Phosphorylation of the 19,000-dalton light chain of myosin in perfused rat heart under the influence of negative and positive inotropic agents

Widely cited publications of Michael Bárány in 1964 and 1967 as tipping points in understanding myosin molecular motors

In 1964 Michael Bárány and colleagues published a paper ((M. Bárány, E. Gaetjens, K. Bárány, Karp E. Arch Biochem Biophys 106(1964)280-93. http://10.1016/0003-9861(64)90,189-4)) that has been one of the most cited papers in Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics. This was followed in 1967 by another most cited paper (M. Bárány. J Gen Physiol 50(1967)197-218. https://doi.org/10.1085/jgp.50.6.197). I have commemorated these achievements as tipping points in the understanding of myosin motors in muscle function. Tipping points are generally defined as a temporal point in which a series of progressive advances (in this case the understanding of the relations between myosin ATP hydrolysis and muscle function) inspire more expansive, wide-ranging, significant changes. I first concisely summarize the background against which the papers came to publication as well as the unimaginable personal challenges faced by Michael and Kate Bárány. A final section summarizes the impact of these publications as key steps in the progression of contemporary understanding of diverse control of myosin ATPase activity with focus on the thick filaments in cardiac homeostasis, disorders, and as targets for therapeutic applications in translational investigations.

Myosin light chain kinase colocalizes with nonmuscle myosin IIB in myofibril precursors and sarcomeric Z-lines of cardiomyocytes

Myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) is a key regulator of various forms of cell motility involving actin and myosin II. MLCK is widely present in vertebrate tissues including the myocardium. However, the role of MLCK in cardiomyocyte function is not known. Previous attempts to gain insight into possible roles and identify potential molecular partners were disappointing and equivocal due to cross reactivity of early antibodies with striated muscle MLCK, which has a different genetic locus and a divergent amino acid sequence from the above mentioned enzyme. Using an immunofluorescence approach and a panel of antibodies directed against MLCK, cytoskeletal, and sarcomeric proteins, we localized MLCK to myofibril precursors and Z-lines of sarcomeres in embryonic and adult cardiomyocytes. The same structures contained nonmuscle myosin IIB implicating this protein as a possible target of MLCK. Our results suggest a role for MLCK in cardiomyocyte differentiation and contraction through regulation of nonmuscle myosin IIB.

Transmural stretch‐dependent regulation of contractile properties in rat heart and its alteration after myocardial infarction

The "stretch-sensitization" response is essential to the regulation of heart contractility. An increase in diastolic volume improves systolic contraction. The cellular mechanisms of this modulation, the Frank-Starling law, are still uncertain. Moreover, their alterations in heart failure remains controversial. Here, using left ventricular skinned rat myocytes, we show a nonuniform stretch-sensitization of myofilament activation across the ventricular wall. Stretch-dependent Ca2+ sensitization of myofilaments increases from sub-epicardium to sub-endocardium and is correlated with an increase in passive tension. This passive tension-dependent component of myofibrillar activation is not associated with expression of titin isoforms, changes in troponin I level, and phosphorylation status. Instead, we observe that stretch induces phosphorylation of ventricular myosin light chain 2 isoform (VLC2b) in sub-endocardium specifically. Thus, VLC2b phosphorylation could act as a stretch-dependent modulator of activation tuned within normal heart. Moreover, in postmyocardial infarcted rat, the gradient of stretch-dependent Ca2+ sensitization disappears associated with a lack of VLC2b phosphorylation in sub-endocardium. In conclusion, nonuniformity is a major characteristic of the normal adult left ventricle (LV). The heterogeneous myocardial deformation pattern might be caused not only by the morphological heterogeneity of the tissue in the LV wall, but also by the nonuniform contractile properties of the myocytes across the wall. The loss of a contractile transmural gradient after myocardial infarction should contribute to the impaired LV function.

Rapid exchange of actin-bound nucleotide in perfused rat heart

In the rat heart the actin-bound nucleotide contained both ATP and ADP. The ratio of bound ATP to bound ADP depended on the functional state of the heart; it was higher in hearts stopped reversibly in diastole (low Ca(2+), high Mg(2+), or high K(+)), than in stimulated (inotropic agents or pacing) hearts. Immunoblotting and gel electrophoresis showed the existence of G-actin (30% of total actin) in the cytoplasm of the heart. Pure actin was isolated from rat hearts: in G-actin the bound nucleotide readily exchanged with ATP or ADP, and in F-actin the bound nucleotide did not exchange with ATP or ADP. The free and bound nucleotides were separated in the intact heart by extraction with 75% methanol at -15 degrees C. In rat hearts perfused with (32)P-labeled orthophosphate the actin-bound nucleotide rapidly exchanged with the cytoplasmic ATP. The full exchange of the bound ATP was immediate, whereas the full exchange of the bound ADP was slower. The full exchange of the bound ATP was independent of the heartbeat frequency, whereas the full exchange of the bound ADP was frequency dependent. The data suggest that the transformation of actin monomer-ATP to actin polymer-ADP is a part of the normal contraction-relaxation cycle of the rat heart.

Purification of myosin light chain kinase from Limulus muscle

It has previously been shown that the regulatory light chains of myosin from Limulus, the horseshoe crab, can be phosphorylated either by purified turkey gizzard smooth muscle myosin light chain (MLC) kinase or by a crude kinase fraction prepared from Limulus muscle [Sellers, J. R. (1981) J. Biol. Chem. 256, 9274-9278]. This phosphorylation was shown to be associated with a 20-fold increase in the actin-activated MgATPase activity of the myosin. We have now purified the Ca2+-calmodulin-dependent MLC kinase from Limulus muscle to near homogeneity by using a combination of low ionic strength extraction, ammonium sulfate fractionation, and chromatography on Sephacryl S-300 and DEAE-Sephacel. The final purification was achieved by affinity chromatography on a calmodulin-Sepharose 4B column. Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed 95% of the protein to be comprised of a doublet with Mr = 39000 and 37000. Electrophoresis of the kinase fraction under nondenaturing conditions resulted in a partial separation of the two major bands and demonstrated that each had catalytic activity. An SDS-polyacrylamide gel overlayed with 125I-calmodulin demonstrated that both the Mr 39K and the Mr 37K proteins bind calmodulin. Neither of the bands could be phosphorylated by the catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase. With Limulus myosin light chains as a substrate, the Vmax was 15.4 mumol min-1 mg-1, and the Km was 15.6 microM. The KD for calmodulin was determined to be 6 nM. The enzyme did not phosphorylate histones, casein, actin, or tropomyosin.

Exchange of the actin-bound nucleotide in intact arterial smooth muscle

The actin-bound ADP was separated from cytoplasmic nucleotides by treatment of intact arterial smooth muscle with 50% ethanol. In (32)P-labeled smooth muscle the actin-bound ADP and phosphate readily exchanged with the cytoplasmic [gamma,beta-(32)P]ATP; the specific radioactivity of actin-bound ADP was equal to that of the beta-phosphate of cytoplasmic ATP and the specific radioactivity of actin-bound phosphate was equal to that of the gamma-phosphate of cytoplasmic ATP. In contrast, the exchange of the actin-bound ADP in skeletal muscle was very slow. The presence of cytoplasmic ATP was required for the exchange of the actin-bound ADP and phosphate; if ATP synthesis was inhibited the exchange was also inhibited. The extent of exchange was reduced in muscles contracted by histamine or K(+), as compared with resting muscles. The exchange was also shown in other mammalian smooth muscles, uterus, urinary bladder, and stomach. The data indicate a dynamic state of actin in smooth muscle. The data also suggest that polymerization-depolymerization of actin is part of the contraction-relaxation cycle of smooth muscle.

Phospholamban ablation and compensatory responses in the mammalian heart

Phospholamban is a low molecular weight phosphoprotein in cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum. The regulatory role of phospholamban in vivo has recently been elucidated by targeting the gene of this protein in embryonic stem cells and generating phospholamban-deficient mice. The phospholamban knockout hearts exhibited significantly enhanced contractile parameters and attenuated responses to beta-agonists. The hyperdynamic cardiac function of the phospholamban knockout mice was not accompanied by any cytoarchitectural abnormalities or alterations in the expression levels of the cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase, calsequestrin, Na(+)-Ca2+ exchanger, or the contractile proteins. Furthermore, the attenuation of the cardiac responses to beta-agonists was not due to alterations in the phosphorylation levels of the other key cardiac phosphoproteins in the phospholamban knockout hearts. However, ablation of phospholamban was associated with down-regulation of the ryanodine receptor, which suggests that a cross-talk between cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ uptake and Ca2+ release occurred in an attempt to maintain Ca2+ homeostasis in these hyperdynamic phospholamban knockout hearts.

Cardiac protein phosphorylation: functional and pathophysiological correlates

Protein phosphorylation acts a pivotal mechanism in regulating the contractile state of the heart by modulating particular levels of autonomic control on cardiac force/length relationships. Early studies of changes in cardiac protein phosphorylation focused on key components of the excitation-coupling process, namely phospholamban of the sarcoplasmic reticulum and myofibrillar troponin I. In more recent years the emphasis has shifted towards the identification of other phosphoproteins, and more importantly, the delineation of the mechanistic and signaling pathways regulating the various known phosphoproteins. In addition to cAMP- and Ca(2+)-calmodulin-dependent kinase processes, these have included regulation by protein kinase C and the ever-emerging family of growth factor-related kinases such as the tyrosine-, mitogen- and stress-activated protein kinases. Similarly, the role of protein dephosphorylation by protein phosphatases has been recognized as integral in modulating normal cardiac cellular function. Recent studies involving a variety of cardiovascular pathologies have demonstrated that changes in the phosphorylation states of key cardiac regulatory proteins may underlie cardiac dysfunction in disease states. The emphasis of this comprehensive review will be on discussing the role of cardiac phosphoproteins in regulating myocardial function and pathophysiology based not only on in vitro data, but more importantly, from ex vivo experiments with corroborative physiological and biochemical evidence.

Myosin light-chain phosphorylation in diabetic cardiomyopathy in rats

The regulatory myosin light chain (MLC) is phosphorylated in cardiac muscle by Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent MLC kinase (MLCK) and is considered to play a modulatory role in the activation of myofibrillar adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) and the process of force generation. Since the depression in cardiac contractile function in chronic diabetes is associated with a decrease in myofibrillar ATPase activity, we investigated changes in MLC phosphorylation in diabetic heart. Rats were made diabetic by injecting streptozotocin (65 mg/kg intravenously), and the hearts were removed 8 weeks later; some 6-week diabetic animals were injected with insulin (3 U/d) for 2 weeks. Changes in the relative MLC and MLCK protein contents were measured by electrophoresis and immunoblot assay, whereas phosphorylated and unphosphorylated MLCs were separated on 10% acrylamide/urea gel and identified by Western blot. MLC and MLCK contents were decreased markedly (40% to 45%) and MLC phosphorylation was decreased significantly (30% to 45%) in the diabetic rat heart homogenate in comparison to control values. The changes in MLC and MLCK content in diabetic heart were partially reversible, whereas changes in MLC phosphorylation were normalized upon treatment with insulin. These results suggest that decreased protein contents of MLC and MLCK and phosphorylation of MLC may contribute to the depression of cardiac myofibriliar ATPase activity and heart dysfunction in diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Fibroblast contractility without an increase in basal myosin light chain phosphorylation in wild type cells and cells expressing the catalytic domain of myosin light chain kinase

We investigated the role of myosin light chain (MLC20) phosphorylation (MLC-P) in non-muscle contractility by comparing MLC-P and the contractile properties of wild type 3T3 fibroblasts and 3T3 fibroblasts expressing the catalytic domain of myosin light chain kinase (tMK). MLC-P is 0.96 MOL of PO4/mol of MOL20 in cell expressing tMK compared to 0.20 mol of PO4/mol of MLC20 in control cells. Expressing tMK also results in a 2-fold increase in cortical stiffness compared to control cells. Contractile properties were quantified by growing wild type and transfected fibroblasts in collagen and attaching the ensuing fibers to an apparatus for performing mechanical measurements. Serum stimulation resulted in a dose-dependent increase in force with maximal force generated in the presence of 30% (v/v) serum. Surprisingly, MLC-P did not increase in wild type cells following stimulation with 30% serum, and tMK expression did not affect the contractile properties of fibers made from these cells. Moreover, the dose responses to serum, maximal force, force-velocity relationships, and dynamic stiffness were similar in the wild type cells and fibroblasts expressing tMK. These data demonstrate that non-muscle cells can generate force without an increase in MLC-P, and that an increase in MLC-P does not affect the contractile properties of fibroblast fibers.

Effects of Levosimendan, a cardiotonic agent targeted to troponin C, on cardiac function and on phosphorylation and Ca2+ sensitivity of cardiac myofibrils and sarcoplasmic reticulum in guinea pig heart

A new cardiotonic agent, (R)-[[4-(1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-4-methyl-6-oxo-3-pyridazinyl)-phenyl] hydrazono]propanedinitrile (Levosimendan), has been developed and screened for its ability to bind to cardiac troponin C. In perfused hearts, low concentrations of 0.03 or 0.1 mumol/L Levosimendan increased +dP/dt, but did not affect the speed of relaxation and produced only a slight increase in spontaneous heart rate in the hearts perfused with 0.1 mumol/L of the drug. In these same hearts, perfusion with 0.03 mumol/L Levosimendan did not alter the 32P incorporation into troponin I or C protein, whereas a slight but significant increase was noted for phospholamban, with no detectable change in tissue cAMP levels. Administration of 0.1 or 0.3 mumol/L Levosimendan significantly increased myocardial cAMP levels as well as the phosphorylation of phospholamban, troponin I, and C protein. Levosimendan (0.03 to 10 mumol/L) reversibly increased force generated by detergent-extracted fiber bundles over a range of submaximally activating free Ca2+ concentrations with no significant effect on maximum force or on Ca2+ binding to myofilament troponin C. There was no direct effect of Levosimendan on Ca2+ uptake by vesicles of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). In contrast, under conditions optimal for cAMP-dependent phosphorylation, Levosimendan slightly but significantly lowered the concentration of Ca2+, yielding half-maximal uptake rates by the SR vesicles. Our results indicate that at low concentrations Levosimendan acts preferably as a Ca2+ sensitizer, whereas at higher concentrations its action as a phosphodiesterase inhibitor contributes to the positive inotropic effect.

Polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic methods in the separation of structural muscle proteins

Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis plays a major role in analyzing the function of muscle structural proteins. This review describes one- and two-dimensional gel electrophoretic methods for qualitative and quantitative investigation of the muscle proteins, with special emphasis on determination of protein phosphorylation. The electrophoretic studies established the subunit structures of the muscle proteins, characterized their multiple forms, revealed changes in subunit composition or shifts in isoform distribution of specific proteins during development, upon stimulation or denervation of the muscle. Protein phosphorylation during muscle contraction is preferentially studied by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. The same method demonstrated protein alterations in human neuromuscular diseases.

Thyroid hormone-induced alterations in phospholamban protein expression. Regulatory effects on sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ transport and myocardial relaxation

The aim of the present study was to determine the changes in phospholamban protein levels and their regulatory effect on sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ uptake and left ventricular function in hypothyroid and hyperthyroid rat hearts. Hypothyroidism was associated with decreases in basal left ventricular function (+dP/dt and -dP/dt), whereas in hyperthyroidism these parameters were elevated compared with values for euthyroid hearts. The maximal SR Ca2+ uptake rates were 12.8 +/- 1.1, 15.5 +/- 1.2, and 21.4 +/- 1.4 nmol Ca2+ per milligram per minute, and the EC50 values for Ca2+ were 0.76 +/- 0.09, 0.41 +/- 0.07, and 0.30 +/- 0.05 mumol/L assayed in homogenates from hypothyroid, euthyroid, and hyperthyroid hearts, respectively. The relative tissue level of phospholamban was increased (135%) in hypothyroidism and decreased (75%) in hyperthyroidism compared with euthyroidism (100%). An opposite trend was observed for the SR Ca(2+)-ATPase, which was depressed (74%) in hypothyroid hearts but increased (134%) in hyperthyroid hearts. Consequently, the relative ratio of phospholamban to Ca(2+)-ATPase was highest in hypothyroid and lowest in hyperthyroid hearts, and these changes correlated with changes in the EC50 of the SR Ca2+ uptake for Ca2+. Stimulation of hearts with 0.1 mumol/L isoproterenol revealed that the relaxant effects were lower in hyperthyroid hearts and higher in hypothyroid hearts compared with euthyroid hearts, consistent with the alterations in the phospholamban levels. The maximal increases in the speed of relaxation, elicited by isoproterenol stimulation, correlated with the changes in the relative ratio of phospholamban to Ca(2+)-ATPase in these hearts.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Calponin phosphorylation does not accompany contraction of various smooth muscles

Calponin phosphorylation was quantitated in 32P-labeled porcine arterial, uterine, tracheal, stomach and bladder smooth muscles. The negligible amount of 0.003-0.008 mol [32P]phosphate/mol calponin in resting muscles did not increase upon contraction induced by various agents, under conditions when myosin light-chain phosphorylation increased several-fold. The results indicate no involvement of calponin phosphorylation is smooth-muscle contraction.

Protein phosphorylation during the contraction-relaxation-contraction cycle of arterial smooth muscle

Porcine carotid arterial muscles were labeled with 32P and then subjected to a resting-contraction-relaxation-contraction cycle. Four different agents were used for contraction: KCl, histamine, norepinephrine, and phorbol dibutyrate. To relax the contracted muscles, they were washed with physiological salt solution. Changes in the [32P]phosphate content of four different proteins--myosin light chain, a 28-kDa cytosolic protein, desmin, and caldesmon--were followed. In a short contraction-relaxation-contraction cycle lasting minutes, induced by K+, histamine, or norepinephrine, only the light chain underwent a phosphorylation-dephosphorylation-rephosphorylation without concomitant cyclic phosphorylation of the 28-kDa protein, desmin, or caldesmon. In a contraction-relaxation-contraction cycle of long duration, 60-min contractions with K+, histamine, or norepinephrine, cyclic phosphorylation of both the light chain and desmin was observed. With 60-min phorbol dibutyrate stimulation, in the long contraction-relaxation-contraction cycle, the phosphorylations of the light chain, desmin, and caldesmon were cycling. It is concluded that under physiological conditions, light-chain phosphorylation initiates both short and sustained arterial contraction. Desmin phosphorylation is likely to be involved in force maintenance during sustained contraction.

Protein phosphorylation in arterial muscle contracted by high concentration of phorbol dibutyrate in the presence and absence of Ca2+

Porcine carotid arterial muscles were 32P-labeled then contracted with 8 microM phorbol dibutyrate (PDBu) in normal physiological salt solution (PSS) and in Ca(2+)-free PSS containing 0.5 mM ethylene glycol-bis (beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetate. Significant incorporation of [32P]phosphate into the 20-kDa myosin light chain, a 28-kDa protein, desmin and caldesmon was measured with no apparent difference between normal and Ca(2+)-depleted muscles. Ca-determination showed that the Ca(2+)-depleted muscle contained 15% of the total Ca of the normal muscle. However, determination of the actin-bound Ca revealed that all the Ca in the Ca(2+)-depleted muscle could be accounted for by its actin-bound Ca. Accordingly, protein phosphorylation during the slow PDBu-induced contraction may proceed in the virtual absence of free Ca2+. Phosphopeptide mapping of the myosin light chain isolated from muscles contracted with PDBu either in the presence or absence of Ca2+ showed that two-thirds of the incorporated [32P]phosphate was attributable to myosin light chain kinase catalyzed phosphorylation and one-third was due to phosphorylation by protein kinase C. PDBu increased the phosphorylation of the 28-kDa protein, desmin and caldesmon two- to threefold, as compared with that in muscles contracted by KCl depolarization or by the receptor mediated agonists norepinephrine and histamine. Muscles contracted by high concentration of PDBu in the presence or absence of Ca2+ could be fully relaxed and recontracted.

Effect of alpha-adrenergic stimulation on activation of protein kinase C and phosphorylation of proteins in intact rabbit hearts

The intracellular events and specifically the role of protein kinase C-mediated protein phosphorylation, after alpha-adrenergic receptor stimulation of the heart, are not well understood. We examined the phosphorylation of sarcolemmal, sarcoplasmic reticular, myofibrillar, and cytosolic proteins in perfused beating rabbit hearts on activation of protein kinase C by phenylephrine. Perfusion of rabbit hearts with phenylephrine was associated with a positive inotropic response, which was dose and time dependent. Maximal stimulation (1.54-fold increase in +dP/dt) was obtained with 10 microM phenylephrine at 4 minutes. Examination of the activity levels of protein kinase C in these hearts revealed a redistribution of this activity from the cytosolic to the membranous fraction, suggesting the activation of this enzyme in vivo. Prazosin, an alpha 1-adrenergic antagonist, prevented the increase in the inotropy and the redistribution of protein kinase C activity mediated by phenylephrine. Examination of the degree of phosphorylation of membranous, myofibrillar, and cytosolic proteins revealed that activation of protein kinase C in vivo was associated with increased phosphorylation of a 15-kd sarcolemmal protein and a 28-kd cytosolic protein. There were no increases in the degree of phosphorylation of phospholamban in the sarcoplasmic reticulum and of troponin I, troponin T, and C protein in the myofibrils, although these proteins were found to be substrates for protein kinase C in vitro. These findings provide evidence that protein kinase C is activated in response to alpha-adrenergic stimulation and that activation is associated with increased phosphorylation of a 15-kd sarcolemmal protein and a 28-kd cytosolic protein in the myocardium.

Inhibition of phosphorylation of troponin I in rat heart by adenosine and 5'-chloro-5'-deoxyadenosine

We have investigated the effects of adenosine on protein phosphorylation in extracts of rat heart. Incubation of a myofibrillar fraction with [gamma-32P]ATP resulted in the phosphorylation of several proteins by endogenous protein kinases. The adenosine analog 5'-chloro-5'-deoxyadenosine inhibited the phosphorylation of a 29 kD protein in this preparation. The protein was identified as cardiac troponin I (cTnI) by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, using purified cTnI as standard. Addition of the catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase to the myofibrillar fraction increased phosphorylation of cTnI; this increase was inhibited by 5'-chloro-5'-deoxyadenosine and adenosine. Phosphorylation of purified cTnI by the catalytic subunit was also inhibited by 5'-chloro-5'-deoxyadenosine. Under these conditions used, 50% inhibition of phosphorylation by either endogenous or exogenous kinase was observed at approximately 50 microM 5'-chloro-5'-deoxyadenosine or adenosine. The inhibition described here occurred independently of catecholamines. The effects of ADP, AMP, and adenine on cTnI phosphorylation are also described.

Exchange of 20-kDa myosin light chain-bound phosphate during sustained contraction of arterial smooth muscle

K(+)-contracted porcine carotid arterial muscles containing phosphorylated 20-kDa myosin light chains (LC) were exposed to carrier-free [32P]orthophosphate in K(+)-stimulating solution during sustained contraction. The covalently bound LC phosphate was completely replaced by [32P]phosphate, indicating that myosin light chain phosphatase and kinase have ready access to the bound phosphate during the sustained contraction. On average, 0.38 mol [32P]phosphate was incorporated per mole LC during the sustained K+ contraction. This value was about half of the maximal value for [32P]phosphate incorporation into LC, 0.74 mol/mol, in muscles contracted with K+ for 1 min. Assuming that sustained contraction involves the maximal number of cross-bridges attached to actin, the data suggest that half of the attached cross-bridges contain phosphorylated LC.

Phospholamban and troponin I are substrates for protein kinase C in vitro but not in intact beating guinea pig hearts

The incorporation of [32P]inorganic phosphate into membranous, myofibrillar, and cytosolic proteins was studied in Langendorff-perfused guinea pig hearts treated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) or 1,2-dioctanoylglycerol (D8G), which are potent activators of protein kinase C. Control hearts were perfused with an inactive phorbol ester (4 alpha-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate), which does not cause activation of protein kinase C. To ensure the blockade of different receptor systems, the perfusions were carried out in the presence of prazosin, propranolol, and atropine. Perfusion of hearts with either PMA (4 microM) or D8G (200 microM) was associated with a negative effect on left ventricular inotropy and relaxation. Examination of the 32P incorporation into various fractions revealed that there were no increases in the degree of phosphorylation of phospholamban in sarcoplasmic reticulum, and troponin I and C protein in the myofibrils, although these proteins were found to be substrates for protein kinase C in vitro. However, in the same hearts, there were significant changes in the 32P incorporation into a 28-kDa cytosolic-protein. Examination of the activity levels of protein kinase C in hearts perfused with PMA indicated a redistribution of this activity from the cytosolic to the membrane fraction, suggesting the activation of the enzyme in vivo. These findings indicate that cardiac regulatory phosphoproteins, which may be phosphorylated by protein kinase C in vitro, are not substrates for protein kinase C in beating hearts perfused with phorbol esters or diacylglycerol analogues.

Changes in phosphoinositide turnover in isolated guinea pig hearts stimulated with isoproterenol

The incorporation of 32Pi into phospholamban, troponin I, phosphatidylinositols, and inositol trisphosphates was studied in Langendorff-perfused guinea pig hearts stimulated with isoproterenol. Hearts were perfused with Krebs-Henseleit buffer containing [32P]Pk and freeze-clamped at different times during the positive inotropic response. Exposure of the hearts to 0.1 microM isoproterenol for up to 1 minute was associated with significant (up to threefold) increases in phospholamban and troponin I phosphorylation, but there was no significant increase in 32P incorporation into phospholipids. However, longer exposure (2 minutes or more) to isoproterenol was associated with increases in the degree of 32P labeling of phosphatidylinositols and phosphatidic acid. Examination of 32P labeling of inositol trisphosphates in the same hearts revealed that the radioactivity associated with these compounds decreased with time. The decreases were significant at times of exposure of 2 minutes or longer to beta-adrenergic stimulation. The tissue levels of the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate isoform were also measured in hearts perfused with isoproterenol for 3 minutes, and they were found to be significantly lower compared with values obtained in control hearts. The effects of isoproterenol on 32P incorporation into phospholipids and proteins were observed in the presence of prazosin, and they were completely abolished by the beta-receptor blocker propranolol. Examination of the phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C activity in the perfused hearts revealed that isoproterenol stimulation was associated with a decrease in the membrane-associated enzymatic activity at physiological calcium concentrations.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Inotropic responses to isoproterenol and phosphodiesterase inhibitors in intact guinea pig hearts: comparison of cyclic AMP levels and phosphorylation of sarcoplasmic reticulum and myofibrillar proteins

The influence of selective (milrinone: 10, 50, 100 microM) and nonselective phosphodiesterase (isobutylmethylxanthine: 0.1, 10, 100 microM) inhibitors and beta-adrenergic stimulation (isoproterenol: 0.01, 0.1 microM) on phospholamban and myofibrillar protein phosphorylation was studied in guinea pig hearts perfused with [32P]orthophosphate. Changes in protein phosphorylation were compared to alterations in tissue cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels and positive inotropic effects induced by these agents. Isoproterenol (0.01 microM), milrinone (50 microM), and isobutylmethylxanthine (100 microM) all produced similar, twofold increases in dP/dt and -dP/dt but only stimulation with isobutylmethylxanthine and isoproterenol was associated with significant increases in phospholamban phosphorylation. At these equipotent doses, the effects of isobutylmethylxanthine were associated with higher increases (3.1-fold) in cAMP than those observed with isoproterenol (twofold). Milrinone (50 microM) produced a 2.5-fold increase in cAMP levels but failed to change phospholamban phosphorylation. Higher doses of milrinone (100 microM) resulted in relatively high (4.1-fold) cAMP levels, and this was associated with increased (1.5-fold) phosphorylation of phospholamban. Phosphorylation of troponin I was significantly increased at 0.01 microM and 0.1 microM isoproterenol, while phosphorylation of C protein was observed only at 0.1 microM isoproterenol. Isobutylmethylxanthine and milrinone did not significantly increase phosphorylation of either troponin I or C protein at any of the doses studied. These findings indicate that cardiotonic agents acting via the cAMP pathway may produce similar inotropic responses at different levels of cAMP and phosphorylation of sarcoplasmic reticulum and myofibrillar proteins.

Increased calcium sensitivity of chemically skinned human atria by myosin light chain kinase

We investigated the influence of myosin P-LC phosphorylation catalysed by calcium/calmodulin-dependent myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) on the tension-pCa relation of chemically skinned human atrial fibres. MLCK-induced increased myosin P-LC phosphorylation sensitized human atrial skinned fibres for calcium by 0.11 pCa-units in patients with valvular heart disease, and by 0.05 to 0.07 pCa-units in patients with coronary heart disease. The MLCK effect could be antagonized by a light chain phosphatase. The protein phosphatase ocadaic acid (OA) had no influence on the tension-pCa relation of skinned human atrial fibres and had no potentiating effect together with MLCK. The MLCK preparation used in this study was from bovine ventricle and revealed a KM of 1.8 x 10(-5) M and a Vmax of 822 nmol Pi/min/mg using purified bovine ventricular myosin-LCs as substrate.

Inhibition of rat heart mitochondrial respiration by cadmium chloride

Mitochondria were isolated from hearts obtained from adult male Sprague-Dawley rats by two-part differential centrifugation of heart homogenates. Time-dependent (0-120 sec) and concentration-dependent (0-10 microM CdCl2) effects of cadmium on pyruvate-malate-supported state 3 and state 4 respiration were measured in a constant temperature reaction chamber at 37 degrees C, according to established procedures. The ID50 for cadmium chloride on state 3 respiration was determined to be 4.2 microM. The inhibition produced by cadmium chloride in heart mitochondria was compared, using identical procedures, to the effects induced by two compounds, sodium atractyloside and potassium cyanide, which are known to alter mitochondrial respiration at specific sites. The calculated ID50 values for these agents in heart mitochondria were 1.8 and 16 microM, respectively. The concentration-dependent inhibition of mitochondrial respiration induced by either cadmium chloride or potassium cyanide was maintained in the presence of 50 microM carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP), a known uncoupling agent. In contrast, sodium atractyloside did not block the uncoupling effect of 50 microM CCCP. In addition cadmium chloride was also shown to inhibit CCCP-uncoupled mitochondrial respiration. The cadmium-induced inhibition of mitochondrial respiration was reversed partially by cysteine and completely by 2,3-dimercaptopropanol. The results of the present study indicate that, at all concentrations, cadmium chloride acted solely as an inhibitor of rat heart pyruvate-malate-supported mitochondrial respiration. These findings suggest a possible mechanism for the reported disturbances in myocardial metabolism and function that occur in conjunction with acute and chronic cadmium exposure in humans and experimental animals.

Adrenal medullary tropomyosins: purification and biochemical characterization

Tropomyosins have been isolated from bovine adrenal medulla. Purified from a heat-stable extract, the adrenal medullary tropomyosins show the same chromatographic patterns as platelet tropomyosin components purified under very similar conditions on ion-exchange (DEAE-Sephacel) and hydroxylapatite columns. When analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, the purified fraction, reduced and denatured, yielded three polypeptides with apparent molecular weights of 38,000, 35,500, and 32,000. The molar ratio of the two major polypeptides (38 kd and 32 kd) was 2:1. The predominant form of 38 kd is different from other nonmuscle tropomyosins previously isolated and with which an apparent molecular weight of 30,000 is normally associated. The three adrenal medullary tropomyosins have similar isoelectric points of about 4.7. When adrenal tropomyosins were subjected to sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of 8 M urea, each form showed a shift to a higher molecular weight, which is a characteristic of muscle tropomyosin. The 38,000 adrenal medullary tropomyosin exhibits a stronger affinity for F-actin than the other forms. Peptide profiles obtained after limited proteolytic digestion show some similarity between the two predominant tropomyosins of the bovine adrenal medulla and also between these and the alpha and beta forms of bovine skeletal muscle tropomyosin.

The influence of endurance training on mechanical catecholamine responsiveness, beta-adrenoceptor density and myosin isoenzyme pattern of rat ventricular myocardium

An investigation was carried out on the effects of 4 weeks' swimming training (2 X 90 min/day) on myocardial isometric tension development and rate of tension rise, and also on the changes induced therein by in vitro application of isoproterenol. This was done in 9 isolated papillary muscles of 9-week-old male Wistar rats and the results were compared with the data of age-matched sedentary controls. Ventricular beta-adrenoceptors [( 3H]-dihydroalprenolol binding) and the isoenzyme pattern of myosin (pyrophosphate gel electrophoresis) were examined in the same individuals. Isometric tension (T) and its first derivative (dT/dt) measured at the optimum of the length-tension diagram were moderately increased by long-term swimming training. Isoproterenol (10(-5) mol/l) induced a greater absolute and relative increase of both mechanical parameters in specimens of trained animals than in age-matched controls (delta T: 3.6 +/- 1.6 vs. 1.9 +/- 0.6 X 10(-2) N/mm2, p less than 0.05. delta dT/dt: 43.4 +/- 14.0 vs. 30.4 +/- 9.5 X 10(-2) N/mm2 X s, p less than 0.05). KD decreased significantly (4.23 +/- 1.0 vs. 2.44 +/- 0.3 nM, p less than 0.02), indicating an increase in receptor affinity, whereas receptor density revealed a tendency to decrease (98.8 +/- 22.6 vs. 67.1 +/- 18.0 fmol/mg protein, p less than 0.1). In addition, there was a shift in the isoenzyme pattern of myosin towards VM-1 after swimming training. Thus, under the conditions of the present experiments, the mechanical response to isoproterenol does not correlate to beta-adrenoceptor density. It is probable that, apart from the altered sensitivity of the receptors, other membrane or post-membrane processes, are responsible for the increased mechanical responsiveness to catecholamines. Although a relationship between myosin isoenzyme pattern and mechanical responsiveness to catecholamines is apparent taking into account our results and the findings on hypertensive rats as reported in the literature, it cannot be accounted for simply by altered beta-adrenoceptor density.

The calmodulin-dependent phosphorylation of cardiac myosin

Cardiac myosin light chains are phosphorylated in vivo and in vitro. The enzyme myosin light-chain kinase, has been purified and found to be very specific for cardiac myosin light chains. Experiments with skinned cardiac fibers suggest that phosphorylation of myosin light chain-2-decreases ATP consumption, presumably by lowering the cross-bridge cycle. These results are discussed in this chapter.

Biochemical mechanisms responsible for alcohol-associated myocardiopathy

An overview of alcohol metabolism is presented followed by a discussion of the unique pathways for the metabolism of ethanol by the heart. The evidence for cardiac metabolic injury produced as a result of ethanol metabolism is then presented. Such injury involves the mitochondria, contractile proteins, and alterations in calcium fluxes and storage.

P-31 nuclear magnetic resonance analysis of brain: II. Effects of oxygen deprivation on isolated perfused and nonperfused rat brain

Phosphatic metabolite (perchloric acid extractable) concentrations of cerebral tissues were analyzed by phosphorus-31 nuclear magnetic resonance (P-31 NMR) spectroscopy following external perfusion of the isolated rat brain (30 min or 60 min) under the following conditions: (a) constant perfusion pressure with either fluorocarbon- or erythrocyte-based medium, and (b) constant perfusate flow rate (3 ml/min) with the erythrocyte-based medium. Metabolite concentrations of control perfused brains were compared with those in nonperfused controls to provide a basis for detecting any qualitative or quantitative changes in cerebral metabolite composition. Metabolic responses of perfused brains to ischemia (incomplete ischemia, 83% reduction in flow for 10 min; transient complete ischemia for 1.5 or 2 min) were evaluated immediately after the ischemic episode and at selected time points during reperfusion (3 and 15 min). Alterations in cerebral metabolite levels induced by hypoxia were analyzed using a nonperfused rat brain model. Irrespective of the perfusion method employed, the phosphatic metabolites of control perfused rat brains were identical quantitatively to those of the nonperfused controls. Cerebral ischemia resulted in significantly increased levels of ADP, AMP + IMP, Pi, fructose 1,6-diphosphate, and glycerol 3-phosphate (global ischemia only), whereas ATP and phosphocreatine (PCr) levels declined significantly. The magnitude of these changes varied with the severity of the ischemia; however, following 15 min of control reperfusion metabolite levels had reverted to preischemic values. Significant perturbations in tissue phosphoethanolamine (3.84 delta resonance) content were evident at various time points during ischemia and postischemic recovery, which varied according to the perfusion conditions. In contrast to the changes observed in response to ischemia, hypoxia affected only cerebral high-energy phosphate levels. ATP and PCr levels were reduced, while a concomitant, essentially equimolar, increase in Pi and ADP was observed. The present studies indicate that in terms of phosphatic metabolites, the control equilibrated isolated perfused rat brain is quantitatively and qualitatively indistinguishable from the nonperfused rat brain in vivo regardless of the perfusion conditions (constant flow versus constant pressure). The metabolic responses to ischemia and hypoxia, as measured by P-31 NMR, were consistent with the pattern of changes reported elsewhere. Overall, P-31 NMR spectroscopic evaluation of the intact rat brain provides a potential experimental context for dynamic measures of cerebral metabolism under exogenously controlled conditions. Th

Calcium-dependent effects of cadmium on energy metabolism and function of perfused rat heart

Postequilibrated isolated rat hearts were perfused for 60 min with a standard supporting electrolyte buffer containing one of the following calcium concentrations: 0.9, 1.8, 3.5, or 5.0 mM, either with or without added cadmium. Doses of cadmium which proved to be minimally (0.03 microM Cd)--and maximally (3.0 microM Cd)--effective at 0.9 mM Ca were studied at all other calcium concentrations. A dose-dependent positive inotropy that persisted throughout the 60-min perfusion period was induced by the graded increases in the perfusate calcium concentration throughout the range from 0.9 to 5.0 mM. Atrioventricular node conductivity was prolonged significantly in hearts perfused with 0.9 mM Ca as compared to hearts perfused with higher calcium concentrations. Increasing the perfusate calcium concentration caused a dose-dependent increase in heart glycerol 3-phosphorylcholine (GPC) content. The other measured phosphatic metabolites of the heart were not altered significantly by varying the perfusate calcium level. In contrast, cadmium (3.0 microM Cd) induced extensive functional and metabolic aberrations which varied in magnitude as an inverse function of the perfusate calcium concentration. Contractile tension, rate of tension development (dT/dt), heart rate, coronary flow rate, and atrioventricular node conductivity were decreased significantly in response to cadmium perfusion. Moreover, these hearts characteristically had significantly elevated low energy phosphate (inosine monophosphate and inorganic phosphate) and decreased high energy phosphate (ATP, PCr) levels relative to their respective calcium controls. Furthermore, various phosphorylated intermediates of glycolysis (glucose 6-phosphate, fructose 6-phosphate, glucose 1-phosphate), as well as glycerol 3-phosphate, and uridine diphosphoglucose accumulated significantly in hearts perfused with cadmium at certain calcium concentrations below 5.0 mM. The calcium-activated increase in heart GPC was inhibited completely by 3 microM cadmium. At the minimally effective dose of cadmium (0.03 microM), demonstrable changes were apparent only at the lowest perfusate calcium concentration examined (0.9 mM). These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that cadmium interferes with calcium-activated and calcium-mediated physiologic and biochemical processes of the mammalian heart. The primary mechanistic basis for the action of cadmium appears to be linked to a competition with calcium for membrane and possibly intracellular binding and activation sites.

Reduced cAMP levels and glycogen phosphorylase activation in isoproterenol perfused SHR myocardium

The effect of isoproterenol perfusion on cAMP levels and phosphorylase activity was investigated in the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) and Kyoto Wistar normotensive control rat (WKY) heart. The basal force of contraction in physiological salt solution perfused hearts was comparable between SHR and WKY. However, the force of contraction in response to 10 nM isoproterenol perfusion was decreased approximately 20-30% in SHR heart as compared to WKY heart. Basal cAMP levels were reduced in SHR hearts as compared to WKY hearts. Isoproterenol perfusion resulted in an increase in cAMP levels over the basal cAMP values which was 50% and 100% in SHR and WKY hearts, respectively. Basal phosphorylase activity was higher in SHR hearts as compared to WKY hearts. However, the percentage increase in phosphorylase activity by isoproterenol perfusion over the basal values was approximately 400% in WKY hearts and only 200% in SHR hearts. The ouabain-sensitive (Na+, K+)-ATPase activity, Ca2+ binding in the absence of ATP, sialic acid content, and 5'-nucleotidase activity of purified cardiac plasma membranes was not altered in SHR as compared to WKY. These results would suggest beta-adrenergic mediated adenylate cyclase stimulation is decreased in SHR myocardium while other plasma membrane properties and associated enzymes may not be altered.

Myosin light chain phosphorylation during contraction of chicken fast and slow skeletal muscles

A modified automatic freezing apparatus (K. M. Kretzschmar and D. R. Wilkie, 1962, J. Physiol. (London) 202, 66-67) was used for studying light chain phosphorylation during the early phase of contraction of the fast, posterior latissimus dorsi, and slow, anterior latissimus dorsi, muscles of chicken at 37 degrees C. The frozen muscles were worked up under conditions which avoid artifacts in quantitating the level of light chain phosphorylation in contracting and resting muscles. The posterior latissimus dorsi muscle reached 80% of its maximal isometric tension at 0.1 s of tetanic stimulation. At the same time, light chain phosphorylation increased by 60% of its maximal extent. The peak tension of the posterior muscle at 0.2 s of stimulation was accompanied by maximal light chain phosphorylation. In case of the slow anterior latissimus dorsi muscle, maximal tetanic tension was developed in 2.5-5 s and light chain phosphorylation also proceeded at a much slower rate than in the fast posterior muscle. When contralateral posterior latissimus dorsi muscles were stimulated for 0.2 s and one muscle was frozen at the height of tetanus while the other muscle was allowed to relax and frozen 0.4 s after terminating the stimulation, both contracted and relaxed muscles exhibited maximal light chain phosphorylation. However, when the muscle was allowed to relax for 0.8 s before freezing, half of the phosphorylated light chain became dephosphorylated. The resting level of phosphate content of the light chain was restored in both the posterior and anterior muscles during a longer time after relaxation.

Excitation- and rest-dependent shifts of Ca in guinea-pig ventricular myocardium

The rest- and excitation-dependent shifts of Ca and 45Ca in the isolated, perfused ventricles of guinea-pig hearts were investigated. As much as 50% of the total Ca content (2.2 mmol/kg ww) found in the ventricular muscle stimulated at a steady rate of 60/min, was released into perfusate during 4 min of rest. In the preparations perfused with 45Ca containing solution during the 4 min of rest or during the last 20 s of rest only, a single beat resulted in extra uptake of 0.359 and 0.287 mmol of labelled calcium (45Ca) per kg ww, respectively. Single post-rest excitation evoked in the ventricles which were previously perfused with radioactive solution for 64 min, resulted in increase in tissue 45Ca content by 0.229 mmol/kg ww. In these preparations, the gain in 45Ca is equivalent to the net Ca uptake. Continued post-rest stimulation at the rate of 60/min resulted in recovery of pre-rest content of 45Ca and of total Ca. Gain of 45Ca was paralleled by recovery of contractile force. Uptake of 45Ca in the preparations stimulated at the steady rate of 60/min was 0.137 mmol/kg ww and its value did not depend on the number of beats during exposure to the isotope. Thus 45Ca uptake over a number of steady-state beats may be regarded as equal to the uptake in a single beat. This uptake is by orders of magnitude larger than reported previously by other authors. It is proposed that contraction is triggered by Ca influx into the excited cells (Ca1), and that the response of contractile proteins to this trigger is controlled by a large intracellular Ca2 fraction whose volume is rate-dependent.

Cardiac physiologic and tissue metabolic changes following chronic low-level cadmium and cadmium plus lead ingestion in the rat

Female Long-Evans hooded rats received Schroeder's rye-based diet and 0 or 1 microgram/ml cadmium, or cadmium plus lead in mineral fortified drinking water from weaning to 18 months. The heavy metal-fed rats were normal with respect to control, including growth rates and final body weights. Rats receiving added cadmium and cadmium plus lead in the diet were characterized by a persistent hypertension which was evident after 2 months. Cardiac conduction system excitability was depressed preferentially in cadmium-(atrioventricular nodal region) and cadmium plus lead-(His-Purkinje system) fed rats. Although heart rates were comparable to control, myocardial contractile activity (peak active tension and dT/dt) was significantly decreased in intact perfused heart preparations from both heavy metal-treated groups. In conjunction with the observed physiologic changes, various tissue-specific metabolic alterations were detected in heart, kidney, and liver. Generally, prolonged heavy-metal ingestion at these levels resulted in impaired energy metabolism (e.g., decreased ATP, PCr; increased Pj, ADP concentrations) and altered essential mineral composition (e.g., calcium, magnesium, zinc, and to a lesser extent, sodium and potassium; copper levels were unaffected) that varied in severity according to the tissue. The addition of lead to the cadmium diet had little additive effect on the cardiovascular system; however, renal and hepatic tissues did exhibit apparent additive effects further suggesting that cadmium and lead actions and interactions may be tissue dependent. These experimental findings and the biologic inferences derived are consonant with the hypothesis that chronic, life-long cadmium exposure approximating environmental levels may have significant adverse effects on mammalian systems, that include effects on cardiovascular tissues.

Dynamic changes in intact crystalline lens metabolism modulated by alkaline earth metals: I. Effects of magnesium

Dynamic changes in organophosphate levels during incubation of the intact crystalline lens in Earle's buffer containing 10 and 20 mM-MgCl2 were studied using phosphorus-31 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Twenty-eight phosphatic metabolites of intermediary metabolism were quantitated and the utilization of these compounds was determined during a 24-hr time-course. In addition, intralenticular pH was assessed from both the resonance position of alpha-glycerophosphate and inorganic orthophosphate as measured in the intact tissue. Generally, high extracellular magnesium concentrations promote a net reduction of ATP with a concomitant production of inorganic orthophosphate; however, subtle changes occur in the metabolic processes which modulate this primary activity. The most notable difference between incubation in 10 and 20 mM-magnesium is that during 20 mM-magnesium incubations the intralenticular pH decline is proportionate to the net ATP consumption; however, in response to 10 mM-magnesium, the intralenticular pH becomes alkalotic in conjunction with the decrease in intralenticular ATP levels. The demonstration that high extracellular magnesium concentrations significantly alter lens metabolite levels is presumptive evidence that lens metabolic activity may be modulated through cellular mechanisms involving magnesium-sensitive processes.

Phosphorylation of a 25,000-dalton protein in slow and fast muscles of the chicken

Protein phosphorylation in intact chicken latissimus dorsi muscle, slow anterior (ALD) and fast posterior (PLD), was compared. A major difference in [32P]phosphate incorporation was found between the ALD and PLD in a 25,000-dalton heat soluble protein. The 25,000-dalton protein was purified from both the ALD and PLD. The two proteins had similar amino acid composition and both contained approximately 1 mole phosphate per mole of protein. The difference in their content of radioactive phosphate was determined to be due to faster turnover in the ALD.

Myosin light chain phosphorylation during regional myocardial ischemia

The extent of cardiac myosin light chain phosphorylation was measured during regional myocardial ischemia in the dog. A multiple-projectile cutter was used to sample adjacent biopsies from the normal and ischemic areas of the myocardium in an open-chested dog heart following 30 min of coronary artery ligation. Measurement of metabolite levels and blood flow in the individual biopsies clearly defined the border zone between normal and ischemic myocardium. Myosin light chain phosphorylation was measured after isoelectric focusing of biopsy samples and subsequent densitometric analysis. A 50% increase in phosphorylation was observed in the ischemic zone which may correlate with the reduced contractility which is a feature of the ischemic myocardium.

Phosphorylation of low-molecular-weight proteins in preparations of rat heart sarcolemma and sarcoplasmic reticulum

Two substrate proteins for cAMP-dependent protein kinase detected in a rat heart sarcolemma preparation displayed molecular weights of 24,000 and 9000 in sodium dodecyl sulfate gels and were shown to be interconvertible. The 9000-dalton protein could readily be separated from other low molecular weight phosphoproteins (mol. wt. 14,000 and 7000) by the use of 15% polyacrylamide gels. In addition to an endogenous cAMP-dependent protein kinase the membrane preparation also contained a protein-phosphorylation system that required Ca2+ and calmodulin. It appeared that both 24,000- and 55,000-dalton proteins were substrates for the endogenous Ca2+- and calmodulin-dependent protein kinase. Contaminating sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles, first loaded with calcium oxalate, could be separated from the enriched sarcolemma preparation by sucrose gradient centrifugation. The separation was confirmed by comparative analysis of 5'-nucleotidase, Na+ -Ca2+ antiporter, and (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-dependent ATPase activities and by determination of gel electrophoretic (phospho)protein composition, sialic acid, cholesterol, and phospholipid contents. The 24,000-dalton phosphoprotein complex was equally distributed between sarcolemmal and sarcoplasmic reticulum fractions, whereas the 55,000- and 7000-dalton proteins were predominantly found in the sarcolemmal fraction. The 24,000-dalton protein was most likely phospholamban, because no other phosphoprotein was found in the 20,000 molecular weight range.

Occurrence of two types of Ca2+-dependent protein kinases in the cytosol fraction of the brain

Two types of Ca2+-dependent protein kinases were demonstrated and partially purified from the cytosol fraction of rat brain by DEAE-cellulose, Sephadex G-200, and calmodulin-affinity column chromatography, using endogenous proteins and chicken gizzard myosin light chains as substrates. The molecular weights of the enzymes were 88,000 (peak I) and 120,000 (peak II) on gel filtration. Peak I had no affinity for calmodulin, whereas peak II had a high affinity for it, with a Ka value of 16.7 nM. The Ka values of peaks I and II for Ca2+ were 2.4 and 1.6 microM, respectively.