Calcium movement in nerve fibres

Electrogenic Na+/Ca2+-exchange of nerve and muscle cells

The plasma membrane Na(+)/Ca(2+)-exchanger is a bi-directional electrogenic (3Na(+):1Ca(2+)) and voltage-sensitive ion transport mechanism, which is mainly responsible for Ca(2+)-extrusion. The Na(+)-gradient, required for normal mode operation, is created by the Na(+)-pump, which is also electrogenic (3Na(+):2K(+)) and voltage-sensitive. The Na(+)/Ca(2+)-exchanger operational modes are very similar to those of the Na(+)-pump, except that the uncoupled flux (Na(+)-influx or -efflux?) is missing. The reversal potential of the exchanger is around -40 mV; therefore, during the upstroke of the AP it is probably transiently activated, leading to Ca(2+)-influx. The Na(+)/Ca(2+)-exchange is regulated by transported and non-transported external and internal cations, and shows ATP(i)-, pH- and temperature-dependence. The main problem in determining the role of Na(+)/Ca(2+)-exchange in excitation-secretion/contraction coupling is the lack of specific (mode-selective) blockers. During recent years, evidence has been accumulated for co-localisation of the Na(+)-pump, and the Na(+)/Ca(2+)-exchanger and their possible functional interaction in the "restricted" or "fuzzy space." In cardiac failure, the Na(+)-pump is down-regulated, while the exchanger is up-regulated. If the exchanger is working in normal mode (Ca(2+)-extrusion) during most of the cardiac cycle, upregulation of the exchanger may result in SR Ca(2+)-store depletion and further impairment in contractility. If so, a normal mode selective Na(+)/Ca(2+)-exchange inhibitor would be useful therapy for decompensation, and unlike CGs would not increase internal Na(+). In peripheral sympathetic nerves, pre-synaptic alpha(2)-receptors may regulate not only the VSCCs but possibly the reverse Na(+)/Ca(2+)-exchange as well.

Mechanisms of ischaemic damage to central white matter axons: a quantitative histological analysis using rat optic nerve

The mechanism of ischaemic injury to white matter axons was studied by transiently depriving rat optic nerves in vitro of oxygen and glucose. Light and electron microscopic analysis showed that increasing periods of oxygen/glucose deprivation (up to 1 h) caused, after a 90-min recovery period, the appearance of increasing numbers of swollen axons whose ultrastructure indicated that they were irreversibly damaged. This conclusion was supported by experiments showing that the damage persisted after a longer recovery period (3 h). To quantify the axonal pathology, an automated morphometric method, based on measurement of the density of swollen axons, was developed. Omission of Ca2+ from the incubation solution during 1 h of oxygen/glucose deprivation (and for 15 min either side) completely prevented the axonopathy (assessed following 90 min recovery). Omission of Na+ was also effective, though less so (70% protection). The classical Na+ channel blocker, tetrodotoxin (1 microM), provided 92% protection. In view of this evidence implicating Na+ channels in the pathogenesis of the axonal damage, the effects of three different Na+ channel inhibitors, with known neuroprotective properties towards gray matter in in vivo models of cerebral ischaemia, were tested. The compounds used were lamotrigine and the structurally-related molecules, BW619C89 and BW1003C87. All three compounds protected the axons to varying degrees, the maximal efficacies (observed at 30 to 100 microM) being in the order: BW619C89 (>95% protection) > BW1003C87 (70%) > lamotrigine (50%). At a concentration affording near complete protection (100 microM), BW619C89 had no significant effect on the optic nerve compound action potential. Experiments in which BW619C89 was added at different times indicated that its effects were exerted during two distinct phases, one (accounting for about 50% protection) was during the early stage of oxygen/glucose deprivation itself and the other (also about 50%) during the first 15 min of recovery in normal incubation solution. The results are consistent with a pathophysiological mechanism in which Na+ entry through tetrodotoxin-sensitive Na+ channels contributes to Na+ loading of the axoplasm which then results in a lethal Ca2+ overload through reversed Na(+)-Ca2+ exchange. The identification of BW619C89 as a compound able to prevent oxygen/glucose deprivation-induced injury to white matter axons without affecting normal nerve function opens the way to testing the importance of this pathway in white matter injury in vivo.

Sodium/calcium exchange: its physiological implications

The Na+/Ca2+ exchanger, an ion transport protein, is expressed in the plasma membrane (PM) of virtually all animal cells. It extrudes Ca2+ in parallel with the PM ATP-driven Ca2+ pump. As a reversible transporter, it also mediates Ca2+ entry in parallel with various ion channels. The energy for net Ca2+ transport by the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger and its direction depend on the Na+, Ca2+, and K+ gradients across the PM, the membrane potential, and the transport stoichiometry. In most cells, three Na+ are exchanged for one Ca2+. In vertebrate photoreceptors, some neurons, and certain other cells, K+ is transported in the same direction as Ca2+, with a coupling ratio of four Na+ to one Ca2+ plus one K+. The exchanger kinetics are affected by nontransported Ca2+, Na+, protons, ATP, and diverse other modulators. Five genes that code for the exchangers have been identified in mammals: three in the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger family (NCX1, NCX2, and NCX3) and two in the Na+/Ca2+ plus K+ family (NCKX1 and NCKX2). Genes homologous to NCX1 have been identified in frog, squid, lobster, and Drosophila. In mammals, alternatively spliced variants of NCX1 have been identified; dominant expression of these variants is cell type specific, which suggests that the variations are involved in targeting and/or functional differences. In cardiac myocytes, and probably other cell types, the exchanger serves a housekeeping role by maintaining a low intracellular Ca2+ concentration; its possible role in cardiac excitation-contraction coupling is controversial. Cellular increases in Na+ concentration lead to increases in Ca2+ concentration mediated by the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger; this is important in the therapeutic action of cardiotonic steroids like digitalis. Similarly, alterations of Na+ and Ca2+ apparently modulate basolateral K+ conductance in some epithelia, signaling in some special sense organs (e.g., photoreceptors and olfactory receptors) and Ca2+-dependent secretion in neurons and in many secretory cells. The juxtaposition of PM and sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum membranes may permit the PM Na+/Ca2+ exchanger to regulate sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+ stores and influence cellular Ca2+ signaling.

Cisplatin and hypomagnesemia

Hypomagnesemia is a well known side-effect in patients receiving cisplatin-containing chemotherapy. Cisplatin induces hypomagnesemia through its renal toxicity possibly by a direct injury to mechanisms of magnesium reabsorption in the ascending limb of the loop of Henle as well as the distal tubule. Since the magnesium reabsorption process still remains to be fully characterized, the effect by cisplatin on this process remains uncertain. Hypomagnesemia is a frequent complication to chemotherapy with cisplatin affecting up to 90% of patients if no corrective measures are initiated. The clinical importance of this hypomagnesemia remains uncertain. Possible symptoms of hypomagnesemia can be impossible to distinguish from symptoms related to the underlying disease or the treatment with chemotherapy. Existing studies on how to supplement magnesium during treatment with cisplatin have focused mainly on the effect on serum magnesium values and erythrocyte magnesium concentrations but both parameters are poor indicators of body magnesium stores. As long as the relationship between hypomagnesemia and possible complications thereof remains poorly elucidated, it seems reasonable to try to avoid hypomagnesemia. The best results seem to be provided by adding magnesium to the pre- and posthydration fluids.

Twitch potentiation induced by caffeine in the mouse diaphragm depends on external calcium ions in the absence of potassium ions

1. Removal of external K+ ions increases the amplitude of directly elicited twitch contractions of the mouse diaphragm (Nishimura et al., 1996). This increase depends on external Ca2+ ions. 2. We examined the effect of caffeine (2 mM) on this increase in twitch amplitude. The mouse diaphragm muscle was directly stimulated in the presence of d-tubocurarine (10 microM). 3. Caffeine increased the amplitude of twitches in a standard bathing solution. This effect was maintained in a solution without either K+ or Ca2+ ions but was abolished in a solution from which both ions were absent. Readdition of Ca2+ ions restored the potentiating effect of caffeine. 4. In the presence of caffeine, removal of both K+ and Ca2+ ions decreased the resting membrane potentials of muscle fibers to about -53 mV. The readdition of 2 mM Ca2+ ions restored the membrane potentials. 5. Twitch potentiation in the absence of external K+ ions was attenuated by 10 microM bepridil but not by 3 microM verapamil or 10 microM Cd2+ ions. 6. These results support the hypothesis that Na(+)-Ca2+ exchange can support twitch contraction during the inhibition of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity. The influx of Ca2+ ions into the cells might be stored in the sarcoplasmic reticulum.

Regulation of intracellular calcium and calcium buffering properties of rat isolated neurohypophysial nerve endings

1. Electrophysiological measurements of Ca2+ influx using patch clamp methodology were combined with fluorescent monitoring of the free intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) to determine mechanisms of Ca2+ regulation in isolated nerve endings from the rat neurohypophysis. 2. Application of step depolarizations under voltage clamp resulted in voltage-dependent calcium influx (ICa) and increase in the [Ca2+]i. The increase in [Ca2+]i was proportional to the time-integrated ICa for low calcium loads but approached an asymptote of [Ca2+]i at large Ca2+ loads. These data indicate the presence of two distinct rapid Ca2+ buffering mechanisms. 3. Dialysis of fura-2, which competes for Ca2+ binding with the endogenous Ca2+ buffers, reduced the amplitude and increased the duration of the step depolarization-evoked Ca2+ transients. More than 99% of Ca2+ influx at low Ca2+ loads is immediately buffered by this endogenous buffer component, which probably consists of intracellular Ca2+ binding proteins. 4. The capacity of the endogenous buffer for binding Ca2+ remained stable during 300 s of dialysis of the nerve endings. These properties indicated that this Ca2+ buffer component was either immobile or of high molecular weight and slowly diffusible. 5. In the presence of large Ca2+ loads a second distinct Ca2+ buffer mechanism was resolved which limited increases in [Ca2+]i to approximately 600 nM. This Ca2+ buffer exhibited high capacity but low affinity for Ca2+ and its presence resulted in a loss of proportionality between the integrated ICa and the increase in [Ca2+]i. This buffering mechanism was sensitive to the mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake inhibitor Ruthenium Red. 6. Basal [Ca2+]i, depolarization-induced changes in [Ca2+]i and recovery of [Ca2+]i to resting levels following an induced increase in [Ca2+]i were unaffected by thapsigargin and cyclopiazonic acid, specific inhibitors of intracellular Ca(2+)-ATPases. Caffeine and ryanodine were also without effect on Ca2+ regulation. 7. Evoked increases in [Ca2+]i, as well as rates of recovery from a Ca2+ load, were unaffected by the extracellular [Na+], suggesting a minimal role for Na(+)-Ca2+ exchange in Ca2+ regulation in these nerve endings. 8. Application of repetitive step depolarizations for a constant period of stimulation resulted in a proportional frequency (up to 40 Hz)-dependent increase in [Ca2+]i. On the other hand, for a constant number of stimuli a reduction in the [Ca2+]i. On the other hand, for a constant number of stimuli a reduction in the [Ca2+]i increase per impulse was observed at higher frequencies.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Evaluation of cellular mechanisms for modulation of calcium transients using a mathematical model of fura-2 Ca2+ imaging in Aplysia sensory neurons

A theoretical model of [Ca++]i diffusion, buffering, and extrusion was developed for Aplysia sensory neurons, and integrated with the measured optical transfer function of our fura-2 microscopic recording system, in order to fully simulate fura-2 video or photomultiplier tube measurements of [Ca++]i. This allowed an analysis of the spatial and temporal distortions introduced during each step of fura-2 measurements of [Ca++]i in cells. In addition, the model was used to evaluate the plausibility of several possible mechanisms for modulating [Ca++]i transients evoked by action potentials. The results of the model support prior experimental work (Blumenfeld, Spira, Kandel, and Siegelbaum, 1990. Neuron. 5: 487-499), suggesting that 5-HT and FMRFamide modulate action potential-induced [Ca++]i transients in Aplysia sensory neurons through changes in Ca++ influx, and not through changes in [Ca++]i homeostasis or release from internal stores.

Intracellular ionized calcium changes in squid giant axons monitored by Fura-2 and aequorin

Squid giant axons were injected simultaneously with Ca indicators Fura-2 and aequorin. Fura-2 was calibrated in situ by measuring fluorescence at 510 nm upon UV excitation at 340 nm, 360 nm, and 380 nm with a time-sharing multiple wavelength spectrofluorimeter. Limiting values for dye fluorescence were obtained by allowing a massive load of Ca to enter the axon with the aid of procedures such as prolonged depolarization in the presence of CN (for saturation) and by sequestration of all Ca present in the axoplasm accomplished with injection of EGTA into the axon (for a zero-Ca signal). The average intracellular Ca concentration obtained with Fura-2 was 184 nM. The sensitivity of Fura-2 to intracellular Ca is at least as great as that of aequorin, thus permitting its use in the characterization of Ca homeostasis mechanisms such as Na-Ca exchange. It was found, however, that for voltage-clamp experiments requiring an internal current electrode, Fura-2 is not a convenient Ca probe because electrode reactions in the axoplasm denature the dye, thereby restricting its use in characterization of Ca movements associated with electrically induced changes in membrane potential. A comparison of aequorin luminescence with Fura-2 fluorescence demonstrated that light output by aequorin is linear with intracellular Ca concentrations up to values of 750 nM, changing to a square law relationship from 750 nM up to 10 microM Ca.

Electrogenic Na(+)-Ca2+ exchanger, the link between intra- and extracellular calcium in the Limulus ventral photoreceptor

1. Limulus ventral photoreceptors were injected with Arsenazo III and the internal change in the calcium concentration, [Ca2+]i, was measured under voltage clamp conditions. It is shown that in response to a light flash the rising phase of the [Ca2+]i is independent of the clamp voltage, Vm. This observation is contrary to other results reported in the literature. Experiments are reported that resolve this contradiction (see paragraph 4). 2. The relaxation of the [Ca2+]i after a bright light flash was observed to have a fast and slow phase. A function consisting of the sum of an exponential and a ramp was fitted to the relaxation. The fast phase, characterized by the time constant of the exponential, was observed not to depend on Vm, while the slow phase, characterized by the slope of the ramp, was strongly dependent on Vm. Furthermore the slope of the slow phase is shown to depend on the external Na+ concentration, but not the time constant of the fast phase. 3. In the dark the [Ca2+]i was observed to increase when the cell was depolarized and to decrease when the cell was hyperpolarized. This observation was more pronounced when the cell was continuously illuminated. 4. When the cell was clamped to a depolarizing voltage before illumination of the cell, the maximum of the calcium indicator signal was observed to depend on how long the cell had been clamped before applying the light stimulus. This experiment resolves the contradiction mentioned in paragraph 1. 5. The results presented here are consistent with the interpretation that a Na(+)-Ca2+ exchanger with a stoichiometry greater than 2:1 is the predominant link between intra- and extracellular calcium. Secondly that the light-induced intracellular calcium increase comes from a release by intracellular stores. Finally a measurable uptake of calcium occurs after a light-induced release, possibly by the internal calcium stores. The two-phase recovery of [Ca2+]i after a light flash is interpreted as being a calcium uptake by the internal stores, the fast phase, and removal by the electrogenic Na(+)-Ca2+ exchanger, the slow phase.

Calcium entry in squid axons during voltage clamp pulses

Squid giant axons were injected with aequorin and tetraethylammonium and were impaled with sodium ion sensitive, current and voltage electrodes. The axons were usually bathed in a solution of varying Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]o) containing 150mM each of Na+, K+ and an inert cation such as Li+, Tris or N-methylglucamine and had ionic currents pharmacologically blocked. Voltage clamp pulses were repeatedly delivered to the extent necessary to induce a change in the aequorin light emission, a measure of axoplasmic Ca2+ level, [Ca2+]i. The effect of membrane voltage on [Ca2+]i was found to depend on the concentration of internal Na+ ([Na+]i). Voltage clamp hyperpolarizing pulses were found to cause a reduction of [Ca2+]i. For depolarizing pulses a relationship between [Ca2+]i gain and [Na+]i indicates that Ca2+ entry is sigmoid with a half maximal response at 22 mM Na+. This Ca2+ entry is a steep function of [Na+]i suggesting that 4 Na+ ions are required to promote the influx of 1 Ca2+. There was little change in Ca2+ entry with depolarizing pulses when [Ca2+]o is varied from 1 to 10mM, while at 50mM [Ca2+]o calcium entry clearly increases suggesting an alternate pathway from that of Na+/Ca2+ exchange. This entry of Ca2+ at high [Ca2+]o, however, was not blocked by Cs+o. The results obtained lend further support to the notion that Na+/Ca2+ exchange in squid giant axon is sensitive to membrane voltage no matter whether this is applied as a constant change in membrane potential or as an intermittent one.

Changes in internal ionized Ca2+ and H+ in voltage clamped squid axons

Squid giant axons were injected with aequorin and tetraethylammonium and were impaled with hydrogen ion sensitive, current and voltage electrodes. A newly designed horizontal microinjector was used to introduce the aequorin. It also served, simultaneously, as the current and voltage electrode for voltage clamping and as the reference for ion-sensitive microelectrode measurements. The axons were usually bathed in a solution containing 150 mM each of Na+, K+, and some inert cation, at either physiological or zero bath Ca2+ concentration [( Ca2+]o), and had ionic currents pharmacologically blocked. Voltage clamp pulses were repeatedly delivered to the extent necessary to induce a change in the aequorin light emission, a measure of axoplasmic ionized Ca2+ level, [( Ca2+]i). Alternatively, membrane potential was steadily held at values that represented deviations from the resting membrane potential observed at 150 mM [K+]o (i.e. approximately -15 mV). In the absence of [Ca2+]o a significant steady depolarization brought about by current flow increased [Ca2+]i (and acidified the axoplasm). Changes in internal hydrogen activity, [H+]i, induced by current flow from the internal Pt wire limited the extent to which valid measurements of [Ca2+]i could be made. However, there are effects on [Ca2+]i that can be ascribed to membrane potential. Thus, in the absence of [Ca2+]o, hyperpolarization can reduce [Ca2+]i, implying that a Ca2+ efflux mechanism is enhanced. It is also observed that [Ca2+]i is increased by depolarization. These results are consistent with the operation of an electrogenic mechanism that exchanges Na+ for Ca2+ in squid giant axon.

"Caged calcium" in Aplysia pacemaker neurons. Characterization of calcium-activated potassium and nonspecific cation currents

We have studied calcium-activated potassium current, IK(Ca), and calcium-activated nonspecific cation current, INS(Ca), in Aplysia bursting pacemaker neurons, using photolysis of a calcium chelator (nitr-5 or nitr-7) to release "caged calcium" intracellularly. A computer model of nitr photolysis, multiple buffer equilibration, and active calcium extrusion was developed to predict volume-average and front-surface calcium concentration transients. Changes in arsenazo III absorbance were used to measure calcium concentration changes caused by nitr photolysis in microcuvettes. Our model predicted the calcium increments caused by successive flashes, and their dependence on calcium loading, nitr concentration, and light intensity. Flashes also triggered the predicted calcium concentration jumps in neurons filled with nitr-arsenazo III mixtures. In physiological experiments, calcium-activated currents were recorded under voltage clamp in response to flashes of different intensity. Both IK(Ca) and INS(Ca) depended linearly without saturation upon calcium concentration jumps of 0.1-20 microM. Peak membrane currents in neurons exposed to repeated flashes first increased and then declined much like the arsenazo III absorbance changes in vitro, which also indicates a first-order calcium activation. Each flash-evoked current rose rapidly to a peak and decayed to half in 3-12 s. Our model mimicked this behavior when it included diffusion of calcium and nitr perpendicular to the surface of the neuron facing the flashlamp. Na/Ca exchange extruding about 1 pmol of calcium per square centimeter per second per micromolar free calcium appeared to speed the decline of calcium-activated membrane currents. Over a range of different membrane potentials, IK(Ca) and INS(Ca) decayed at similar rates, indicating similar calcium stoichiometries independent of voltage. IK(Ca), but not INS(Ca), relaxes exponentially to a different level when the voltage is suddenly changed. We have estimated voltage-dependent rate constants for a one-step first-order reaction scheme of the activation of IK(Ca) by calcium. After a depolarizing pulse, INS(Ca) decays at a rate that is well predicted by a model of diffusion of calcium away from the inner membrane surface after it has entered the cell, with active extrusion by surface pumps and uptake into organelles. IK(Ca) decays somewhat faster than INS(Ca) after a depolarization, because of its voltage-dependent relaxation combined with the decay of submembrane calcium. The interplay of these two currents accounts for the calcium-dependent outward-inward tail current sequence after a depolarization, and the corresponding afterpotentials after a burst

A program for simulation of nerve equations with branching geometries

A computer program has been developed for simulation of electrical activity in neurons with complex branching morphology, multiple channel types, and inhomogeneous channel distribution. The program is based around an interpreter and screen editor for flexible specification of nerve properties and analysis of simulation results. Efficient simulation of the nerve specification is accomplished with procedure calls to fast, compiled routines for integration of the nerve equations.

Potentiation of contraction in bullfrog ventricle strips by manganese and nickel

Sodium-lack contractures by strips of bullfrog ventricle were found to be increased in the presence of manganous ion (1-10 mM). In addition, peak force development was usually attained earlier in the presence of manganous ion and the rate of relaxation was decreased by nickel (0.7-2.0 mM), although the latter cation did not potentiate contractural force. Both manganese and nickel had only depressant effects on potassium-excess contractures, as well as on electrically stimulated twitches. Depressant effects of manganese and nickel on sodium-lack contractures were also found. These were smaller, the lower the extracellular sodium concentration and the higher the extracellular calcium concentration. When these well-known negative inotropic effects of the divalent cations were suppressed in sodium-free, calcium-rich media, their potentiating effects were unmasked, resulting in marked augmentation by these cations of potassium-excess contractures and of twitches, along with slowing of relaxation. Experimental maneuvers that have been reported to bring about entry of manganese into these cardiac cells did not increase the observed positive inotropic effect. It thus seems probable that these ions act on the membrane of the ventricle fiber. Also, in view of earlier evidence that they neither affect myofibrillar function nor induce calcium release from mitochondria, it is provisionally concluded that the mechanism of their potentiating effect on mechanical activation is due to their inhibition of calcium extrusion from the fibers, described in the accompanying paper.

Continuous measurement of calcium influx in mammalian nonmyelinated nerve fibers: effects of Nao, Cao, and electrical activity

A new technique for continuous monitoring of the cellular calcium was developed and used for studying the effects of external and internal Na (Nao and Nai), external Ca (Cao), Ca ionophore A23187, and electrical activity on membrane-bound and intracellular Ca in mammalian nonmyelinated nerve fibers. Increasing Cao increased both the membrane-bound and the intracellular Ca. Lowering Nao increased the membrane-bound fraction of Ca indicating that lack of Nao enhanced the capacity of the plasma membrane to bind Ca, and produced an increase of the internal Ca pool. Increasing Nai by treatment with ouabain enhanced the Ca inflow in both, the presence and absence of Nao, presumably by stimulating the Cao/Nai exchange. The Ca ionophore A23187 produced a large and irreversible increase in the intracellular Ca without affecting the membrane-bound fraction. On the other hand, electrical activity, which is known to produce a large increase of the total Ca in squid axon, had no measurable effect on the total calcium content in our preparation. It is concluded that in mammalian nerve fibers a Ca load by exposition to Na-free solution or to A23187 produces an accumulation of Ca into the intracellular Ca stores, whereas during electrical activity the membrane-associated extrusion mechanisms are able to maintain the intracellular Ca2+ below the threshold for intracellular sequestration. Furthermore, the results indicate that the intracellular sequestration mechanisms are dependent on the internal concentration of Na.

Dependence of ionized and total Ca in squid axons on Nao-free or high-Ko conditions

The level of intracellular Ca in squid axons (both ionized and total Ca) was studied as a function of the experimental variables [Na]i, [Na]o, pHi, cyanide, and depolarization. Ionized Ca was measured by following the light emission of aequorin while total Ca was measured by the atomic absorption analysis of samples of axoplasm. Aequorin glow is known to be increased either by the application of Nao-free solutions or by depolarization produced by external solutions containing greater than normal K concentrations. The present results show that if [Na]i is low, the depolarization that is brought about by solutions with elevated [K] leads to a resting light emission that is decreased rather than increased, as is the case when [Na]i is high. In axons where [Na]i is varied, a comparison of the increments in light emission produced by the application first of Na-free and then of high-K solutions shows that they have an identical dependence on [Na]i, with a half-activation of Ca entry produced by an [Na]i of 25-30 mM. Changes in pHi affect the aequorin signal produced by depolarization, with acidification reducing and alkanization increasing the response. Cyanide did not greatly affect the size of the signal resulting from either Nao removal or that from depolarization.

Light induced sodium dependent accumulation of calcium and potassium in the extracellular space of bee retina

Intense illumination of long duration induced a large transient increase in extracellular calcium (delta[Ca2+]o) and potassium (delta[K+]o) during and after light in bee retina when measured with ion-selective microelectrodes. Whenever a large delta[Ca2+]o appeared, it was accompanied by a transient afterdepolarization (TA). Both the increase in [Ca2+]o, [K+]o and the TA were reduced or abolished when sodium was replaced by arginine, choline or lithium (Li+) ions. At 0-Na conditions a Na independent decrease in [Ca2+]o was observed during illumination only. A pronounced transient depolarization of the photoreceptor in the dark due to transient anoxia did not result in a significant change in [Ca2+]o. In some retinae the elevated level of [K+]o after light was absent, however a small Na-dependent TA was still observed. The above findings suggest that intense long illumination induces a large Ca2+ influx into the photoreceptors which is followed by Na-dependent Ca2+ efflux due to Na-Ca exchange. The light-induced afterdepolarization arises mainly from K+ accumulation in the extracellular space but partially from the electrogenicity of Na-Ca exchange.

Inhibitors of calcium buffering depress evoked transmitter release at the squid giant synapse

Evoked release of transmitter at the squid giant synapse was examined under conditions where the calcium ion concentration in the presynaptic terminal was manipulated by inhibitors of calcium sequestration. Simultaneous intracellular recordings of presynaptic and post-synaptic resting and action potentials were made during bath application of one of the following metabolic inhibitors: sodium cyanide (NaCN), carbonyl cyanide-p-trifluoromethoxyphenyl hydrazone (FCCP); ruthenium red (RuR) and sodium-free (lithium) sea water. Cyanide and lithium sea water reversibly depressed the post-synaptic potential (p.s.p.) whilst RuR and FCCP blocked the evoked post-synaptic response irreversibly. The progressive reduction of p.s.p. amplitude was accompanied by a reversible increase in synaptic delay. The time course of block of the p.s.p. was similar for different agents and dependent on the rate of presynaptic activity (30-40 min at 0.01 Hz). Recovery of the post-synaptic action potential following block by cyanide and lithium sea water was obtained within 40 min and 5 min respectively. Synaptic depression by the metabolic inhibitors does not result from changes in presynaptic resting or action potentials, nor from a change in post-synaptic receptor sensitivity. The post-synaptic response to the local ionophoresis of L-glutamate was unchanged following inhibition of evoked release of transmitter by cyanide. Injections of EGTA into presynaptic terminals poisoned by cyanide produced transient increases in p.s.p. amplitude, suggesting that cyanide is having its effect through raising intracellular calcium rather than lowering ATP. Control experiments injecting EGTA into unpoisoned nerve terminals showed no apparent effect on evoked transmitter release.

Calcium transport abnormality in uremic rat brain synaptosomes

Brain calcium is elevated in patients and laboratory animals with uremia. The significance of this finding is unclear. We evaluated calcium transport in brain of both normal and acutely uremic rats (blood urea nitrogen = 250 mg/dl) by performing studies in synaptosomes from rat brain cerebral cortex. Synaptosomes are vesicular presynaptic nerve endings from brain that contain mitochondria and are metabolically active. Two mechanisms of calcium transport were evaluated using radioactive 45Ca++ as a tracer. Both mechanisms were evaluated in the absence of exogenously administered parathyroid hormone (PTH). We first evaluated Na+-Ca++ exchange in vesicles that were loaded with NaCl in an external media containing 10 microM CaCl2. Both initial rates of calcium transport and equilibrium levels of calcium accumulation in synaptosomes prepared from uremic rats were significantly greater (P less than 0.005) than in normal. To assess calcium efflux, ATP-dependent calcium uptake (1 mM ATP) was studied in inverted plasma membrane vesicles loaded with KCl. In the uremic synaptosomes, a significant increase (P less than 0.005) in ATP-dependent calcium uptake was observed as compared with the normal. These studies show that (a) Calcium accumulation via the Na+-Ca++ exchanger is increased in synaptosomes prepared from uremic rat brain. (b) Calcium influx into inverted plasma membrane vesicles from uremic rats via the ATP-dependent calcium transport mechanism is increased when compared with normal. (c) The increased calcium accumulation in uremia by both Na+-Ca++ exchange and ATP-dependent calcium transport mechanism appears to be a result of increased synaptosomal membrane permeability to calcium. Both these abnormalities of calcium transport in uremia would tend to increase brain extracellular calcium in vivo. The defects observed in uremia do not appear to be readily reversible, and the relationship to PTH is presently unclear. These abnormalities may affect neurotransmission in the uremic state.

A minimum mechanism for Na+-Ca++ exchange: net and unidirectional Ca++ fluxes as functions of ion composition and membrane potential

Both simultaneous and consecutive mechanisms for Na+-Ca++ exchange are formulated and the associated systems of steady-state equations are solved numerically, and the net and unidirectional Ca++ fluxes computed for a variety of ionic and electrical boundary conditions. A simultaneous mechanism is shown to be consistent with a broad range of experimental data from the squid giant axon, cardiac muscle and isolated sarcolemmal vesicles. In this mechanism, random binding of three Na+ ions and one Ca++ on apposing sides of a membrane are required before a conformational change can occur, translocating the binding sites to the opposite sides of the membranes. A similar (return) translocation step is also permitted if all the sites are empty. None of the other states of binding can undergo such translocating conformational changes. The resulting reaction scheme has 22 reaction steps involving 16 ion-binding intermediates. The voltage dependence of the equilibrium constant for the overall reaction, required by the 3:1 Na+: Ca++ stoichiometry was obtained by multiplying and dividing, respectively, the forward and reverse rate constants of one of the translocational steps by exp(-FV/2RT). With reasonable values for the membrane density of the enzyme (approximately 120 sites micron 2) and an upper limit for the rate constants of both translocational steps of 10(5) . sec-1, satisfactory behavior was obtainable with identical binding constants for Ca++ on the two sides of the membrane (10(6) M-1), similar symmetry also being assumed for the Na+ binding constant (12 to 60 M-1). Introduction of order into the ion-binding process eliminates behavior that is consistent with experimental findings.

Calcium-dependent inward current in Aplysia bursting pace-maker neurones

Depolarizing voltage-clamp pulses elicit a triphasic series of tail currents (phase I, II and III) in Aplysia burst-firing neurones L2-L6. The sequence and time course of the tail currents resemble slow changes in membrane potential which follow bursts in the unclamped cell. The phase II tail current is an inward current with a time course similar to that of the depolarizing after-potential (d.a.p.) which follows bursts in the unclamped cell. The phase II tail current is suppressed by depolarizing pulses which approach ECa, is blocked by Ca2+ current antagonists (Co2+ and Mn2+), and is blocked by intracellular injection of EGTA. The phase II tail current is not blocked by agents which block Na+-dependent action potentials, the Na+-Ca2+ exchange pump, or the Na+-K+ exchange pump. The phase II tail current is not blocked by the elimination of large outward K+ currents which can lead to extracellular K+ accumulation. Thus, the phase II tail current is not generated by any of these processes. The phase II tail current is reduced by about 60% following substitution of tetramethylammonium (TMA+) for external Na+, but is unaffected by reducing external Cl-. The phase II tail current is distinct from a persistent inward Ca2+ current which underlies the negative resistance region of the steady-state current--voltage relation of bursting cells. The persistent inward current is only slightly reduced by TMA+ substitution for Na+, and is enhanced by EGTA injection. Injection of Ca2+ into Aplysia bursting cells elicits a biphasic (inward-outward) current. The inward current can be observed in isolation after blocking the outward component (Ca2+-activated K+ current) with 50 mM-external tetraethylammonium. The Ca2+-elicited inward current has a reversal potential near -22 mV, and is non-selective for Na+, K+ and Ca2+. The reversal potential is unaffected by changes in Cl- and pH. The Ca2+- activated conductance is apparently voltage independent. We propose that the phase II tail current, and hence the d.a.p., is due to the Ca2+-dependent activation of a voltage-independent non-specific cationic conductance. This conductance participates in generating the depolarizing phase of bursting pace-maker activity.

Na-Ca exchange: stoichiometry and electrogenicity

This review discusses the evidence concerning the stoichiometry of Na-Ca exchange. In particular we consider whether the Na-Ca exchange has been shown to transport more than two Na+ ions per Ca2+ ion and therefore whether it generates an electric current. The first part of this review discusses both direct and indirect evidence concerning the stoichiometry of the exchange and its possible voltage dependence. We find that, although there is some evidence suggesting that more than two Na+ ions may exchange for each Ca2+ ion, most of the available evidence is equivocal and cannot fix the stoichiometry precisely. Furthermore, using a simple and explicit circulating carrier model for the Na-Ca exchange, we show that the effect of membrane potential on the Na-Ca exchange may be considerably more complicated than is generally believed. In particular we find that both electrogenic and electroneutral exchanges will be affected by membrane potential. We therefore conclude that the demonstration of the voltage dependence of the Na-Ca exchange does not necessarily imply that it is electrogenic. Additionally, this analysis shows that, apart from a restricted range near thermodynamic equilibrium, it is impossible to predict either the magnitude or the direction of the effects of membrane potential on the exchange. In the second part of the review we consider whether any known membrane currents may be attributed to Na-Ca exchange. We show, in contrast to previous suggestions, that the Na-Ca exchange can theoretically produce a current that appears to be activated by intracellular Ca and that has a reversal potential. However, the experimental demonstration that a given current is produced by Na-Ca exchange is hampered by the existence of other Ca- and Na-dependent currents. In conclusion, we feel that there is no evidence that allows any particular membrane current to be unambiguously identified with the Na-Ca exchange.

Sodium-dependent calcium efflux from single Aplysia neurons

45Ca2+ efflux from single Aplysia somata was measured. Replacement of external Na with Tris caused a reduction in the efflux following a transient increase. CCMP, a metabolic poison, caused a reversible increase in the efflux. The results suggest that Na+/Ca2+ exchange and mitochondrial uptake can act to regulate Ca2+ in Aplysia neurons.

Activation of electrogenic Na-Ca exchange by light in fly photoreceptors

Illumination of white-eyed Musca photoreceptors following hypoxia or the application of ruthenium red (RR, a known blocker of Ca2+ uptake into intracellular organelles) induced a transient after depolarization (TA). The TA was enhanced when external [Ca2+] was reduced; it was abolished when external [Na+] was reduced to a level that affected the receptor potential to a small degree. The TA was enhanced or depressed when the activity of Na/K pump, which controls the Na+ gradient, was enhanced or depressed respectively. This effect was observed even when the receptor potential was not affected. All of the above observations are consistent with the hypothesis that the TA is triggered by a light-induced increase in the concentration of intracellular free Ca2+ which appear to be very high, following treatments with hypoxia or RR. The high sensitivity of the TA to Na+ and Ca2+ gradients across the photoreceptors membrane strongly suggests that the TA is due to a transient activation of an electrogenic Na-Ca exchange mechanism which depolarizes the cell.

Effects of extracellular calcium and of light adaptation on the response to dim light in honey bee drone photoreceptors

Light responses in honey bee drone photoreceptors were recorded with intracellular micro-electrodes in superfused slices of retina. The effects of changes in extracellular calcium on the size and the shape of the response to dim light were studied and compared with the effects of light adaptation. Dim light stimuli were used so that the amplitude of the response was linearly related to the number of the photons absorbed, the effects of voltage-dependent mechanisms were negligible and no detectable light adaptation was produced by the stimulus. Lowering the extracellular calcium concentration increased the amplitude and the duration of the response. Raising the extracellular calcium concentration produced the opposite effects. Changing the extracellular calcium concentration modified the response without altering either the linearity of the intensity--response relation or the resting membrane potential in the dark. Light adaptation decreased the amplitude and the duration of the response in a manner that could be quantitatively simulated, in the same photoreceptors, by an increase in the extracellular calcium concentration. Changing the extracellular calcium concentration, or light-adapting the preparation, modified the response without altering its early depolarizing phase. Lowering external calcium either did not affect, or slightly increased, the maximum rate of the light-induced depolarization; raising external calcium, or light-adapting the preparation, either did not affect, or slightly decreased, the maximum rate of the light-induced depolarization. The experimental data can be quantitatively described by a mathematical model with the basic assumption that calcium acts in the process of light adaptation by decreasing the mean open time of the light-activated channels.

Effects of internal sodium and hydrogen ions and of external calcium ions and membrane potential on calcium entry in squid axons

Squid giant axons were impaled with electrodes to measure pNai, pHi, Em, and were injected with either aequorin or arsenazo III to measure [Ca]i or with phenol red to measure [H]i. Depolarization of such axons with elevated [K] in sea water leads to a Ca entry that is a function of [Ca]o, [Na]i, and [H]i. With saturating [Na]i half-maximal Ca entry is produced by a [Ca]o of 0.58 mM. With saturating [Ca]o, depolarization produced by 450 mM-K+ leads to half-maximal Ca entry when [Na]i is 25 mM; entry is virtually undetectable if [Na]i is 18 mM. If [Ca]o is 50 mM, Ca entry upon depolarization as measured with aequorin is phasic with a rapid phase of light emission and a plateau; Ca entry as measured with arsenazo III shows no such phasic behaviour, absorbance vs. time is a square wave that closely follows the depolarization vs. time trace. Both detectors of [Ca]i show a square-wave response if [Ca]o is 3 mM. The introduction of 2 mM-CN into the sea water bathing the axon does not affect the response to depolarization nor does the destruction of most of the ATP in the axon following the injection of apyrase. If axons are microinjected with phenol red rather than arsenazo, the entry of Ca produces an acidification in the peripheral parts of the axoplasm. Other experiments measuring [Ca]i show that Ca entry is strongly inhibited by a decrease in pHi. Making sea water alkaline with pH buffers scarcely affects the Ca entry induced by depolarization; making axoplasm alkaline by adding NH4+ to sea water greatly enhances Ca entry by Na/Ca exchange and also enhances the ability of axoplasmic buffers to absorb Ca.

Measurements of intracellular ionized calcium in squid giant axons using calcium-selective electrodes

Ca2+-selective electrodes have been used to measure free intracellular Ca2+ concentrations in squid giant axons. Electrodes made of glass cannulas of about 20 microns in diameter, plugged with a poly(vinyl chloride) gelled sensor were used to impale the axons axially. They showed a Nernstian response to Ca2+ down to about 3 microM in solutions containing 0.3 M K+ and 0.025 M Na+. Sub-Nernstian but useful responses were obtained up to pCa 8. The electrodes showed adequate selectivity to Ca2+ over Mg2+, H+, K+ and Na+. To calibrate them properly, a set of standard solutions were prepared using different Ca2+ buffers (EGTA, HEEDTA, nitrilotriacetic acid) after carefully characterizing their apparent Ca2+ association constants under conditions resembling the axoplasmic environment. In fresh axons incubated in artificial seawater containing 4 mM Ca2+, the mean resting intracellular ionized calcium concentration was 0.106 microM (n = 15). The Ca2+-electrodes were used to investigate effects of different experimental procedures on the [Ca2+]i. The main conclusions are: (i) intact axons can extrude calcium ions at low [Ca2+]i levels by a process independent of external Na+; (ii) poisoned axons can extrude calcium ions at high levels of [Ca2+]i by an external Na+-dependent process. The level of free intracellular Ca attained at these latter conditions is about an order to magnitude greater than the resting physiological value.

Calcium metabolism in vertebrate photoreceptors

So far all attempts to demonstrate a rapid, light-stimulated release of calcium from disks into the cytosol at a sufficiently high stoichiometry have failed. Either the release stoichiometry was too small or the velocity too slow to account for the amplification in visual transduction. The multitude of failures demonstrate that regulation of intracellular calcium is a very delicate process and the idea of a robust calcium channel in the disk membrane that is opened by rhodopsin itself is certainly an oversimplification. The strongest evidence in favour of the "calcium transmitter hypothesis" is the large calcium efflux from rods in a retina. However as long as the source of the calcium efflux inside the rod cells is unknown conclusions about the role of this calcium efflux are premature. Unfortunately, measurements of intracellular calcium, such as those by Brown and coworkers (93,94) in their pioneering work on photoreceptors in the ventral eye of Limulus, have not yet been feasible in vertebrates.

Calcium efflux from the rat neurohypophysis

1. Calcium efflux from isolated rat neurophypophyses has been studied. Curve fitting of the wash-out curves suggests three phases with t((1/2)) of ca. 3, 15 and 130 min.2. The slow component of the (45)Ca efflux is attributed to efflux of intracellular Ca. On the basis of the temperature sensitivity of the Ca efflux, the activation energy has been calculated to be approximately 12,000 cal/mole, corresponding to a Q(10) of ca. 2.0.3. Ca efflux decreased by approximately 32% when external Na was replaced by choline. Li(o), in the presence or absence of Ca(o), was as effective as Na(o) in stimulating the Ca efflux.4. The curve relating Ca efflux to [Na](o) or [Li](o) is sigmoid and suggests that at least two Na (or Li) ions are necessary to activate the efflux of each Ca ion. Ca(o) does not modify the absolute Na-dependent Ca efflux but decreases the affinity for Na of the site involved in Ca extrusion.5. Removal of Ca(o) decreased the Ca efflux by ca. 44% in Na-free media. The apparent affinity for Ca(o) of the Ca(o)-activated Ca efflux (K(m) (Cao) = 20 muM) is greatly decreased by the presence of 150 mM-Na (K(m) (Cao) = 0.8 mM).6. Lanthanum decreased the total Ca efflux by ca. 60% and totally abolished the Na(o)-activated and Ca(o)-activated Ca efflux.7. Vanadate reduced the Ca efflux remaining in Na-, Ca-free saline by 73%.8. Elevation of Na(i) with ouabain did not modify the rate of loss of (45)Ca.9. Increased concentration of K(o) stimulated transiently the (45)Ca loss. The time course of this increase depends on the Ca(o) concentration ([Ca](o)).10. Cyanide or CCCP (carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone) increased transiently the Ca efflux. The increase induced by cyanide could only be observed when the neural lobes had been over-loaded with (45)Ca.11. Membrane destruction induced by high temperature eliminated the effect of [Na](o) and [Ca](o) on (45)Ca efflux.12. In 150 mM-Na-containing saline, half-maximum activation of (45)Ca uptake occurs in the 0.2-0.4 mM [Ca](o) range.13. The Ca efflux from isolated pituicytes was not affected by removal of Na(o).14. In conclusion we show that Ca efflux from neurosecretory nerve terminals can be subdivided into three components of approximately the same magnitude, one which is activated by Na(o), another by Ca(o) and a third component which is independent of Na(o) and Ca(o).

Biochemical approaches to the study of cytosolic calcium regulation in nerve endings

The nerve ending cytosol is bounded by the plasma membrane, the mitochondrial inner membrane and the endoplasmic reticulum membrane, transport across each of which is capable, in theory, of regulating the cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration. By parallel monitoring of mitochondrial and plasma membrane potentials, ATP levels, Na+ gradients and intrasynaptosomal Ca2+ distribution in preparations of isolated synaptosomes, we conclude the following: (a) mitochondria in situ represent a major Ca2+ pool, regulating the upper steady-state limit of the cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration by sequestering Ca2+ reversibly; (b) this limit is responsive to the cytosolic Na+ concentration, but is below the concentration required for significant exocytosis; (c) plasma membrane Ca2+ transport can be resolved into a constant slow influx, a voltage-dependent and verapamil-sensitive influx and an ATP-dependent efflux, while Ca2+ efflux driven by the sodium electrochemical potential cannot be detected; (d) Ca2+ regulation by intrasynaptosomal endoplasmic reticulum appears to be of minor significance in the present preparation.

Neuronal and glial release of [3H]GABA from the rat olfactory bulb

GABA uptake and release mechanisms have been shown for neuronal as well as glial cells. To explore further neuronal versus glial components of the [3H]gamma-aminobutyric acid ([3H]GABA) release studies were performed with two different microdissected layers of the olfactory bulb of the rat: the olfactory nerve layer (ONL), consisting mainly of glial cells, and the external plexiform layer (EPL) with a high density of GABAergic dendritic terminals. In some experiments substantia nigra was used as a GABAergic axonal system and the trigeminal ganglia as a peripheral glial model. Spontaneous release of [3H]GABA was always lower in neuronal elements as compared with glial cells. A veratridine-evoked release was observed from the ONL but not from the trigeminal ganglia. Tetrodotoxin (TTX) abolished the veratridine-evoked release from the ONL, which also showed a partial inhibition when high magnesium concentrations were used in a Ca2+-free solution. beta-Alanine was strongly exchanged with [3H]GABA from the ONL of animals with the olfactory nerve lesioned and from animals with no lesion; but only a small heteroexchange was found from the external plexiform layer. The beta-alanine heteroexchange was able to deplete the releasable GABA store from the ONL of lesioned animals. In nonlesioned animals and the external plexiform layer, the veratridine-stimulated release of [3H]GABA was not significantly reduced after the beta-alanine heteroexchange. Stimulation of the [3H]GABA release by high concentrations of potassium elicited a higher release rate from axonal terminals than from dendrites or glia. Neurones and glia showed a similar inhibition of [3H]GABA release when a high magnesium concentration was added to a calcium-free solution. When D-600 was used as a calcium-flux blocker no inhibition of the release was observed in glial cells, whereas an almost complete blockage was found in both neuronal preparations (substantia nigra and EPL). These results provide further evidence for differential release mechanisms of GABA from CNS neurones and glial cells.

Cytoplasmic alkalization reduces calcium buffering in molluscan central neurons

The effect of raised cytoplasmic pH (pHi) on intracellular concentration ([Ca2+]i) transients following calcium influx during membrane depolarization was studied in identified neurons in the abdominal ganglion of Aplysia californica. The pHi was monitored with pH-sensitive microelectrodes. Sea water containing 15 mM NH4Cl at pH 7.7 elevated pHi about 0.35 pH units from the normal level of 7.17. These cells have an estimated buffering power of about 60 mM/pH unit. Calcium influx was elicited by depolarizing pulses under voltage clamp and [Ca2+]i transients were monitored with the photoprotein aequorin or the metallochromic dye arsenazo III. Aequorin photo-emissions increased by 21--131% (mean, 48%) and arsenazo III absorbance changes accompanying depolarization increased by 9--33% (mean, 20%) after 30 min in NH4+, corresponding roughly to a 14% increase in [Ca2+]i transients. Calcium-dependent potassium tail currents following a depolarizing pulse were somewhat slower and 4--91% (mean, 38%) large in NH4+. The magnitude and time- and voltage-dependence of the membrane calcium conductance was studied using calcium tail currents following depolarizing pulses. The calcium current was unaffected by NH4+, so the enhanced [Ca2+]i transients must reflect reduced calcium buffering at high pHi. Either reduced cytoplasmic calcium binding or slowed active extrusion of calcium may be responsible for this effect.

Interpretation of current-voltage relationships for "active" ion transport systems: I. Steady-state reaction-kinetic analysis of class-I mechanisms

This paper develops a simple reaction-kinetic model to describe electrogenic pumping and co- (or counter-) transport of ions. It uses the standard steady-state approach for cyclic enzyme- or carrier-mediated transport, but does not assume rate-limitation by any particular reaction step. Voltage-dependence is introduced, after the suggestion of Läuger and Stark (Biochim. Biophys. Acta 211:458-466, 1970), via a symmetric Eyring barrier, in which the charge-transit reaction constants are written as k12 = ko12 exp(zF delta psi/2RT) and k21 = ko21 exp(-zF delta psi/2RT). For interpretation of current-voltage relationships, all voltage-independent reaction steps are lumped together, so the model in its simplest form can be described as a pseudo-2-state model. It is characterized by the two voltage-dependent reaction constants, two lumped voltage-independent reaction constants (k12, k21), and two reserve factors (ri, ro) which formally take account of carrier states that are indistinguishable in the current-voltage (I-V) analysis. The model generates a wide range of I-V relationships, depending on the relative magnitudes of the four reaction constants, sufficient to describe essentially all I-V datas now available on "active" ion-transport systems. Algebraic and numerical analysis of the reserve factors, by means of expanded pseudo-3-, 4-, and 5-state models, shows them to be bounded and not large for most combinations of reaction constants in the lumped pathway. The most important exception to this rule occurs when carrier decharging immediately follows charge transit of the membrane and is very fast relative to other constituent voltage-independent reactions. Such a circumstance generates kinetic equivalence of chemical and electrical gradients, thus providing a consistent definition of ion-motive forces (e.g., proton-motive force, PMF). With appropriate restrictions, it also yields both linear and log-linear relationships between net transport velocity and either membrane potential or PMF. The model thus accommodates many known properties of proton-transport systems, particularly as observed in "chemiosmotic" or energy-coupling membranes.

The effects of vanadate on calcium transport in dialyzed squid axons. Sidedness of vanadate-cation interactions

(1) Vanadate (VO3-) fully inhibits the ATP-dependent uncoupled Ca efflux (Ca pump) in dialyzed squid axons. (2) Vanadate inhibits with high affinity. The mean apparent affinity (K 1/2) obtained was 7 microM. (3) Inhibition by vanadate is dependent on Cao. External Ca lead to a release of the inhibitory effect. (K 1/2 congruent to 3 mM). This antagonistic effect can be reverted by increasing the vanadate concentration. Internal K+ increases the affinity of the intracellular vanadate binding site. External K+ has no effect on the inhibition. (4) Vanadate has no effect on the Nao-dependent Ca efflux component (forward Na-Ca exchange) in the absence of ATP. In axons containing ATP vanadate modified this component.

Ca2+ transport by intact synaptosomes: the voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel and a re-evaluation of the role of sodium/calcium exchange

The verapamil-sensitive Ca2+ channel in the synaptosomal plasma membrane is investigated. Verapamil is without effect on Ca2+ uptake or steady-state content in synaptosomes with a polarized plasma membrane, but completely inhibits the additional Ca2+ uptake following plasma-membrane depolarization by high [K+], by veratridine plus ouabain or by high concentrations of the permeant cation tetraphenylphosphonium. Verapamil-insensitive Ca2+ influx and steady-state content are identical in polarized and depolarized synaptosomes, even though the Na+ electrochemical potential is greatly decreased in the latter, indicating that Na+/Ca2+ exchange is not a significant mechanism for Ca2+ efflux under these conditions. A transient Na+-dependent Ca2+ efflux can only be observed on addition of Na+ to Na+-depleted depolarized synaptosomes. While 0.2 mM verapamil decreases the ate of 86Rb+ efflux and 22Na+ entry during depolarization induced by veratridine plus ouabain, the final steady-state Na+ accumulation is not inhibited. Ca2+ efflux from synaptosomes following mitochondrial depolarization does not occur by a verapamil-sensitive pathway.

A (Ca2+, Mg2+)-ATPase activity in plasma membrane fragments isolated from squid nerves

A (Ca2+, Mg2+)-ATPase activity and a (Ca2+, Mg2+)-dependent phosphorylation from ATP have been found in plasma membrane fragments from squid optical nerves under conditions where contamination by intracellular organelles is unlikely. The properties of this (Ca2+, Mg2+)-ATPase activity are almost identical to those of the ATP-dependent uncoupled Ca2+ efflux observed in dialyzed squid giant axons. This gives further support to the notion that the mechanism responsible for maintaining the low levels of ionized Ca concentration in nerves at rest is not a Na+-Ca2+ exchange system but an ATP-driven uncoupled Ca2+ pump.

Free calcium ions in neurones of Helix aspersa measured with ion-selective micro-electrodes

1. Intracellular free calcium concentration, [Ca2+]i, was measured in giant neurones of the sub-oesophageal ganglia of Helix aspersa, using Ca-selective micro-electrodes containing a PVC-gelled, neutral-ligand sensor. 2. In calibration solutions the electrodes had a virtually ideal, Nernstian, response down to 1 microM-Ca2+ in the presence of 0.125 M-K+, 18-24 mV from 1 to 0.1 microM-Ca2+ and 8-14 mV from 0.1 to 0.01 microM-Ca2+. Interference from H+ and Mg2+ was negligible. The small response to Na+ at sub-micromolar Ca2+ was taken into account, when necessary, in measurement of [Ca2+]i. 3. Measurements of basal [Ca2+]i were made in ganglia from animals kept only a few weeks in captivity, in a bathing solution equilibrated with air and containing 2 mM-Ca2+. In thirteen measurements from impalements which met stringent criteria for electrode performance and cell viability, the mean basal pCa (--log10[Ca2+]) was 6.77 +/- 0.07 (S.E.), corresponding to a mean free Ca2+ concentration of 0.17 microM. 4. The basal [Ca2+]i in neurones from a group of snails kept hibernating for several months was higher, mean pCa 6.15, for ganglia handled in 2 mM-Ca2+ solution. 5. Intracellular injections of Ca2+ or EGTA raised and lowered, respectively, the indicated basal [Ca2+]i, showing that the electrodes responded appropriately inside the cells and that unknown or untested components of cytoplasm were not significantly interfering with the Ca-sensor. 6. Altering the external Ca2+ concentration between 0.1 and 10 mM usually produced only small, +/- 0.1 pCa units, changes in basal [Ca2+]i of satisfactorily impaled, quiescent cells. 7. In cell 1F, which has repetitive spikes with a substantial Ca current, changes in Ca gradient or blockade of voltage-dependent Ca channels sometimes markedly altered [Ca2+]i, showing that Ca entry with the spikes was elevating [Ca2+]i. 8. Replacing external Na+ with Li+ or bis(2-hydroxyethyl)dimethylammonium had little effect on [Ca2+]i. 9. Elevating CO2 to 5% or 79% lowered [Ca2+]i by an average of 0.16 and 0.26 pCa units respectively.

The effect of external potassium on the removal of sodium inactivation in squid giant axons

1. The effect of external and internal electrolytes on the parameters of the Na conductance, in particular on the time constant of removal of Na inactivation, was studied in intact and perfused squid giant axons under voltage-clamp conditions. 2. Adding 20-40 mM-KCl, -CsCl or -RbCl to K-free sea water reversibly increased the time constant of removal of inactivation by a factor of about 1.3; adding 20 mM-NaCl had no effect. The time constant of development of inactivation was decreased. The results are consistent with a -5 mV shift of the tau h(V) curve. The sodium activation (m infinity 3) and inactivation (h infinity) curves were shifted by the same amount. 3. Raising external Ca, by contrast, decreased the time constant of removal of inactivation and increased the time constant of development of inactivation, i.e. shifted the tau h(V) curve to more positive internal potentials. A free Ca concentration of 0.1 mM in the internal solution had no effect on Na inactivation. 3. The observations are compatible with the idea that external K, Cs or Rb interfere with the binding of Ca to negative fixed charges at the outer side of the membrane, thereby causing a shift in the opposite direction to the shift produced by raising external Ca. 5. Replacing two thirds of the internal K by Na reversibly increased the time constant of removal of sodium inactivation and moved the tau h(V) curve in the vertical direction.