Stimulus-response coupling in mammalian ciliated cells. Demonstration of two mechanisms of control for cytosolic [Ca2+]

Optimizations of In Vitro Mucus and Cell Culture Models to Better Predict In Vivo Gene Transfer in Pathological Lung Respiratory Airways: Cystic Fibrosis as an Example

The respiratory epithelium can be affected by many diseases that could be treated using aerosol gene therapy. Among these, cystic fibrosis (CF) is a lethal inherited disease characterized by airways complications, which determine the life expectancy and the effectiveness of aerosolized treatments. Beside evaluations performed under in vivo settings, cell culture models mimicking in vivo pathophysiological conditions can provide complementary insights into the potential of gene transfer strategies. Such models must consider multiple parameters, following the rationale that proper gene transfer evaluations depend on whether they are performed under experimental conditions close to pathophysiological settings. In addition, the mucus layer, which covers the epithelial cells, constitutes a physical barrier for gene delivery, especially in diseases such as CF. Artificial mucus models featuring physical and biological properties similar to CF mucus allow determining the ability of gene transfer systems to effectively reach the underlying epithelium. In this review, we describe mucus and cellular models relevant for CF aerosol gene therapy, with a particular emphasis on mucus rheology. We strongly believe that combining multiple pathophysiological features in single complex cell culture models could help bridge the gaps between in vitro and in vivo settings, as well as viral and non-viral gene delivery strategies.

Energy sources that fuel metabolic processes in protruding finger-like organelles

Cells possess a variety of organelles with characteristic structure and subcellular localization intimately linked to their specific function. While most are intracellular and found in virtually all eukaryotic cells, there is a small group of organelles of elongated cylindrical shapes in highly specialized cells that protrude into the extracellular space, such as cilia, flagella, and microvilli. The ATP required by intracellular organelles is amply available in the cytosol, largely generated by mitochondria. However, such is not the case for cilia and flagella, whose slender structures cannot accommodate mitochondria. These organelles consume massive amounts of ATP to carry out high energy-demanding functions, such as sensory transduction or motility. ATP from the nearest mitochondria or other reactions within the cell body is severely limited by diffusion and generally insufficient to fuel the entire length of cilia and flagella. These organelles overcome this fuel restriction by local generation of ATP, using mechanisms that vary depending on the nutrients that are available in their particular external environment. Here, we review, with emphasis in mammals, the remarkable adaptations that cilia and flagella use to fuel their metabolic needs. Additionally, we discuss how a decrease in nutrients surrounding olfactory cilia might impair olfaction in COVID-19 patients.

Nitric oxide activation by progesterone suppresses ATP-induced ciliary activity in oviductal ciliated cells

Ciliary beat frequency (CBF) regulates the oviductal transport of oocytes and embryos, which are important components of the reproductive process. Local release of ATP transiently increases CBF by increasing [Ca2+]i. Ovarian hormones also regulate ciliary activity and oviductal transport. Progesterone (P4) induces nitric oxide (NO) production and high P4 concentrations induce ciliary dysfunction. However, the mechanism by which P4 affects CBF has not been elucidated. To evaluate the role of P4 in NO production and its effect on ATP-induced increases in CBF, we measured CBF, NO concentrations and [Ca2+]i in cultures of oviductal ciliated cells treated with P4 or NO signalling-related molecules. ATP induced a [Ca2+]i peak, followed by an increase in NO concentrations that were temporally correlated with the decreased phase of the transiently increased CBF. Furthermore, P4 increased the expression of nitric oxide synthases (iNOS and nNOS) and reduced the ATP-induced increase in CBF via a mechanism that involves the NO signalling pathway. These results have improved our knowledge about intracellular messengers controlling CBF and showed that NO attenuates oviduct cell functions. Furthermore, we showed that P4 regulates neurotransmitter (ATP) actions on CBF via the NO pathway, which could explain pathologies where oviductal transport is altered and fertility decreased.

An autocrine ATP release mechanism regulates basal ciliary activity in airway epithelium

KEY POINTS

Extracellular ATP, in association with [Ca²⁺ ]_i regulation, is required to maintain basal ciliary beat frequency. Increasing extracellular ATP levels increases ciliary beating in airway epithelial cells, maintaining a sustained response by inducing the release of additional ATP. Extracellular ATP levels in the millimolar range, previously associated with pathophysiological conditions of the airway epithelium, produce a transient arrest of ciliary activity. The regulation of ciliary beat frequency is dependent on ATP release by hemichannels (connexin/pannexin) and P2X receptor activation, the blockage of which may even stop ciliary movement. The force exerted by cilia, measured by atomic force microscopy, is reduced following extracellular ATP hydrolysis. This result complements the current understanding of the ciliary beating regulatory mechanism, with special relevance to inflammatory diseases of the airway epithelium that affect mucociliary clearance.

ABSTRACT

Extracellular nucleotides, including ATP, are locally released by the airway epithelium and stimulate ciliary activity in a [Ca²⁺ ]_i -dependent manner after mechanical stimulation of ciliated cells. However, it is unclear whether the ATP released is involved in regulating basal ciliary activity and mediating changes in ciliary activity in response to chemical stimulation. In the present study, we evaluated ciliary beat frequency (CBF) and ciliary beating forces in primary cultures from mouse tracheal epithelium, using videomicroscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM), respectively. Extracellular ATP levels and [Ca²⁺ ]_i were measured by luminometric and fluorimetric assays, respectively. Uptake of ethidium bromide was measured to evaluate hemichannel functionality. We show that hydrolysis of constitutive extracellular ATP levels with apyrase (50 U ml^-1 ) reduced basal CBF by 45% and ciliary force by 67%. The apyrase effect on CBF was potentiated by carbenoxolone, a hemichannel inhibitor, and oxidized ATP, an antagonist used to block P2X7 receptors, which reduced basal CBF by 85%. Additionally, increasing extracellular ATP levels (0.1-100 μm) increased CBF, maintaining a sustained response that was suppressed in the presence of carbenoxolone. We also show that high levels of ATP (1 mm), associated with inflammatory conditions, lowered basal CBF by reducing [Ca²⁺ ]_i and hemichannel functionality. In summary, we provide evidence indicating that airway epithelium ATP release is the molecular autocrine mechanism regulating basal ciliary activity and is also the mediator of the ciliary response to chemical stimulation.

Avertin®, but Not Volatile Anesthetics Addressing the Two-Pore Domain K+ Channel, TASK-1, Slows Down Cilia-Driven Particle Transport in the Mouse Trachea

RATIONALE

Volatile anesthetics inhibit mucociliary clearance in the airways. The two-pore domain K+ channel, TASK-1, represents one of their molecular targets in that they increase its open probability. Here, we determine whether particle transport speed (PTS) at the mucosal surface of the mouse trachea, an important factor of the cilia-driven mechanism in mucociliary clearance, is regulated by TASK-1.

METHODOLOGY/RESULTS

RT-PCR analysis revealed expression of TASK-1 mRNA in the manually dissected and laser-assisted microdissected tracheal epithelium of the mouse. Effects of anesthetics (isoflurane and Avertin®) and TASK-1 inhibitors (anandamide and A293) on ciliary activity were investigated by assessment of PTS at the mucosal surface of the explanted and opened murine trachea. Neither TASK-1 inhibitors nor isoflurane had any impact on basal and ATP-stimulated PTS. Avertin® reduced basal PTS, and ATP-stimulated PTS decreased in its presence in wild-type (WT) mice. Avertin®-induced decrease in basal PTS persisted in WT mice in the presence of TASK-1 inhibitors, and in two different strains of TASK-1 knockout mice.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

Our findings indicate that TASK-1 is expressed by the tracheal epithelium but is not critically involved in the regulation of tracheal PTS in mice. Avertin® reduces PTS independent of TASK-1.

Innervation of Gill Lateral Cells in the Bivalve Mollusc Crassostrea virginica Affects Cellular Membrane Potential and Cilia Activity

Gill lateral cells of Crassostrea virginica are innervated by the branchial nerve, which contains serotonergic and dopaminergic fibers that regulate cilia beating rate. Terminal release of serotonin or dopamine results in an increase or decrease, respectively, of cilia beating rate in lateral gill cells. In this study we used the voltage sensitive fluorescent probe DiBAC4(3) to quantify changes in gill lateral cell membrane potential in response to electrical stimulation of the branchial nerve or to applications of serotonin and dopamine, and correlate these changes to cilia beating rates. Application of serotonin to gill lateral cells caused prolonged membrane depolarization, similar to plateau potentials, while increasing cilia beating rate. Application of dopamine hyperpolarized the resting membrane while decreasing cilia beating rate. Low frequency (5 Hz) electrical stimulations of the branchial nerve, which cause terminal release of endogenous serotonin, or high frequency (20 Hz) stimulations, which cause terminal release of endogenous dopamine, had the same effects on gill lateral cell membrane potentials and cilia beating rate as the respective applications of serotonin or dopamine. The study shows that innervation of gill lateral cells by the branchial nerve affects membrane potential as well as cilia beating rate, and demonstrates a strong correlation between changes in membrane potential and regulation of cilia beating rate. The study furthers the understanding of serotonin and dopamine signaling in the innervation and regulation of gill cilia in bivalves. The study also shows that voltage sensitive fluorescent probes like DiBAC 4(3) can be successfully used as an alternative to microelectrodes to measure changes in membrane potential of ciliated gill cells and other small cells with fast moving cilia.

Epithelial cell culture from human adenoids: a functional study model for ciliated and secretory cells

Background. Mucociliary transport (MCT) is a defense mechanism of the airway. To study the underlying mechanisms of MCT, we have both developed an experimental model of cultures, from human adenoid tissue of ciliated and secretory cells, and characterized the response to local chemical signals that control ciliary activity and the secretion of respiratory mucins in vitro. Materials and Methods. In ciliated cell cultures, ciliary beat frequency (CBF) and intracellular Ca²⁺ levels were measured in response to ATP, UTP, and adenosine. In secretory cultures, mucin synthesis and secretion were identified by using immunodetection. Mucin content was taken from conditioned medium and analyzed in the presence or absence of UTP. Results. Enriched ciliated cell monolayers and secretory cells were obtained. Ciliated cells showed a basal CBF of 10.7 Hz that increased significantly after exposure to ATP, UTP, or adenosine. Mature secretory cells showed active secretion of granules containing different glycoproteins, including MUC5AC. Conclusion. Culture of ciliated and secretory cells grown from adenoid epithelium is a reproducible and feasible experimental model, in which it is possible to observe ciliary and secretory activities, with a potential use as a model to understand mucociliary transport control mechanisms.

Molecular modulation of airway epithelial ciliary response to sneezing

Our purpose was to evaluate the effect of the mechanical force of a sneeze on sinonasal cilia function and determine the molecular mechanism responsible for eliciting the ciliary response to a sneeze. A novel model was developed to deliver a stimulation simulating a sneeze (55 mmHg for 50 ms) at 26°C to the apical surface of mouse and human nasal epithelial cells. Ciliary beating was visualized, and changes in ciliary beat frequency (CBF) were determined. To interrogate the molecular cascades driving sneeze-induced changes of CBF, pharmacologic manipulation of intra- and extracellular calcium, purinergic, PKA, and nitric oxide (NO) signaling were performed. CBF rapidly increases by ≥150% in response to a sneeze, which is dependent on the release of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), calcium influx, and PKA activation. Furthermore, apical release of ATP is independent of calcium influx, but calcium influx and subsequent increase in CBF are dependent on the ATP release. Lastly, we observed a blunted ciliary response in surgical specimens derived from patients with chronic rhinosinusitis compared to control patients. Apical ATP release with subsequent calcium mobilization and PKA activation are involved in sinonasal ciliary response to sneezing, which is blunted in patients with upper-airway disease.

Computational modelling elucidates the mechanism of ciliary regulation in health and disease

Background

Ciliary dysfunction leads to a number of human pathologies, including primary ciliary dyskinesia, nephronophthisis, situs inversus pathology or infertility. The mechanism of cilia beating regulation is complex and despite extensive experimental characterization remains poorly understood. We develop a detailed systems model for calcium, membrane potential and cyclic nucleotide-dependent ciliary motility regulation.

Results

The model describes the intimate relationship between calcium and potassium ionic concentrations inside and outside of cilia with membrane voltage and, for the first time, describes a novel type of ciliary excitability which plays the major role in ciliary movement regulation. Our model describes a mechanism that allows ciliary excitation to be robust over a wide physiological range of extracellular ionic concentrations. The model predicts the existence of several dynamic modes of ciliary regulation, such as the generation of intraciliary Ca²⁺ spike with amplitude proportional to the degree of membrane depolarization, the ability to maintain stable oscillations, monostable multivibrator regimes, all of which are initiated by variability in ionic concentrations that translate into altered membrane voltage.

Conclusions

Computational investigation of the model offers several new insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms of ciliary pathologies. According to our analysis, the reported dynamic regulatory modes can be a physiological reaction to alterations in the extracellular environment. However, modification of the dynamic modes, as a result of genetic mutations or environmental conditions, can cause a life threatening pathology.

Effects of cigarette smoking on reproduction

BACKGROUND Cigarette smoking is associated with lower fecundity rates, adverse reproductive outcomes and a higher risk of IVF failures. Over the last few decades, prevalence of smoking among women of reproductive age has increased. This review focuses on current knowledge of the potential effects of smoke toxicants on all reproductive stages and the consequences of smoke exposure on reproductive functions. METHODS We conducted a systematic review of the scientific literature on the impact of cigarette smoking and smoke constituents on the different stages of reproductive function, including epidemiological, clinical and experimental studies. We attempted to create hypotheses and find explanations for the deleterious effects of cigarette smoke observed in experimental studies. RESULTS Cigarette smoke contains several thousand components (e.g. nicotine, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and cadmium) with diverse effects. Each stage of reproductive function, folliculogenesis, steroidogenesis, embryo transport, endometrial receptivity, endometrial angiogenesis, uterine blood flow and uterine myometrium is a target for cigarette smoke components. The effects of cigarette smoke are dose-dependent and are influenced by the presence of other toxic substances and hormonal status. Individual sensitivity, dose, time and type of exposure also play a role in the impact of smoke constituents on human fertility. CONCLUSIONS All stages of reproductive functions are targets of cigarette smoke toxicants. Further studies are necessary to better understand the deleterious effects of cigarette smoke compounds on the reproductive system in order to improve health care, help to reduce cigarette smoking and provide a better knowledge of the molecular mechanisms involved in reproductive toxicology.

Efficient mucociliary transport relies on efficient regulation of ciliary beating

The respiratory mucociliary epithelium is a synchronized and highly effective waste-disposal system. It uses mucus as a vehicle, driven by beating cilia, to transport unwanted particles, trapped in the mucus, away from the respiratory system. The ciliary machinery can function in at least two different modes: a low rate of beating that requires only ATP, and a high rate of beating regulated by second messengers. The mucus propelling velocity is linearly dependent on ciliary beat frequency (CBF). The linear dependence implies that a substantial increase in transport efficiency requires an equally substantial rise in CBF. The ability to enhance beating in response to various physiological cues is a hallmark of mucociliary cells. An intricate signaling network controls ciliary activity, which relies on interplay between calcium and cyclic nucleotide pathways.

Extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate alters motility and improves the fertilizing capability of mouse sperm

Extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATPe) treatment of human sperm has been implicated in improving in vitro fertilization (IVF) results. We used the mouse model to investigate mechanisms of action of ATPe on sperm. ATPe treatment significantly enhanced IVF success as indicated by both rate of pronuclear formation and percentage cleavage to the 2-cell stage. However, ATPe did not increase the percentage of sperm undergoing spontaneous acrosomal exocytosis nor change the pattern of protein tyrosine phosphorylation normally observed in capacitated sperm. ATPe altered sperm motility parameters; in particular, both noncapacitated and capacitated sperm swam faster and straighter. The percentage of hyperactivated sperm did not increase in capacitated ATPe-treated sperm compared to control sperm. ATPe induced a rapid increase in the level of intracellular calcium that was inhibited by two distinct P2 purinergic receptor inhibitors, confirming that these receptors have an ionotropic role in sperm function. The observed motility changes likely explain, in part, the improved fertilizing capability when ATPe-treated sperm were used in IVF procedures and suggest a mechanism by which ATPe treatment may be beneficial for artificial reproductive techniques.

Localized cytosolic alkalization and its functional impact in ciliary cells

Using confocal microscopy we demonstrate that ciliary cells from airway epithelium maintain two qualitatively distinct cytosolic regions in terms of pH regulation. While the bulk of the cytosol is stringently buffered and is virtually insensitive to changes in extracellular pH (pHo), the values of cytosolic pH in the vicinity of the ciliary membrane is largely determined by pHo. Variation of pHo from 6.2 up to 8.5 failed to affect ciliary beat frequency (CBF). Application of NH(4)Cl induced profound localized alkalization near cilia, which did not depress ciliary activity, but resulted in strong and prolonged enhancement of CBF. Calmodulin and protein kinase A (PKA) functionality was essential for the alkalization-induced CBF enhancement. We suggest that the ability of airway epithelium to sustain unusually strong but localized cytosolic alkalization near cilia facilitates CBF enhancement through altering the binding constants of Ca2+ to calmodulin and promotion of Ca2+-calmodulin complex formation. The NH4Cl-induced elevations in cytosolic pH and Ca2+ concentration act synergistically to activate calmodulin-dependent processes, cAMP pathway, and, thereby, stimulate CBF.

Effects of extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate on human sperm motility

Extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) previously has been shown to increase the fertilization percentage in human in vitro fertilization (IVF) performed for male factor infertility. The objective of this study is to determine the effects of extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATPe) on human sperm function by examining its effects on end points of sperm capacitation. Sperm obtained from healthy volunteers with normal semen parameters, asthenozoospermic men, and cryopreserved samples were incubated in medium with or without 2.5 mM ATPe. The effects of ATPe on acrosomal exocytosis, protein tyrosine phosphorylation, and sperm motility parameters were quantified. Although ATPe did not affect acrosomal exocytosis or protein tyrosine phosphorylation in sperm from healthy donors, it significantly altered several motility parameters, with the largest effects manifested in increased curvilinear velocity and percentage hyperactivation. ATPe similarly affected sperm selected for poor motility and thawed cryopreserved sperm but to a lesser extent than its effects on sperm with normal motility. ATPe increased straight-line velocity and linearity of sperm obtained from asthenozoospermic men. Human sperm motility characteristics are altered by ATPe; this finding may explain its previously reported beneficial effect on human IVF. These results suggest that ATPe could constitute a new therapeutic modality in the treatment of male infertility.

Ciliated epithelial-specific and regional-specific expression and regulation of the estrogen receptor-beta2 in the fallopian tubes of immature rats: a possible mechanism for estrogen-mediated transport process in vivo

Several ERbeta isoforms have been identified in human and rodent tissues, but it is unclear whether each isoform has distinctly different cellular targeting characteristics and physiological functions. We have investigated the intracellular localization and regulatory patterns for ERbeta isoforms in rat fallopian tubes. Western blot analysis reveals that two ERbeta isoforms corresponding to ERbeta1 and ERbeta2 are expressed in rat fallopian tubes. However, ERbeta2 is the predominant form of ERbeta in this tissue. High-resolution confocal imaging and immunohistochemical analysis provide ample evidence that ERbeta expression is limited almost exclusively to the ciliated epithelial cells, in contrast to ERalpha, which is widely distributed. Furthermore, within the ciliated epithelial cells, ERbeta is colocalized with beta-tubulin IV at stem portion of the cilia. We show that ERbeta2 protein expression is tightly regulated by E(2) or DPN in a time-dependent manner without changes in ERbeta1 expression. These estrogenic effects are inhibited by an ER antagonist, ICI 182,780. In addition, significant alteration of ERbeta immunoreactivity is detected only histologically in the ampullary region. Since the cilia are considered an essential determinant of tubal transport, we further demonstrate that E(2)- or DPN-induced ERbeta2 activation is associated with alterations in tubal protein expression crucial for the regulation of calcium-dependent ciliary beating. Given the coordinated regulation and interaction of ER and progesterone receptor in the cilia, we hypothesize that tubal ERbeta2 may facilitate the estrogen-mediated transport process by processing protein-protein interaction under physiological and/or pathological conditions. We show for the first time that a previously unrecognized localization of ERbeta isoform in rat fallopian tubes can combine with estrogen to individually control the expression of ER beta-isoforms in normal target tissues.

Regulation of mammalian ciliary beating

Recent advances in our understanding of the structure-function relationship of motile cilia with the 9 + 2 microtubular arrangement have helped explain some of the mechanisms of ciliary beat regulation by intracellular second messengers. These second messengers include cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) as well as calcium and pH. cAMP activates protein kinase A (PKA), which is localized to the axoneme. The cAMP-dependent phosphorylation of PKA's main target, originally described as p29 in Paramecium, seems to increase ciliary beat frequency (CBF) directly. The mechanism by which cGMP increases CBF is less well defined but involves protein kinase G and possibly PKA. Protein kinase C inhibits ciliary beating. The regulation mechanisms of CBF by calcium remain somewhat controversial, favoring an immediate, direct action of calcium on ciliary beating and a second cyclic nucleotide-dependent phase. Finally, intracellular pH likely affects CBF through direct influences on dynein arms.

The lactoperoxidase system links anion transport to host defense in cystic fibrosis

Chronic respiratory infections in cystic fibrosis result from CFTR channel mutations but how these impair antibacterial defense is less clear. Airway host defense depends on lactoperoxidase (LPO) that requires thiocyanate (SCN-) to function and epithelia use CFTR to concentrate SCN- at the apical surface. To test whether CFTR mutations result in impaired LPO-mediated host defense, CF epithelial SCN- transport was measured. CF epithelia had significantly lower transport rates and did not accumulate SCN- in the apical compartment. The lower CF [SCN-] did not support LPO antibacterial activity. Modeling of airway LPO activity suggested that reduced transport impairs LPO-mediated defense and cannot be compensated by LPO or H2O2 upregulation.

Intracellular Ca2+ regulates the phosphorylation and the dephosphorylation of ciliary proteins via the NO pathway

The phosphorylation profile of ciliary proteins under basal conditions and after stimulation by extracellular ATP was investigated in intact tissue and in isolated cilia from porcine airway epithelium using anti-phosphoserine and anti-phosphothreonine specific antibodies. In intact tissue, several polypeptides were serine phosphorylated in the absence of any treatment (control conditions). After stimulation by extracellular ATP, changes in the phosphorylation pattern were detected on seven ciliary polypeptides. Serine phosphorylation was enhanced for three polypeptides (27, 37, and 44 kD), while serine phosphorylation was reduced for four polypeptides (35, 69, 100, and 130 kD). Raising intracellular Ca²⁺ with ionomycin induced identical changes in the protein phosphorylation profile. Inhibition of the NO pathway by inhibiting either NO syntase (NOS), guanylyl cyclase (GC), or cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) abolished the changes in phosphorylation induced by ATP. The presence of PKG within the axoneme was demonstrated using a specific antibody. In addition, in isolated permeabilized cilia, submicromolar concentrations of cGMP induced protein phosphorylation. Taken together, these results suggest that the axoneme is an integral part of the intracellular NO pathway. The surprising observation that ciliary activation is accompanied by sustained dephosphorylation of ciliary proteins via NO pathway was not detected in isolated cilia, suggesting that the protein phosphatases were either lost or deactivated during the isolation procedure. This work reveals that any pharmacological manipulation that abolished phosphorylation and dephosphorylation also abolished the enhancement of ciliary beating. Thus, part or all of the phosphorylated polypeptides are likely directly involved in axonemal regulation of ciliary beating.

Plasma and intracellular membrane inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors mediate the Ca(2+) increase associated with the ATP-induced increase in ciliary beat frequency

An increase in intracellular free Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) has been shown to be involved in the increase in ciliary beat frequency (CBF) in response to ATP; however, the signaling pathways associated with inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP(3)) receptor-dependent Ca(2+) mobilization remain unresolved. Using radioimmunoassay techniques, we have demonstrated the appearance of two IP(3) peaks occurring 10 and 60 s after ATP addition, which was strongly correlated with a release of intracellular Ca(2+) from internal stores and an influx of extracellular Ca(2+), respectively. In addition, ATP-dependent Ca(2+) mobilization required protein kinase C (PKC) and Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II activation. We found an increase in PKC activity in response to ATP, with a peak at 60 s after ATP addition. Xestospongin C, an IP(3) receptor blocker, significantly diminished both the ATP-induced increase in CBF and the initial transient [Ca(2+)](i) component. ATP addition in the presence of xestospongin C or thapsigargin revealed that the Ca(2+) influx is also dependent on IP(3) receptor activation. Immunofluorescence and confocal microscopic studies showed the presence of IP(3) receptor types 1 and 3 in cultured ciliated cells. Immunogold electron microscopy localized IP(3) receptor type 3 to the nucleus, the endoplasmic reticulum, and, interestingly, the plasma membrane. In contrast, IP(3) receptor type 1 was found exclusively in the nucleus and the endoplasmic reticulum. Our study demonstrates for the first time the presence of IP(3) receptor type 3 in the plasma membrane in ciliated cells and leads us to postulate that the IP(3) receptor can directly trigger Ca(2+) influx in response to ATP.

Cellular Distribution and Functions of P2 Receptor Subtypes in Different Systems

This review is aimed at providing readers with a comprehensive reference article about the distribution and function of P2 receptors in all the organs, tissues, and cells in the body. Each section provides an account of the early history of purinergic signaling in the organ?cell up to 1994, then summarizes subsequent evidence for the presence of P2X and P2Y receptor subtype mRNA and proteins as well as functional data, all fully referenced. A section is included describing the plasticity of expression of P2 receptors during development and aging as well as in various pathophysiological conditions. Finally, there is some discussion of possible future developments in the purinergic signaling field.

Colocalization of chromogranin A and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor in ciliated cells of the bovine oviduct

Previous investigations of the expression of chromogranin A (CgA) have been performed primarily in neuroendocrine tissues containing amine and peptide secretory vesicles. More recently it has been shown that CgA, as a high capacity Ca2+ storage protein, interacts with the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor/Ca2+ channel (InsP3R) which has been found to be selectively localized in oviductal cells of the mouse. To examine a possible role of this coupling in the Ca2+-dependent ciliary movement, we investigated the topographical and cellular distribution of cells positive for CgA and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor type 2 (InsP3R2) in the bovine oviduct at different stages of the oestrous cycle. Using immunohistochemical techniques on paraffin-embedded tissue we have successfully shown that CgA is selectively expressed in ciliated cells of the bovine oviduct. The labelled cells show intense positive staining in the apical surface area in close vicinity to the ciliary apparatus. CgA-positive ciliated cells are most frequently observed at dioestrous while a lower number appears at oestrous. Additionally, secretory and intraepithelial neuroendocrine cells consistently do not stain with the CgA-antiserum. We then investigated whether the reported expression of the InsP3R in oviductal cells of the mouse corresponds to the expression of the InsP3R in bovine oviductal cells. Using a polyclonal antibody to the type 2 InsP3R, we found that the receptor is also selectively expressed in a similar matter to CgA in the apical cytoplasm of ciliated cells. This is the first morphological demonstration of the colocalization of CgA and InsP3R in epithelial ciliated cells of the bovine oviduct. Our results suggest that CgA and InsP3R could be involved in controlling the ciliary activity of oviductal epithelial cells.

Distinct axonemal processes underlie spontaneous and stimulated airway ciliary activity

Cilia are small organelles protruding from the cell surface that beat synchronously, producing biological transport. Despite intense research for over a century, the mechanisms underlying ciliary beating are still not well understood. Even the nature of the cytosolic molecules required for spontaneous and stimulated beating is debatable. In an effort to resolve fundamental questions related to cilia beating, we developed a method that integrates the whole-cell mode of the patch-clamp technique with ciliary beat frequency measurements on a single cell. This method enables to control the composition of the intracellular solution while the cilia remain intact, thus providing a unique tool to simultaneously investigate the biochemical and physiological mechanism of ciliary beating. Thus far, we investigated whether the spontaneous and stimulated states of cilia beating are controlled by the same intracellular molecular mechanisms. It was found that: (a) MgATP was sufficient to support spontaneous beating. (b) Ca(2+) alone or Ca(2+)-calmodulin at concentrations as high as 1 microM could not alter ciliary beating. (c) In the absence of Ca(2+), cyclic nucleotides produced a moderate rise in ciliary beating while in the presence of Ca(2+) robust enhancement was observed. These results suggest that the axonemal machinery can function in at least two different modes.

The mechanism of ciliary stimulation by acetylcholine: roles of calcium, PKA, and PKG

Stimulation of ciliary cells through muscarinic receptors leads to a strong biphasic enhancement of ciliary beat frequency (CBF). The main goal of this work is to delineate the chain of molecular events that lead to the enhancement of CBF induced by acetylcholine (ACh). Here we show that the Ca(2+), cGMP, and cAMP signaling pathways are intimately interconnected in the process of cholinergic ciliary stimulation. ACh induces profound time-dependent increase in cGMP and cAMP concentrations mediated by the calcium-calmodulin complex. The initial strong CBF enhancement in response to ACh is mainly governed by PKG and elevated calcium. The second phase of CBF enhancement induced by ACh, a stable moderately elevated CBF, is mainly regulated by PKA in a Ca(2+)-independent manner. Inhibition of either guanylate cyclase or of PKG partially attenuates the response to ACh of [Ca(2+)](i), but completely abolishes the response of CBF. Inhibition of PKA moderately attenuates and significantly shortens the responses to ACh of both [Ca(2+)](i) and CBF. In addition, PKA facilitates the elevation in [Ca(2+)](i) and cGMP levels induced by ACh, whereas an unimpeded PKG activity is essential for CBF enhancement mediated by either Ca(2+) or PKA.

Lack of nitric oxide involvement in cholinergic modulation of ovine ciliary beat frequency

Ciliary beat frequency (CBF) is regulated, at least in part, by the cytoplasmic calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)). Because Ca(2+) can stimulate nitric oxide (NO) production by nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and NO has been implicated in the regulation of CBF in some species, we examined whether NOS is present in cultured ovine ciliated epithelial cells and whether NO plays a role in the Ca(2+)-mediated muscarinic stimulation of CBF. Dissociated ovine tracheal epithelial cells were grown in culture for 2 to 14 days. Frequency from a single cilium was measured by on-line Fourier transform methods using video microscopy. [Ca(2+)](i) was determined with fura-2 using fluorescence ratio imaging from the same single cells. Ciliated cells contained NOS in culture as indicated by NADPH-diaphorase staining. Acetylcholine (ACh) increased CBF and [Ca(2+)](i) transiently as previously shown. Measurements with 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate indicated that reactive oxygen/nitrogen species were produced in these cells on ACh exposure. NOS inhibitors N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (< or =10 mM), N(G)-nitro-L-arginine (< or =10 mM), and 7-nitro indazole (1 microM) were unable to block the CBF or [Ca(2+)](i) response to ACh. Furthermore, the NO donors sodium nitroprusside and S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (< or =1 mM) did not change CBF or [Ca(2+)](i). Above these concentrations, they both lead to a reversible decrease in CBF. The membrane-permeable cyclic guanosine monophosphate analogue 8-bromo-cyclic guanosine monophosphate had no effect on CBF, whereas 8-bromo-cyclic adenosine monophosphate stimulated CBF. Taken together, these results suggest that NO does not play a role in mediating the ACh-induced increase in CBF through [Ca(2+)](i). The role and targets for NO in ovine ciliated cells remains to be determined.

Intracellular pathways regulating ciliary beating of rat brain ependymal cells

1. The mammalian brain ventricles are lined with ciliated ependymal cells. As yet little is known about the mechanisms by which neurotransmitters regulate cilia beat frequency (CBF). 2. Application of 5-HT to ependymal cells in cultured rat brainstem slices caused CBF to increase. 5-HT had an EC50 of 30 microM and at 100 microM attained a near-maximal CBF increase of 52.7 +/- 4.1 % (mean +/- s.d.) (n = 8). 3. Bathing slices in Ca2+-free solution markedly reduced the 5-HT-mediated increase in CBF. Fluorescence measurements revealed that 5-HT caused a marked transient elevation in cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]c) that then slowly decreased to a plateau level. Analysis showed that the [Ca2+]c transient was due to release of Ca2+ from inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3)-sensitive stores; the plateau was probably due to extracellular Ca2+ influx through Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels. 4. Application of ATP caused a sustained decrease in CBF. ATP had an EC50 of about 50 microM and 100 microM ATP resulted in a maximal 57.5 +/- 6.5 % (n = 12) decrease in CBF. The ATP-induced decrease in CBF was unaffected by lowering extracellular [Ca2+], and no changes in [Ca2+]c were observed. Exposure of ependymal cells to forskolin caused a decrease in CBF. Ciliated ependymal cells loaded with caged cAMP exhibited a 54.3 +/- 7.5 % (n = 9) decrease in CBF following uncaging. These results suggest that ATP reduces CBF by a Ca2+-independent cAMP-mediated pathway. 5. Application of 5-HT and adenosine-5'-O-3-thiotriphosphate (ATP-gamma-S) to acutely isolated ciliated ependymal cells resulted in CBF responses similar to those of ependymal cells in cultured slices suggesting that these neurotransmitters act directly on these cells. 6. The opposite response of ciliated ependymal cells to 5-HT and ATP provides a novel mechanism for their active involvement in central nervous system signalling.

Role of calcium and calmodulin in ciliary stimulation induced by acetylcholine

The goal of this work was to elucidate the molecular events underlying stimulation of ciliary beat frequency (CBF) induced by acetylcholine (ACh) in frog esophagus epithelium. ACh induces a profound increase in CBF and in intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) through M(1) and M(3) muscarinic receptors. The [Ca(2+)](i) slowly decays to the basal level, while CBF stabilizes at an elevated level. These results suggest that ACh triggers Ca(2+)-correlated and -uncorrelated modes of ciliary stimulation. ACh response is abolished by the phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor U-73122 and by depletion of intracellular Ca(2+) stores but is unaffected by reduction of extracellular Ca(2+) concentration and by blockers of Ca(2+) influx. Therefore, ACh activates PLC and mobilizes Ca(2+) solely from intracellular stores. The calmodulin inhibitors W-7 and calmidazolium attenuate the ACh-induced increase in [Ca(2+)](i) but completely abolish the elevation in CBF. Therefore, elevation of [Ca(2+)](i) is necessary for CBF enhancement but does not lead directly to it. The combined effect of Ca(2+) elevation and of additional factors, presumably mobilized by Ca(2+)-calmodulin, results in a robust CBF enhancement.

Constitutive release of ATP and evidence for major contribution of ecto-nucleotide pyrophosphatase and nucleoside diphosphokinase to extracellular nucleotide concentrations

Nucleotides are important extracellular signaling molecules. At least five mammalian P2Y receptors exist that are specifically activated by ATP, UTP, ADP, or UDP. Although the existence of ectoenzymes that metabolize extracellular nucleotides is well established, the relative flux of ATP and UTP through their extracellular metabolic products remains undefined. Therefore, we have studied the kinetics of accumulation and metabolism of endogenous ATP in the extracellular medium of four different cell lines. ATP concentrations reached a maximum immediately after change of medium and decreased thereafter with a single exponential decay (t(1/2);1 approximately;230-40 min). ATP levels did not fall to zero but attained a base-line concentration that was independent of the medium volume and of the initial ATP concentration. Although the base-line concentration of ATP remained stable for up to 12 h, [gamma-(32)P]ATP added to resting cells as a radiotracer was completely degraded within 120 min, indicating that steady state reflected a basal rate of ATP release balanced by ATP hydrolysis (20-200 fmol x min(-)(1) x cell(-)(6)). High performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed that the gamma-phosphate of ATP was rapidly, although transiently, transferred during steady state to species subsequently identified as UTP and GTP, indicating the existence of both ecto-nucleoside diphosphokinase activity and the accumulation of endogenous UDP and GDP. Conversely, addition of [gamma-(32)P]UTP to resting cells resulted in transient formation of [gamma-(32)P]ATP, indicating phosphorylation of endogenous ADP by nucleoside diphosphokinase. The final (32)P-products of [gamma-(32)P]ATP metabolism were [(32)P]orthophosphoric acid and a (32)P-labeled species that was further purified and identified as [(32)P]inorganic pyrophosphate. In C6 cells, the formation of [(32)P]pyrophosphate from [gamma-(32)P]ATP at steady state exceeded by 3-fold that of [(32)P]orthophosphate. These results illustrate for the first time a constitutive release of ATP and other nucleotides and reveal the existence of a complex extracellular metabolic pathway for released nucleotides. In addition to the existence of an ecto-ATPase activity, our results suggest a major scavenger role of ecto-ATP pyrophosphatase and a transphosphorylating activity of nucleoside diphosphokinase.

Functional cross talk after activation of P2 and P1 receptors in oviductal ciliated cells

The presence of ATP and adenosine receptors and their role in controlling ciliary activity in oviductal ciliated cells was studied by measuring the ciliary beat frequency (CBF) in oviductal tissue cultures. ATP, adenosine, and related compounds increased the CBF in a dose-dependent manner. We established that P2 receptors of subtype 2Y(2) and P1 receptors of subtype A(2a) mediated the responses to ATP and adenosine, respectively. We found evidence to suggest that stimulation of ciliary activity by ATP requires D-myo-inositol 1,4, 5-trisphosphate [Ins(1,4,5)P(3)] metabolism, intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization, and protein kinase C activation. On the other hand, the adenosine effect is mediated by activation of a G(s) protein-dependent pathway that enhances cAMP intracellular levels. To study the interaction between P2 and P1 receptors, cells were stimulated simultaneously with both agonists. We observed a synergistic increase of the CBF even at agonist concentrations (100 nM) that did not produce a significant response when added separately to the culture. Furthermore, a blocker of the cAMP pathway produced a reduction of the ATP response, whereas a blocker of the Ins(1,4,5)P(3) pathway also produced an inhibition of the adenosine response. Our evidence demonstrates that both ATP and adenosine receptors are present in a single ciliated cell and that a mechanism of cross talk could operate in the transduction pathways to control ciliary activity.

Aerosolization of P2Y(2)-receptor agonists enhances mucociliary clearance in sheep

The purpose of this study was to determine whether aerosolized INS316 (UTP) stimulates lung mucociliary clearance (MCC) in sheep and, if so, to compare its effects with INS365, a novel P2Y(2)-receptor agonist. In the first series of studies, we used a previously described roentgenographic technique to measure tracheal mucus velocity (TMV), an index of MCC, before and for 4 h after aerosolization of INS316 (10(-1) M and 10(-2) M) and INS365 (10(-1) M and 10(-2) M), or normal saline in a randomized crossover fashion (n = 6). In a second series of studies, we compared the ability of these agents to enhance total lung clearance. For these tests, the clearance of inhaled technetium-labeled human serum albumin was measured serially over a 2-h period after aerosolization of 10(-1) M concentration of each agent (n = 7). Aerosolization of both P2Y(2)-receptor agonists induced significant dose-related increases in TMV (P < 0.05) compared with saline. The greatest increase in TMV was observed between 15 and 30 min after drug treatment. The highest dose (10(-1) M) of INS316 produced a greater overall stimulation of TMV than did INS365 (10(-1) M). Both compounds, compared with saline, induced a significant increase in MCC (P < 0.05) within 20 min of treatment. This enhancement in MCC began to plateau at 60 min. Although the response to INS316 started earlier, there was no significant difference between the clearance curves for the two compounds. We conclude that inhaled P2Y(2)-receptor agonists can increase lung MCC in sheep and that for P2Y(2)-receptor stimulation TMV accurately reflects changes in whole lung MCC.

Mode of Ca2+ action on ciliary beat frequency in single ovine airway epithelial cells

1. We analysed the kinetics of coupling between cytoplasmic calcium ([Ca2+]i) and ciliary beat frequency (CBF) using simultaneous single cilium recording and single cell [Ca2+]i measurements from cultured ovine tracheal epithelial cells. 2. CBF and [Ca2+]i (indicated by fura-2) were measured at rest and in response to activation of the G-protein coupled M3 muscarinic receptor by 10 microM acetylcholine (ACh). 3. Fourier transform analysis of 3 s data segments of light intensity from phase-contrast microscopy showed no significant delay between changes in [Ca2+]i and CBF during a 2 min exposure to ACh and subsequent washout. 4. CBF time resolution was improved by computing instantaneous beat frequency. This revealed that CBF lagged the rapid increase in [Ca2+]i in response to ACh with a delay of less than 1 beat cycle (143 ms at 7 Hz). When CBF was estimated by an improved Fourier method, this delay was observed to be 70 +/- 30 ms (mean +/- s.e.m.; n = 20 cilia). During the slower return to baseline, a lag of 8 +/- 3.2 s was observed, indicative of hysteresis. 5. While calmodulin inhibitors (calmidazolium and W-7; each n = 5) decreased baseline CBF by an average of 1.1 +/- 0.1 Hz, they did not alter the kinetic relationship between [Ca2+]i and CBF. Similarly, phosphatase inhibitors (okadaic acid and cyclosporin A; each n = 5), changed neither baseline CBF nor the kinetic coupling between [Ca2+]i and CBF. 6. These data suggest that the timing of Ca2+ action on CBF in ovine airway epithelial cells, is unlikely to be determined by phosphorylation reactions involving calmodulin or kinase/phosphatase reactions. 7. A simple model for Ca2+ stimulation of CBF is presented. Fits of the model to the data suggest four or more Ca2+ ions bind cooperatively to speed up CBF.

Regulation of airway ciliary activity by Ca2+: simultaneous measurement of beat frequency and intracellular Ca2+

Airway ciliary activity is influenced by [Ca2+]i, but this mechanism is not fully understood. To investigate this relationship, ciliary activity and [Ca2+]i were measured simultaneously from airway epithelial ciliated cells. Ciliary beat frequency was determined, for each beat cycle, with phase-contrast optics and high-speed video imaging (at 240 images s-1) and correlated with [Ca2+]i determined, at the ciliary base, by fast imaging (30 images s-1) of fura-2 fluorescence. As a mechanically induced intercellular Ca2+ wave propagated through adjacent cells, [Ca2+]i was elevated from a baseline concentration of 45 to 100 nM, to a peak level of up to 650 nM. When the Ca2+ wave reached the ciliary base, the beat frequency rapidly increased, within a few beat cycles, from a basal rate of 6.4 to 11.6 Hz at 20-23 degrees C, and from 17.2 to 26.7 Hz at 37 degrees C. Changes in [Ca2+]i, above 350 nM, had no effect on the maximum beat frequency. We suggest that airway ciliary beat frequency is 1) controlled by a low range of [Ca2+]i acting directly at an axonemal site at the ciliary base and 2) that a maximum frequency is induced by a change in [Ca2+]i of approximately 250-300 nM.

Intracellular calcium oscillations induced by ATP in airway epithelial cells

In airway epithelial cells, extracellular ATP (ATP(o)) stimulates an initial transient increase in intracellular Ca(2+) concentration that is followed by periodic increases in intracellular Ca(2+) concentration (Ca(2+) oscillations). The characteristics and mechanism of these ATP-induced Ca(2+) responses were studied in primary cultures of rabbit tracheal cells with digital video fluorescence microscopy and the Ca(2+)-indicator dye fura 2. The continual presence of ATP(o) at concentrations of 0.1-100 microM stimulated Ca(2+) oscillations that persisted for 20 min. The frequency of the Ca(2+) oscillations was found to be dependent on both ATP(o) concentration and intrinsic sensitivity of each cell to ATP(o). Cells exhibited similar Ca(2+) oscillations to extracellular UTP (UTP(o)), but the oscillations typically occurred at lower UTP(o) concentrations. The ATP-induced Ca(2+) oscillations were abolished by the phospholipase C inhibitor U-73122 and by the endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-pump inhibitor thapsigargin but were maintained in Ca(2+)-free medium. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that in airway epithelial cells ATP(o) and UTP(o) act via P2U purinoceptors to stimulate Ca(2+) oscillations by the continuous production of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and the oscillatory release of Ca(2+) from internal stores. ATP-induced Ca(2+) oscillations of adjacent individual cells occurred independently of each other. By contrast, a mechanically induced intercellular Ca(2+) wave propagated through a field of Ca(2+)-oscillating cells. Thus Ca(2+) oscillations and propagating Ca(2+) waves are two fundamental modes of Ca(2+) signaling that exist and operate simultaneously in airway epithelial cells.

Interplay between the NO pathway and elevated [Ca2+]i enhances ciliary activity in rabbit trachea

1. Average intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) and ciliary beat frequency (CBF) were simultaneously measured in rabbit airway ciliated cells in order to elucidate the molecular events that lead to ciliary activation by purinergic stimulation. 2. Extracellular ATP and extracellular UTP caused a rapid increase in both [Ca2+]i and CBF. These effects were practically abolished by a phospholipase C inhibitor (U-73122) or by suramin. 3. The effects of extracellular ATP were not altered: when protein kinase C (PKC) was inhibited by either GF 109203X or chelerythrine chloride, or when protein kinase A (PKA) was inhibited by RP-adenosine 3', 5'-cyclic monophosphothioate triethylamine (Rp-cAMPS). 4. Activation of PKC by phorbol 12-myristate, 13-acetate (TPA) had little effect on CBF or on [Ca2+]i, while activation of PKA by forskolin or by dibutyryl-cAMP led to a small rise in CBF without affecting [Ca2+]i. 5. Direct activation of protein kinase G (PKG) with dibutyryl-cGMP had a negligible effect on CBF when [Ca2+]i was at basal level. However, dibutyryl-cGMP strongly elevated CBF when [Ca2+]i was elevated either by extracellular ATP or by ionomycin. 6. The findings suggest that the initial rise in [Ca2+]i induced by extracellular ATP activates the NO pathway, thus leading to PKG activation. In the continuous presence of elevated [Ca2+]i the stimulated PKG then induces a robust enhancement in CBF. In parallel, activated PKG plays a central role in Ca2+ influx via a still unidentified mechanism, and thus, through positive feedback, maintains CBF close to its maximal level in the continuous presence of ATP.

PKA induces Ca2+ release and enhances ciliary beat frequency in a Ca2+-dependent and -independent manner

The intent of this work was to evaluate the role of cAMP in regulation of ciliary activity in frog mucociliary epithelium and to examine the possibility of cross talk between the cAMP- and Ca2+-dependent pathways in that regulation. Forskolin and dibutyryl cAMP induced strong transient intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) elevation and strong ciliary beat frequency enhancement with prolonged stabilization at an elevated plateau. The response was not affected by reduction of extracellular Ca2+ concentration. The elevation in [Ca2+]i was canceled by pretreatment with 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid-AM, thapsigargin, and a phospholipase C inhibitor, U-73122. Under those experimental conditions, forskolin raised the beat frequency to a moderately elevated plateau, whereas the initial strong rise in frequency was completely abolished. All effects were canceled by H-89, a selective protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor. The results suggest a dual role for PKA in ciliary regulation. PKA releases Ca2+ from intracellular stores, strongly activating ciliary beating, and, concurrently, produces moderate prolonged enhancement of the beat frequency by a Ca2+-independent mechanism.

Vasopressin stimulates ciliary motility of rabbit tracheal epithelium: role of V1b receptor-mediated Ca2+ mobilization

Arginine vasopressin (AVP) has recently been shown to exist in and to be released from airway epithelial cells, but the physiologic role of this hormone in airway epithelial function is unknown. To determine whether AVP affects ciliary motility, and if so, to elucidate the mechanism of action and the subtype of AVP receptors involved, we measured ciliary beat frequency (CBF) and the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) of cultured rabbit tracheal epithelium with a photoelectric method and the fura-2 fluorescence method, respectively. Addition of AVP caused a rapid increase in CBF, followed by a decline and a subsequent sustained response. The ciliary stimulatory action was dose dependent, the maximal peak increase from the baseline CBF being 20.6 +/- 4.7% (mean +/- SE, P < 0.001), and this effect was reduced to 5.9 +/- 2. 0% by the V1 receptor antagonist OPC-21268 (P < 0.01), but not by the V2 receptor antagonist OPC-31260. The AVP-induced increase in CBF was not altered by the protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor Rp-adenosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphorothioate triethylamine (Rp-cAMPS) or by Ca2+-free solution containing ethylene glycol-bis-(beta-aminoethyl ether) N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA), but was abolished by pretreatment with thapsigargin. Exposure of cells to AVP elicited a transient increase in [Ca2+]i, an effect that was likewise abolished by thapsigargin. The rank-order potency of AVP analogues to increase [Ca2+]i was AVP = [deamino1, D-3-(pyridyl) Ala2-Arg8] vasopressin (DP-VP), a specific V1b receptor agonist > [Phe2, Ile3, Orn8] vasopressin (PO-VT), a V1a agonist > 1-desamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin (dDAVP), a V2 agonist. Moreover, OPC-21268 greatly attenuated the action of AVP, whereas OPC-31260 was without effect. These results suggest that AVP stimulates ciliary motility of rabbit tracheal epithelium through mobilization of Ca2+ from thapsigargin-sensitive stores, and that this effect may be mediated by V1b receptors.

Extracellular ATP directly gates a cation-selective channel in rabbit airway ciliated epithelial cells

1. A membrane conductance activated by extracellular ATP was identified and characterized in freshly dissociated rabbit airway ciliated cells using the whole-cell and outside-out patch configurations of the patch-clamp technique. 2. In solutions designed to maximize currents through voltage-gated calcium channels, there were no indications of voltage-gated Ba2+ currents. 3. Extracellular ATP (but not UTP or ADP) activated a membrane conductance which remained activated for several minutes in the presence of ATP. The conductance was permeable to monovalent and divalent cations with approximate relative permeabilities (P) for PBa : PCs : PTEA of 4 : 1 : 0.1. Permeability to Cl- was negligible. 4. Including GDP-beta-S in the intracellular solution did not inhibit the effects of ATP, nor did GTP-gamma-S irreversibly activate the conductance. 5. In outside-out membrane patches, with GDP-beta-S in the pipette solution, ATP activated ion channels which had a chord conductance of approximately 6 pS in symmetrical 150 mM CsCl solutions at -120 mV. 6. Suramin (100 microM) inhibited the whole-cell currents activated by ATP (200 microM) by 93 +/- 3 %. Similar effects of suramin were observed on ATP-activated channels in outside-out membrane patches. 7. Extracellular ATP had a priming action on the response to subsequent exposure to ATP. At -40 mV, the time to half-maximal current activation (t1/2) was 46 +/- 9 s during the first exposure to 200 microM ATP and decreased to 5 +/- 3 s during a second exposure to the same concentration of ATP. The priming action of ATP was not inhibited by including GDP-beta-S in the intracellular solution. 8. The initial rate of activation increased with the concentration of ATP, and was voltage sensitive. During the first exposure to 200 microM ATP, t1/2 at +40 mV was 4-fold longer than t1/2 at -40 mV. 9. Half-maximal activation of the conductance shifted from 210 +/- 30 to 14 +/- 4 microM added ATP when CaCl2 in the extracellular solution was reduced from 1.58 to 0. 01 mM. The Hill coefficient for ATP was 1.2 in both solutions.10. These observations suggest that a form of ATP uncomplexed with divalent cations directly gates an ion channel (P2X receptor) in rabbit airway ciliated cells, which serves as a pathway for Ca2+ influx. This purinoceptor may contribute to sustained ciliary activation during prolonged exposures to ATP.

Nasal mucociliary clearance as a factor in nasal drug delivery

The nasal mucociliary clearance system transports the mucus layer that covers the nasal epithelium towards the nasopharynx by ciliary beating. Its function is to protect the respiratory system from damage by inhaled substances. Impairment of nasal mucociliary clearance can result in diseases of the upper airways. Therefore, it is important to study the effects of drugs and drug excipients on nasal mucociliary clearance. A large number of methods are used to assess mucociliary clearance. These methods study the effects of drug and excipients on the mucociliary system in vitro or in vivo in animals and humans. In some cases, the results of different in vitro and in vivo measurements do not correlate well. In vitro methods, especially ciliary beat frequency measurements, have been demonstrated to be valuable tools for toxicity screening. However, in vivo studies are essential to confirm the safety of nasal drug formulations. Nasal mucociliary clearance also has implications for nasal drug absorption. Drugs are cleared rapidly from the nasal cavity after intranasal administration, resulting in fast systemic drug absorption. Several approaches are discussed to increase the residence time of drug formulations in the nasal cavity, resulting in improved nasal drug absorption. However, more experimental evidence is needed to support the conclusion that this improved absorption is caused by a longer residence time of the nasal drug formulation.

Protein kinase C induced calcium influx and sustained enhancement of ciliary beating by extracellular ATP

The major purpose of this work was to determine protein kinase C (PKC) influence on ciliary beat frequency (CBF) and to assess participation of PKC in purinergic ciliary stimulation. The experiments were performed by simultaneous measurement of [Ca2+]i and CBF on tissue culture of frog esophagus epithelium. The PKC activators TPA and DiC8 produced significant elevation of [Ca2+]i and strong frequency enhancement. The calcium elevation was inhibited by lowering the extracellular calcium level, or by La3+, but was unaffected by verapamil and the phospholipase C inhibitor U-73122, suggesting that Ca2+ influx was via non-voltage-operated calcium channels. The inhibition of [Ca2+]i elevation resulted in corresponding inhibition of CBF enhancement. The effect of TPA was blocked by the selective PKC inhibitors chelerythrine, calphostin C, and GF109203X, and by the enzyme downregulation. The downregulation of PKC, or the enzyme inhibitors did not affect the immediate response to extracellular ATP but caused rapid decay of initially stimulated [Ca2+]i and CBF to the basal level. These results suggest that PKC produces CBF enhancement via activation of calcium influx through non-voltage-operated calcium channels. This calcium influx seems to be responsible for the duration of ciliary stimulation produced by the extracellular ATP.

Purinergic stimulation of rabbit ciliated airway epithelia: control by multiple calcium sources

1. Simultaneous measurements of average intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) and ciliary beat frequency (CBF) were carried out on ciliated rabbit tracheal cells in order to determine quantitatively the role of calcium in the regulation of mucus-transporting cilia. 2. Extracellular ATP caused a rapid increase in both [Ca2+]i and CBF in the 0.1-1000 microM concentration range. The rise in [Ca2+]i levelled off to an elevated [Ca2+]i plateau while the cilia remained in a high activation state. The magnitude of the rise in [Ca2+]i and CBF as well as the value of the elevated [Ca2+]i plateau and the value of the sustained CBF were dependent on the concentration of ATP in the solution. 3. No correlation was found between the mean values of [Ca2+]i and CBF at rest but a sigmoidal relationship was found to exist between the maximal rises of these parameters following excitation with extracellular ATP. This sigmoidal correlation incorporated the experiments where [Ca2+]i rise was induced by depletion of internal calcium stores with thapsigargin or by entry of calcium induced by ionomycin. 4. Extracellular ATP caused both the release of calcium from internal stores and calcium influx from the extracellular solution. The release of calcium was identified as originating from a thapsigargin-sensitive and a thapsigargin-insensitive calcium store. It is suggested that the release of calcium from these stores induces the initial rise in CBF. 5. The sustained activation of the cilia and elevated calcium plateau were found to be the result of the extracellular ATP-induced calcium influx. This calcium influx was insensitive to the voltage-gated calcium channel inhibitors verapamil and diltiazem, but was completely eliminated by lowering the extracellular calcium concentration to 0.1 microM. 6. We propose that the initial jump in the CBF is mediated by the calcium released from a thapsigargin-insensitive calcium store adjacent to the cilia, while the later, and longer, rise in CBF is the result of the calcium emanating from the thapsigargin-sensitive store which is positioned further away from the cilia within the cell cytoplasm. The calcium influx that follows is responsible for sustaining the cilia at a high level of excitation.

Purinergically induced membrane fluidization in ciliary cells: characterization and control by calcium and membrane potential

To examine the role of membrane dynamics in transmembrane signal transduction, we studied changes in membrane fluidity in mucociliary tissues from frog palate and esophagus epithelia stimulated by extracellular ATP. Micromolar concentrations of ATP induced strong changes in fluorescence polarization, possibly indicating membrane fluidization. This effect was dosage dependent, reaching a maximum at 10-microM ATP. It was dependent on the presence of extracellular Ca2+ (or Mg2+), though it was insensitive to inhibitors of voltage-gated calcium channels. It was inhibited by thapsigargin and by ionomycin (at low extracellular Ca2+ concentration), both of which deplete Ca2+ stores. It was inhibited by the calcium-activated potassium channel inhibitors quinidine, charybdotoxin, and apamine and was reduced considerably by replacement of extracellular Na+ with K+. Hyperpolarization, or depolarization, of the mucociliary membrane induced membrane fluidization. The degree of membrane fluidization depended on the degree of hyperpolarization or depolarization of the ciliary membrane potential and was considerably lower than the effect induced by extracellular ATP. These results indicate that appreciable membrane fluidization induced by extracellular ATP depends both on an increase in intracellular Ca2+, mainly from its internal stores, and on hyperpolarization of the membrane. Calcium-dependent potassium channels couple the two effects. In light of recent results on the enhancement of ciliary beat frequency, it would appear that extracellular ATP-induced changes both in ciliary beat frequency and in membrane fluidity are triggered by similar signal transduction pathways.

Extracellular ATP binding proteins as potential receptors in mucociliary epithelium: characterization using [32P]3'-O-(4-benzoyl)benzoyl ATP, a photoaffinity label

3'-O-(4-benzoyl)benzoyl ATP (BzATP) was used as a photoaffinity analog of ATP to label potential ATP receptors in ciliated cells. Like ATP, without photoactivation, BzATP stimulated the ciliary beat frequency in tissue culture up to threefold. Irradiation of intact cells in the presence of [alpha-32P]BzATP followed by SDS-PAGE and autoradiography revealed two labeled proteins with molecular masses of 46 and 96 kDa (p46 and p96). Photolabeling of both proteins was susceptible to digestion with trypsin, implying that the labeled proteins are at least partially exposed on the extracellular surface of the plasma membrane. The dependence of 32P incorporation in both proteins on [alpha-32P]BzATP concentration was similar. Labeling of p46 but not p96 required Ca2+ or Mg2+. Various nucleotides stimulated the ciliary frequency, and inhibited the photolabeling of p46 and p96. The rank order of apparent affinity for p46 is: ATP approximately equal to ADP > GTP gamma S > ADP beta S, UTP, 2MeSATP, AMP-PNP > AMP-PCP > AMP > adenosine; for p96 it is: ADP approximately equal to ADP beta S > or = ATP >> AMP-PCP, AMP-PNP > GTP gamma S > or = AMP > 2MeSATP, UTP, adenosine. The rank of stimulation of ciliary beat frequency is: ADP beta S, UTP > or = 2MeSATP, GTP gamma S, AMP-PNP, ATP > or = ADP > AMP-PCP > adenosine > AMP. These results suggest the involvement of p46 in the stimulatory effect of extracellular ATP on the ciliary beat, as a P2 purinoceptor. On the other hand, p96 may represent a P2 purinoceptor or an ectonucleotidase.

Extracellular ATP induces hyperpolarization and motility stimulation of ciliary cells

Cellular membrane potential and ciliary motility were examined in tissues cultures prepared from frog palate and esophagus epithelia. Addition of micromolar concentrations of extracellular ATP caused membrane hyperpolarization and enhanced the beat frequency. These two effects of ATP were 1) dose dependent, reaching a maximum at 10 microM ATP; 2) dependent on the presence of extracellular Ca2+ or Mg2+; 3) insensitive to inhibitors of voltage-gated calcium channels; 4) abolished after depleting the intracellular Ca2+ stores with thapsigargin; 5) attenuated by quinidine (1 mM), Cs+ (5-20 mM), and replacement of extracellular Na+ by K+; 6) insensitive to charybdotoxin (5-20 nM), TEA (1-20 microM), and apamin (0.1-1 microM); 7) independent of initial membrane potential; and 8) unaffected by amiloride. In addition, extracellular ATP induced an appreciable rise in intracellular Ca2+. Addition of thapsigargin caused an initial enhancement of the ciliary beat frequency and membrane hyperpolarization. These results strongly suggest the involvement of calcium-dependent potassium channels in the response to ATP. The results show that moderate hyperpolarization is closely associated with a sustained enhancement of ciliary beating by extracellular ATP.

Coupling of [Ca2+]i and ciliary beating in cultured tracheal epithelial cells

The molecular mechanisms responsible for the regulation of ciliary beating frequency (CBF) are only partially characterized. To determine whether elevation of intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) can cause an increase in CBF, we measured CBF and Ca2+ in single cells. Ovine tracheal epithelial cells, obtained by dissociation with protease, were grown in primary culture for 1 to 28 days in a mucus-free system. CBF of a single cilium was measured by digital video phase-contrast microscopy and on-line Fourier-transform analysis. Changes in [Ca2+]i from single cells were determined with fura-2, using ratio imaging video microscopy. Activation of a muscarinic pathway with 10 microM ACh (acetylcholine) increased [Ca2+]i from 53 +/- 9 nM (mean +/- s.e.m.) to 146 +/- 12 nM or to 264 +/- 51% above initial baseline. In the same cells, ACh increased CBF from a baseline of 7 +/- 0.5 Hz to 9 +/- 0.2 Hz or to 31 +/- 2.8% above baseline (n = 14). The elevations of both [Ca2+]i and CBF were transient and relaxed back to an elevated plateau (10/14 cells) as long as ACh was present. To elevate [Ca2+]i by mechanisms independent of a G-protein-coupled receptor, we measured [Ca2+]i and CBF of the same cells in extracellular solutions with either 0 Ca2+ (+ 1 mM EGTA) or 10 mM Ca2+. Both signals rose and fell with similar kinetics in response to changing [Ca2+]0, suggesting that changes in [Ca2+]i alone can modulate CBF. In a second independent manipulation, cells were treated with 1 microM thapsigargin, an irreversible inhibitor of the endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase. Upon thapsigargin addition, 37 of 42 cells showed a transient [Ca2+]i increase and, as measured in different experiments, 8 of 9 cells showed a transient increase in CBF. Interestingly, application of ACh after cells were treated with thapsigargin produced decreases in both [Ca2+]i and CBF in 8/8 cells. Lastly, after 1–3 days in culture, addition of 10 microM ACh often produced [Ca2+]i oscillations rather than transients in [Ca2+]i. Measurements of CBF in these cells showed frequency modulation of CBF with the same peak-to-peak time interval as the Ca2+ oscillation. These results show that: (1) CBF can be measured from a single cilium and monitored on-line to track changes; (2) CBF and [Ca2+]i can be measured in the same single cell; (3) transient changes in [Ca2+]i (induced by 4 different manipulations) are associated with kinetically similar changes in CBF; and (4) [Ca2+]i oscillations are coupled to frequency modulation of ciliary beating.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Differential effects of maitotoxin on calcium entry and ciliary beating in the rabbit ciliated tracheal epithelium

The marine toxin maitotoxin (MTX) induces stimulation of ciliary beating in primary cultures of rabbit tracheal epithelial cells. The response is time- and concentration-dependent. External calcium is an absolute requirement, although at a very low concentration (50 microM for maximal effect). Pretreatment of the cells with MTX induces an early (5 min) and sustained ( > or = 24 h) homologous desensitization. The response to MTX is strongly inhibited by trifluoperazin (an inhibitor of Ca-calmodulin-dependent enzymes) and by chelation of [Ca]i with BAPTA. However, the magnitude and kinetics of [Ca]i rise elicited by MTX do not correlate with those of the ciliary beat frequency (CBF) increase: the CBF increase is transient (with a peak at 5-10 min) while the [Ca]i rise is sustained; the CBF increase occurs at concentrations of MTX which are without an effect on [Ca]i; the CBF increase is not inhibited by 200 microM verapamil, genistein or okadaic acid, which inhibit the MTX-induced [Ca]i rise. The CBF increase is strongly inhibited by antagonists of arachidonic acid metabolism, mepacrine and nordiguaiaretic acid. However, MTX does not stimulate cAMP synthesis. These results suggest that calcium is not the only factor involved in the biological effects of MTX and even suggest that MTX may primarily stimulate phospholipid breakdown in the cell membrane.

Simultaneous measurement of ciliary beating and intracellular calcium

A novel system for measuring, simultaneously, ciliary beating and intracellular free calcium is presented. The advantages and dynamic nature of the system are demonstrated by measuring the effects of the calcium ionophore lonomycin and of extracellular ATP on ciliated rabbit trachea. The results are discussed with regard to the ciliary and calcium stimulation.

Stationary and nonstationary correlation-frequency analysis of heterodyne mode laser light scattering: magnitude and periodicity of canine tracheal ciliary beat frequency in vivo

Stationary and nonstationary correlation-frequency analysis of heterodyne laser light scattering were utilized to make automated, on-line, objective measurements of tracheal ciliary beat frequency (CBF) in intact, anesthetized canines. The stationary correlation-frequency analysis laser light-scattering technique was used to assess the magnitude of the CBF stimulatory responses induced by aerosolized 10(-5) M fenoterol (sympathomimetic), and 10(-8) M and 10(-6) M methacholine (parasympathomimetic) delivered to the whole lungs of eight barbiturate-anesthetized beagles. The nonstationary correlation-frequency analysis laser light-scattering technique was used to measure the effect on tracheal CBF of increasing the cytosolic calcium ion concentration with a calcium ionophore, A23187. Aerosolized A23187 was delivered to the isolated tracheal lumens of eight beagle dogs in cumulative doses ranging from 10(-9)M to 10(-6) M. Administration of the ionophore synchronized the CBF with a period of 5.3 min. Dose dependencies were observed in both the time to the peak CBF stimulation and the magnitude of the stimulatory response. The magnitude of CBF stimulation was inhibited by prior administration of aerosolized nifedipine (2 mg/ml), a voltage-operated calcium channel blocker. The A23187-induced modulation period of tracheal CBF, was unchanged by nifedipine. These are the first data to demonstrate that the magnitude and periodicity of CBF are two independent coupled processes. The cooperativity of these two processes could be determined in the effectiveness of mucociliary transport.

Mechanisms and function of intercellular calcium signaling

Intercellular Ca2+ waves initiated by mechanical or chemical stimuli propagate between cells via gap junctions. The ability of a wide diversity of cells to display intercellular Ca2+ waves suggests that these Ca2+ waves may represent a general mechanism by which cells communicate. Although Ca2+ may permeate gap junctions, the intercellular movement of Ca2+ is not essential for the propagation of Ca2+ waves. The messenger that moves from one cell to the next through gap junctions appears to be IP3 and a regenerative mechanism for IP3 may be required to effect multicellular communication. Extracellularly mediated Ca2+ signaling also exists and this could be employed to supplement or replace gap junctional communication. The function of intercellular Ca2+ waves may be the coordination of cooperative cellular responses to local stimuli.