ATP-energized Ca2+ pump in isolated transverse tubules of skeletal muscle

Nucleotide activation of the Ca-ATPase

We have used fluorescence spectroscopy, molecular modeling, and limited proteolysis to examine structural dynamics of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca-ATPase (SERCA). The Ca-ATPase in sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles from fast twitch muscle (SERCA1a isoform) was selectively labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), a probe that specifically reacts with Lys-515 in the nucleotide-binding site. Conformation-specific proteolysis demonstrated that FITC labeling does not induce closure of the cytoplasmic headpiece, thereby assigning FITC-SERCA as a nucleotide-free enzyme. We used enzyme reverse mode to synthesize FITC monophosphate (FMP) on SERCA, producing a phosphorylated pseudosubstrate tethered to the nucleotide-binding site of a Ca(2+)-free enzyme (E2 state to prevent FMP hydrolysis). Conformation-specific proteolysis demonstrated that FMP formation induces SERCA headpiece closure similar to ATP binding, presumably due to the high energy phosphoryl group on the fluorescent probe (ATP·E2 analog). Subnanosecond-resolved detection of fluorescence lifetime, anisotropy, and quenching was used to characterize FMP-SERCA (ATP·E2 state) versus FITC-SERCA in Ca(2+)-free, Ca(2+)-bound, and actively cycling phosphoenzyme states (E2, E1, and EP). Time-resolved spectroscopy revealed that FMP-SERCA exhibits increased probe dynamics but decreased probe accessibility compared with FITC-SERCA, indicating that ATP exhibits enhanced dynamics within a closed cytoplasmic headpiece. Molecular modeling was used to calculate the solvent-accessible surface area of FITC and FMP bound to SERCA crystal structures, revealing a positive correlation of solvent-accessible surface area with quenching but not anisotropy. Thus, headpiece closure is coupled to substrate binding but not active site dynamics. We propose that dynamics in the nucleotide-binding site of SERCA is important for Ca(2+) binding (distal allostery) and phosphoenzyme formation (direct activation).

Effect of membrane properties on skeletal muscle fiber excitability: a sensitivity analysis

In this study, the sensitivity of skeletal muscle fiber excitability to changes in temperature and a range of geometrical, electrical and ionic membrane properties was examined using model simulation. A mathematical model of the propagating muscle fiber action potential (AP) was used to simulate muscle fiber APs while changing individual muscle fiber parameters in isolation to examine how they affect muscle fiber AP amplitude, shape and conduction velocity (CV). The behavior of the model was verified by comparison with previously reported experimental data from both in vivo studies conducted at physiological temperatures and in vitro and in silico studies conducted at lower temperatures. The simulation results presented demonstrate the sensitivity of AP amplitude, shape and CV and, therefore, muscle fiber excitability to small changes in a wide range of different muscle fiber parameters. Furthermore, they demonstrate the potential of computational modeling as a tool for investigating the underlying mechanisms of complex phenomena such as those which govern skeletal muscle excitation.

Effect of endurance exercise on the Ca2+ pumps from transverse tubule and sarcoplasmic reticulum of rabbit skeletal muscle

The sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+) pump is the main homeostatic regulatory mechanism in fast skeletal muscle that maintains intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) at the nanomolar level at rest. The transverse tubule (TT) Ca(2+) pump transports cytosolic Ca(2+) to the extracellular space. During prolonged muscular activity, [Ca(2+)](i) may increase. TT and SR isolated microsomal vesicles were highly purified, and the purity was checked by immunoblotting. The present study shows the effects of endurance exercise on the activities and structures of the TT and SR Ca(2+) pumps of fast skeletal muscle from rabbit at rest. The Ca(2+) pump activity increased manifolds in TT but did not change in SR. The protein denaturalization profiles obtained by differential scanning calorimetry showed 1) a shift in the transition temperature and an increase in the enthalpy of the TT Ca(2+) pump and 2) a significant change in the transition temperature of the SR Ca(2+) pump Ca(2+)-binding domain. We conclude that the TT Ca(2+) pump activity was upgraded in association with structural changes to handle the changes in [Ca(2+)](i) and TT lumen Ca(2+) concentration that occur during endurance exercise.

3-O-methylfluorescein phosphate as a fluorescent substrate for plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase

3-O-methylfluorescein phosphate hydrolysis, catalyzed by purified erythrocyte Ca2+-ATPase in the absence of Ca2+, was slow in the basal state, activated by phosphatidylserine and controlled proteolysis, but not by calmodulin. p-Nitrophenyl phosphate competitively inhibits hydrolysis in the absence of Ca2+, while ATP inhibits it with a complex kinetics showing a high and a low affinity site for ATP. Labeling with fluorescein isothiocyanate impairs the high affinity binding of ATP, but does not appreciably modify the binding of any of the pseudosubstrates. In the presence of calmodulin, an increase in the Ca2+ concentration produces a bell-shaped curve with a maximum at 50 microM Ca2+. At optimal Ca2+ concentration, hydrolysis of 3-O-methylfluorescein phosphate proceeds in the presence of fluorescein isothiocyanate, is competitively inhibited by p-nitrophenyl phosphate and, in contrast to the result observed in the absence of Ca2+, it is activated by calmodulin. In marked contrast with other pseudosubstrates, hydrolysis of 3-O-methylfluorescein phosphate supports Ca2+ transport. This highly specific activity can be used as a continuous fluorescent marker or as a tool to evaluate partial steps from the reaction cycle of plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPases.

Use of thermal analysis to distinguish magnesium and calcium stimulated ATPase activity in isolated transverse tubules from skeletal muscle

The presence of calcium stimulated adenosine triphosphatase (Ca2+,Mg(2+)-ATPase) activity in isolated transverse tubule (t-tubule) membranes is distinguished from magnesium adenosine triphosphatase (Mg(2+)-ATPase) activity on the basis of differing thermal stabilities. The Mg(2+)-ATPase is the major protein component of the t-tubule membrane, and it can be difficult to discriminate between the low levels of Ca2+ stimulated ATPase activity found in isolates of t-tubules compared to the much higher Mg(2+)-ATPase activity. Thermal analysis reveals different inactivation temperatures (Ti) for the proteins responsible for ATP dependent calcium transport (Ti = 49 degrees C) and Mg(2+)-ATPase activity (Ti = 57 degrees C) in isolated t-tubule membranes. The differential scanning calorimetry profile of t-tubule membranes consists of three major components with transition temperatures (Tm) of 51 degrees C, 57 degrees C and 63 degrees C. Denaturation of the component with Tm = 57 degrees C correlates with inactivation of Mg(2+)-ATPase activity, and denaturation of the Tm = 51 degrees C component correlates with the inactivation of Ca2+,Mg(2+)-ATPase activity and calcium transport. The functions of the t-tubule membrane component or components that denature with Tm = 63 degrees C have yet to be identified. The lack of stimulation of calcium transport in isolated t-tubules by oxalate, the impermeability of isolated t-tubules to oxalate, and experiments performed on t-tubules with defined amounts of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) added suggest that contamination of the isolated t-tubules by SR is unlikely to account for the level of Ca2+,Mg(2+)-ATPase activity detected. The presence of a Ca2+,Mg(2+)-ATPase in the t-tubule membrane would provide a mechanism that may be involved in the partial removal of calcium that is accumulated in the junctional space during muscle relaxation or calcium that is released from the terminal cisternae of sarcoplasmic reticulum during excitation-contraction coupling.

Phosphoinositides in membranes that build up the triads of rabbit skeletal muscle

The total membrane concentrations of PtdIns, PtdIns4P, and PtdIns(4,5)P2 contribute to the functional capacity of the Ins(1,4,5)P3 signalling system which is operating in skeletal muscle but the function of which is still unknown. Total amounts of these phosphoinositides have been determined in purified membranes of transverse tubules (TT) and terminal cisternae (TC) of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of rabbit skeletal muscle. PtdIns and PtdIns4P have been detected in both membrane systems whereas PtdIns(4,5)P2 (290 mumol/mol phospholipid) is confined only to TT. A much greater pool of PtdIns(4,5)P2 seems, however, to be located in the sarcolemma away from the triadic junction.

The role of phosphoinositide metabolism in Ca2+ signalling of skeletal muscle cells

1. The mobilization of Ca2+ from intracellular stores by D-myo-inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate[Ins(1,4,5)P3] is now widely accepted as the primary link between plasma membrane receptors that stimulate phospholipase C and the subsequent increase in intracellular free Ca2+ that occurs when such receptors are activated (Berridge, 1993). Since the observations of Volpe et al. (1985) which showed that Ins(1,4,5)P3 could induce Ca2+ release from isolated terminal cisternae membranes and elicit contracture of chemically skinned muscle fibres, research has focused on the role of Ins(1,4,5)P3 in the generation of SR Ca2+ transients and in the mechanism of excitation-contraction coupling (EC-coupling). 2. The mechanism of signal transduction at the triadic junction during EC-coupling is unknown. Asymmetric charge movement and mechanical coupling between highly specialized triadic proteins has been proposed as the primary mechanism for voltage-activated generation of SR Ca2+ signals and subsequent contraction. Ins(1,4,5)P3 has also been proposed as the major signal transduction molecule for the generation of the primary Ca2+ transient produced during EC-coupling. 3. Investigations on the generation of Ca2+ transients by Ins(1,4,5)P3 have been conducted on ion channels incorporated into lipid bilayers, skinned and intact fibres and isolated membrane vesicles. Ins(1,4,5)P3 induces SR Ca2+ release and the enzymes responsible for its synthesis and degradation are present in muscle tissue. However, the sensitivity of the Ca2+ release mechanism to Ins(1,4,5)P3 is highly dependent on experimental conditions and on membrane potential. 4. While Ins(1,4,5)P3 may not be the major signal transduction molecule for the generation of the primary Ca2+ signal produced during voltage-activated contraction, this inositol polyphosphate may play a functional role as a modulator of EC-coupling and/or of the processes of myoplasmic Ca2+ regulation occurring on a time scale of seconds, during the events of contraction.

Isolation of a terminal cisterna protein which may link the dihydropyridine receptor to the junctional foot protein in skeletal muscle

The isolated dihydropyridine receptor and junctional foot protein were employed as protein ligands in overlay experiments to investigate the mode of interaction of these two proteins. As previously demonstrated by Brandt et al. [Brandt et al. (1990) J. Membr. Biol. 113, 237-251], the DHP receptor directly binds to an intrinsic terminal cisterna protein of Mr 95,000 (95-kDa protein). The junctional foot protein also binds to an Mr 95,000 protein showing similar organelle distribution to the 95-kDa protein which binds to the dihydropyridine receptor. The 95-kDa protein which binds to the dihydropyridine receptor was isolated to over 85% purity employing sequential column chromatography. Junctional foot protein and dihydropyridine receptor overlays of the column fractions at successive stages of isolation show an identical pattern of distribution, indicating that both probes bind to the same protein. When CHAPS-solubilized terminal cisterna/triads were passed through Sepharose with attached 95-kDa protein, the junctional foot protein was specifically retained, as evidenced by ryanodine binding. The junctional foot protein was incompletely released by 1 M NaCl. The alpha 1 subunit but not the beta subunit of the dihydropyridine receptor was also specifically retained, as evidenced by immunoblotting employing dihydropyridine receptor subunit-specific antibodies. A 170-kDa Stains-all blue staining protein, which appears to be bound to the luminal side of the terminal cisterna, was also retained on the 95-kDa protein column. From these findings, a model for the triad junction is proposed.

Sarcolemmal carbonic anhydrase in red and white rabbit skeletal muscle

Sarcolemmal vesicles of white and red skeletal muscles of the rabbit were prepared by consecutive density gradient centrifugations in sucrose and dextran according to Seiler and Fleischer (1982, J. Biol. Chem. 257, 13,862-13,871). White and red muscle membrane fractions enriched in sarcolemma were characterized by high ouabain-sensitive Na+, K(+)-ATPase, by high Mg2(+)-ATPase activity, and by a high cholesterol content. Ca2(+)-ATPase activity, a marker enzyme for sarcoplasmic reticulum, was not detectable in the highly purified white and red muscle sarcolemmal fractions. White and red muscle sarcolemmal fractions exhibited no significant differences with regard to Na+, K(+)-ATPase, Mg2(+)-ATPase, and cholesterol. Specific activity of carbonic anhydrase in white muscle sarcolemmal fractions was 38 U.ml/mg and was 17.6 U.ml/mg in red muscle sarcolemma. Inhibition properties of sarcolemmal carbonic anhydrase were analyzed for acetazolamide, chlorzolamide, and cyanate. White muscle sarcolemmal carbonic anhydrase is characterized by inhibition constants, KI, toward acetazolamide of 4.6 X 10(-8) M, toward chlorzolamide of 0.75 X 10(-8) M, and toward cyanate of 1.3 X 10(-4) M. Red muscle sarcolemmal carbonic anhydrase is characterized by KI values toward acetazolamide of 8.1 X 10(-8) M, toward chlorzolamide of 6.3 X 10(-8) M, and toward cyanate of 0.81 X 10(-4) M. In contrast to the high specific carbonic anhydrase activities in sarcolemma, carbonic anhydrase activity in sarcoplasmic reticulum from white muscle varied between values of only 0.7 and 3.3 U.ml/mg. Carbonic anhydrase of red muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum ranged from 2.4 to 3.7 U.ml/mg.

Molecular interactions of the junctional foot protein and dihydropyridine receptor in skeletal muscle triads

Isolated triadic proteins were employed to investigate the molecular architecture of the triad junction in skeletal muscle. Immunoaffinity-purified junctional foot protein (JFP), glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), aldolase and partially purified dihydropyridine (DHP) receptor were employed to probe protein-protein interactions using affinity chromatography, protein overlay and crosslinking techniques. The JFP, an integral protein of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) preferentially binds to GAPDH and aldolase, peripheral proteins of the transverse (T)-tubule. No direct binding of JFP to the DHP receptor was detected. The interactions of JFP with GAPDH and aldolase appear to be specific since other glycolytic enzymes associated with membranes do not bind to the JFP. The DHP receptor, an integral protein of the T-tubule, also binds GAPDH and aldolase. A ternary complex between the JFP and the DHP receptor can be formed in the presence of GAPDH. In addition, the DHP receptor binds to a previously undetected Mr 95 K protein which is distinct from the SR Ca2+ pump and phosphorylase b. The Mr 95 K protein is an integral protein of the junctional domain of the SR terminal cisternae. It is also present in the newly identified "strong triads" (accompanying paper). From these findings, we propose a new model for the triad junction.

Regulation of cytosolic Ca2+ in clonal human muscle cell cultures

Human muscle cells were grown in culture and clonally selected for fusion potential. The concentration of cytoplasmic ionized calcium, [Ca2+]i, was measured in monolayers of fused myotubes using the Ca2+ indicator indo-1. The contributions of independent routes of Ca2+ influx and efflux to/from the cytoplasm on [Ca2+]i were investigated. The resting [Ca2+]i was 170-190 nM in different cell clones. Acetylcholine increased [Ca2+]i by about 2-fold in the presence of absence of extracellular Ca2+. Cell depolarization by K+ elevated [Ca2+]i about 3-fold, and this increase was largely dependent on extracellular Ca2+. Replacing Na+ by N-methylglucammonium+ raised [Ca2+]i greater than 5-fold, and 50% of this increase was dependent on extracellular Ca2+. All these increases in [Ca2+]i were transient, returning to basal [Ca2+]i within 2 min. It is concluded that cells in culture [Ca2+]i can be elevated transiently by acetylcholine through Ca2+ release from intracellular stores, and by K through Ca2+ influx. The return to basal [Ca2+]i is due to Na+/Ca2+ exchange and Ca2+-ATPase activity.

The positive inotropic effect of epinephrine on skeletal muscle: a brief review

Chronic and acute administration of epinephrine or related sympathomimetic agents are typically prescribed for the treatment of clinical disorders such as hypotension, anaphylactic and allergic reactions, and bronchial asthma. In addition to its effects on these infirmaties and on carbohydrate metabolism, epinephrine also exerts a positive inotropic effect on fast-contracting skeletal muscle in a variety of animal species. At present, the precise mechanisms responsible for the inotropic effect are not known. This communication reviews the positive inotropic effects of epinephrine on fast-contracting skeletal muscle and discusses possible mechanisms which might mediate this phenomenon. Epinephrine potentiates muscle twitches via the second messenger, cAMP, secondary to hormone binding to membrane-bound beta-receptors. Cyclic AMP then acts to increase carbohydrate metabolism, alter sodium/potassium exchange, phosphorylate myosin isozymes, and/or alter intracellular calcium exchange. Based on theoretical grounds, the first three mechanisms can be excluded. Therefore, it is tentatively hypothesized that the effect is due to cAMP-enhanced calcium exchange within the muscle fiber and/or to increased influx of extracellular calcium. This notion is consistent with the mechanism of the positive inotropic effects of epinephrine on cardiac tissue. If this hypothesis is correct, it would also suggest a role, at least under some conditions, for extracellular calcium in the process of skeletal muscle excitation-contraction coupling.

Morphological, immunological and biochemical characterization of purified transverse tubule membranes isolated from rabbit skeletal muscle

A microsomal fraction consisting of membranes of transverse tubule origin has been purified by a modification of the calcium-loading procedure initially described by Rosemblatt et al. (J Biol Chem 256:8140-8, 1981). Enzymatic analysis of this fraction shows an enrichment of the vesicles in the Mg++ ATPase (basal) activity characteristic of the T-tubules and an absent or very low Ca++-dependent-ATPase activity. Stereological analysis of freeze fracture replica of the membranes in the purified fraction indicates that they have a very low density of particles in their P faces and lack the structural manifestation of the caveolae typical of the sarcolemma. Immunological analysis performed with monoclonal antibodies prepared against purified T-tubule and sarcoplasmic reticulum membranes define some T-tubule specific antigens and confirm the morphological and biochemical data regarding the origin and purity of the T-tubule preparation.

Triadic proteins of skeletal muscle

Biochemical approaches toward understanding the mechanism of muscle excitation have in recent years been directed to identification and isolation of proteins of the triad junction. The principal protein described--the junctional foot protein (JFP)2--was initially identified by morphological criteria and isolated using antibody-affinity chromatography. Subsequently this protein was described as the ryanodine receptor. It has been isolated and incorporated into lipid bilayers as a cation channel. This in its turn has directed attention toward the transverse (T)-tubular junctional constituents. Three approaches employing the JFP as a probe toward identifying these moieties on the T-tubule are described here. The binding of the JFP to the dihydropyridine receptor, which has been hypothesized to be the voltage sensor in excitation-contraction coupling, is also discussed. The detailed architecture and function of T-tubular proteins remain to be resolved.

Biochemical properties of isolated transverse tubular membranes

This review addresses the major biochemical and structural characteristics of isolated transverse tubule (T-tubule) membranes, including methods of isolation and morphology of purified membranes, evaluation of attendant membrane activities, including ion pumps and channels, and structural and compositional analyses of functionally relevant components. Particular emphasis is placed on the Mg2+-ATPase, its localization in the T-system, its unusual kinetic properties, its possible functions, and its potential regulation by diacylglycerol and other biologically-relevant lipids. Conclusions are drawn with respect to the biochemical markers characteristic of T-tubule membranes and the criteria to be applied in the assessment of isolated T-tubule membrane purity.

Transverse tubule calcium regulation in malignant hyperthermia

Transverse tubule (TT) calcium transport and permeability were examined in the inherited skeletal muscle disorder malignant hyperthermia (MH). ATP-dependent calcium uptake by TT vesicles isolated from normal and MH-susceptible (MHS) pig muscle had a similar dependence on ionized Ca2+ concentration (K1/2 for Ca2+ of 0.21 +/- 0.04 and 0.25 +/- 0.05 microM for MHS and normal TT, respectively), as well as a similar Vmax (20.9 +/- 2.0 and 23.7 +/- 4.5 nmol Ca/mg protein/min for MHS and normal TT, respectively). Furthermore, the stimulation of calcium uptake by either calmodulin or cAMP-dependent protein kinase was similar in normal and MHS TT. Halothane concentrations greater than 2 mM inhibited calcium uptake by either normal or MHS TT to a similar extent (IC50 = 8 mM). Dantrolene (10 microM), nitrendipine (1 microM), and Bay K 8644 (1 microM) had no significant effect on either the initial rates of calcium uptake or maximal calcium accumulation of either MHS or normal TT vesicles. However, in the absence of any added agents, maximum calcium accumulation by MHS TT was significantly less than by normal TT (90 +/- 10 versus 130 +/- 9 nmol Ca/mg protein after 15 min of uptake). This difference was not due to an increased permeability of MHS TT to calcium, nor was it due to a difference in the sarcoplasmic reticulum contamination (less than 5%) of the MHS and normal preparations. Although our results indicate there is no significant defect in MHS TT calcium regulation, the diminished maximum calcium accumulation by MHS TT may contribute to the abnormal sarcoplasmic calcium homeostasis in skeletal muscle during an MH crisis.

Biochemical properties of purified transverse tubules isolated from skeletal muscle triads

Transverse tubules (t-tubules) were prepared from muscle by dissociation of intact triads during centrifugation in ion-free sucrose gradients. They were further purified by the removal of contaminating sarcoplasmic reticulum after loading with calcium phosphate. Purification was accompanied by enrichment in markers specific for t-tubules, e.g., nitrendipine binding sites. According to gel electrophoresis the purified t-tubules contained three major protein bands of 104, 70, and 30 kDa. When solubilized with detergents there was a two- to threefold increase in Mg2+-ATPase activity, and a corresponding increase in the 30-kDa protein band. The 104-kDa protein was shown to be a (Na+ + K+)-ATPase because of its phosphorylation by [gamma-32P]ATP in the presence of sodium ions. The orientation of the t-tubule membrane was predominantly inside-out.

Skeletal muscle sarcolemma in malignant hyperthermia: evidence for a defect in calcium regulation

Sarcolemmal properties implicated in the skeletal muscle disorder, malignant hyperthermia (MH), were examined using sarcolemma-membrane vesicles isolated from normal and MH-susceptible (MHS) porcine skeletal muscle. MHS and normal sarcolemma did not differ in the distribution of the major proteins, cholesterol or phospholipid content, vesicle size and sidedness, (Na+ + K+)-ATPase activity, ouabain binding, or adenylate cyclase activity (total and isoproterenol sensitivity). The regulation of the initial rates of MHS and normal sarcolemmal ATP-dependent calcium transport (calcium uptake after 1 min) by Ca2+ (K1/2 = 0.64-0.81 microM), calmodulin, and cAMP-dependent protein kinase were similar. However, when sarcolemmal calcium content was measured at either 2 or 20 min after the initiation of active calcium transport, a significant difference between MHS and normal sarcolemmal calcium uptake became apparent, with MHS sarcolemma accumulating approximately 25% less calcium than normal sarcolemma. Calcium transport by MHS and normal sarcolemma, at 2 or 20 min, had a similar calmodulin dependence (C1/2 = 150 nM), and was stimulated to a similar extent by cAMP-dependent protein kinase or calmodulin. Halothane inhibited MHS and normal sarcolemmal active calcium uptake in a similar fashion (half-maximal inhibition at 10 mM halothane), while dantrolene (30 microM) and nitrendipine (1 microM) had little effect on either MHS or normal sarcolemmal calcium transport. After 20 min of ATP-supported calcium uptake, 2 mM EGTA plus 10 microM sodium orthovanadate were added to initiate sarcolemmal calcium efflux. Following an initial rapid phase of calcium release, an extended slow phase of calcium efflux (k = 0.012 min-1) was similar for both MHS and normal sarcolemma vesicles. We conclude that although a number of sarcolemmal properties, including passive calcium permeability, are normal in MH, a small but significant defect in MHS sarcolemmal ATP-dependent calcium transport may contribute to the abnormal calcium homeostasis and altered contractile properties of MHS skeletal muscle.

Voltage-dependent increase in ionized cytoplasmic calcium in the L6H9 muscle cell line detected with quin2

The concentration of free Ca2+ ions in the cytoplasm ([Ca2+]i) is a key parameter in the function of muscle cells. This study describes the effect of membrane depolarization on [Ca2+]i in differentiating cells of the L6H9 line of rat skeletal muscle. [Ca2+]i was assessed using the fluorescent indicator quin2. In the presence of 1 mM extracellular Ca2+, [Ca2+]i averaged 250 nM. Replacement of extracellular Na+ with K+ resulted in cellular depolarization from -64 to -20 mV, measured with a fluorescent oxonol indicator. Depolarized cells showed a significant increase in [Ca2+]i, from 250 to 390 nM. The increase was prevented by nifedipine (5 microM) and was in great part dependent on the presence of extracellular Ca2+. A residual significant increase in [Ca2+]i was observed upon depolarization in Ca2+-free medium; this rise may be attributed to Ca2+ release from intracellular organelles. In the presence of extracellular Ca2+, replacement of extracellular Na+ by N-methylglucamine+ did not depolarize the cells, yet resulted in a significant increase in [Ca2+]i. This rise may be ascribed to inhibition or reversal of Na+/Ca2+ exchange activity due to the absence of extracellular Na+. The data are consistent with the presence of voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels and Na+/Ca2+ antiporters at the cell surface, and of mechanisms of voltage-sensitive Ca2+ release from intracellular organelles.

Isolation and characterization of sarcoplasmic reticulum from normal and dystrophic chicken

Purified sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles from normal and dystrophic chicken skeletal muscle have been isolated by a procedure employing pressure disruption of a microsomal suspension. The dystrophic sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) exhibited reduced Ca++ transport and phosphoenzyme formation, but the Ca++-ATPase activity was normal. Normal and dystrophic SR showed similar lipid profiles, except for a significant increase in free fatty acids in the dystrophic SR. Investigations involving the interaction of oleic acid with normal SR showed fatty acids can induce conditions similar to those found in dystrophic SR.

Transverse tubules from frog skeletal muscle. Purification and properties of vesicles sealed with the inside-out orientation

Transverse tubule vesicles were isolated from frog skeletal muscle by a procedure initially described by Rosemblatt et al. (J. Biol. Chem. 256, 8140-8148 (1981)) and later modified by Hidalgo et al. (J. Biol. Chem. 258, 13937-13945 (1983]. A large fraction of the isolated vesicles (80-90%) were sealed, as indicated by the detergent induced increase in (Na+ + K+)-ATPase activity and ATP-dependent ouabain binding. To determine the orientation of the sealed vesicles binding of digoxin, a lipid soluble derivative of ouabain, was measured. The same values of ATP-dependent digoxin binding were found with or without detergents, indicating that all the vesicles that are sealed have the ATP site accessible, and hence are sealed with the cytoplasmic side-out (inside-out orientation). The transverse tubule preparation isolated from frog muscle is highly purified, as indicated by its cholesterol content and its (Na+ + K+)-ATPase activity; negligible contamination with sarcoplasmic reticulum was observed, as indicated by the protein composition and the lack of measurable Ca2+-ATPase activity of the isolated transverse tubules. High initial rates of Mg2+-ATPase activity were found, with the peculiar property of being inhibited during the course of the reaction. Addition of lysophosphatidylcholine or saponin partially prevented the inhibition of Mg2+-ATPase activity during the reaction.

Separation of dihydropyridine binding sites from cardiac junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum

When microsomes from feline ventricular muscle are centrifuged on continuous linear sucrose gradients, the major peak for the distribution pattern of the dihydropyridine binding sites corresponds in position and shape with the distribution of the Mr 300K polypeptide marker for junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). Plasma membrane vesicles are also present in those gradient fractions and appear to be joined to the junctional SR as native dyads. We now report that when such putative dyads are passed through the French press, both the dihydropyridine binding sites and the plasma membrane marker band together at a new isopycnic point distinct from the junctional SR. We conclude that as has been found in the skeletal muscle system the dihydropyridine binding sites are a marker for the junctional domain of the plasma membrane and that separation of the dyad components of the mammalian myocardium can be attained.

Calcium transport in transverse tubules isolated from rabbit skeletal muscle

Isolated transverse tubule vesicles free of sarcoplasmic reticulum transport calcium with high affinity in the presence of ATP. The calcium transport by transverse tubules differs from calcium transport by sarcoplasmic reticulum. It is not increased by oxalate or phosphate, it has a different temperature dependence, it is inhibited by sub-micromolar concentrations of orthovanadate, it is stimulated by calmodulin, and is inhibited by quercetin without causing calcium release. The rates of calcium transport by transverse tubules are two orders of magnitude lower than those of sarcoplasmic reticulum, suggesting that the calcium pump protein of transverse tubules is a minor component of the membrane. Addition of calmodulin to transverse tubule vesicles--treated with high salt in the presence of EGTA to remove endogenous calmodulin--caused a marked stimulation of transport rates at low concentrations of calcium, and decreased from 1.0 to 0.3 microM the calcium concentration at which half-maximal rates of transport were obtained. A role for the transverse tubule calcium pump in maintaining low sarcoplasmic calcium concentrations is proposed.

Characterization of ATP-driven calcium uptake in renal basal-lateral and renal endoplasmic reticulum membrane vesicles

ATP-driven calcium uptake was studied in basal-lateral membranes and in microsomal fractions, isolated from pig kidney cortex. The uptake is strongly enhanced in conditions where calcium inside the vesicles is precipitated by oxalate (5 mM) or phosphate (40 mM). Both anions were equally effective for the stimulation of calcium uptake in the microsomes but oxalate was less effective than phosphate in the basal-lateral membrane fraction. The active calcium pumps in the renal basal-lateral and microsomal fractions are different transport ATPases characterized by phosphorylated intermediates of 135 kDa and 115 kDa respectively. The subcellular distribution of the 135 kDa and 115 kDa phosphointermediates, reflects the distribution of typical marker enzymes for the basal-lateral membrane and for the endoplasmic reticulum. The calmodulin binding to the 135 kDa polypeptide as estimated by 125I-labelled calmodulin overlay, can be used as a specific marker for the basal-lateral plasma membrane calcium pump.

Regulation of skeletal muscle sarcolemmal ATP-dependent calcium transport by calmodulin and cAMP-dependent protein kinase

Skeletal muscle sarcolemma preparations, predominantly in the form of inside-out vesicles, were obtained from porcine muscle by a LiBr-extraction procedure. In the presence of ATP, these preparations were able to accumulate 94 nmol Ca/mg protein after 20 min at 37 degrees C. Sarcolemmal calcium uptake was completely blocked by the calcium ionophore, A23187, but was unaffected by monovalent cation ionophores. Calcium uptake was markedly inhibited by vanadate, with an approximate Ki of 0.5 microM. Oxalate (5 mM) had little effect on the initial phase of calcium uptake, while inorganic phosphate, at concentrations up to 50 mM, had a significant stimulatory effect on sarcolemmal calcium uptake. In contrast to ATP, acetylphosphate had minimal ability and p-nitrophenylphosphate had no ability to support calcium uptake. The maximal initial velocity of skeletal muscle sarcolemmal calcium uptake was 10.0 nmol Ca mg-1 min-1 at 37 degrees C, with a K 1/2 for Ca2+ of 0.88 microM. Addition of either 1 microM calmodulin, or 5 microM cAMP and 0.1 mg/ml cAMP-dependent protein kinase, increased the Vmax to 12.5 and 12.8 nmol Ca mg-1 min-1, respectively, and decreased the K 1/2 for Ca2+ to 0.67 and 0.70 microM, respectively; simultaneous addition of calmodulin and cAMP-dependent protein kinase increased the Vmax to 15.2 nmol Ca mg-1 min-1 and further lowered the K 1/2 to 0.51 microM. When concentrations of NaCl from 10 to 60 mM were added to vesicles that had been loaded with calcium in the presence of ATP, an immediate release of calcium occurred. This process had an approximate K 1/2 for sodium of 10-20 mM and an approximate maximal rate of 50 nmol Ca mg-1 min-1. We conclude that skeletal muscle sarcolemma contains a cAMP-dependent protein kinase- and calmodulin-stimulatable ATP-dependent calcium transport, as well as a sodium: calcium exchange activity.

Determinants of triad junction reformation: identification and isolation of an endogenous promotor for junction reformation in skeletal muscle

The junction of isolated triads can be mechanically broken by passage through a French press and subsequently reformed by incubation of the isolated organelles with certain salts of weak acids (e.g., K cacodylate, K propionate, and K butyrate). In contrast, other salts (e.g., KCl, K phosphate, and K benzoate) are ineffective in promoting triad formation. An endogenous factor obtained from a muscle homogenate acts in the same manner as these artificial compounds. When rabbit skeletal muscle is homogenized in a KCl solution and centrifuged to remove large cellular components and membrane fractions, an endogenous factor is extracted into the high speed supernatant which promotes the reformation of mechanically broken triads. A three-stage purification of this factor has been achieved using: ammonium sulfate fractionation, adsorption chromatography, and molecular sieve chromatography. SDS-PAGE showed that the protein was purified to homogeneity and had a subunit Mr of 34,000 daltons. This protein has the following characteristics: it exists in 0.1 M KCl as a polymeric substance with an estimated Mr = 123,000 on molecular sieve chromatography and a Mr = 155,000 on sedimentation equilibrium; it promotes the formation of triadic vesicles from isolated organelles in a low ionic strength medium; Both this protein and cacodylate share the property of specifically catalyzing the association and aggregation of junctional proteins which had previously been dissolved by neutral detergent and salt; it appears to be identical to an extrinsic constituent of terminal cisternae, which has been described as a protein of Mr = 34K. It is not clear, however, whether this protein is a necessary and integral component of the junctional feet or whether it exerts predominantly a catalytic role in the formation of the triad junction.

Identification of two populations of cardiac microsomes with nitrendipine receptors: correlation of the distribution of dihydropyridine receptors with organelle specific markers

Conventional sarcolemma and microsome preparations from rabbit and cat ventricular muscle were fractionated on continuous linear sucrose gradients. The distribution of nitrendipine receptors was compared with the distribution of organelle specific markers. For the conventional sarcolemma preparation, the dihydropyridine receptor distribution matched the pattern for external membrane markers in position and shape. The number of nitrendipine receptors was three times the number of muscarine binding sites (approximately 1.0 pmol/mg protein) at the isopycnic point of the vesicles. In contrast, two populations of vesicles with nitrendipine receptors were found in the microsome preparations. One population banded with the external membrane vesicles at a mean buoyant density of 24% (w/w) sucrose. The specific content of dihydropyridine receptors (0.2 pmol/mg) was 1/5 that for the muscarine receptors. The second and major population followed the distribution of an Mr 300K polypeptide, a marker for the junctional cisternae of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). Muscarine receptors, however, were also present throughout that band, albeit at a reduced specific content (approximately 0.1 pmol/mg) compared to the light vesicles. The nitrendipine specific content increased over threefold from that of the light vesicles such that the relative content (nitrendipine/muscarine) was twice that determined for the conventional sarcolemma preparation. Nitrendipine receptors were not associated with nonjunctional SR or mitochondria. The light and heavy microsome populations were incubated with 0.2 mg digitonin/mg protein, a treatment which preferentially perturbs the isopycnic point of external membrane vesicles. For the light vesicles, the membranes with muscarine and nitrendipine receptors became heavier than the bulk of the SR. In contrast, after digitonin treatment of the heavy vesicle population, the nitrendipine and muscarine receptors and the SR marker appeared to comigrate into a sharpened band at 39% sucrose. The possibility that the dihydropyridine binding sites in the heavy microsome population are on external membrane vesicles physically linked to the junctional SR is discussed.

Ca-pumps in smooth muscle: one in plasma membrane and another in endoplasmic reticulum

For several years it has been debated whether the Ca-pump in smooth muscle is located in the plasma membrane or in the endoplasmic reticulum (alias sarcoplasmic reticulum). Experimental evidence using skinned smooth muscle cells and subcellular membrane fractions isolated from a number of smooth muscles is reviewed here to hopefully resolve this issue. The inescapable conclusion is that there are two modes of nonmitochondrial ATP-dependent Ca-transport. The first one, unaffected by oxalate, is localized in the plasma membranes and the second, potentiated by oxalate, is localized in the endoplasmic reticulum. Clear experiments to delineate the roles of the two pumps in the excitation-contraction cycle of the smooth muscle remain to be conducted.

Characterization of transverse tubule membrane proteins: tentative identification of the Mg-ATPase

Vesiculated fragments of chicken skeletal muscle transverse tubule (TT) membranes were analyzed for their content of loosely associated and integral membrane proteins. Of particular interest was the identification of the magnesium-stimulated ATPase (Mg-ATPase), which is characteristically located in native isolated TT vesicles of chicken skeletal muscle [R. A. Sabbadini and V. R. Okamoto (1983) Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 223, 107-119]. A number of the proteins found in vesicular TT preparations were found to be extractable by a mild Triton-X100 treatment and were identified as aldolase, enolase, creatine kinase, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase, and pyruvate kinase. Approximately 60% of TT-associated protein was extracted with Triton, resulting in a twofold enrichment of the Mg-ATPase. Concommitantly, one core integral membrane protein possessing a Mr of 102,000 was enriched, suggesting that it is responsible for the Mg-ATPase activity present in chicken skeletal muscle TT membranes.

Dihydropyridine binding sites on transverse tubules isolated from triads of rabbit skeletal muscle

Receptors for the dihydropyridine class of Ca2+ channel antagonists are present on transverse tubules isolated by mechanical disruption of skeletal muscle triads. These observations account for the previously reported presence of nitrendipine binding sites in heavy sarcoplasmic reticulum. Nitrendipine receptors were not found in the terminal cisternae after disruption of the triad junctions. The number of sites in junctional T-tubules (27 pmol/mg) is only half that reported for transverse tubules isolated as free vesicles (pmol/mg). The presence of nitrendipine receptors in that region of the transverse tubules held in close apposition to the SR cisternae is consistent with the architectural requirements for the Ca2+ induced Ca2+ release phenomenon to be the mechanism of excitation-contraction coupling.

Characterization of ATP-dependent Ca2+ uptake by canine brain microsomes with saponin

ATP-dependent Ca2+ uptake by brain microsomes was classified into two fractions according to the sensitivity to saponin. Properties of each fraction of Ca2+ uptake were examined and compared with those of inside-out membrane vesicles of erythrocyte and cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum. The concentration of saponin for 50% inhibition (IC50) of major saponin-sensitive Ca2+ uptake was 11 micrograms/ml, and this uptake was enhanced by calmodulin. The minor saponin-insensitive Ca2+ uptake fraction (IC50; 90 micrograms/ml) was not affected by calmodulin but was enhanced by oxalate or 0.1 M KCl. The IC 50 of saponin for inside-out membrane vesicles of erythrocyte and cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum was 11.3 and 114.8 micrograms/ml, respectively. A characteristic ring-like saponin-cholesterol micellar structure was observed electron microscopically in most membrane vesicles of brain microsomes and erythrocyte membrane vesicles but not in the cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum. These observations indicate that saponin-sensitive and insensitive Ca2+ uptake was derived from plasma membranes and endoplasmic reticulum, respectively. Saponin proved useful for distinguishing the Ca2+ transport activity of plasma membrane from the Ca2+ uptake of other cellular organelles in the membrane preparations.

The association of phosphorylase kinase with rabbit muscle T-tubules

Evidence is presented for the association of a phosphorylase kinase activity with transverse tubules as well as terminal cisternae in triads isolated from rabbit skeletal muscle. This activity remained associated with T-tubules throughout the purification of triad junctions by one cycle of dissociation and reassociation. The possibility that the presence of phosphorylase kinase in these highly purified membrane vesicle preparations was due to its association with glycogen was eliminated by digestion of the latter with alpha-amylase. The phosphorylase kinase activity associated with the T-tubule membranes was similar to that reported for other membrane-bound phosphorylase kinases. The enzyme had a high pH 6.8/pH 8.2 activity ratio (0.4-0.7) and a high level of Ca2+ independent activity (EGTA/Ca2+ = 0.3-0.5). The kinase activated and phosphorylated exogenous phosphorylase b with identical time courses. When mechanically disrupted triads were centrifuged on continuous sucrose gradients, the distribution of phosphorylase kinase activity was correlated with the distribution of a Mr 128,000 polypeptide in the gradients. This polypeptide and a Mr 143,000 polypeptide were labeled with 32P by endogenous and exogenous protein kinases. These findings suggest that the membrane-associated phosphorylase kinase may be similar to the cytosolic enzyme. Markers employed for the isolated organelles included a Mr 102,000 membrane polypeptide which followed the distribution of Ca2+-stimulated 3-O-methylfluorescein phosphatase activity, which is specific for the sarcoplasmic reticulum. A Mr 72,000 polypeptide was confirmed to be a T-tubule-specific protein. Several proteins of the triad component organelle were phosphorylated by the endogenous kinase in a Ca2+/calmodulin-stimulated manner, including a Mr ca. 72,000 polypeptide found only in the transverse tubule.

Effects of cyclic AMP and protein kinase on calcium uptake in a microsomal fraction from guinea pig taenia caecum

A microsomal fraction was isolated from guinea pig taenia caecum by differential centrifugation. Activities of ouabain-sensitive (Na+, K+)-ATPase, 5'-nucleotidase and NADPH-cytochrome c reductase were enriched in the microsomal fraction. On the other hand, less cytochrome c oxidase and monoamine oxidase were contained in this fraction. These results suggest that the microsomal fraction used in this study was derived from both sarcolemma and sarcoplasmic reticulum. Ca2+ uptake by this fraction was strictly dependent on the presence of ATP and was facilitated by oxalate. An ATP-regenerating system was required for the determination of Ca2+ uptake, when a lower concentration of ATP (e.g. 0.25 mM) was used. Phosphorylation of the microsomal fraction was doubled when these membranes were incubated in the presence of cyclic AMP plus cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (protein kinase). When the microsomal fraction was pretreated with cyclic AMP plus protein kinase, Ca2+ uptake was stimulated. The increases in microsomal phosphorylation and Ca2+ uptake were significantly correlated (P less than 0.01). This stimulation of Ca2+ uptake by microsomal phosphorylation was observed only in the presence of protein kinase, oxalate, and low Ca2+ and Mg2+ concentrations. The results suggest that stimulation of Ca2+ uptake may be the mechanism by which cyclic AMP is involved in beta-adrenergic relaxation of smooth muscle.

Oxalate-stimulation of ATP-dependent Ca-uptake is diminished during smooth muscle subcellular fractionation

The ATP-dependent azide-insensitive Ca-uptake by the postnuclear supernatant from rat myometrium is stimulated more by 5 mM oxalate than by 25 mM phosphate. During subcellular fractionation, however, the percent recovery of the oxalate stimulated Ca-uptake diminishes more rapidly than that of the Ca-uptake without any added oxalate or phosphate. The percent recovery of the phosphate stimulated Ca-uptake also diminishes but not to as low levels as that of the oxalate stimulated Ca-uptake. The net result is higher stimulation of this uptake by 25 mM phosphate than by 5 mM oxalate in the various sucrose density gradient fractions. This discrepancy in percent recoveries presents a major concern about the use of oxalate or phosphate stimulated Ca-uptake as a marker for smooth muscle membranes.