-activated Ca2+-permeable channels do not contribute to hormone-induced increases or oscillations in [Ca2+]cyt in liver cells. However, AA may be a physiological modulator of Ca2+ inflow in these cells.

The blockade of cyclopiazonic acid-induced store-operated Ca2+ entry pathway by YC-1 in neutrophils

In the presence of external Ca2+, pretreatment of neutrophils with 3-(5'-hydroxymethyl-2'-furyl)-1-benzyl indazole (YC-1) inhibited the cyclopiazonic acid (CPA)-induced [Ca2+](i) elevation in a concentration- but not a time-dependent manner, while YC-1 had no effect on the Ca2+ signals in a Ca2+-free medium. YC-1 failed to inhibit ATP- and interleukin-8 (IL-8)-induced [Ca2+](i) changes. Addition of YC-1 after cell activation strongly inhibited the CPA-induced [Ca2+](i) changes. In a classical Ca2+ readdition protocol, a similar extent inhibition of Ca2+ spike by YC-1 introduced either prior to or after CPA stimulation was obtained. In rat neutrophils, mRNA for endothelial differentiation gene (edg)1, edg5, edg6 and edg8, the putative targets for sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), could be detected. However, S1P was found to have little effect on Ca(2+) signals. YC-1 did not inhibit but enhanced the sphingosine-induced [Ca2+](i) changes. Inhibition by YC-1 of CPA-induced [Ca2+](i) changes was not prevented by 7-nitroindazole and N-(3-aminomethyl)benzylacetamidine (1400W), two nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors, by aristolochic acid, a phospholipase A(2) inhibitor, or by suspension in a Na(+)-deprived medium. YC-1 did not affect the mitochondrial membrane potential. Moreover, YC-1 did not alter [Ca2+](i) changes in response to ionomycin after CPA and formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLP) stimulation in a Ca2+-free medium. YC-1 had no effect on the basal [Ca2+](i) level, the pharmacologically isolated plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase activity, and Ba2+ entry into CPA-activated cells. YC-1 alone resulted in the accumulation of actin filaments in neutrophils, while significantly reduced the intensity of actin filament staining in the subsequent activation with CPA. These results indicate that YC-1 inhibited CPA-activated store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) probably through the direct blockade of channel activation and/or the disruption of the integrity of the actin cytoskeleton necessary for supporting Ca2+ entry pathway in neutrophils.

Signalling pathways regulating human neutrophil migration induced by secretory phospholipases A2

This study was designed to elucidate the signalling pathways by which secretory phospholipases A2 (sPLA2s) induce in vitro neutrophil migration. The cell migration assays were performed with Naja mocambique venom PLA2 (sPLA2 with high catalytic activity), bothropstoxin-I (sPLA2 devoid of catalytic activity) and platelet-activating factor (PAF), using a 48-well microchemotaxis chamber. Both the non-selective protein kinase inhibitor staurosporine (30-300 nM) and the selective protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor 1-(5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-methylpyperazine (H7; 50-200 microM) as well as the Gi inactivator pertussis toxin (30-300 nM) caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of the neutrophil migration induced by either N. mocambique venom PLA2 (100 microg/ml) or bothropstoxin-I (100 microg/ml). Pertussis toxin nearly abolished PAF-induced migration, while staurosporine and H7 partly (but significantly) inhibited the chemotactic responses to PAF. The dual inhibitor of cytosolic PLA2 and Ca2+ -independent PLA2 (iPLA2), arachidonil-trifluoromethyl-ketone (ATK; 0.2-20 microM), or the specific iPLA2 inhibitor bromoenol lactone (1-30 microM) caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of the migration induced by either sPLA2s. At the maximal concentration used for each compound, the migration was almost suppressed. In contrast, both of these compounds caused only slight inhibitions of PAF-induced migration. No rise in intracellular Ca2+ was observed in neutrophil-stimulated sPLA2, as determined in cells preloaded with fura 2-AM. In the experimental condition used, pertussis toxin, staurosporine, H7, ATK or bromoenol lactone did not induce cytotoxic effects, according to MTT assay. Our results suggest that activation of an endogenous PLA2 through activation of GTP-binding protein and PKC is the main mechanism by which exogenous sPLA2s cause neutrophil migration.

Arachidonic acid regulates two Ca2+ entry pathways via nitric oxide

Several regulated Ca2+ entry pathways have been identified, with capacitative Ca2+ entry (CCE) being the most characterized. In the present study, we examined Ca2+ entry pathways regulated by arachidonic acid (AA) in mouse parotid acini. AA induced Ca2+ release from intracellular stores, and increased Ca2+ entry. AA inhibited thapsigargin (Tg)-induced CCE, whereas AA activated Ca2+ entry when CCE was blocked by gadolinium (Gd3+). AA-induced Ca2+ entry was associated with depletion of calcium from ryanodine-sensitive stores; both AA-induced Ca2+ release and Ca2+ entry were inhibited by tetracaine and the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, 7-nitroindazole (7-NI). The nitric oxide (NO) donor, 1,2,3,4-ox-triazolium,5-amino-3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-chloride (GEA 3162), but not 8-bromo-cGMP, mimicked the effects of AA in inhibiting CCE. Results suggest that AA acts via nitric acid to inhibit the CCE pathway that is selective for Ca2+, and to activate a second Ca2+ entry pathway that is dependent on depletion of Ca2+ from ryanodine-sensitive stores.

Itraconazole antagonizes store-operated influx of calcium into chemoattractant-activated human neutrophils

We have investigated the effects of itraconazole (0.1-10 micro m), an antimycotic which is often used prophylactically in primary and secondary immunodeficiency disorders, including chronic granulomatous disease, on mobilization of Ca(2+) and restoration of Ca(2+) homeostasis following activation of neutrophils with FMLP or PAF. Transmembrane fluxes of Ca(2+), as well as cytosolic concentrations of the cation were measured using a combination of spectrofluorimetric and radiometric procedures. The abruptly occurring increases in cytosolic Ca(2+) following activation of the cells with either FMLP (1 micro m) or PAF (200 nm) were unaffected by itraconazole. However, the subsequent store-operated influx of the cation was attenuated by itraconazole at concentrations of 0.25 micro m and higher. The itraconazole-mediated inhibition of uptake of Ca(2+) was not associated with detectable alterations in the intracellular concentrations of cyclic AMP, ATP or inositol triphosphate, and appeared to be compatible with antagonism of store-operated Ca(2+) channels. Although a secondary property, this anti-inflammatory activity of itraconazole, if operative in vivo, may be beneficial in conditions associated with dysregulation of neutrophil Ca(2+) handling such as CGD.

Arachidonic acid in astrocytes blocks Ca(2+) oscillations by inhibiting store-operated Ca(2+) entry, and causes delayed Ca(2+) influx

ATP-elicited oscillations of the concentration of free intracellular Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)) in rat brain astrocytes were abolished by simultaneous arachidonic acid (AA) addition, whereas the tetraenoic analogue 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid (ETYA) was ineffective. Inhibition of oscillations is due to suppression by AA of intracellular Ca(2+) store refilling. Short-term application of AA, but not ETYA, blocked Ca(2+) influx, which was evoked by depletion of stores with cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) or thapsigargin (Tg). Addition of AA after ATP blocked ongoing [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations. Prolonged AA application without or with agonist could evoke a delayed [Ca(2+)](i) increase. This AA-induced [Ca(2+)](i) rise developed slowly, reached a plateau after 5 min, could be reversed by addition of bovine serum albumin (BSA), that scavenges AA, and was blocked by 1 microM Gd(3+), indicative for the influx of extracellular Ca(2+). Specificity for AA as active agent was demonstrated by ineffectiveness of C16:0, C18:0, C20:0, C18:2, and ETYA. Moreover, the action of AA was not affected by inhibitors of oxidative metabolism of AA (ibuprofen, MK886, SKF525A). Thus, AA exerted a dual effect on astrocytic [Ca(2+)](i), firstly, a rapid reduction of capacitative Ca(2+) entry thereby suppressing [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations, and secondly inducing a delayed activation of Ca(2+) entry, also sensitive to low Gd(3+) concentration.

Nitric oxide co-ordinates the activities of the capacitative and non-capacitative Ca2+-entry pathways regulated by vasopressin

In A7r5 vascular smooth muscle cells vasopressin, via arachidonic acid, regulates two Ca(2+)-entry pathways. Capacitative Ca(2+) entry (CCE), activated by empty Ca(2+) stores, is inhibited by arachidonic acid, and non-capacitative Ca(2+) entry (NCCE) is stimulated by it. This reciprocal regulation ensures that all Ca(2+) entry is via NCCE in the presence of vasopressin, while CCE mediates a transient Ca(2+) entry only after removal of vasopressin. We demonstrate that type III NO synthase (NOS III) is expressed in A7r5 cells and that NO inhibits CCE. Inhibition of CCE by vasopressin requires NOS III and the requirement lies downstream of arachidonic acid. Activation of soluble guanylate cyclase by NO and subsequent activation of protein kinase G are required for inhibition of CCE. Stimulation of NCCE by vasopressin also requires NOS III, but the stimulation is neither mimicked by cGMP nor blocked by inhibitors of soluble guanylate cyclase or protein kinase G. We conclude that arachidonic acid formed in response to vasopressin stimulates NOS III. NO then directly stimulates Ca(2+) entry through NCCE and, via protein kinase G, it inhibits CCE. The additional amplification provided by the involvement of guanylate cyclase and protein kinase G ensures that CCE will always be inhibited when vasopressin activates NCCE.

Evidence for the involvement of the unique C-tail of S100A9 in the binding of arachidonic acid to the heterocomplex S100A8/A9

Protein complexes formed by S100A8 and S100A9 represent the only AA-binding capacity in the human neutrophilic cytosol and are involved in the intracellular arachidonic acid metabolism. The formation of S100A8/A9 protein complexes and the binding of calcium to the complexes are prerequisites for the specific binding of polyunsaturated fatty acids. The present study was undertaken to characterize the fatty acid binding site within the protein complex. Deletions at both termini and point mutations of different basic amino acids especially within the extended C-terminal tail of human S100A9 were introduced. The S100A9 mutant proteins were then analyzed with respect to protein-protein interaction (GST pull down-assay and yeast two-hybrid system) and functional properties (arachidonic acid and calcium binding). The data give strong evidence that the unique C-tail of S100A9 containing the three consecutive histidine residues (His103-His105) represents the region to which the fatty acid carboxy-group is bound to the protein complex. The localization of the AA-binding site within the unique C-tail of S100A9 correlates with the fact that fatty acid binding has not yet been reported for other S100 proteins.

Arachidonic acid inhibition of muscarinic receptor-mediated nitric oxide production occurs at the level of calcium mobilization in Chinese hamster ovary cells

Strong evidence supports that nitric oxide (NO) alters cell signaling pathways involving arachidonic acid (AA). Little is known, however, about the reciprocal modulation of nitrergic pathways by AA. The effects of exogenous AA on signal transduction of M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors were investigated in a model system of stably transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells. AA concentration-dependently inhibited the effects of carbachol in producing NO (IC50 = 191 microM) but did not alter inositol phosphate production or M1 receptor binding. AA inhibited both carbachol-induced transient and sustained increase in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i; IC50 = 11 and 12 microM, respectively). Furthermore, AA-induced increase in [Ca2+]i cross-desensitizes with thapsigargin, but AA does not inhibit Ca(2+)-ATPase activity. These data support the concept that AA concentration-dependently inhibits receptor-mediated NO production at the level of calcium mobilization.

Reciprocal regulation of capacitative and non-capacitative Ca2+ entry in A7r5 vascular smooth muscle cells: only the latter operates during receptor activation

In A7r5 vascular smooth muscle cells, Arg(8)-vasopressin (AVP) stimulates phospholipase C leading to activation of two distinct Ca(2+) entry pathways. The capacitative Ca(2+) entry (CCE) pathway is activated by depletion of Ca(2+) stores, is permeable to Mn(2+), Ba(2+) and Ca(2+), and is selectively blocked by Gd(3+)(1 microM). A7r5 cells also express a non-capacitative Ca(2+) entry (NCCE) pathway, which is activated by arachidonic acid that is released by the sequential activities of phospholipase C and diacylglycerol lipase. This pathway is permeable to Sr(2+), Ba(2+) and Ca(2+) and selectively blocked by (R,S)-(3,4-dihydro-6,7-dimethoxy-isochinolin-1-yl)-2-phenyl-N,N-di[2-(2,3,4-trimethoxyphenyl)ethyl]acetamid mesylate ("LOE-908"). We use these selective tools to show that AVP, via the same signalling pathway that leads to activation of NCCE, also inhibits CCE and that the inhibition is not due to depolarization of the plasma membrane. Using the selective inhibitors to resolve the contributions of each Ca(2+) entry pathway during stimulation with AVP, we establish that reciprocal regulation of CCE and NCCE by arachidonic acid ensures that only NCCE is active in the presence of AVP, whereas CCE is active only after its removal. NCCE and CCE are therefore activated in a strict temporal sequence: NCCE first and then CCE. Because Ca(2+) passing through different Ca(2+) entry pathways can selectively regulate different responses, reciprocal regulation of CCE and NCCE may allow a stimulus to first evoke a response and then recruit actively a different response when the stimulus is removed.

Mutual antagonism of calcium entry by capacitative and arachidonic acid-mediated calcium entry pathways

In nonexcitable cells, the predominant mechanism for regulated entry of Ca(2+) is capacitative calcium entry, whereby depletion of intracellular Ca(2+) stores signals the activation of plasma membrane calcium channels. A number of other regulated Ca(2+) entry pathways occur in specific cell types, however, and it is not know to what degree the different pathways interact when present in the same cell. In this study, we have examined the interaction between capacitative calcium entry and arachidonic acid-activated calcium entry, which co-exist in HEK293 cells. These two pathways exhibit mutual antagonism. That is, capacitative calcium entry is potently inhibited by arachidonic acid, and arachidonic acid-activated entry is inhibited by the pre-activation of capacitative calcium entry with thapsigargin. In the latter case, the inhibition does not seem to result from a direct action of thapsigargin, inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) pumps, depletion of Ca(2+) stores, or entry of Ca(2+) through capacitative calcium entry channels. Rather, it seems that a discrete step in the pathway signaling capacitative calcium entry interacts with and inhibits the arachidonic acid pathway. The findings reveal a novel process of mutual antagonism between two distinct calcium entry pathways. This mutual antagonism may provide an important protective mechanism for the cell, guarding against toxic Ca(2+) overload.

Signaling pathways underlying muscarinic receptor-induced [Ca2+]i oscillations in HEK293 cells

We have investigated the signaling pathways underlying muscarinic receptor-induced calcium oscillations in human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells. Activation of muscarinic receptors with a maximal concentration of carbachol (100 microm) induced a biphasic rise in cytoplasmic calcium ([Ca2+]i) comprised of release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores and influx of Ca2+ from the extracellular space. A lower concentration of carbachol (5 microm) induced repetitive [Ca2+]i spikes or oscillations, the continuation of which was dependent on extracellular Ca2+. The entry of Ca2+ with 100 microm carbachol and with the sarcoplasmic-endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase inhibitor, thapsigargin, was completely blocked by 1 microm Gd3+, as well as 30-100 microm concentrations of the membrane-permeant inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor inhibitor, 2-aminoethyoxydiphenyl borane (2-APB). Sensitivity to these inhibitors is indicative of capacitative calcium entry. Arachidonic acid, a candidate signal for Ca2+ entry associated with [Ca2+]i oscillations in HEK293 cells, induced entry that was inhibited only by much higher concentrations of Gd3+ and was unaffected by 100 microm 2-APB. Like arachidonic acid-induced entry, the entry associated with [Ca2)]i oscillations was insensitive to inhibition by Gd3+ but was completely blocked by 100 microm 2-APB. These findings indicate that the signaling pathway responsible for the Ca2+) entry driving [Ca2+]i oscillations in HEK293 cells is more complex than originally thought, and may involve neither capacitative calcium entry nor a role for PLA2 and arachidonic acid.

Chlorpromazine inhibits store-operated calcium entry and subsequent noradrenaline secretion in PC12 cells

1. The effect of chlorpromazine on the store-operated Ca2+ entry activated via the phospholipase C signalling pathway was investigated in PC12 cells. 2. Chlorpromazine inhibited the sustained increase after the initial peak in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration produced by bradykinin while having no effect on the initial transient response. The inhibition was lowered by the removal of extracellular free Ca2+. However, chlorpromazine did not inhibit bradykinin-induced inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate production. 3. Chlorpromazine inhibited the bradykinin-induced noradrenaline secretion in a concentration-dependent manner (IC(50): 24+/-5 microM, n=3). 4. To test for a direct effect of chlorpromazine on store-operated Ca2+ entry, thapsigargin, an inhibitor of microsomal Ca(2+)-ATPase, was used to induce store-operated Ca2+ entry in PC12 cells. Chlorpromazine reduced the thapsigargin-induced sustained Ca2+ level (IC(50): 24+/-2 microM, n=3), and the inhibition also occluded the inhibitory action of 1-[-[3-(4-methoxyphenyl) propoxy]-4-methoxyphenyl]-1H-imidazole hydrochloride (SK&F96365). 5. The results suggest that chlorpromazine negatively modulates the store-operated Ca2+ entry activated subsequent to PLC activation.

Inhibition of rabbit platelet aggregation by nucleoside 5'-alkylphosphates: correlation with inhibition of agonist-induced calcium influx

We investigated the effects of uridine 5'-alkylphosphates on agonist-induced aggregation, increased intracellular calcium concentration [Ca(2+)](i), and Ca(2+) (Mn(2+)) influx in washed rabbit platelets. Uridine 5'-hexadecylphosphate (UMPC16) and uridine 5'-eicosylphosphate (UMPC20) at a concentration of 1 x 10(-5) M inhibited platelet aggregation induced by platelet-activating factor (PAF), thrombin, arachidonic acid, and ADP. UMPC16 did not cause significant interference in the binding of [(3)H-acetyl]PAF to platelets. The inhibition of PAF-induced platelet aggregation by UMPC16 was dependent upon the addition time; UMPC16 was ineffective at 60 sec when the extracellular calcium uptake reached the maximum level in PAF-stimulated platelets. Furthermore, UMPC16 inhibited guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate)-induced platelet aggregation but did not affect ionophore A23187- and calcium-independent agonist phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-induced platelet aggregation. UMPC16 markedly inhibited the Ca(2+) (Mn(2+)) influx induced by PAF and ADP, and partly inhibited the [Ca(2+)](i) increase induced by the receptor-mediated stimulation. On the other hand, UMPC16 did not affect the [Ca(2+)](i) increase and Ca(2+) (Mn(2+)) influx induced by ionomycin. These experiments suggest that inhibition of calcium influx associated with receptor-mediated platelet activation may be involved in the action of UMPC16.

The role of mitochondria in the regulation of calcium influx into Jurkat cells

In electrically nonexcitable cells the activity of the plasma membrane calcium channels is controlled by events occurring in mitochondria, as well as in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum. Thapsigargin, a specific inhibitor of endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase, produces the release of calcium from the endoplasmic reticulum and thus, activation of store-operated calcium channels in the plasma membrane. However, thapsigargin failed to produce significant activation of the channels in Jurkat cells that had been pretreated with mitochondria-directed agents: an uncoupler (carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone) and oligomycin. This is in spite of the fact that Jurkat cells pretreated with carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone plus oligomycin are otherwise energetically competent, due to a high rate of glycolysis and the inhibition of mitochondrial F1Fo-ATPase by oligomycin. The pool of intracellular ATP was found not to be influenced by the pretreatments of cells with oligomycin or with oligomycin plus carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone. In the control cells, we found that the ATP pool amounted to 23.2 +/- 1.9 nmoles per 107 cells (n = 4). In cells pretreated with oligomycin the level of ATP was 21.8 +/- 1.9 nmoles per 107 cells (n = 4), and in cells pretreated with both oligomycin and an uncoupler the level of ATP was 22.1 +/- 0.2 nmoles per 107 cells (n = 3). Moreover, in cells pretreated with oligomycin plus carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone and suspended in a nominally calcium-free medium, thapsigargin produces transient increases in cytosolic calcium identical to those in the control cells. Thus, this pretreatment does not modify either the content of intracellular calcium stores and/or the activity of calcium ATPase in the plasma membrane. Similar results were obtained when Jurkat cells were challenged by myxothiazol, a potent inhibitor of mitochondrial cytochrome bc1 oxidoreductase. Thapsigargin, although producing calcium release from intracellular stores, was ineffective in triggering the activation of calcium channels in the plasma membrane in the case of cells pretreated with myxothiazol and oligomycin. Our results suggest that coupled mitochondria participate directly in the control of calcium channel activity in the plasma membrane of Jurkat cells. When the mitochondrial protonmotive force is collapsed, either by carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone or myxothiazol, the channel remains inactive even under conditions of empty intracellular calcium stores.

A non-capacitative pathway activated by arachidonic acid is the major Ca2+ entry mechanism in rat A7r5 smooth muscle cells stimulated with low concentrations of vasopressin

1. Depletion of the Ca2+ stores of A7r5 cells stimulated Ca2+, though not Sr2+, entry. Vasopressin (AVP) or platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) stimulated Sr2+ entry. The cells therefore express a capacitative pathway activated by empty stores and a non-capacitative pathway stimulated by receptors; only the former is permeable to Mn2+ and only the latter to Sr2+. 2. Neither empty stores nor inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) binding to its receptors are required for activation of the non-capacitative pathway, because microinjection of cells with heparin prevented PDGF-evoked Ca2+ mobilization but not Sr2+ entry. 3. Low concentrations of Gd3+ irreversibly blocked capacitative Ca2+ entry without affecting AVP-evoked Sr2+ entry. After inhibition of the capacitative pathway with Gd3+, AVP evoked a substantial increase in cytosolic [Ca2+], confirming that the non-capacitative pathway can evoke a significant increase in cytosolic [Ca2+]. 4. Arachidonic acid mimicked the effect of AVP on Sr2+ entry without stimulating Mn2+ entry; the Sr2+ entry was inhibited by 100 microM Gd3+, but not by 1 microM Gd3+ which completely inhibited capacitative Ca2+ entry. The effects of arachidonic acid did not require its metabolism. 5. AVP-evoked Sr2+ entry was unaffected by isotetrandrine, an inhibitor of G protein-coupled phospholipase A2. U73122, an inhibitor of phosphoinositidase C, inhibited AVP-evoked formation of inositol phosphates and Sr2+ entry. The effects of phorbol esters and Ro31-8220 (a protein kinase C inhibitor) established that protein kinase C did not mediate the effects of AVP on the non-capacitative pathway. An inhibitor of diacylglycerol lipase, RHC-80267, inhibited AVP-evoked Sr2+ entry without affecting capacitative Ca2+ entry or release of Ca2+ stores. 6. Selective inhibition of capacitative Ca2+ entry with Gd3+ revealed that the non-capacitative pathway is the major route for the Ca2+ entry evoked by low AVP concentrations. 7. We conclude that in A7r5 cells, the Ca2+ entry evoked by low concentrations of AVP is mediated largely by a non-capacitative pathway directly regulated by arachidonic acid produced by the sequential activities of phosphoinositidase C and diacylglycerol lipase.

Process extension and intracellular Ca2+ in cultured murine oligodendrocytes

Previous investigations have shown that phorbol esters stimulate process extension in oligodendrocytes (OL), likely by the activation of protein kinase C (PKC). In this report, we demonstrate that treatment of OL with 4beta-phorbol-12, 13-dibutyrate (PDB; 0.1-1 microM) resulted in an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) from 94+/-2 nM (mean+/-S.E.M.) to 244+/-10 nM. This increase was produced by Ca2+ influx through a La3+-insensitive pathway. Changes in [Ca2+]i were also produced by modifying the extracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]o) where [Ca2+]i was increased by elevations in [Ca2+]o. In parallel experiments we found that increased [Ca2+]o alone, without concurrent phorbol ester application, resulted in increased OL process extension as determined by the percent of OL with long processes (greater than 3 times the cell body diameter). These results demonstrate that increasing [Ca2+]o stimulates OL process outgrowth. Furthermore, both elevations in [Ca2+]o and PDB exposure increase [Ca2+]i, suggesting that some of the effects of phorbol esters on OL process extension are likely mediated by changes in [Ca2+]i.

Role of Ca2+-ATPase inhibitors in activation of cytosolic phospholipase A2 in human polymorphonuclear neutrophils

In the present study, we investigated the involvement of Ca2+-signaling and protein kinases in the effect of Ca2+-ATPase inhibitors on the activation of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) in human polymorphonuclear neutrophils. We found that activity and mobility on electrophoresis gels of the cPLA2 protein were significantly increased by f-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLP), 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and the Ca2+-ATPase inhibitors, thapsigargin and cyclopiazonic acid. This effect was completely suppressed by staurosporine. Calphostin C partially inhibited the fMLP- and PMA-induced cPLA 2 activation, but had no influence on thapsigargin- and cyclopiazonic acid-treated cells. Thapsigargin and cyclopiazonic acid also showed no effect on protein kinase C activity. However, the thapsigargin- and cyclopiazonic acid-induced cPLA2 activation was completely inhibited by the tyrosine kinase inhibitor, erbstatin, and Ca2+ chelator, EGTA. In addition, the cPLA2 activity was reduced after pretreatment with the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase inhibitor PD98059. The arachidonic acid release was significantly reduced in cells pretreated with the cPLA2 inhibitor, AACOCF3. Furthermore, we found that the human neutrophil cPLA2 cDNA contain a Ca2+-dependent-lipid binding domain which shares homology to several other enzymes such as protein kinase C and phospholipase C. Our results suggest that tyrosine kinases and the MAP kinase cascade are involved in Ca2+-ATPase inhibitor-induced activation and phosphorylation of cPLA2. Protein kinase C is not required in this event.

Intracellular Ca2+ mediates lipoxygenase-induced proliferation of U-373 MG human astrocytoma cells

The role of intracellular Ca2+ in the regulation of tumor cell proliferation by products of arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism was investigated using U-373 MG human astrocytoma cells. Treatment with nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), a lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibitor, or caffeic acid (CA), a specific 5-LOX inhibitor, suppressed proliferation of the tumor cells in a dose-dependent manner. However, indomethacin (Indo), a cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor, did not significantly alter proliferation of the tumor cells. At anti-proliferative concentrations, NDGA and CA significantly inhibited intracellular Ca2+ release induced by carbachol, a known intracellular Ca2+ agonist in the tumor cells. Exogenous administration of leukotriene B4 (LTB4), an AA metabolite of LOX pathway, enhanced proliferation of the tumor cells in a concentration-dependent fashion. In addition, LTB4 induced intracellular Ca2+ release. Intracellular Ca2+ inhibitors, such as an intracellular Ca2+ chelator (BAPTA) and intracellular Ca(2+)-release inhibitors (dantrolene and TMB-8), significantly blocked the LTB4-induced enhancement of cell proliferation and intracellular Ca2+ release. These results suggest that LOX activity may be critical for cell proliferation of the human astrocytoma cells and that intracellular Ca2+ may play a major role in the mechanism of action of LOX.