Agonist-dependent patterns of cytosolic Ca2+ changes in single bovine adrenal chromaffin cells: relationship to catecholamine release

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.

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.

Histamine evoked sustained elevations of cytosolic Ca2+ in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells independently of Ca2+ entry

Whole-cell patch-clamp experiments and optical measurements with the Ca2+ fluorescent dye fura-2 were performed to examine histamine induced cytosolic Ca2+ changes in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells. The purpose of this study was to find out whether the sustained plateau phase, which followed the rapid transient increase, was due to Ca2+ influx. The extracellular Ca2+ dependence appeared to be minor, because substitution of Ca2+ with EGTA or BAPTA did not cause obvious changes in the biphasic Ca2+ response. Application of histamine in a Mn2+ containing external solution did not quench the fura-2 signal. It was neither possible to detect a histamine induced depolarisation, nor a Ca2+ permeable current. Changing the driving force for Ca2+ during the plateau phase did not result in a correlating fura-2 signal. Metal ions like Cd2+, La3+ and Co2+ which are known to block Ca2+ influx were unable to abolish the typical histamine induced Ca2+ response. These results suggest that primarily intracellular Ca2+ was responsible for generating the characteristic biphasic Ca2+ response due to histamine in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells.

Histamine causes Ca2+ entry via both a store-operated and a store-independent pathway in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells

The characteristics and properties of the increase in cytosolic [Ca2+] that occurs in bovine adrenal medullary chromaffin cells on exposure to histamine have been investigated. Specifically, these experiments were conducted to determine how much external Ca2+ enters the cell through a (capacitative) Ca2+ entry pathway activated as a consequence of intracellular Ca2+ store mobilization, relative to that which enters independently of store depletion via other channels activated by histamine. In Fura-2 loaded cells continued exposure to histamine (10 microM) 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 (100 nM) in Ca(2+)-free medium to deplete the internal Ca2+ stores, histamine caused no increase in cytosolic [Ca2+] when external Ca2+ was absent. Re-introduction of external Ca2+ to thapsigargin-treated store-depleted cells caused a sustained increase in cytosolic [Ca2+] that was further increased (P < 0.0002) upon exposure to histamine. The histamine-evoked increase was prevented by the H1-receptor antagonist, mepyramine (2 microM). A comparison was made between store-dependent Ca2+ entry consequent upon store mobilization with histamine in Ca(2+)-free medium and plateau phase Ca2+ entry resulting from stimulation with histamine in Ca(2+)-containing medium. The latter was found to be approximately 3 times greater in magnitude than the former (P << 0.0001) at the same concentration of histamine (10 microM). It is concluded that histamine causes Ca2+ entry not only via a capacitative entry pathway secondary to internal store mobilization, but also causes substantial Ca2+ entry through other pathways.

Activation of tyrosine hydroxylase by histamine in bovine chromaffin cells

Acute activation of tyrosine hydroxylase by histamine has been studied in cultured bovine chromaffin cells. Tyrosine hydroxylase activity was determined in situ by measuring 14CO2 release following the hydroxylation and rapid decarboxylation of 14C-tyrosine offered to the cells. Histamine increased tyrosine hydroxylase activity 2-fold over 10 min with an EC50 of 0.3 microM and maximal response at 10 microM. Tyrosine hydroxylase activation was detectable within 1-2 min and maintained for at least 10 min. The effect of histamine was fully blocked by the H1 antagonist mepyramine, but unaffected by H2 (cimetidine) and H3 (thioperamide) antagonists. It was mimicked by Nalpha-methylhistamine and the H1 agonist 2-thiazolylethylamine, but not by H2 (dimaprit) or H3 (R)alpha-methylhistamine) agonists. The response to histamine was reduced by 70% by removing extracellular Ca2+ and abolished by removing extracellular Ca2+ and chelating intracellular Ca2+ with BAPTA. Tyrosine hydroxylase activation by histamine was unaffected by the protein kinase C inhibitor Ro 31-8220 but was completely blocked by the protein kinase A inhibitor H89. The results indicate that histamine activates tyrosine hydroxylase and that this effect is mediated through H1 receptors by a mechanism that depends on both extracellular and intracellular Ca2+ and that requires protein kinase A.

Density of apamin-sensitive Ca(2+)-dependent K+ channels in bovine chromaffin cells: relevance to secretion

Three objectives were defined when planning this study: (i) to identify binding sites for [125I]-apamin in intact bovine adrenal medulla chromaffin cells and to estimate their density and selectivity; (ii) to determine whether apamin modified the release of catecholamines evoked by brief pulses of dimethylphenylpiperazinium (DMPP, 1 or 5 microM for 10 sec), histamine (10 microM for 10 sec) or high K+ (20, 35 or 70 mM for 10 sec) applied to superfused cells; and (iii) to test whether apamin affected the profiles of the changes in cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations [Ca2+]i obtained in suspensions of cells loaded with fura-2 and stimulated with DMPP or histamine. At equilibrium, increasing concentrations of [125I]-apamin gave a saturation curve whose Scatchard transformation produced a Kd of 132 pM and a Bmax of 0.72 fmol/10(6) cells. Quinine, tetraethylammonium, charybdotoxin or glibenclamide (blockers of various subtypes of K+ channels) did not inhibit [125I]apamin binding. Binding was blocked by apamin and by d-tubocurarine, two blockers of small-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels (SK channels). The number of binding sites for [125I]apamin amounted to approx. 900 per single chromaffin cell, 0.72 sites per micron 2 surface area. Apamin (1 microM) enhanced the secretory response to histamine (10 microM), DMPP (1 or 5 microM) and high K+ (20 or 35 mM) by 2-3-fold. The response to 70 mM K+, however, was unaffected. Apamin also enhanced the peak [Ca2+]i increase produced by DMPP or histamine by approx. 30%. Overall, these results strongly support the hypothesis that under physiological conditions, SK channels control some of the electrical activity of chromaffin cells and indirectly, the opening of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels, the access of Ca2+ to the secretory machinery and the rate of catecholamine release to the circulation from the intact adrenal gland.

Cell-specific purinergic receptors coupled to Ca2+ entry and Ca2+ release from internal stores in adrenal chromaffin cells. Differential sensitivity to UTP and suramin

We have assessed the relative contribution of Ca2+ entry and Ca2+ release from internal stores to the [Ca2+]i transients evoked by purinergic receptor activation in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells. The [Ca2+]i was recorded from single cells using ratiometric fura-2 microfluorometry. Two discrete groups of ATP-sensitive cells could be distinguished on the basis of their relative capacity to respond to ATP in the virtual absence of extracellular Ca2+. One group of cells (group I) failed to respond to ATP in the absence of Ca2+, was completely insensitive to UTP, and displayed suramin-blockable [Ca2+]i transients when challenged with ATP in the presence of external Ca2+. ATP activated a prominent and rapidly inactivating Mn2+ influx pathway in group I cells, as assessed by monitoring Mn2+ quenching of fura-2 fluorescence. In contrast, a second group of ATP-sensitive cells (group II) exhibited pronounced [Ca2+]i rises when challenged with ATP and UTP in the absence of Ca2+ and was completely insensitive to suramin. ATP and UTP activated a delayed and less prominent Mn2+ influx pathway in group II cells. Contrary to the nicotinic receptor agonist DMPP, which evoked a preferential release of epinephrine, ATP evoked a preferential release of norepinephrine, and UTP had no effect on secretion. Suramin nearly suppressed ATP-evoked norepinephrine release. We conclude that chromaffin cells contain two distinct and cell-specific purinoceptor subtypes. Although some cells express a P2U-type purinoceptor coupled to Ca2+ release from internal stores and to the associated slow Ca2+ refilling mechanism, other cells express a suramin-sensitive and UTP-insensitive purinoceptor exclusively coupled to Ca2+ influx, probably an ATP-gated channel. It is suggested that the ATP-gated channel is preferentially localized to norepinephrine-secreting chromaffin cells and supports specifically hormone output from these cells. Thus, the biochemical pathways involved in the exocytotic release of the two major stress-related hormones appear to be regulated by distinct signaling systems.

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.

ABT-200, a norepinephrine uptake inhibitor, blocks Ca2+ signals in chromaffin cells

We previously described inhibition by racemic (+/-)-(1'R*,3R*)-3-phenyl-1- [1',2',3',4'-tetrahydro-5',6'-methylenedioxy-1'- napthalenyl-methyl]-pyrrolidine methanesulfonate (ABT-200), and its two constituent enantiomers, SS,ABT-200 and RR,ABT-200, of nicotine-stimulated but not histamine-stimulated catecholamine release from bovine adrenal chromaffin cells. To test the hypothesis that this inhibition reflects a blockade of Ca2+ influx, we used fura-2 loaded chromaffin cells to investigate cytosolic Ca2+ signals. We found that SS,ABT-200 inhibited nicotine- and K(+)-stimulated Ca2+ signals, both of which depend on Ca2+ influx. However, the early phase of the histamine-stimulated Ca2+ signals, which depends on Ca2+ mobilization from intracellular stores, was unaffected. We also examined ion flux through the nicotinic receptor by measuring 86rubidium+ (86Rb+) efflux from preloaded mouse midbrain synaptosomes. We found that SS,ABT-200 partially inhibited nicotine-stimulated 86Rb+ efflux, suggesting that it blocks ion flux through the nicotinic receptor directly. These data support a model in which ABT-200 blocks nicotine-stimulated catecholamine release by inhibiting cation flux through multiple channels.

Calcium signalling in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells: additive effects of histamine and nicotine

In a previous report, we described the ability of two secretogogues, histamine and nicotine, to stimulate additive effects on catecholamine (CA) release and synapsin II phosphorylation in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells (BACC) [Firestone and Browning (1992), J. Neurochem., 58:441-447]. We hypothesized that these results were due to the combined effects on cytosolic Ca++ of the two distinct signalling pathways. We therefore examined the intracellular Ca++ signals stimulated by histamine and nicotine, alone and together. In Ca(++)-deficient medium, nicotine-stimulated signals were abolished, whereas histamine-stimulated signals were maintained, demonstrating that nicotine depended entirely on Ca++ influx for its effects. Indeed, the nicotine-stimulated signal could also be prevented using a Ca++ channel blocker, nicardipine. Further, the observation that exposure of BACC to thapsigargin reduced histamine-stimulated Ca++ signals verified that histamine mobilizes Ca++ from intracellular stores. Thus, the two secretogogues mobilize Ca++ from distinct pools. When BACC were stimulated with the two secretogogues together, the resulting Ca++ signal was greater than that from either alone. These data are consistent with a model in which two distinct sources of Ca++ can summate within the cell, producing a greater Ca++ signal and, hence, a greater effect on neurotransmitter release.

Single-cell fura-2 microfluorometry reveals different purinoceptor subtypes coupled to Ca2+ influx and intracellular Ca2+ release in bovine adrenal chromaffin and endothelial cells

ATP and adenosine(5')tetraphospho(5')adenosine (Ap4A), released from adrenal chromaffin cells, are potent stimulators of endothelial cell function. Using single-cell fura-2 fluorescence recording techniques to measure free cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), we have investigated the role of purinoceptor subtypes in the activation of cocultured chromaffin and endothelial cells. ATP evoked concentration-dependent [Ca2+]i rises (EC50 = 3.8 microM) in a subpopulation of chromaffin cells. Both ATP-sensitive and -insensitive cells were potently activated by nicotine, bradykinin and muscarine. Reducing extracellular free Ca2+ concentration to around 100 nM suppressed the [Ca2+]i transient evoked by ATP but not the [Ca2+]i response to bradykinin. ATP-sensitive chromaffin cells were also potently stimulated by 2-methylthioadenosine triphosphate (2MeSATP; EC50 = 12.5 microM) and UTP, but did not respond to either adenosine 5'-[beta-thio]diphosphate (ADP[beta S]), a P2Y receptor agonist, adenosine 5'-[alpha,beta-methylene]triphosphate (pp-[CH2]pA), a P2X agonist or AMP. Adrenal endothelial cells displayed concentration-dependent [Ca2+]i responses when stimulated with ATP (EC50 = 0.86 microM), UTP (EC50 = 1.6 microM) and 2MeSATP (EC50 = 0.38 microM). 2MeSATP behaved as a partial agonist. Ap4A and ADP[beta S] also raised the [Ca2+]i in endothelial cells, whereas AMP and pp[CH2]pA were ineffective. Lowering extracellular free Ca2+ to around 100 nM did not affect the peak ATP-evoked [Ca2+]i rise in these cells. It is concluded that different purinoceptor subtypes are heterogeneously distributed among the major cell types of the adrenal medulla. An intracellular Ca(2+)-releasing P2U-type purinoceptor is specifically localized to adrenal endothelial cells, while a subpopulation of chromaffin cells expresses a non-P2X, non-P2Y subtype exclusively coupled to Ca2+ influx.

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).

Ionic mechanisms involved in the secretory effects of histamine in the rat adrenal medulla

Histamine activation of H1 receptors elicited the release of adrenaline from in vitro perfused rat adrenal with an EC50 of 3 microM. Neither Na+ deprivation nor complete membrane depolarization abolished the histamine-mediated secretory response but it was partially dependent on extracellular Ca2+. Nitrendipine and BAY-K-8644 affected the release induced by histamine concentrations at over 3 microM. Delayed application of histamine pulses, after external Ca2+ removal, led to a decline in to a plateau at 50% of the initial release. Pretreatment with ionomycin abolished this Ca2+ deprivation-resistant component. These data suggest that secretion evoked by low concentrations of histamine occurs by mobilization of Ca2+ from internal stores whereas higher concentrations use Ca2+ from both intracellular and extracellular sources.

Spatial localization of agonist-induced Ca2+ entry in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells. Different patterns induced by histamine and angiotensin II, and relationship to catecholamine release

The spatial organization of agonist-induced Ca2+ entry in single bovine adrenal chromaffin cells has been investigated using video-imaging techniques to visualize fura-2 quenching by the Ca2+ surrogate, Mn2+. The potent secretagogue histamine, in addition to releasing Ca2+ from intracellular stores, resulted in a large influx of external Mn2+ that occurred over the entire surface of the cell. The influx of Ca2+ that this mirrors was found to be an obligatory requirement for the triggering of catecholamine release by histamine, which suggests that such a global influx of Ca2+ into the cell probably underlies the ability of this agonist to stimulate a large secretory response. By contrast, the weaker secretagogue angiotensin II, which also acts through the second messenger inositol trisphosphate, produced a localized entry of external Mn2+ in 64% of cells. In these cells, localized Mn2+ entry always occurred at the pole of the cell in which the angiotensin II-induced rise in [Ca2+]i was largest. Since exocytosis in response to angiotensin II has previously been shown to be restricted to this same pole of the cell (Cheek et al. (1989). J. Cell Biol. 109, 1219–1227), these results suggest that localized influx of Ca2+ in response to angiotensin II could underlie the polarized exocytotic response observed with this stimulus. These results directly demonstrate that different agonists can induce different patterns of divalent cation influx in the same cells and, furthermore, suggest how these different patterns can have a direct influence on cellular function.

Role of omega-conotoxin GVIA-sensitive Ca2+ entry in angiotensin II-stimulated [3H]phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate binding in bovine adrenal medullary cells

The relative contributions of Ca2+ influx and intracellular Ca2+ mobilization were examined for angiotensin II-stimulated [3H]phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate binding, which reflects the level of activated protein kinase C in bovine chromaffin cells. Angiotensin II receptors activate phospholipase C in chromaffin cells, leading to a short-lived mobilization of intracellular Ca2+. Angiotensin II-stimulated [3H]phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate binding was largely blocked in Ca(2+)-free buffer and by pretreatment with the Ca(2+)-channel blocker omega-conotoxin GVIA. The [3H]phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate binding response to [Sar1]angiotensin II also appeared to be voltage sensitive, as no additivity was observed with the response to the depolarizing agent 4-aminopyridine (3 mM). Threshold sensitivities of the extra- and intracellular Ca(2+)-mobilizing pathways to angiotensin II were similar, and all examined effects of angiotensin II in these cells were apparently mediated by losartan-sensitive (AT1-like) receptors. The dependence of angiotensin II-stimulated [3H]phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate binding on extracellular Ca2+ entry, in contrast to stimulation by other phospholipase C-linked receptor agonists (bradykinin and methacholine), suggests that angiotensin II preferentially stimulates protein kinase C translocation to the plasma membrane, rather than to internal membranes, in bovine adrenal medullary cells.

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.

Okadaic acid uncouples calcium entry from depletion of intracellular stores

The mechanism by which the depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores stimulates Ca2+ influx is poorly understood. However, the coupling of depletion to influx is broken during mitosis [Preston, S.F. et. al., (1991) Cell Regul., 2, 915-925]. Thus, in interphase HeLa cells, activation of the histamine H1 receptor, or incubation with thapsigargin, which inhibits the Ca(2+)-ATPase of storage vesicles and depletes Ca2+ stores, strongly stimulate Ca2+ influx. In mitotic cells, however, neither histamine nor thapsigargin stimulate Ca2+ influx. Since it has been found that okadaic acid treatment of interphase cells induces a mitotic-like state with respect to a number of other membrane processes, we have asked if okadaic acid might also uncouple Ca2+ depletion from stimulated influx. We show that okadaic acid specifically does suppress this coupling: thapsigargin and histamine deplete stores in control and okadaic-acid-treated HeLa cells, but after treatment with okadaic acid, stimulation of Ca2+ influx is barely detectable. This suggests that a protein phosphorylation/dephosphorylation event controls the coupling of Ca2+ stores to influx, and that there may be a physiological mechanism for control of the Ca2+ response to hormonal signals at the level of coupling.

Small-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels in bovine chromaffin cells

Simultaneous whole-cell patch-clamp and fura-2 fluorescence [Ca2+]i measurements were used to characterize Ca(2+)-activated K+ currents in cultured bovine chromaffin cells. Extracellular application of histamine (10 microM) induced a rise of [Ca2+]i concomitantly with an outward current at holding potentials positive to -80 mV. The activation of the current reflected an increase in conductance, which did not depend on membrane potential in the range -80 mV to -40 mV. Increasing the extracellular K+ concentration to 20 mM at the holding potential of -78 mV was associated with inwardly directed currents during the [Ca2+]i elevations induced either by histamine (10 microM) or short voltage-clamp depolarizations. The current reversal potential was close to the K+ equilibrium potential, being a function of external K+ concentration. Current fluctuation analysis suggested a unit conductance of 3-5 pS for the channel that underlies this K+ current. The current could be blocked by apamin (1 microM). Whole-cell current-clamp recordings showed that histamine (10 microM) application caused a transient hyperpolarization, which evolved in parallel with the [Ca2+]i changes. It is proposed that a small-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K+ channel is present in the membrane of bovine chromaffin cells and may be involved in regulating catecholamine secretion by the adrenal glands of various species.

Ca2+ influx induced by the Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitors 2,5-di-(t-butyl)-1,4-benzohydroquinone and thapsigargin in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells

We have characterized the effect of the Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitors 2,5-di-(t-butyl)-1,4-benzohydroquinone (tBHQ) and thapsigargin on the concentration of cytosolic Ca2+ in single bovine adrenal chromaffin cells by video-imaging of fura-2-loaded cells. Addition of either inhibitor released Ca2+ from internal stores in the absence of external Ca2+. tBHQ was unable to stimulate further Ca2+ release after addition of thapsigargin, but thapsigargin could do so after release by tBHQ, indicating that the tBHQ-sensitive stores are a sub-set of those sensitive to thapsigargin. Angiotensin II was able to elicit Ca2+ release after application of tBHQ, indicating that at least part of the tBHQ-sensitive stores were distinct from those discharged by Ins(1,4,5)P3. In the presence of external Ca2+, both Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitors produced a more prolonged rise in cytosolic Ca2+ consistent with stimulated Ca2+ entry. The ability of the inhibitors to activate a Ca(2+)-entry pathway was confirmed by monitoring quenching of fura-2 after stimulated entry of the Ca2+ surrogate Mn2+. These findings indicate that bovine adrenal chromaffin cells possess a mechanism by which Ca2+ entry can be activated, following emptying of certain internal stores, independently of receptor occupation.

Calcium signaling in endothelia: cellular heterogeneity and receptor internalization

The vasoactive factors thrombin, bradykinin (BK), and ATP are released in response to tissue damage and inflammation and act on endothelium to modulate vascular perfusion. We have investigated the second messenger response of endothelium activated by these agonists and, in particular, the mechanism of desensitization to BK. Fura-2 fluorescence ratio imaging of calf pulmonary artery endothelial cells (CPAE) revealed 5- to 10-fold increases on intracellular Ca (Cai) in response to these agents. Maximal doses caused Cai to increase from 52 to 248 nM (thrombin), 556 nM (BK), and 643 nM (ATP). Agonists elicited a rapid (within 30 s) increase of Cai due to release of Ca from intracellular stores followed by a secondary elevation of Cai dependent on entry of external Ca. The temporal characteristics of the Cai responses to all agonists were heterogeneous from cell to cell, and, interestingly, repeated stimulation gave identical signature responses from individual cells, although the amplitude of the Cai response decreased to thrombin and especially bradykinin but not for ATP. This decrease was agonist specific because ATP elicited large increases of Cai after thrombin or BK desensitization. Maximal desensitization was obtained with BK applied for 5-10 min followed by a rest of < 10 min before restimulation. Although desensitization primarily reduced the elevation of Cai due to the release of the internal store, entry of extracellular Ca was also reduced. Cells responded heterogeneously to desensitization in that those with prominent extracellular Ca entry responded most strongly upon a second stimulation with BK. Because desensitized cells still responded to ATP with an increase of Cai, the desensitization was controlled at a step prior to the activation of phospholipase C. Desensitization occurred by a reduction of BK receptor number; a 10-min BK pretreatment reduced [3H]BK binding to receptors by 70% (from 14,600 receptors/cell, Km = 5 nM, to 5,300). As surface receptor numbers decreased, internalized receptors increased as assayed by an acetic acid wash. The time course of the receptor internalization was similar to the decrease in Cai response to BK. We conclude that the vasoactive agonists thrombin, BK, and ATP increase the second messenger Cai in endothelial cells and that a desensitized Cai response occurs with BK, but not with ATP, due to downregulation and endocytosis of the BK receptor.

Histamine stimulates exocytosis in a sub-population of bovine adrenal chromaffin cells

Both nicotinic stimulation and histamine are able to raise cytosolic free calcium concentration in the majority of cells in a population of bovine adrenal medullary chromaffin cells to comparable levels. Nevertheless, histamine induces much less catecholamine secretion than does nicotine. In order to test whether this is due to heterogeneity in the responses of chromaffin cells to histamine we examined exocytosis in response to nicotine and histamine using an immunofluorescence method based on staining with anti-DBH to detect inserted secretory vesicle membrane. The results show that while up to 98% of the chromaffin cells in culture undergo exocytosis in response to nicotine, histamine stimulates exocytosis in only a sub-population of cells.

Angiotensin II receptors are coupled to omega-conotoxin-sensitive calcium influx in bovine adrenal medullary chromaffin cells

The contribution of an omega-conotoxin GVIA (omega Cgtx)-sensitive Ca2+ influx pathway to the effects of angiotensin II (AII) receptor activation was examined in bovine adrenal medullary (BAM) cells. Pretreatment of BAM cells with 10(-6) M omega Cgtx blocked stimulation of exocytosis by the degradation-resistant analogue, sarcosine1-angiotensin II (S1-AII). In contrast, omega Cgtx had no effect on basal secretion, nor did it inhibit [3H]norepinephrine and [32P]ATP release in response to bradykinin, another phospholipase C-linked receptor agonist. Similarly, omega Cgtx pretreatment inhibited the stimulation of 45Ca2+ uptake by S1-AII, but did not affect the response to bradykinin. This selective inhibition did not appear to be due to blockade of AII receptors by omega Cgtx, as the accumulation of 3H-labeled inositol phosphates in response to S1-AII was not inhibited. The peak S1-AII-stimulated increase in the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration (Cai) in fura 2-loaded BAM cells also was not significantly reduced by omega Cgtx (or by stimulating in nominally Ca(2+)-free buffer), indicating that this response is dependent on intracellular Ca2+ pools. However, a small omega Cgtx-sensitive Cai response was detected after depletion of intracellular Ca2+ pools with ionomycin. This study shows that AII receptors, but not bradykinin receptors, are linked to an omega Cgtx-sensitive Ca2+ influx pathway in BAM cells.

Calcium signalling and the triggering of secretion in adrenal chromaffin cells

The pivotal intracellular message for triggering catecholamine release from bovine adrenal chromaffin cells is an elevation in the concentration of cytosolic free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i). Studies using video-imaging techniques have shown that a rise in [Ca2+]i at the cell periphery, that is due to Ca2+ entry, is the major activating signal for exocytosis. The cytoskeleton has been identified as a major regulatory site of exocytosis, with Ca(2+)-induced disruption of the cortical actin network being required in order that previously restrained granules may have access to their exocytotic sites. The Ca(2+)- and phospholipid-dependent annexin protein, calpactin, has been strongly implicated in a late stage of interaction between granules and the plasma membrane by both ultrastructural and biochemical studies.

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

In single bovine adrenal chromaffin cells loaded with fura-2, histamine, angiotensin II (AII) and caffeine elicited large transient increases of intracellular free Ca2+ concentration [( Ca2+]i) in the absence of external Ca2+, with peak amplitudes averaging 726 +/- 138 (n = 14), 710 +/- 102 (n = 21) and 830 +/- 100 nM (n = 30) respectively. A substantial portion of the agonist-induced rise in [Ca2+]i depended on Ca2+ release from caffeine-sensitive stores, as pretreatment with caffeine diminished subsequent agonist responses by 90-95%. Conversely, pretreatment with histamine or AII decreased subsequent caffeine responses by 100% and 90% respectively. The effects of caffeine most likely resulted from activation of a Ca(2+)-induced Ca(2+)-release (CICR) process, whereas histamine and AII initially acted through generation of Ins(1,4,5)P3. The relationship of Ins(1,4,5)P3- and caffeine-sensitive Ca2+ pools was studied by using alpha-toxin-permeabilized chromaffin cells. Evidence was found for three non-mitochondrial, ATP-dependent, Ca2+ pools: one exclusively sensitive to Ins(1,4,5)P3 (pool 1), a second sensitive to both Ins(1,4,5)P3 and caffeine (pool 2), and a third exclusively sensitive to caffeine (pool 3). The existence of pools 1 and 3, and the ability of agonists such as histamine to discharge pool 3 completely, supports a two-pool model in which a caffeine-sensitive CICR mechanism plays a major role in the generation of agonist-induced Ca2+ spikes in bovine chromaffin cells.

Agonist-activated cobalt uptake identifies divalent cation-permeable kainate receptors on neurons and glial cells

Activation of kainate receptors causes Co2+ influx into neurons, type-2 astrocytes, and O-2A progenitor cells. Agonist-activated Co2+ uptake can be performed using cultured cells or fresh tissue slices. Based on the pattern of response to kainate, glutamate, and quisqualate, three functionally different kainate-activated ion channels (K1, K2, and K3) can be discriminated. Co2+ uptake through the K1 receptor was only activated by kainate. Both kainate and glutamate activated Co2+ uptake through the K2 receptor. Co2+ uptake through the K3 receptor was activated by all three ligands: kainate, glutamate, and quisqualate. Co2+ uptake occurred through a nonselective cation entry pathway permeable to Co2+, Ca2+, and Mn2+. The agonist-dependent activation of divalent cation influx through different kainate receptors could be correlated with expression of certain kainate receptor subunit combinations. These results are indicative of kainate receptors that may contribute to excitatory amino acid-mediated neurotoxicity.