Protein kinase G activation of K(ATP) channels in human-cultured prostatic stromal cells

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Podocyte-Like Cells as Models for Assessing Mechanisms Underlying Heritable Disease Phenotype: Initial Studies Using Two Alport Syndrome Patient Lines Indicate Impaired Potassium Channel Activity

Renal podocyte survival depends upon the dynamic regulation of a complex cell architecture that links the glomerular basement membrane to integrins, ion channels, and receptors. Alport syndrome is a heritable chronic kidney disease where mutations in α3, α4, or α5 collagen genes promote podocyte death. In rodent models of renal failure, activation of the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) can protect podocytes from stress-related death. In this study, we assessed CaSR function in podocyte-like cells derived from induced-pluripotent stem cells from two patients with Alport Syndrome (AS1 & AS2) and a renal disease free individual [normal human mesangial cell (NHMC)], as well as a human immortalized podocyte-like (HIP) cell line. Extracellular calcium elicited concentration-dependent elevations of intracellular calcium in all podocyte-like cells. NHMC and HIP, but not AS1 or AS2 podocyte-like cells, also showed acute reductions in intracellular calcium prior to elevation. In NHMC podocyte-like cells this acute reduction was blocked by the large-conductance potassium channel (KCNMA1) inhibitors iberiotoxin (10 nM) and tetraethylammonium (5 mM), as well as the focal adhesion kinase inhibitor PF562271 (N-methyl-N-(3-((2-(2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-5-ylamino)-5-trifluoromethyl-pyrimidin-4-ylamino)-methyl)-pyridin-2-yl)-methanesulfonamide, 10 nM). Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and immunolabeling showed the presence of KCNMA1 transcript and protein in all podocyte-like cells tested. Cultivation of AS1 podocytes on decellularized plates of NHMC podocyte-like cells partially restored acute reductions in intracellular calcium in response to extracellular calcium. We conclude that the AS patient-derived podocyte-like cells used in this study showed dysfunctional integrin signaling and potassium channel function, which may contribute to podocyte death seen in Alport syndrome.

Novel drug targets for the pharmacotherapy of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the major cause of lower urinary tract symptoms in men aged 50 or older. Symptoms are not normally life threatening, but often drastically affect the quality of life. The number of men seeking treatment for BPH is expected to grow in the next few years as a result of the ageing male population. Estimates of annual pharmaceutical sales of BPH therapies range from $US 3 to 10 billion, yet this market is dominated by two drug classes. Current drugs are only effective in treating mild to moderate symptoms, yet despite this, no emerging contenders appear to be on the horizon. This is remarkable given the increasing number of patients with severe symptoms who are required to undergo invasive and unpleasant surgery. This review provides a brief background on prostate function and the pathophysiology of BPH, followed by a brief description of BPH epidemiology, the burden it places on society, and the current surgical and pharmaceutical therapies. The recent literature on emerging contenders to current therapies and novel drug targets is then reviewed, focusing on drug targets which are able to relax prostatic smooth muscle in a similar way to the α(1) -adrenoceptor antagonists, as this appears to be the most effective mechanism of action. Other mechanisms which may be of benefit are also discussed. It is concluded that recent basic research has revealed a number of novel drug targets such as muscarinic receptor or P2X-purinoceptor antagonists, which have the potential to produce more effective and safer drug treatments.

cGMP-enhancing- and alpha1A/alpha1D-adrenoceptor blockade-derived inhibition of Rho-kinase by KMUP-1 provides optimal prostate relaxation and epithelial cell anti-proliferation efficacy

BACKGROUND

Soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC)/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)/protein kinase G (PKG) and Rho kinase (ROCK2) pathways are important in the regulation of prostate smooth muscle tone. This study is aimed to examine the relaxation activities of a sGC activator and PDE5A/ROCK2 inhibitor KMUP-1 in rat prostate and associated anti-proliferation activity in human prostatic epithelial cells.

METHODS

The action characteristics of KMUP-1 were identified by isometric tension measurement, receptor binding assay, Western blotting and radioimmunoassay in rat prostate. Anti-proliferation activity of KMUP-1 in human prostatic epithelial PZ-HPV-7 cells was identified using flow cytometry and real time QRT-PCR.

RESULTS

KMUP-1 inhibited phenylephrine-induced contractility in a concentration-dependent manner. KMUP-1 possessed potent alpha(1A/)alpha(1D)-adrenoceptor binding inhibition activity, increased cAMP/cGMP levels and increased the expression of sGC, PKG, and PKA protein in rat prostate. Moreover, KMUP-1 inhibited phenylephrine-induced ROCK2 expression. KMUP-1 inhibited cell growth, arrested the cell cycle at G(0)/G(1) phase and increased the expression of p21 in PZ-HPV-7 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

These results broaden our knowledge of sGC/cGMP/PKG and ROCK2 regulation on the relaxation and proliferation of prostate, which may help in the design of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) therapies that target these signaling pathways. KMUP-1 possesses the potential benefit in the treatment of BPH by its alpha(1A/)alpha(1D)-adrenoceptor blockade, sGC activation, inhibition of PDE5A and ROCK2 and p21 protein enhancement, leading to attenuation of the smooth muscle tone and the proliferation of epithelial PZ-HPV-7 cells. The synergistic contribution of these pathways by KMUP-1 may benefit BPH patients with lower urinary tract symptoms.

beta(2) and beta(3)-adrenoceptor inhibition of alpha(1)-adrenoceptor-stimulated Ca(2+) elevation in human cultured prostatic stromal cells

Prostatic beta-adrenoceptors inhibit alpha(1)-adrenoceptor-stimulated contractility. This study examines the effects of beta-adrenoceptor stimulation upon phenylephrine-induced elevations of intracellular Ca(2+)([Ca(2+)](i)) in human cultured prostatic stromal cells, and contractility of human prostatic tissue. Human cultured prostatic stromal cells were used for [(3)H]-cAMP accumulation studies or were loaded with 5-oxazolecarboxylic acid, 2-(6-(bis(2-((acetyloxy)methoxy)-2-oxoethyl)amino)-5-(2-(2-(bis(2-((acetyloxy)methoxy)-2-oxoethyl)amino)-5-methylphenoxy)ethoxy)-2-benzofuranyl)-, (acetyloxy)methyl ester (FURA-2AM, 10 microM) for Ca(2+) imaging studies. The beta-adrenoceptor agonist isoprenaline increased the accumulation of [(3)H]-cAMP (pEC(50)+/-S.E.M. 6.58+/-0.11) in human cultured prostatic stromal cells, an effect antagonized by the beta(2)-adrenoceptor antagonist (+/-)-1-[2,3-(dihydro-7-methyl-1H-inden-4-yl)oxy]-3-[(1-methylethyl)amino]-2-butanol (ICI 118,551), but not by the beta(1)-adrenoceptor antagonist, atenolol. Isoprenaline (3 microM), the adenylyl cyclase activator, forskolin (20 microM) and the phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor, rolipram (10 microM) inhibited the elevation of [Ca(2+)](i) elicited by phenylephrine (20 microM). The effect of isoprenaline could be blocked by ICI 118,551 (100 nM), the adenylyl cyclase inhibitor cis-N-(2-phenylcyclopentyl)-azacyclotridec-1-en-2-amine (MDL 12,330A, 20 microM) and the K(Ca) channel blocker, iberiotoxin (100 nM), but not by atenolol (1 microM) or the K(ATP) channel blocker, glibenclamide (3 microM). Agonists selective for beta(1)-(xamoterol and prenalterol), beta(2)-(procaterol and salbutamol) and beta(3)-((+/-)-(R(*), R(*))-[4-[2-[[2-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-hydroxyethyl]amino]propyl]phenoxy]acetic acid, BRL37344) adrenoceptors inhibited the elevation of [Ca(2+)](i) elicited by phenylephrine (20 microM) with a rank order of BRL37344> or =xamoterol> or =isoprenaline>procaterol> or =prenalterol>salbutamol. The xamoterol effect was reversed by ICI 118,551 (100 nM), but not by 1-(2-ethylphenoxy)-3-[[(1S)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1-naphthalenyl]amino]-(2S)-2-propanol (SR59230A, 100 nM) or atenolol (1 microM). The BRL37344 effect was reversed by SR59230A (100 nM), but not by atenolol (1 microM) or ICI 118,551 (100 nM). Both xamoterol and BRL37344 inhibited phenylephrine-induced tissue contractility. This study shows that both xamoterol and BRL37344 are effective inhibitors of phenylephrine-induced effects in human cultured prostatic stromal cells and in prostatic tissue.

K+ channel modulation of slow wave activity in the guinea-pig prostate

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of different K(+) channel populations and the inhibitory effect of various exogenously applied K(+) channel openers in the regulation of slow wave activity in the guinea-pig prostate.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Recordings of membrane potential were made using intracellular microelectrodes.

KEY RESULTS

Tetraethylammonium (TEA 300 micro M and 1 mM), iberiotoxin (150 nM) and 4-aminopyridine (4-AP 1 mM) increased the frequency of slow wave discharge. Apamin (1-200 nM) and glibenclamide (1 micro M) had no effect on slow wave activity. Lemakalim (1 micro M) and PCO-400 (1 micro M) abolished the slow waves, as did sodium nitroprusside (SNP 10 micro M) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP 100 nM). The inhibitory effect of these agents was independent of a significant change in membrane potential. In the presence of 4-AP (1 mM), TEA (1 mM) or glibenclamide (1 micro M) the inhibitory actions of SNP (10 micro M) were attenuated. The inhibitory actions of CGRP (100 nM) were also reversed by glibenclamide (1 micro M). In contrast, isoprenaline (1 micro M) did not alter the frequency of slow wave discharge.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

These results demonstrate that BK(Ca) and 4-AP-sensitive K(+) channels regulate the frequency of prostatic slow wave discharge. SNP and CGRP abolish slow waves in a hyperpolarisation-independent manner, partially via opening of K(ATP) channels. BK(Ca) and 4-AP-sensitive K(+) channels also play an important role in the SNP-induced inhibition of slow wave activity. The lack of membrane hyperpolarisation associated with the SNP- and CGRP-induced inhibition implies that the channels involved in this action are not predominantly located on the smooth muscle cells.

Phosphorylation of the PKG substrate, vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP), in human cultured prostatic stromal cells

Nitric oxide (NO) is known to regulate contractility and proliferation of cells within the prostate, however, the mechanism by which this occurs is unknown. The cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) signalling pathway may be involved, and recent work has shown that activation of this pathway can be assessed by analysis of phosphorylation of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP). The aim of the current study is to characterise the expression of VASP in the human prostate and human cultured prostatic stromal cells (HCPSCs), and to investigate whether NO activates PKG in these cells. Our studies revealed that VASP is expressed, and that incubation of HCPSCs with PKG-activating cGMP-analogues or the NO-donor, SNP, caused a significant PKG-dependent increase in VASP serine-239 phosphorylation. In addition, SNP elicited a reduction in intracellular K(+) in a time frame consistent with the phosphorylation of VASP and activation of PKG. These data demonstrate that VASP can be used to assess the NO/cGMP/PKG signalling pathway in HCPSCs. In addition, we demonstrate for the first time that SNP, probably via NO release, leads to phosphorylation of VASP in a manner consistent with PKG activation.

Induction of apoptosis by intracellular potassium ion depletion: Using the fluorescent dye PBFI in a 96-well plate method in cultured lung cancer cells

Depletion of intracellular potassium ions (K+) is necessary for cells to shrink, activate caspases and induce DNA fragmentation, events which are features of apoptosis. Here we describe a 96-well plate method using the cell permeable form of K+ binding benzofuran isophtalate (PBFI-AM) to measure intracellular K+ content in relation to untreated control. Cultured human pulmonary mesothelioma cells (P31) and small-cell lung cancer cells (U1690) were treated with K+ flux modulators in order to deprive the cells of intracellular K+. The combination of K+ influx inhibition with 10 micromol/L bumetanide plus 10 micromol/L ouabain and K+ efflux stimulation with 3 mg/L amphotericin B or 5 micromol/L nigericin efficiently reduced the intracellular K+ content after 3 h. Manipulation of K+ fluxes with subsequent intracellular K+ depletion induced apoptosis of lung cancer cells, as detected by caspase-3 activity after 3 h K+ depletion followed by 24 h proliferation and TUNEL positive staining after 48 h proliferation. We concluded that the PBFI-AM assay was a useful tool to determine intracellular K+ content in relation to untreated control, and that intracellular K+ depletion of lung cancer cells by clinically used drugs of relevant concentrations induced apoptosis. These findings may lead to novel therapeutic strategies in the treatment of lung cancer.

Spontaneous electrical activity in the prostate gland

The cellular mechanisms that underlie the initiation, maintenance and propagation of electrical activity in the prostate gland remain little understood. Intracellular microelectrode recordings have identified at least two distinct electrical waveforms: pacemaker potentials and slow wave activity. By analogy with the intestine, we have proposed that pacemaker activity arises from a morphologically distinct group of c-Kit positive interstitial cells that lie mainly between the glandular epithelium and smooth muscle layers. We speculate that pacemaker activity arising from the prostatic interstitial cells (PICs) is likely to propagate and initiate slow wave activity in the smooth muscle cells resulting in contraction of the stromal smooth muscle wall. While spontaneous electrical activity in the prostate gland is myogenic in origin, it is clear that nerve-mediated agents are able to modulate this activity. Excitatory agents such as histamine, phenylephrine and a raised potassium saline all increase slow wave discharge. In contrast, nitric oxide donors reduce or abolish the spontaneous electrical events. However, the cellular mechanisms underlying the action of various endogenously released agents remain to be elucidated.

Protein kinase G-induced activation of K(ATP) channels reduces contractility of human prostate tissue

BACKGROUND

Human cultured prostatic stromal cells respond to protein kinase G (PKG) activators and the nitric oxide donor, sodium nitroprusside (SNP) by opening ATP-sensitive potassium channels (K(ATP) channels) to reduce nifedipine-sensitive phorbol ester-induced contractility.

METHODS

PKG activators, SNP, diazoxide, nifedipine, isoprenaline, forskolin, and Sp-8-Br-cAMP were used to inhibit alpha(1)-adrenoceptor-induced contractions in tissue from transurethral resections of the prostate (TURP). The selective K(ATP) and large conductance Ca(2+) activated K(+) (BK(Ca)) channel inhibitors, glibenclamide and charybdotoxin, respectively were used to inhibit responses to PKG activators. RT-PCR identified the K(ATP) channel subunits present in TURP tissue and cultured cells.

RESULTS

The PKG activators, APT-cGMP (1 nM-100 microM) and PET-cGMP (1 nM-100 microM), and also SNP (1 nM-100 microM), forskolin (10 microM), diazoxide (100 microM) and nifedipine (3 microM) inhibited phenylephrine (20 microM)-induced contractions. The effect of APT-cGMP (1 nM-100 microM) could be reversed by glibenclamide, but not by charybdotoxin. TURP tissue contained mRNA for PKG Ialpha, Ibeta, and II and the K(ATP) channel subunits Kir6.1, Kir6.2, SUR2B, and SUR1. Cultured stromal cells contained only Kir6.1 and SUR2B subunit mRNA. SUR1 mRNA was detected in one of five cultured epithelial cell lines.

CONCLUSIONS

PKG activators reduce alpha(1)-adrenoceptor-induced contractility in TURP tissue via the activation of K(ATP) channels. (c) 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Sex steroids modulate α1-adrenoceptor-stimulated Ca2+ elevation in human cultured prostatic stromal cells

BACKGROUND

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is an age- and androgen-dependent condition of urethral compression caused by prostatic contractility and glandular enlargement. In this study we investigate whether testosterone, dihydrotestosterone and estradiol modulate the ability of human cultured prostatic stromal cells (HCPSCs) to respond to the adrenoceptor agonists, noradrenaline (30 microM) and phenylephrine (100 microM), the protein kinase C activating phorbol ester, phorbol diacetate (PDA, 10 microM), and the L-type Ca(2+) channel activator, (-)-Bay K8644 (Bay K, 10 microM) with elevations of intracellular Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)).

METHODS

Cells were loaded with the Ca(2+) sensitive fluorophore, FURA-2AM (10 microM) and changes in intracellular Ca(2+) determined before and 8-12 min after ligand addition.

RESULTS

Compared to steroid-free (SF) controls, the incubation of HCPSC with testosterone (30 and 300 pM) significantly increased responses to both noradrenaline and phenylephrine. Responses to Bay K were significantly reduced between 30 nM to 300 pM but responses to PDA were not greatly affected. Compared to SF the addition of estradiol (E(2), 100 pM) did not affect responses to phenylephrine. The concomitant addition of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and E(2) (to give ratios from 1:1 to 1,000:1) elevated the responses to noradrenaline and phenylephrine at the extreme ranges. Responses to PDA and Bay K generally increased as DHT:E(2) approached unity.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that sex steroids modulate the activities of HCPSCs through the regulation of both receptors and signal transduction processes.

cAMP is a ligand for the tandem GAF domain of human phosphodiesterase 10 and cGMP for the tandem GAF domain of phosphodiesterase 11

N-terminal tandem GAF domains are present in 5 out of 11 mammalian phosphodiesterase (PDE) families. The ligand for the GAF domains of PDEs 2, 5, and 6 is cGMP, whereas those for PDEs 10 and 11 remained enigmatic for years. Here we used the cyanobacterial cyaB1 adenylyl cyclase, which has an N-terminal tandem GAF domain closely related to those of the mammalian PDEs, as an assay system to identify the ligands for the human PDEs 10 and 11 GAF domains. We report that a chimera between the PDE10 GAF domain and the cyanobacterial cyclase was 9-fold stimulated by cAMP (EC50= 19.8 microm), whereas cGMP had only low activity. cAMP increased Vmax in a non-cooperative manner and did not affect the Km for ATP of 27 microm. In an analogous chimeric construct with the tandem GAF domain of human PDE11A4, cGMP was identified as an allosteric activator (EC50 = 72.5 microm) that increased Vmax of the cyclase non-cooperatively 4-fold. GAF-B of PDE10 and GAF-A of PDE11A4 contain an invariant NKFDE motif present in all mammalian PDE GAF ensembles. We mutated the aspartates within this motif in both regions and found that intramolecular signaling was considerably reduced or abolished. This was in line with all data concerning GAF domains with an NKFDE motif as far as they have been tested. The data appeared to define those GAF domains as a distinct subclass within the >3100 annotated GAF domains for which we propose a tentative classification scheme.

Can smooth muscle represent a useful target for the treatment of rapid ejaculation?

Rapid ejaculation is probably the most common form of male sexual dysfunction. Current research into the treatment of the condition has focused on centrally acting or topical desensitizing agents; however, no treatment has yet been approved. An alternative approach could be to develop drugs that act directly upon the target organ itself and our increasing knowledge of the molecular biology of the accessory sex organs makes this a realistic possibility. This review analyzes the information in the literature that would support such a hypothesis. Particular emphasis has been placed on articles that have investigated smooth muscle cell relaxation. A critical review of the literature has revealed that there are potentially a myriad of targets through which rapid ejaculation can be treated.

Current models of human prostate contractility

1. The human prostate is a compact gland contributing to seminal fluid. With increasing age, most humans will develop benign prostatic hyperplasia, a condition of prostatic enlargement and contractility that leads to occlusion of the urethra. Over many years, investigators have used a variety of animal and cell culture models to elucidate some of the contractile and proliferative mechanisms that may be associated with the development of this condition. 2. This review briefly assesses the current state of knowledge of the mechanisms underlying human prostatic contractility and compares it with that of animal and cell culture models. It is not intended as a comprehensive methodological review, nor is it intended to indicate our preferences for either model. Our aim is to correlate findings from animal and cell culture models with the current understanding of human prostate contractility. 3. We hope that the present review will increase awareness of the suitability of the current models in developing our understanding of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Functional role of PKC in contraction of cultured human prostatic stromal cells

The contractile activity of prostatic stromal cells contributes to symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). However, the mechanisms for this contraction have not yet been fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated the role of protein kinase C (PKC) in prostatic contraction by measuring the isometric tension development of cultured human prostatic stromal cells (CHPSCs) derived from BPH patients. Fresh human BPH tissue was used only in a Western blot analysis. A ring preparation made of CHPSCs and collagen gel could develop an isometric tension during activation with various agonists. Phorbol 12,13 dibutyrate (PDBu), a PKC activator, induced a relaxation. A Western blot analysis revealed the expression of PKC-potentiated protein phosphatase-1 inhibitory protein (CPI-17) in both CHPSCs and fresh human BPH tissue to be much lower than that in the rabbit aorta. When CPI-17 was over-expressed, PDBu induced a large contraction, but the agonist-induced contraction did not become larger than expected. In alpha-toxin permeabilized preparations, PDBu induced a relaxation in control CHPSCs, while it induced a contraction at a constant [Ca2+]i in CPI-17 over-expressing CHPSCs. These results indicated that the activation of PKC in CHPSCs induces a relaxation probably due to low expression level of CPI-17 and also that the PKC-CPI-17 pathway does not appear to play a major role in the agonist-induced contraction even when CPI-17 was over-expressed.

A1 and A2A adenosine receptor modulation of alpha 1-adrenoceptor-mediated contractility in human cultured prostatic stromal cells

1. This study investigated the possibility that adenosine receptors modulate the alpha(1)-adrenoceptor-mediated contractility of human cultured prostatic stromal cells (HCPSC). 2. The nonselective adenosine receptor agonist, 5'-N-ethylcarboxamido-adenosine (NECA; 10 nm-10 microm), and the A(1) adenosine receptor selective agonist, cyclopentyladenosine (CPA; 10 nm-10 microm), elicited significant contractions in HCPSC, with maximum contractile responses of 18+/-3% and 17+/-2% reduction in initial cell length, respectively. 3. In the presence of a threshold concentration of phenylephrine (PE) (100 nm), CPA (1 nm-10 microm) caused contractions, with an EC(50) of 124+/-12 nm and maximum contractile response of 37+/-4%. The A(1) adenosine receptor-selective antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX 100 nm) blocked this effect. In the presence of DPCPX (100 nm), NECA (1 nm-10 microm) inhibited contractions elicited by a submaximal concentration of PE (10 microm), with an IC(50) of 48+/-2 nm. The A(2A) adenosine receptor-selective antagonist 4-(2-[7-amino-2-[furyl][1,2,4]triazolo[2,3-alpha][1,3,5,]triazin-5-yl amino]ethyl)phenol (Zm241385 100 nm) blocked this effect. 4. In BCECF-AM (10 microm)-loaded cells, both CPA (100 pM-1 microm) and NECA (100 pm-10 microm) elicited concentration-dependent decreases in intracellular pH (pH(i)), with EC(50) values of 3.1+/-0.3 and 6.0+/-0.3 nm, respectively. The response to NECA was blocked by Zm241385 (100 nm; apparent pK(B) of 9.4+/-0.4), but not by DPCPX (100 nm). The maximum response to CPA was blocked by DPCPX (100 nm), and unaffected by Zm241385 (100 nm). 5. NECA (10 nm-10 microm) alone did not increase [(3)H]-cAMP in HCPSC. In the presence of DPCPX (100 nm), NECA (10 nm-10 microm) caused a concentration dependent increase in [(3)H]-cAMP, with an EC(50) of 1.2+/-0.1 microm. This response was inhibited by Zm241385 (100 nm). CPA (10 nm-10 microm) had no effect on cAMP, in the presence or absence of forskolin (1 microm). 6. These findings are consistent with a role for adenosine receptors in the modulation of adrenoceptor-mediated contractility in human prostate-derived cells.

Neuron-based microarray sensors for environmental sensing

We present a novel sensing scheme for detecting the effects of unburned fossil fuels by integrating microarray technology and dielectrophoresis to develop single-neuron arrays. These arrays have the capability to sense and identify the two fuels, at parts per billion (ppb) concentrations, as well to determine the associated physiological changes at the single-cell level. Identification is achieved through frequency domain analysis of the measured changes to the extracellular electrical activity due to the effect of the fossil fuels. This yields unique electrical identifiers known as "signature patterns". Simultaneous optical visualization to the physiological changes is obtained by specific fluorescent staining. The correlation between the signature patterns and the cellular biological behavior establishes the veracity of this identification technique.

Protein kinase G II-mediated proliferative effects in human cultured prostatic stromal cells

This study investigates the effect of protein kinase G (PKG) activation upon proliferation of human cultured prostatic stromal cells. The PKG II activator (8-pCPT-cGMP; IC50 of 113+/-42 nM) and the phosphodiesterase inhibitor, zaprinast (up to 50 microM), but not the PKG I isoform activators (APT-cGMP and PET-cGMP), reduced foetal calf serum-stimulated proliferation. The effect of 8-pCPT-cGMP (30 microM) was blocked by Rp-8-Br-cGMPS (5 microM) and Rp-8-pCPT-cGMP (5 microM), but not Rp-cAMPS (5 microM). 8-pCPT-cGMP (30 microM) and zaprinast (50 microM), but not PET-cGMP (30 microM), caused a significant increase in atypical nuclei and an increase in annexin-V staining. These data indicate that activation of PKG II induces apoptosis of human cultured prostatic stromal cells.

Involvement of mitochondrial K+ release and cellular efflux in ischemic and apoptotic neuronal death

We measured and manipulated intracellular potassium (K+) fluxes in cultured hippocampal neurons in an effort to understand the involvement of K+ in neuronal death under conditions of ischemia and exposure to apoptotic stimuli. Measurements of the intracellular K+ concentration using the fluorescent probe 1,3-benzenedicarboxylic acid, 4,4'-[1,4,10,13-tetraoxa-7,16-diazacyclooctadecane-7,16-diylbis(5-methoxy-6,2-benzofurandiyl)]bis-, tetrakis [(acetyloxy) methyl] ester (PBFI) revealed that exposure of neurons to cyanide (chemical hypoxia), glutamate (excitotoxic insult) or staurosporine (apoptotic stimulus) results in efflux of K+ and cell death. Treatment of neurons with 5-hydroxydecanoate (5HD), an inhibitor of mitochondrial K+ channels, reduced K+ fluxes in neurons exposed to each insult and increased the resistance of the cells to death. K+ efflux was attenuated, levels of oxyradicals were decreased, mitochondrial membrane potential was stabilized and release of cytochrome c from mitochondria was attenuated in neurons treated with 5HD. K+ was rapidly released into the cytosol from mitochondria when neurons were exposed to the K+ channel opener, diazoxide, or to the mitochondrial uncoupler, carbonyl cyanide 4(trifluoromethoxy)phenylhydrazone (FCCP), demonstrating that the intramitochondrial K+ concentration is greater than the cytosolic K+ concentration. The release of K+ from mitochondria was followed by efflux through plasma membrane K+ channels. In vivo studies showed that 5HD reduces ischemic brain damage without affecting cerebral blood flow in a mouse model of focal ischemic stroke. These findings suggest that intracellular K+ fluxes play a key role in modulating neuronal oxyradical production and cell survival under ischemic conditions, and that agents that modify K+ fluxes may have therapeutic benefit in stroke and related neurodegenerative conditions.

Plankton blooms induced by turbulent flows

Plankton play an important role in the ecology of the ocean and the climate because of their participation in the global carbon cycle at the base of the food chain. However, damaging plankton blooms can sometimes occur and are initially characterized by sudden transient increases in the phytoplankton population. They are thought to be driven by several effects, such as seasonal variations in temperature and salinity, and nutrient mixing. Furthermore, phytoplankton and zooplankton have different buoyancy properties, leading to a differential response in turbulent environments. In this paper, we investigate this effect in a model of advected plankton dynamics. We find that, over a range of parameter values, flows of marine species subjected to inertial/viscous forces naturally lead to patchiness and, in turn, periodically sustained plankton blooms.