Demonstration of two distinct calcium pumps in human platelet membrane vesicles

Conventional protein kinase C isoforms differentially regulate ADP- and thrombin-evoked Ca²⁺ signalling in human platelets

Rises in cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]cyt) are central in platelet activation, yet many aspects of the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Most studies examine how experimental manipulations affect agonist-evoked rises in [Ca(2+)]cyt, but these only monitor the net effect of manipulations on the processes controlling [Ca(2+)]cyt (Ca(2+) buffering, sequestration, release, entry and removal), and cannot resolve the source of the Ca(2+) or the transporters or channels affected. To investigate the effects of protein kinase C (PKC) on platelet Ca(2+) signalling, we here monitor Ca(2+) flux around the platelet by measuring net Ca(2+) fluxes to or from the extracellular space and the intracellular Ca(2+) stores, which act as the major sources and sinks for Ca(2+) influx into and efflux from the cytosol, as well as monitoring the cytosolic Na(+) concentration ([Na(+)]cyt), which influences platelet Ca(2+) fluxes via Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchange. The intracellular store Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]st) was monitored using Fluo-5N, the extracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]ext) was monitored using Fluo-4 whilst [Ca(2+)]cyt and [Na(+)]cyt were monitored using Fura-2 and SFBI, respectively. PKC inhibition using Ro-31-8220 or bisindolylmaleimide I potentiated ADP- and thrombin-evoked rises in [Ca(2+)]cyt in the absence of extracellular Ca(2+). PKC inhibition potentiated ADP-evoked but reduced thrombin-evoked intracellular Ca(2+) release and Ca(2+) removal into the extracellular medium. SERCA inhibition using thapsigargin and 2,5-di(tert-butyl) l,4-benzohydroquinone abolished the effect of PKC inhibitors on ADP-evoked changes in [Ca(2+)]cyt but only reduced the effect on thrombin-evoked responses. Thrombin evokes substantial rises in [Na(+)]cyt which would be expected to reduce Ca(2+) removal via the Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger (NCX). Thrombin-evoked rises in [Na(+)]cyt were potentiated by PKC inhibition, an effect which was not due to altered changes in non-selective cation permeability of the plasma membrane as assessed by Mn(2+) quench of Fura-2 fluorescence. PKC inhibition was without effect on thrombin-evoked rises in [Ca(2+)]cyt following SERCA inhibition and either removal of extracellular Na(+) or inhibition of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity by removal of extracellular K(+) or treatment with digoxin. These data suggest that PKC limits ADP-evoked rises in [Ca(2+)]cyt by acceleration of SERCA activity, whilst rises in [Ca(2+)]cyt evoked by the stronger platelet activator thrombin are limited by PKC through acceleration of both SERCA and Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity, with the latter limiting the effect of thrombin on rises in [Na(+)]cyt and so forward mode NCX activity. The use of selective PKC inhibitors indicated that conventional and not novel PKC isoforms are responsible for the inhibition of agonist-evoked Ca(2+) signalling.

Altered platelet calsequestrin abundance, Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchange and Ca²⁺ signaling responses with the progression of diabetes mellitus

INTRODUCTION

Downregulation of calsequestrin (CSQ), a major Ca(2+) storage protein, may contribute significantly to the hyperactivity of internal Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)]i) in diabetic platelets. Here, we investigated changes in CSQ-1 abundance, Ca(2+) signaling and aggregation responses to stimulation with the progression of diabetes, especially the mechanism(s) underlying the exaggerated Ca(2+) influx in diabetic platelets.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Type 1 diabetes was induced by streptozotocin in rats. Platelet [Ca(2+)]i and aggregation responses upon ADP stimulation were assessed by fluorescence spectrophotometry and aggregometry, respectively. CSQ-1 expression was evaluated using western blotting.

RESULTS

During the 12-week course of diabetes, the abundance of CSQ-1, basal [Ca(2+)]i and ADP-induced Ca(2+) release were progressively altered in diabetic platelets, while the elevated Ca(2+) influx and platelet aggregation were not correlated with diabetes development. 2-Aminoethoxydiphenyl borate, the store-operated Ca(2+) channel blocker, almost completely abolished ADP-induced Ca(2+) influx in normal and diabetic platelets, whereas nifedipine, an inhibitor of the nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate receptor, showed no effect. Additionally, inhibition of Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchange induced much slower Ca(2+) extrusion and more Ca(2+) influx in normal platelets than in diabetic platelets. Furthermore, under the condition of Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibition, ionomycin caused greater Ca(2+) mobilization and Ca(2+) influx in diabetic platelets than in normal platelets.

CONCLUSIONS

These data demonstrate that platelet hyperactivity in diabetes is caused by several integrated factors. Besides the downregulation of CSQ-1 that mainly disrupts basal Ca(2+) homeostasis, insufficient Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchange also contributes, at least in part, to the hyperactive Ca(2+) response to stimulation in diabetic platelets.

Molecular and functional characterization of the human platelet Na(+) /Ca(2+) exchangers

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The Na(+) /Ca(2+) exchanger is a bi-directional transporter that plays an important role in maintaining the concentration of cytosolic Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+) ](i) ) of quiescent platelets and increasing it during activation with some, but not all, agonists. There are two classes of Na(+) /Ca(2+) exchangers: K(+) -independent Na(+) /Ca(2+) exchanger (NCX) and K(+) -dependent Na(+) /Ca(2+) exchanger (NCKX). Platelets have previously been shown to express NCKX1. However, initial studies from our laboratory suggest that NCX may also play a role in platelet activation. The objective of this study was to determine if the human platelet expresses functional NCXs. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH RT-PCR, DNA sequencing and Western blot analysis were utilized to characterize the human platelet Na(+) /Ca(2+) exchangers. Their function during quiescence and collagen-induced activation was determined by measuring [Ca(2+) ](i) with calcium-green/fura-red in response to: changes in the Na(+) and K(+) gradient, NCX pharmacological inhibitors (CBDMB, KB-R7943 and SEA0400) and antibodies specific to extracellular epitopes of the exchangers. KEY RESULTS Human platelets express NCX1.3, NCX3.2 and NCX3.4. The NCXs operate in the Ca(2+) efflux mode in resting platelets and also during their activation with thrombin but not collagen. Collagen-induced increase in [Ca(2+) ](i) was reduced with the pharmacological inhibitors of NCX (CBDMB, KB-R7943 or SEA0400), anti-NCX1 and anti-NCX3. In contrast, anti-NCKX1 enhanced the collagen-induced increase in [Ca(2+) ](i) . CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Human platelets express K(+) -independent Na(+) /Ca(2+) exchangers NCX1.3, NCX3.2 and NCX3.4. During collagen activation, NCX1 and NCX3 transiently reverse to promote Ca(2+) influx, whereas NCKX1 continues to operate in the Ca(2+) efflux mode to reduce [Ca(2+) ](i) .

Monitoring the intracellular store Ca2+ concentration in agonist-stimulated, intact human platelets by using Fluo-5N

BACKGROUND

Most Ca(2+) signaling research in platelets has relied solely on monitoring the cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](cyt)). Changes in [Ca(2+)](cyt) constitute the net effect of Ca(2+) fluxes into the cytosol across the plasma membrane (PM) and from intracellular stores, and Ca(2+) sequestration into the stores and Ca(2+) removal across the PM. This makes interpretation of the effects of pharmacologic or genetic interventions on Ca(2+) signaling difficult and subject to error.

OBJECTIVES

To validate the use of the low-affinity Ca(2+) indicator Fluo-5N to monitor the concentration of Ca(2+) in the intracellular stores ([Ca(2+)](st)) of human platelets as a first step in developing assays for a systems-level analysis of platelet Ca(2+) signaling.

METHODS

Fluo-5N-loaded and Fura-2-loaded human platelets were used to observe the effects of agonist stimulation and other manipulations on [Ca(2+)](cyt) and [Ca(2+)](st).

RESULTS

Fluo-5N fluorescence changed appropriately in response to compounds that induce passive depletion of intracellular Ca(2+) stores and to physiologic agonists. Ca(2+) reuptake inhibitors and blockers of Ca(2+) release channels had the expected effects on Fura-2 and Fluo-5N fluorescence. Agonist-evoked Ca(2+) release was reversed by Ca(2+) addition to the medium, and required intact Ca(2+) reuptake mechanisms. Store refilling was observed in the presence of sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) -ATPase (SERCA) inhibitors and ionomycin, suggesting the presence of a non-SERCA Ca(2+) reuptake mechanism. Evidence for a role for Ca(2+) -induced Ca(2+) release in agonist-evoked responses was obtained.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data provide a validation of the use of Fluo-5N as a method for monitoring changes in [Ca(2+)](st) in human platelets.

Calcium signaling in platelets

Agonist-induced elevation in cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations is essential for platelet activation in hemostasis and thrombosis. It occurs through Ca2+ release from intracellular stores and Ca2+ entry through the plasma membrane (PM). Ca2+ store release is a well-established process involving phospholipase (PL)C-mediated production of inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3), which in turn releases Ca2+ from the intracellular stores through IP3 receptor channels. In contrast, the mechanisms controlling Ca2+ entry and the significance of this process for platelet activation have been elucidated only very recently. In platelets, as in other non-excitable cells, the major way of Ca2+ entry involves the agonist-induced release of cytosolic sequestered Ca2+ followed by Ca2+ influx through the PM, a process referred to as store-operated calcium entry (SOCE). It is now clear that stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1), a Ca2+ sensor molecule in intracellular stores, and the four transmembrane channel protein Orai1 are the key players in platelet SOCE. The other major Ca2+ entry mechanism is mediated by the direct receptor-operated calcium (ROC) channel, P2X1. Besides these, canonical transient receptor potential channel (TRPC) 6 mediates Ca2+ entry through the PM. This review summarizes the current knowledge of platelet Ca2+ homeostasis with a focus on the newly identified Ca2+ entry mechanisms.

Expression des pompes calciques de type SERCA au cours de la différenciation cellulaire et de la tumorigenèse: application à la carcinogenèse colique

Calcium homeostasis of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is involved in intracellular signaling pathways and is implicated in major cell functions such as cell growth, differentiation, protein synthesis and apoptosis. The accumulation of calcium in the ER is performed by specific sarco/endoplasmic reticulum calcium transport ATPases (SERCA iso-enzymes). The expression of biochemically distinct SERCA isoforms is cell type dependent and developmentally regulated. This review summarizes pertinent data about the modulation of the expression of SERCA enzymes during the differentiation of normal and tumor cells. These data support the implication of SERCA pumps and especially SERCA3 in the differentiation program of cancer and leukemia cells. During the multi-step process of colon carcinogenesis, the decrease of SERCA3 expression seems to be linked to enhanced APC/ss-catenin/TCF4 signaling and deficient Sp1-like factor-dependent transcription.

Endoplasmic reticulum calcium transport ATPase expression during differentiation of colon cancer and leukaemia cells

The calcium homeostasis of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is connected to a multitude of cell functions involved in intracellular signal transduction, control of proliferation, programmed cell death, or the synthesis of mature proteins. Calcium is accumulated in the ER by various biochemically distinct sarco/endoplasmic reticulum calcium transport ATPase isoenzymes (SERCA isoforms). Experimental data indicate that the SERCA composition of some carcinoma and leukaemia cell types undergoes significant changes during differentiation, and that this is accompanied by modifications of SERCA-dependent calcium accumulation in the ER. Because ER calcium homeostasis can also influence cell differentiation, we propose that the modulation of the expression of various SERCA isoforms, and in particular, the induction of the expression of SERCA3-type proteins, is an integral part of the differentiation program of some cancer and leukaemia cell types. The SERCA content of the ER may constitute a new parameter by which the calcium homeostatic characteristics of the organelle are adjusted. The cross-talk between ER calcium homeostasis and cell differentiation may have some implications for the better understanding of the signalling defects involved in the acquisition and maintenance of the malignant phenotype.

Expression of hPMCA4b, the major form of the plasma membrane calcium pump in megakaryoblastoid cells is greatly reduced in mature human platelets

Antibodies 5F10 and JA3 (raised against the erythrocyte Ca2+ pump) were used to identify hPMCA4b as the major form of the plasma membrane Ca2+ pump in human platelets and in three human megakaryoblastoid cell lines, MEG 01, DAMI and CHRF 288-11. 5F10 was used because it has been shown to recognize all known isoforms of the hPMCA and JA3 because it reacts exclusively with hPMCA4b [Caride A.J., Filoteo A.G., Enyedi A., Verma A.K., Penniston J.T. Detection of isoform 4 of the plasma membrane calcium pump in human tissues by using isoform-specific monoclonal antibodies. Biochem J 1996; 316: 353-359]. In addition to hPMCA4b, hPMCA1b was also detected in the megakaryoblastoid cells by using isoform-specific polyclonal antibodies. The apparent size of this isoform, however, was smaller than that seen in HeLa and COS-7 cell membranes indicating the presence of a modified form of hPMCA1b. In platelets, no evidence of the expression of hPMCA1b could be found. The amount of PMCA in these cells was compared with that of the constitutive form of the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump in non-muscle cells (SERCA2b) and also with the amount of PMCA in human erythrocytes. A very low level of the plasma membrane Ca2+ pump was found in platelets while in their precursor cells the expression of this Ca2+ pump was much more abundant. Whereas the expression level of PMCA decreased dramatically in mature human platelets, the expression of SERCA2b did not change substantially upon megakaryocytic differentiation.

Diabetes-induced alterations in platelet metabolism

OBJECTIVES

This review summarizes the recent findings on some aspects of platelet metabolism that appear to be affected as a consequence of diabetes mellitus. The metabolites include glutathione, L-Arginine/nitric oxide, as well as the ATP-dependent exchange of Na+/K+ and Ca2+.

CONCLUSIONS

Several aspects of platelet metabolism are altered in diabetics. These metabolic events give rise to a platelet that has less antioxidants, and higher levels of peroxides. The direct consequence of this is the overproduction platelet agonists. In addition, there is evidence for altered Ca2+ and Na+ transport across the plasma membrane. Recent evidence indicates that plasma ATPases in diabetic platelets are not damaged instead their activities are likely to be modulated by oxidized LDL. Finally, platelet inhibitory mechanisms regulated by NO appear to be perturbed in the diabetes disease-state. The combined production of NO and superoxide by NOS isoforms in the platelet could be a major contributory factor to platelet pathogenesis in diabetes mellitus.

SK&F 96365 inhibits intracellular Ca2+ pumps and raises cytosolic Ca2+ concentration without production of nitric oxide and von Willebrand factor

The effects of the imidazole compound SK&F 96365 on Ca2+ movements and production of nitric oxide (NO) and von Willebrand factor (vWF) have been investigated in human endothelial cells. Changes in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) were measured with Fura-2. Real-time production of NO was monitored with a porphyrinic microsensor and the release of vWF with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Irrespective of the transmembrane Ca2+ gradient, 30 microM SK&F 96365 doubled [Ca2+]i suggesting a Ca2+ release from intracellular stores. The SK&F 96365-induced [Ca2+]i rise was not accompanied by detectable NO and vWF production, while 1 microM thapsigargin enhanced [Ca2+]i 2.5 times, doubled the secretion of vWF and increased the NO production to 10 +/- 4 nM (n = 5). Pretreatment with SK&F 96365 prevented thapsigargin from increasing [Ca2+]i, NO production and vWF secretion. To investigate the mechanism by which SK&F 96365 released Ca2+ from internal pools, its effect and that of thapsigargin on the ATP-dependent 45Ca2+ uptake into platelet membrane vesicles were compared. SK&F 96365 as thapsigargin, dose-dependently reduced the initial rate of 45Ca2+ uptake. In conclusion, we demonstrate that, in the absence of Ca2+ entry from the extracellular space, the [Ca2+]i increase elicited by SK&F 96365 or thapsigargin is not sufficient to initiate NO synthesis and vWF secretion. This confirms the important role of Ca2+ influx in endothelial secretion processes.

Thapsigargin discriminates strongly between Ca(2+)-ATPase phosphorylated intermediates with different subcellular distributions in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells

We studied the effects of thapsigargin on the formation of the phosphorylated intermediates (E approximately Ps) of endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPases in microsomes from bovine adrenal medulla. When submicrosomal fractions were separated on a sucrose gradient, two components of 100 kDa Ca(2+)-ATPase E approximately P displaying distinct subcellular distributions were resolved. The first component was defined by Ca(2+)-induced protection against thapsigargin inhibition. The second component did not display such protection, with a 3 orders of magnitude difference in thapsigargin inhibitory potency towards the 2 components. In the absence of Ca2+, both E approximately P components were highly sensitive to thapsigargin inhibition, revealing the presence of high-affinity thapsigargin-binding sites characteristic of SERCA ATPases. These data demonstrate a new level of molecular heterogeneity among Ca(2+)-ATPases of endoplasmic reticulum, and provide the first evidence of differential subcellular localization of individual Ca2+ pump subtypes in cells of neural origin.

The Ca(2+)-ATPase isoforms of platelets are located in distinct functional Ca2+ pools and are uncoupled by a mechanism different from that of skeletal muscle Ca(2+)-ATPase

Vesicles derived from the dense tubular system of platelets possess a Ca(2+)-ATPase that can use either ATP or acetyl phosphate as a substrate. In the presence of phosphate as a precipitating anion, the maximum amount of Ca2+ accumulated by the vesicles with the use of acetyl phosphate was only one-third of that accumulated with the use of ATP. Vesicles derived from the sarcoplasmic reticulum of skeletal muscle accumulated equal amounts of Ca2+ regardless of the substrate used. When acetyl phosphate was used in platelet vesicles, the transport of Ca2+ was inhibited by Na+, Li+, and K+; in sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles, only Na+ caused inhibition. When ATP was used as substrate, the different monovalent cation had no effect on either sarcoplasmic reticulum or platelet vesicles. The catalytic cycle of the Ca(2+)-ATPase is reversed when a Ca2+ gradient is formed across the vesicle membrane. The stoichiometry between active Ca2+ efflux and ATP synthesis was one in platelet vesicles and two in sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles. The coupling between ATP synthesis and Ca2+ efflux in sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles was abolished by arsenate regardless of whether the vesicles were loaded with Ca2+ using acetyl phosphate or ATP. In platelets, uncoupling was observed only when the vesicles were loaded using acetyl phosphate. In both sarcoplasmic reticulum and platelet vesicles, the effect of arsenate was antagonized by thapsigargin (2 microM), micromolar Ca2+ concentrations, P(i) (5-20 mM), and MgATP (10-100 microM). Trifluoperazine also uncoupled the platelet Ca2+ pump but, different from arsenate, this drug was effective in vesicles that were loaded using either ATP or acetyl phosphate. Trifluoperazine enhanced Ca2+ efflux from both sarcoplasmic reticulum and platelet vesicles; thapsigargin, Ca2+, Mg2+, or K+ antagonized this effect in sarcoplasmic reticulum but not in platelet vesicles. The data indicate that the Ca(2+)-transport isoforms found in sarcoplasmic reticulum and in platelets have different kinetic properties.

Calcium pump in the disk membranes isolated from bovine retinal rod outer segments

The existence of a Ca2+ pump in rod outer segment disks of bovine retina is strongly suggested by the isolation on sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of a hydroxylamine-sensitive phosphorylated intermediate (E-P) of molecular mass of about 100 kDa as well as by measurements of active calcium transport and adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) hydrolysis. Active Ca2+ uptake by disks was dependent on the presence of Mg(2+)-ATP, was inhibited by vanadate or lanthanum and appeared poorly sensitive to calmodulin. ATP hydrolysis by disk membranes was a function of free Ca2+ concentration in the absence of exogenous Mg2+. The presence of a Ca2+ pump on disk membranes is discussed in terms of its possible role in Ca2+ ion buffering during photoreceptor cell functioning.

Calcium signalling in platelets and other nonexcitable cells

By virtue of their biological simplicity and widespread availability, platelets frequently have been used as a model system to study signal transduction. Such studies have revealed that changes in intracellular free calcium concentration are central to platelet functioning. The following article reviews current concepts of platelet structure and function, with particular emphasis on the mechanisms involved in platelet Ca2+ signalling.

Platelet calcium transport in hypertension

To determine platelet Ca2+ transport entities involved in increased cytosolic Ca2+ in the platelets of hypertensive individuals, we studied the relations between blood pressure and Ca2+ transporters in platelet membranes from 22 white male volunteers 32 to 68 years old. We used thapsigargin, a specific inhibitor of the internal membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase, to differentiate between plasma membrane and internal membrane Ca(2+)-ATPases. Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-mediated and Ca2+ ionophore (A23187)-induced Ca2+ release was also assayed in membrane preparations using rhod-2, a fluorescent Ca2+ indicator. Levels of glycoprotein IIIa, a possible component of agonist-mediated Ca2+ influx, were measured by immunoblotting. The results show that plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase is decreased as a function of diastolic blood pressure (P < .002), whereas the internal membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase is not (P < .148). Neither activity is correlated with age or systolic blood pressure. However, inositol trisphosphate-mediated Ca2+ release is negatively correlated with age (P < .024) but not blood pressure. Glycoprotein IIIa levels and A23187-induced Ca2+ release were not related to age or blood pressure, demonstrating that inhibition of the plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase was not a result of differences in the proportion of plasma membrane in the preparation or differences in intravesicular Ca2+ concentration. Inhibition of the plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase could directly cause elevation of cytoplasmic Ca2+ and enhancement of platelet sensitivity.

Characterization of the inositol trisphosphate-sensitive and insensitive calcium stores by selective inhibition of the endoplasmic reticulum-type calcium pump isoforms in isolated platelet membrane vesicles

In mixed platelet membrane vesicles the presence of two distinct endoplasmic reticulum-type calcium pump enzymes of 100 and 97 kD molecular mass has been demonstrated. We have previously shown that both calcium pumps were recognized by polyclonal anti-sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium pump antisera [11]. In the present work we studied the effects of several calcium pump inhibitors on active calcium transport and inositol trisphosphate-induced calcium release in these vesicles in an attempt to assign the two calcium pump isoenzymes to specific calcium pools. The effect of the PL/IM 430 inhibitory anti-calcium pump antibody was compared to that of other calcium pump inhibitors acting predominantly on the 100 and the 97 kD calcium pump isoforms, respectively. The PL/IM 430 antibody, which recognized the 97 kD pump on Western blots and 2,5-di-(tert-butyl)-1,4-benzohydroquinone, which inhibited phosphoenzyme formation of the same pump isoform, inhibited calcium accumulation predominantly into an inositol trisphosphate-releasable calcium pool. On the other hand, low concentration of thapsigargin, which inhibited phosphoenzyme formation mainly of the 100 kD pump isozyme, had a more pronounced effect on calcium uptake into an inositol trisphosphate-resistant pool. These data suggest that in platelets the 97 kD calcium pump isoform is likely to be associated with the inositol trisphosphate-sensitive calcium storage organelle.

Stimulation of human platelet Ca(2+)-ATPase and Ca2+ restoration by calpain

To clarify the possible role of calpain (calcium activated neutral protease; EC 3.4.22.17) in Ca2+ homeostasis of human platelets, we investigated the effects of cell permeable calpain inhibitors, calpeptin and E-64d (EST), on the restoration of cytoplasmic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) in both Fura-2 and aspirin (ASA) loaded platelets. Although neither calpeptin (30 microM) nor EST (250 microM) altered the increase of [Ca2+]i in thrombin (1 U/ml) stimulated platelets, both calpain inhibitors delayed the decrease of [Ca2+]i back towards the basal level. These observations suggested that calpain might be involved in Ca2+ restoration. Then, the activity of Ca(2+)-ATPase was examined in thrombin (2 U/ml) stimulated platelets. Thrombin produced a rapid rise in Ca(2+)-ATPase activity by 2-fold at 8 s of incubation, which then returned to below the basal activity within 2 min. Calpeptin inhibited transient Ca(2+)-ATPase activation induced by thrombin in a dose related manner. Ca(2+)-ATPase of isolated platelet membranes was digested by purified human platelet calpain-I and Ca(2+)-ATPase activity was investigated. With a short incubation (8-15 s), Ca(2+)-ATPase activity was increased about 2-fold and then it decreased below the basal level at longer incubations or at a higher calpain/membrane ratio. The initial rate of Ca2+ uptake was also increased by about 2-fold with a short incubation (8-15 s). For molecular characterization of the Ca(2+)-ATPase, the formation of the enzyme-phosphate complex (EP) was investigated. The membrane bound intact 105 kD Ca(2+)-ATPase was converted by calpain to a fragment of approximately 50 kD.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cyclic AMP stimulates Ca(2+)-ATPase-mediated Ca2+ extrusion from human platelets

The effect of cAMP on active Ca2+ extrusion across the plasma membrane of intact human platelets was studied using quin2, a fluorimetric indicator of free Ca2+ in the cytoplasmic compartment ([Ca2+]cyt). Elevations of cAMP were achieved by incubation with dibutyryl-cAMP or by forskolin, which was found to selectively elevate cAMP without affecting cGMP levels. Progress curves of Ca2+ extrusion from quin2-overloaded platelets were measured. The rate vs. [Ca2+]cyt characteristic was calculated as previously described (Johansson, J.S. and Haynes, D.H. (1988) J. Membr. Biol. 104, 147-163). Forskolin, at a maximally effective concentration of 10 microM, was shown to stimulate Ca2+ extrusion by increasing by a factor of 1.6 +/- 0.5 the Vm of a saturable component, previously identified with a Ca(2+)-Mg(2+)-ATPase located in the plasma membrane. Neither the Km (80 nM) or Hill coefficient (1.7 +/- 0.3) of the Ca(2+)-ATPase was affected. Forskolin had no effect on the linear, non-saturable component of extrusion (previously identified with a Na+/Ca2+ exchanger) over the [Ca2+]cyt range examined (50-1500 nM). Dibutyryl-cAMP (Bt2-cAMP, 1 mM) stimulated the Ca(2+)-Mg(2+)-ATPase component of Ca2+ extrusion by a factor of 2.0 +/- 0.6. Separate experiments showed that 10 microM forskolin reduces the resting [Ca2+]cyt from 112 nM to 96 nM. Mathematical analysis showed that this can be accounted for by the above-mentioned increase in Vm of the pump, countered by a 37-74% increase in the rate constant for passive Ca2+ leakage across the plasma membrane. The results suggest two mechanisms by which prostacyclin-induced elevation of cAMP inhibits platelet aggregation: (a) lowering of resting [Ca2+]cyt and (b) increasing the rate of Ca2+ extrusion after the initial influx or triggered release event.

Cyclic GMP increases the rate of the calcium extrusion pump in intact human platelets but has no direct effect on the dense tubular calcium accumulation system

Sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and other agents that elevate cGMP levels are known to inhibit the aggregation of human platelets. Published data suggest that cGMP attenuation of agonist-induced Ca2+ transients is involved in this effect. The present study shows that elevation of cGMP increases the rate of the Ca2+ extrusion pump located in the plasma membrane (PM) but does not have a direct effect on the Ca2+ accumulating pump of the dense tubules (DT). The study verifies that SNP can specifically elevate the cGMP level in the platelet. The kinetics of the Ca2+ extrusion system were studied in situ in platelets overloaded with the cytoplasmic Ca2+ indicator quin2 according to a published protocol developed in this laboratory. Elevation of cGMP by means of (10 microM) SNP increased the Vm of the Ca(2+)-ATPase pump by 63%, without affecting its Km (66-80 nM) or Hill coefficient (1.6-1.8). Dibutyryl-cGMP (Bt2-cGMP), preincubated for 45 min at 1 mM, increased the Vm by a factor of 2.2 +/- 0.4. The experiments did not give any indication that SNP or Bt2-cGMP change the rate of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger which makes a minor contribution to Ca2+ extrusion in the studied [Ca2+]cyt range. The rate constant for passive leakage of Ca2+ across the PM was increased by 32 +/- 4% by SNP and 90 +/- 34% by Bt2-cGMP. The net result is that the free Ca2+ in the cytoplasm ([Ca2+]cyt) at 'rest' is lowered from control values of 112 nM to 89 nM or 80 nM, respectively. The kinetics of Ca2+ uptake by the dense tubules were determined in situ using the fluorescence of chlorotetracycline (CTC) according to protocols developed in this laboratory. Analysis showed that SNP and Bt2-cGMP had no effect on the Vm or Km of the dense tubular pump, and did not affect the rate constant for passive leakage. The agents did decrease resting [Ca2+]dt by 25% or 30%, respectively, but this result can be explained purely in terms of the reduced [Ca2+]cyt. The effects of cGMP (vs. cAMP) on the PM and DT pumps are closely correlated with reported effects of cGMP/cAMP induced phosphorylation of a protein of the molecular weight of the PM pump and a 22 kDa activator of the DT pump. Cyclic AMP increases the rate of both the PM and the DT pumps, whereas cGMP increases the rate of the PM pump only.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Effect of tumour-promoting phorbol ester on calcium homeostasis in human platelets

The more interesting features of the effects or PMA on [Ca2+]i and ATP release were the following: 1. preincubation with PMA inhibited thrombin-evoked calcium transients; 2. PMA stimulated slightly the release of calcium and ATP whereas inhibited calcium and ATP pools sensitive to thrombin; 3. A23187 reversed the inhibitory effect of PMA; 4. subsaturating thrombin concentrations gave results similar to PMA on thrombin-induced calcium and ATP release but not on [Ca2+]i.

Characteristics of a presynaptic plasma membrane Ca2(+)-ATPase activity from electric organ

Ca2(+)-ATPase activity was measured in electric organ synaptosomal homogenates and their derived presynaptic plasma membranes using a low ionic strength medium, low in Ca2+ and Mg2+, and devoid of K+. The enzyme activity showed a high apparent affinity for Ca2+ (KCa:0.5 microM) and was: (1) 5-fold stimulated by 120 nM calmodulin, (2) highly sensitive to LaCl3 inhibition, and (3) not affected by 20 mM NaN3 or 0.1 mM ouabain. The addition of Mg2+ promoted the disappearance of Ca2(+)-ATPase activity. Incubation of synaptosomal homogenates in the above-mentioned assay medium with [gamma -32P]ATP resulted in the appearance of a 140 kDa band as revealed by SDS-gel electrophoresis. Labeling of this band with 32P was inhibited by 1 mM EGTA or 10 mM NH2OH, indicating that the isotope incorporation required the presence of Ca2+ and the formation of an acyl-phosphate derivative. The results indicate that the Ca2(+)-ATPase activity from synaptosomal homogenates had characteristics corresponding to those of the enzyme that catalyzes an outward transport of Ca2+ in nerve terminals. Preincubation of synaptosomes in Ca2+ plus K+, a depolarizing procedure, induced a large and rapid decrease in the Ca2(+)-ATPase activity, possibly mediated via Ca2+ entry through voltage-gated Ca2+ channels. Furthermore, the muscarinic cholinergic agonist oxotremorine (at 15 microM concentration) did not significantly affect either the enzyme activity or the intensity of the Ca2(+)-dependent 32P incorporation into the 140 kDa band, suggesting that the enzyme is not coupled to muscarinic binding sites.

Characterization of a putative Ca2(+)-transporting Ca2(+)-ATPase in the pellicles of Paramecium tetraurelia

In Paramecium, no Ca2(+)-ATPases with the properties of Ca2+ pumps have been identified. Here we report a pellicle associated Ca2(+)-ATPase activity and a corresponding phosphoprotein intermediate characteristic of a pump. The Ca2(+)-ATPase activity requires 3 mM Mg for optimal Ca2+ stimulation (KCa = 90 nM) and is specific for ATP as substrate (Km = 75 microM). Vanadate and calmidazolium inhibit Ca2(+)-stimulated activity with an EC50 of about 2 microM and 0.5 microM, respectively. Likewise, 10 microM trifluoperazine inhibits 80% of Ca2(+)-ATPase activity, but bovine calmodulin fails to stimulate. The Ca2(+)-ATPase is not inhibited by sodium azide (10 mM), oligomycin (10 micrograms/ml) or ouabain (0.2 mM). Incubation of pellicles with [gamma-32P]ATP specifically labels a 133 kDa protein in a Ca2(+)-dependent, hydroxylamine-sensitive manner, and the level of phosphorylation is increased by 100 microM La3+. Phosphorylation of an endoplasmic reticulum-enriched fraction labels a Ca2(+)-dependent protein different from the pellicle protein, being lower in molecular mass and unaffected by La3+. Ca2+ uptake by the alveolar sacs, integral components of the pellicle membrane complex, is poorly coupled to Ca2(+)-stimulated ATP hydrolysis (Ca2+ transported/ATP hydrolysed less than 0.2) and is much less sensitive to vanadate inhibition (EC50 approx. 20 microM) compared to the total Ca2(+)-ATPase activity. Therefore, the majority of the Ca2(+)-ATPase activity is likely to be plasma membrane associated.

Cellular and segmental distribution of Ca2(+)-pump epitopes in rat intestine

We used a monoclonal antibody (5F10) specific for the human erythrocyte plasma membrane Ca(++)-pump to demonstrate the presence and distribution of Ca(++)-pump epitopes in rat intestine. In paraffin embedded tissue sections, antibody 5F10 binds to epitopes in the basolateral membranes of absorptive cells in rat duodenum and portions of jejunum but not ileum. Western blot analysis of intestinal mucosal proteins with antibody 5F10 shows binding of antibody to major bands of Mr approximately 135,000 and Mr approximately 72,000, and to lesser bands of Mr approximately 125,000 and Mr approximately 27,000. This pattern was seen in mucosal homogenates of rat duodenal and jejunal cells and to a lesser extent in ileal cells. The Mr approximately 135,000 band corresponds to the molecular weight of Ca(++)-pumps in other tissues. The other bands correspond in size to known proteolytic fragments of the Ca(++)-pump. Slot-blot analysis of nitrocellulose immobilized mucosal homogenates shows binding of 5F10 to be greatest in duodenum and least in ileum. Ca(++)-transport studies by the everted gut sac technique show a correlation between vitamin D induction of active Ca(++)-transport and the segmental distribution of Ca(++)-pump epitopes.

Kinetics of Ca2(+)-ATPase activation in platelet membranes of essential hypertensives and normotensives

To explore the etiology of altered Ca metabolism in essential hypertension, we studied parameters, i.e., maximal initial reaction velocity (Vmax) and Michaelis constant (Km), of Ca activation kinetics of Ca2(+)-ATPase in membrane fractions (isolated by a sucrose gradient) from platelets of blacks and whites, 27 of whom were essential hypertensives, 17 of whom were normotensives with a family history of essential hypertension, and 10 of whom were normotensives without a family history of the disease. The Vmax of hypertensives was significantly lower than in normotensives without a family history of essential hypertension (hypertensives, 14.99 +/- 1.71 nmol Pi.mg protein-1.min-1; normotensives, positive family history, 22.67 +/- 3.17 nmol Pi.mg protein-1.min-1; normotensives, negative family history, 27.54 +/- 4.37 nmol Pi.mg protein-1.min-1; overall, P = 0.0078). The Km was lower in both hypertensives and normotensives with a positive family history of essential hypertension as compared with normotensives with a negative family history of the disease (hypertensives, 1.70 +/- 0.23 microM; normotensives, positive family history, 1.38 +/- 0.2 microM; normotensives, negative family history, 2.79 +/- 0.58 microM; overall, P = 0.0251). Furthermore, the Km in whites was inversely related to plasma renin activity (r = 0.50; P less than 0.005). We propose that a lower Vmax for Ca2(+)-ATPase may play a role in the higher level of free Ca in platelets of essential hypertensives and that a higher affinity of the enzyme to Ca may reflect a process compensating for the lower Vmax. We also suggest that a higher Km for Ca2(+)-ATPase in juxtaglomerular cells of whites would result in blunting the release of renin.

Structure, function and subcellular localization of a human platelet Ca2+-ATPase

Human platelets contain a Ca2+-ATPase in internal membranes that is essential for Ca2+ homeostasis. This Ca2+ pump has enzymatic properties quite similar to the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ pumps. Antibodies against the SR Ca2+ pump crossreact with the human platelet protein. However, the platelet Ca2+-ATPase is approximately 10 kD larger than the SR pumps and exhibits a larger mRNA coding for the protein in a megakaryocyte tumor cell line. In addition, the platelet Ca2+-pump may be localized in specialized internal membrane structures that function in Ca2+ uptake and release. These results suggest that the platelet Ca2+-ATPase may represent a new class of internal membrane Ca2+-pumps.

Platelet free calcium concentrations measured with fura-2 are influenced by the transmembrane sodium gradient

The influence of the transmembrane Na+ gradient on the intracellular free calcium concentration, [Ca2+]i, was studied in Sepharose gel-filtered platelets from healthy human subjects, using the Ca-sensitive fluorescent dye, fura-2. Raising the internal Na+ concentration, [Na+]i, by Na+ pump inhibition with 0.05 mM ouabain, without changing external Na+ did not cause a significant increase in [Ca2+]i. Substitution of extracellular Na+ by iso-osmolar sucrose induced a rapid (half-time about 2 min) and significant rise in [Ca2+]i; this effect was amplified in Na-loaded platelets. Partial restitution of external Na+ in these cells with increased [Ca2+]i promoted a significant and rapid Na+ concentration-dependent fall in [Ca2+]i; little decline in [Ca2+]i was observed if K+ was used instead of Na+. These observations represent in vitro evidence for the existence of a Na/Ca exchange mechanism in human platelets that may, in vivo, participate in the control of [Ca2+]i.

Abnormal Ca2+ homeostasis in platelets of patients with myeloproliferative disorders: low levels of Ca2+ influx and efflux across the plasma membrane and increased Ca2+ accumulation into the dense tubular system

Ca2+ influx and efflux in unstimulated platelets and Ca2+ uptake by simultaneously isolated two membrane fractions of platelets from patients with myeloproliferative disorders (MPD) have been investigated. In MPD, Ca2+ influx and efflux across the plasma membrane in unstimulated platelets were in equilibrium at significantly lower levels than in normals. Ca2+ uptake by external membrane fraction isolated from MPD platelets was lower, whereas, uptake by internal membrane fraction enriched with dense tubular system (DTS) from MPD platelets was significantly higher than that from normal platelets. This corresponded with the membrane associated Ca2+-activated ATPase activity. These abnormalities of calcium ion movement in plasma membrane and dense tubular system illustrates one of the mechanisms of qualitative abnormalities of MPD platelets.

Effects of phosphoinositides on calcium movements in human platelet membrane vesicles

In a mixed endoplasmic and surface-type membrane vesicle preparation from human platelets the polyphosphoinositides PIP and PIP2, similarly to IP3, were found to induce a rapid calcium release reaction. At physiological (resting) cytoplasmic calcium concentrations (0.1-0.3 microM) the PIP2 and IP3 concentrations producing half-maximum calcium release were similar (0.7 microM) and both agents could mobilize about 30-40% of the intravesicular calcium. However, the phosphodiesteric degradation of PIP2 in the membrane vesicles was found to be negligible and the ion- and drug-sensitivities of the calcium release reactions were different. The IP3-induced calcium release was selectively inhibited by micromolar calcium concentrations and by cinnarizine, while the PIP2-induced release was blocked by magnesium ions and neomycin. The calcium release evoked by either agent was inhibited by low concentrations of lanthanum but, in contrast to the ATP-dependent calcium pump, it was insensitive to vanadate, quercetin and to the lowering of the incubation temperature. When added simultaneously or in a rapid succession, maximum effective IP3 and PIP2 concentrations produced an additive calcium release reaction. Based on these data we suggest that IP3 and PIP2, respectively, induce rapid transmembrane calcium movements involving different transport pathways and/or membrane calcium pools, which are not related to the active calcium transport systems.

Deliberate quin2 overload as a method for in situ characterization of active calcium extrusion systems and cytoplasmic calcium binding: application to the human platelet

The objectives of the title were accomplished by a four-step experimental procedure followed by a simple graphical and mathematical analysis. Platelets are (i) overloaded with the indicator quin2 to cytoplasmic concentrations of 2.9 mM and (ii) are exposed to 2 mM external Ca2+ and 1.0 microM ionomycin to rapidly achieve cytoplasmic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]cyt) of ca. 1.5 microM. (iii) The external Ca2+ is removed by EGTA addition, and (iv) the active Ca2+ extrusion process is then monitored as a function of time. Control experiments show that the ionophore shunts dense tubular uptake and does not contribute to the Ca2+ efflux process during phases iii-iv and that the extrusion process is sensitive to metabolic inhibitors. The progress curves for the decline of quin2 fluorescence (resulting from active Ca2+ extrusion) were analyzed as a function of [Ca2+]cyt using a mathematical model involving the probability that an exported Ca2+ was removed from a quin2 complex (vs. a cytoplasmic binding element). The observed rates of decline of quin2 fluorescence at a particular [Ca2+]cyt are dependent upon (i) the absolute rate of the extrusion system (a function of its Km, Vm and Hill coefficient (n)), (ii) the intrinsic Ca2+ buffer capacity of the cytoplasm (a function of the total site concentration ([B]T) and its Kd) and (iii) the buffer capacity of the intracytoplasmic quin2 (a function of its concentration and Kd). The contribution of (iii) was known and varied and was used to determine (ii) and (i) as a function of [Ca2+]cyt. The Ca2+ binding data were verified by 45Ca2+ experimentation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Characteristics of a Ca2+-ATPase activity measured in islet homogenates

Ca2+-ATPase activity was measured in rat islet homogenates, in a medium of low ionic strength containing a low concentration of Ca2+ and Mg2+ and devoid of K+. The enzyme activity was highly sensitive to inhibition by compound 48/80 (a calmodulin inhibitor), stimulated by 120 nM calmodulin and slightly affected by 10 mM NaN3. The addition of Mg2+ to the assay medium promotes the disappearance of apparent Ca2+-ATPase activity. Ouabain (0.1 mM) did not modify this ATPase activity. The enzyme showed two kinetic components for Ca2+ as well as for ATP: one with high apparent affinity and low maximum velocity and the other with low apparent affinity and high maximum velocity. Incubation of islet homogenates in this assay medium with [gamma-32P]ATP in the presence of proteolytic inhibitors, results in the appearance of a single labelled band of 130 kDa, identified by gel electrophoresis. The incorporation of 32P into this band was similar in the presence of either 2.8 or 50 microM Ca2+ and susceptible to hydroxylamine attack. The results indicate that, under the conditions described above, the Ca2+-ATPase activity evidenced in the islet homogenates had characteristics resembling those of the enzyme which catalyzes the outward Ca2+ transport. On the other hand, the method could provide a useful tool to test the effect of different agents which affect insulin secretion upon the islet plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase activity.

Introduction of antibody (PL/IM 430) to a 100 kDa protein into permeabilised platelets inhibits intracellular sequestration of Ca2+

A monoclonal antibody (PL/IM 430), previously found to inhibit the uptake of Ca2+ into highly purified platelet intracellular membrane vesicles (Hack, N., Wilkinson, J.M. and Crawford, N. 1988, Biochem. J. 250, 355-361) has been introduced into saponin-permeabilised platelets. At a saponin concentration (20-25 micrograms/ml) commensurate with total LDH release, sequestration of Ca2+ into intracellular non-mitochondrial stores is inhibited by the antibody (approximately 50% inhibition at 20 micrograms/ml IgG). At higher saponin concentrations when intracellular binding of 125I-labelled mAb is maximum, inhibition of Ca2+ sequestration approaches 70%. The inhibition is specific, control studies with non-platelet directed mouse IgG and mAbs which immunoblot platelet antigens other than the 100 kDa protein did not affect the Ca2+ sequestration. No effect of the antibody were observed against IP3-induced release of prestored Ca2+, either in permeabilised platelets or with isolated intracellular membrane vesicles. The mAb PL/IM 430 appears to bind only to the Ca2+ translocating channel protein associated with the intracellular membrane (Ca2+ + Mg2+) ATPase and not to Ca2+ channels responsive to IP3.

Characterization of membrane calcium pumps by simultaneous immunoblotting and 32P radiography

Calcium pumps of various plasma membrane, endoplasmic reticulum and sarcoplasmic reticulum preparations were visualized by simultaneous immunoblotting and autoradiography of the 32P-labelled phosphoenzymes. The pump proteins and their fragments produced by a proteolytic pretreatment of the membranes were selectively phosphorylated by [gamma-32P]ATP, separated on an acidic SDS-polyacrylamide gel, blotted onto nitrocellulose and reacted with polyclonal antibodies raised against the purified human erythrocyte and rat skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium pumps, respectively. The immuno-reaction was detected by peroxidase staining, while the phosphoproteins were shown by autoradiography of the same blot. An antibody against the erythrocyte calcium pump, reacting on the blot with the 140 kDa erythrocyte calcium pump and its 80 kDa proteolytic fragment, did not show a cross-reaction with the calcium pump of similar molecular mass in rat synaptosome membranes or with any of the endoplasmic- or sarcoplasmic-type calcium pumps. An anti-sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium pump antibody cross reacted with several sarcoplasmic and endoplasmic calcium pump proteins and their proteolytic fragments but with none of the plasma membrane pumps. This sensitive double-labelling method can be applied to study structural relationships and molecular alterations in various ion pump proteins.

Cytosolic calcium in platelet activation

Experiments with permeabilised platelets, and with intact platelets loaded with fluorescent Ca2+-indicators, over the past several years have greatly extended our knowledge and understanding of cytosolic Ca2+ as a platelet activator and its interactions with other cytosolic regulators. This article outlines insights, gained from the use of the fluorescent dyes, into maintenance and restoration of basal [Ca2+]i, mechanisms of receptor-mediated Ca2+-mobilisation and quantitation of [Ca2+]i/response relations in intact human platelets.

Relationship between cAMP and Ca2+ fluxes in human platelet membranes

The effect of cAMP (which involved a 23 kDa protein phosphorylation) has been studied on the Ca2+ uptake and Ca2+ release from a human platelet membrane vesicle fraction. It was tested in the presence of the catalytic subunit of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (C Sub). The addition of C Sub increased the steady state level of the Ca2+ uptake into the membrane vesicles. The effect was enhanced when tested in the absence of Ca2+ precipitating agent. The response was proportional to the dose of C Sub. Moreover, the effect varied with the Ca2+ concentration. The effect of C Sub has been tested on the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3)-induced Ca2+ release. A phosphorylated state of the 23 kDa protein appeared to be necessary. Indeed, a phosphorylation inhibition prevented the IP3 effect and the addition of C Sub increased the percentage of released Ca2+ (without modification of the time course). However, the C Sub dose-dependent response was not linear. The effect of cAMP on the two functions (Ca2+ uptake and Ca2+ release) appears to be different. Therefore, these results led us to suggest a more complex role of cAMP in the regulation of platelet Ca2+ concentration.

The calcium mobilizing tumor promoting agent, thapsigargin elevates the platelet cytoplasmic free calcium concentration to a higher steady state level. A possible mechanism of action for the tumor promotion

The ability of the platelet agonists thapsigargin (Tg) and thrombin to elevate the cytoplasmic free calcium level ([Ca2+]i) was examined. Both agonists induced a transient increase of [Ca2+]i with a different time-course, however. Thus, the maximal [Ca2+]i was reached 15 sec and 2 min after stimulation with thrombin and Tg, respectively. The thrombin induced rise of [Ca2+]i was reversible, which indicates that active calcium sequestration and/or extrusion is operating. Tg affected [Ca2+]i in a divergent manner, thus, [Ca2+]i was stabilized on a elevated level without initial formation of a pronounced peak. The decline in [Ca2+]i observed after thrombin stimulation was not impaired by the calmodulin binding drug trifluoperazine but it was strongly reduced by vanadate, which suggests the active calcium transport systems to be insensitive to calmodulin. We put forward the hypothesis that the tumor promoting activity of Tg is attributable to its ability to stabilize [Ca2+]i on a new elevated steady state level.

Stimulation of Ca2+ efflux from fura-2-loaded platelets activated by thrombin or phorbol myristate acetate

We investigated the restoration of [Ca2+]i in fura-2-loaded human platelets following discharge of internal Ca2+ stores in the absence of external Ca2+. After stimulation by thrombin [Ca2+]i returned from a peak level of 0.6 microM to resting levels within 4 min. When ionomycin discharged the internal stores the recovery was slower with [Ca2+]i still elevated at around 0.5 microM after 5 min. Thrombin added shortly after ionomycin could accelerate the recovery of [Ca2+]i and restore resting levels within 5 min, an effect that was mimicked by phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA). Since the continued presence of ionomycin precluded reuptake into the internal stores we conclude that thrombin and PMA stimulate Ca2+ efflux, perhaps via protein kinase C actions on a plasma membrane Ca2+ pump.