The role of caffeine-sensitive Ca2+ stores in agonist- and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-induced Ca2+ release from bovine adrenal chromaffin cells

Stimulation or Cancellation of Ca2+ Influx by Bipolar Nanosecond Pulsed Electric Fields in Adrenal Chromaffin Cells Can Be Achieved by Tuning Pulse Waveform

Exposing adrenal chromaffin cells to single 150 to 400 ns electric pulses triggers a rise in intracellular Ca²⁺ ([Ca²⁺]_i) that is due to Ca²⁺ influx through voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels (VGCC) and plasma membrane electropores. Immediate delivery of a second pulse of the opposite polarity in which the duration and amplitude were the same as the first pulse (a symmetrical bipolar pulse) or greater than the first pulse (an asymmetrical bipolar pulse) had a stimulatory effect, evoking larger Ca²⁺ responses than the corresponding unipolar pulse. Progressively decreasing the amplitude of the opposite polarity pulse while also increasing its duration converted stimulation to attenuation, which reached a maximum of 43% when the positive phase was 150 ns at 3.1 kV/cm, and the negative phase was 800 ns at 0.2 kV/cm. When VGCCs were blocked, Ca²⁺ responses evoked by asymmetrical and even symmetrical bipolar pulses were significantly reduced relative to those evoked by the corresponding unipolar pulse under the same conditions, indicating that attenuation involved mainly the portion of Ca²⁺ influx attributable to membrane electropermeabilization. Thus, by tuning the shape of the bipolar pulse, Ca²⁺ entry into chromaffin cells through electropores could be attenuated while preserving Ca²⁺ influx through VGCCs.

Elevated levels of alpha-synuclein blunt cellular signal transduction downstream of Gq protein-coupled receptors

Alpha-synuclein is central to Parkinson's disease pathogenesis and pathology, however its precise functions are still unclear. It has been shown to bind both PLCβ1 and MAPKs, but how this property influences the downstream signaling of Gq protein-coupled receptors has not been elucidated. Here we show that recombinant expression of alpha-synuclein in human neuroblastoma cells enhances cellular levels of PLCβ1 but blunts its signaling pathway, preventing the agonist-dependent rise of cytoplasmic Ca²⁺. In addition, overexpressing alpha-synuclein abolishes the activation of ERK1/2 upon agonist stimulation, indicating an upstream action in the signal transduction pathway. This data demonstrates that alpha-synuclein, when recombinantly expressed, interferes with the normal signaling of Gq-protein coupled receptors, which are then dysfunctional. Since many neurotransmitter systems utilize these receptor signaling pathways to mediate different abilities affected in Parkinson's disease, we argue this novel perspective might be helpful in designing treatment strategies for some of the non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease and synucleinopathies.

Cerebral artery signal transduction mechanisms: developmental changes in dynamics and Ca2+ sensitivity

As compared to the adult, the developing fetus and newborn infant are at much greater risk for dysregulation of cerebral blood flow (CBF), with complications such as intraventricular and germinal matrix hemorrhage with resultant neurologic sequelae. To minimize this dysregulation and its consequences presents a major challenge. Although in many respects the fundamental signal transduction mechanisms that regulate relaxation and contraction pathways, and thus cerebrovascular tone and CBF in the immature organism are similar to those of the adult, the individual elements, pathways, and roles differ greatly. Here, we review aspects of these maturational changes of relaxation/contraction mechanisms in terms of both electro-mechanical and pharmaco-mechanical coupling, their biochemical pathways and signaling networks. In contrast to the adult cerebrovasculature, in addition to attenuated structure with differences in multiple cytoskeletal elements, developing cerebrovasculature of fetus and newborn differs in many respects, such as a strikingly increased sensitivity to [Ca(2+)]i and requirement for extracellular Ca(2+) for contraction. In essence, the immature cerebrovasculature demonstrates both "hyper-relaxation" and "hypo-contraction". A challenge is to unravel the manner in which these mechanisms are integrated, particularly in terms of both Ca(2+)-dependent and Ca(2+)-independent pathways to increase Ca(2+) sensitivity. Gaining an appreciation of these significant age-related differences in signal mechanisms also will be critical to understanding more completely the vulnerability of the developing cerebral vasculature to hypoxia and other stresses. Of vital importance, a more complete understanding of these mechanisms promises hope for improved strategies for therapeutic intervention and clinical management of intensive care of the premature newborn.

Complex intracellular calcium oscillations. A theoretical exploration of possible mechanisms

Intracellular Ca(2+) oscillations are commonly observed in a large number of cell types in response to stimulation by an extracellular agonist. In most cell types the mechanism of regular spiking is well understood and models based on Ca(2+)-induced Ca(2+) release (CICR) can account for many experimental observations. However, cells do not always exhibit simple Ca(2+) oscillations. In response to given agonists, some cells show more complex behaviour in the form of bursting, i.e. trains of Ca(2+) spikes separated by silent phases. Here we develop several theoretical models, based on physiologically plausible assumptions, that could account for complex intracellular Ca(2+) oscillations. The models are all based on one- or two-pool models based on CICR. We extend these models by (i) considering the inhibition of the Ca(2+)-release channel on a unique intracellular store at high cytosolic Ca(2+) concentrations, (ii) taking into account the Ca(2+)-activated degradation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP(3)), or (iii) considering explicity the evolution of the Ca(2+) concentration in two different pools, one sensitive and the other one insensitive to IP(3). Besides simple periodic oscillations, these three models can all account for more complex oscillatory behaviour in the form of bursting. Moreover, the model that takes the kinetics of IP(3) into account shows chaotic behaviour.

Calcium Signaling and Exocytosis in Adrenal Chromaffin Cells

At a given cytosolic domain of a chromaffin cell, the rate and amplitude of the Ca2+concentration ([Ca2+]c) depends on at least four efficient regulatory systems: 1) plasmalemmal calcium channels, 2) endoplasmic reticulum, 3) mitochondria, and 4) chromaffin vesicles. Different mammalian species express different levels of the L, N, P/Q, and R subtypes of high-voltage-activated calcium channels; in bovine and humans, P/Q channels predominate, whereas in felines and murine species, L-type channels predominate. The calcium channels in chromaffin cells are regulated by G proteins coupled to purinergic and opiate receptors, as well as by voltage and the local changes of [Ca2+]c. Chromaffin cells have been particularly useful in studying calcium channel current autoregulation by materials coreleased with catecholamines, such as ATP and opiates. Depending on the preparation (cultured cells, adrenal slices) and the stimulation pattern (action potentials, depolarizing pulses, high K+, acetylcholine), the role of each calcium channel in controlling catecholamine release can change drastically. Targeted aequorin and confocal microscopy shows that Ca2+entry through calcium channels can refill the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to nearly millimolar concentrations, and causes the release of Ca2+(CICR). Depending on its degree of filling, the ER may act as a sink or source of Ca2+that modulates catecholamine release. Targeted aequorins with different Ca2+affinities show that mitochondria undergo surprisingly rapid millimolar Ca2+transients, upon stimulation of chromaffin cells with ACh, high K+, or caffeine. Physiological stimuli generate [Ca2+]cmicrodomains in which the local subplasmalemmal [Ca2+]crises abruptly from 0.1 to ∼50 μM, triggering CICR, mitochondrial Ca2+uptake, and exocytosis at nearby secretory active sites. The fact that protonophores abolish mitochondrial Ca2+uptake, and increase catecholamine release three- to fivefold, support the earlier observation. This increase is probably due to acceleration of vesicle transport from a reserve pool to a ready-release vesicle pool; this transport might be controlled by Ca2+redistribution to the cytoskeleton, through CICR, and/or mitochondrial Ca2+release. We propose that chromaffin cells have developed functional triads that are formed by calcium channels, the ER, and the mitochondria and locally control the [Ca2+]cthat regulate the early and late steps of exocytosis.

Calcium elevation elicited by reverse mode Na+/Ca2+ exchange activity is facilitated by intracellular calcium stores in bovine chromaffin cells

The Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger (NCX) in plasma membranes either moves Ca(2+) out of (forward mode) or into (reverse mode) cells depending on the electrochemical gradient of these ions across the membrane. In this report, we characterize the sources responsible for the elevation in [Ca(2+)](i) elicited by reverse mode NCX activity. The elevation in [Ca(2+)](i) elicited by reverse mode NCX activity was significantly diminished by thapsigargin. KB-R7943 could only partially suppress the [Ca(2+)](i) change. Measurement of the [Ca(2+)](i) concurrent with reverse mode NCX current by perforated whole-cell patch showed that elevation in [Ca(2+)](i), but not the current, was inhibited by thapsigargin. The change in [Ca(2+)](i) response elicited by nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist was inhibited by thapsigargin. These suggest the importance of intracellular Ca(2+) stores in facilitating the [Ca(2+)](i) elevation elicited by reverse mode NCX activity under physiological condition.

Interleukin-1 inhibits voltage-dependent P/Q-type Ca2+ channel associated with the inhibition of the rise of intracellular free Ca2+ concentration and catecholamine release in adrenal chromaffin cells

Effects of interleukin (IL) on intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) rise and catecholamine (CA) release were examined in isolated, cultured bovine adrenal chromaffin cells. IL-1alpha and IL-1beta inhibited the rise of [Ca2+]i and CA release induced by acetylcholine (ACh) and excess KCl both in normal and in Ca2+-sucrose medium. Pretreatment by IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) blocked the inhibitory actions of IL-1alpha. IL-1alpha reduced CA release induced by veratridine in normal medium but not in the presence of diltiazem. Analysis using specific blockers for voltage-operated Ca2+ channels (VOCC) revealed that IL-1alpha and IL-1beta specifically inhibited the P/Q-type Ca2+ channel to reduce [Ca2+]i rise induced by excess KCl. IL-1 did not affect [Ca2+]i rise induced either by bradykinin or caffeine in Ca2+-deprived medium or via activation of store-operated Ca2+ channel (SOC). The inhibitory effects of IL-1alpha were blocked by pretreatments with herbimycin A, U0126 and PD 98054, but not with SB202190, SP 600125 or pertussis toxin (PTX). These results demonstrated that IL-1 inhibits stimulation-evoked [Ca2+]i rise and CA release in chromaffin cells by blocking voltage-operated P/O-type Ca2+ channels. The inhibitory action of IL-1 may be mediated through the tyrosine kinase and MEK/ERK pathways.

Angiotensin II causes calcium entry into bovine adrenal chromaffin cells via pathway(s) activated by depletion of intracellular calcium stores

The characteristics and properties of the increase in cytosolic [Ca2+] that occurs in bovine adrenal medullary chromaffin cells on exposure to angiotensin 11 have been investigated. In fura-2 loaded cells exposure to a maximally effective concentration of angiotensin II (100 nM) caused a rapid, but transient increase in cytosolic [Ca2+] followed by a lower plateau that was sustained as long as external Ca2+ was present. In the absence of external Ca2+ only the initial brief transient was observed. In cells previously treated with thapsigargin in Ca2+-free medium to deplete the internal Ca2+ stores, angiotensin II caused no increase in cytosolic [Ca2+] when external Ca2+ was absent. Reintroduction of external Ca2+ to thapsigargin-treated, store-depleted cells caused a sustained increase in cytosolic [Ca2+] that was not further increased upon exposure to angiotensin II. Analysis of the data suggests that in bovine chromaffin cells angiotensin II causes Ca2+ entry via a pathway(s) activated as a consequence of internal store mobilization, and entry through this pathway(s) forms the majority of the sustained Ca2+ influx evoked by angiotensin II.

Mechanisms in histamine-mediated secretion from adrenal chromaffin cells

The great majority of the sustained secretory response of adrenal chromaffin cells to histamine is due to extracellular Ca(2+) influx through voltage-operated Ca(2+) channels (VOCCs). This is likely to be true also for other G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) agonists that evoke catecholamine secretion from these cells. However, the mechanism by which these GPCRs activate VOCCs is not yet clear. A substantial amount of data have established that histamine acts on H(1) receptors to activate phospholipase C via a Pertussis toxin-resistant G protein, causing the production of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and the mobilisation of store Ca(2+); however, the molecular events that lead to the activation of the VOCCs remain undefined. This review will summarise the known actions of histamine on cellular signalling pathways in adrenal chromaffin cells and relate them to the activation of extracellular Ca(2+) influx through voltage-operated channels, which evokes catecholamine secretion. These actions provide insight into how other GPCRs might activate Ca(2+) influx in many excitable and non-excitable cells.

PAC1 receptor activation by PACAP-38 mediates Ca2+ release from a cAMP-dependent pool in human fetal adrenal gland chromaffin cells

Previous studies have shown that human fetal adrenal gland from 17- to 20-week-old fetuses expressed pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) receptors, which were localized on chromaffin cells. The aim of the present study was to identify PACAP receptor isoforms and to determine whether PACAP can affect intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) and catecholamine secretion. Using primary cultures and specific stimulation of chromaffin cells, we demonstrate that PACAP-38 induced an increase in [Ca(2+)](i) that was blocked by PACAP (6-38), was independent of external Ca(2+), and originated from thapsigargin-insensitive internal stores. The PACAP-triggered Ca(2+) increase was not affected by inhibition of PLC beta (preincubation with U-73122) or by pretreatment of cells with Xestospongin C, indicating that the inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate-sensitive stores were not mobilized. However, forskolin (FSK), which raises cytosolic cAMP, induced an increase in Ca(2+) similar to that recorded with PACAP-38. Blockage of PKA by H-89 or (R(p))-cAMPS suppressed both PACAP-38 and FSK calcium responses. The effect of PACAP-38 was also abolished by emptying the caffeine/ryanodine-sensitive Ca(2+) stores. Furthermore, treatment of cells with orthovanadate (100 microm) impaired Ca(2+) reloading of PACAP-sensitive stores indicating that PACAP-38 can mobilize Ca(2+) from secretory vesicles. Moreover, PACAP induced catecholamine secretion by chromaffin cells. It is concluded that PACAP-38, through the PAC(1) receptor, acts as a neurotransmitter in human fetal chromaffin cells inducing catecholamine secretion, through nonclassical, recently described, ryanodine/caffeine-sensitive pools, involving a cAMP- and PKA-dependent phosphorylation mechanism.

Histamine promotes excitability in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells by inhibiting an M-current

The current study has investigated the electrophysiological responses evoked by histamine in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells using perforated-patch techniques. Histamine caused a transient hyperpolarization followed by a sustained depolarization of 7.2 +/- 1.4 mV associated with an increase in spontaneous action potential frequency. The hyperpolarization was abolished after depleting intracellular Ca(2+) stores with thapsigargin (100 nM), and was reduced by 40 % with apamin (100 nM). Membrane resistance increased by about 60 % during the histamine-induced depolarization suggesting inhibition of a K(+) channel. An inward current relaxation, typical of an M-current, was observed in response to negative voltage steps from a holding potential of -30 mV. This current reversed at -81.6 +/- 1.8 mV and was abolished by the M-channel inhibitor linopirdine (100 microM). During application of histamine, the amplitude of M-currents recorded at a time corresponding with the sustained depolarization was reduced by 40 %. No inward current rectification was observed in the range -150 to -70 mV, and glibenclamide (10 microM) had no effect on either resting membrane potential or the response to histamine. The results show that an M-current is present in bovine chromaffin cells and that this current is inhibited during sustained application of histamine, resulting in membrane depolarization and increased discharge of action potentials. These results demonstrate for the first time a possible mechanism coupling histamine receptors to activation of voltage-operated Ca(2+) channels in these cells.

Caffeine stimulates Ca(2+) entry through store-operated channels to activate tyrosine hydroxylase in bovine chromaffin cells

The ability of caffeine-induced store Ca(2+) mobilization to activate tyrosine hydroxylase was studied in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells. Caffeine increased tyrosine hydroxylase activity over 10 min with an EC(50) of 3 mm and maximum effect at 20 mm. The maximum response to caffeine was substantial, being almost one third that of the strongest agonists acetylcholine and PACAP-27, about half that for K(+) and similar to that for histamine. In contrast, catecholamine secretion evoked by caffeine was small, being less than 10% of the response to strong agonists. Caffeine-induced tyrosine hydroxylase activation was not mimicked or prevented by phosphodiesterase inhibition with isobutylmethylxanthine, nor was it mimicked by an equimolar concentration of sucrose. However, the effect of caffeine was prevented by depleting intracellular Ca(2+) stores by thapsigargin pretreatment, and reduced substantially by removing extracellular Ca(2+), by blocking Ca(2+) channels with Co(2+) or Ni(2+), or by inhibiting store-operated channels with 2-aminoethyl diphenylborate. It was not affected by inhibiting Ca(2+) entry through voltage-operated Ca(2+)-channels or by tetrodotoxin. The effect of caffeine was mimicked by acute thapsigargin treatment or by depleting intracellular Ca(2+) stores in Ca(2+)-free buffer and then reintroducing extracellular Ca(2+). The results indicate that mobilizing store Ca(2+) with caffeine is a very effective mechanism for activating tyrosine hydroxylase and that the majority of this response depends on extracellular Ca(2+) entry through store-operated channels. They also suggest that extracellular Ca(2+) entry through such channels regulates cellular responses differently to Ca(2+) entry through voltage-operated Ca(2+) channels.

Developmental changes in ryanodine- and IP(3)-sensitive Ca(2+) pools in ovine basilar artery

To explore the hypothesis that cerebrovascular maturation alters ryanodine- and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP(3))-sensitive Ca(2+) pool sizes, we measured total intracellular Ca(2+) with (45)Ca and the fractions of intracellular Ca(2+) released by IP(3) and/or caffeine in furaptra-loaded permeabilized basilar arteries from nonpregnant adult and term fetal (139-141 days) sheep. Ca(2+) mass (nmol/mg dry weight) was similar in adult (1.60 +/- 0.18) and fetal (1.71 +/- 0.16) arteries in the pool sensitive to IP(3) alone but was significantly lower for adult (0.11 +/- 0.01) than for fetal (1.22 +/- 0.11) arteries in the pool sensitive to ryanodine alone. The pool sensitive to both ryanodine and IP(3) was also smaller in adult (0.14 +/- 0.01) than in fetal (0.85 +/- 0.08) arteries. Because the Ca(2+) fraction in the ryanodine-IP(3) pool was small in both adult (5 +/- 1%) and fetal (7 +/- 4%) arteries, the IP(3) and ryanodine pools appear to be separate in these arteries. However, the pool sensitive to neither IP(3) nor ryanodine was 10-fold smaller in adult (0.87 +/- 0.10) than in fetal (8.78 +/- 0.81) arteries, where it accounted for 72% of total intracellular membrane-bound Ca(2+). Thus, during basilar artery maturation, intracellular Ca(2+) mass plummets in noncontractile pools, decreases modestly in ryanodine-sensitive pools, and remains constant in IP(3)-sensitive pools. In addition, age-related increases in IP(3) efficacy must involve factors other than IP(3) pool size alone.

Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) current and exocytosis in responses to caffeine and muscarine in voltage-clamped guinea-pig adrenal chromaffin cells

We characterized changes in membrane currents and the cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration, [Ca(2+)](i), in response to caffeine, and compared them with those in response to muscarine using the perforated patch-clamp technique and fura-2 microfluorimetry in guinea-pig adrenal chromaffin cells. Catecholamine release from single voltage-clamped cells was monitored with amperometry using carbon microelectrodes. Caffeine produced a transient outward current (I(out)) at holding potentials over - 60 mV, increasing in amplitude with increasing the potentials. It also evoked a rapid increase of [Ca(2+)](i) at all potentials examined. The current-voltage relation revealed that the activation of K(+) channels was responsible for the I(out) evoked by caffeine. Both current and [Ca(2+)](i) responses were reversibly abolished by cyclopiazonic acid, an inhibitor of Ca(2+)-pump ATPase. At - 30 mV, the caffeine-induced I(out), but not [Ca(2+)](i), was partly inhibited by either charybdotoxin or apamin. In the majority of cells tested, caffeine induced a larger I(out) but a smaller [Ca(2+)](i) increase than muscarine. Caffeine and muscarine increased catecholamine release from voltage-clamped single cells concomitant with the transient increase of [Ca(2+)](i), and there was a positive correlation between them. These results indicate that caffeine activates Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) channels and catecholamine secretion due to the release of Ca(2+) from internal stores in voltage-clamped adrenal chromaffin cells of the guinea-pig. There seems to be a spatial difference between [Ca(2+)](i) increased by Ca(2+) release from caffeine-sensitive stores and that released from muscarine (inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate)-sensitive ones.

Rundown of secretion after depletion of intracellular calcium stores in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells

In this study, the relationship between intracellular calcium stores and depolarization-evoked stimulation was examined in bovine chromaffin cells, using changes in membrane capacitance to monitor both exocytosis and endocytosis. Cells were voltage-clamped using the perforated whole-cell patch configuration to minimize alterations in intracellular constituents. Control cells exhibited reproducible secretory responses each time the cell was stimulated. However, the same stimulation protocol elicited progressively smaller secretory responses in cells where their intracellular calcium store was emptied by thapsigargin. Transient elevation of the intracellular calcium concentration with a brief histamine treatment enhanced subsequent secretory responses in control but not in thapsigargin-treated cells. A series of depolarizations to -20 mV, which allowed small amounts of Ca(2+) influx but which by itself did not trigger catecholamine secretion, enhanced subsequent exocytosis in both control and thapsigargin-treated cells. Caffeine-pretreated cells exhibited a rundown in the secretory response that was similar to that produced by thapsigargin. These results suggest that brief elevations of [Ca(2+)](i) could enhance subsequent secretory responses. In addition, the data suggest that intracellular calcium stores are vital for the maintenance of exocytosis during repetitive stimulation.

Internal calcium modulates apparent affinity of metabotropic GABA receptors

The metabotropic GABA receptor (GABA(B)R) regulates calcium influx in neurons. Whole cell voltage-clamp techniques were employed to determine the effects of internal calcium on the activity of GABA(B)Rs. GABA(B)R receptor apparent affinity was maximal when bis-(o-aminophenoxy)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA) maintained internal calcium below 70 nM. Apparent affinity was reduced as internal calcium increased. EGTA did not produce similar effects, suggesting that localized increases in calcium influenced GABA(B)R apparent affinity. Confocal imaging disclosed relatively high internal calcium just below the plasma membrane of isolated neurons. BAPTA, but not EGTA, reduced this ring of high calcium. Heparin, dantrolene, and ryanodine increased GABA(B)R apparent affinity, effects similar to that of BAPTA. Calmodulin inhibitors also increased receptor apparent affinity. These results suggest that internally released calcium activates calmodulin, which reduces GABA(B)R apparent affinity. This identifies a reciprocal system in which the metabotropic GABA receptor can reduce calcium influx, but internal calcium can suppress this receptor pathway. Metabotropic glutamate receptors linked to inositol 1,4,5 trisphosphate (InsP(3)) raised internal calcium and suppressed the action of GABA(B)Rs. Thus negative feedback systems control the balance between excitatory and inhibitory metabotropic receptor pathways in retinal neurons.

Cholinomimetic action of macrolide antibiotics on airway gland electrolyte secretion

We investigated the acute effects of erythromycin (EM) and its derivatives on ionic currents in airway glands from feline tracheae. Therapeutic concentrations of EM or clarithromycin (CAM) attenuated the whole cell currents evoked by ACh in a competitive manner. The maximally stimulated inward Cl- currents were reduced to 54 and 83% and the outward K+ currents to 55 and 84% of control values by EM and CAM, respectively, whereas the responses induced by phenylephrine, norepinephrine, caffeine, or ionomycin were unaffected by EM, CAM, or EM523, a synthetic derivative of EM. K+ channels in excised outside-out patches were not influenced by macrolides. Although therapeutic concentrations of macrolides showed no effect on the baseline currents, high concentrations of macrolides alone evoked currents mimicking the ACh response, which were abolished completely by atropine. We concluded that macrolides act as a partial agonist on cholinergic receptors, resulting in a reduction of Cl- secretion at pharmacological doses of the agents, which may exhibit a pronounced effectiveness on hypertrophied and/or cholinergically sensitized submucosal glands in pathological airways.

Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release in chromaffin cells seen from inside the ER with targeted aequorin

The presence and physiological role of Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release (CICR) in nonmuscle excitable cells has been investigated only indirectly through measurements of cytosolic [Ca2+] ([Ca2+]c). Using targeted aequorin, we have directly monitored [Ca2+] changes inside the ER ([Ca2+]ER) in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells. Ca2+ entry induced by cell depolarization triggered a transient Ca2+ release from the ER that was highly dependent on [Ca2+]ER and sensitized by low concentrations of caffeine. Caffeine-induced Ca2+ release was quantal in nature due to modulation by [Ca2+]ER. Whereas caffeine released essentially all the Ca2+ from the ER, inositol 1,4, 5-trisphosphate (InsP3)- producing agonists released only 60-80%. Both InsP3 and caffeine emptied completely the ER in digitonin-permeabilized cells whereas cyclic ADP-ribose had no effect. Ryanodine induced permanent emptying of the Ca2+ stores in a use-dependent manner after activation by caffeine. Fast confocal [Ca2+]c measurements showed that the wave of [Ca2+]c induced by 100-ms depolarizing pulses in voltage-clamped cells was delayed and reduced in intensity in ryanodine-treated cells. Our results indicate that the ER of chromaffin cells behaves mostly as a single homogeneous thapsigargin-sensitive Ca2+ pool that can release Ca2+ both via InsP3 receptors or CICR.

Pre- and post-synaptic muscarinic receptors in thin slices of rat adrenal gland

The effects of activation of muscarinic receptors on chromaffin cells and splanchnic nerve terminals were studied in a rat adrenal slice preparation. In chromaffin cells, muscarine induced a transient hyperpolarization followed by a depolarization associated with cell spiking. The hyperpolarization was blocked by charybdotoxin (1 microM) and tetraethylammonium chloride (TEA, 1 mM), but was not affected by 200 microM Cd2+ or removal of external Ca2+, consistent with activation of BK channels. This would follow internal Ca2+ mobilization, as shown by Ca2+ imaging with fura-2 on isolated chromaffin cells in culture. Under voltage-clamp, outward BK currents were insensitive to MT3 toxin, a specific muscarinic m4 receptor antagonist. In contrast, muscarine-induced depolarization was due to a m4 receptor-mediated inward current blocked by MT3 toxin. This current was permeable to cations and was associated with Ca2+ entry and subsequently, Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release. Finally, both muscarine (25 microM) and oxotremorine (10 microM) decreased the amplitude and frequency of KCI-evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents, without affecting quantal size, consistent with a presynaptic inhibitory effect. Taken together, our data suggest that activation of m4 and probably m3 muscarinic receptors results in a strong, long-lasting excitation of chromaffin cells, as well as an uncoupling of synaptic inputs onto these cells.

Relation of exocytosis and Ca2+-activated K+ current during Ca2+ release from intracellular stores in individual rat chromaffin cells

Measurement of the change in cell membrane capacitance (Cm) along with the change in IK(Ca) was used to investigate the effects of bradykinin and caffeine on the secretory process in rat adrenal chromaffin cells. In a Ca2+-free external solution, bradykinin (100 nM) caused a transient increase in Cm with a concurrent change in IK(Ca). Extracellular application of neomycin as an inhibitor of phospholipase C activity reversibly inhibited the bradykinin-activated event, implying an IP3-mediated increase of submembrane-free Ca2+. The increases in Cm and IK(Ca) caused by bradykinin were transient even with the sustained application of bradykinin. Caffeine also caused exocytosis in the Ca2+-free solution, and this was irreversibly blocked by ryanodine (1 microM) in a use-dependent manner. Caffeine-sensitive intracellular Ca2+ stores were also depleted in several seconds and recovered by an influx of external Ca2+. The sequential application of bradykinin and caffeine showed that these are likely to activate Ca2+ release from the same or distinct but rapidly equilibrating intracellular Ca2+ stores. The single cell assay of exocytosis and the increase in IK(Ca) revealed cell-to-cell variability in bradykinin- and caffeine-induced exocytotic response. Our results suggest that Ca2+ release from intracellular stores potentially increases submembrane Ca2+ concentration and modulates simultaneously two submembrane Ca2+-dependent processes, exocytosis and IK(Ca), in rat adrenal chromaffin cells.

Simultaneous detection of catecholamine exocytosis and Ca2+ release from single bovine chromaffin cells using a dual microsensor

A dual microsensor with a 5 microns radius was fabricated to detect simultaneously Ca2+ and catecholamines following their secretion from individual biological cells. Detection of Ca2+ was based on changes in fluorescence as a result of its binding with a surface-attached dye, and catecholamines were detected by amperometry. The fluorescent dye employed, calcium green-1 dextran, is a selective chelator for Ca2+. It was attached to the tip of a carbon fiber electrode by cross-linking with 5% glutaraldehyde. The dual microsensor has a subsecond response time for both Ca2+ and catecholamine concentration changes. Ca2+ concentrations of 100 nM can be detected, while the detection limit for catecholamine is in the micromolar range. The utility of the dual microsensor was evaluated at the surface of bovine adrenal medullary cells. Release of catecholamines by exocytosis was evoked by transient application of histamine. This was detected by amperometry, and it was found to be accompanied by Ca2+ release, as measured by fluorescence from the same sensor.

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate- and caffeine-sensitive Ca(2+)-storing organelle in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells

The uptake and release properties of Ca2+ by several subcellular fractions of the bovine adrenal medulla were investigated. Investigation by the 45Ca2+ tracer method showed that permeabilized cells and the fractions of mitochondria (MT) and microsomes (MC) caused ATP-dependent Ca2+ uptake in a Ca2+ concentration-dependent manner (pCa 8-4), whereas permeabilized cells and the fractions of secretory granules (SG) were able to accumulate a significant amount of Ca2+ even in the absence of ATP, which was completed by the addition of hexokinase and glucose. In these organelle fractions, Ca2+ uptake in the presence of ATP at pCa 7 and pCa 5.8 was well-correlated with the activity of the NADPH cytochrome c reductase (marker enzyme for the endoplasmic reticulum) and cytochrome c oxidase (marker enzyme for mitochondria), respectively. As detected by Fura-2 ratiometry, both inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) and caffeine caused concentration-dependent Ca2+ releases from permeabilized cells and MC, but not from MT and SG. In an ATP-depleted condition, homogenates still took up a significant amount of Ca2+ but was not able to respond to IP3 and caffeine. These results suggest that the endoplasmic reticulum is a major Ca(2+)-storing organelle, which releases Ca2+ in response to IP3 and caffeine in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells.

Intracellular calcium release mediated by noradrenaline and acetylcholine in mammalian pineal cells

The effects of noradrenergic and cholinergic receptor agonists on intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in single dissociated rat pineal cells were investigated by microfluorimetric measurements in Fura-2 acetoxymethyl ester (Fura-2/AM) loaded cells. Noradrenaline (NA) evoked characteristic biphasic increments of intracellular Ca2+ consisting of one or more leading spikes followed by a plateau, resulting from the release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores and from the influx of Ca2+ from the external medium, respectively. This response was reproduced by the alpha 1-adrenoceptor agonist, phenylephrine (PE), in the presence of the beta-adrenoceptor antagonist, propranolol, and was abolished when NA or PE was applied in conjunction with the alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonist, prazosin. The curve relating the peak amplitude of the Ca2+ increments to different PE concentrations (0.5-10 microM) showed a half-maximum response at 0.6 microM PE, and saturation at concentrations greater than 2 microM. Acetylcholine (ACh) also elicited transient Ca2+ increments consisting of an abrupt rise to a maximum value which decayed exponentially to the basal Ca2+ level. A half-maximum response was achieved at 59 microM ACh. The muscarinic cholinergic receptor agonist, carbachol (CCh), similarly activated Ca2+ increments while the muscarinic antagonist, atropine, abolished them. In the absence of extracellular Ca2+, repetitive stimuli with either alpha 1-adrenergic and muscarinic agonists produced a progressive decrement in the amplitude of the Ca2+ signals because of the depletion of intracellular stores. However, extinction of the response to muscarinic agonists did not preclude a response to adrenergic agonists, while the contrary was not true. These results suggest that these agonists liberate Ca2+ from two functionally distinct, caffeine-insensitive, Ca2+ intracellular stores.

Depleted internal store-activated Ca2+ entry can trigger neurotransmitter release in bovine chromaffin cells

A potential role of the intracellular Ca2+ stores in modulating catecholamine release has been investigated in bovine chromaffin cells maintained in tissue culture. Pharmacological depletion of the stores with a combination of caffeine, histamine and thapsigargin in Ca2+-free media resulted in a significantly greater release of catecholamines on re-exposure to Ca2+-containing media compared with that from non-store depleted cells. The increase in catecholamine release was prevented by intracellular BAPTA indicating that the increase was caused by a rise in Ca2+. Measurement of intracellular free Ca2+ concentration with the fluorescent indicator, fura-2, over the same time-course as the catecholamine release experiments showed that upon restoration of external Ca2+ there was an immediate, substantial and maintained increase in cytosolic Ca2+. It is most probable that the increase in catecholamine release was a consequence of an increase in Ca2+ influx triggered by prior depletion of the internal Ca2+ stores. However, the data suggest that capacitative Ca2+ entry is poorly linked to catecholamine release; although Ca2+ entry on restoration of external Ca2+ was immediate and substantial, the increase in catecholamine release, although quantitatively significant, was slowly realised.

Effects of caffeine on Ca2+ fluxes and secretion in bovine chromaffin cells

The effects of caffeine on Ca2+ fluxes and catecholamine secretion in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells were examined. Caffeine inhibited secretion. 45Ca2+ uptake and cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) rise induced by the nicotinic receptor agonist 1.1-dimethyl- 4-phenylpiperazinium (DMPP) and the Na+ channel activator veratridine. The inhibitory effect of caffeine on high K(+)-induced secretion was smaller than that on DMPP- and veratridine-induced responses. Caffeine only slightly inhibited high K(+)-induced 45Ca2+ uptake and did not affect [Ca2+]i rise. Caffeine also inhibited muscarinic receptor-mediated inositol phosphate generation. Our results suggest that the inhibitory effects of caffeine on bovine chromaffin cells mainly occur at both muscarinic and nicotinic receptors as well as at the voltage-dependent Na+ channels and to a smaller extent at site(s) distal to Ca2+ entry. The effects of caffeine on nicotinic receptors but not on muscarinic receptors can be explained by its ability to raise intracellular cAMP.

Thapsigargin-sensitive Ca(2+)-ATPases account for Ca2+ uptake to inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-sensitive and caffeine-sensitive Ca2+ stores in adrenal chromaffin cells

In chromaffin cells of adrenal medulla, heterogeneity of Ca2+ stores has been suggested with respect to the mechanisms of Ca2+ uptake and release. We have examined Ca(2+)-ATPases responsible for loading of Ca2+ stores in these cells for their sensitivity to thapsigargin, a highly selective inhibitor of the SERCA [sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum calcium ATPase] family of intracellular Ca2+ pumps. Using immunostaining, we studied the distribution of Ca(2+)-ATPases, and of receptors for inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) and ryanodine, in the density-gradient fractions of microsomes from bovine adrenal medulla. In parallel, we examined distribution profiles of ATP-dependent Ca2+ uptake in the same fractions, along with subcellular markers for plasma membranes and endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Two Ca(2+)-ATPase-like proteins (116 and 100 kDa) were detected, consistent with the presence of SERCA 2b and SERCA 3 isoenzymes of Ca2+ pumps. The distribution of these putative Ca(2+)-ATPase iso-enzymes paralleled that of InsP3 and ryanodine receptors. This distribution of ER Ca(2+)-ATPases, as determined immunologically, was consistent with that of thapsigargin-sensitive, but not of thapsigargin-insensitive, ATP-dependent Ca2+ uptake. In contrast, the distribution profile of the thapsigargin-insensitive Ca2+ uptake was strongly correlated to that of plasma membranes, and co-distributed with plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase detected immunologically. In isolated, permeabilized chromaffin cells, InsP3 and caffeine induced Ca2+ release following an ATP-dependent Ca2+ accumulation to the stores. This accumulation was abolished by thapsigargin. Together, these data strongly indicate that the thapsigargin-sensitive, presumably SERCA-type Ca(2+)-ATPases account for Ca2+ uptake to InsP3-sensitive, as well as to caffeine-sensitive, Ca2+ stores in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells.

Activation of nicotinic receptors triggers exocytosis from bovine chromaffin cells in the absence of membrane depolarization

The traditional function of neurotransmitter-gated ion channels is to induce rapid changes in electrical activity. Channels that are Ca(2+)-permeable, such as N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors at depolarized membrane potentials, can have a broader repertoire of consequences, including changes in synaptic efficacy, developmental plasticity, and excitotoxicity. Neuronal nicotinic receptors for acetylcholine (nAChRs) are usually less Ca(2+)-permeable than N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors but have a significant Ca2+ permeability, which is greater at negative potentials. Here we report that in neuroendocrine cells, activation of nAChRs can trigger exocytosis at hyperpolarized potentials. We used whole-cell patch-clamp recordings to record currents and the capacitance detection technique to monitor exocytosis in isolated bovine chromaffin cells. Stimulation of nAChRs at hyperpolarized potentials (-60 or -90 mV) evokes a large current and a maximal capacitance increase corresponding to the fusion of approximately 200 large dense-core vesicles. The amount of exocytosis is controlled both by the Ca2+ influx through nAChRs and by a contribution from thapsigargin-sensitive Ca2+ sequestering stores. This is a form of neurotransmitter action in which activation of nAChRs triggers secretion through an additional coupling pathway that coexists with classical voltage-dependent Ca2+ entry.

Phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis is involved in production of Ca(2+)-dependent currents, but not non-selective cation currents, by muscarine in chromaffin cells

Whether phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis and a subsequent Ca2+ mobilization are responsible for muscarine-induced transient outward currents (IO) and non-selective cation currents (INS) in the guinea-pig chromaffin cell was investigated using the perforated patch method. IO, but not INS, failed to be reproduced in Ca(2+)-free solution and was markedly reduced by prior exposure to caffeine under Ca(2+)-free conditions or by addition to normal solution of cyclopiazonic acid (CPA), a Ca2+ ATPase inhibitor. Application of CPA in Ca(2+)-free solution, however, suppressed INS by about 50% in 73% of the cells tested. Bath application of 1.5 mM neomycin, a phospholipase C inhibitor, induced the time-dependent decline of IO with near abolition at 20 min or less, whereas it produced a time-independent decrease of INS and an inwardly rectifying K+ current. INS in the presence or absence of neomycin was well fitted to rectangular hyperbolas with the same ED50 of 2.17 microM, but with a 33% smaller maximum amplitude in the former, indicating a non-competitive inhibition by neomycin. We conclude that, while phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis mediates the production of IO, it does not mediate that of INS by muscarine.

Correlation of real-time catecholamine release and cytosolic Ca2+ at single bovine chromaffin cells

Previous investigations of the role of Ca2+ in stimulus-secretion coupling have been undertaken in populations of adrenal chromaffin cells. In the present study, the simultaneous detection of intracellular Ca2+, with the fluorescent probe fura-2, and catecholamine release, using a carbon-fiber microelectrode, are examined at single chromaffin cells in culture. Results from classic depolarizing stimuli, high potassium (30-140 mM) and 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenylpiperazinium (3-50 microM), show a dependence of peak cytosolic Ca2+ concentration and catecholamine release on secretagogue concentration. Catecholamine release induced by transient high K+ stimulation increases logarithmically with K+ concentration. Continuous exposure to veratridine (50 microM) induces oscillations in intracellular Ca2+ and at higher concentrations (100 microM) concomitant fluctuation of cytosolic Ca2+ and catecholamine secretion. Mobilization of both caffeine- and inositol trisphosphate-sensitive intracellular Ca2+ stores is found to elicit secretion with or without extracellular Ca2+. Caffeine-sensitive intracellular Ca2+ stores can be depleted, refilled, and cause exocytosis in medium without Ca2+. Single cell measurement of exocytosis and the increase in cytosolic Ca2+ induced by bradykinin-activated intracellular stores reveal cell to cell variability in exocytotic responses which is masked in populations of cells. Taken together, these results show that exocytosis of catecholamines can be induced by an increase in cytosolic Ca2+ either as a result of transmembrane entry or by release of internal stores.

Staurosporine affects calcium homeostasis in cultured bovine adrenal chromaffin cells

These studies show that the potent, non-specific, protein kinase inhibitor, staurosporine, disrupts Ca2+ homeostasis in cultured bovine adrenal chromaffin cells. Staurosporine treatment reduces basal and A23187-stimulated catecholamine release from chromaffin cells, but does not inhibit activated Ca2+ influx. Furthermore, pretreatment with staurosporine also reduces Ca(2+)-stimulated catecholamine release from digitonin-permeabilized cells (t1/2, 40.6 min; IC50, 66.0 nm). However, staurosporine does not inhibit the rise in intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) in response to nicotine stimulation as measured by fura-2 photometry. These studies demonstrate that staurosporine interferes with the secretory process at some step at or after the rise in [Ca2+]i in adrenal chromaffin cells. Examination of the effects of staurosporine on 45Ca2+ movement shows that staurosporine produces a slowly developing basal 45Ca2+ accumulation; after 30 min no significant change is observed, but by 120 min, 45Ca2+ accumulation is increased by 29.5%. Thapsigargin and 2,5-di-(tert-butyl)-1,4-benzohydroquinone (tBHQ), inhibitors of Ca(2+) ATPases, were used to determine whether staurosporine induced 45Ca2+ accumulation results from sequestration of 45Ca2+ within intracellular stores. While thapsigargin has no significant effect, concomitant treatment with tBHQ prevents the increase in 45Ca2+ uptake associated with staurosporine treatment. Therefore, the tBHQ-sensitive Ca2+ store, but not the thapsigargin/inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate-sensitive Ca2+ store, appears to be staurosporine-sensitive. Overall, these studies indicate that staurosporine reduces catecholamine release by interfering with Ca2+ homeostasis. Furthermore, this work suggests that a staurosporine-sensitive phosphoprotein(s) is involved with the regulation of Ca2+ homeostasis in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells.

Histamine-induced Ca2+ entry precedes Ca2+ mobilization in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells

The relationship between histamine-induced Ca2+ mobilization and Ca2+ entry in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells has been investigated. Stopped-flow fluorimetry of fura-2-loaded chromaffin cell populations revealed that 10 microM histamine promoted entry of Ca2+ or Mn2+ without measurable delay (< or = 20 ms), through a pathway that was insensitive to the dihydropyridine antagonist nifedipine. In the absence of extracellular Ca2+, or in the presence of 100 microM La3+, a blocker of receptor-mediated Ca2+ entry, 10 microM histamine triggered an elevation in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i), but only after a delay of approx. 200 ms, which presumably represented the time required to mobilize intracellular Ca2+. These data suggested that histamine-induced bivalent-cation entry precedes extensive Ca2+ mobilization in chromaffin cells. In order to confirm that histamine can promote Ca2+ entry largely independently of mobilizing intracellular Ca2+, the ability of histamine to promote Ca2+ entry into cells whose intracellular Ca2+ store had been largely depleted was assessed. Fura-2-loaded chromaffin cells were treated with 10 microM ryanodine together with 40 mM caffeine, to deplete the hormone-sensitive Ca2+ store. This resulted in an approx. 95% inhibition of histamine-induced Ca2+ release. Under these conditions, histamine was still able to promote an entry of Ca2+ that was essentially indistinguishable from that promoted in control cells. In single cells, introduction of heparin (100 mg/ml), but not de-N-sulphated heparin (100 mg/ml), abolished the histamine-induced rise in [Ca2+]i. All these data suggest that histamine can induce G-protein- or inositol phosphate-dependent rapid (< or = 20 ms) Ca2+ entry without an extensive intracellular mobilization response in chromaffin cells, which points to activation of an entry mechanism distinct from the Ca(2+)-release-activated Ca2+ channel found in non-excitable cells.

Functionally and spatially distinct Ca2+ stores are revealed in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells

Sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ in vascular smooth muscle may be separated into at least two types of Ca2+ stores, one releasable by inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and the other releasable by caffeine and ryanodine. We employed digital imaging with fura-2 to study the effects of thapsigargin (which blocks Ca2+ sequestration in the inositol trisphosphate-sensitive store) and caffeine on the cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]cyt) in cultured arterial myocytes. These agents increased [Ca2+]cyt by depleting different Ca2+ stores in the absence of extracellular Ca2+. Moreover, Ca2+ could be transferred between the two stores, as prior application of caffeine, which alone evoked little or no rise in [Ca2+]cyt, significantly augmented the response to thapsigargin. Conversely, a substantial caffeine-induced rise in [Ca2+]cyt was observed only after the ability of the thapsigargin-sensitive Ca2+ store to sequester Ca2+ was inhibited. This suggests that the caffeine-sensitive store may have a thapsigargin-insensitive Ca(2+)-sequestration mechanism. To complement these fura-2 experiments, chlortetracycline was used to visualize the Ca2+ stores directly. The latter studies revealed spatial differences in the location of the thapsigargin-sensitive and caffeine-sensitive Ca2+ stores (measured as thapsigargin-sensitive and caffeine-sensitive chlortetracycline fluorescence). Thus, these two types of stores appear to be both functionally and spatially distinct.

A caffeine- and ryanodine-sensitive intracellular Ca2+ store can act as a Ca2+ source and a Ca2+ sink in PC12 cells

We have investigated the modulation of stimulus-induced changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) by a caffeine-and ryanodine-sensitive Ca2+ store in PC12 cells. In populations of fura-2-loaded cells, caffeine cause a concentration-dependent increase in [Ca2+]i that was saturable, reversible and inhibited in a use-dependent fashion by ryanodine. Maximal Ca2+ release occurred with 40 mM caffeine, with an EC50 of 13 mM caffeine and a Hill coefficient (h) of 2.7, indicating that the release mechanism was co-operative. Pretreatment of intact cell populations with increasing concentrations of caffeine in nominally Ca(2+)-free medium inhibited the subsequent Ca2+ response to a maximal concentration of ATP, in a dose-dependent manner. In permeabilized cells, a maximal concentration (40 microM) of InsP3 still released Ca2+ in the presence of a supramaximal concentration (50 mM) of caffeine, whereas caffeine was unable to release Ca2+ after the InsP3-sensitive store had been completely emptied. These data suggest that PC12 cells contain a uniquely InsP3-sensitive Ca2+ store, and a store that is sensitive to both InsP3 and caffeine. Depletion of the caffeine-sensitive Ca2+ store by caffeine and ryanodine pretreatment in intact cells attenuated the Ca2+ response to ATP, but not to 55 mM K+, suggesting that the caffeine-sensitive Ca2+ store acts as a Ca2+ source after ATP stimulation, but not after depolarization with 55 mM K+. Pretreatment of intact cells with ATP and ryanodine resulted in a use-dependent block of both caffeine- and ATP-mediated Ca2+ release, confirming that ATP stimulation of PC12 cells brings about activation of ryanodine receptors. The rate of recovery, but not the magnitude or rate of onset, of the depolarization-induced [Ca2+]i transient was modulated by the state of filling of the caffeine-sensitive Ca2+ store such that recovery was prolonged if the store was either full, or empty and unable to refill. We conclude that the caffeine- and ryanodine-sensitive Ca2+ store can act as a Ca2+ source and a Ca2+ sink in PC12 cells, and that its role may in part be governed by the nature of the stimulating agent.

Spontaneous calcium oscillations in Xenopus laevis melanotrope cells are mediated by omega-conotoxin sensitive calcium channels

The dynamics of intracellular Ca2+ signalling in single melanotrope cells of the pituitary gland of the amphibian Xenopus laevis have been studied by means of a digital imaging technique using the fluorescent dye Fura-2. When placed in vitro, the majority of the cells (77%) displayed spontaneous oscillatory changes in the free cytosolic Ca2+ concentration with a frequency of 1 +/- 0.25 (SD) min-1. The oscillations rapidly stopped when extracellular Ca2+ was reduced to nanomolar concentrations, revealing their complete dependence on Ca2+ influx. The fact that the Ca2+ oscillations were blocked by 1 microM omega-conotoxin, but not by nifedipine, at concentrations up to 50 microM, indicated that Ca2+ entered the cell via N-type rather than L-type voltage operated Ca2+ channels. Thapsigargin, a putative inhibitor of intracellular Ca(2+)-ATPase activity, elevated the baseline Ca2+ concentration but had no effect on the occurrence of the spontaneous oscillations. This suggests that intracellular Ca2+ pools are not involved in the mechanism underlying spontaneous Ca2+ oscillations. This is the first report showing spontaneous Ca2+ oscillations mediated by N-type Ca2+ channels in melanotrope cells.

Angiotensin II suppresses Na+ currents in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells

We investigated the effects of angiotensin II (ANG II) on the voltage-dependent Na+ channel currents (INa) recorded from bovine adrenal medullary chromaffin cells (BCCs) under whole-cell voltage clamp. Angiotensin II reversibly reduced the peak INa in a dose-dependent fashion. Inhibition was observed at a concentration of 1 nM (6.3 +/- 1.4%, mean +/- SEM) and reached a maximum at 1 microM (35 +/- 3.8%), with a half-maximal effect at 11.6 nM. The ANG II-induced inhibition resulted from a reduction in peak conductance (control, 7.2 +/- 0.7 nS; ANG II 4.3 +/- 0.5 nS; p < 0.01). Angiotensin II had no effect on the reversal potential or the decay time of INa. In addition, the V1/2 and k values, two parameters that describe the voltage dependence of INa for both steady-state activation and inactivation, were not affected by ANG II. The response to ANG II (1 microM) had a delay and attained maximum inhibition in 0.9 +/- 0.2 min (n = 10). Recovery from the effect was slow and took 3.5 +/- 0.8 min (n = 10) after the application of ANG II had been terminated. The inhibitory effects of ANG II were effectively blocked by a specific ANG II receptor antagonist. [Sar1, Val5, Ala8]ANG II. The present study demonstrates that ANG II inhibits voltage-dependent INa+ channel currents in BCCs via a specific receptor-coupled mechanism. The prolonged time course of the ANG II response indicates a possible involvement of second messenger(s) mediating this inhibition.

Stimulation of calcium release by caffeine analogs in pheochromocytoma cells

Caffeine (EC50 approximately 20 mM) causes a maximal 400% increase in intracellular calcium ion concentration ([Ca2+]i) in pheochromocytoma PC12 cells. A range of caffeine analogs in which methyl groups at the 1, 3, and 7 positions were replaced with relatively nonpolar (ethyl, allyl, propyl, propargyl) or polar (CH2COOH, CH2CH2OH, CH2CN, CH2OCH3) substituents were tested at a 10 mM concentration. Many analogs were as efficacious or only somewhat less efficacious than 10 mM caffeine. Certain analogs with polar substituents had no effect. Disubstituted xanthines were less efficacious (theophylline, paraxanthine) than caffeine or were ineffective (theobromine). 1-Propyl-3,7-dimethylxanthine (EC50 4 mM) and 1-propargyl-3,7-dimethylxanthine (EC50 5 mM) were several-fold more potent than caffeine in causing elevation of [Ca2+]i and the latter was at least as efficacious.

Intracellular calcium waves generated by Ins(1,4,5)P3-dependent mechanisms

Cellular oscillations of cytosolic free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) have been observed in many cell types in response to cell surface receptor agonists acting through inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3). In a number of cases where appropriate spatial and temporal resolution have been used to examine these [Ca2+]i oscillations, they have been found to be organized as repetitive waves of Ca2+ increase that propagate through the cytosol of individual cells. In some cases Ca2+ waves also occur as a single pass through stimulated cells. This review discusses the factors underlying the spatial organization of [Ca2+]i signals in the form of Ca2+ waves. In addition, potential mechanisms for the initiation and subsequent propagation of these Ca2+ waves are described.

Exocytosis in adrenal chromaffin cells

Recent advances have led to an increased understanding of the Ca(2+)-signalling pathway leading to exocytosis in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells. Video-imaging studies have allowed the temporal and spatial aspects of the Ca2+ signal to be investigated in detail. Ca2+ entry at the plasma membrane appears to be crucial for the activation of exocytosis. Ca2+ can enter through the nicotinic channel or characterised voltage-activated channels, or through other poorly defined pathways due to a variety of agonists. Emptying of internal Ca2+ stores is sufficient to activate a Ca2+ entry pathway. The elevation of cytosolic Ca2+ concentration leads to a reorganisation of the cortical actin network and to the triggering of exocytosis. Studies on permeabilised chromaffin cells have resulted in the identification of some of the proteins that control Ca(2+)-dependent exocytosis. These include the peripheral plasma membrane protein annexin II and the cytosolic proteins, protein kinase C and 14-3-3 proteins (Exo1).

Ca2+ release from platelet intracellular stores by thapsigargin and 2,5-di-(t-butyl)-1,4-benzohydroquinone: relationship to Ca2+ pools and relevance in platelet activation

The effects of the Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitors thapsigargin (Tg) and 2,5-di-(t-butyl)-1,4-benzohydroquinone (tBuBHQ) were examined by using Ca(2+)-regulatory systems of platelet mixed membranes, saponin-permeabilized and intact platelets. Both agents inhibit Ca(2+)-ATPase activities of platelet mixed membranes, without any effect on the basal Mg(2+)-ATPase activity. Tg is more effective (EC50 = 35 nM) than tBuBHQ (EC50 = 580 nM). The effect of the two inhibitors on 45Ca2+ release from saponin-permeabilized platelets has also been characterized. 45Ca2+ uptake into non-mitochondrial intracellular stores occurs via an ATP-dependent mechanism, and if added at equilibrium the second messenger Ins(1,4,5)P3 releases 50% of the accumulated 45Ca2+. Maximally effective concentrations of Tg (1 microM) and tBuBHQ (50 microM) release 77% and 68% of the accumulated 45Ca2+. Addition of Ins(1,4,5)P3 together with either Tg or tBuBHQ resulted in a non-additive release which was the same as with either Tg or tBuBHQ alone, indicating that the Ins(1,4,5)P3-sensitive Ca2+ pool was a subset of the pool that is sensitive to the Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitors. Release of 45Ca2+ by either Tg or tBuBHQ was not affected by heparin, which totally blocked Ins(1,4,5)P3-induced Ca2+ release, and Tg was found not to affect [32P]Ins(1,4,5)P3 binding to its receptor on mixed membranes. Thus both Tg and tBuBHQ release Ca2+ from a pool that totally overlaps the Ins(1,4,5)P3-sensitive pool without affecting Ins(1,4,5)P3 function. In intact indomethacin-treated Fura 2-loaded platelets, Tg and tBuBHQ cause Ca2+ elevation, arising from release from intracellular stores and influx from the outside. Both Tg and tBuBHQ elevated Ca2+ to similar levels, which were less and slower than those observed with thrombin. Addition of thrombin to cells already treated with Tg or tBuBHQ produced further elevation of Ca2+, indicating agonist utilization of a Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitor-insensitive pool. In aggregation experiments Tg and tBuBHQ showed different functional effects. In indomethacin-treated cells Tg induces slow aggregation and secretion responses, whereas tBuBHQ only induces shape change. Both agents show synergistic secretory responses with the protein kinase C activator dioctanoylglycerol (DiC8). Tg also showed greater ability than tBuBHQ to release [3H]arachidonic acid (AA) from [3H]AA-labelled platelets. Additionally, in [32P]Pi-labelled platelets both Tg and tBuBHQ induced phosphorylation of myosin light chain, a 27 kDa protein and the 45 kDa protein pleckstrin, but Tg showed a greater ability than tBuBHQ to cause phosphorylation of pleckstrin. These studies indicate that Tg and tBuBHQ are effective in releasing the Ins(1,4,5)P3-sensitive Ca2+ pool in platelets.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Unidirectional interaction between two intracellular calcium stores in rat phaeochromocytoma (PC12) cells

1. A clone of the rat phaeochromocytoma cell line (PC12) was treated with nerve growth factor (NGF) for 4-6 days and used to study caffeine- and bradykinin-induced Ca2+ release from intracellular Ca2+ stores. The caffeine-sensitive store can be depleted by Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release (CICR), while the bradykinin-induced release is mediated by inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3). The effect of Ca2+ release from these Ca2+ stores on cytosolic free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) was measured by means of fura-2 single cell microfluorimetry. 2. Caffeine application caused no or only a small Ca2+ release in untreated cells in normal culture medium. The caffeine-sensitive pool could be filled by Ca2+ entry into cells through either voltage-activated Ca2+ channels or ligand-gated cation channels. 3. Bradykinin application produced substantial Ca2+ release in untreated cells in normal culture medium. The response was enhanced after K(+)-depolarization of the cells. The bradykinin-induced release of Ca2+ also caused depletion of the caffeine-sensitive pool by CICR. However, Ca2+ released from the IP3-sensitive store was not sequestered into the caffeine-sensitive Ca2+ store. 4. The caffeine-induced rise in [Ca2+]i was blocked by ryanodine in a use-dependent manner. In addition, a substantial use-dependent ryanodine block resulted from the bradykinin-induced rise of [Ca2+]i and subsequent CICR. By contrast, the K(+)-induced rise of [Ca2+]i caused only a marginal use-dependent ryanodine inhibition of Ca2+ release. 5. Our results suggest an enhancement of the IP3-induced [Ca2+]i rise in the cytoplasm by CICR from the caffeine-sensitive pool. 6. A mathematical model adequately simulates our experimental data.

Isolation of chromaffin cell thapsigargin-sensitive Ca2+ store in light microsomes from bovine adrenal medulla

1. A subcellular fractionation procedure for bovine adrenal glands was designed with the aim to study the biochemical properties of Ca2+ stores in chromaffin cells. 2. The thapsigargin-sensitive compartment of Ca2+ stores was found to be highly enriched in a light microsomal fraction (LMF) on a 15-30% linear sucrose gradient, and was found to be essentially devoid of contamination by plasma, mitochondrial or secretory granule membranes. 3. A Ca(2+)-pumping ATPase was identified in this LMF as a 97 kDa protein forming an acid-stable, Ca(2+)-dependent, thapsigargin-sensitive phosphorylated intermediate upon incubation with [gamma-32P]ATP, suggesting this protein to represent a SERCA-3 isoform of Ca2+ ATPases. 4. A major 162 kDa protein, previously demonstrated in the isolated chromaffin cells, was enriched in the LMF, distributing on sucrose gradients in parallel with the thapsigargin-sensitive Ca2+ uptake. 5. LMF appears to represent a part of the thapsigargin-sensitive Ca2+ store of chromaffin cells, and should be useful for further studies of the store properties at the subcellular and molecular level.

Caffeine-stimulated Ca2+ release from the intracellular stores of hepatocytes is not mediated by ryanodine receptors

Caffeine has been much used to examine the possibility that ryanodine receptors similar to those found in skeletal and cardiac muscle may be more widely distributed and perhaps contribute to regenerative Ca2+ signals in electrically inexcitable cells. In permeabilized hepatocytes loaded with 45Ca2+, caffeine (> or = 5 mM) decreased the 45Ca2+ content of the intracellular stores by up to 60%; the effect was substantially reversible and it was not mimicked by the closely related methylxanthine theophylline (20 mM). Ryanodine (5 microM) stimulated a far smaller Ca2+ mobilization (7 +/- 1%). Procaine (1 mM), Ruthenium Red (10 microM) and ryanodine (5 microM) did not affect the Ca2+ release evoked by InsP3 (3 microM) or caffeine (30 mM). We conclude that caffeine can specifically cause Ca2+ release from the intracellular stores of hepatocytes, but the effect is unlikely to be mediated by ryanodine receptors.

Intracellular Ca2+ pools in Jurkat T-lymphocytes

Jurkat T-lymphocytes comprise at least four intracellular Ca2+ pools. Pool I was agonist-sensitive and contained 23 +/- 8% (n = 18) of the total Ca(2+)-storage capacity, as shown in intact cells in the presence of EGTA. The time courses of the agonist-induced formation of Ins(1,4,5)P3 and of the Ca2+ release from pool I were nearly superimposable, indicating that the agonist-sensitive pool I is emptied by Ins(1,4,5)P3. Likewise, in permeabilized cells, the size of the Ins(1,4,5)P3-sensitive Ca2+ pool I was 27 +/- 11% (n = 14). Pool II contained 26 +/- 5% (n = 9) of intracellularly stored Ca2+ and was liberated by thapsigargin, an inhibitor of the endoplasmic-reticulum (ER) Ca(2+)-ATPase. Addition of thapsigargin before addition of agonist abolished the agonist-induced Ca2+ release in both intact and permeabilized cells, indicating that pool I is a subcompartment of the ER Ca2+ pool. The content of this ER Ca2+ pool (pools I and II) amounted to 51 +/- 15% (n = 9) in intact cells and 49 +/- 16% (n = 16) in permeabilized cells. Caffeine released Ca2+ even when the ER pool (pools I and II) was emptied by previous addition of thapsigargin, indicating the presence of a third pool independent of pools I and II. Pool III contained 23 +/- 6% (n = 8) in intact cells, but 41 +/- 8% (n = 5) in permeabilized cells. The remaining intracellularly stored Ca2+ was released by addition of the Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin. This fourth pool contained 27 +/- 8% (n = 9) in intact cells, but less than 10% in permeabilized cells. The size of pool III was increased when pools I and II were emptied before addition of caffeine, whereas the size of pool IV was decreased under such conditions. In conclusion, this first comprehensive description of intracellular Ca2+ pools in Jurkat T-lymphocytes demonstrates the presence of four different Ca2+ pools, provides estimates of their sizes and describes relationships between each other. Release of Ca2+ from pool I [Ins(1,4,5)P3-sensitive] has previously been shown to play a major role in T-cell activation, whereas the physiological role of pools II-IV remains to be established.

Intracellular Ca2+ stores of rat cerebellum: heterogeneity within and distinction from endoplasmic reticulum

Rat cerebellum microsomes were subfractionated on isopycnic linear sucrose (20-42%)-density gradients. The distribution of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) markers (RNA, signal-sequence receptor alpha, calnexin, calreticulin, the immunoglobulin-binding protein Bip) and markers of intracellular rapidly exchanging Ca2+ stores [Ca2+ channels sensitive to either Ins(1,4,5)P3 or ryanodine) was investigated biochemically and immunologically. The comparison indicates that: (a) vesicles bearing the InsP3 receptor were separated from those bearing the ryanodine receptor; (b) ER markers, i.e. Bip, calnexin, signal-sequence receptor alpha, RNA, did not sediment as either InsP3 or ryanodine receptors did; (c) calreticulin, an intralumenal low-affinity high-capacity Ca(2+)-binding protein, had a widespread distribution, similar to that of Bip and calnexin, and was present in Purkinje, granule, Golgi and stellate neurons, as indicated by immunofluorescent labelling of cerebellum cortex cryosections. The present results show that the ER is not a homogeneous entity, and that Ca2+ stores are heterogeneous insofar as InsP3 receptors and ryanodine receptors are segregated, either to discrete intracellular organelles or to specialized ER subcompartments.

One-pool model for Ca2+ oscillations involving Ca2+ and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate as co-agonists for Ca2+ release

Experimental observations indicate that Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release (CICR) may underlie Ca2+ oscillations in a variety of cells. In its original version, a theoretical model for signal-induced Ca2+ oscillations based on CICR assumed the existence of two types of pools, one sensitive to inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) and the other one sensitive to Ca2+. Recent experiments indicate that Ca2+ channels may sometimes be sensitive to both IP3 and Ca2+. Such a regulation may be viewed as Ca(2+)-sensitized IP3-induced Ca2+ release or, alternatively, as a form of IP3-sensitized CICR. We show that sustained oscillations can still occur in a one-pool model, provided that the same Ca2+ channels are sensitive to both Ca2+ and IP3 behaving as co-agonists. This model and the two-pool model based on CICR both account for a number of experimental observations but differ in some respects. Thus, while in the two-pool model the latency and period of Ca2+ oscillations are of the same order of magnitude and correlate in a roughly linear manner, latency in the one-pool model is always brief and remains much shorter than the period of oscillations. Moreover, the first Ca2+ spike is much larger than the following ones in the one-pool model. These distinctive properties might provide an explanation for the differences in Ca2+ oscillations observed in various cell types.