Voltage-dependent calcium channels in pituitary cells in culture. I. Characterization by 45Ca2+ fluxes

HPLC micro-fractionation coupled to a cell-based assay for automated on-line primary screening of calcium antagonistic components in plant extracts

High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) micro-fractionation was successfully coupled to an automated 45Ca2+ uptake assay using GH4C1 cells for the separation of natural product extracts and for the primary detection of their calcium antagonistic components. The reliability of the procedure was first established with a reference solution consisting of pure compounds with a known effect on the Ca2+ uptake. No loss of activity was observed to occur after HPLC micro-fractionation. Extracts of Peucedanum palustre and Pinus sylvestris, showing high and no inhibition of Ca2+ uptake as total extracts, respectively, were analysed and the inhibitory activity of the P. palustre extract could be traced to two components, identified as columbianadin and isoimperatorin. As expected, no significant inhibition was observed with the micro-fractionated P. sylvestris samples. In summary, the procedure was found to be applicable for primary detection of calcium antagonistic components in complex matrices and to significantly reduce the time previously needed for bioactivity-guided isolation.

Miniaturisation and validation of a cell-based assay for screening of Ca2+ channel modulators

Voltage-operated calcium channels (VOCCs) play a significant role in the regulation of intracellular calcium concentrations in cardiovascular, neuronal and skeletal tissues. Therefore, physiologically relevant screening methods for calcium channel modulators are required. A 45Ca2+ uptake assay based on clonal rat pituitary cell line GH4C1, possessing L-type VOCCs, was miniaturised into a 96-well plate format. The assay was validated by known Ca2+ channel blockers, verapamil and nimodipine (IC50 values 3.4 and 0.007 microM, respectively) and by a set of natural compounds and their synthetic derivatives. The results were consistent with our previous data and demonstrated the reliability of the assay. The signal-to-background ratio was 3.9 +/- 0.4, signal-to-noise ratio 10.3 +/- 2.3, Z' factor 0.59 +/- 0.10, and day-to-day variability in positive control values 5%. Furthermore, experiments were also made on a Biomek FX workstation to evaluate the suitability of the assay for automation. With minor modifications the assay is applicable, e.g. for studying possible Ca2+ channel activators in detail. The established 96-well plate assay modification for screening of calcium channel modulators reduces considerably the time, labour and resources needed for cell culture and experiments, and has significant advantages in terms of automation suitability and overall cost-efficiency.

Effects of simple aromatic compounds and flavonoids on Ca2+ fluxes in rat pituitary GH(4)C(1) cells

The biological activity of phenolic compounds from plants is well documented in vitro, but little is known about the possible effect of simple aromatic compounds and flavonoids on voltage-operated Ca2+ channels (VOCCs). In pituitary cells, several intracellular pathways may regulate the activity of VOCCs. In this study, we investigated the effect of nine phenylpropanes and metanes, and 20 flavonoids on high K(+)-induced 45Ca2+ entry in clonal rat pituitary GH(4)C(1) cells. At the highest dose tested (20 microg/ml), flavone (a flavone) inhibited 45Ca2+ entry by 63.5%, naringenin (a flavanone) by 56.3% and genistein (an isoflavone) by 54.6%. The phenylmetane derivative octyl gallate was the most potent compound tested, with an IC(50) value of 15.0 microg/ml. The IC(50) value for the reference compound verapamil hydrochloride was 3.0 microg/ml. In sharp contrast to the above, the flavonols quercetin and morin potentiated 45Ca2+ entry. At 20 microg/ml, quercetin increased 45Ca2+ entry by 54.1% and morin by 48.0%. Quercetin increased the cellular cAMP content in a concentration-dependent manner. H 89, an inhibitor of protein kinase A, inhibited the effect of quercetin on 45Ca2+ entry. The results thus suggest that the effect of quercetin is the result of a protein kinase A-mediated activation of VOCCs. Quercetin induced a rapid and marked increase in both the transient (143.1+/-4.2%) and delayed (198.8+/-10.0%) Ca2+ currents, measured by the whole cell patch clamp technique. The onset of the inhibitory effect of octyl gallate was slow, but resulted in an almost complete inhibition of both Ca2+ currents.

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone stimulates nitric oxide release from GH3 cells

Constitutive nitric oxide synthase (NOS) is expressed in the rat adenohypophysis but the mechanisms regulating its activity at the cellular level remain to be elucidated. The effect of TRH on nitric oxide release from GH3 cells was studied by means of reverse-phase HPLC to measure NO-2 and NO-3 concentrations in the incubation medium, and by polarography using electrodes specific for NO. Medium NO-2 concentrations in the incubation medium were dependent on the incubation time, and were further increased by sodium nitroprusside (SNP) or high potassium. NO-3 was detectable only in the presence of 100 microM SNP. Addition of L-arginine increased medium NO-2 concentrations. Diamino-hydroxypyrimidine decreased medium NO-2 concentrations, which were restored by the addition of (6R)-5, 6, 7, 8-tetrahydro-L-biopterin (THB). TRH elicited dose-related increases in medium NO-2 concentrations and in nitric oxide-specific currents, which were abolished by Nomega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester. TRH failed to increase medium NO-2 concentrations in cells loaded with an intracellular Ca2+-chelating agent. The findings suggest that mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ by TRH stimulation activates Ca2+-dependent NOS in GH3 cells.

The effect of extracellular polyvalent cations on bovine anterior pituitary cells. Evidence for a Ca(2+)-sensing receptor coupled to release of intracellular calcium stores

We have investigated the effects of extracellular cations ([ION]ex) on cytosolic free calcium levels ([Ca2+]i) in bovine anterior pituitary (bAP) cells, using single-cell microfluorimetry. Increasing the [Ca2+]ex from 1 mM to 20 mM caused [Ca2+]i to increase in 64 +/- 14% of bAP cells. The [Ca2+]ex-induced [Ca2+]i increase was observed when cells were maintained in the presence of the voltage-gated-calcium-channel antagonist nitrendipine, but not when cells were treated with thapsigargin. Addition of [La3+]ex (5-15 microM) decreased [Ca2+]i, whereas 30 microM-1 mM caused a [Ca2+]i rise in 60.9 +/- 8.8% of bAP cells. [La3+]ex-induced [Ca2+]i changes were abolished by treating bAP-cells with either thapsigargin or ionomycin, but not nitrendipine. [La3+]ex at 15 microM did not increase [Ca2+]i in any cells tested, but when cells were treated with thimerosal, [La3+]ex (15 microM) caused a [Ca2+]i increase in 62.5 +/- 12.2% of bAP cells. In the presence of 1 mM [Ca2+]ex, successive additions of La3+ caused successive [Ca2+]i rises, but in nominally [Ca2+]ex-free medium only the first addition of [La3+]ex caused a [Ca2+]i rise. Addition of thyroliberin (TRH) in the presence of 1 mM [Ca2+]ex, caused [Ca2+]i to increase in 70% of bAP cells; subsequent addition of [La3+]ex (1 mM) only caused [Ca2+]i increases in 75% of those cells which had already responded to TRH. However, all cells which responded to 1 mM [La3+]ex also responded subsequently to TRH. After treatment with TRH in medium that was nominally [Ca2+]ex free, addition of La3+ (0.5-1 mM) did not increase [Ca2+]i in any cells tested. The number of cells which showed [La3+]ex-induced [Ca2+]i increases decreased in culture: only 21.75 +/- 2.2% cells responded after 7-11 days. When cells were cultured for 7-11 days in the presence of tunicamycin, [La3+]ex failed to increase [Ca2+]i in any cells tested. [Mn2+]ex rapidly quenched the Fura-2 signal measured from all bAP cells, but at 10 mM it also triggered a [Ca2+]i rise in about 60% of bAP cells. The Mn(2+)-induced [Ca2+]i rise was specifically abolished in cells cultured in the presence of tunicamycin although quenching was still observed. From these data we suggest that bAP cells may express a polyvalent cation receptor coupled to the release of calcium from intracellular stores.

Regulation of the L-type calcium channel alpha-1 subunit by chronic depolarization in the neuron-like PC12 and aortic smooth muscle A7r5 cell lines

The regulation of L-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels by chronic depolarization was studied in the aortic smooth muscle A7r5 and neuron-type PC12 cell lines, by probing the expression and the functional state of their constitutive alpha-1 subunits. PC12 cells showed, after prolonged exposure to a high-K+ depolarizing solution, a 25% reduction of the functional Ca2+ channel density which was accompanied by a decrease of the alpha-1 subunit mRNA expression. In A7r5 cells submitted to a similar protocol of depolarization, 45Ca2+ uptake measurements revealed a fall in the functional activity of L-type Ca2+ channels which was not related to a modulation of their mRNA expression, but arose from a long-term voltage-dependent channel inactivation. Accordingly, the lag time and the mechanisms of recovery were different in the two cell types. In PC12 cells, when restoring physiological culture conditions, de novo synthesis of alpha-1 subunits allowed the recovery of the original density of L-type Ca2+ channels at the membrane surface. As for the A7r5 cells, we showed that after chronic depolarization, the complete restoration of the resting membrane potential and the related Ca2+ channel activity required a 2-day incubation in physiological medium and could probably be related to a normalization of the increased intracellular Ca2+ concentration. In contrast, it is noteworthy that, in PC12 cells, the only transient increase of intracellular Ca2+ content in the first hours of depolarization could account for the long-term down-regulation of L-type Ca2+ channels.

Promotion of granule cell survival by high K+ or excitatory amino acid treatment and Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase activity

Cerebellar granule cells in culture develop survival requirements which can be met either by chronic membrane depolarization (25 mM K+) or by stimulation of ionotropic excitatory amino acid receptors. We observed previously that this trophic effect is mediated via Ca2+ influx, either through dihydropyridine-sensitive, voltage-dependent calcium channels (activated directly by high K+ or indirectly by kainate) or through N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-linked ion channels. Steps after Ca2+ entry in the transduction cascade mediating the survival-supporting effect of high K+ and excitatory amino acids have now been examined. Using protein kinase inhibitors (H-7, polymixin B and gangliosides), and modulating protein kinase C activity by treatment with the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate, we obtained evidence against the involvement of protein kinase C and cyclic nucleotide-dependent protein kinases in the transduction cascade. On the other hand, calmidazolium (employed as a calmodulin inhibitor) counteracted the trophic effect of elevated K+ with high potency (IC50 0.3 microM), which exceeded by approximately 10-fold the potency for the blockade by the drug of voltage-sensitive calcium channels. The potency of calmidazolium in interfering with the N-methyl-D-aspartate rescue of cells was also much higher in comparison with the inhibition of 45Ca2+ influx through N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-linked channels. Our results indicated that after calmodulin the next step in the trophic effects involves Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II activity. KN-62, a fairly specific antagonist of this enzyme, compromised elevated K+ or excitatory amino acid-supported cell survival with high potency (IC50 2.5 microM). In the relevant concentration range, KN-62 had little or no effect on Ca2+ entry through either voltage- or N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-gated channels. Combining information on the toxic action of glutamate in "mature" granule cells with the trophic effect of either excitatory amino acids or high K+ treatment on "young" cells, we conclude that after the initial steps involving calcium in both cases the respective transduction pathways diverge. The toxic action of glutamate seems to be mediated through protein kinase C [Favaron et al. (1990) Proc. natn. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 87, 1983-1987 whereas a Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase, which can be inhibited by KN-62 (but is resistant to gangliosides and to inhibitors whose potency is higher for protein kinase C than for Ca2+ calmodulin-dependent protein kinases, such as H-7 and polymixin B), is involved critically in the trophic effect.

Tetraethylammonium blockade of K+ channels in GH4C1 cells regulates prolactin secretion by inducing Ca2+ influx

Tetraethylammonium (TEA), a K+ channel blocker, induced PRL secretion and an increase in cytosol Ca2+ concentration [Ca2+]i in a dose-dependent manner between 5-20 mM in GH4C1 rat pituitary tumor-derived cells. Removal of medium Ca2+ or the addition of 1 microM nifedipine abolished both the induced [Ca2+]i increment and PRL secretion. TEA augmented the TRH-induced rise in [Ca2+]i and inhibited the rise in [Ca2+]i induced by 30 mM K+. The dynamics of TEA-, TRH- and K(+)-induced PRL secretion were different, with the TEA-induced secretory peak occurring at about 10 min compared to 2-3 min for TRH and K+. Tolbutamide, which blocks ATP-sensitive K+ channels, induced PRL secretion without causing a rise in [Ca2+]i. The results suggest that: (a) K+ channels have a complex interaction with the PRL secretory process in GH4C1 cells; (b) TEA induces PRL secretion by causing Ca2+ influx through dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca2+ channels; and (c) K+ channels play a different role in the [Ca2+]i rise induced by TRH than in that induced by depolarizing K+.

Intracellular free sodium concentrations in GH4C1 cells

In the present investigation, intracellular sodium ([Na+]i) levels were determined in GH4C1 cells using the fluorescent probe SBFI. Fluorescence was determined by excitation at 340 nm and 385 nm, and emission was measured at 500 nm. Intracellular free sodium ([Na+]i) was determined by comparing the ratio 340/385 to a calibration curve. The ratio was linear between 10 and 60 mM Na+. Resting [Na+]i in GH4C1 cells was 26 +/- 6.2 mM (mean +/- SD). In cells incubated in Na(+)-free buffer [Na+]i decreased to 3 +/- 3.6 mM. If Na+/K+ ATPase was inhibited by incubating the cells with 1 mM ouabain, [Na+]i increased to 47 +/- 12.8 mM in 15 min. Stimulating the cells with TRH, phorbol myristyl acetate, or thapsigargin had no effect on [Na+]i. Incubating the cells in Ca(2+)-free buffer rapidly increased [Na+]i. The increase was not inhibited by tetrodotoxin. Addition of extracellular Ca2+, nimodipine, or Ni2+ to these cells immediately decreased [Na+]i, whereas Bay K 8644 enhanced the influx of Na+. In cells where [Na+]i was increased the TRH-induced increase in intracellular free calcium ([Ca2+]i) was decreased compared with control cells. Our results suggest that Na+ enters the cells via Ca2+ channels, and [Na+]i may attenuate TRH-induced changes in [Ca2+]i in GH4C1 cells.

Use of a fluorescent dye to measure secretion from intact bovine anterior pituitary cells

The fluorescent dye FM1-43 has been used to indicate membrane changes in individual bovine anterior pituitary cells exposed to secretory stimuli. After ten minutes incubation with FM1-43 (2 microM), cells showed three patterns of dye fluorescence: annular, partly filled and uniformly filled. FM1-43 fluorescence was increased in 61% of the cells by TRH (40 nM), a physiological stimulus for prolactin secretion, and in 89% of the cells by 60 mM external K+. The fluorescence also increased when cells incubated in the presence of quinpirole, a dopamine D2-receptor agonist which inhibits prolactin secretion, were exposed to raclopride, a D-2 antagonist. The increases in FM1-43 fluorescence caused by these treatments suggests that the dye acts as an indicator of secretion, possibly through incorporation into secretory vesicle membranes exposed on the cell surface during exocytosis. If the dye was washed away after loading, the fluorescence of partly and uniformly filled cells was retained and a rise in fluorescence could still be seen on stimulation by TRH. This suggests that some dye had been taken up by endocytosis and trapped in an intracellular compartment, which expanded through membrane recapture after TRH stimulation. FM1-43 could therefore be a useful probe for membrane cycling associated with secretory responses.

Medium hyperosmolarity inhibits prolactin secretion induced by depolarizing K+ in GH4C1 cells by blocking Ca2+ influx

Medium hyperosmolarity between 300 (normal medium osmolarity) and 600 mOsm inhibited in a concentration-correlated fashion (r greater than 0.97, p less than 0.001) the rise in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and prolactin (PRL) secretion induced in GH4C1 cells by depolarizing 30 mM K+. [Ca2+]i concentration and PRL secretion were tightly related between 300 and 600 mOsm (r = 0.976, p less than 0.001); 50% inhibition of both occurred at 450 mOsm. Medium hyperosmolarity slowed the rate of Ca2+ influx. At 600 mOsm the rise in both [Ca2+]i and PRL secretion was abolished but PRL secretion induced by 1 microM phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate was not significantly reduced. Our data suggest that inhibition of Ca2+ influx may be the primary mechanism by which extracellular hyperosmolarity inhibits PRL secretion induced by high medium K+ in GH4C1 cells. Depression of the Ca2+ intracellular transduction system may play a pathophysiological role in vivo in conditions such as dehydration and hypertonic coma.

Evidence that potassium channels regulate prolactin secretion in GH4C1 cells by causing extracellular calcium influx

Tetraethylammonium (TEA), a K+ channel blocker, induced prolactin (PRL) secretion in GH4C1 cells in a dose-dependent manner when applied at a concentration from 1-20 mM. During continuous exposure to TEA, a significant increase in PRL secretion occurred by 20 min and the response was sustained until the end of a 60-min exposure. Blocking Ca2+ influx by employing a Ca(2+)-depleted medium or the Ca2+ channel blocker, nifedipine, prevented induction of PRL secretion by 20 mM TEA. Preincubation of the cells for 10 min with 20 mM TEA did not inhibit PRL secretion induced by thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (TPA) or by cell swelling produced by 30% medium hyposmolarity, but significantly depressed that induced by depolarizing 30 mM K+. BaCl2, another K+ channel blocker, had the same effect on PRL secretion as TEA. The data suggest that blocking K+ channels may cause membrane depolarization, thereby inducing Ca2+ influx which is a potent stimulus for PRL secretion in GH4C1 cells.

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone-induced cytosolic calcium transients: characterisation of store refilling in bovine anterior pituitary cells

The intracellular calcium ion concentration ([Ca2+]i) in individual bovine anterior pituitary cells was measured using fura-2 and ratiometric imaging. Addition of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) in the presence of external calcium ion ([Ca2+]e; 1 mM) caused a rapid transient increase in [Ca2+]i falling to a plateau which remained above pre-stimulation levels in the continued presence of TRH. Decreasing [Ca2+]e to 0.1 microM decreased [Ca2+]i. At 0.1 microM [Ca2+]e, the first TRH addition caused the rapid transient rise in [Ca2+]i but no plateau phase and a second addition of TRH did not cause a second transient rise. However, the second application of TRH in 0.1 microM [Ca2+]e caused a rise in [Ca2+]i if it was preceded by transient exposure of the cells to 2 mM [Ca2+]e. The presence of nitrendipine, 2,5-di-(tert-butyl)-1,4-benzohydroquinone (tBHQ), or TRH during the re-exposure to external calcium blocked this recovery of subsequent responses to TRH in the presence of only 0.1 microM [Ca2+]e. We conclude that refilling of the calcium stores depleted by TRH occurred only after the removal of agonist, used a tBHQ-sensitive uptake mechanism, and was mainly sustained by voltage-gated calcium entry into the cells.

The loss of 45Ca2+ associated with prolactin release from the tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) rostral pars distalis

The relationship between tritium 3H-labeled prolactin (PRL) release and the loss of tissue-associated 45Ca2+ was examined in the tilapia rostral pars distalis (RPD) using perifusion incubation under conditions which inhibit or stimulate PRL release. Depolarizing [K+] (56 mM) and hyposmotic medium (280 mOsmolal) increased both the release of [3H]PRL and the loss of 45Ca2+. The responses to high [K+] were faster and shorter in duration than those produced by reduced osmotic pressure. The depletion of Ca2+ from the incubation medium with 2 mM EGTA suppressed the [3H]PRL response evoked by high [K+] or reduced osmotic pressure. Exposing the tissues to Ca(2+)-depleted medium in the absence of high [K+] or reduced osmotic pressure produced a sharp, but brief, increase in 45Ca2+ loss. Cobalt (10(-3) M), a competitive inhibitor of calcium-mediated processes, inhibited the [3H]PRL response to hyposmotic medium and to high [K+]. Cobalt also diminished the increased loss of 45Ca2+ evoked by exposure to reduced osmotic pressure, but was ineffective in altering responses to high [K+]. Methoxyverapamil (D600; 10(-5) M), a blocker of certain voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels, did not alter either the [3H]PRL or the 45Ca2+ responses to high [K+] and reduced osmotic pressure. Taken together with our earlier studies, the present findings suggest that exposure to high [K+] or hyposmotic medium produces rapid changes in the Ca2+ metabolism of the tilapia RPD that are linked to the stimulation of PRL secretion. Nevertheless, the increased 45Ca2+ loss, but not [3H]PRL release, upon exposure to Ca(2+)-depleted media suggests that Ca2+ loss may not always reflect intracellular events that lead to PRL release.

Characterization in rat aorta of the binding sites responsible for blockade of noradrenaline-evoked calcium entry by nisoldipine

1. The effectiveness of the calcium antagonist, 1,4-dihydropyridine nisoldipine, as an inhibitor of contraction and 45Ca entry evoked by noradrenaline in rat aorta has been investigated and correlated with binding characteristics in intact artery. 2. Contractions evoked by noradrenaline were concentration-dependently depressed by nisoldipine (0.3-300 nM). About 60% of the response was resistant to inhibition, while KCl-induced contractions could be completely blocked. Noradrenaline-induced contractions were also less sensitive to nisoldipine inhibition than were KCl-induced contractions. 3. Preincubation of the aorta with nisoldipine in high KCl depolarizing solution increased the inhibition of the contraction evoked by a short application of noradrenaline or KCl to a similar extent. 4. The inhibition by nisoldipine of 45Ca influx evoked either by KCl depolarizing solution or by noradrenaline correlated well with the inhibition of the contractile responses. However, while KCl-stimulated 45Ca influx was totally abolished by nisoldipine (300 nM), 38% of the noradrenaline-stimulated 45Ca influx was resistant to inhibition by nisoldipine (300 nM). 5. The study of [3H]-(+)-PN 200-10 ([3H]-(+)-isradipine) binding in intact aorta showed the presence of a homogeneous population of specific binding sites. KD values were dependent on the KCl concentration in the bath while Bmax was unaffected. Binding of [3H]-(+)-isradipine was also increased in tissue exposed to noradrenaline; in the presence of 10(-5) M noradrenaline, binding parameters of [3H]-(+)-isradipine were close to the values obtained in aorta bathed in 20 mM KCl solution. 6. Displacement of [3H]-(+)-isradipine specific binding by nisoldipine was determined in segments of mesenteric artery and of aorta. The potency of nisoldipine was dependent on the incubation conditions applied to the vessel, as follows: KCl (100 mM) depolarizing solution greater than noradrenaline (10(-5) M) = KCl (25 mM) solution greater than physiological solution. The Ki value measured in aorta exposed to noradrenaline (10(-5) M) was close to the IC50 value of nisoldipine on the noradrenaline-evoked contraction. 7. The membrane potential value of rat aorta was estimated by the distribution of [3H]-tetraphenylphosphonium bromide ([3H]-TPP+), [3H]-TPP+ uptake concentration-dependently decreased when the KCl concentration in the bath was increased from 5.9 to 130 mM. Noradrenaline also concentration-dependently decreased [3H]-TPP+ uptake; the maximum effect (1-10 microns noradrenaline) was comparable in amplitude to the effect of 25 mM KCl solution. 8. It is concluded that in rat aorta, noradrenaline activates voltage-operated calcium channels that contain the specific, voltage-sensitive binding sites for calcium antagonistic dihydropyridines. The existence of a fraction of noradrenaline-stimulated '"Ca entry that is resistant to nisoldipine blockade suggests that another Ca2 + entry pathway is also opened by the agonist.

Lidocaine and procaine inhibit the increase in cytosol Ca2+ induced by thyrotropin-releasing hormone or K+ depolarization in GH4C1 cells

Lidocaine at greater than or equal to 1 mM and procaine at greater than or equal to 2.5 mM exerted dose-dependent inhibition of the increment in [Ca2+]i induced by 100 nM thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) or 30 mM K+ in GH4C1 cells. The rise in [Ca2+]i induced by K+ was more sensitive to this inhibition than that induced by TRH. Lidocaine was more potent than procaine in inhibiting the [Ca2+]i increment induced by secretagogues. Maximal lidocaine inhibition of the TRH-induced [Ca2+]i increment occurred within 15-20 min and a normal response to secretagogues returned within 20 min after removal of lidocaine from the incubation medium. Our data suggest that in GH4C1 cells local anesthetics depress secretagogue-induced intracellular Ca2+ mobilization, depolarization of the cell membrane, and the opening of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels. This may explain the depression of secretagogue-stimulated hormone secretion induced by these agents.

Interaction of opiate peptides with dopamine effects on prolactin secretion and membrane electrical properties in anterior pituitary cells from lactating rats

Abstract Met-enkephalin and beta-endorphin induced a partial reversion of the dopamine inhibition of prolactin release from pituitary cells of lactating rats in primary culture. This effect of opiate peptides was dose-dependent with an EC50 of 40 +/- 8 nM and 45 +/- 7 nM and maximal blockade of dopamine inhibition of 60% and 68% for Met-enkephalin and beta-endorphin, respectively. Naloxone antagonized the effect of Met-enkephalin with an EC50 of 22 +/- 12 nM. Furthermore, this Met-enkephalin effect on dopamine inhibition of prolactin secretion appeared non-competitive since it reduced maximal inhibition without affecting the apparent affinity of dopamine. Finally, it should be noted that the two opiate peptides had no effect on spontaneous prolactin release. In electrophysiological experiments, local ejection of dopamine on tested cells induced an hyperpolarization concomitant with an increase of the membrane conductance. Ejection of Met-enkephalin or beta-endorphin alone did not modify the electrical properties of the cells (resting potential, membrane conductance and excitability). In contrast, both peptides blocked in a reversible manner the dopamine-induced electrical responses. These effects were antagonized by naloxone. However, this interaction of opiatepeptides with dopamine electrical response was not observed on all cells tested. We conclude that the blocking effect of opiates on dopamine-induced hyperpolarization may account, at least in part, for the ability of these peptides to interact with dopamine inhibition of prolactin release.

Protein kinase C participates in up-regulation of dihydropyridine-sensitive calcium channels by ethanol

Exposure to ethanol for several days increases the expression of dihydropyridine-sensitive, voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels in brain and in the neural cell line PC12. Since protein phosphorylation is a major mechanism by which ion channels are regulated, we used protein kinase inhibitors to investigate whether ethanol-induced up-regulation of Ca2+ channels involves activation of a protein kinase. Sphingosine and polymixin B, which inhibit protein kinase C and calmodulin-dependent kinases, prevented the enhancement of 45Ca2+ uptake induced by exposure of PC12 cells to ethanol for 4 days. In addition, sphingosine blocked the ability of ethanol to increase the number of [3H]dihydropyridine binding sites in PC12 cell membranes. Sphingosine's effect was prevented by simultaneous exposure to phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate, a potent activator of protein kinase C. Therefore, protein kinase C appears to be involved in the up-regulation of dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca2+ channels during prolonged exposure to ethanol.

The role of dihydropyridine-sensitive voltage-gated calcium channels in potassium-mediated neuronal survival

The survival of isolated neurons from chick embryo ciliary, sympathetic, and dorsal root ganglia is greatly enhanced by concentrations of extracellular potassium that significantly depolarize the neurons (ED50 = 20-25 mM). The survival-promoting effect of elevated potassium on each of these 3 types of neurons appears to be the result of the opening of voltage-gated calcium channels. The dihydropyridine, Bay K 8644, which increases calcium influx through L-type voltage-gated calcium channels in neurons, strongly potentiated the survival-promoting action of elevated potassium (ED50 = 10.8 +/- 7.0 nM). In contrast, chemically closely related dihydropyridines, PN200-110 (ED50 = 0.33 +/- 0.15 nM) and nitrendipine (ED50 = 1.3 +/- 0.3 nM), which block calcium influx through the same voltage-gated channels, completely inhibited potassium-mediated neuronal survival. Chemically different agents that also block calcium influx through voltage-gated channels also inhibited potassium-mediated neuronal survival: the phenylalkylamine verapamil (ED50 = 0.78 +/- 0.38 microM), the benzothiazepine diltiazem (ED50 = 1.7 microM), and the inorganic ion cadmium (ED50 = 5.8 microM). These calcium-channel blockers are not simply toxic to neurons, since they did not inhibit neuronal survival mediated by the neurotrophic proteins, nerve growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, or ciliary neurotrophic factor, also suggesting that voltage-gated calcium channels are not involved in the action of these factors. These results suggest that neuronal survival in elevated potassium in ciliary, sympathetic, and dorsal root ganglion neurons is the result of calcium influx through dihydropyridine-sensitive, L-type voltage-gated calcium channels. These findings are discussed in relation to the neuronal toxicity of excitatory amino acids which is also thought to occur through increased calcium influx.

Inhibition of the liver cell receptor-activated Ca2+ inflow system by metal ion inhibitors of voltage-operated Ca2+ channels but not by other inhibitors of Ca2+ inflow

The properties of the receptor-activated Ca2+ inflow system in the liver cell plasma membrane were compared with those of voltage-operated Ca2+ channels and receptor-operated Ca2+ channels present in other cell types by testing the susceptibility of the Ca2+ inflow system to inhibition by other metal ions and known inhibitors of Ca2+ movement across membranes. Co2+ inhibited Ca2+ inflow through the receptor-activated Ca2+ inflow system, as assessed by measurement of (a) the activation by extracellular Ca2+ (Cao2+) of glycogen phosphorylase in the presence of vasopressin and (b) 45Ca2+ exchange in the presence of the hormone. The concentration of Co2+ which gave half-maximal inhibition was 280 microM. The inhibition by Co2+ was reversed by high Cao2+. Co2+ did not inhibit basal Ca2+ inflow as measured by 45Ca2+ exchange in the absence of vasopressin. Zn2+, Cd2+, Ni2+ and Mn2+ each inhibited Ca2+ inflow through the receptor-activated Ca2+ inflow system. The concentrations of these ions which gave half-maximal inhibition were 10, 50, 220 and 400 microM, respectively. Little inhibition of receptor-activated Ca2+ inflow was observed in the presence of Sr2+ or Ba2+. However, substantial amounts of 90Sr2+ were taken up by hepatocytes. Rates of 90Sr2+ uptake increased from 0.5-8 nmol per min per mg wet wt. when the extracellular concentration of Sr2+ was varied from 0.25 to 2.5 mM. Sr2+ uptake was inhibited 50% by Cao2+ with half-maximal inhibition at 100 microM Cao2+, but was not inhibited by verapamil and was not stimulated by vasopressin. The movement of Ca2+ through the receptor-activated Ca2+ inflow system was not inhibited by high concentrations of each of a number of inhibitors of voltage-operated and receptor-operated Ca2+ channels and intracellular Ca2+ movement. It is concluded that while the susceptibility to inhibition by metal ions of the receptor-activated Ca2+ inflow system in the liver cell plasma membrane is similar to that of voltage-operated Ca2+ channels, there are significant differences between the liver cell receptor-activated Ca2+ inflow system and both voltage-operated Ca2+ channels and some other receptor-operated Ca2+ channels with respect to inhibition by organic compounds.

Pharmacological properties of voltage-dependent calcium channels in functional microvessels isolated from rat brain

Voltage-operated calcium channels were studied in rat intracerebral microvessels. The contractile reactivity to KCl-depolarization was assessed by the measurement of internal diameter of superfused microvessels. Dihydropyridine receptor sites associated with calcium channels were identified and characterized using 3H(+)PN 200-110 [isopropyl-4-(2,1,3-benzodiazol-4-yl)-1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-5- -methoxycarbonyl-pyridine-3-carboxylate]. Depolarization induced by high-KCl solution produced a marked reduction of the internal diameter of cerebral microvessels which was associated with the appearance of rhythmic activity. The vessel contraction was reversible and abolished by nimodipine. Binding studies with 3H(+)PN 200-110 revealed the existence of a single class of specific, stereoselective and voltage-dependent binding sites which bound (+)PN 200-110 with a KD of 88 +/- 6.6 pmol l-1 at 37 degrees C in microvessels incubated in NaCl medium. When microvessels were incubated in KCl-medium, the apparent KD value was reduced to 35 +/- 2 pmol l-1. Bmax was not significantly changed. The effect of KCl was not related to concomitant changes in the Na concentration. The potency of various dihydropyridine derivatives in inhibiting 3H(+)PN 200-110 binding was in agreement with their pharmacological potency in smooth muscle preparations. The effect of PN 200-110 and of nimodipine was stereoselective. Ki values of PN 200-110 and of nimodipine were increased in depolarized preparations, while nifedipine's potency was unchanged. Verapamil was only a partial inhibitor of 3H(+)PN 200-110 binding. The effect of diltiazem was stereoselective: the (+)-cis isomer enhanced the binding and the (-)-cis isomer of diltiazem poorly inhibited the binding of PN 200-110. Results showed that isolated cerebral microvessels possess functional voltage-operated calcium channels, which contain potential-modulated receptors for dihydropyridine calcium entry blockers with characteristics similar to those described in other tissues.

Anomalous increase of Ca2+ current by high concentration K+ stimulation in whole cell clamped GH3 cells

We examined the effect of high concentration K+ (50 mM K+) stimulation to neurosecretory GH3 cells under voltage clamp control and unexpectedly found a considerable increase in the inward current evoked by depolarizing pulses. This augmented current was present in Na+-free solution containing Ca2+, tetraethylammonium+ and tetrodotoxin and showed similarity in its voltage dependence to the Ca+ channel current in the control (5 mM K+) solution. The augmented current was significantly reduced by Ca2+ channel blockers, Co2+ (5 mM) and nifedipine (2.5 microM), and was increased by the raise of external Ca2+ concentration. Correspondingly, Quin-2 experiments in GH3 cells showed that the rise in cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration in response to high K+ stimulation was suppressed by the same concentration of nifedipine. These data suggest that, in addition to its depolarizing effect, high K+ may modify voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels such that they exhibit increased permeability although their voltage dependence of activation and pharmacological sensitivity remain largely unchanged.

cAMP- and diacylglycerol-mediated pathways elevate cytosolic free calcium concentration via dihydropyridine-sensitive, omega-conotoxin-insensitive calcium channels in normal rat anterior pituitary cells

The effect of 8-bromocyclic AMP (8-Br-cAMP) and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), a protein kinase C activator, on cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in normal rat anterior pituitary cells was examined. [Ca2+]i was monitored directly by the fluorescent indicator fura-2. 8-Br-cAMP as well as PMA elevated [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner. Forskolin (10 mumol/l), which activates adenylate cyclase, and 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-glycerol (10 mumol/l), another activator of protein kinase C, also increased [Ca2+]i. Both the 8-Br-cAMP (2 mmol/l)- and the PMA (100 nmol/l)-induced increase in [Ca2+]i was dependent on the presence of extracellular calcium and could be inhibited by the calcium channel blockers Mg2+ and nifedipine, but not by omega-conotoxin (100 nmol/l). The half-maximally inhibitory concentrations of Mg2+ and nifedipine were about 12 mmol/l and 160 nmol/l, respectively, for the [Ca2+]i response to 8-Br-cAMP (2 mmol/l), and were about 6 mmol/l and 400 nmol/l, respectively, for the PMA (100 nmol/l)-induced increase in [Ca2+]i. The sodium channel blocker tetrodotoxin (5 mumol/l) or PMA (100 nmol/l) on [Ca2+]i. After pretreatment for 3 min with PMA (100 nmol/l), the subsequent K+ (100 mmol/l)- or arachidonic acid (3 mumol/l)-induced increase in [Ca2+]i was decreased by about 50%. By contrast, pretreatment (3 min) with 8-Br-cAMP (2-10 mmol/l) markedly enhanced the subsequent [Ca2+]i response to K+ (100 mmol/l), and left the effect of arachidonic acid (3 mumol/l) on [Ca2+]i unimpaired.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Voltage-sensitive calcium channels in differentiated neuroblastoma X glioma hybrid (NG108-15) cells: characterization by quin 2 fluorescence

Depolarization of differentiated neuroblastoma X glioma (NG108-15) cells with KCl (50 mM) or veratridine (50 microM) stimulated Ca2+ accumulation, was detected by quin 2 fluorescence. Intracellular Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) were elevated about threefold from 159 +/- 7 to 595 +/- 52 nM (n = 12). Ca2+ entry evoked by high extracellular K+ concentration ([K+]o) was voltage-dependent and enhanced by the dihydropyridine agonists, BAY K 8644 and CGP 28 392, in a dose-dependent manner. CGP 28 392 was less potent and less efficacious than BAY K 8644. The (+) and (-) stereoisomers of 202-791 showed agonist and antagonist properties, respectively. (+)-202-791 was less potent, but as efficacious as BAY K 8644. In the absence of KCl, BAY K 8644 had no effect on Ca2+ entry. Voltage-sensitive calcium channel (VSCC) activity was blocked by organic Ca2+ channel antagonists (nanomolar range) both before and after KCl treatment and also by divalent metal cations (micromolar range). High [K+]o-induced Ca2+ accumulation was dependent on external Ca2+, but not on external Na+ ions ([Na]o), and was insensitive to both tetrodotoxin (3 microM) and tetraethylammonium (10 microM). In contrast, veratridine-induced Ca2+ accumulation required [Na+]o, and was blocked by tetrodotoxin, but not by nimodipine (1 microM). Veratridine-induced Ca2+ accumulation was slower (approximately 45 s), smaller in magnitude (approximately 30% of [K+]o-induced Ca2+ entry), and also enhanced by BAY K 8644 (approximately 50%). VSCC were identified in neuronal hybrid (NG108-15 and NCB-20) cells, but not in glial (C6BU-1), renal epithelial (MDCK), and human astrocytoma (1321N1) cells. NG108-15 cells differentiated with 1.0 mM dibutyryl cyclic AMP showed greater VSCC activity than undifferentiated cultures. These results suggest that cultured neural cells provide a useful system to study Ca2+ regulation via ion channels.

Differential effects of age on the pathways of calcium influx into nerve terminals

Calcium accumulation by synaptosomes decreases during ageing and this is partly due to an impaired calcium uptake by mitochondria (Brain Research, 378 (1986) 36-48). In the present work we have sought to define that effect of age on the pathways of K+-stimulated calcium influx. The plasma membrane potential of synaptosomes incubated at different K+ concentrations in choline-based or sodium-based media monitored with TPP+ did not change significantly with age. 45Ca uptake was reduced by around 20% in 24-vs 3-month-old rats at high K+ concentrations in both choline- and sodium-based media. However, the internal free calcium concentration in K+-depolarized synaptosomes estimated by the quin-2 method was found to be higher in 24- than in 3-month-old rats. When the apparent calcium permeabilities (P'Ca) in choline-based media were calculated from the corresponding calcium uptake values, membrane potentials and internal calcium concentration, it was found that the P'Ca values from old rats were only slightly lower than those of adults over the whole range of membrane potentials. The contribution of the Na/Ca exchanger to 45Ca uptake was estimated at different voltages by subtracting the normalized calcium uptake values obtained in choline media from those in Na media. The 'estimated' Na/Ca exchange was found to decrease markedly with age. Our results suggest that under our experimental conditions the apparent calcium permeability of synaptosomes is only modestly decreased during ageing. However, the operation of 45Ca/Na exchange is markedly reduced maybe as a result of alterations of the exchanger itself or due to changes in the concentration of internal Na or other ions.

GRF elevates cytosolic free calcium concentration in rat anterior pituitary cells

The effect of human growth hormone-releasing factor (GRF) on intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) was examined in rat anterior pituitary cells. The [Ca2+]i was monitored directly by means of the intracellularly trapped fluorescent indicator, fura-2. GRF rapidly elevated [Ca2+]i, reaching a new plateau within approximately 30 s. The half-maximally effective concentration of GRF was approximately 130 pM. GRF produced a maximal increase in [Ca2+]i by approximately 120 nM. The GRF (2 nM)-induced elevation of [Ca2+]i was abolished by removal of extracellular calcium (Ca2+ omitted, 2 mM EGTA). The GRF (2 nM)-caused rise in [Ca2+]i was largely reduced in the presence of the calcium channel blockers Mg2+ (31.2 mM) or nifedipine (1 microM). An increase in [Ca2+]i by approximately 60 nM was elicited by the addition of prostaglandin E2 (1 microM), which can stimulate growth hormone secretion independent of GRF receptors. These data indicate that GRF elevates the [Ca2+]i, possibly in somatotrophs; this GRF-induced increase in [Ca2+]i may depend on an influx of extracellular Ca2+, largely through Mg2+- and nifedipine-sensitive calcium channels.

Pituitary Ca2+ channels: blockade by conventional and novel Ca2+ antagonists

We have identified several new agents that block Ca2+ channels in the rat pituitary GH4C1 cell line. These drugs, which include the diphenylbutylpiperidine antipsychotic pimozide, the calmodulin antagonist calmidazolium, and the steroidal Na+ channel toxin veratridine, were compared with several conventional Ca2+ antagonist in 45Ca2+ uptake, prolactin secretion, and whole cell patch voltage-clamp experiments. Pimozide, the most potent of these novel Ca2+ antagonists, inhibited depolarization-dependent 45Ca2+ uptake and prolactin secretion half maximally at a concentration of 100 nM, whereas calmidazolium and veratridine produced 50% inhibition at concentrations of 500 nM and 1 microM. In comparison, the three organic Ca2+ antagonists nitrendipine, verapamil, and diltiazem blocked 45Ca2+ uptake half maximally at concentrations of 2.5 nM, 1 microM, and 2.5 microM, respectively. All of the antagonists inhibited Ca2+ uptake and prolactin secretion stimulated by the dihydropyridine Ca2+ agonist BAY-K 8644 less potently than KCl-stimulated responses. In patch-clamp experiments, pimozide, veratridine, and nitrendipine blocked Ca2+ current through the slowly inactivating Ca2+ channels of GH4C1 cells. These results demonstrate that Ca2+ channels in an endocrine cell line can be blocked by a variety of molecules including sodium channel toxins and calmodulin antagonists. The data extend the pharmacological similarity between Ca2+ channels in pituitary and other excitable cells and suggest a structural similarity among several cellular proteins.

Direct activation of mammalian atrial muscarinic potassium channels by GTP regulatory protein Gk

The mammalian heart rate is regulated by the vagus nerve, which acts via muscarinic acetylcholine receptors to cause hyperpolarization of atrial pacemaker cells. The hyperpolarization is produced by the opening of potassium channels and involves an intermediary guanosine triphosphate-binding regulatory (G) protein. Potassium channels in isolated, inside-out patches of membranes from atrial cells now are shown to be activated by a purified pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein of subunit composition alpha beta gamma, with an alpha subunit of 40,000 daltons. Thus, mammalian atrial muscarinic potassium channels are activated directly by a G protein, not indirectly through a cascade of intermediary events. The G protein regulating these channels is identified as a potent Gk; it is active at 0.2 to 1 pM. Thus, proteins other than enzymes can be under control of receptor coupling G proteins.

Studies with verapamil and nifedipine provide evidence for the presence in the liver cell plasma membrane of two types of Ca2+ inflow transporter which are dissimilar to potential-operated Ca2+ channels

The addition of 500 microM verapamil or nifedipine to isolated hepatocytes incubated in the presence of 1.3 mM Ca2+ caused 20% inhibition of Ca2+ inflow as measured by the initial rate of 45Ca2+ exchange. No stimulation of 45Ca2+ exchange was observed in the presence of the Ca2+ agonist CGP 28392. An increase in the concentration of extracellular K+ from 6 to 60 mM (to depolarize the plasma membrane) increased the initial rate of 45Ca2+ exchange by 30%. In the presence of 60 mM K+, 400 microM verapamil inhibited the initiate rate of 45Ca2+ exchange by 50%. Verapamil and nifedipine completely inhibited vasopressin-induced Ca2+ inflow as determined by measurement of the initial rate of 45Ca2+ exchange and of glycogen phosphorylase a activity. This effect of verapamil was completely reversed by increasing the extracellular concentration of Ca2+. The concentrations of Ca2+ antagonist which gave 50% inhibition of vasopressin- or K+-stimulated Ca2+ inflow were in the range 50-100 microM, about 50-fold greater than the concentration which gave 50% inhibition of the beating of electrically-stimulated myocardial muscle cells. In the absence of vasopressin, verapamil caused a transient increase in glycogen phosphorylase a activity by a process which is largely independent of Ca2+. It is concluded that verapamil and nifedipine inhibit the transport of Ca2+ across the hepatocyte plasma membrane through a putative Ca2+ transporter which is activated by vasopressin and which differs in nature from potential-operated Ca2+ channels in excitable cells and from the Ca2+ transporter present in hepatocytes in the absence of hormone.

Involvement of mitochondria in the age-dependent decrease in calcium uptake of rat brain synaptosomes

Calcium uptake in rat brain synaptosomes decreases during ageing. The possible involvement of mitochondria in altered calcium homeostasis has been investigated. Mitochondria isolated from old rat brain showed decreased calcium uptake rates. Since neither the mitochondrial membrane potential nor the delta pCa decreases with age, it was concluded that variations in the driving force for calcium uptake were not the cause for impaired calcium transport in mitochondria from aged rat brain. The steady state calcium distribution in isolated aged rat brain mitochondria was achieved at higher extramitochondrial calcium concentrations than that of adults. Studying the effects of the selective release of calcium from the mitochondrial pool by the addition of an uncoupler to 45Ca loaded synaptosomes incubated in high-potassium media, it was found that the intrasynaptic mitochondrial pool and the intra/extramitochondrial 45Ca distribution also decreased considerably in 24-month-old rats. Steady state fluorescence anisotropy (rs) of diphenylhexatriene-labelled mitoplasts from 'free' brain mitochondria increased with ageing. However, since no changes in rs from synaptosomal mitochondria were found in 24-month-old rats, it is suggested that alterations in lipid dynamics are not involved in the impaired calcium uptake observed in brain mitochondria from aged rats. The implications of these findings in the calcium homeostasis of brain endings are discussed.

Interaction of dihydropyridine Ca2+ agonist Bay K 8644 with normal and transformed pituitary cells

The dihydropyridine (DHP) Ca2+ agonist Bay K 8644 produced a dose-dependent increase in 45Ca2+ uptake by GH4C1 rat pituitary tumor cells. For agonist concentrations between 10(-9) and 10(-5) M, the enhanced 45Ca2+ uptake was well correlated with simultaneous increases in prolactin (PRL) secretion. Bay K 8644 combined with depolarizing concentrations of KCl produced more than additive effects on net Ca2+ uptake and hormone release. Nisoldipine, a DHP Ca2+ antagonist, competitively blocked Bay K 8644-stimulated 45Ca2+ uptake. This drug also potently inhibited 45Ca2+ uptake triggered by depolarization with KCl (estimated half-maximal inhibiting concentration: 2 nM). Bay K 8644 enhanced PRL secretion from normal rat pituitaries in culture and in a perifusion system. These results indicate that Bay K 8644 is a potent modulator of voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels of both normal and transformed pituitary cells. In this respect endocrine cell Ca2+ channels resemble those found in heart, smooth muscle, and neuronal cell bodies.