Depletion of intracellular free Mg2+ in Mg2(+)- and Ca2(+)-free solution in the taenia isolated from guinea-pig caecum

Heart slice NMR

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy of the heart is normally carried out using whole heart preparations under coronary perfusion. In such preparations, either radical changes in ionic composition of the perfusate or applications of numerous drugs would affect coronary microcirculation. This report communicates the first (31)P NMR spectroscopy study using a heart slice preparation (left ventricular slices) superfused with extracellular medium. The ratio of phosphocreatine concentration to ATP concentration was approximately 2.1. Also, intracellular pH and Mg(2+) concentration ([Mg(2+)](i)), estimated from the chemical shifts of inorganic phosphate and ATP, were comparable with those under retrograde perfusion. [Mg(2+)](i) was significantly increased by the removal of extracellular Na(+), supporting the essential role of Na(+)-coupled Mg(2+) transport in Mg(2+) homeostasis of the heart. Heart slice preparation could also be used to evaluate the potency of cardiac drugs, regardless of their possible effects on coronary microcirculation.

Ca2+-dependent modulation of intracellular Mg2+ concentration with amiloride and KB-R7943 in pig carotid artery

It has long been recognized that magnesium is associated with several important diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular, and cerebrovascular diseases. In the present study, we measured the intracellular free Mg2+ concentration ([Mg2+]i) using 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) in pig carotid artery smooth muscle. In normal solution, application of amiloride (1 mm) decreased [Mg2+]i by approximately 12% after 100 min. Subsequent washout tended to further decrease [Mg2+]i. In contrast, application of amiloride significantly increased [Mg2+]i (by approximately 13% after 100 min) under Ca2+-free conditions, where passive Mg2+ influx is facilitated. The treatments had little effect on intracellular ATP and pH (pHi). Essentially the same Ca2+-dependent changes in [Mg2+]i were produced with KB-R7943, a selective blocker of reverse mode Na+-Ca2+ exchange. Application of dimethyl amiloride (0.1 mM) in the presence of Ca2+ did not significantly change [Mg2+]i, although it inhibited Na+-H+ exchange at the same concentration. Removal of extracellular Na+ caused a marginal increase in [Mg2+]i after 100-200 min, as seen in intestinal smooth muscle in which Na+-Mg2+ exchange is known to be the primary mechanism of maintaining a low [Mg2+]i against electrochemical equilibrium. In Na+-free solution (containing Ca2+), neither amiloride nor KB-R7943 decreased [Mg2+]i, but they rather increased it. The results suggest that these inhibitory drugs for Na+-Ca2+ exchange directly modulate Na+-Mg2+ exchange in a Ca2+-dependent manner, and consequently produce the paradoxical decrease in [Mg2+]i in the presence of Ca2+.

Mechanisms for monovalent cation-dependent depletion of intracellular Mg2+:Na(+)-independent Mg2+ pathways in guinea-pig smooth muscle

It has been suggested that magnesium deficiency is correlated with many diseases. 31P NMR experiments were carried out in order to investigate the effects of Na+ substitution on Mg2+ depletion in smooth muscle under divalent cation-free conditions. In the taenia of guinea-pig caeci, the intracellular free Mg2+ concentration ([Mg2+]i) was estimated from the chemical shifts of (1) the beta-ATP peak alone and (2) beta- and gamma-ATP peaks. Both estimations indicated that [Mg2+]i decreased only very slowly in Mg(2+)-free, Ca(2+)-free solutions in which Na+ was substituted with large cations such as NMDG (N-methyl-D-glucamine) and choline. Furthermore, the measurements of tension development supported the suggestion of preservation of intracellular Mg2+ with NMDG substitution. Substituting extracellular Na+ with the small cation, Li+, also shifted the beta-ATP peak towards a lower frequency, but the frequency shift was significantly less than that seen upon Na+ substitution with K+. The estimated [Mg2+]i depletion was, however, comparable with that seen after Na+ substitution with K+ using the titration curves of metal-free and Mg(2+)-bound ATP obtained in Li(+)-based model solutions. It was concluded that Mg2+ rapidly decreases only when small cations were the major electrolyte of the extracellular medium. Na+ substitutions with NMDG, choline or Li+ had little effect on intracellular ATP concentration after 100 min treatment.

Smooth muscle and NMR review: an overview of smooth muscle metabolism

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is a non-invasive technique which allows us to examine the biochemical, physiological and metabolic events occurring inside living tissue; such as vascular and other smooth muscles. It has been found that the smooth muscle metabolism is compartmented such that mitochondrial function fuels contraction and that much glycolytic ATP production is used for membrane pumps. Using NMR we have been able to observe the ATP and phosphocreatine (PCr) concentrations and estimate the ADP concentration, as well as flux through the creatine kinase (CK) system. It has also been found that the smooth muscle metabolism is able to maintain ATP concentration in the absence of mitochondrial function (cyanide inhibition). Therefore, the vessels are able to adapt to metabolic demands as necessary. NMR is versatile in the information it can provide because it has also yielded important contributions with regard to the intracellular pH and ionic status. For example, the intracellular free Mg2+ ([Mg2+]i) can be measured with NMR simultaneously with ATP concentrations and NMR has shown us that the [Mg2+]i is highly protected in the muscle (within confined range), but also responds to the environment around it. In this review we conclude that NMR measurements of smooth muscle research is a useful technique for assessing chronic and acute changes that occur in the tissue and during diseases.

Simultaneous estimation of intracellular free Mg2+ and pH by use of a new pH-dependent dissociation constant of MgATP

In the present technical note for 31P-NMR, we used a new pH-dependent dissociation constant of MgATP, and re-estimated changes in the intracellular free Mg2+ concentration and pH from the chemical shifts of beta- and gamma-ATP during Na+-removal in smooth muscle. We confirmed the role of Na+ - Mg2+ exchange.

Destabilization of neutrophil NADPH oxidase by ATP and other trinucleotides and its prevention by Mg(2+)

Neutrophil NADPH oxidase (O(2)(-) generating enzyme) activated in a cell-free system was deactivated by dilution. When ATP was included in dilution the deactivation was further accelerated. The deactivation by dilution was biphasic, and the half-life of the enzyme was significantly shortened by ATP in each phase. ADP and AMP had little effect on the enzyme longevity while GTP and CTP had a similar effect to ATP. Staurosporine, a wide-range inhibitor of protein kinases, had no effect on ATP-induced deactivation, suggesting that the effect was not due to a protein phosphorylation. Mg(2+) addition largely prevented the deactivation by ATP. Chemical crosslinking of the activated oxidase prevented the deactivation by dilution and ATP, suggesting that the deactivation is caused by dissociation of the oxidase complex. Estimation of actin filament (F-actin) showed that the F-actin level was markedly reduced by addition of ATP. The ATP effect on the deactivation was not prominent in a semi-recombinant system which does not contain cytosol. These results suggest that ATP-induced deactivation is largely due to the chelation of Mg(2+) and are consistent with the concept that Mg(2+) stabilizes the oxidase complex by stabilizing F-actin.

Ionized magnesium in the homeostasis of cells: intracellular threshold for Mg(2+) in human platelets

The role of extracellular magnesium ions in the homeostasis of intracellular ionized magnesium ([Mg(2+)](i)) in human platelets was studied. For media containing 0.00 to 0.60 mmol/l of extracellular ionized magnesium ([Mg(2+)](o)), the mean [Mg(2+)](i) fluctuated between 533 and 760 micromol/l. As the [Mg(2+)](o) was increased to 1.5 mmol/l, the [Mg(2+)](i) increased proportionately and peaked at 1470.1 micromol/l. Additional increase in the [Mg(2+)](o) from 1.50 to 6.00 mmol/l resulted in decreased [Mg(2+)](i) until it equilibrated between 739 and 776 micromol/l. The influx of Mg(2+) at [Mg(2+)](o) of 0.60 and 1.50 mmol/l was studied using verapamil, a calcium channel inhibitor, and ouabain, an inhibitor of the Na/K pump, respectively. The verapamil (25 mmol/l) blocking experiments resulted in a 92.4% inhibition of the Mg(2+) influx into the platelet at a [Mg(2+)](o) of 1.50 mmol/l. Ouabain (0.5 and 2.5 mmol/l) showed an enhancement effect on the influx of Mg(2+) at [Mg(2+)](o) of 0.60 mmol/l and no effect at 1.50 mmol/l. The effect of verapamil indicates that ion channels that are homologous to calcium ion channels may be involved in the influx of Mg(2+) into the platelets. The inhibition of Mg(2+) influx for [Mg(2+)](o) greater than 1.50 mmol/l may illustrate a protective mechanism that attempts to maintain the viability of platelets at abnormally high [Mg(2+)](o). These results suggest that there is an intracellular Mg(2+) threshold of 1500 micromol/l, above which an active mechanism prevents further influx of Mg(2+).

Deactivation of neutrophil NADPH oxidase by actin-depolymerizing agents in a cell-free system

The cell-free activation of human neutrophil NADPH oxidase (O(2)(-)-generating enzyme) is enhanced by actin [Morimatsu, Kawagoshi, Yoshida and Tamura (1997) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 230, 206--210]. In an attempt to elucidate the mechanism, we examined the effect of actin-depolymerizing agents on the duration of NADPH oxidase in a cell-free system. The addition of DNase I, an F-actin-depolymerizing protein, caused an accelerated deactivation of the oxidase. The deactivation was also facilitated by latrunculin A, a sponge toxin that depolymerizes F-actin. Exogenously added actin prevented the deactivation by DNase I or latrunculin A, whereas EDTA accelerated a dilution-induced deactivation of the oxidase and Mg(2+) ions retarded it. The stability in dilution was found to correlate well with free Mg(2+) concentration. Estimation of F-actin in the system showed that F-actin increased during the oxidase activation and that DNase I or EDTA decreased F-actin content in parallel with the activity. Treatment of the cell-free mixture with a chemical cross-linker prevented the deactivation and F-actin decrease by EDTA. Taken together, these results suggest that actin filaments which grow during the activation of NADPH oxidase prolong the lifetime of the oxidase.

Insulin modulation of intracellular free magnesium in heart: involvement of protein kinase C

In the present study of rat heart using (31)P-nuclear magnetic resonance, we examined the interaction between beta-adrenergic and insulin receptors in terms of the intracellular free Mg(2+) concentration ([Mg(2+)](i)) regulation. [Mg(2+)](i) was estimated from the separation of the chemical shifts of the alpha- and beta-adenosine triphosphate (ATP) peaks, using the dissociation constant of MgATP 87 microM (established recently). In normal (phosphate-free Krebs-Henseleit) solution, [Mg(2+)](i) was approximately 1.02 mM. Insulin at physiological and pathological concentrations increased [Mg(2+)](i) and contractility in a dose-dependent manner. Insulin (more than 100 micro(u) ml(-1)) suppressed the decrease in [Mg(2+)](i) caused by isoprenaline (100 nM), and these effects of insulin on [Mg(2+)](i) and contractility were blocked by LY333531 (macrocyclic bis (indolyl) maleimide, 100 nM), a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor. The isoprenaline-induced decrease in the concentrations of ATP ([ATP]) with insulin application was significantly smaller than that without insulin. Insulin modulates [Mg(2+)](i) and haemodynamics, presumably via activation of PKC, thereby antagonizing the reduction of [Mg(2+)](i) induced by beta-adrenoceptor stimulation.

Na+ gradient-dependent Mg2+ transport in smooth muscle cells of guinea pig tenia cecum

Thin strips of guinea pig tenia cecum were loaded with the Mg2+ indicator furaptra, and the indicator fluorescence signals measured in Ca2+-free condition were converted to cytoplasmic-free Mg2+ concentration ([Mg2+]i). Lowering the extracellular Na+ concentration ([Na+]o) caused a reversible increase in [Mg2+]i, consistent with the inhibition of Na+ gradient-dependent extrusion of cellular Mg2+ (Na+-Mg2+ exchange). Curve-fitting analysis indicated that the relation between [Na+]o and the rate of rise in [Mg2+], had a Hill coefficient of approximately 3, a [Na+]o at the half-maximal rate of rise of approximately 30 mM, and a maximal rate of 0.16 +/- 0.01 microM/s (mean +/- SE, n = 6). Depolarization with 56 mM K+ shifted the curve slightly toward higher [Na+]o without significantly changing the maximal rate, suggesting that the Na+-Mg2+ exchange was inhibited by depolarization. The maximal rate would correspond to a flux of 0.15-0.4 pmol/cm2/s, if cytoplasmic Mg2+ buffering power (defined as the ratio of the changes in total Mg2+ and free Mg2+ concentrations) is assumed to be 2-5. Ouabain (1-5 microM) increased the intracellular Na+ concentration, as assessed with fluorescence of SBFI (sodium-binding benzofuran isophthalate, a Na+ indicator), and elevated [Mg2+]i. In ouabain-treated preparations, removal of extracellular Na+ rapidly increased [Mg2+]i, with an initial rate of rise roughly proportional to the degree of the Mg2+ load, and, probably, to the Na+ load caused by ouabain. The enhanced rate of rise in [Mg2+]i (up to approximately 1 microM/s) could be attributed to the Mg2+ influx as a result of the reversed Na+-Mg2+ exchange. Our results support the presence of a reversible and possibly electrogenic Na+-Mg2+ exchange in the smooth muscle cells of tenia cecum.

Consequences of metabolic inhibition in smooth muscle isolated from guinea-pig stomach

1. In smooth muscle isolated from the guinea-pig stomach, cyanide (CN) and iodoacetic acid (IAA) were applied to block oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis, respectively. Effects of IAA on generation of spontaneous mechanical and electrical activities were systematically investigated by comparing those of CN. Spontaneous activity ceased in 10-20 min during applications of 1 mM IAA. On the other hand, application of 1 mM CN also reduced the spontaneous activity, but never terminated it. In the presence of CN the negativity of the resting membrane potential was slightly reduced. 2. When spontaneous activity ceased with IAA, the resting membrane potential was not significantly affected. Also, before ceasing, the amplitude and duration of the spontaneous electrical activity were significantly reduced. The amplitude of the electrotonic potential was, however, not changed by IAA. Further, glibenclamide did not prevent the effects of IAA. These results suggest that, unlike cardiac muscle, activation of metabolism-dependent K+ channels in stomach smooth muscle does not seem to play a major role in reducing and terminating spontaneous activity during metabolic inhibition. 3. Carbachol-induced contraction transiently increased, and subsequently decreased gradually during application of IAA. 4. After 50 min application of IAA, when there was no spontaneous activity, the concentrations of phosphocreatine (PCr) and ATP measured with 31P nuclear magnetic resonance decreased to 60 and 80% of the control, respectively, while inorganic phosphate (Pi) concentration paradoxically fell to below detectable levels. During subsequent prolonged application of IAA, high-energy phosphates steadily decreased. On the other hand, after 50 min CN application, [PCr] and [ATP] decreased to approximately 30 and 80% of the control, respectively, while [Pi] increased by 2.6-fold. 5. In the presence of either CN or IAA, spontaneous mechanical and electrical activities were reduced or eliminated, although amounts of high-energy phosphates sufficient to contract smooth muscle remained. It can be postulated that some mechanism(s) related to energy metabolism, but not including ATP-sensitive K+ channels, plays an important role in generating spontaneous activity in guinea-pig stomach smooth muscle. During metabolic inhibition the energy metabolism-dependent mechanism(s) would preserve high-energy phosphates, and consequently cell viability, by stopping spontaneous activity.

Apparent Mg2+-adenosine 5-triphosphate dissociation constant measured with Mg2+ macroelectrodes under conditions pertinent to 31P NMR ionized magnesium determinations

Using Mg2+ macroelectrodes based on the sensor ETH 7025 and accurate Mg2+-EDTA buffer solutions, the apparent Mg2+-ATP dissociation constant (Kapp) was measured at 25 and 37 degrees C in background solutions mimicking the cationic intracellular milieu of muscle cells. The mean +/- SD (in microM) at 25 degrees C was 157.0 +/- 13 (n = 4), 127.5 +/- 12.0 (n = 11), 101.0 +/- 9.0 (n = 4) and at 37 degrees C was 106.6 +/- 9.6 (n = 4), 87.4 +/- 4.9 (n = 4), 78.1 +/- 2.0 (n = 4) at pH values of 6.7, 7.2, and 7.7, respectively. The dependence of Kapp at 25 degrees C on the ionic strength was also measured, the mean +/- SD (microM) being 61.9 +/- 2.2 (n = 3), 127.5 +/- 12 (n = 11), and 243.0 +/- 11.8 (n = 3) at ionic strengths of 0. 087, 0.156 (normal background), and 0.3 m, respectively. These values are larger than the Kapp values most commonly used in the literature (87.4 microM compared to 38 microM at pH 7.2 and 37 degrees C) to estimate the [Mg2+]i in 31P NMR experiments, attributed to the difficulties in setting the [Mg2+]i without the use of Mg2+ buffer solutions. If these new values are used, the literature values for [Mg2+]i estimated by 31P NMR increase by a factor of around 1.5, making them similar to values obtained by direct Mg2+ microelectrode measurements.

Magnesium activated adenosine formation in intact perfused heart: predominance of ecto 5'-nucleotidase during hypermagnesemia

Magnesium ion is an allosteric effector of 5'-nucleotidase and thus activates adenosine production from AMP. Two distinct 5'-nucleotidase systems, the membrane-bound ecto and the soluble cytosolic isoforms, exist in mammalian myocardium. The aim of this study was to delineate the contributions of the ecto vs. cytosolic isoforms to Mg2+-stimulated cardiac purine nucleoside formation and release. Isolated guinea pig hearts were retrogradely perfused at their physiological aortic pressure with Krebs-Henseleit bicarbonate buffer fortified with 10 mM glucose. AMP and the adenylate degradatives adenosine and inosine were measured in coronary venous effluent and in epicardial transudate, which was sampled to estimate concentrations of adenylate degradatives in the interstitium. When perfusate Mg2+ was increased from 0.6 to 6 mM, coronary vascular resistance and spontaneous heart rate fell, and steady-state coronary venous release of adenosine + inosine rose severalfold. Cytosolic free magnesium, as estimated by 31P-NMR after 15 min of perfusion with 6 mM Mg2+ or from chemically measured indicator metabolites after 30 min, rose 60 and 144% respectively (P < 0.05). Excess Mg2+ stimulated purine nucleoside release nearly threefold in coronary venous effluent and four- to sevenfold in epicardial transudate. 50 microM, alpha,beta-methylene adenosine 5'-diphosphate (AOPCP), a selective inhibitor of ecto 5'-nucleotidase, elevated interstitial AMP concentration tenfold, did not attenuate basal nucleoside release, but completely inhibited Mg2+-stimulated coronary venous purine nucleoside release and blunted Mg2+-stimulated interstitial purine nucleoside formation by 69%. During perfusion with exogenous 1 microM [8-14C]AMP, excess perfusate MgCl2 increased [14C]adenosine release by 63% in coronary effluent and 133% in epicardial transudate. AOPCP decreased baseline [14C]adenosine release in coronary effluent and epicardial transudate by 85-90%, caused equilibration of arterial and epicardial AMP, and attenuated MgCl2 activation of p[14C]adenosine formation by approx. 75%, in both the vascular and interstitial compartments. Intramyocytic concentrations of allosteric regulators of the cytosolic 5'-nucleotidases were evaluated in stop-frozen myocardium. Excess magnesium did not appreciably alter intracellular pH and ATP concentration, but lowered free cytosolic ADP and AMP concentrations by 50 and 70%, respectively. A simplified model of compartmentalized adenosine metabolism is proposed in which magnesium ion-activated cardiac purine release originates predominantly from the ecto 5'-nucleotidase; magnesium ion stimulation of metabolic flux through the cytosolic isoforms was constrained by concomitant reductions in intracellular AMP substrate and allosteric activator ADP. Magnesium ion-enhanced adenosine formation by 5'-nucleotidase could contribute to the known cardioprotective effects of this clinically used cation.

Mechanisms of intracellular Mg2+ regulation affected by amiloride and ouabain in the guinea-pig taenia caeci

1. The effects of amiloride and ouabain on the regulation of the intracellular, free Mg2+ concentration ([Mg2+]i) were investigated in the taenia isolated from the guinea-pig caecum, using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques. 2. [Mg2+]i were mainly estimated from the separation of the alpha- and beta-ATP peaks observed in 31P NMR spectra. In normal (physiological) and nominally Ca(2+)-free solutions, [Mg2+]i was approximately 0.3-0.4 mM. Application of either amiloride or ouabain in Ca(2+)-free solutions significantly increased [Mg2+]i, with only a small change in ATP content. Washout of the drugs reversed the changes in [Mg2+]i. 3. Changes in pHi were estimated from: (1) the chemical shift of phosphoethanolamine, and (2) solving two relational equations of pHi and [Mg2+]i obtained from the beta- and gamma-ATP peaks. Both estimations revealed some intracellular alkalosis during application of these two drugs. After correction for pHi, a significant increase in [Mg2+]i was still obtained 150 min after application of either drug. 4. In the presence of amiloride, simultaneous removal of extracellular Mg2+ and Ca2+ significantly depleted intracellular Mg2+. This result suggests the presence of an amiloride-insensitive (or less sensitive) pathway which passively transports Mg2+ across the plasma membrane. 5. The intracellular Rb+ concentration was monitored as an index of Na(+)-K+ pump activity, using 87Rb NMR. In Ca(2+)-free solutions containing 5 mM Rb+, the intracellular Rb+ concentration was hardly changed by amiloride, but was depleted by additional applications of ouabain. Wash-out of ouabain restored the intracellular Rb+ in the presence of amiloride. 6. These results are consistent with the presence of Na(+)-Mg2+ exchange as an effective Mg(2+)-extruding mechanism in smooth muscle. Although many other factors may cause changes in [Mg2+]i, it seems likely that amiloride directly inhibits the Na(+)-Mg2+ exchanger, whilst ouabain does so indirectly through reduction of the Na+ gradient across the plasma membrane.

Effects of high-energy phosphates on carbachol-evoked cationic current in single smooth muscle cells from guinea-pig ileum

1. Single smooth muscle cells from the longitudinal muscle layer of guinea-pig small intestine were voltage clamped in the whole-cell recording mode with patch pipettes. The cationic current (Icat) evoked by application of 50 microM carbachol (CCh) was examined when free internal calcium in the cell was 'clamped' at 10(-7) M with 20 mM BAPTA. The effects of varying the composition of the pipette solution were studied. 2. Phosphocreatine (PCr, 6 mM) added to the pipette solution increased Icat by about 7-fold (to near 620 pA); lower concentrations had similar, generally lesser, effects. Na2ATP (3 or 6 mM) with or without 5 mM MgCl2 was much less effective than phosphocreatine alone. Addition of 3 mM Na2ATP reduced Icat, whether or not phosphocreatine was present. 3. Creatine (6 mM) with or without 2 mM Na2ATP was less effective than phosphocreatine in maintaining Icat. 4. GTP (0.1 mM) did not affect Icat evoked by CCh, whether phosphocreatine was present or not. 5. GTP gamma S (0.2 mM) included in pipette solution mimicked the effect of CCH and evoked Icat independently of whether PCr was present or not in the pipette solution. Including 5 mM ATP in the pipette reduced this current, whereas 5'-adenylyl imidodiphosphate (AMP-PNP) and ADP were without effect. 6. The results show that phosphocreatine increases membrane channel responsiveness to receptor activation and that ATP above 2 mM suppresses it.

Modulation of large conductance calcium-activated K+ channel by membrane-delimited protein kinase and phosphatase activities

Large conductance Ca(2+)-activated K+ channel was identified and studied in excised inside-out membrane patches of freshly dispersed smooth muscle cells from rabbit gastric antrum. The current-voltage relationship of the single channel was linear from -80 to +80 mV of pipette voltage in which single channel conductance was 249 +/- 17.8 pS (n = 19) in symmetrical concentration of K+ (145 mM) across the patch. Activity of the channel (NPo) depended not only on cytoplasmic calcium concentration but also on membrane potential. MgATP increased NPo in a dose-dependent manner and Mg2+ was prerequisite for the effect. Okadaic acid (100 nM), inhibitor of protein phosphatases, increased NPo further in the presence of MgATP. Therefore, it would be concluded that activity of the calcium-activated K+ channel in gastric smooth muscle cells was controlled by phosphorylation state of the channel protein and the state is further modulated by membrane-delimited protein kinase and protein phosphatase activities.

Intracellular-free magnesium in the smooth muscle of guinea pig taenia caeci: a concomitant analysis for magnesium and pH upon sodium removal

This study is concerned with the regulation of intracellular-free Mg2+ concentration ([Mg2+]i) in the smooth muscle of guinea pig taenia caeci. To assess an interaction of Ca2+ on the Na(+)-dependent Mg(2+)-extrusion mechanism (Na(+)-Mg2+ exchange), effects of Na+ removal (N-methyl-D-glucamine substitution) were examined in Ca(2+)-containing solutions. As changes in pHi in Na(+)-free solutions perturb estimation of [Mg2+]i using the single chemical shift only of the beta-ATP peak in 31P NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) spectra, [Mg2+]i and pHi were concomitantly estimated from the chemical shifts of the gamma- and beta-peaks. When extracellular Na+ was substituted with N-methyl-D-glucamine, [Mg2+]i was reversibly increased. This increase in [Mg2+]i was eliminated in Mg(2+)-free solutions and enhanced in excess Mg2+ solutions. ATP content fluctuated little during removal and readmission of Na+, indicating that [Mg2+]i changes were not induced by Mg2+ release from ATP, and that Mg(2+)-extruding system would not be inhibited by fuel restriction. A slow acidification in Na(+)-free solutions and transient alkalosis by a readmission of Na+ were observed regardless of the extracellular Mg2+ concentration. When the extracellular Ca2+ concentration was increased from normal (2.4 mM) to 12 mM, only a marginal increase in [Mg2+]i was caused by Na+ removal, whereas a similar slow acidosis was observed, indicating that extracellular Ca2+ inhibits Mg2+ entry, and that the increase in [Mg2+]i is negligible through competition between Mg2+ and Ca2+ in intracellular sites. These results imply that Na(+)-Mg2+ exchange is the main mechanism to maintain low [Mg2+]i even under physiological conditions.

Ionic mechanism of action of adenosine on the rat superior cervical ganglion

1. The ionic mechanism responsible for hyperpolarization of the rat superior cervical ganglion (SCG) and depression of the depolarizing response to muscarine by adenosine was studied using an extracellular grease-gap recording technique. 2. Both the hyperpolarizations to adenosine and 2-chloroadenosine and the depression of the response to muscarine by adenosine were potentiated in reduced external calcium (Ca2+). Hyperpolarizations to adenosine were either unaltered or potentiated in the presence of the dihydropyridine Ca2+ channel antagonists, nitrendipine or (+)PN200 110 respectively. Hyperpolarizations to adenosine were unaltered by inorganic Ca2+ channel antagonists except for cobalt, which also antagonized hyperpolarizations to carbachol and depolarizations to muscarine. 3. Hyperpolarizations to adenosine were unaltered in nominally magnesium (Mg2+)-free or in reduced external chloride (Cl-) media. When sodium ions (Na+) were replaced by lithium ions (Li+) maximal responses to adenosine were initially enhanced, returning to pretreatment levels and subsequently reduced in their duration. In contrast, responses to adenosine were significantly enhanced in nominally potassium (K+)-free medium and reduced upon doubling the extracellular K+. 4. Hyperpolarizations were enhanced in the presence of the K+ channel antagonists, 4-aminopyridine and 3,4-diaminopyridine, and reduced by a low concentration (2 mM) of tetraethylammonium (TEA), but not in 10 mM TEA. 5. The results support the hypothesis that adenosine-mediated hyperpolarization of postganglionic neurones of the rat SCG is by a Ca(2+)-independent mechanism and is probably mediated via an increase of a K+ current. The results also indicate that adenosine-induced hyperpolarizations of the rat SCG are independent of the presence of extracellular magnesium.

Effects of prolonged application of isoprenaline on intracellular free magnesium concentration in isolated heart of rat

1. The effect of prolonged application of isoprenaline on intracellular free-Mg2+ concentration ([Mg2+]i) was examined by use of 31P-nuclear magnetic resonance (31P-n.m.r.) in rat isolated hearts. Left ventricular pressure (LVP) was simultaneously measured. 2. [Mg2+]i was estimated from the separation of the alpha- and beta-ATP peaks, using the dissociation constant of MgATP 38 microM (established previously). In normal (phosphate-free, Krebs-Henseleit) solution, [Mg2+]i was approximately 0.4 mM. 3. When isoprenaline was applied for 100 min, a transient increase in [Mg2+]i was observed during the initial 25 min, whilst concentrations of ATP ([ATP]) and phosphocreatine ([PCr]) decreased and [Pi] correspondingly increased. During the subsequent 75 min of isoprenaline application, [Mg2+]i decreased below its resting levels. Washout of isoprenaline restored [Mg2+]i and [PCr], but [ATP] remained low. These changes elicited by isoprenaline were not observed in the presence of propranolol, a typical alpha-adrenoceptor blocker. 4. Isoprenaline increased both LVP and heart rate. The increased LVP and heart rate slowly returned to lower values during prolonged application of isoprenaline, but remained higher than those before application. 5. The transient rise in [Mg2+]i elicited by isoprenaline could be attributed to the decrease in [ATP] resulting in a release of Mg2+. The subsequent decrease in [Mg2+]i during the prolonged applications suggests that beta-adrenoceptor stimulation itself facilitates Mg(2+)-extruding mechanism(s).

31P nuclear magnetic resonance study of phospholipid metabolites in ischemic liver

To assess the metabolic alterations induced by normothermic hepatic ischemia, 31P nuclear magnetic resonance analysis was performed on liver samples using perchloric acid extraction. In particular, phosphomonoesters and phosphodiesters, the intermediary metabolites of membrane phospholipid turnover, were characterized precisely and quantitated. Phosphocholine and phosphoethanolamine, the precursors of phospholipid anabolism, did not change, while the phosphodiesters decreased. In contrast, alpha-glycerophosphate, which is both a precursor of phospholipid synthesis and the intermediary product of phospholipid degradation, markedly increased following 30 min of normothermic ischemia. These findings suggest that cellular phospholipids are actively degraded during normothermic hepatic ischemia.

Effects of porcine relaxin on contraction, membrane response and cyclic AMP content in rat myometrium in comparison with the effects of isoprenaline and forskolin

1. The longitudinal muscle from the uterus of oestrogen-treated rats was quiescent in Mg-free Krebs solution. Electrical stimulation generated phasic contraction, which was depressed to 35% and 18% by 50 mu and 150 mu porcine relaxin, respectively. 2. The phasic contractions were more strongly depressed to 26% by 50 mu relaxin in solution containing 0.6 mM Mg, and the depression lasted for more than 4 h after the removal of relaxin. During the persisting depression, raising the external Ca to 7.5 mM did not restore the contraction, but the contraction was restored by removal of Mg. 3. The depression of the phasic contraction by relaxin, examined in Mg-free solution, was enhanced and reduced by pretreatment of the tissue with 0.6 mM Mg and 0.6 mM Mn, respectively, for about 15 min. In contrast, the depression of contraction by isoprenaline or forskolin was enhanced by pretreatment with either Mg or Mn. 4. The cellular content of cyclic AMP was measured in Krebs solution containing 0.6 mM Mg. The values were 1.24 (pmol mg-1 protein) in control solution, and 2.31 and 1.56 when the tissues were treated with 150 mu relaxin and 10(-9) M isoprenaline, respectively. 5. The cyclic AMP production in response to 10(-7) M forskolin measured in Mg-free solution was enhanced when the tissue was pretreated with either 0.6 mM Mg or Mn for 15 min. The cyclic AMP production in response to 100 mu relaxin was increased when the tissue was pretreated with 0.6 mM Mg, and was unchanged by pretreatment with Mn. The cyclic AMP production in response to 10(-9) M isoprenaline was unchanged by pretreatment with the divalent cations. 6. The membrane potential of the muscle was -60.8 mV in Krebs solution containing 0.3 mM Mg, and electrical stimulation induced an action potential which consisted of spike and plateau components. Application of 150 mu relaxin reduced the duration of the plateau; the contractions were progressively depressed. The resting membrane potential and membrane resistance were unchanged by application of 150 mu relaxin. The membrane was hyperpolarized by 2.8 mV, accompanied by a decrease in membrane resistance, when 10(-9) M isoprenaline was applied. 7. Although there were several differences between the effects of relaxin and isoprenaline, it is probable that some process, which is cyclic AMP-dependent, accelerated by Mg and depressed by Mn, is involved in the depressant action of relaxin on contraction.

Regulation of intracellular free magnesium concentration in the taenia of guinea-pig caecum

1. In the taenia isolated from the guinea-pig caecum, changes in free intracellular magnesium concentration ([Mg2+]i) were measured based on the separation of the chemical shift of the alpha- and beta-peaks of ATP obtained with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). 2. When external Mg2+ was increased from 1.2 to 12 and 40 mM, [Mg2+]i increased from 0.34 +/- 0.05 to 0.39 +/- 0.07 and 0.61 +/- 0.18 mM (n = 3), respectively, in 125-150 min. In the absence of Ca2+, the increase was greater, i.e. [Mg2+]i reached 0.92 +/- 0.05 (n = 3) and 3.37 mM (n = 1), respectively. 3. In Ca(2+)- and Mg(2+)-free solution, [Mg2+]i decreased to about 10 microM in 100 min. This decrease was not affected by substitution of Na+ with K+, but the recovery of [Mg2+]i on Mg2+ readmission was slower in the absence of Na+. This recovery was prevented by Ca2+ (2.4 mM), but Na+ readmission produced full recovery of [Mg2+]i in the presence of Ca2+. 4. When Na+ was substituted with K+ in the absence of Ca2+, [Mg2+]i increased from 0.38 +/- 0.01 mM to 0.56 +/- 0.04 mM (n = 4) in 100 min. Substitution of Na+ with N-methyl-D-glucamine produced a much greater increase (to 2.1 mM in 100 min). Removal of the external K+ in the absence of Ca2+ also increased [Mg2+]i to 0.66 +/- 0.11 mM (n = 4) in 150 min, but no clear change was observed in the presence of Ca2+. Full recovery of [Mg2+]i could be produced in normal solution even when the intracellular phosphocreatine and ATP concentrations were 70-80% of the control. 5. It is concluded that in the smooth muscle of the guinea-pig taenia caeci an Na(+)-Mg2+ exchange process and possibly also an ATP-driven Mg2+ pump are playing important roles in maintaining free [Mg2+]i at about 0.3 mM under the physiological condition. In addition to this, Ca2+ inhibits both Mg2+ efflux and influx, probably by reducing the membrane permeability to Mg2+ and by competing with Mg2+ in the Na(+)-Mg2+ exchange of the plasma membrane.