Characterization of the binding sites for nimodipine and (-)-desmethoxyverapamil in bovine cardiac sarcolemma

Trp-His, a vasorelaxant di-peptide, can inhibit extracellular Ca2+ entry to rat vascular smooth muscle cells through blockade of dihydropyridine-like L-type Ca2+ channels

Our previous findings regarding the biological activities of small peptides revealed that a di-peptide, Trp-His (WH), could play a role in the prevention of vascular lesions, including cell proliferation and atherosclerosis. Its vasoprotective effects could be associated with suppression of the vasocontraction signaling cascade, but the underlying mechanism(s) remains obscure. In this study, we attempted to elucidate the vasoprotective mechanism of WH, in opposing the proliferation of rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). In VSMCs from 8 week-old male Wistar rat thoracic aortae, WH evoked a significant dose-dependent anti-proliferation effect, without cytotoxicity. In mitogen-stimulated cell experiments, 300 μM WH inhibited cytosolic Ca(2+) elevation in VSMCs induced by 10 μM angiotensin II (Ang II). Furthermore, WH suppressed extracellular Ca(2+) entry into CaCl(2)-stimulated VSMCs. The biological capacity of WH as an intracellular Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)) suppressor was also proven when 50 μM Bay K8644 was used to enhance Ca(2+) entry via a voltage-dependent l-type Ca(2+) channel (VDCC) and 300 μM WH elicited a 23% reduction in [Ca(2+)](i). The absence of a reduction of the [Ca(2+)](i) by the mixture of tryptophan and histidine revealed the importance of the peptide backbone in the [Ca(2+)](i) reduction effect. Furthermore, the WH-induced [Ca(2+)](i) reduction was abolished by verapamil, but not by nifedipine, indicating that WH likely binds to an extracellular site of the VDCC at a site similar to that of the dihydropyridine type-Ca(2+) channel blockers.

Indirect coupling between Cav1.2 channels and ryanodine receptors to generate Ca2+ sparks in murine arterial smooth muscle cells

In arterial vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), Ca(2+) sparks stimulate nearby Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (BK) channels that hyperpolarize the membrane and close L-type Ca(2+) channels. We tested the contribution of L-type Ca(v)1.2 channels to Ca(2+) spark regulation in tibial and cerebral artery VSMCs using VSMC-specific Ca(v)1.2 channel gene disruption in (SMAKO) mice and an approach based on Poisson statistical analysis of activation frequency and first latency of elementary events. Ca(v)1.2 channel gene inactivation reduced Ca(2+) spark frequency and amplitude by approximately 50% and approximately 80%, respectively. These effects were associated with lower global cytosolic Ca(2+) levels and reduced sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+) load. Elevating cytosolic Ca(2+) levels reversed the effects completely. The activation frequency and first latency of elementary events in both wild-type and SMAKO VSMCs weakly reflected the voltage dependency of L-type channels. This study provides evidence that local and tight coupling between the Ca(v)1.2 channels and ryanodine receptors (RyRs) is not required to initiate Ca(2+) sparks. Instead, Ca(v)1.2 channels contribute to global cytosolic [Ca(2+)], which in turn influences luminal SR calcium and thus Ca(2+) sparks.

Structural dependence of the allosteric interaction of semi-rigid verapamil analogues with dihydropyridine-binding in kitten heart

Structural determinants of the allosteric interaction of semi-rigid verapamil analogues with dihydropyridine binding were investigated in kitten heart using [3H](+)-isradipine as radioligand. Chemical variations were performed in the alkyl chain of verapamil and include introduction of unsaturation (double or triple bonds) or the insertion of cyclohexyl moieties. Introduction of unsaturation generally reduces the allosteric interaction in the case of 'double bond'-and abolishes it in the case of 'triple bond'-derivatives. Also the introduction of cyclohexyl moieties diminishes the potency of allosteric interaction: derivatives with the phenylethylamino side chain in an equatorial position exhibit the allosteric interaction, while it is lacking in derivatives with the basic side chain in axial position. Thus, the reduced conformational flexibility of the new verapamil congeners reduces or abolishes their ability to allosterically interfere with dihydropyridine binding. A molecular interpretation was approached by molecular modelling studies. The strategy was to find low energy conformations common to the active congeners, but not shared by the inactive ones. Structural features discriminating allosterically active and inactive congeners comprise: 1) the position of the nitrogen, 2) the volume occupied by the N-methyl groups, 3) the direction of the N-H bond and 4) the position of the phenyl ring in the basic side chain.

1,4-Dihydropyridine binding sites in moss plasma membranes. Properties of receptors for a calcium channel antagonist

An increase in cytoplasmic calcium is an early event in hormone (cytokinin)-induced vegetative bud formation in the moss Physcomitrella patens. Whole cell and calcium transport studies have implicated 1,4-dihydropyridine-sensitive calcium channels in this increase in cellular calcium. To understand the molecular nature of the dihydropyridine-sensitive calcium channel, we have established conditions for the binding of the arylazide 1,4-dihydropyridine, [3H]azidopine, to its receptor in moss plasma membranes. [3H]Azidopine bound specifically in a saturable and reversible manner. The KD for [3H]azidopine binding was 5.2 nM and the Bmax was 35.6 pmol/mg of protein. Association and dissociation of the receptor and [3H]azidopine were temperature-dependent, and association varied as a function of pH. Binding was inhibited by dihydropyridine, phenylalkylamine, and benzothiazepine calcium channel blockers, bepridil, lanthanum, and N-ethylmaleimide. [3H]Azidopine binding was stimulated by cations including calcium, strontium, manganese, and barium. [3H]Azidopine binding was also stimulated by cytokinin with a Km value for kinetin of 0.13 nM. These studies utilize a simple plant system to provide a biochemical framework for understanding calcium regulation during development and have implications for understanding mechanisms of signal transduction in plants.

The binding interactions of Ro 40-5967 at the L-type Ca2+ channel in cardiac tissue

Ro 40-5967 [(1S,2S)-2-[2[3-(2-benzamidopropyl]- methylamino]ethyl]-6-fluoro-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1-isopropyl-2-naphthyl- methoxyacetate] is a new Ca2+ channel antagonist active at L-type channels. Radioligand binding studies in cardiac tissue show that Ro 40-5967 does not inhibit 1,4-dihydropyridine binding, but does inhibit diltiazem, desmethoxyverapamil and SR 33557 binding with IC50 values of 8 x 10(-9), 10(-8) and 5 x 10(-8) M, respectively. Equilibrium and kinetic binding studies showed that Ro 40-5967 inhibited both desmethoxyverapamil and SR 33557 binding in an apparently competitive manner. Ro 40-5967 defines an additional and possibly unique antagonist binding site on the L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channel.

Expression of the L-type calcium channel with two different beta subunits and its modulation by Ro 40-5967

The smooth muscle alpha 1Cb subunit of the L-type calcium channel was expressed alone (CHO alpha 1 cell) or together with the skeletal beta 1 (CHO alpha 1 beta 1 cell) subunit or smooth muscle beta 3 (CHO alpha 1 beta 3 cell) subunit in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. The interaction of the expressed calcium channel with the non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker Ro 40-5967 was studied. Ro 40-5967 decreased isradipine binding by an apparent allosteric interaction and blocked the barium inward currents (IBa) in a voltage- and use-dependent manner in all cells. The steady-state inactivation curves were shifted to hyperpolarizing potentials in the presence of Ro 40-5967. The rate of channel inactivation was increased in CHO alpha 1 and CHO alpha 1 beta 3 cells. The shift in the steady-state inactivation curve and the increase in channel inactivation were less pronounced in CHO alpha 1 beta 1 cells than in the other cell lines. Low concentrations of Ro 40-5967 increased IBa by up to 198% in 33% of the CHO alpha 1 beta 1 cells. In addition, higher concentrations of Ro 40-5967 were required to inhibit IBa in 60% of the CHO alpha 1 beta 3 cells. These results suggest that the beta subunits modify the interaction of the non-dihydropyridine Ro 40-5967 with the expressed calcium channel alpha 1 subunit.

1-Benzazepin-2-one calcium channel blockers--VI. Receptor-binding model and possible relationship to desmethoxyverapamil

We have prepared a series of potent antihypertensive 1-benzazepin-2-one calcium channel blockers (CCBs) 1 that are structurally related to diltiazem 2. Structural studies and the preparation of conformationally constrained analogs of 1-benzazepin-2-ones have led us to postulate a receptor-bound conformation for both 1 and 2. We believe that these compounds bind to the calcium channel protein in an MI ("inboard") binding conformation in which the amine of the side chain is placed over the heptagonal benzazepione ring and in close proximity to the phenyl methyl ether pharmacophore. This receptor-bound conformation places the side chain amine and methyl ether pharmacophores in the same spatial relationship as 3-methoxyphenylethalamine. Combined with our SAR, this binding model rationalizes literature findings that desmethoxyverapamil can demonstrate pharmacology typical of both phenylalkylamine (PA) and benzothiazepinone (DTZ) calcium channel blockers. Simple experiments are proposed to test the hypothesis that desmethoxyverapamil can bind at the benzothiazepinone site on the calcium channel.

Endothelin modulates dihydropyridine receptor decreased binding in hippocampal slices from normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats

Previous studies in rats have demonstrated both the link between voltage-operated calcium channels and endothelin and their cerebral involvement in the pathophysiology of spontaneous hypertension. In the present study, the interaction of endothelin with specific dihydropyridine (DHP) binding sites was investigated using the brain slices model. In rat hippocampal slices, pre-incubation with Bay K 8644 decreased [3H] (+) PN 200-110 binding. There was no difference in agonist-induced decrease of DHP binding in normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive (SH) rats. The effect of Bay K 8644 was partially inhibited by endothelin but not by angiotensin in both normotensive and hypertensive rats. These data compared to those of other studies suggest that DHP binding sites which are regulated by endothelin are post-synaptic. We conclude that brain slices provide a good in vitro model to study DHP receptor regulation and to explore endothelin interactions with DHP-sensitive Ca2+ channels.

Dihydropyridine binding and Ca(2+)-channel characterization in clonal calcitonin-secreting cells

1,4-Dihydropyridine-sensitive voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels play a crucial role in the extracellular Ca(2+)-sensing of calcitonin-secreting parafollicular cells of the thyroid (C-cells). To characterize the Ca2+ channels in C-cells, we studied 1,4-dihydropyridine binding and performed electrophysiological experiments with Ca(2+)-sensitive C-cells (rat C-cell line rMTC 44-2) in comparison with 'defective' Ca(2+)-insensitive C-cells (human C-cell line TT). In membranes of rMTC cells, we detected a high-affinity, stereoselective and Ca(2+)-dependent binding site for the Ca(2+)-channel-blocking 1,4-dihydropyridine, (+)-[3H]PN 200-110. Radioligand binding was saturable (Bmax. = 18 +/- 2 fmol/mg of protein), reversible [Ki for (+)-PN 200-110 = 37 +/- 1 pM) and allosterically modulated by the phenylalkylamine (-)-desmethoxyverapamil [(-)-D888] as well as the bis-benzylisoquinoline alkaloid (+)-tetrandrine. Thus the 1,4-dihydropyridine binding in rMTC cells featured all characteristics of binding to the alpha 1-subunit of L-type Ca2+ channels. In contrast, in membranes of TT cells, which are known to lack Ca(2+)-sensitivity, no Ca(2+)-channel-specific (+)-[3H]PN 200-110 binding was detected. In voltage-clamp experiments, rMTC cells exhibited slowly inactivating Ca2+ currents which proved sensitive to (+)-PN 200-110, (-)-D888 and (+)-tetrandrine. These L-type Ca(2+)-channel blockers did not affect the Ca2+ currents in TT cells. The numbers of 1,4-dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca2+ channels in rMTC cells as calculated from both the binding studies and the whole-cell/single-channel recordings were 2000 and 7000/cell respectively. Thus qualitative and quantitative detection of 1,4-dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca2+ channels by radioligand-binding in Ca(2+)-sensitive rMTC cells, but not in Ca(2+)-insensitive TT cells, reflects the electrophysiological detection of functional Ca2+ channel in rMTC cells, but not in TT cells.

The devapamil-binding site of the purified skeletal muscle receptor for organic-calcium channel blockers is modulated by micromolar and millimolar concentrations of Ca2+

The interaction of 2,7-dimethyl-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-3-cyan-7-aza-9-(3- methoxyphenyl) nonahydrochloride (devapamil), a stereospecific analog of (3-[2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethyl]- methylaminopropyl-3,4-dimethoxy-(1-methylethyl)benzeneacetonitr ile (verapamil), with the purified skeletal muscle receptor for calcium channel blockers (CaCB) was studied at 4 degrees C and 30 degrees C in the absence and presence of calcium. The purified CaCB receptor bound 0.9 mol devapamil/mol calcium-channel alpha 1 subunit, with an apparent Kd of 13 +/- 2.6 nM at 4 degrees C in the presence of 0.4 microM Ca2+. The affinity, and not the density, of the devapamil-binding site was decreased by lowering the pH from 8.5-6.5, or by increasing the Ca2+ concentration from 0.4 microM to 100 mM. The same results were obtained at 30 degrees C, although the ligand-receptor complex was not stable at Ca2+ concentrations below 10 microM. These binding data were confirmed by kinetic experiments. The rate constants calculated for a pseudo-first-order and a second-order reactions were identical and yielded fourfold lower k-1/k+1 (KD) values than the equilibrium experiments performed using 1 nM and 0.4 microM Ca2+, but the same values using 1 mM Ca2+. 1 mM Ca2+ increased the k-1/k+1 (KD) by decreasing 10-fold the association rate at 4 degrees C. The dissociation rate was increased about 10-fold by 5 microM devapamil or 100 microM D-cis-diltiazem, suggesting that the high affinity site is negatively regulated allosterically by millimolar Ca2+ concentrations and by the occupation of a second low-affinity site. Incubation of the CaCB receptors in the absence of Ca2+ and devapamil at 30 degrees C, but not at 4 degrees C, resulted in an apparent loss of devapamil-binding sites. The decrease in binding sites was caused by a reduced affinity. This apparent loss of binding sites was prevented by the addition of Ca2+ with an apparent median effective concentration of 0.4 microM. The apparent half-maximal inactivation times of the devapamil-binding site were 90 s and 12 min in the presence of 1 nM and 0.4 microM Ca2+, respectively. These results show that micromolar Ca2+ concentrations stabilize the CaCB receptor in a conformation which allows high-affinity binding of phenylalkylamines. Millimolar Ca2+ concentrations induce a low-affinity state of the devapamil-binding site on a stable CaCB receptor.

Tissue-specific expression of high-voltage-activated dihydropyridine-sensitive L-type calcium channels

The cloning of the cDNA for the alpha 1 subunit of L-type calcium channels revealed that at least two genes (CaCh1 and CaCh2) exist which give rise to several splice variants. The expression of mRNA for these alpha 1 subunits and the skeletal muscle alpha 2/delta, beta and gamma subunits was studied in rabbit tissues and BC3H1 cells. Nucleic-acid-hybridization studies showed that the mRNA of all subunits are expressed in skeletal muscle, brain, heart and aorta. However, the alpha 1-, beta- and gamma-specific transcripts had different sizes in these tissues. Smooth muscle and heart contain different splice variants of the CaCh2 gene. The alpha 1, beta and gamma mRNA are expressed together in differentiated but not in proliferating BC3H1 cells. A probe specific for the skeletal muscle alpha 2/delta subunit did not hybridize to poly(A)-rich RNA from BC3H1 cells. These results suggest that different splice variants of the genes for the alpha 1, beta and gamma subunits exist in tissues containing L-type calcium channels, and that their expression is regulated in a coordinate manner.

Effect of propionyl-L-carnitine on L-type calcium channels in human heart sarcolemma

Propionyl-L-carnitine (PC) protects perfused rat hearts against damage by ischemia-reperfusion. Activation of L-type calcium channel play a role on ischemia-reperfusion damage. Therefore, we studied the effect of PC on some properties of L-type calcium channels in an in vitro preparation from human myocardium sarcolemma (from patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy). Binding of the L-type calcium channel blockers isradipine [3H]-PN 200-110 (PN) to plasma membrane preparations revealed a single population of binding sites (total number: Bmax = 213 +/- 34 fM/mg protein and affinity: Kd = 152 +/- 19 nM; n = 6). The characteristics of these binding sites were evaluated in the presence and in the absence of Ca2+ and of calcium blockers (D-888, a verapamillike drug, and diltiazem). Incubation in a Ca2(+)-containing buffer increased the affinity of PN binding sites. Binding sites for PN were modulated by organic calcium channel blockers; in competition isotherms at 37 degrees C, D-888 (desmethoxyverapamil) decreased the PN binding, whereas diltiazem increased it. These results strongly suggest that the site labelled by PN is the voltage-operated calcium channel of the human myocardium. The addition of PC (1 mM) to plasma membranes labelled with PN at 37 degrees C decreased the affinity of the binding; this effect was counteracted by the addition of Ca2+ to the medium. This result was consistent with a competition between Ca2+ and PC. The effect of PC incubation at 4 degrees C was the opposite; at this temperature PC increased the affinity of the binding sites and the effect was obscured by Ca2+.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Chiral aspects of drug action at ion channels: a commentary on the stereoselectivity of drug actions at voltage-gated ion channels with particular reference to verapamil actions at the Ca2+ channel

Ion channels may be considered as pharmacological receptors possessing specific drug binding sites with defined structure-activity relationships. Accordingly drug binding to ion channels is stereoselective. Interpretation of this stereoselectivity may be complex because of the existence of differences in affinity and access to different channel states. Such state-dependent interactions may give rise to quantitative and qualitative differences in stereoselectivity. The implications of such differences are reviewed for drug action at Na+, K+ and Ca2+ channels. Detailed attention is paid to the actions of verapamil enantiomers in the cardiovascular system where activities differ in vascular and cardiac tissues because of state-dependent interactions and stereoselective first-oass metabolism.

Identification of the site of interaction of the dihydropyridine channel blockers nitrendipine and azidopine with the calcium-channel alpha 1 subunit

The dihydropyridine binding site of the rabbit skeletal muscle calcium channel alpha 1 subunit was identified using tritiated azidopine and nitrendipine as ligands. The purified receptor complex was incubated either with azidopine or nitrenidpine at an alpha 1 subunit to ligand ratio of 1:1. The samples were then irradiated by a 200 W UV lamp. The ligands were only incorporated into the alpha 1 subunit, which was isolated by size exclusion chromatography and digested either by trypsin (azidopine) or endoproteinase Asp-N (nitrendipine). Each digest contained two radioactive peptides, which were isolated and sequenced. The azidopine peptides were identical with amino acids 13-18 (minor peak) and 1428-1437 (major peak) of the primary sequence of the skeletal muscle alpha 1 subunit. The nitrendipine peptides were identical with amino acids 1390-1399 (major peak) and 1410-1420 (minor peak). The sequence from amino acids 1390 to 1437 is identical in the alpha 1 subunits of skeletal, cardiac and smooth muscle and follows directly repeat IVS6. These results indicate that dihydropyridines bind to an area that is located at the putative cytosolic domain of the calcium channel.

Central neurochemical effects of dihydropyridine calcium antagonists

Recent advances in central dihydropyridine (DHP)-binding sites are reviewed. DHP-binding sites are pre-synaptically and post-synaptically localized in the brain. The functional role of post-synaptic sites is still unknown, whereas pre-synaptic sites seem to contribute to the control of calcium uptake and of neurotransmitter release. DHP-binding sites may be modualated in physiological (age, sex) and pathological events (hypertension, ischaemia, neurological diseases) or after drug treatments (alcohol, morphine, etc.). The reviewed data suggest new therapeutic implications of DHP calcium channel antagonists in the treatment of other diseases and of drug withdrawal syndrome.

Binding Ca2+ to intracellular or to extracellular sites of dihydropyridine receptor of rabbit skeletal muscle discriminates between in vitro binding of Ca2+-channel agonist and antagonist

Transverse tubule membrane vesicles contain dihydropyridine receptor of rabbit skeletal muscle in an insideout orientation. Digitonin-solubilized, purified dihydropyridine receptor is embedded in digitonin vesicles in an outside-out orientation. Ca2+ selectively stimulates binding of the Ca2+-channel antagonist [3H]PN200-110 to dihydropyridine receptor in the outside-out but not the inside-out orientation. The dissociation constant for binding Ca2+ to the extracellular Ca2+-specific binding site of dihydropyridine receptor is 2-3 microM. The data demonstrate that binding Ca2+ to the extracellular high-affinity Ca2+-binding site is required for binding dihydropyridines to dihydropyridine receptor. This binding is inhibited, however, by 1-10 mM concentrations of any divalent cation tested (Ba2+, Mn2+, Mg2+). Also, Ca2+ selectively stimulates binding of the Ca2+-channel agonist [3H]BayK8644 to dihydropyridine receptor in the inside-out orientation. The titration of this Ca2+ dependence indicates that the dissociation constant for binding Ca2+ to the intracellular Ca2+-specific binding site of dihydropyridine receptor is in the millimolar range. Thus, binding Ca2+-channel agonist or antagonist to dihydropyridine receptor is modulated by binding Ca2+ to different sites of the receptor. Measurements of dissociation rate constants for binding [3H]PN200-110 to dihydropyridine receptor in the presence of diltiazem, verapamil and/or Ca2+ indicate that Ca2+, like diltiazem or verapamil, is an allosteric effector of this receptor.

Calcium efflux through cardiac calcium channels reconstituted into liposomes--flux measurement with fura-2

Cardiac Ca2+ channels were solubilized and reconstituted into liposomes, and Ca2+ efflux from the proteoliposomes was measured with the fluorescent dye fura-2. The Ca2+ efflux, induced by K+ depolarization, was sensitive to Ca2+ channel modulators such as nifedipine, D-600 and Bay K 8644, and was dependent on the membrane potential. Furthermore, the efflux was increased by phosphorylation of proteoliposomes with cAMP-dependent protein kinase. These results suggest that the reconstituted cardiac Ca2+ channels retain the voltage-dependent gating properties, pharmacological sensitivities and modulation by phosphorylation.

Characteristics of the phenylalkylamine binding site in canine cardiac sarcolemmal membranes

We have investigated the phenylalkylamine binding site in canine cardiac sarcolemmal preparations using (-)-[3H]-desmethoxyverapamil as the labeled ligand. Radioligand binding experiments were carried out in 10 mM Hepes (Na+) buffer and 1 mM EGTA, at pH 7.4 and 20 degrees C. A single high affinity binding site for (-)-[3H]-desmethoxyverapamil was identified both by saturation and competition binding experiments. Several phenylalkylamine derivatives such as (-)-D600, (+)-D600, verapamil and (+)-desmethoxyverapamil completely inhibited (-)-[3H]-desmethoxyverapamil binding with the following order of potency: (-)-desmethoxyverapamil greater than (-)-D600 greater than verapamil greater than (+)-desmethoxyverapamil = (+)-D600. In contrast to this, ronipamil, a new long acting phenylalkylamine derivative, produced only a 70% inhibition. Diltiazem also completely inhibited (-)-[3H]-desmethoxyverapamil binding to canine cardiac sarcolemma while nifedipine displaced only 70% of binding. (-)-[3H]-desmethoxyverapamil binding was also inhibited by Ca++ and Mg++. These data suggest the presence of a saturable, reversible and stereoselective phenylalkylamine binding site in canine cardiac sarcolemmal preparations which may be a receptor for the phenylalkylamine Ca++ channel inhibitors.

A novel 1,4-dihydropyridine-binding site on mitochondrial membranes from guinea-pig heart, liver and kidney

The 1,4-dihydropyridine (+/-)-[3H]nitrendipine reversibly binds to mitochondrial preparations from guinea-pig heart with a dissociation constant (Kd) of 593 +/- 77 nM and a maximum density of binding sites (Bmax.) of 1.75 +/- 0.27 nmol/mg of protein. This low-affinity high-capacity 1,4-dihydropyridine-binding site does not discriminate between the enantiomers of nitrendipine and is also found in mitochondrial membranes from guinea-pig liver (Kd 586 +/- 91 nM; Bmax. 0.36 +/- 0.04 nmol/mg of protein) and kidney (Kd 657 +/- 149 nM; Bmax. 0.56 +/- 0.12 nmol/mg of protein). Phenylalkylamines (e.g. verapamil) inhibit ( +/- )-[3H]nitrendipine binding with micromolar inhibition constants, but the benzothiazepine D-cis-diltiazem, a potent Ca2+-channel blocker, is without effect. The binding is heat-stable, shows a V-shaped pH-dependence with a minimum around pH 7.0, and is strongly dependent on ionic strength in the incubation medium. The cations La3+ greater than Cd2+ much greater than Co2+ greater than Ca2+ much greater than Ba2+ greater than Mg2+ greater than Li+ greater than Na+ and the anions NO3- greater than C1- greater than or equal to F- stimulate the binding, whereas PO4(3-) greater than SO4(2-) slightly inhibit it. The low-affinity ( +/- )-[3H]nitrendipine-binding site located on the mitochondrial inner membrane is biochemically and pharmacologically different from the 1,4-dihydropyridine-receptor domain of the L-type Ca2+ channel. Furthermore, it is not identical with any of the low-affinity 1,4-dihydropyridine-binding sites described so far.

The bovine cardiac receptor for calcium channel blockers is a 195-kDa protein

The cardiac receptor for calcium channel blockers was purified from bovine microsomal membranes which contained 235 +/- 33 fmol nimodipine-binding sites/mg protein (mean +/- SEM of nine preparations). To identify the receptor during the purification 20% of its binding sites were prelabeled with (+)[3H]PN200-110. The receptor was solubilized with 0.6% digitonin and was purified to a specific density of 157 pmol/mg using a combination of ion-exchange, wheat-germ-agglutinin-Sepharose chromatography and sucrose density gradient centrifugation. In the last sucrose gradient bound (+)[3H]PN200-110 comigrated with a 195-kDa protein. ( +/-)[3H]Azidopine and [3H]ludopamil, the photoaffinity ligands for the dihydropyridine and phenylalkylamine-binding site of the calcium channel, were incorporated specifically into the 195-kDa protein. These data indicate that the bovine cardiac receptor for calcium channel blockers is a 195-kDa protein. Its molecular mass suggests that the bovine cardiac receptor differs considerably from the rabbit skeletal muscle receptor protein for calcium channel blockers.

The Ca2+ -antagonist and binding properties of the phenylalkylamine, anipamil

1. Isolated, Langendorff-perfused rat hearts, isolated membranes, and pharmacological and receptor binding techniques were used to study the properties of the newly developed verapamil derivative, anipamil. 2. When added acutely to isolated, spontaneously beating or electrically paced hearts, anipamil (0.01-0.15 microM) exerted a dose-dependent negative inotropic effect which developed slowly and persisted after 60 min washout. 3. When added acutely (0.05-0.1 microM) to isolated hearts, or when given intravenously (2 mg kg-1 body weight 1 h before the animals were killed), anipamil displaced the dose-response curves for the positive inotropic effect of (0.10-3.0 mM) Ca2+ and (10-50 nM) Bay K 8644 to the right. 4. When added to freshly isolated cardiac membranes, 0.1 microM anipamil increased the dissociation constant (KD) of the phenylalkylamine (-)-[3H]-desmethoxyverapamil ((-)-[3H]-D888) from 1.22 +/- 0.2 to 2.91 +/- 0.46 nM, without any significant change in density (Bmax; control: 163 +/- 17; anipamil: 117 +/- 20 fmol mg-1 protein). Bound (-)-[3H]-D888 was displaceable by (-)-D888 (Ki 1.7 +/- 0.4 nM) greater than (-)-D600 (Ki 12 +/- 0.5 nM) greater than verapamil (Ki 55 +/- 11 nM) greater than (+)-D600 (Ki 108 +/- 12.2) greater than anipamil (Ki 471 +/- 52 nM). 5. In cardiac membranes isolated from rats pretreated with anipamil (2 mg kg-1 i.v.) 1h before they were killed, the KD of (-)-[3H]-D888 binding was increased (P less than 0.05) from 1.59 +/- 0.18 to 3.28 +/-0.65 nM with no significant change in density, compared to the placebo-treated (control) rats. 6. These results establish that anipamil interacts in a competitive manner with the phenylalkylamine binding sites in cardiac membranes, and that it resembles other Ca2+ antagonists in displacing the dose-response curve for the positive inotropic effect of Ca2+ to the right. The results also show that although anipamil binds tightly to the cardiac membranes, it binds to the (-)-[3H]-D888 recognition sites less potently than (-)-D888, (-)-D600 or verapamil.

Rabbit skeletal muscle microsomes contain two distinct phenylalkylamine-binding sites

Lu49888, a photoaffinity analog of verapamil, was used to identify specific binding sites for phenylalkylamines of calcium channels present in rabbit skeletal muscle microsomes. Direct binding equilibrium measurements and displacement curves of Lu49888 by its non-radioactive analog yielded an apparent single class of binding sites with Kd and Bmax values of 16.5 nM and 7.5 pmol/mg respectively. Lu49888 was specifically incorporated into three proteins of apparently 165 kDa, and 33 kDa. Incorporation into the 55-kDa protein was blocked by 10--50-fold higher concentrations of unlabeled phenylalkylamines compared to incorporation into the 165-kDa protein, suggesting that the 165-kDa and 55-kDa proteins contain a high and a low-affinity verapamil-binding site respectively. The photoaffinity-labeled proteins were solubilized by 1% digitonin or 1% Chaps in roughly equal amounts. The 165-kDa protein bound to wheat-germ-agglutinin(WGA)--Sepharose and sedimented in sucrose density gradients with the same constant as the purified dihydropyridine receptor, which has been reconstituted to a functional calcium channel. The 55-kDa membrane protein did not bind to the WGA-Sepharose column and sedimented in sucrose density gradients with a lower s value than the 165-kDa protein. The 165-kDa but not the 55-kDa membrane protein was specifically labeled by azidopine, the photoaffinity analogue of dihydropyridines. The 55-kDa protein of the purified dihydropyridine receptor was not significantly labeled by Lu49888 showing that the 55-kDa protein of the membrane is unrelated to the purified high-affinity dihydropyridine receptor.

The 165-kDa peptide of the purified skeletal muscle dihydropyridine receptor contains the known regulatory sites of the calcium channel

The dihydropyridine receptor purified from rabbit skeletal muscle yields in the presence of dithiothreitol and sodium dodecyl sulfate on polyacrylamide gels bands of apparent molecular mass 165 +/- 5, 130 +/- 5, 55 +/- 3, 32 +/- 2 and 28 +/- 1 kDa (chi +/- SEM, n = 12). Under nonreducing conditions, the 130 kDa and 28-kDa peptides migrate as a single peptide of 165 kDa. These peptides were separated on a HPLC size-exclusion column. The specific absorption coefficients of the isolated peptides were determined. From these a stoichiometry of 1:1.7 +/- 0.2:1.4 +/- 0.3 (chi +/- SEM of 12 experiments with three different preparations) was calculated for the 165-kDa, 55-kDa and 32-kDa peptides. The relative amount of the 130/28-kDa peptide varied with different preparations. Tryptic, chymotryptic and V-8 protease peptides of the isolated proteins suggested that the 130/28-kDa peptide was not related to the 165-kDa peptide. The dihydropyridine photoaffinity analog (+/-)-azidopine was specifically incorporated only into the 165-kDa peptide with an efficiency of about 2.4%. The azido analog of desmethoxyverapamil, LU 49888, was specifically incorporated into the same peptide with an efficiency of 1.5%. These results suggest that only the 165-kDa peptide contains the regulatory sites detected so far in the voltage-operated L-type calcium channel. They suggest further that the 130/28-kDa peptide, which migrates as a 165-kDa peptide under nonreducing conditions, does not contain high-affinity binding sites for the calcium channel blockers.

The possible involvement of the phospholipid phase of membranes in mediating the effects of verapamil on Ca2+ transport

The effect of verapamil in a model system of A23187-induced Ca2+-uptake into liposomes was studied. This was done in order to separate the effects of verapamil on the lipid phase of membranes from its effects on membraneous proteins. In the absence of A23187, the liposomes exhibited a very low Ca2+ permeability, which did not change with addition of verapamil. Creation of a valinomycin-induced negative inside membrane potential combined with increased membrane permeability to Ca2+ (A23187), increased Ca2+-entry fivefold and more. Addition of verapamil under these conditions led to a further increase in Ca2+ entry. The negative inside polarization of the liposomes' membrane (as estimated from [3H]TPP+ uptake) was not affected by verapamil. [3H] Verapamil bound specifically to native synaptic plasma membranes with a Kd = 87.4 nM +/- 21.5 (SD) and Bmax = 2.19 pmol/mg protein +/- 0.92 (SD). Specific binding to the liposomes could not be demonstrated. High nonspecific binding of up to about 20% of the total verapamil in the external solution was observed (3.8 pmoles [3H]verapamil/mg phospholipid when 30 nM verapamil was used and 50 nmoles/mg phospholipid when 200 microM [3H] verapamil was used). The high nonspecific binding of verapamil to the liposomes had no detectable effect on the fluidity of their membrane, as seen in fluorescence-anisotropy studies with the fluorescent probe DPH.

Photoaffinity labelling of the phenylalkylamine receptor of the skeletal muscle transverse-tubule calcium channel

The tritiated arylazido phenylalkylamine (-)-5-[(3-azidophenethyl)[N-methyl-3H]methylamino]-2-(3,4, 5-trimethoxyphenyl)-2-isopropylvaleronitrile was synthesized and used to photoaffinity label the phenylalkylamine receptor of the membrane-bound and purified calcium channel from guinea-pig skeletal muscle transverse-tubule membranes. The photoaffinity ligand binds reversibly to partially purified membranes with a Kd of 2.0 +/- 0.5 nM and a Bmax of 17.0 +/- 0.9 pmol/mg protein. Binding is stereospecifically regulated by all three classes of organic calcium channel drugs. A 155 kDa band was specifically photolabelled in transverse-tubule particulate and purified calcium channel preparations after ultraviolet irradiation. Additional minor labelled polypeptides (92, 60 and 33 kDa) were only observed in membranes. The heterogeneous 155 kDa region of the purified channel was resolved into two distinct silver-stained polypeptides after reduction (i.e. 155 and 135 kDa). Only the 155 kDa polypeptide carries the photoaffinity label and it is concluded that the 135 kDa polypeptide (which migrates as a 165 kDa band under alkylating conditions) is not a high-affinity drug receptor carrying subunit of the skeletal muscle transverse-tubule L-type calcium channel.

Receptor pharmacology of calcium entry blocking agents

The mechanism of action of calcium channel modulators, a class of drugs that includes 3 chemical groups--1,4-dihydropyridines, phenylalkylamines and benzothiazepines--has been extensively reviewed. The best known representatives of these 3 groups are nifedipine, verapamil and diltiazem, respectively. These drugs bind reversibly, stereospecifically and with high affinity to both the membrane-bound and the purified receptor complex. Non-dihydropyridines allosterically regulate dihydropyridine binding. This has been shown by using (-) [3H]202-791 and (+) [3H]PN200-110 as labeled ligands. The purified receptor complex that possesses binding sites for all 3 chemical groups is likely to be related to the voltage-dependent calcium channel. As the result of a drug-receptor interaction, voltage-dependent calcium channels are either activated or inactivated. The drugs that activate channels act by promoting long-lasting channel openings. The drugs that inhibit calcium channels, the calcium entry-blocking agents, act by preventing channel openings upon membrane depolarization. A complex pharmacologic, electrophysiologic, biochemical, immunologic and molecular genetic approach is required to determine the molecular mechanism of action of calcium channel modulators. Clinically, calcium entry-blocking agents are recommended for the treatment of angina pectoris, hypertension, posthemorrhagic cerebral vasospasm, supraventricular tachycardia, migraine and asthma and the protection of the ischemic myocardium.

Purification of a functional receptor for calcium-channel blockers from rabbit skeletal-muscle microsomes

The dihydropyridine receptor was purified from rabbit skeletal muscle microsomes in the presence of [3H]nitrendipine plus diltiazem or [3H](+)PN 200-110 to an apparent density of 1.5-2 nmol binding sites/mg protein. Sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis in the absence of reducing agents yielded three peptide bands of 142, 56 and 30 kDa in a relative ratio of 11:1:1.3, whereas in the presence of 40 mM dithiothreitol bands of 142, 122, 56, 31, 26 and 22 kDa were obtained in a relative ratio of 5.5:2.2:1:0.9:14:0.09. This gel pattern was observed regardless of whether the receptor was purified as a complex with nitrendipine plus diltiazem or with (+)PN 200-110. cAMP-dependent protein kinase phosphorylated preferentially the 142-kDa band up to a stoichiometry of 0.82 +/- 0.07 (15) mol phosphate/mol peptide. The 56-kDa band was phosphorylated only in substoichiometric amounts. [3H]PN 200-110 bound at 4 degrees C to one site with apparent Kd and Bmax values of 9.3 +/- 1.7 nM and 2.2 +/- 0.3 (3) nmol/mg protein, respectively. The binding was stereospecific and was not observed in the presence of 1 mM EGTA. Desmethoxyverapamil interfered with the binding of [3H]PN 200-110 in an apparent allosteric manner. (-)Desmethoxyverapamil inhibited the binding of [3H]PN 200-110 at 37 degrees C and stimulated it at 18 degrees C. In agreement with these results, (-)desmethoxyverapamil increased the dissociation rate of [3H]PN 200-110 from 0.29 min-1 to 0.38 min-1 at 37 degrees C and decreased it threefold from 0.046 min-1 to 0.017 min-1 at 18 degrees C. The (+)isomer of desmethoxyverapamil inhibited PN 200-110 binding at all temperatures tested. d-cis-Diltiazem stimulated the binding of [3H]PN 200-110 at 37 degrees C with an apparent EC50 of 1.4 microM and decreased the dissociation rate from 0.29 min-1 to 0.11 min-1. The stimulatory effect of d-cis-diltiazem was temperature-dependent and was seen only at temperatures above 18 degrees C. These results suggest that the purified dihydropyridine receptor retains the basic properties of the membrane-bound receptor and contains separate sites for at least dihydropyridines and phenylalkylamines.

Correlation between the negative inotropic potency and binding parameters of 1,4-dihydropyridine and phenylalkylamine calcium channel blockers in cat heart

Partially purified plasma membranes were prepared from cat ventricle. The purification factors for the calcium channel ligands (+)-3H-PN 200-110, 3H-nimodipine (1,4-dihydropyridines) and (-)-3-H-desmethoxyverapamil (a phenylalkylamine) were 3.1-, 3.4- and 2.9-fold, respectively, whilst beta-adrenoceptors labelled with (-)-3H-dihydroalprenolol were purified 3.0-fold. (+)-3H-PN 200-110 bound to 930 +/- 140 fmol/mg of membrane protein with a dissociation constant of 70 pmol/l at 25 degrees C. Under the same conditions 3H-nimodipine bound to 490 +/- 24 fmol/mg of sites with a KD of 120 pmol/l. (-)-3-H-desmethoxyverapamil bound to 530 +/- 55 fmol/mg of sites with a KD of 2.47 nmol/l. Twelve 1,4-dihydropyridines were evaluated for binding inhibition constants (Ki) with (+)-3H-PN 200-110 and 13 phenylalkylamines with (-)-3-H-desmethoxyverapamil in radioligand binding assays. Of the twelve 1,4-dihydropyridines evaluated (+/-)-nitrendipine was the most potent with a Ki-value of 280 pmol/l, nifedipine had a Ki-value of 500 pmol/l and the weakest drug tested, (+/-)-Bay b 4328, had a Ki-value of 14.3 nmol/l. The EC50-values of the same 1,4-dihydropyridines to inhibit the electrically driven cat papillary muscle were 77- to 3,450-fold higher and little correlation existed between Ki and EC50-values. Thirteen phenylalkylamines were tested for their potency to inhibit (-)-3-H-desmethoxyverapamil binding. The most potent phenylalkylamine with respect to negative inotropy was (+/-)-D 595 with an EC50-value of 794 nmol/l, the least potent substance was (+/-)-Sz 45 with an EC50-value of 39.8 mumol/l. The binding inhibition constants for the phenylalkylamines were 13- to 322-fold lower than the values for negative inotropy, but a significant positive correlation between the Ki and EC50-values (n = 12, r = 0.84) was observed. The absolute differences may reflect the state-dependent binding of phenylalkylamines to the channel. QSAR analysis revealed nearly identical correlations between physicochemical substituent properties on the one hand and binding affinities or functional potency on the other hand. In both cases the electronic properties (F-constant) of ring substituents mainly determine the variance in potency.

Identification of two calcium channel receptor sites for [3H]nitrendipine in mammalian cardiac and smooth muscle membrane

Various Ca-channel blockers differ in cardiovascular action despite common effects at the Ca channel. Many investigators have reported only a single high-affinity receptor for binding of [3H]nitrendipine, a dihydropyridine Ca-channel blocker. Its equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) does not match the concentration of nitrendipine needed for a physiological effect on the mammalian cardiac Ca channel. The purpose of these studies was to clarify the existing discrepancy between pharmacological properties of nitrendipine receptors and the physiological effects of the dihydropyridine blockers. Of particular importance in this regard was to provide a pharmacological correlate for electrophysiological studies demonstrating multiple voltage-dependent conformational states of the Ca channel, which show differing affinities for the dihydropyridine Ca-channel blockers. By use of an improved ligand binding assay, our studies demonstrate both "high-affinity" and "low-affinity" [3H]nitrendipine receptors with Kd values corresponding well with observed physiologically effective nitrendipine concentrations. We detected two distinct populations of nitrendipine receptors in rat heart and bovine aortic membrane. A high-affinity Kd value of 0.2-0.3 nM was found, which seems to correspond to the physiologically functional state of the Ca channel in smooth muscle, since the Kd value is similar to the concentration at which nitrendipine inhibits contraction. However, in contrast to numerous other studies, we observed that the predominant component of [3H]nitrendipine binding (95-99%) had a low-affinity Kd value (235 nM). This putative low-affinity [3H]nitrendipine receptor may correspond to the physiologically functional state of the Ca channel in cardiac muscle.

Purified dihydropyridine-binding site from skeletal muscle t-tubules is a functional calcium channel

Many excitable cells contain at least two different voltage-dependent Ca channels (L- and T-type). The cardiac, slow, L-type Ca channel is further modulated by cyclic AMP-dependent phosphorylation, which increases the probability of it being open, and is readily blocked by Ca channel blockers including dihydropyridines and phenylalkylamines. The tritiated congeners of these blockers bind in vitro to sites which have the same pharmacological characteristics as those observed in vivo, that is, stereospecific and allosteric interaction between distinct sites. The dihydropyridine-binding site purified from skeletal muscle t-tubules contains three peptides of relative molecular mass (Mr) 142,000 (142K), 56K and 31K. The cAMP kinase incorporates one mol phosphate per mol of the 142K peptide and binding of (+)PN-200/110, a potent Ca antagonist, is allosterically affected by D-cis-diltiazem and verapamil. The purified dihydropyridine-receptor complex has also been incorporated into phospholipid bilayer membranes. Here, we show for the first time that the complex can be reconstituted to form a functional 20-pS Ca channel that retains the principal regulatory, biochemical and pharmacological properties of membrane-bound L-type Ca channels.

Cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum contains a low-affinity site for phenylalkylamines

The distribution of the bovine cardiac binding sites for the organic calcium-channel blockers was studied. Crude microsomal membranes were separated into three fractions, which contained mainly membranes derived from sarcolemma, 'junctional' sarcoplasmic reticulum containing transversal tubuli, and free sarcoplasmic reticulum. The high-affinity binding site for the dihydropyridines, determined in the presence of nitrobenzylthioinosine, was enriched 12-fold and 17-fold in sarcolemma and junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum. The binding sites for the phenylalkylamines, determined with [3H]verapamil or [3H](-)desmethoxyverapamil, were enriched 1.5-3.4-fold in sarcolemma and junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum but 6-10-fold in free sarcoplasmic reticulum. The phenylalkylamine-binding site, present in free sarcoplasmic reticulum, was partially destroyed by chymotrypsin or phospholipase A2 and C treatment. Specific binding was proportional to the concentration of the added membrane protein. The binding of (-)desmethoxyverapamil was half-maximally inhibited by 6.5 mM calcium chloride and was optimal in the presence of 5 mM EGTA. In three out of five preparations (-)desmethoxyverapamil bound to a single site with an apparent Kd value of 191 +/- 42.8 nM and a density of 34.5 +/- 7.7 pmol/mg protein. In two out of five preparations an additional high-affinity site (Kd approximately 0.67 nM) was detected. The low-affinity site bound other phenylalkylamines, but stereospecific binding of phenylalkylamines was not observed. Binding of phenylalkylamines to the low-affinity site was inhibited by some but not all calmodulin 'antagonists'. Furthermore dihydropyridines did not affect the binding of (--)desmethoxyverapamil suggesting that the low-affinity site differs considerably from the high-affinity sarcolemmal site. These results suggest that free sarcoplasmic reticulum contains a binding site for phenylalkylamines at a relative high density, which is not related to the high-affinity site present in the voltage-dependent calcium channel.

Solubilization of the bovine cardiac sarcolemmal binding sites for calcium channel blockers

Nonionic and ionic detergents were used to solubilize the bovine cardiac sarcolemmal binding sites for nimodipine and (-)desmethoxyverapamil in the absence of added ligand. Only Chaps, digitonin and sucrose monolauryl ester were able to solubilize the binding sites in a form that bound radioligands. About 45% of each of the membrane-bound high-affinity site was solubilized by 0.4% Chaps (w/v) in the presence of 48% (w/v) glycerol. The solubilized binding sites were destroyed by trypsin or by a 10-min incubation at 50 degrees C. Calcium stimulated nimodipine binding slightly at 0.3 mM and inhibited (-)desmethoxyverapamil binding completely with an IC50 of 1.2 mM. Nimodipine binding was reduced by 20% in the presence of EGTA. The solubilized receptors sedimented in sucrose density gradients with an apparent s20,w of 21 S. An identical sedimentation value was obtained for the cardiac sarcolemmal and skeletal transverse tubulus receptor which were prelabeled with nitrendipine and solubilized by digitonin. Solubilization reduced the affinity of nimodipine for its high-affinity site slightly from 0.35 nM to 1.2 nM and that for its low-affinity site from 33 nM to 130 nM. Solubilization did not affect significantly the specific density of these sites. Binding of nimodipine to the low-affinity site was completely abolished by 0.1 microM nitrobenzylthioinosine. After solubilization only the high-affinity site for (-)desmethoxyverapamil could be measured with tenfold reduced affinity (Kd = 15.3 nM) but unchanged specific density. Binding to the solubilized high-affinity site for nimodipine and (-)desmethoxyverapamil was stereospecific and showed a similar rank order as the particulate binding sites. Binding of nimodipine was inhibited allosterically by phenylalkylamines. Similarly, (+)PN200-110 inhibited allosterically (-)desmethoxyverapamil binding. d-cis-Diltiazem stimulated nimodipine binding at 20 degrees C 1.2-fold, reduced the dissociation rate from 0.018 min-1 to 0.0083 min-1 and had no effect on the association rate (0.173 min-1. nM-1). The Kd calculated from the rate constants was 0.1 nM and in close agreement with the value of 0.49 nM measured under equilibrium conditions in the presence of nitrobenzylthioinosine. In contrast, desmethoxyverapamil increased the dissociation rate of nimodipine to 0.03 min-1. The association and dissociation rate constants for (-)desmethoxyverapamil were 0.024 min-1. nM-1 and 0.025 min-1, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)