Dependence of cytosolic calcium in differentiating rat pheochromocytoma cells on calcium channels and intracellular stores

Phospholipase Cη2 Activation Redirects Vesicle Trafficking by Regulating F-actin

PI(4,5)P2 localizes to sites of dense core vesicle exocytosis in neuroendocrine cells and is required for Ca(2+)-triggered vesicle exocytosis, but the impact of local PI(4,5)P2 hydrolysis on exocytosis is poorly understood. Previously, we reported that Ca(2+)-dependent activation of phospholipase Cη2 (PLCη2) catalyzes PI(4,5)P2 hydrolysis, which affected vesicle exocytosis by regulating the activities of the lipid-dependent priming factors CAPS (also known as CADPS) and ubiquitous Munc13-2 in PC12 cells. Here we describe an additional role for PLCη2 in vesicle exocytosis as a Ca(2+)-dependent regulator of the actin cytoskeleton. Depolarization of neuroendocrine PC12 cells with 56 or 95 mm KCl buffers increased peak Ca(2+) levels to ~400 or ~800 nm, respectively, but elicited similar numbers of vesicle exocytic events. However, 56 mm K(+) preferentially elicited the exocytosis of plasma membrane-resident vesicles, whereas 95 mm K(+) preferentially elicited the exocytosis of cytoplasmic vesicles arriving during stimulation. Depolarization with 95 mm K(+) but not with 56 mm K(+) activated PLCη2 to catalyze PI(4,5)P2 hydrolysis. The decrease in PI(4,5)P2 promoted F-actin disassembly, which increased exocytosis of newly arriving vesicles. Consistent with its role as a Ca(2+)-dependent regulator of the cortical actin cytoskeleton, PLCη2 localized with F-actin filaments. The results highlight the importance of PI(4,5)P2 for coordinating cytoskeletal dynamics with vesicle exocytosis and reveal a new role for PLCη2 as a Ca(2+)-dependent regulator of F-actin dynamics and vesicle trafficking.

Messenger-specific role for nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate in neuronal differentiation

Cells possess several Ca2+-mobilizing messengers, which couple stimulation at the cell surface by a multitude of extracellular cues to the regulation of intracellular Ca2+-sensitive targets. Recent studies suggest that agonists differentially select from this molecular palette to generate their characteristic Ca2+ signals but it is still unclear whether different messengers mediate different functions or whether they act in a redundant fashion. In this study, we compared the effects of nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP), a novel Ca2+-mobilizing messenger, with that of the prototypical messenger inositol trisphosphate on cytosolic Ca2+ levels and differentiation status of PC12 cells. We demonstrate that liposomal delivery of NAADP mediated release of Ca2+ from acidic Ca2+ stores and that this stimulus was sufficient to drive differentiation of the cells to a neuronal-like phenotype. In sharp contrast, cell fate was unaffected by more transient Ca2+ signals generated by inositol trisphosphate-evoked release of endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ stores. Our data establish for the first time (i) the presence of novel NAADP-sensitive Ca2+ stores in PC12 cells, (ii) a role for NAADP in differentiation, and (iii) that Ca2+-dependent function can be messenger-specific. Thus, differential recruitment of intracellular Ca2+-mobilizing messengers and their target Ca2+ stores may represent a robust means of maintaining stimulus fidelity in the control of Ca2+-dependent cell function.

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

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

Ipsilateral and contralateral motor inhibitory control in musical and vocalization tasks

The inhibitory motor control mechanisms in human singing and vocalization are not well understood. Using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), we show that singing resulted in right-sided prolongation of ipsilateral silent period and bilateral reduction in contralateral silent period. Reading led to reduced contralateral silent period duration with right-sided TMS only, but no significant inhibitory changes, both ipsilateral and contralateral, were evident with humming. The findings support the presence of enhanced interhemispheric inhibitory motor interaction during singing, as opposed to reading tasks, in dynamic word generation coupled with production of melody.

Distinct Intracellular Calcium Profiles Following Influx Through N- Versus L-Type Calcium Channels: Role of Ca2+-Induced Ca2+Release

Selective activation of neuronal functions by Ca2+is determined by the kinetic profile of the intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) signal in addition to its amplitude. Concurrent electrophysiology and ratiometric calcium imaging were used to measure transmembrane Ca2+current and the resulting rise and decay of [Ca2+]iin differentiated pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells. We show that equal amounts of Ca2+entering through N-type and L-type voltage-gated Ca2+channels result in significantly different [Ca2+]itemporal profiles. When the contribution of N-type channels was reduced by ω-conotoxin MVIIA treatment, a faster [Ca2+]idecay was observed. Conversely, when the contribution of L-type channels was reduced by nifedipine treatment, [Ca2+]idecay was slower. Potentiating L-type current with BayK8644, or inactivating N-type channels by shifting the holding potential to −40 mV, both resulted in a more rapid decay of [Ca2+]i. Channel-specific differences in [Ca2+]idecay rates were abolished by depleting intracellular Ca2+stores with thapsigargin or by blocking ryanodine receptors with ryanodine, suggesting the involvement of Ca2+-induced Ca2+release (CICR). Further support for involvement of CICR is provided by the demonstration that caffeine slowed [Ca2+]idecay while ryanodine at high concentrations increased the rate of [Ca2+]idecay. We conclude that Ca2+entering through N-type channels is amplified by ryanodine receptor mediated CICR. Channel-specific activation of CICR provides a mechanism whereby the kinetics of intracellular Ca2+leaves a fingerprint of the route of entry, potentially encoding the selective activation of a subset of Ca2+-sensitive processes within the neuron.

Calcium requirements for exocytosis do not delimit the releasable neuropeptide pool

Recently, it was proposed that secretory vesicles have widely varying Ca(2+) thresholds for exocytosis. This model can explain adaptation of secretory responses and predicts that incomplete release is a consequence of insufficient Ca(2+). However, membrane capacitance-based measurements have not supported varying Ca(2+) thresholds. Here, Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) imaging is used to test whether a Ca(2+) limitation determines the size of the releasable neuropeptide pool in differentiated PC12 cells. We show that depolarization-evoked release correlates with failure to sustain fully elevated [Ca(2+)](i). However, this is coincidental because release remains incomplete when [Ca(2+)](i) is maintained at a relatively high level by application of an ionophore or by dialysis with a buffered Ca(2+) solution. Furthermore, in contradiction with the existence of high threshold vesicles, stimulating maximal release with moderate [Ca(2+)](i) prevents secretory responses to large increases in [Ca(2+)](i) induced by photolysis of the caged dimethoxynitrophenyl-EGTA-4 (DMNPE-4). Thus, optical measurements show that limited capacity for neuropeptide release in response to depolarization is not caused by an insufficient duration of [Ca(2+)](i) elevation or by variation among vesicles in Ca(2+) sensitivity for exocytosis.

Differential Expression of Markers and Activities in a Group of PC12 Nerve Cell Clones

Sixteen clones, recently isolated from the PC12 nerve cell line, were analysed for a variety of markers and activities. Two endoplasmic reticulum (ER) luminal markers, the chaperone protein BiP and the major Ca2+ storage protein calreticulin, as well as the 40-kD rough ER membrane marker and the plus-end-directed mirotubule motor protein, kinesin, were found to be expressed at similar levels. These results suggest that the size of the ER, the function of microtubules and the capacity of the rapidly exchanging Ca2+ store do not change substantially among the clones. Other proteins expressed at comparable levels were synapsin I and IIa, members of a nerve cell-specific protein family known to bind synaptic vesicles to the cytoskeleton. In contrast, another ER membrane protein, calnexin, and the markers of secretory organelles were found to vary markedly. One clone (clone 27) completely lacked both chromogranin B and secretogranin II, the proteins contained within dense granules, and synaptophysin, a marker of clear vesicles. Other clones expressed these markers to variable and apparently mutually unrelated levels. Marked variability was observed also in the uptake of exogenous catecholamines, in their release both at rest and after stimulation, and in nerve growth factor-induced differentiation. These results provide indirect information about the mechanisms that regulate the expression of structures and activities in PC12 cells. Of particular interest is clone 27, which appears globally incompetent for regulated secretion and might therefore be a valuable tool for the study of this activity in a nerve cell.

Direct measurement of local raised subplasmalemmal calcium concentrations in growth cones advancing on an N-cadherin substrate

We have used the membrane-localized calcium probe fura-piperazine-C12H25 (FFP-18) to examine cytosolic calcium concentrations in a volume close to the plasmalemma. Although promotion of axon outgrowth by cell adhesion molecules requires extracellular calcium and is correlated with an opening of plasmalemmal channels, conventional indicators cannot detect a change in the calcium concentration in such stimulated growth cones. We have examined calcium signalling in chick retinal ganglion cell growth cones extending along stripes of N-cadherin. Subplasmalemmal calcium concentrations, reported by FFP-18, were significantly higher in these growth cones than in neighbouring growth cones on either fibronectin or polylysine. In contrast, the bulk cytosolic calcium concentration throughout the growth cone, as measured by Fura-2, was identical in growth cones on and off the N-cadherin stripes. Our results suggest that guidance cues can use extremely local calcium signals to control pathfinding decisions.

Nerve growth factor-induced differentiation changes the cellular organization of regulated Peptide release by PC12 cells

PC12 cells, like endocrine chromaffin cells, undergo neuronal-like differentiation in response to nerve growth factor (NGF). Here we report that this phenotype conversion produces major changes in release of a green fluorescent protein-tagged neuropeptide-hormone. First, the spatial distribution of the releasable pool is altered; peptide release from untreated cells is supported predominantly by membrane-proximal vesicles, whereas a diffuse pool at the ends of processes is used by NGF-treated cells. Second, the time course of release evoked by photolysis of caged Ca(2+) is faster after differentiation. High-resolution measurements suggest that a slow step before membrane fusion dominates the kinetics of release in untreated cells. Finally, the effect of actin microfilament depolymerization on total release is altered by NGF treatment. This implies that the mechanism that limits the size of the releasable pool is altered by phenotype conversion. Therefore, the cellular organization of peptide release is plastic and changes in response to NGF. This flexibility may be used to generate cell-specific release properties.

Potentiation by stannous chloride of calcium entry into osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells through voltage-dependent L-type calcium channels

The present study was undertaken to confirm that L-type Ca(2+) channels are involved in Ca(2+) entry into osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells and to examine the effect of SnCl2, a Ca(2+)]-channel activator, on the intracellular Ca(2+)concentration ([Ca(2+)]i). High K(+)concentration-dependently raised the [Ca(2+)]i. All of the L-type Ca(2+)channel blockers used here, such as nifedipine, nicardipine, verapamil, and diltiazem, and CdCl2 (a non-selective blocker) inhibited the high K(+)-induced [Ca(2+)]i rise, but v-conotoxin GVIA (an N-type blocker) and NiCl2(a T-type blocker) had no effect. Application of SnCl2 alone did not change the [Ca(2+)]i. However, in the presence of high K(+), SnCl2 enhanced the high K(+)-induced [Ca(2+)]i rise, which was inhibited by Ca(2+)]-free medium or nifedipine. In the case where high K(+)was applied prior to SnCl2, SnCl2 alone raised the [Ca(2+)]i by itself. In conclusion, MC3T3-E1 cells possess the voltage-dependent L-type Ca(2+)] channels and SnCl2 facilitates the Ca(2+) entry through the L-type ones under the condition of the membrane depolarization. There is the possibility that Ca(2+) release from intracellular Ca(2+) stores is involved in the action of SnCl2.

Natural killer cells activate human dermal fibroblasts

Human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) undergo activation and secrete cytokines when cocultured with T cells. Here, we identify potent activators of HDF among human peripheral CD2(+)-lymphocytes. Populations with strong HDF activating capacity consisted essentially of cells with a natural killer (NK) surface marker phenotype (CD3(-), CD4(-), CD8(-), CD56(+)). Addition of these cells to HDF resulted in rapid increase of intracellular free calcium concentrations as an early rapid cell activation signal. Upregulation of mRNA encoding for the inflammatory cytokines IL-1 beta and IL-6 as well as for chemokines IL-8 and MCP-1 was detected after cells were cocultured. Elevated concentrations of IL-6 and IL-8 were found in coculture supernatants of HDF and NK-cells. Skin-homing NK cells leaving the blood-stream during an inflammatory skin reaction might therefore represent potent activators of local inflammatory cytokine and chemokine production.

Zinc elevates neuropeptide Y levels in rat pheochromocytoma cells by a mechanism independent of L-channel mediated inhibition of release

Both zinc and neuropeptide Y (NPY) have been implicated as playing a role in seizures and feeding behavior. We investigated the hypothesis that zinc could regulate levels of NPY, and found that chronic exposure to 50-100 microM zinc increased levels of cellular NPY in cultured PC12 cells grown in the presence of nerve growth factor. Zinc's effect on NPY was specific, time- and concentration-dependent, and independent of inhibition of NPY release secondary to blockade of dihydropyridine-sensitive calcium channels. These results are consistent with a role for zinc in regulating hippocampal NPY following high-frequency neuronal activity.

L-type Ca2+ channels and purinergic P2X2 cation channels participate in calcium-tyrosine kinase-mediated PC12 growth cone arrest

During development and regeneration of the nervous system, growth cones of the various nerve cells navigate and direct neurite elongation by detecting and responding to cues in the environment. To investigate changes in growth cone behaviour due to calcium influx we used nerve growth factor (NGF)-induced growth cones of PC12 (rat pheochromocytoma cells) cells as a model. High external concentrations of potassium and ATP depress growth cone motility, induce club-shaped growth cones and reduce filopodia length and the number and relative F-actin contents of single growth cones (r.a.c.), respectively. The cellular responses are mediated by a sustained increase in the intracellular free Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) as monitored by calcium-sensitive fluorescent dyes and confocal microfluorimetry. The responses are not detectable in the presence of the protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein. Immunocytochemistry revealed an increased level of tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins in cell bodies and growth cones but not in cell nuclei. Paxillin, a cytoskeleton-associated protein located in neurites and growth cones, was detected among the phosphotyrosine proteins. The sustained (> 30 s) Ca2+ influx through voltage-gated L-type but not N- or P-type Ca2+ channels induced the F-actin loss and tyrosine phosphorylation. Ca2+ entry through P2X2 ligand-gated channels caused the same effects. Our data suggest the following mechanism: increased [Ca2+]i levels activate tyrosine kinases located close to the ion channels which then leads to changes in morphology due to tyrosine phosphorylation of proteins, e. g. paxillin.

Annexin I modulates cell functions by controlling intracellular calcium release

Annexin I is an intracellular protein in search of a function. Ex vivo it has calcium- and phospholipid-binding properties. To evaluate its role in vivo, MCF-7 cells were stably transfected with annexin I in sense or antisense orientations. In cells overexpressing annexin I, calcium release was abrogated on stimulation of purinergic or bradykinin receptors, whereas non-transfected cells or cells with down-regulated annexin I released calcium within seconds. Basal calcium and calcium stores were not affected. The impaired calcium release was paralleled by a down-regulation of the activities of phospholipase C, group II phospholipase A2, and E-cadherin with altered adhesion and enhanced tumor growth on soft agar. Significantly smaller tumors, with the histologically most differentiated cells, were observed in nude mice inoculated with cells transfected with the antisense rather than with the sense plasmid. These observations indicate that annexin I modulates cell functions by controlling intracellular calcium release. Frey, B. M., Reber, B. F. X., Vishwanath, B. S., Escher, G., Frey, F. J. Annexin I modulates cell functions by controlling intracellular calcium release.

Rise in intracellular calcium concentration by propylene glycol in PC12 cells

In order to elucidate the mode of excitatory actions of propylene glycol (PG) on nervous tissues, intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) of PC12 cells was measured on the video-imaging analysis system with fura-2. PG concentration-dependently (0.1-20%v/v) raised the [Ca2+]i. Hexamethonium and d-tubocurarine inhibited the carbamylcholine-induced [Ca2+]i rise, but these blockers had no effect on PG. High K+ potentiated the action of PG. The extent of the rise induced by PG in the differentiated cells was larger than that in the undifferentiated ones. The findings suggest that the rise in [Ca2+]i is involved in the excitatory effects of PG.

Soluble IL-6 receptor induces calcium flux and selectively modulates chemokine expression in human dermal fibroblasts

Truncated forms of cytokine receptors have been regarded as modulators of the activity of their cognate ligands. In addition to inhibiting effects of their respective ligands, soluble receptors can also facilitate ligand-mediated signaling. Several studies have demonstrated that exogenous IL-6 in association with the soluble IL-6 receptor alpha (sIL-6Ralpha) can activate cells expressing the gp130 signal transducer lacking the specific, membrane-bound IL-6Ralpha. Since cell cultures of human dermal fibroblasts express high amounts of IL-6, we examined whether the addition of sIL-6Ralpha in association with endogenous IL-6 would be sufficient to stimulate these cells via gp130. As an early rapid signal we analyzed changes in intracellular free calcium concentrations ([Ca2+]i). Addition of sIL-6Ralpha induced an acute and transient increase in cytosolic free calcium concentrations in a dose-dependent fashion. This Ca2+-signal was abolished when cells were pretreated with anti-IL-6 or anti-gp130 antibodies. Using flow cytometric analysis we could demonstrate membrane-associated IL-6 and gp130, but not IL-6Ralpha on fibroblasts. We also analyzed MCP-1 and IL-8 expression as a response involved in the more recently recognized chemoattractant functions of fibroblasts, and found MCP-1 to be up-regulated, but not IL-8. These data suggest that sIL-6Ralpha binds to cell-associated, endogenous IL-6 produced by fibroblasts and this complex then activates the cells via gp130. This pathway of fibroblast activation by sIL-6Ralpha adds another dimension to the role of fibroblasts in the cytokine network.

Soluble IL-1 receptor type I binds to human dermal fibroblasts and induces calcium flux

Soluble cytokine receptors appear to modify ligand concentrations by stabilizing ligands or by specifically inhibiting interactions of ligands with their membrane-bound receptors. Here we describe a new function of the soluble interleukin-1 receptor type I (IL-1sR I). This receptor induced a transient rise of intracellular free calcium concentration in human dermal fibroblasts in a dose-dependent fashion. Mobilization of calcium by IL-1sR I was abolished in the presence of an equimolar concentration of IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra). Neutralizing antibodies against IL-1beta also abolished calcium mobilization stimulated with IL-1sR I indicating that IL-1beta is involved. IL-1sR I bound with high affinity (Kd 1-2 nM) to the fibroblasts. In addition, IL-1sR I enhanced expression of IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA. The observation that IL-1sR I can act as a ligand and agonist for membrane IL-1 extends the concept of the ligand-receptor functions of both IL-1 and IL-1sR I and adds a new dimension to the cytokine network.

NGF-induced cytotoxicity in PC12 cells in a hypoglycemic environment

Surprisingly, we observed that nerve growth factor (NGF) potentiated death of PC12 cells induced by glucose withdrawal, although NGF is widely believed to exert its protective role against several types of cell death. Since either glucose withdrawal or NGF treatment increases intracellular calcium levels of target cells in many cases, we hypothesized that further increase of intracellular calcium by NGF may be a determinant factor in the NGF-mediated cell death. To test this hypothesis, we examined the effect of NGF on cell death pharmacologically by measuring cell viability and traced the changes of intracellular calcium in various conditions using a confocal laser microscope. NGF promoted cell death under a glucose-deprived condition in a manner dependent on extracellular calcium, and nifedipine, but not ryanodine, could partially block the cell death. NGF treatment augmented further intracellular calcium that had been elevated by glucose withdrawal, the event that nifedipine could block. In this study, therefore, we tentatively concluded that NGF potentiates cell death of starved PC12 cells by accelerating the initial increase of intracellular calcium through activation of a dihydropyridine-sensitive calcium channel.

Differential expression and association of calcium channel subunits in development and disease

Voltage-gated calcium channels (VDCC) are essential to neuronal maturation and differentiation. It is believed that important signaling information is encoded by VDCC-mediated calcium influx that has both spatial and temporal components. VDCC are multimeric complexes comprised of a pore-forming alpha1 subunit and auxiliary beta and alpha2/delta subunits. Changes in the fractional contribution of distinct calcium conductances to the total calcium current have been noted in developing and differentiating neurons. These changes are anticipated to reflect the differential expression and localization of the pore-forming alpha1 subunits. However, as in vitro studies have established that beta regulates the channel properties and targeting of alpha1, attention has been directed toward the developmental expression and assembly of beta isoforms. Recently, changes in the beta component of the omega-conotoxin GVIA (CTX)-sensitive N-type VDCC have indicated differential assembly of alpha1B with beta in postnatal rat brain. In addition, unique properties of beta4 have been noted with respect to its temporal pattern of expression and incorporation into N-type VDCC complexes. Therefore, the expression and assembly of specific alpha1/beta complexes may reflect an elaborate cellular strategy for regulating VDCC diversity. The importance of these developmental findings is bolstered by a recent study which identified mutations in the beta4 as the molecular defect in the mutant epileptic mouse (lethargic; lh/lh). As beta4 is normally expressed in both forebrain and cerebellum, one may consider the impact of the loss of beta4 upon VDCC assembly and activity. The importance of the beta1b and beta4 isoforms to calcium channel maturation and assembly is discussed.

Metabolism and trafficking of N-type voltage-operated calcium channels in neurosecretory cells

The N-type voltage-operated calcium channel has been characterized over the years as a high-threshold channel, with variable inactivation kinetics, and a unique ability to bind with high affinity and specificity omega-conotoxin GVIA and related toxins. This channel is particularly expressed in some neurons and endocrine cells, where it participates in several calcium-dependent processes, including secretion. Omega-conotoxin GVIA was instrumental not only for the biophysical and pharmacological characterization of N-type channels but also for the development of in vitro assays for studying N-type VOCC subcellular localization, biosynthesis, turnover, as well as short-and long-term regulation of its expression. We here summarize our studies on N-type VOCC expression in neurosecretory cells, with a major emphasis on recent data demonstrating the presence of N-type channels in intracellular secretory organelles and their recruitment to the cell surface during regulated exocytosis.

L-type calcium channel expression depends on the differentiated state of vascular smooth muscle cells

Despite intensive interest in understanding the differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), no information is available about differential regulation of ion channels in these cells. Since expression of the L-type Ca2+ channel can be influenced by differentiation in other cell types, we tested the hypothesis that the L-type (C class) channel is a specific differentiation marker of VSMC and that expression of these channels depends on the state of cell differentiation. We used rat aortic (A7r5) VSMC, which express functional L-type Ca2+ channels, and induced dedifferentiation by cell culture in different media. Treatment with retinoic acid was used to redifferentiate the VSMC. We characterized the differentiated state of the cells by using immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis for smooth muscle (SM) alpha-actin and SM-myosin heavy chain (MHC). The number of functional Ca2+ channels was significantly decreased in dedifferentiated VSMC and increased upon differentiation with retinoic acid. Ca2+ channel function was assessed by whole-cell voltage clamp techniques. Using Western blot and dihydropyridine binding analysis, we found that the expression of the Ca2+ channel alpha1 subunit, and to a lesser extent the beta2 subunit, was directly correlated with the expression of SM alpha-actin and SM-MHC. We conclude that expression of L-type Ca2+ channel alpha1 subunits, and thus a functional Ca2+ channel, is highly coordinated with expression of the SM-specific proteins required for specialized smooth muscle cell functions. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that the L-type Ca2+ channel is a novel marker for differentiation of VSMC. The data suggest that regulation of ion channel expression during differentiation may have physiological importance for normal smooth muscle function and may influence VSMC behavior under pathophysiological conditions.

Dopamine-denervation enhances the trophic activity in striatum: evaluation by morphological and electrophysiological development in PC12D cells

To evaluate the possibility that dopamine (DA) denervation enhances the trophic activity in striatum, normal or DA-depleted striatal tissue extract (N- or L-extract, respectively) was obtained, and their trophic effects on PC12D cells were investigated from the viewpoints of differentiation using morphological and electrophysiological analyses. Treatment with N- or L-extract induced neurite outgrowth in a concentration-dependent manner, and induced the enlargement of cell size. These effects were stronger in L-extract than in N-extract. Cation currents were investigated in whole cell patch-clamp mode. Development of cation current started with delayed-rectifier type K+ current (IK) and transient type K+ current (IA), followed by Ca2+ current (ICa) and tetrodotoxin-sensitive Na+ current (INa). INa was expressed more frequently in L-extract treated cells than N-extract treated cells at D7-9. The larger IK amplitude in L-extract treatment at D7-9 seemed to be related to the expression of INa. Development of IA was similar at any stage for both treatments. ICa development started at D3-5 after treatments, and the amplitude and current density were similar in both treatments. ICa was strongly blocked by omega-conotoxin GVIA (3 microM), indicating that N-type channels were mainly expressed after treatments. The data suggests that L-extract has stronger effects to hasten the differentiation of PC12D cells than N-extract by promoting the neurite outgrowth, cell enlargement and expression of voltage-dependent cation channels, especially INa and IK.

Mitochondrial involvement in post-tetanic potentiation of synaptic transmission

Posttetanic potentiation (PTP) is an essential aspect of synaptic transmission that arises from a persistent presynaptic [Ca2+]i following tetanic stimulation. At crayfish neuromuscular junctions, several inhibitors of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake and release (tetraphenylphosphonium or TPP+, carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone or CCCP, and ruthenium red) blocked PTP and the persistence of presynaptic residual [Ca2+]i, while endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ pump inhibitors and release channel activators (thapsigargin, 2,5-di-(tert-butyl)-1,4-benzohydroquinone or BHQ, and caffeine) had no effects. PTP apparently results from the slow efflux of tetanically accumulated mitochondrial Ca2+.

Dynamic properties of an inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate- and thapsigargin-insensitive calcium pool in mammalian cell lines

The functional characteristics of a nonacidic, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate- and thapsigargin-insensitive Ca2+ pool have been characterized in mammalian cells derived from the rat pituitary gland (GH3, GC, and GH3B6), the adrenal tissue (PC12), and mast cells (RBL-1). This Ca2+ pool is released into the cytoplasm by the Ca2+ ionophores ionomycin or A23187 after the discharge of the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-sensitive store with an agonist coupled to phospholipase C activation and/or thapsigargin. The amount of Ca2+ trapped within this pool increased significantly after a prolonged elevation of intracellular Ca2+ concentration elicited by activation of Ca2+ influx. This pool was affected neither by caffeine-ryanodine nor by mitochondrial uncouplers. Probing mitochondrial Ca2+ with recombinant aequorin confirmed that this pool did not coincide with mitochondria, whereas its homogeneous distribution across the cytosol, as revealed by confocal microscopy, and its insensitivity to brefeldin A make localization within the Golgi complex unlikely. A proton gradient as the driving mechanism for Ca2+ uptake was excluded since ionomycin is inefficient in releasing Ca2+ from acidic pools and Ca2+ accumulation/release in/from this store was unaffected by monensin or NH4Cl, drugs known to collapse organelle acidic pH gradients. Ca2+ sequestration inside this pool, thus, may occur through a low-affinity, high-capacity Ca2+-ATPase system, which is, however, distinct from classical endosarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPases. The cytological nature and functional role of this Ca2+ storage compartment are discussed.

A role of intracellular Na+ in the regulation of synaptic transmission and turnover of the vesicular pool in cultured hippocampal cells

Propagation of action potentials in axons and dendrites increases intracellular Na+ ([Na+]i) and Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i). While the importance of [Ca2+]i in synaptic transmission is well established, a possible functional role of [Na+]i is unclear. In cultured hippocampal cells, [Na+]i was increased by veratridine. We have then measured spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs) and, by means of fluorescent dyes, changes in [Na+]i, in [Ca2+]i, and in the turnover of the vesicular pool of individual boutons. An elevation of [Na+]i and a concomitant rise in [Ca2+]i, led to a large increase in sEPSC frequency and in the turnover of the presynaptic vesicular pool. Extracellular Ca2+ was essential for these effects of elevated [Na+]i on synaptic transmission. They probably occur via Na+/Ca2+ exchange.

Detection of a trigger zone of bradykinin-induced fast calcium waves in PC12 neurites

Bradykinin and caffeine were used as two different agonists to study inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3)-sensitive and caffeine/ryanodine-sensitive intracellular Ca2+ release in the outgrowing neurites of nerve-growth-factor (NGF)-treated rat phaeochromocytoma cells (PC12). Changes in neuritic intracellular free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) in single cells were measured after loading with a 1:1 mixture of the acetoxymethyl (AM) ester of the Ca2+-sensitive dyes Fura-red and Fluo-3, in combination with confocal microscopy. Bradykinin-induced Ca2+ release was blocked by U73211, a specific phospholipase C inhibitor. Caffeine-induced Ca2+ release was very low in neurites at rest. It increased after the cells were preloaded with Ca2+. The Ca2+ signal evoked at high concentrations of bradykinin (>500 nM) arose from a trigger zone in the proximal part of the neurite, as a bi-directional wave towards the growth cone and cell body. The speed of neuritic Ca2+ waves was reduced in cells loaded with the Ca2+ chelator 1, 2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-tetraacetic acid/AM. Preloading of Ca2+ stores led to increased bradykinin-induced Ca2+ release, as seen for caffeine, and faster Ca2+ wave speeds. Caffeine evoked a simultaneous [Ca2+]i rise along the neurites of Ca2+ preloaded cells. Higher Ca2+ signal amplitudes and faster Ca2+ wave speeds, but no longer-lasting IP3-induced [Ca2+]i signals, correlated with increased caffeine-induced Ca2+ release in the neurites. At low concentrations of bradykinin (<1.0 nM), the Ca2+ signals ceased to propagate as complete Ca2+ waves. Instead, repetitive stochastic Ca2+ release events (neuritic Ca2+ puffs) were observed. Neuritic Ca2+ puffs spread across only a few microns, at a slower speed than neuritic Ca2+ waves. These Ca2+ puffs represent elementary Ca2+ release units, whereby the released Ca2+ ions form these elementary events into the shape of a Ca2+ wave.

Spatial organization of calcium dynamics in growth cones of sensory neurones

The concentration of calcium ions in the cytosol ([Ca2+]i) has a dominant influence on neuronal development. A [Ca2+]i rise can, depending on the amplitude and location, promote outgrowth or dramatically inhibit it. We have used the fluorescent calcium indicators Fura-2 and Fura-2 dextran to measure [Ca2+]i dynamics in sensory neurones from the adult rat. [Ca2+]i was low and uniform in advancing growth cones, even during specific behaviours such as protrusion, filling and consolidation. A brief train of action potentials caused [Ca2+]i to rise at the extreme leading edge of the growth cone. [Ca2+]i changes in more proximal regions of the growth cone were much smaller. This spatially organized [Ca2+]i change, which may result from a concentration of calcium channels at the growth cone leading edge, is likely to function in spontaneously active regenerating axons in vivo to specifically activate calcium-dependent processes at the growth cone tip.

Calcium channels in neuroblastoma cell growth cones

The concentration of free calcium ions in the cytosol has been shown to influence many components of growth cone behaviour, including the extension of filopodia and veils, the addition of new membrane to the plasmalemma, the retraction and disappearance of filopodia, and gross collapse and retraction of the growth cone. A spatially localized modulation of these processes by very local calcium changes has been proposed to underlie the steering of growth cones by gradients of neurotransmitters, voltage and cell adhesion molecules. Such local control can be studied in mouse neuroblastoma cells, where depolarization causes calcium to rise in a limited number of spatially restricted hotspots, triggering a localized advance. We have studied the simple, club-shaped growth cones that are characteristically found on advancing neurites. Depolarization caused calcium to increase most at the distal, leading tip. Agents that disrupt calcium-induced calcium release do not affect growth cone calcium dynamics, ruling out a local release of calcium at the tip as a cause of the gradient. Using cell-attached patch recording, we find that L-type calcium channels are present at a higher density at the distal tip than in the proximal growth cone. Our results show that the calcium gradients seen in depolarized growth cones are a direct consequence of a gradient of calcium channel density.

Regulatory mechanisms involved in the activation of bradykinin-induced membrane currents in PC12 cells

Whole-cell patch-clamp measurements were made in nerve-growth-factor (NGF)-treated PC12 cells. External application of bradykinin (BK) activated an outward and an inward current which could be separated by using KCl- or CsCl-containing pipette solutions. The slowly activating inward current could be induced by BK independently of the filling of intracellular Ca2+ stores. By using GDP-beta-S in the pipette medium, we showed that BK-induced outward and inward currents were differentially regulated through G-protein-sensitive and -insensitive mechanisms, respectively. While the outward current was inhibited by GDP-beta-S, the inward current was not affected. Our results show that occupancy of BK receptors activates different signaling pathways for the induction of outward and inward currents.

Imaging of caffeine-inducible release of intracellular calcium in cultured embryonic mouse telencephalic neurons

To gain a better understanding of Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release in central neurons, we have studied the increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) induced by application of caffeine to cells cultured from embryonic mouse telencephalon (hippocampus or cortex). The magnitudes and distributions of changes in [Ca2+]i in neuron somata were measured by quantitative video microscopy. We observed that application of caffeine to pyramidally shaped neurons typically initiated an increase in [Ca2+]i in the cytoplasmic region between the nucleus and the base of a major dendrite. [Ca2+] in this region increased over a period of 3 to 6 s and was followed by, with a slight delay, a surge of Ca2+ that moved across the soma and into or over the nucleus. Similar Ca2+ responses to caffeine were observed in Ca(2+)-containing and nominally Ca(2+)-free external solutions, suggesting that caffeine was inducing Ca2+ release from intracellular stores. Ca2+ responses to caffeine were potentiated by inducing a tonic Ca2+ influx through N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-type glutamate receptors activated by 0.3 microM glutamate and multiple responses to caffeine could be elicited by using this Ca2+ influx to refill the intracellular stores. Ryanodine inhibition of caffeine-induced Ca2+ release was use- and concentration-dependent; the median effective concentration EC50 for ryanodine declined from 22 microM for the first application of caffeine to 20 nM for the fourth. We conclude, based on these responses to caffeine, that ryanodine-sensitive mechanisms of intracellular Ca2+ release are active in hippocampal and cortical neurons and may be involved in generation of directed Ca2+ waves that engulf the nucleus.

Ca2+ waves in PC12 neurites: a bidirectional, receptor-oriented form of Ca2+ signaling

Spatial and temporal aspects of Ca2+ signaling were investigated in PC12 cells differentiated with nerve growth factor, the well known nerve cell model. Activation of receptors coupled to polyphosphoinositide hydrolysis gave rise in a high proportion of the cells to Ca2+ waves propagating non decrementally and at constant speed (2-4 microns/s at 18 degrees C and approximately 10-fold faster at 37 degrees C) along the neurites. These waves relied entirely on the release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores since they could be generated even when the cells were incubated in Ca(2+)-free medium. In contrast, when the cells were depolarized with high K+ in Ca(2+)-containing medium, increases of cytosolic Ca2+ occurred in the neurites but failed to evolve into waves. Depending on the receptor agonist employed (bradykinin and carbachol versus ATP) the orientation of the waves could be opposite, from the neurite tip to the cell body or vice versa, suggesting different and specific distribution of the responsible surface receptors. Cytosolic Ca2+ imaging results, together with studies of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate generation in intact cells and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-induced Ca2+ release from microsomes, revealed the sustaining process of the waves to be discharge of Ca2+ from the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate- (and not the ryanodine-) sensitive stores distributed along the neurites. The activation of the cognate receptor appears to result from the coordinate action of the second messenger and Ca2+. Because of their properties and orientation, the waves could participate in the control of not only conventional cell activities, but also excitability and differential processing of inputs, and thus of electrochemical computation in nerve cells.

Calyculin-A-induced fast neurite retraction in nerve growth factor-differentiated rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells

Rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells were treated with nerve growth factor (NGF) for 3-4 days. They formed growth cones and extended neurites. Addition of the phosphatase inhibitor calyculin A (CL-A) caused a concentration-dependent complete retraction of neurites within 15 min. Retraction of growth cones started with the filopodia still present. The cell bodies acquired a grape-like shape opposite to the cell nucleus. These morphological changes were reversible. After washout of the inhibitor, the cell bodies recovered to normal shape within about 30-60 min while neurites started to grow again within 1 day. Okadaic acid (OA) which, compared to CL-A, is less potent as a PP-1 and equally potent as a PP-2A class inhibitor, caused neurite retraction only when added at more than a thousand-fold higher concentration than CL-A. Ca2+ levels within neurites and cell bodies remained stable and low during neurite retraction as measured with fura-2. However, cells treated with CL-A showed reduced activity of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels. The results suggest that the observed reversible changes in cell morphology occur at a constant low Ca2+ level and are most likely due to the inhibition of PP-1 class phosphatases.

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

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

Modulation of intracellular calcium transients and dopamine release by neuropeptide Y in PC-12 cells

In PC-12 cells differentiated with nerve growth factor, neuropeptide Y (NPY) potentiated the K(+)-evoked increase in intracellular calcium, but this potentiation was not mediated by classical Y1 or Y2 NPY receptors. The potentiation by NPY appeared to occur through the mobilization of calcium from intracellular stores because thapsigargin successfully blocked the potentiation. In contrast, the Y2 agonist, NPY-(13-36), attenuated the K(+)-evoked increase in intracellular calcium by decreasing the influx of extracellular calcium. The effect of NPY-(13-36) on dopamine release from PC-12 cells was next studied. NPY-(13-36) significantly attenuated the K(+)-evoked dopamine release in a concentration-dependent manner. Nifedipine and omega-conotoxin also attenuated the evoked dopamine release. In the presence of nifedipine or omega-conotoxin, NPY-(13-36) produced further inhibition of the evoked dopamine release. Furthermore, NPY-(13-36)-induced inhibition of dopamine release was abolished by pertussis toxin pretreatment. We conclude that the regulatory effects of NPY and analogues on intracellular calcium are mediated by multiple NPY receptor subtypes. Y2 receptor-mediated pertussis toxin-sensitive inhibition of the evoked dopamine release does not seem to be due to interactions with L- or N-type Ca2+ channels.

Caffeine-induced transmitter release is mediated via ryanodine-sensitive channel

An isolated clone PC12-37 of rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells, which lacks ryanodine-sensitive Ca2+ channel, responds to depolarization and to agonist activation and triggers [3H]dopamine ([3H]DA) release. A caffeine-stimulated transmitter release, while present in the parental PC12 cell line, is completely abolished in PC12-37 cells. In contrast, caffeine-induced Ca2+ influx in PC12-37 cells is similar to that observed in PC12 cells, indicating that caffeine-induced CA2+ influx is neither mediated by caffeine-induced Ca2+ release nor contributes to the caffeine-induced secretion. These results show (a) a tight coupling between caffeine activation of a ryanodine-sensitive Ca2+ store and transmitter release, (b) no significant involvement of the ryanodine-sensitive Ca2+ channel in depolarization- and agonist-mediated transmitter release, and (c) exclude a major role for caffeine-mediated Ca2+ entry in the caffeine-activated secretion.

Caffeine-induced calcium release from internal stores in cultured rat sensory neurons

Free intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]in) was recorded at 22 degrees C by means of Indo-1 or Fura-2 single-cell microfluorometry in cultured dorsal root ganglion neurons obtained from neonatal rats. The resting [Ca2+]in in dorsal root ganglion neurons was 73 +/- 21 nM (mean +/- S.D., n = 94). Fast application of 20 mM caffeine evoked [Ca2+]in transient which reached a peak of 269 +/- 64 nM within 5.9 +/- 1.1 s. After reaching the peak the [Ca2+]in level started to decline in the presence of caffeine and for 87.2 +/- 10.6 s cytoplasmic calcium returned to an initial resting value. In 40% of neurons tested [Ca2+]in decreased to subresting levels following the washout of caffeine (the so-called post-caffeine undershoot). On average, the undershoot level was 19 +/- 2.5 nM below the resting [Ca2+]in value. Prolonged exposure of caffeine depleted the caffeine-sensitive stores of releasable Ca2+; the degree of this depletion depended on caffeine concentration. The depletion of the caffeine-sensitive internal stores to some extent was linked to calcium extrusion via La(3+)-sensitive plasmalemmal Ca(2+)-ATPases. The stores could be partially refilled by the uptake of cytoplasmic Ca2+, but the complete recovery of releasable Ca2+ content of the caffeine-sensitive pools required the additional calcium entry via voltage-operated calcium channels. Caffeine-evoked [Ca2+]in transients were effectively blocked by 10 microM ryanodine, 5 mM procaine, 10 microM dantrolene or 0.5 mM Ba2+, thus sharing the basic properties of the Ca(2+)-induced-Ca2+ release from endoplasmic reticulum. Pharmacological manipulation with caffeine-sensitive stores interfered with the depolarization-induced [Ca2+]in transients. In the presence of low caffeine concentration (0.5-1 mM) in the extracellular solution the rate of rise of the depolarization-triggered [Ca2+]in transients significantly increased (by a factor 2.15 +/- 0.29) suggesting the occurrence of Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release. When the caffeine-sensitive stores were emptied by prolonged application of caffeine, the amplitude and the rate of rise of the depolarization-induced [Ca2+]in transients were decreased. These facts suggest the involvement of internal caffeine-sensitive calcium stores in the generation of calcium signal in sensory neurons.

Mobile and immobile calcium buffers in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells

1. The calcium binding capacity (kappa S) of bovine chromaffin cells preloaded with fura-2 was measured during nystatin-perforated-patch recordings. 2. Subsequently, the perforated patch was ruptured to obtain a whole-cell recording situation, and the time course of kappa S was monitored during periods of up to one hour. 3. No rapid change (within 10-20 s) of kappa S was observed upon transition to whole-cell recording, as would be expected, if highly mobile organic anions contributed significantly to calcium buffering. However, approximately half of the cells investigated displayed a drop in kappa S within 2-5 min, indicative of the loss of soluble Ca2+ binding proteins in the range of 7-20 kDa. 4. The average Ca2+ binding capacity (differential ratio of bound calcium over free calcium) was 9 +/- 7 (mean +/- S.E.M.) for the poorly mobile component and 31 +/- 10 for the fixed component. It was concluded that a contribution of 7 from highly mobile buffer would have been detected, if present. Thus, this value can be considered as an upper bound to highly mobile Ca2+ buffer. 5. Both mobile and fixed calcium binding capacity appeared to have relatively low Ca2+ affinity, since kappa S did not change in the range of Ca2+ concentrations between 0.1 and 3 microM. 6. It was found that cellular autofluorescence and contributions to fluorescence of non-hydrolysed or compartmentalized dye contribute a serious error in estimation of kappa S. 'Balanced loading', a degree of fura-2 loading such that the calcium binding capacity of fura-2 equals cellular calcium binding capacity, minimizes these errors. Also, changes in kappa S at the transition from perforated-patch to whole-cell recording can be most faithfully recorded for similar degrees of loading in both situations. 7. Nystatin was found unable to make pores from inside of the plasma membrane of chromaffin cells. With careful preparation and storage the diluted nystatin solution maintained its high activity of membrane perforation for more than one week. 8. An equation for the effective diffusion constant for total cytoplasmic calcium, D'Ca, was derived, which takes into account fixed buffer and poorly mobile buffer as determined, as well as calcium bound to fura-2 and some highly mobile buffers.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

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

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

Thy-1 antibody-triggered neurite outgrowth requires an influx of calcium into neurons via N- and L-type calcium channels

We present evidence that the neurite out-growth stimulated by the binding of Thy-1 antibodies to PC12 cells is mediated by calcium influx through both N- and L-type calcium channels. PC12 cells cultured on a noncellular substratum in the presence of NGF, or on a cellular substratum in the absence of NGF, responded to soluble Thy-1 antibody by extending longer neurites. The response required bivalent antibody and could be blocked by removing Thy-1 from the surface of PC12 cells with phosphatidylinositol specific phospholipase C. The response could also be blocked by reducing extracellular calcium to 0.25 mM, or by antagonists of L- and N-type calcium channels. Additionally, the response could be fully inhibited by preloading PC12 cells with BAPTA/AM which buffers changes in intracellular calcium. A heterotrimeric G-protein is also implicated in the pathway as the response could be fully inhibited by pertussis toxin. These data suggest that antibody-induced clustering of Thy-1 stimulates neurite outgrowth by activating a second messenger pathway that has previously been shown to underlie cell adhesion molecule (NCAM, N-cadherin, and L1), but not integrin or NGF-dependent neurite outgrowth.

Calcium channels at the adrenergic neuroeffector junction in the rabbit ear artery

Neurotransmitter release is dependent on influx of Ca2+ through voltage-operated calcium channels (VOCCs). These channels may be divided into L, N, T and P subtypes. To investigate the subtypes of VOCC involved in transmitter release from adrenergic nerves in the isolated rabbit ear artery, the effects of some subtype selective VOCC antagonists were examined on contractile responses induced by electrical field stimulation (EFS), and exposure to an isosmolar (low Na+, normal Cl- content) or a hyperosmolar (normal Na+, high Cl- content) 60 mM K+ solution. Tetrodotoxin (TTX) and the L channel blocker nimodipine were present in the latter experiments to inhibit sodium-dependent action potential discharge and the direct contractile effect of K+ depolarization on the smooth muscle cells. Prazosin abolished the contractile effect of EFS, indicating that the response was elicited by activation of adrenergic nerves. The EFS-induced contractions were concentration-dependently inhibited by the N channel blocker omega-conotoxin (pIC50 = 9.0) and the proposed L channel blocker T-cadinol (pIC50 = 4.5), while nimodipine and the T channel blocker tetramethrin had no effect. The isosmolar and hyperosmolar K+ solutions induced a prazosin-sensitive contraction, amounting to 46% and 10% of the response to 10(-5) M noradrenaline (NA), respectively. omega-Conotoxin inhibited the contractile response to the hyperosmolar K+ solution, but not that to the isosmolar K+ solution. T-cadinol preferentially inhibited the response to the hyperosmolar K+ solution. Tetramethrin had no effect on contractions induced by either type of K+ solution.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Agonist-induced inhibition of inositol-trisphosphate-activated IK(Ca) in NG108-15 neuroblastoma hybrid cells

IK(Ca) activated by intracellular ionophoresis of inositol trisphosphate (IP3) or pressure-applied acetylcholine was inhibited by bradykinin and acetylcholine in NG108-15 cells transfected with m1 receptors. The inhibition of the IP3-evoked current was complete at 10 microM acetylcholine. This inhibition was not seen if the current was evoked by intracellular ionophoresis of calcium ions. Only receptors the activate the phosphoinositide system in these cells produced this inhibition, i.e. transfected muscarinic m1 and m3 and bradykinin receptors, but not muscarinic m2, m4 or adrenergic alpha 2 receptors. This inhibition was not sensitive to pertussis toxin or staurosporine. The concentrations of acetylcholine needed to inhibit the evoked current were identical to those needed to raise intracellular calcium but tenfold less than those needed for the agonist to activate IK(Ca). In a normal calcium-containing superfusate, recovery from inhibition required around 8 min (half-time 4 min) after removal of acetylcholine. When the experiment was performed in calcium-free medium no recovery was seen after 8 min washing in drug-free solution, but complete recovery was seen within 3 min (half-time 1.5 min) after adding calcium. Responses to repeated pressure applications of acetylcholine could be reversibly inhibited by acetylcholine and bradykinin. It seems, then, that there is no direct action of acetylcholine or bradykinin on the IK(Ca) channels themselves but that concentrations below those needed to activate IK(Ca) can empty and inhibit the IP3-sensitive calcium store. This may provide a mechanism for heterologous desensitization for phospholipase-C-linked receptor-mediated responses.

Calcium influx into neurons can solely account for cell contact-dependent neurite outgrowth stimulated by transfected L1

We have used monolayers of control 3T3 cells and 3T3 cells expressing transfected human L1 as a culture substrate for rat PC12 cells and rat cerebellar neurons. PC12 cells and cerebellar neurons extended longer neurites on human L1 expressing cells. Neurons isolated from the cerebellum at postnatal day 9 responded equally as well as those isolated at postnatal day 1-4, and this contrasts with the failure of these older neurons to respond to the transfected human neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM). Human L1-dependent neurite outgrowth could be blocked by antibodies that bound to rat L1 and, additionally, the response could be fully inhibited by pertussis toxin and substantially inhibited by antagonists of L- and N-type calcium channels. Calcium influx into neurons induced by K+ depolarization fully mimics the L1 response. Furthermore, we show that L1- and K+(-)dependent neurite outgrowth can be specifically inhibited by a reduction in extracellular calcium to 0.25 microM, and by pretreatment of cerebellar neurons with the intracellular calcium chelator BAPTA/AM. In contrast, the response was not inhibited by heparin or by removal of polysialic acid from neuronal NCAM both of which substantially inhibit NCAM-dependent neurite outgrowth. These data demonstrate that whereas NCAM and L1 promote neurite outgrowth via activation of a common CAM-specific second messenger pathway in neurons, neuronal responsiveness to NCAM and L1 is not coordinately regulated via posttranslational processing of NCAM. The fact that NCAM- and L1-dependent neurite outgrowth, but not adhesion, are calcium dependent provides further evidence that adhesion per se does not directly contribute to neurite outgrowth.

Involvement of Ca2+ uptake by a reticulum-like store in the control of transmitter release

At an identified neuro-neuronal synapse of Aplysia, 2,5-diterbutyl 1,4-benzohydroquinone, a selective blocker of the reticulum Ca2+ pump, was found to potentiate evoked quantal release of acetylcholine through an increased accumulation of Ca2+ in the presynaptic neuron during depolarization without any accompanying changes in the presynaptic Ca2+ current. We conclude that a rapid Ca2+ buffering system, similar to that associated with the endoplasmic reticulum, must be present in the nerve terminal and play a role in the control of Ca2+ which reaches the release system.

Inhibition of protein kinases in rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells promotes morphological differentiation and down-regulates ion channel expression

We have studied morphological differentiation and ion channel expression in PC12 cells under different culture conditions. Differentiation mediated by nerve growth factor (NGF) was compared with that induced by depletion and inhibition of protein kinases (phorbol ester beta-PMA plus staurosporine). Morphological differentiation was similar under both conditions. However, ion channel densities, studied by means of the patch-clamp technique, were enhanced by NGF and reduced by beta-PMA+staurosporine. Similar changes were also observed for omega-conotoxin-sensitive Ca2+ channels by measuring radioligand binding. The decrease in Ca2+ channel density, after treatment of the cells with beta-PMA+staurosporine, resulted in a reduced increase in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration during K+ depolarization. We conclude that morphological differentiation, but not ion channel expression, can occur during depression of protein kinase activities in PC12 cells.

Direct activation of second messenger pathways mimics cell adhesion molecule-dependent neurite outgrowth

We present evidence that direct activation of neuronal second messenger pathways in PC12 cells by opening voltage-dependent calcium channels mimics cell adhesion molecule (CAM)-induced differentiation of these cells. PC12 cells were cultured on monolayers of control 3T3 cells or 3T3 cells expressing transfected N-cadherin in the presence of KCl or a calcium channel agonist Bay K 8644. Both potassium depolarization and agonist-induced activation of calcium channels promoted substantial neurite outgrowth from PC12 cells cultured on control 3T3 monolayers and increased neurite outgrowth from those cultured on N-cadherin-expressing 3T3 monolayers. The potassium-induced response could be inhibited by L- and N-type calcium channel antagonists and by kinase inhibitor K-252b but was unaffected by pertussis toxin. In contrast activators of protein kinase C did not stimulate neurite outgrowth, and the neurite outgrowth response induced by activation of protein kinase A was not inhibited by calcium channel antagonists or pertussis toxin. These studies support the postulate that CAM-induced neuronal differentiation involves a specific transmembrane signaling pathway and suggest that activation of this pathway after CAM binding may be more important for the neurite outgrowth response than CAM-dependent adhesion per se.

Inhibition of membrane currents and rises of intracellular Ca2+ in PC12 cells by CGS 9343B, a calmodulin inhibitor

The calmodulin inhibitor 1,3-dihydro-1-[1-((4-methyl-4H,6H-pyrrolo[1,2-a]-[4,1]benzoxazepin - 4-yl)methyl)-4-piperidinyl]-2H-benzimidazol-2-one maleate (CGS 9343B) caused a reversible block of voltage-activated Ca2+, Na+, and K+ currents in differentiated rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells. The drug also inhibited nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) channel currents but not inward currents evoked by extracellular ATP. Depolarization-induced intracellular Ca2+ transients were almost completely inhibited in growth cones and cell bodies by CGS 9343B. Our results suggest actions of CGS 9343B on ion fluxes unrelated to calmodulin inhibition.