Calcium transport by macrophage plasma membranes

Vav protein guanine nucleotide exchange factor regulates CD36 protein-mediated macrophage foam cell formation via calcium and dynamin-dependent processes

Atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease, results in part from the accumulation of modified lipoproteins in the arterial wall and formation of lipid-laden macrophages, known as "foam cells." Recently, we reported that CD36, a scavenger receptor, contributes to activation of Vav-family guanine nucleotide exchange factors by oxidatively modified LDL in macrophages. We also discovered that CD36-dependent uptake of oxidized LDL (oxLDL) in vitro and foam cell formation in vitro and in vivo was significantly reduced in macrophages deficient of Vav proteins. The goal of the present study was to identify the mechanisms by which Vav proteins regulate CD36-dependent foam cell formation. We now show that a Vav-dynamin signaling axis plays a critical role in generating calcium signals in mouse macrophages exposed to CD36-specific oxidized phospholipid ligands. Chelation of intracellular Ca(2+) or inhibition of phospholipase C-γ (PLC-γ) inhibited Vav activation (85 and 70%, respectively, compared with vehicle control) and reduced foam cell formation (approximately 75%). Knockdown of expression by siRNA or inhibition of GTPase activity of dynamin 2, a Vav-interacting protein involved in endocytic vesicle fission, significantly blocked oxLDL uptake and inhibited foam cell formation. Immunofluorescence microscopy studies showed that Vav1 and dynamin 2 colocalized with internalized oxLDL in macrophages and that activation and mobilization of dynamin 2 by oxLDL was impaired in vav null cells. These studies identified previously unknown components of the CD36 signaling pathway, demonstrating that Vav proteins regulate oxLDL uptake and foam cell formation via calcium- and dynamin 2-dependent processes and thus represent novel therapeutic targets for atherosclerosis.

Actin filament architecture and movements in macrophage cytoplasm

Actin filaments are the predominant structural elements in macrophage cortical cytoplasm. These fibres form a unique orthogonal network that fills all lamellae extended from the cell and which, in the cell body, bifurcates to form layers 0.2-0.5 micron thick on the cell top and bottom. Single short filaments, 0.1 micron in length, intersect in space in either T-shaped or X-shaped overlaps to form this ultrastructure. Network assembly and pseudopod extension occur when actin filaments within the network elongate. This filament growth is driven by a large storage pool of actin bound to the sequestering protein, profilin. Elongation is regulated by acumentin, gelsolin and possibly severin, proteins that bind to the end of the filaments, preventing the addition of actin monomers to the filaments. The cytosolic concentration of calcium controls whether filaments assemble or disassemble. Filaments can assemble when the filament ends are not blocked by gelsolin, a condition predicted to occur when the calcium concentration is less than 0.1 micron. Orthogonality results when actin filaments are cross-linked by molecules of actin-binding protein.

Calcium homeostasis and yeast phagocytosis in hemocytes of the colonial ascidian Botryllus schlosseri

This paper reports the effects of drugs affecting the homeostasis of cytosolic-free calcium on in vitro yeast phagocytosis by hemocytes of the colonial ascidian Botryllus schlosseri. Significant inhibition of phagocytosis is observed after exposure of hemocytes to 10 microM or higher concentrations of thimerosal, which is known to deplete intracellular calcium stores in mammalian cells. The two calcium channel blockers nifedipine and verapamil significantly decrease the phagocytic index, the minimum effective concentrations being 10 and 50 microM, respectively. As these substances have no effects at lower concentrations, they probably act through the inhibition of Ca(2+)-ATPase activity, required to restock intracellular calcium stores, due to their interaction with calmodulin. Analogously, pimozide, which suppresses ATPase activity by interacting with calmodulin, and thapsigargin, which inhibits Ca(2+)-ATPase activity, significantly reduce the phagocytic index. Moreover, nifedipine, by altering cytosolic calcium homeostasis, also lowers the production of superoxide anion associated with phagocytosis. Results indicate that in ascidians, as in mammals, a rise in intracellular calcium is required for phagocyte activation and induction of the respiratory burst.

Intracellular calcium rise produced by platelet-activating factor is deactivated by fMet-Leu-Phe and this requires uninterrupted activation sequence: role of protein kinase C

Stimulation of the neutrophils with fMet-Leu-Phe inhibits the rise in intracellular concentration of free calcium produced by the subsequent addition of platelet-activating factor. This deactivation is not observed in pertussis toxin treated cells. In addition, preincubation of the cells with the protein kinase C activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate for three minutes abolishes completely the rise in calcium produced by platelet-activating factor. This inhibition is prevented by the addition of the protein kinase C inhibitor 1-(5-isoquinoline-sulfonyl)-2-methyl piperazine prior to the addition of the phorbol ester. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, at a concentration that does not produce significant inhibition, accelerates the rate of calcium removal from the cytoplasm, and this is abolished by the protein kinase C inhibitor. In contrast, the deactivation by fMet-Leu-Phe is not prevented by the protein kinase C inhibitor. The results presented here suggest that the protein kinase C system may regulate the opening by platelet-activating factor of possible plasma membrane associated pertussis toxin independent calcium channels and/or the binding of platelet-activating factor to the receptors. In addition, protein kinase C activation increases the rates of the calcium efflux pump and/or calcium sequestering by intracellular organelles. The most simple and straightforward explanation of the observed deactivation by fMet-Leu-Phe is that the addition of fMet-Leu-Phe to neutrophils stimulates the production of platelet-activating factor which then binds to and deactivates the receptors.

Probing the phagolysosomal environment of human macrophages with a Ca2+-responsive operon fusion in Yersinia pestis

Several microorganisms, including Yersinia sp., Salmonella sp., Brucella sp., Mycobacterium sp. and Leishmania sp., have successfully adapted to grow within macrophage phagolysosomes. Infections caused by these intracellular pathogens are among the most difficult to treat. As part of an antimicrobial strategy directed at modifying the phagolysosomal environment to the disadvantage of these important pathogens, we are defining the ambient conditions within the organism-containing phagolysosome. To probe this environment, we have used Yersinia pestis, whose expression of several virulence attributes is highly dependent on the Ca2+ concentration in its growth environment. We first genetically engineered a strain of Y. pestis which responds to a low-calcium environment by transcription of inserted structural genes of the Escherichia coli lac operon. Using this mutant organism as a relevant biological probe, we demonstrate here that the calcium concentration in Y. pestis-containing phagolysosomes is sufficiently low to permit virulence gene expression; this resolves the question of where Y. pestis might express its Ca2+-regulated genes in vivo.

The liver plasma membrane Ca2+ pump: hormonal sensitivity

The liver plasma membrane Ca2+ pump is supposed to extrude cytosolic calcium out of the cell. This system has now been well defined on the basis of its plasma membrane origin, its high affinity Ca2+ -stimulated ATPase activity, its Ca2+ transport activity, its phosphorylated intermediate. The liver calcium pump appears to be a target of hormonal action since it has been shown that glucagon and calcium mobilizing hormones namely alpha 1-adrenergic agonists, vasopressin, angiotensin II inhibit this system. The present review details the mechanism of calcium pump inhibition by glucagon and points out its difference from the inhibition process induced by calcium mobilizing hormones. We conclude that the inhibitory action of the Ca2+ mobilizing hormones and glucagon on the liver plasma membrane Ca2+ pump might play a key role in the actions of these hormones by prolonging the elevation in cytosolic free Ca2+.

Evidence that the platelet plasma membrane does not contain a (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-dependent ATPase

The present study was designed to determine the subcellular distribution of the platelet (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase. Human platelets were surface labeled by the periodate-boro[3H]hydride method. Plasma membrane vesicles were then isolated to a purity of approx. 90% by a procedure utilizing wheat germ agglutinin affinity chromatography. These membranes were found to be 2.6-fold enriched in surface glycoproteins compared to an unfractionated vesicle fraction and almost 7-fold enriched compared to intact platelets. In contrast, the isolated plasma membranes showed a decreased specific activity of the (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase compared to the unfractionated vesicle fraction. This decrease in specific activity was found to be similar to that of an endoplasmic reticulum marker, glucose-6-phosphatase, and to that of a platelet inner membrane marker, phospholipase A2. We conclude, therefore, that the (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase is not located in the platelet plasma membrane but is restricted to membranes of intracellular origin.

Effect of cAMP-elevating drugs on Ca2+ efflux and actin polymerization in peritoneal macrophages stimulated with N-formyl chemotactic peptide

To investigate intracellular cAMP inhibitory mechanisms related to migration of guinea-pig peritoneal macrophages, we examined the effects of cAMP-elevating drugs on the Ca2+ efflux and actin polymerization in macrophages stimulated with fMet-Leu-Phe, a chemotactic peptide. The stimulation with 1 X 10(-8) M fMet-Leu-Phe enhanced the Ca2+ efflux, and induced actin polymerization. Dibutyryl cAMP, theophylline and papaverine, which continuously increased the levels of intracellular cAMP, inhibited the enhancement of Ca2+ efflux and induction of actin polymerization by fMet-Leu-Phe. On the other hand, isoproterenol, which transiently increased the cAMP level, inhibited only the early phase of Ca2+ efflux and not the actin polymerization. As additions of both cAMP and cAMP-dependent protein kinase did not modify the Ca2+ uptake of phagocytic vesicles, the inhibition of Ca2+ efflux by these drugs may be due to the inhibition of the Ca2+ release from the intracellular store site(s). The cAMP-elevating drugs increased the monomeric actin content without change in the total actin content, indicating an induction of the depolymerization of filamentous actin. From these findings, we conclude that the inhibition of macrophage migration induced by cAMP may be due to the inhibition of both the increase of intracellular Ca2+ concentration and actin polymerization. Furthermore, the intracellular levels of cAMP probably play a role in regulating actin states in the macrophages.

Stimulation of Ca2+ efflux by N-formyl chemotactic peptides in guinea-pig peritoneal macrophages

Effects of N-formyl chemotactic peptides on the Ca2+ influx and efflux were investigated in guinea-pig peritoneal macrophages using an isotope tracer. fMet-Leu-Phe did not enhance the influx of 45Ca2+ into macrophages, whereas it stimulated the efflux of 45Ca2+ from macrophages at concentrations ranging from 10(-10) M to 10(-7) M. fMet-Met-Met and fMet-Leu also stimulated the 45Ca2+ efflux, albeit at much higher concentrations, while there was no stimulation with fMet. The mitochondrial inhibitors, oligomycin and NaN3, did not modify the 45Ca2+ efflux induced by the chemoattractants, yet they did induce the release of 45Ca2+ from the mitochondria. On the other hand, higher concentrations of the calmodulin antagonists, chlorpromazine and trifluoperazine, induced the release of 45Ca2+ from the NaN3-insensitive Ca2+ store site and mimicked the enhancement of the 45Ca2+ efflux by N-formyl chemotactic peptides. Thus, N-formyl chemotactic peptides appear to increase the levels of intracellular free Ca2+ in guinea-pig peritoneal macrophages, probably by inducing the release of Ca2+ from the NaN3-insensitive Ca2+ store site.

Calcium transport by bull spermatozoa plasma membranes

Plasma membrane isolated from frozen ejaculated bull spermatozoa were found to contain calcium transport activity. Thin-section electronmicrography of these membranes revealed relatively homogeneous vesicular membranes with sizes ranging from 2000 to 6000 A in diameter. Membrane vesicles that were exposed to oxalate as a calcium-trapping agent accumulated Ca2+ in the presence of Mg2+ and ATP. One microM of the calcium-ionophore A23187, added initially, completely inhibited net Ca2+ uptake and, if added later, caused the release of Ca2+ accumulated previously. An Arrhenius plot for the rate of Ca2+ uptake revealed a break at 32--33 degrees C, and Ea of 4.4 kcal/mol above the break and 32.2 kcal/mol below. The Ca+ uptake was inhibited by low concentrations of quercetin, which is known to be an inhibitor of (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase in many systems.

Saxitoxin and ouabain binding activity of isolated skeletal muscle membrane as indicators of surface origin and purity

A simple biochemical method for identifying and distinguishing transverse tubule and sarcolemma membranes in preparations of skeletal muscle microsomes is proposed and evaluated. This method is based on the previous observation that the ratio of ouabain to saxitoxin binding sites is five-fold higher in the sarcolemma than the transverse tubule. We measured [3H]saxitoxin and [3H]ouabain binding to microsomes of frog, rat and rabbit muscle in the presence of detergents to expose latent sites. A high density fraction (30--40% sucrose) of the membranes was identified as transverse tubule on the basis of a low ouabain/saxitoxin ratio and its association with sarcoplasmic reticulum. A low density fraction (20--30% sucrose) was identified as transverse tubule containing variable amounts of sarcolemma as judged by a higher ratio of ouabain/saxitoxin sites. Our results suggest that this ratio can be used to determine the surface origin of muscle membrane preparations. Several different methods for purifying transverse tubules were compared by this technique.

The role of the mannose/N-acetylglucosamine receptor in the pinocytosis of horseradish peroxidase by mouse peritoneal macrophages

Saccharomyces cerevisiae mannan inhibits the pinocytosis of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) by resident, thioglycollate-,proteose peptone-, and Corynebacterium parvum-elicited macrophages from 30 to 70% when 1 mg/ml HRP is used, and 65 to 87% when 250 micrograms/ml HRP is used. In contrast, HRP uptake by J774 cells, a macrophage cell line reported to have little mannose receptor activity, is inhibited only about 25% by mannan. HRP uptake by resident and thioglycollate-elicited (thio) macrophages is also inhibited 34 and 66% by addition of EGTA to the medium and 55 and 79% by trypsin treatment of the macrophages, respectively. The inhibitory effect of EGTA can be reversed by 1 mM excess Ca2+. High extracellular concentrations of Ca2+, in the range of 10-20 mM, however, inhibit pinocytosis in resident macrophages by about 50%. Sucrose uptake by resident macrophages is not appreciably affected by mannan. These results support the hypothesis that HRP uptake is mediated by the macrophage mannose/N-acetylglucosamine receptor. PMA stimulates fluid-phase pinocytosis of HRP by thio macrophages but does not affect receptor-mediated uptake of HRP, while the combination of adenosine, homocysteine, and erythro-9-(2-hydroxy-3-nonyl) adenine (EHNA) selectively inhibits bulk-phase uptake by thio macrophages.

Calcium transport and Ca2+-ATPase activity in ram spermatozoa plasma membrane vesicles

Plasma membrane vesicles, isolated from ejaculated ram sperm, were found to contain Ca2+-activated Mg2+-ATPase and Ca2+ transport activities. Membrane vesicles that were exposed to oxalate as a Ca2+-trapping agent accumulated Ca2+ in the presence of Mg2+ and ATP. The Vmax for Ca2+ uptake was 33 nmol/mg protein per h, and the Km values for Ca2+ and ATP were 2.5 microM and 45 microM, respectively. 1 microM of the Ca2+ ionophore A23187, added initially, completely inhibited net Ca2+ uptake and, if added later, caused the release of Ca2+ previously accumulated. A Ca2+-activated ATPase was present in the same membrane vesicles which had a Vmax of 1.5 mumol/mg protein per h at free Ca2+ concentration of 10 microM. This Ca2+-ATPase had Km values of 4.5 microM and 110 microM for Ca2+ and ATP, respectively. This kinetic parameter was similar to that observed for uptake of Ca2+ by the vesicles. The Ca2+-ATPase activity was insensitive to ouabain. Both Ca2+ transport and Ca2+-ATPase activity were inhibited by the flavonoid quercetin. Thus, ram spermatozoa plasma membranes have both a Ca2+ transport activity and a Ca2+-stimulated ATPase activity with similar substrate affinities and specificities and similar sensitivity to quercetin.

Plasma membrane vesicles prepared from unadhered monocytes: characterization of calcium transport and the calcium ATPase

We have purified unadhered human monocytes in sufficient quantities to prepare monocyte plasma membrane vesicles and study vesicular calcium transport. Monocytes were isolated from plateletpheresis residues by counterflow centrifugal elutriation. By combining this source and procedure, 7 x 10(8) monocytes of over 90% purity were obtained. The membranes, isolated on a sucrose step gradient, had an 18-fold enrichment in Na,K-ATPase, a 29-fold diminution of succinate dehydrogenase activity and were vesicular on transmission electron micrographs. The membrane vesicles loaded with oxalate accumulated calcium only in the presence of Mg and ATP. Calcium uptake did not occur if ATP was replaced by any of five nucleotide phosphates or if Mg was omitted. Calcium transport had a maximal velocity of 4 pmoles calcium/micrograms vesicle protein/min and a Km for calcium of 0.53 microM. The ionophore A23187 completely inhibited calcium accumulation while 5 mM sodium cyanide and 10 microM ouabain had no effect. A calcium-activated ATPase was present in the same plasma membrane vesicles. The calcium ATPase had a maximal velocity of 18.0 pmoles calcium/micrograms vesicle protein/min and a Km for calcium of 0.60 microM. Calcium-activated ATPase activity was absent if Mg was omitted or if (gamma - 32P) GTP replaced (gamma - 32P) ATP. Monocyte plasma membranes that were stripped of endogenous calmodulin by EGTA treatment showed a reduced level of calcium uptake and calcium ATPase activity. The addition of exogenous calmodulin restored the transport activity to that of unstripped monocyte plasma membranes. Thus, monocyte plasma membrane vesicles contain a highly specific, ATP-dependent calcium transport system and a calcium-ATPase with similar high calcium affinities.

Interaction of drugs with calmodulin. Biochemical, pharmacological and clinical implications

Calmodulin is a widely distributed, highly active, calcium-binding protein that influences a number of important biological events. Accordingly, agents that inhibit the activity of calmodulin should have profound pharmacological effects. Within the past few years, a number of compounds have been identified that inhibit calmodulin. The most potent of these described so far include certain antipsychotic drugs, smooth muscle relaxants, alpha-adrenergic blocking agents and neuropeptides. Studies of the physicochemical and structural properties of a variety of calmodulin inhibitors have shown that there are ionic and hydrophobic interactions between the drug and calmodulin. From the limited studies conducted so far, we conclude that, for a compound to inhibit calmodulin, it should carry a positive charge at physiological pH, presumably to interact with negative charges on the highly acidic calmodulin, and have hydrophobic groups, presumably to interact with lipophilic regions on calmodulin. But these two factors are not the only ones that are involved in inhibiting calmodulin, for many highly charged and highly hydrophobic agents have relatively little effect on calmodulin activity. The structural relationships between these ionic and hydrophobic regions and other, as yet identified, factors are also important. Many of the biochemical actions of the phenothiazine antipsychotic agents can be explained by the common mechanism of their binding to, and inhibiting, calmodulin. The question of whether these biochemical actions can explain their pharmacological and clinical effects is still unclear. The fundamental role calmodulin plays in biology suggests that this calcium binding protein may provide a new site for the pharmacological manipulation of biological activity. The calmodulin inhibitors described thus far hardly scratch the surface of this fertile area of research.

ATP-driven Ca2+ pump activity of macrophage and neutrophil plasma membrane

The results of the investigations here described permit us to conclude that macrophages and neutrophils have a peripheral, outwardly directed Ca2+ extrusion system, which is very similar to the well known Ca2+ pump of the red cell, with regard to capacity and mechanism (16, 21, 29). In fact, all the three cell types have similar maximum pumping rates (about 0.1-0.2 microgram-ions Ca2+/min/ml cells) and use ATP for extruding Ca2+. Furthermore, the plasma membrane of all the three cell types catalyzes a Ca2+-dependent ATPase reaction, which is very likely the enzyme manifestation of the Ca2+ pump activity. Further investigation is needed to establish whether the peripheral Ca2+ pump system of macrophages and neutrophils is utilized to restore steady-state levels of cytosolic Ca2+ upon cell stimulation, or is somehow involved in the triggering of cell response to various stimuli. In fact impairment of the pump activity by a cell stimulant would unbalance Ca2+ passive leaks and active cation extrusion, thereby leading to higher steady-state levels of Ca2+ in the cytosol and to stimulation of Ca2+-dependent functions (1-12).

Uptake by rat peritoneal macrophages of 125I-labelled polyvinylpyrrolidone entrapped within liposomes

Rat peritoneal macrophages in vitro capture 125I-labelled polyvinylpyrrolidone entrapped within either negatively or positively charged liposomes more rapidly than they do the free macromolecule. The uptake of negatively charged liposomes was linear with time over 10 h, whilst the uptake of positively charged ones, although more rapid, was more transient. Neither type of liposome was taken up in the presence of 2,4-dinitrophenol (100 microgram/ml), and 5 mM calcium chloride increased the uptake of negatively charged liposomes. The enhanced uptake of 125I-labelled polyvinylpyrrolidone when presented in liposomes must have been a consequence of entrapment rather than of a simple interaction between lipid and polyvinylpyrrolidone since the presence of the lipids employed or of empty liposomes had no effect on the uptake of unentrapped 125I-labelled polyvinylpyrrolidone.