Quantal Ca2+ mobilization by ryanodine receptors is due to all-or-none release from functionally discrete intracellular stores

Activation of the cannabinoid type 2 (CB2) receptor improves cardiac contractile performance in fish, Brycon amazonicus

In addition to their well-known classical effects, cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors have also been involvement in both deleterious and protective actions on the heart under various pathological conditions. While the potential therapeutic applications of the endocannabinoid system in the context of cardiovascular function are indeed a viable prospect, significant debate exists within the literature regarding whether CB1, CB2, or a combination of both receptors exert a favorable influence on cardiac function. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of CB1 + CB2 or CB2 agonists on cardiac excitation-contraction (E-C) coupling, utilizing fish (Brycon amazonicus) as an experimental model. The CB2 agonist elicited marked positive inotropic and lusitropic responses in isolated ventricular myocardium, induced cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) production, and upregulated critical Ca2+ handling proteins, such as sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) and Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX). Our current study demonstrated, for the first time, that CB2 receptor activation-induced effects improved the efficiency of Ca2+ cycling, excitation-contraction coupling (E-C coupling), and cardiac performance in under physiological conditions. Hence, CB2 receptors could be considered a potential therapeutic target for modulating cardiac contractile dysfunctions.

Quantal Ca2+ release mediated by very few IP3 receptors that rapidly inactivate allows graded responses to IP3

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP₃Rs) are intracellular Ca²⁺ channels that link extracellular stimuli to Ca²⁺ signals. Ca²⁺ release from intracellular stores is "quantal": low IP₃ concentrations rapidly release a fraction of the stores. Ca²⁺ release then slows or terminates without compromising responses to further IP₃ additions. The mechanisms are unresolved. Here, we synthesize a high-affinity partial agonist of IP₃Rs and use it to demonstrate that quantal responses do not require heterogenous Ca²⁺ stores. IP₃Rs respond incrementally to IP₃ and close after the initial response to low IP₃ concentrations. Comparing functional responses with IP₃ binding shows that only a tiny fraction of a cell's IP₃Rs mediate incremental Ca²⁺ release; inactivation does not therefore affect most IP₃Rs. We conclude, and test by simulations, that Ca²⁺ signals evoked by IP₃ pulses arise from rapid activation and then inactivation of very few IP₃Rs. This allows IP₃Rs to behave as increment detectors mediating graded Ca²⁺ release.

Chromaffin Cells of the Adrenal Medulla: Physiology, Pharmacology, and Disease

Chromaffin cells (CCs) of the adrenal gland and the sympathetic nervous system produce the catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine; EPI and NE) needed to coordinate the bodily "fight-or-flight" response to fear, stress, exercise, or conflict. EPI and NE release from CCs is regulated both neurogenically by splanchnic nerve fibers and nonneurogenically by hormones (histamine, corticosteroids, angiotensin, and others) and paracrine messengers [EPI, NE, adenosine triphosphate, opioids, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), etc.]. The "stimulus-secretion" coupling of CCs is a Ca2+ -dependent process regulated by Ca2+ entry through voltage-gated Ca2+ channels, Ca2+ pumps, and exchangers and intracellular organelles (RE and mitochondria) and diffusible buffers that provide both Ca2+ -homeostasis and Ca2+ -signaling that ultimately trigger exocytosis. CCs also express Na+ and K+ channels and ionotropic (nAChR and GABAA ) and metabotropic receptors (mACh, PACAP, β-AR, 5-HT, histamine, angiotensin, and others) that make CCs excitable and responsive to autocrine and paracrine stimuli. To maintain high rates of E/NE secretion during stressful conditions, CCs possess a large number of secretory chromaffin granules (CGs) and members of the soluble NSF-attachment receptor complex protein family that allow docking, fusion, and exocytosis of CGs at the cell membrane, and their recycling. This article attempts to provide an updated account of well-established features of the molecular processes regulating CC function, and a survey of the as-yet-unsolved but important questions relating to CC function and dysfunction that have been the subject of intense research over the past 15 years. Examples of CCs as a model system to understand the molecular mechanisms associated with neurodegenerative diseases are also provided. Published 2019. Compr Physiol 9:1443-1502, 2019.

Effects of exercise training on excitation-contraction coupling, calcium dynamics and protein expression in the heart of the Neotropical fish Brycon amazonicus

Matrinxã (Brycon amazonicus) is a great swimming performance teleost fish from the Amazon basin. However, the possible cardiac adaptations of this ability are still unknown. Therefore, the aim of the present work was to investigate the effects of prolonged exercise (EX group - 60days under 0.4BL·s^-1) on ventricular contractility by (i) in-vitro analysis of contractility comparing the relative roles of sodium/calcium exchanger (NCX) and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) in the excitation-contraction (E-C) coupling and (ii) molecular analysis of NCX, sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ ATPase (SERCA2) and phospholamban (PLB) expression and quantification. The exercise training significantly improved twitch tension, cardiac pumping capacity and the contraction rate when compared to controls (CT). Inhibition of the NCX function, replacing Na⁺ by Li⁺ in the physiological solutions, diminished cardiac contractility in the EX group, reduced all analyzed parameters under both high and low stimulation frequencies. The SR blockage, using 10μM ryanodine, caused ~50% tension reduction in CT at most analyzed frequencies while in EX, reductions (34-54%) were only found at higher frequencies. SR inhibition also decreased contraction and relaxation rates in both groups. Additionally, higher post-rest contraction values were recorded for EX, indicating an increase in SR Ca²⁺ loading. Higher NCX and PLB expression rates and lower SERCA2 rates were found in EX. Our data indicate that matrinxã presents a modulation in E-C coupling after exercise-training, enhancing the SR function under higher frequencies. This was the first study to functionally analyze the effects of swimming-induced exercise on fish cardiac E-C coupling.

Alternagin-C (ALT-C), a disintegrin-like protein from Rhinocerophis alternatus snake venom promotes positive inotropism and chronotropism in fish heart

Alternagin-C (ALT-C) is a disintegrin-like protein purified from the venom of the snake, Rhinocerophis alternatus. Recent studies showed that ALT-C is able to induce vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression, endothelial cell proliferation and migration, angiogenesis and to increase myoblast viability. This peptide, therefore, can play a crucial role in tissue regeneration mechanisms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a single dose of alternagin-C (0.5 mg kg(-1), via intra-arterial) on in vitro cardiac function of the freshwater fish traíra, Hoplias malabaricus, after 7 days. ALT-C treatment increased the cardiac performance promoting: 1) significant increases in the contraction force and in the rates of contraction and relaxation with concomitant decreases in the values of time to the peak tension and time to half- and 90% relaxation; 2) improvement in the cardiac pumping capacity and maximal electrical stimulation frequency, shifting the optimum frequency curve upward and to the right; 3) increases in myocardial VEGF levels and expression of key Ca(2+)-cycling proteins such as SERCA (sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase), PLB (phospholamban), and NCX (Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger); 4) abolishment of the typical negative force-frequency relationship of fish myocardium. In conclusion, this study indicates that ALT-C improves cardiac function, by increasing Ca(2+) handling efficiency leading to a positive inotropism and chronotropism. The results suggest that ALT-C may lead to better cardiac output regulation indicating its potential application in therapies for cardiac contractile dysfunction.

Mouse models of sepsis elicit spontaneous action potential discharge and enhance intracellular Ca2+ signaling in postganglionic sympathetic neurons

Sepsis is a severe systemic inflammatory disorder that rapidly activates the sympathetic nervous system to enhance catecholamine secretion from postganglionic sympathetic neurons and adrenal chromaffin cells. Although an increase in preganglionic drive to postganglionic sympathetic tissues has been known to contribute to this response for quite some time, only recently was it determined that sepsis also has direct effects on adrenal chromaffin cell Ca2+ signaling and epinephrine release. In the present study, we characterized the direct effects of sepsis on postganglionic sympathetic neuron function. Using the endotoxemia model of sepsis in mice, we found that almost a quarter of postganglionic neurons acquired the ability to fire spontaneous action potentials, which was absent in cells from control mice. Spontaneously firing neurons possessed significantly lower rheobases and fired a greater number of action potentials at twice the rheobase compared to neurons from control mice. Sepsis did not significantly affect voltage-gated Ca2+ currents. However, global Ca2+ signaling was enhanced in postganglionic neurons isolated from 1 to 24 h endotoxemic mice. A similar increase in the amplitude of high-K+-stimulated Ca2+ transients was observed during the cecal ligation and puncture model of sepsis. The enhanced excitability and Ca2+ signaling produced during sepsis likely amplify the effect of increased preganglionic drive on norepinephrine release from postganglionic neurons. This is important, as sympathetic neurons are integral to the anti-inflammatory autonomic reflex that is activated during sepsis.

Kinetics of neurotransmitter release in neuromuscular synapses of newborn and adult rats

The kinetics of the phasic synchronous and delayed asynchronous release of acetylcholine quanta was studied at the neuromuscular junctions of aging rats from infant to mature animals at various frequencies of rhythmic stimulation of the motor nerve. We found that in infants 6 (P6) and 10 (P10) days after birth a strongly asynchronous phase of quantal release was observed, along with a reduced number of quanta compared to the synapses of adults. The rise time and decay of uni-quantal end-plate currents were significantly longer in infant synapses. The presynaptic immunostaining revealed that the area of the synapses in infants was significantly (up to six times) smaller than in mature junctions. The intensity of delayed asynchronous release in infants increased with the frequency of stimulation more than in adults. A blockade of the ryanodine receptors, which can contribute to the formation of delayed asynchronous release, had no effect on the kinetics of delayed secretion in the infants unlike synapses of adults. Therefore, high degree of asynchrony of quantal release in infants is not associated with the activity of ryanodine receptors and with the liberation of calcium ions from intracellular calcium stores.

Endotoxemia enhances catecholamine secretion from male mouse adrenal chromaffin cells through an increase in Ca(2+) release from the endoplasmic reticulum

Enhanced epinephrine secretion from adrenal chromaffin cells (ACCs) is an important homeostatic response to severe systemic inflammation during sepsis. Evidence suggests that increased activation of ACCs by preganglionic sympathetic neurons and direct alterations in ACC function contribute to this response. However, the direct effects of sepsis on ACC function have yet to be characterized. We hypothesized that sepsis enhances epinephrine secretion from ACCs by increasing intracellular Ca(2+) signaling. Plasma epinephrine concentration was increased 5-fold in the lipopolysaccharide-induced endotoxemia model of sepsis compared with saline-treated control mice. Endotoxemia significantly enhanced stimulus-evoked epinephrine secretion from isolated ACCs in vitro. Carbon fiber amperometry revealed an increase in the number of secretory events during endotoxemia, without significant changes in spike amplitude, half-width, or quantal content. ACCs isolated up to 12 hours after the induction of endotoxemia exhibited larger stimulus-evoked Ca(2+) transients compared with controls. Similarly, ACCs from cecal ligation and puncture mice also exhibited enhanced Ca(2+) signaling. Although sepsis did not significantly affect ACC excitability or voltage-gated Ca(2+) currents, a 2-fold increase in caffeine (10 mM)-stimulated Ca(2+) transients was observed during endotoxemia. Depletion of endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) stores using cyclopiazonic acid (10 μM) abolished the effects of endotoxemia on catecholamine secretion from ACCs. These findings suggest that sepsis directly enhances catecholamine secretion from ACCs through an increase in Ca(2+) release from the endoplasmic reticulum. These alterations in ACC function are likely to amplify the effects of increased preganglionic sympathetic neuron activity to further enhance epinephrine levels during sepsis.

Orais and STIMs: physiological mechanisms and disease

The stromal interaction molecules STIM1 and STIM2 are Ca²⁺ sensors, mostly located in the endoplasmic reticulum, that detect changes in the intraluminal Ca²⁺ concentration and communicate this information to plasma membrane store-operated channels, including members of the Orai family, thus mediating store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE). Orai and STIM proteins are almost ubiquitously expressed in human cells, where SOCE has been reported to play a relevant functional role. The phenotype of patients bearing mutations in STIM and Orai proteins, together with models of STIM or Orai deficiency in mice, as well as other organisms such as Drosophila melanogaster, have provided compelling evidence on the relevant role of these proteins in cellular physiology and pathology. Orai1-deficient patients suffer from severe immunodeficiency, congenital myopathy, chronic pulmonary disease, anhydrotic ectodermal dysplasia and defective dental enamel calcification. STIM1-deficient patients showed similar abnormalities, as well as autoimmune disorders. This review summarizes the current evidence that identifies and explains diseases induced by disturbances in SOCE due to deficiencies or mutations in Orai and STIM proteins.

Intracellular organelles in the saga of Ca2+ homeostasis: different molecules for different purposes?

An increase in the concentration of cytosolic free Ca(2+) is a key component regulating different cellular processes ranging from egg fertilization, active secretion and movement, to cell differentiation and death. The multitude of phenomena modulated by Ca(2+), however, do not simply rely on increases/decreases in its concentration, but also on specific timing, shape and sub-cellular localization of its signals that, combined together, provide a huge versatility in Ca(2+) signaling. Intracellular organelles and their Ca(2+) handling machineries exert key roles in this complex and precise mechanism, and this review will try to depict a map of Ca(2+) routes inside cells, highlighting the uniqueness of the different Ca(2+) toolkit components and the complexity of the interactions between them.

cGMP reduces the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ loading in airway smooth muscle cells: a putative mechanism in the regulation of Ca2+ by cGMP

Ca(2+) and cGMP have opposite roles in many physiological processes likely due to a complex negative feedback regulation between them. Examples of opposite functions induced by Ca(2+) and cGMP are smooth muscle contraction and relaxation, respectively. A main Ca(2+) storage involved in contraction is sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR); nevertheless, the role of cGMP in the regulation of SR-Ca(2+) has not been completely understood. To evaluate this role, intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]i) was determinated by a ratiometric method in isolated myocytes from bovine trachea incubated with Fura-2/AM. The release of Ca(2+) from SR induced by caffeine was transient, whereas caffeine withdrawal was followed by a [Ca(2+)]i undershoot. Caffeine-induced Ca(2+) transient peak and [Ca(2+)]i undershoot after caffeine were reproducible in the same cell. Dibutyryl cGMP (db-cGMP) blocked the [Ca(2+)]i undershoot and reduced the subsequent caffeine peak (SR-Ca(2+) loading). Both, the opening of SR channels with ryanodine (10 μM) and the blockade of SR-Ca(2+) ATPase with cyclopiazonic acid inhibited the [Ca(2+)]i undershoot as well as the SR-Ca(2+) loading. The addition of db-cGMP to ryanodine (10 μM) incubated cells partially restored the SR-Ca(2+) loading. Cyclic GMP enhanced [Ca(2+)]i undershoot induced by the blockade of ryanodine channels with 50 μM ryanodine. In conclusion, the reduction of SR-Ca(2+) content in airway smooth muscle induced by cGMP can be explained by the combination of SR-Ca(2+) loading and the simultaneous release of SR-Ca(2+). The reduction of SR-Ca(2+) content induced by cGMP might be a putative mechanism limiting releasable Ca(2+) in response to a particular stimulus.

Caffeine induces Ca2+ release by reducing the threshold for luminal Ca2+ activation of the ryanodine receptor

Caffeine has long been used as a pharmacological probe for studying RyR (ryanodine receptor)-mediated Ca(2+) release and cardiac arrhythmias. However, the precise mechanism by which caffeine activates RyRs is elusive. In the present study, we investigated the effects of caffeine on spontaneous Ca(2+) release and on the response of single RyR2 (cardiac RyR) channels to luminal or cytosolic Ca(2+). We found that HEK-293 cells (human embryonic kidney cells) expressing RyR2 displayed partial or 'quantal' Ca(2+) release in response to repetitive additions of submaximal concentrations of caffeine. This quantal Ca(2+) release was abolished by ryanodine. Monitoring of endoplasmic reticulum luminal Ca(2+) revealed that caffeine reduced the luminal Ca(2+) threshold at which spontaneous Ca(2+) release occurs. Interestingly, spontaneous Ca(2+) release in the form of Ca(2+) oscillations persisted in the presence of 10 mM caffeine, and was diminished by ryanodine, demonstrating that unlike ryanodine, caffeine, even at high concentrations, does not hold the channel open. At the single-channel level, caffeine markedly reduced the threshold for luminal Ca(2+) activation, but had little effect on the threshold for cytosolic Ca(2+) activation, indicating that the major action of caffeine is to reduce the luminal, but not the cytosolic, Ca(2+) activation threshold. Furthermore, as with caffeine, the clinically relevant, pro-arrhythmic methylxanthines aminophylline and theophylline potentiated luminal Ca(2+) activation of RyR2, and increased the propensity for spontaneous Ca(2+) release, mimicking the effects of disease-linked RyR2 mutations. Collectively, our results demonstrate that caffeine triggers Ca(2+) release by reducing the threshold for luminal Ca(2+) activation of RyR2, and suggest that disease-linked RyR2 mutations and RyR2-interacting pro-arrhythmic agents may share the same arrhythmogenic mechanism.

A single luminally continuous sarcoplasmic reticulum with apparently separate Ca2+ stores in smooth muscle

Whether or not the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) is a continuous, interconnected network surrounding a single lumen or comprises multiple, separate Ca2+ pools was investigated in voltage-clamped single smooth muscle cells using local photolysis of caged compounds and Ca2+ imaging. The entire SR could be depleted or refilled from one small site via either inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP3R) or ryanodine receptors (RyR) suggesting the SR is luminally continuous and that Ca2+ may diffuse freely throughout. Notwithstanding, regulation of the opening of RyR and IP3R, by the [Ca2+] within the SR, may create several apparent SR elements with various receptor arrangements. IP3R and RyR may appear to exist entirely on a single store, and there may seem to be additional SR elements that express either only RyR or only IP3R. The various SR receptor arrangements and apparently separate Ca2+ storage elements exist in a single luminally continuous SR entity.

‘Quantal’ Ca2+release reassessed - a clue to oscillation and synchronization

Ca(2+) release from intracellular Ca(2+) stores, a pivotal event in Ca(2+) signaling, is a 'quantal' process; it terminates after a rapid release of a fraction of stored Ca(2+). To explain the 'quantal' nature, 'all-or-none' model and 'steady-state' model were proposed. This article shortly reviews these hypotheses and considers a recently proposed mechanism, 'luminal potential' model, in which the membrane potential of Ca(2+) store regulates Ca(2+) efflux. By reassessing the 'quantal' nature, other important features of Ca(2+) signaling, oscillation and synchronization, are highlighted. The mechanism for 'quantal' Ca(2+) release may underlie the temporal and spatial control of Ca(2+) signaling.

Voltage- and Ca2+-activated potassium channels in Ca2+ store control Ca2+ release

Ca2+ release from Ca2+ stores is a 'quantal' process; it terminates after a rapid release of stored Ca2+. To explain the quantal nature, it has been supposed that a decrease in luminal Ca2+ acts as a 'brake' on store release. However, the mechanism for the attenuation of Ca2+ efflux remains unknown. We show that Ca2+ release is controlled by voltage- and Ca2+-activated potassium channels in the Ca2+ store. The potassium channel was identified as the big or maxi-K (BK)-type, and was activated by positive shifts in luminal potential and luminal Ca2+ increases, as revealed by patch-clamp recordings from an exposed nuclear envelope. The blockage or closure of the store BK channel due to Ca2+ efflux developed lumen-negative potentials, as revealed with an organelle-specific voltage-sensitive dye [DiOC5(3); 3,3'-dipentyloxacarbocyanine iodide], and suppressed Ca2+ release. The store BK channels are reactivated by Ca2+ uptake by Ca2+ pumps regeneratively with K+ entry to allow repetitive Ca2+ release. Indeed, the luminal potential oscillated bistably by approximately 45 mV in amplitude. Our study suggests that Ca2+ efflux-induced store BK channel closures attenuate Ca2+ release with decreases in counter-influx of K+.

Microdomains of intracellular Ca2+: molecular determinants and functional consequences

Calcium ions are ubiquitous and versatile signaling molecules, capable of decoding a variety of extracellular stimuli (hormones, neurotransmitters, growth factors, etc.) into markedly different intracellular actions, ranging from contraction to secretion, from proliferation to cell death. The key to this pleiotropic role is the complex spatiotemporal organization of the [Ca(2+)] rise evoked by extracellular agonists, which allows selected effectors to be recruited and specific actions to be initiated. In this review, we discuss the structural and functional bases that generate the subcellular heterogeneity in cellular Ca(2+) levels at rest and under stimulation. This complex choreography requires the concerted action of many different players; the central role is, of course, that of the calcium ion, with the main supporting characters being all the entities responsible for moving Ca(2+) between different compartments, while the cellular architecture provides a determining framework within which all the players have their exits and their entrances. In particular, we concentrate on the molecular mechanisms that lead to the generation of cytoplasmic Ca(2+) microdomains, focusing on their different subcellular location, mechanism of generation, and functional role.

Biophysical re-equilibration of Ca2+ fluxes as a simple biologically plausible explanation for complex intracellular Ca2+ release patterns

Physiological regulation of Ca(2+) release from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is critical for cell function. Recent direct measurements of free [Ca(2+)] inside the ER ([Ca(2+)](ER)) revealed that [Ca(2+)](ER) itself is a key regulator of ER Ca(2+) handling. However, the role of this new regulatory process in generating various patterns of Ca(2+) release remains to be elucidated in detail. Here, we incorporate the recently quantified experimental correlations between [Ca(2+)](ER) and Ca(2+) movements across the ER membrane into a mathematical model ER Ca(2+) handling. The model reproduces basic experimental dynamics of [Ca(2+)](ER). Although this was not goal in model design, the model also exhibits mechanistically unclear experimental phenomena such as "quantal" Ca(2+) release, and "store charging" by increasing resting cytosolic [Ca(2+)]. While more complex explanations cannot be ruled out, on the basis of our data we propose that "quantal release" and "store charging" could be simple re-equilibration phenomena, predicted by the recently quantified biophysical dynamics of Ca(2+) movements across the ER membrane.

Release and sequestration of Ca2+ by a caffeine- and ryanodine-sensitive store in a sub-population of human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells

We have used single cell fluorescence imaging techniques to examine the role that ryanodine receptors play in the stimulus-induced Ca(2+) responses of SH-SY5Y cells. The muscarinic agonist methacholine (1mM) resulted in a Ca(2+) signal in 95% of all cells. Caffeine (30 mM) however stimulated a Ca(2+) signal in only 1-7% of N-type (neuroblastic) cells within any given field. The caffeine response was independent of extracellular Ca(2+), regenerative in nature, and abolished in a use-dependent fashion by ryanodine. In caffeine-responsive cells, the magnitude of the methacholine-induced Ca(2+) signal was inhibited by 75.07 +/- 5.51% by pretreatment with caffeine and ryanodine, suggesting that the caffeine-sensitive store may act as a Ca(2+) source after muscarinic stimulation. When these data were combined with equivalent data from non-caffeine-responsive cells, the degree of apparent inhibition was significantly reduced. In contrast, after store depletion by caffeine, the Ca(2+) signal induced by 55 mM K(+) was potentiated 2.5-fold in the presence of ryanodine, suggesting that the store may act a Ca(2+) sink after depolarisation. We conclude that a caffeine- and ryanodine-sensitive store can act as a Ca(2+) source and sink in SH-SY5Y cells, and that effects of the store can become obscured if data from caffeine-insensitive cells are not excluded.

Origin and Mechanisms of Ca2+ Waves in Smooth Muscle as Revealed by Localized Photolysis of Caged Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate

The cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](c)) controls diverse cellular events via various Ca(2+) signaling patterns; the latter are influenced by the method of cell activation. Here, in single-voltage clamped smooth muscle cells, sarcolemma depolarization generated uniform increases in [Ca(2+)](c) throughout the cell entirely by Ca(2+) influx. On the other hand, the Ca(2+) signal produced by InsP(3)-generating agonists was a propagated wave. Using localized uncaged InsP(3), the forward movement of the Ca(2+) wave arose from Ca(2+)-induced Ca(2+) release at the InsP(3) receptor (InsP(3)R) without ryanodine receptor involvement. The decline in [Ca(2+)](c) (the back of the wave) occurred from a functional compartmentalization of the store, which rendered the site of InsP(3)-mediated Ca(2+) release, and only this site, refractory to the phosphoinositide. The functional compartmentalization arose by a localized feedback deactivation of InsP(3) receptors produced by an increased [Ca(2+)](c) rather than a reduced luminal [Ca(2+)] or an increased cytoplasmic [InsP(3)]. The deactivation of the InsP(3) receptor was delayed in onset, compared with the time of the rise in [Ca(2+)](c), persisted (>30 s) even when [Ca(2+)](c) had regained resting levels, and was not prevented by kinase or phosphatase inhibitors. Thus different forms of cell activation generate distinct Ca(2+) signaling patterns in smooth muscle. Sarcolemma Ca(2+) entry increases [Ca(2+)](c) uniformly; agonists activate InsP(3)R and produce Ca(2+) waves. Waves progress by Ca(2+)-induced Ca(2+) release at InsP(3)R, and persistent Ca(2+)-dependent inhibition of InsP(3)R accounts for the decline in [Ca(2+)](c) at the back of the wave.

Presence and functional significance of presynaptic ryanodine receptors

Ca(2+)-induced Ca(2+) release (CICR) mediated by sarcoplasmic reticulum resident ryanodine receptors (RyRs) has been well described in cardiac, skeletal and smooth muscle. In brain, RyRs are localised primarily to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and have been demonstrated in postsynaptic entities, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes where they regulate intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)), membrane potential and the activity of a variety of second messenger systems. Recently, the contribution of presynaptic RyRs and CICR to functions of central and peripheral presynaptic terminals, including neurotransmitter release, has received increased attention. However, there is no general agreement that RyRs are localised to presynaptic terminals, nor is it clear that RyRs regulate a large enough pool of intracellular Ca(2+) to be physiologically significant. Here, we review direct and indirect evidence that on balance favours the notion that ER and RyRs are found in presynaptic terminals and are physiologically significant. In so doing, it became obvious that some of the controversy originates from issues related to (i) the ability to demonstrate conclusively the physical presence of ER and RyRs, (ii) whether the biophysical properties of RyRs are such that they can contribute physiologically to regulation of presynaptic [Ca(2+)](i), (iii) how ER Ca(2+) load and feedback gain of CICR contributes to the ability to detect functionally relevant RyRs, (iv) the distance that Ca(2+) diffuses from plasma membranes to RyRs to trigger CICR and from RyRs to the Active Zone to enhance vesicle release, and (v) the experimental conditions used. The recognition that ER Ca(2+) stores are able to modulate local Ca(2+) levels and neurotransmitter release in presynaptic terminals will aid in the understanding of the cellular mechanisms controlling neuronal function.

Modulation of secretion by the endoplasmic reticulum in mouse chromaffin cells

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) has been suggested to modulate secretion either behaving as a Ca2+ sink or as a Ca2+ source in neuronal cells. Working as a Ca2+ sink, through ER-Ca2+ pumping, it may reduce secretion induced by different stimuli. Instead, working as a Ca2+ source through the Ca2+ induced Ca2+ release (CICR) phenomenon, it may potentiate secretion triggered by activation of plasma membrane Ca2+ channels. We have previously demonstrated the presence of CICR in bovine chromaffin cells, but we now find that mouse chromaffin cells almost lack functional caffeine-sensitive ryanodine receptors in the ER and, consistently, no CICR from the ER could be observed. In addition, inhibition of ER Ca2+ pumping with ciclopiazonic acid or thapsigargin strongly stimulated high-K+-evoked catecholamine secretion and cytosolic [Ca2+] ([Ca2+]c) transients. Surprisingly, 5 mm caffeine reduced high-K+-induced [Ca2+]c peaks but considerably potentiated secretion induced by high-K+ stimulation. However, this potentiation was insensitive to ryanodine and additive to that induced by emptying the ER of Ca2+ with thapsigargin, suggesting that it is unrelated to the activation of ryanodine receptors. We conclude that, in mouse chromaffin cells, CICR is not functional and the ER strongly inhibits secretion by acting as a damper of the [Ca2+]c signal.

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.

Origin sites of calcium release and calcium oscillations in frog sympathetic neurons

In many neurons, Ca(2+) signaling depends on efflux of Ca(2+) from intracellular stores into the cytoplasm via caffeine-sensitive ryanodine receptors (RyRs) of the endoplasmic reticulum. We have used high-speed confocal microscopy to image depolarization- and caffeine-evoked increases in cytoplasmic Ca(2+) levels in individual cultured frog sympathetic neurons. Although caffeine-evoked Ca(2+) wave fronts propagated throughout the cell, in most cells the initial Ca(2+) release was from one or more discrete sites that were several micrometers wide and located at the cell edge, even in Ca(2+)-free external solution. During cell-wide cytoplasmic [Ca(2+)] oscillations triggered by continual caffeine application, the initial Ca(2+) release that began each Ca(2+) peak was from the same subcellular site or sites. The Ca(2+) wave fronts propagated with constant amplitude; the spread was mostly via calcium-induced calcium release. Propagation was faster around the cell periphery than radially inward. Local Ca(2+) levels within the cell body could increase or decrease independently of neighboring regions, suggesting independent action of spatially separate Ca(2+) stores. Confocal imaging of fluorescent analogs of ryanodine and thapsigargin, and of MitoTracker, showed potential structural correlates to the patterns of Ca(2+) release and propagation. High densities of RyRs were found in a ring around the cell periphery, mitochondria in a broader ring just inside the RyRs, and sarco-endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) ATPase pumps in hot spots at the cell edge. Discrete sites at the cell edge primed to release Ca(2+) from intracellular stores might preferentially convert Ca(2+) influx through a local area of plasma membrane into a cell-wide Ca(2+) increase.

Origin sites of calcium release and calcium oscillations in frog sympathetic neurons

In many neurons, Ca(2+) signaling depends on efflux of Ca(2+) from intracellular stores into the cytoplasm via caffeine-sensitive ryanodine receptors (RyRs) of the endoplasmic reticulum. We have used high-speed confocal microscopy to image depolarization- and caffeine-evoked increases in cytoplasmic Ca(2+) levels in individual cultured frog sympathetic neurons. Although caffeine-evoked Ca(2+) wave fronts propagated throughout the cell, in most cells the initial Ca(2+) release was from one or more discrete sites that were several micrometers wide and located at the cell edge, even in Ca(2+)-free external solution. During cell-wide cytoplasmic [Ca(2+)] oscillations triggered by continual caffeine application, the initial Ca(2+) release that began each Ca(2+) peak was from the same subcellular site or sites. The Ca(2+) wave fronts propagated with constant amplitude; the spread was mostly via calcium-induced calcium release. Propagation was faster around the cell periphery than radially inward. Local Ca(2+) levels within the cell body could increase or decrease independently of neighboring regions, suggesting independent action of spatially separate Ca(2+) stores. Confocal imaging of fluorescent analogs of ryanodine and thapsigargin, and of MitoTracker, showed potential structural correlates to the patterns of Ca(2+) release and propagation. High densities of RyRs were found in a ring around the cell periphery, mitochondria in a broader ring just inside the RyRs, and sarco-endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) ATPase pumps in hot spots at the cell edge. Discrete sites at the cell edge primed to release Ca(2+) from intracellular stores might preferentially convert Ca(2+) influx through a local area of plasma membrane into a cell-wide Ca(2+) increase.

Phasic characteristic of elementary Ca(2+) release sites underlies quantal responses to IP(3)

Ca(2+) liberation by inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP(3)) is 'quantal', in that low [IP(3)] causes only partial Ca(2+) release, but further increasing [IP(3)] evokes more release. This characteristic allows cells to generate graded Ca(2+) signals, but is unexpected, given the regenerative nature of Ca(2+)-induced Ca(2+) release through IP(3) receptors. Two models have been proposed to resolve this paradox: (i) all-or-none Ca(2+) release from heterogeneous stores that empty at varying [IP(3)]; and (ii) phasic liberation from homogeneously sensitive stores. To discriminate between these hypotheses, we imaged subcellular Ca(2+) puffs evoked by IP(3) in Xenopus oocytes where release sites were functionally uncoupled using EGTA. Puffs were little changed by 300 microM intracellular EGTA, but sites operated autonomously and did not propagate waves. Photoreleased IP(3) generated flurries of puffs-different to the prolonged Ca(2+) elevation following waves in control cells-and individual sites responded repeatedly to successive increments of [IP(3)]. These data support the second hypothesis while refuting the first, and suggest that local Ca(2+) signals exhibit rapid adaptation, different to the slower inhibition following global Ca(2+) waves.

Regulation of ryanodine receptor opening by lumenal Ca(2+) underlies quantal Ca(2+) release in PC12 cells

Graded or "quantal" Ca(2+) release from intracellular stores has been observed in various cell types following activation of either ryanodine receptors (RyR) or inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (InsP(3)R). The mechanism causing the release of Ca(2+) stores in direct proportion to the strength of stimulation is unresolved. We investigated the properties of quantal Ca(2+) release evoked by activation of RyR in PC12 cells, and in particular whether the sensitivity of RyR to the agonist caffeine was altered by lumenal Ca(2+). Quantal Ca(2+) release was observed in cells stimulated with 1 to 40 mM caffeine, a range of caffeine concentrations giving a >10-fold change in lumenal Ca(2+) content. The Ca(2+) load of the caffeine-sensitive stores was modulated by allowing them to refill for varying times after complete discharge with maximal caffeine, or by depolarizing the cells with K(+) to enhance their normal steady-state loading. The threshold for RyR activation was sensitized approximately 10-fold as the Ca(2+) load increased from a minimal to a maximal loading. In addition, the fraction of Ca(2+) released by low caffeine concentrations increased. Our data suggest that RyR are sensitive to lumenal Ca(2+) over the full range of Ca(2+) loads that can be achieved in an intact PC12 cell, and that changes in RyR sensitivity may be responsible for the termination of Ca(2+) release underlying the quantal effect.

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.

A steep dependence of inward-rectifying potassium channels on cytosolic free calcium concentration increase evoked by hyperpolarization in guard cells

Inactivation of inward-rectifying K+ channels (IK,in) by a rise in cytosolic free [Ca2+] ([Ca2+]i) is a key event leading to solute loss from guard cells and stomatal closure. However, [Ca2+]i action on IK,in has never been quantified, nor are its origins well understood. We used membrane voltage to manipulate [Ca2+]i (A. Grabov and M.R. Blatt [1998] Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 95: 4778-4783) while recording IK,in under a voltage clamp and [Ca2+]i by Fura-2 fluorescence ratiophotometry. IK,in inactivation correlated positively with [Ca2+]i and indicated a Ki of 329 +/- 31 nM with cooperative binding of four Ca2+ ions per channel. IK,in was promoted by the Ca2+ channel antagonists Gd3+ and calcicludine, both of which suppressed the [Ca2+]i rise, but the [Ca2+]i rise was unaffected by the K+ channel blocker Cs+. We also found that ryanodine, an antagonist of intracellular Ca2+ channels that mediate Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release, blocked the [Ca2+]i rise, and Mn2+ quenching of Fura-2 fluorescence showed that membrane hyperpolarization triggered divalent release from intracellular stores. These and additional results point to a high signal gain in [Ca2+]i control of IK,in and to roles for discrete Ca2+ flux pathways in feedback control of the K+ channels by membrane voltage.

Characterization of elementary Ca2+ release signals in NGF-differentiated PC12 cells and hippocampal neurons

Elementary Ca2+ release signals in nerve growth factor- (NGF-) differentiated PC12 cells and hippocampal neurons, functionally analogous to the "Ca2+ sparks" and "Ca2+ puffs" identified in other cell types, were characterized by confocal microscopy. They either occurred spontaneously or could be activated by caffeine and metabotropic agonists. The release events were dissimilar to the sparks and puffs described so far, as many arose from clusters of both ryanodine receptors (RyRs) and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (InsP3Rs). Increasing either the stimulus strength or loading of the intracellular stores enhanced the frequency of and coupling between elementary release sites and evoked global Ca2+ signals. In the PC12 cells, the elementary Ca2+ release preferentially occurred around the branch points. Spatio-temporal recruitment of such elementary release events may regulate neuronal activities.

Differential modulation of the phases of a Ca2+ spike by the store Ca2+-ATPase in human umbilical vein endothelial cells

1. Histamine-stimulated cytosolic free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) oscillations in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) comprise repetitive spikes generated by pulsatile release from stores. We have investigated the roles of the store Ca2+-ATPases in regulating both the upstroke and downstroke of a Ca2+ spike. 2. The sarco-endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) inhibitor cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) dramatically affected oscillations whereas inhibition of the plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase (PMCA) with La3+ had little effect. This and other evidence suggested that the downstroke of a spike is predominantly mediated by SERCA. 3. Artificial [Ca2+]i spiking generated by repetitive pulsatile application of 0.3 microM histamine in Ca2+-free medium did not cause net loss of Ca2+ from the cell whereas repetitive pulsatile application of 1 and 10 microM histamine did, with the higher concentration being more effective. We conclude that there is an inverse relationship between stimulus intensity and relative SERCA activity. 4. For a Ca2+ transient, the initiation of release was suppressed by SERCA during either the lag phase or the interspike period (ISP) since: (i) the ISP was shortened by low CPA concentrations, (ii) higher concentrations of CPA stimulated an explosive Ca2+ release when applied during the ISP but not when applied in the absence of agonist, and (iii) CPA synchronized the initial Ca2+ response to a low histamine dose (even recruiting silent, histamine-unresponsive cells). 5. Two aspects of the regenerative upstroke of a spike were differently affected by SERCA inhibition: Ca2+ wave velocity was entirely unaffected by CPA whereas the local rate of rise was increased. 6. The [Ca2+]i at which a Ca2+ spike terminated depended on SERCA since CPA dose dependently enhanced the peak [Ca2+]i. 7. We conclude that SERCA plays a powerful and dynamic role in regulating [Ca2+]i oscillations in HUVECs. SERCA differentially modulates the phases of Ca2+ release in addition to bringing about the falling phase of a Ca2+ spike.

Ca2+ entry into PC12 cells initiated by ryanodine receptors or inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors

Capacitative Ca2+ entry (CCE) is a universal mechanism for refilling intracellular Ca2+ stores in electrically non-excitable cells. The situation in excitable cells is less clear, however, since they may rely on other entry mechanisms for Ca2+-store refilling. In the present study we investigated CCE in intact PC12 cells, using acetylcholine to bring about activation of InsP3 receptors (InsP3Rs), caffeine to activate ryanodine receptors (RyRs) and thapsigargin to inhibit sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase pumps. We found that depletion of the InsP3-, caffeine- or thapsigargin-sensitive stores promoted Ca2+ entry, suggesting that stimulation of either InsP3Rs or RyRs can activate CCE. The CCE pathways activated by InsP3Rs, RyRs and thapsigargin appeared to be independent at least in part, since their effects were found to be additive. However, CCE triggered by caffeine, acetylcholine or thapsigargin progressively diminished with time. The decay of CCE caused by one agent also inhibited subsequent responses to the others, suggesting that some component of the CCE pathway is common to all intracellular Ca2+ stores. The magnitude of CCE stimulated by InsP3Rs or RyRs was related to the size of the stores; the InsP3-sensitive store was smaller than the RyR-sensitive store and triggered a smaller entry component. However, both stores filled with a similar half time (about 1 min), and both could be filled more rapidly by depolarization-induced Ca2+ entry through voltage-operated channels. A significant basal Ca2+ influx was apparent in PC12 cells. The basal entry component may be under the control of the InsP3-sensitive Ca2+ store, since short incubations in Ca2+-free medium depleted this store.

Kinetic basis of quantal calcium release from intracellular calcium stores

The kinetics of Ca2+ release from canine cerebellum and rabbit skeletal muscle microsomes, mediated by the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptor (IRC) and the ryanodine receptor (RyRC), respectively, were analyzed by a model, which considers that Ca2+ release channels undergo spontaneous inactivation. We found that: (i) both the initial rate of release (Vo) and the rate of inactivation (Vi) were saturable functions of the activating ligand concentration (CL); and (ii) the ratio of Vi/Vo, termed the relative tendency for inactivation, decreased with increasing CL. Equilibrium [3H]-IP3 binding studies, on the other hand, revealed the presence of one single class of non-co-operative IP3 sites in cerebellum membranes (Kdeq = 47 nM and Hill coefficient = 1.1). Based on the above Vi-Vo relationship and the IP3-binding data, we propose that quantal Ca2+ release through IRCs might be a result of spontaneous channel inactivation, whose rate is controlled by the ratio of IP3-occupied/free monomers in the tetrameric release channel units. Furthermore, because of the kinetic similarities between the IRC- and RyRC-mediated Ca2+ release processes, as well as between quantal Ca2+ release and channel adaptation, the same mechanism is also proposed to apply to the RyRC-mediated Ca2+ release as well as to constitute the basis of release channel adaptation.

Ca2+ feedback on "quantal" Ca2+ release involving ryanodine receptors

The influence of luminal and cytoplasmic Ca2+ on the ability of ryanodine-sensitive stores to undergo multiple partial ("quantal") releases has been assessed. Increased luminal Ca2+ levels do indeed modulate sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release by lowering the threshold agonist concentration required to elicit release, but the decrease in luminal Ca2+ that accompanies a partial release is not sufficient by itself to terminate release. Similarly, an increase in cytoplasmic Ca2+ lowers the threshold agonist concentration required to elicit release; thus, the bulk cytoplasmic Ca2+ levels attained during a release would only stimulate further release, not terminate it before it reached completion. Very high cytoplasmic Ca2+ levels (1-3 mM) also triggered release but were unable to terminate release before reaching completion. Thus, even the high local cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration that might accompany release would also not terminate release. It is concluded that Ca2+ feedback can modulate release through ryanodine receptors but that it does not account for the properties of quantal release. The low affinity inhibitor tetracaine induces a decrease in the extent of release that cannot be explained solely by heterogeneous caffeine sensitivity of the stores. The results are interpreted in terms of a scheme that includes (i) heterogeneous sensitivity of stores, conferred in part by differences in luminal Ca2+ content and (ii) adaptive behavior on the part of individual ryanodine receptors.

Incremental Ca2+ mobilization by inositol trisphosphate receptors is unlikely to be mediated by their desensitization or regulation by luminal or cytosolic Ca2+

The kinetics of Ins(1,4,5)P3 (InsP3)-stimulated Ca2+ release from intracellular stores are unusual in that submaximal concentrations of InsP3 rapidly release only a fraction of the InsP3-sensitive Ca2+ stores. By measuring unidirectional 45Ca2+ efflux from permeabilized rat hepatocytes, we demonstrate that such quantal responses to InsP3 occur at all temperatures between 2 and 37 degrees C, but at much lower rates at the lower temperatures. Preincubation with submaximal concentrations of InsP3, which themselves evoked quantal Ca2+ release, had no effect on the sensitivity of the stores to further additions of InsP3. The final Ca2+ content of the stores was the same whether they were stimulated with two submaximal doses of InsP3 or a single addition of the sum of these doses. Such incremental responses and the persistence of quantal behaviour at 2 degrees C indicate that InsP3-evoked receptor inactivation is unlikely to be the cause of quantal Ca2+ mobilization. Reducing the Ca2+ content of the intracellular stores by up to 45% did not affect their sensitivity to InsP3, but substantially reduced the time taken for each submaximal InsP3 concentration to exert its full effect. These results suggest that neither luminal nor cytosolic Ca2+ regulation of InsP3 receptors are the determinants of quantal behaviour. Our results are not therefore consistent with incremental responses to InsP3 depending on mechanisms involving attenuation of InsP3 receptor function by cytosolic or luminal Ca2+ or by InsP3 binding itself. We conclude that incremental activation of Ca2+ release results from all-or-nothing emptying of stores with heterogeneous sensitivities to InsP3. These characteristics allow rapid graded recruitment of InsP3-sensitive Ca2+ stores as the cytosolic InsP3 concentration increases.

Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release phenomena in mammalian sympathetic neurons are critically dependent on the rate of rise of trigger Ca2+

The role of ryanodine-sensitive intracellular Ca2+ stores present in nonmuscular cells is not yet completely understood. Here we examine the physiological parameters determining the dynamics of caffeine-induced Ca2+ release in individual fura 2-loaded sympathetic neurons. Two ryanodine-sensitive release components were distinguished: an early, transient release (TR) and a delayed, persistent release (PR). The TR components shows refractoriness, depends on the filling status of the store, and requires caffeine concentrations > or = 10 mM. Furthermore, it is selectively suppressed by tetracaine and intracellular BAPTA, which interfere with Ca(2+)-mediated feedback loops, suggesting that it constitutes a Ca(2+)-induced Ca(2+)-release phenomenon. The dynamics of release is markedly affected when Sr2+ substitutes for Ca2+, indicating that Sr2+ release may operate with lower feedback gain than Ca2+ release. Our data indicate that when the initial release occurs at an adequately fast rate, Ca2+ triggers further release, producing a regenerative response, which is interrupted by depletion of releasable Ca2+ and Ca(2+)-dependent inactivation. A compartmentalized linear diffusion model can reproduce caffeine responses: When the Ca2+ reservoir is full, the rapid initial Ca2+ rise determines a faster occupation of the ryanodine receptor Ca2+ activation site giving rise to a regenerative release. With the store only partially loaded, the slower initial Ca2+ rise allows the inactivating site of the release channel to become occupied nearly as quickly as the activating site, thereby suppressing the initial fast release. The PR component is less dependent on the store's Ca2+ content. This study suggests that transmembrane Ca2+ influx in rat sympathetic neurons does not evoke widespread amplification by CICR because of its inability to raise [Ca2+] near the Ca2+ release channels sufficiently fast to overcome their Ca(2+)-dependent inactivation. Conversely, caffeine-induced Ca2+ release can undergo considerable amplification especially when Ca2+ stores are full. We propose that the primary function of ryanodine-sensitive stores in neurons and perhaps in other nonmuscular cells, is to emphasize subcellular Ca2+ gradients resulting from agonist-induced intracellular release. The amplification gain is dependent both on the agonist concentration and on the filling status of intracellular Ca2+ stores.

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.

Adaptive control of intracellular Ca2+ release in C2C12 mouse myotubes

Laser scanning confocal imaging was used to monitor release of Ca2+ from localized regions in a skeletal muscle cell line with sparsely distributed Ca2+ release sites. The goal was to distinguish between two schemes proposed to explain the phenomenon of "quantal" Ca2+ release from caffeine-sensitive Ca2+ stores in muscle and other tissues: (1) all-or-none (true quantal) Ca2+ release from functionally discrete stores that have different sensitivities to caffeine; or (2) adaptive behavior of individual release sites, each responding transiently and repeatedly to incremental caffeine doses. Our results showed that Ca2+ release induced by K+ or caffeine occurs in discrete loci within the cell. The image areas and fluorescence intensities of some of these evoked local signals were similar to those of Ca2+ sparks that were observed under resting conditions and which are believed to be due to spontaneous activation of single release units. In contrast to the expectations imposed by quantal models, incremental doses of caffeine activated the same sets of release sites throughout the cell. Ca2+ release, at a given site, triggered by a submaximal dose of caffeine was transient and could be reactivated by addition of a higher caffeine dose, showing the same type of adaptive behavior as measured globally from larger areas of the cell. These results suggest that incremental Ca2+ release is accounted for by adaptive behavior of individual Ca2+ release sites.

Mechanisms of intracellular calcium regulation in adult astrocytes

Microfluorimetric techniques were used to measure changes in intracellular calcium in astrocytes cultured from the forebrain of the adult rat. Application of ATP consistently raised intracellular calcium. The response persisted in the absence of extracellular calcium, but then quickly declined upon repeated agonist application. Thapsigargin abolished responses to nucleotides following depletion of the endoplasmic reticular calcium stores. Calcium release was inhibited by caffeine, but was dramatically increased through inositol phosphate receptor sensitization by the sulphydryl reagent thimerosal. Responses to repeated nucleotide applications resulted in a gradual decline of peak calcium concentrations, suggesting a (post)receptor-mediated desensitization or gradual depletion of the internal calcium stores. Subsequent application of ionomycin suggested intracellular calcium depletion as the relevant mechanism. Depletion of the internal calcium stores with ATP, ionomycin or thapsigargin failed to reveal a calcium influx pathway. These results suggest that the capacitative mechanism of calcium entry does not operate in response to nucleotide receptor activation in these cells, and that the immediate refilling of the internal calcium stores is primarily determined by re-uptake of cytosolic calcium into the endoplasmic reticulum. A complete refilling of this calcium store by extracellular calcium may be a much slower process. Control of these signal transduction pathways is crucial to the maintenance of the calcium/energy homeostasis of the adult astrocyte in the central nervous system.

The quantal nature of calcium release to caffeine in single smooth muscle cells results from activation of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase

Calcium release from intracellular stores occurs in a graded manner in response to increasing concentrations of either inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate or caffeine. To investigate the mechanism responsible for this quantal release phenomenon, [Ca2+] changes inside intracellular stores in isolated single smooth muscle cells were monitored with mag-fura 2. Following permeabilization with saponin or alpha-toxin the dye, loaded via its acetoxymethyl ester, was predominantly trapped in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). Low caffeine concentrations in the absence of ATP induced only partial Ca2+ release; however, after inhibiting the calcium pump with thapsigargin the same stimulus released twice as much Ca2+. When the SR Ca(2+)-ATPase was rendered non-functional by depleting its "ATP pool," submaximal caffeine doses almost fully emptied the stores of Ca2+. We conclude that quantal release of Ca2+ in response to caffeine in these smooth muscle cells is largely due to the activity of the SR Ca(2+)-ATPase, which appears to return a portion of the released Ca2+ back to the SR, even in the absence of ATP. Apparently the SR Ca(2+)-ATPase is fueled by ATP, which is either compartmentalized or bound to the SR.

Quantal responses to inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate are not a consequence of Ca2+ regulation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors

Submaximal concentrations of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) rapidly release only a fraction of the InsP3-sensitive intracellular Ca2+ stores, despite the ability of further increases in InsP3 concentration to evoke further Ca2+ release. The mechanisms underlying such quantal Ca2+ mobilization are not understood, but have been proposed to involve regulatory effects of cytosolic Ca2+ on InsP3 receptors. By examining complete concentration-effect relationships for InsP3-stimulated 45Ca2+ efflux from the intracellular stores of permeabilized hepatocytes, we demonstrate that, at 37 degrees C, responses to InsP3 are quantal in Ca(2+)-free media heavily buffered with either EGTA or BAPTA [1,2-bis-(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetra-acetic acid]. Lower concentrations of InsP3 were used to examine the kinetics of Ca2+ mobilization at 2 degrees C, because at the lower temperature the stores were more sensitive to InsP3: the concentration of InsP3 causing half-maximal Ca2+ release (EC50) after a 30 s incubation decreased from 281 +/- 37 nM at 37 degrees C to 68 +/- 3 nM at 2 degrees C. At 2 degrees C, the EC50 for InsP3-stimulated Ca2+ mobilization decreased as the duration of exposure to InsP3 was increased: the EC50 was 68 +/- 3 nM after 30 s, and 29 +/- 2 nM after 420 s. InsP3-stimulated Ca2+ mobilization is therefore non-quantal at 2 degrees C: InsP3 concentration determines the rate, but not the extent, of Ca2+ release. By initiating quantal responses to InsP3 at 37 degrees C and then simultaneously diluting and chilling cells to 2 degrees C, we demonstrated that the changes that underlie quantal responses do not rapidly reverse at 2 degrees C. At both 37 degrees C and 2 degrees C, modest increases in cytosolic Ca2+ increased the sensitivity of the stores to InsP3, whereas further increases were inhibitory; both Ca2+ effects persisted after prior removal of ATP. We conclude that the effects of Ca2+ on InsP3 receptors are unlikely either to be enzyme-mediated or to underlie the quantal pattern of Ca2+ release evoked by InsP3.

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.