Imaging of intracellular calcium in rat anterior pituitary cells in response to growth hormone releasing factor

Sodium background currents in endocrine/neuroendocrine cells: Towards unraveling channel identity and contribution in hormone secretion

In endocrine/neuroendocrine tissues, excitability of secretory cells is patterned by the repertoire of ion channels and there is clear evidence that extracellular sodium (Na⁺) ions contribute to hormone secretion. While voltage-gated channels involved in action potential generation are well-described, the background 'leak' channels operating near the resting membrane potential are much less known, and in particular the channels supporting a background entry of Na⁺ ions. These background Na⁺ currents (called here 'I_Nab') have the ability to modulate the resting membrane potential and subsequently affect action potential firing. Here we compile and analyze the data collected from three endocrine/neuroendocrine tissues: the anterior pituitary gland, the adrenal medulla and the endocrine pancreas. We also model how I_Nab can be functionally involved in cellular excitability. Finally, towards deciphering the physiological role of I_Nab in endocrine/neuroendocrine cells, its implication in hormone release is also discussed.

Stimuli-sensitive hydrogels: ideal carriers for chronobiology and chronotherapy

The development of solid-phase peptide synthesis in the early 1960s and recombinant DNA technology in the early 1970s boosted the scientific interest of utilizing proteins and peptides as potential therapeutic agents to battle poorly controlled diseases. While there has been rapid progress in the development and synthesis of new proteins and peptides as potential therapeutic agents, the formulation and development of the associated delivery systems is lacking. The development of delivery systems is equally important due to the problems of stability, low bioavailability and short half-life of proteins and peptides. The main problem in this field is that low stability leads to low bioavailability. In this review we draw attention to chrono-pharmacological drug-delivery systems, which can be used to match the delivery of therapeutic agents with the biological rhythm. They are very important especially in endocrinology and in vaccine therapy. We show that the treatment of hypopituitary dwarfism by administration of human growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) is more effective when GHRH is administered in a pulsatile manner that exhibits a period characteristic of the patient's circadian rhythm. Here we examine how to design novel chrono-pharmacological drug-delivery systems that should be able to release the therapeutic agents at predetermined intervals.

Localized suppression of cortical growth hormone-releasing hormone receptors state-specifically attenuates electroencephalographic delta waves

Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) promotes non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREMS), in part via a well characterized hypothalamic sleep-promoting site. However, GHRH may also act in the cortex to influence sleep. Application of GHRH to the surface of the cortex changes electroencephalographic (EEG) delta power. GHRH and the GHRH receptor (GHRHR) mRNAs are detectable in the rat cortex, and the expression of cortical GHRHR is activity dependent. Here, we microinjected a GHRH antagonist or GHRHR small interfering RNA (siGHRHR) onto the somatosensory cortex surface in rats. The unilateral application of the GHRH antagonist ipsilaterally decreased EEG delta wave power during NREMS, but not wakefulness, during the initial 40 min after injection. Similarly, the injection of siGHRHR reduced cortical expression of GHRHR and suppressed NREMS EEG delta wave power during 20-24 h after injection. Using the fura-2 calcium imaging technique, cultured cortical cells responded to GHRH by increasing intracellular calcium. Approximately 18% of the GHRH-responsive cells were GABAergic as illustrated by glutamic acid decarboxylase-67 (GAD67) immunostaining. Double labeling for GAD67 and GHRHR in vitro and in vivo indicated that only a minority of cortical GHRHR-containing cells were GABAergic. Our data suggest that endogenous cortical GHRH activates local cortical cells to affect EEG delta wave power state-specifically. Results are also consistent with the hypothesis that GHRH contributes to local network state regulation.

Involvement of tetrodotoxin-resistant Na+ current and protein kinase C in the action of growth hormone (GH)-releasing hormone on primary cultured somatotropes from GH-green fluorescent protein transgenic mice

GHRH depolarizes the membrane of somatotropes, leading to an increase in intracellular free Ca2+ concentration and GH secretion. Na+ channels mediate the rapid depolarization during the initial phase of the action potential, and this regulates Ca2+ influx and GH secretion. GHRH increases a tetrodotoxin-sensitive somatotrope Na+ current that is mediated by cAMP. TTX-resistant (TTX-R) Na+ channels are abundant in sensory neurons and cardiac myocytes, but their occurrence and/or function in somatotropes has not been investigated. Here we demonstrate expression of TTX-R Na+ channels and a TTX-R Na+ current, using patch-clamp method, in green fluorescent protein-GH transgenic mouse somatotropes. GHRH (100 nm) increased the TTX-R Na+ current in a reversible manner. The GHRH-induced increase in TTX-R Na+ current was not affected by the cAMP antagonist Rp-cAMP or protein kinase A inhibitors KT5720 or H89. The TTX-R current was increased by 8-bromoadenosine-cAMP (cAMP analog), forskolin (adenylyl-cyclase activator), and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (phosphodiesterase inhibitor), but the additional, GHRH-induced increase in TTX-R Na+ currents was not affected. U-73122 (phospholipase C inhibitor) and protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors, Gö-6983 and chelerythrine, blocked the effect of GHRH. PKC activators, phorbol dibutyrate and phorbol myristate acetate, increased the TTX-R Na+ current, but GHRH had no further effect on the current. Na+-free extracellular medium significantly reduced GHRH-stimulated GH secretion. We conclude that GHRH-induced increase in the TTX-R Na+ current in mouse somatotropes is mediated by the PKC system. An increase in the TTX-R Na+ current may contribute to the GHRH-induced exocytosis of GH granules from mouse somatotropes.

Mechanism of Spontaneous and Receptor-Controlled Electrical Activity in Pituitary Somatotrophs: Experiments and Theory

Cultured pituitary somatotrophs release growth hormone in response to spontaneous Ca2+ entry through voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) that is governed by plateau-bursting electrical activity and is regulated by several neurohormones, including GH-releasing hormone (GHRH) and somatostatin. Here we combine experiments and theory to clarify the mechanisms underlying spontaneous and receptor-controlled electrical activity. Experiments support a role of a Na+-conducting and tetrodotoxin-insensitive channel in controlling spontaneous and GHRH-stimulated pacemaking, the latter in a cAMP-dependent manner; an opposing role of spontaneously active inwardly rectifying K+ ( Kir) channels and G-protein-regulated Kir channels in somatostatin-mediated inhibition of pacemaking; as well as a role of VGCCs in spiking and large conductance (BK-type) Ca2+-activated K+ channels in plateau bursting. The mathematical model is compatible with a wide variety of experimental data involving pharmacology and extracellular ion substitution and supports the importance of constitutively active tetrodotoxin-insensitive Na+ and Kir channels in maintaining spontaneous pacemaking in pituitary somatotrophs. The model also suggests that these channels are involved in the up- and downregulation of electrical activity by GHRH and somatostatin. In the model, the plateau bursting is controlled by two functional populations of BK channels, characterized by distance from the VGCCs. The rapid activation of the proximal BK channels is critical for the establishment of the plateau, whereas slow recruitment of the distal BK channels terminates the plateau.

Changes in expression of hypothalamic releasing hormone receptors in individual rat anterior pituitary cells during maturation, puberty and senescence

Anterior pituitary (AP) is formed by five different cell types, each one producing a different AP hormone whose secretion is regulated by a specific hypothalamic-releasing hormone (HRH). On the other hand, a significant number of AP cells express multiple HRH receptors (multiresponsive cells). Plastic changes in expression of HRH receptors in individual AP cells are involved in critical endocrine events. Here we have characterized the changes in functional responses to CRH, LHRH, TRH, and GHRH in individual AP cells throughout the whole life span of the rat. To this end, calcium responses to the HRHs were followed by single-cell imaging in freshly dispersed AP cells prepared from rats of different ages (0-540 postnatal days). Three different cell pools were identified: 1) monoresponsive cells, holding a single class of HRH receptor; 2) multiresponsive cells; and 3) nonresponsive cells. The relative abundance of each pool changed with age. Nonresponsive cells were abundant at birth, multiresponsive cells were abundant at puberty, and monoresponsive cells dominated at senescence. The relative abundance of each HRH receptor changed largely with age but not gender. In addition, the contribution of monoresponsive and multiresponsive cells to responses to each HRH changed very much with age. Thus, the anterior pituitary shows large changes in cell populations typed by functional responses to HRHs during maturation, puberty, and senescence.

Phenotypic characterization of multi-functional somatotropes, mammotropes and gonadotropes of the mouse anterior pituitary

The existence of bihormonal anterior pituitary (AP) cells co-storing growth hormone and either prolactin (mammosomatotrope) or gonadotropins (somatogonadotrope) has been described. These cells have been proposed to be involved in "paradoxical" secretion [secretion of an AP hormone induced by a non-related hypothalamic releasing factor (HRH) and transdifferentiation (a phenotypic switch between different cell types without cell division]. Here we combine calcium imaging (to assess HRH responsiveness) and multiple sequential immunoassay of the six AP hormones to perform a single-cell phenotypic study of multifunctional somatotropes, mammotropes and gonadotropes in the normal male and female mouse pituitaries. AP cell phenotypes differed from the classic view, showing multiple HRH-receptor expression and/or hormone storage. Mammosomatotropes represented only 5-6% of somatotropes and were poorly responsive to HRHs, suggesting that their contribution to paradoxical secretion should be very limited. Somatogonadotropes were present only in females and contained adrenocorticotropic hormone. They responded to growth hormone-releasing hormone but failed to respond to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (LHRH). Other polyhormonal cells identified include (1) gonadocorticotropes, restricted to females, where they make up more than 50% of all the gonadotropes and contain other AP hormones; (2) gonadomammotropes, which are present preferentially in female cells and respond to LHRH; and (3) gonadothyrotropes, which are present similarly in male and female pituitaries.

Anterior pituitary thyrotropes are multifunctional cells

Anterior pituitary (AP) contains some unorthodox multifunctional cells that store and secrete two different AP hormones (polyhormonal cells) and/or respond to several hypothalamic-releasing hormones (HRHs; multiresponsive cells). Multifunctional cells may be involved in paradoxical secretion (secretion of a given AP hormone evoked by a noncorresponding HRH) and transdifferentiation (phenotypic switch between different mature cell types without cell division). Here we combine calcium imaging (to assess responses to the four HRHs) and multiple sequential immunoassay of the six AP hormones to perform a single-cell phenotypic study of thyrotropes in normal male and female mice. Surprisingly, most of the thyrotropes were polyhormonal, containing, in addition to thyrotropin (TSH), luteinizing hormone (40-42%) and prolactin (19-21%). Thyrotropes costoring growth hormone and/or ACTH were found only in females (24% of each type). These results suggest that costorage of the different hormones does not happen at random and that gender favors certain hormone combinations. Our results indicate that thyrotropes are a mosaic of cell phenotypes rather than a single cell type. The striking promiscuity of TSH storage should originate considerable mix-up of AP hormone secretions on stimulation of thyrotropes. However, response to thyrotropin-releasing hormone was much weaker in the polyhormonal thyrotropes than in the monohormonal ones. This would limit the appearance of paradoxical secretion under physiological conditions and suggests that timing of hormone and HRH receptor expression during the transdifferentiation process is finely and differentially regulated.

Multifunctional cells of mouse anterior pituitary reveal a striking sexual dimorphism

The existence of cells storing and secreting two different anterior pituitary (AP) hormones (polyhormonal cells) or responding to several hypothalamic releasing hormones (HRHs) (multiresponsive cells) has been reported previously. These multifunctional cells could be involved in paradoxical secretion (AP hormone secretion evoked by a non-corresponding HRH) and transdifferentiation (phenotypic switch between mature cell types without cell division). Despite their putative physiological relevance, a comprehensive characterization of multifunctional AP cells is lacking. Here we combine calcium imaging (to assess responses to the four HRHs) and multiple sequential immunoassay of the six AP hormones in the same individual cells to perform a complete phenotypic characterization of mouse AP cells. Polyhormonal and multiresponsive cells were identified within all five AP cell types. They were scarce in the more abundant cell types, somatotropes and lactotropes, but quite frequent in corticotropes and gonadotropes. Cells with mixed phenotypes were the rule rather than the exception in thyrotropes, where 56-83 % of the cells stored two to five different hormones. Multifunctional AP cells were much more abundant in females than in males, indicating that the hormonal changes associated with the sexual cycle may promote transdifferentiation. As the phenotypic analysis was performed here after stimulation with HRHs, the fraction of polyhormonal cells might have been underestimated. With this limitation, the polyhormonal cells detected here responded to the HRHs less than the monohormonal ones, suggesting that they might contribute less than expected a priori to paradoxical secretion. Overall, our results reveal a striking sexual dimorphism, the female pituitary being much more plastic than the male pituitary.

3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate augments intracellular Ca2+ concentration and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) release in immortalized GnRH neurons in an Na+ -dependent manner

In GT1-7 cells, cAMP increases the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+](i)) through activation of the voltage-gated Ca2+ channels, thereby facilitating GnRH release. To activate these channels, the membrane potential must be depolarized. In the present study we hypothesize that cAMP depolarizes the cells by increasing the membrane Na+ permeability, as in the case of somatotrophs and pancreatic beta-cells. To examine this, we analyzed [Ca2+](i) and [Na+](i) in GT1-7 cells by an intracellular ion-imaging technique along with cAMP assay by RIA. Forskolin, a direct activator of adenylyl cyclase, increased [Ca2+](i) and [Na+](i) via cAMP formation. The forskolin-induced increase in [Ca2+](i) depended on the presence of Ca2+ and Na+ in the extracellular solution. This response was blocked by the voltage-gated Ca2+ channel blocker, nifedipine; the nonselective cation channel blocker, gadolinium (Gd3+); and the cyclic nucleotide-gated channel blocker, l-cis-diltiazem. In contrast, the forskolin-induced increase in [Na+](i) depended only on extracellular Na+, not on Ca2+. Gd3+ and l-cis-diltiazem also blocked the increase in [Na+](i). Furthermore, the forskolin-induced increase in GnRH release was blunted in both low Ca2+ and low Na+ media. The results indicate that cAMP increases the membrane Na+ permeability, probably through nonselective cation channels on GT1-7 cells, thereby promoting GnRH release.

An extracellular sulfhydryl group modulates background Na(+) conductance and cytosolic Ca(2+) in pituitary cells

Treatment of GH(3) pituitary cells with p-chloromercurybenzenesulfonate (PCMBS) increased the cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)). This effect was reversed by dithiothreitol and blocked by L-type Ca(2+) channel antagonists or Na(+) removal. PCMBS increased membrane conductance and depolarized the plasma membrane. Apart from minor effects on K(+) and Ca(2+) channels, PCMBS increased (6 times at -80 mV) an inward Na(+) current whose properties were similar to those of a background Na(+) conductance (BNC) described previously, necessary for generation of spontaneous electrical activity. In rat lactotropes and somatotropes in primary culture, PCMBS also produced a Na(+)-dependent [Ca(2+)](i) increase, whereas little or no effect was observed in thyrotropes, corticotropes, and gonadotropes. The Na(+) conductance elicited by PCMBS in somatotropes seemed to be the same as that stimulated by the hypothalamic growth hormone (GH)-releasing hormone, which regulates membrane excitability and GH secretion. The BNC studied here could play a physiological role, regulating excitability and spontaneous activity, and explains satisfactorily the [Ca(2+)](i)-increasing actions of the mercurials reported previously in several excitable tissues.

Bradykinin and angiotensin II-induced [Ca2+]i rise in cultured rat pituitary folliculo-stellate cells

Folliculo-stellate cells of the anterior pituitary are thought to modulate pituitary hormone secretion through a paracrine mechanism. Angiotensin II and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) have previously been shown to increase the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) of these cells. In the present study, we examined the effects of various peptides such as bradykinin, angiotensin II, endothelin-1, PACAP, galanin and neurotensin by Ca2+-imaging of folliculo-stellate cells in primary culture. Bradykinin and angiotensin II increased [Ca2+]i in folliculo-stellate cells. Both responses were completely suppressed by thapsigargin and were significantly suppressed by the phospholipase C inhibitor, U-73122. Ryanodine did not significantly modify the responses. A B2 antagonist and angiotensin II receptor antagonist inhibited the response induced by bradykinin and angiotensin II, respectively. Endothelin-1 and PACAP increased [Ca2+]i in fewer than 50% of folliculo-stellate cells but galanin and neurotensin did not influence [Ca2+]i in any of the folliculo-stellate cells tested. These results indicate that bradykinin and angiotensin II increase [Ca2+]i in folliculo-stellate cells by activating phospholipase C through B2 receptor and AT1 receptor, respectively, and that endothelin-1 and PACAP also increase [Ca2+]i in some folliculo-stellate cells.

Sustained stimulation of exocytosis triggers continuous membrane retrieval in rat pituitary somatotrophs

We studied the relationship between exocytosis and endocytosis in rat pituitary somatotrophs using patch-clamp capacitance, FM1-43 fluorescence imaging and amperometry. Stimulation of exocytosis through voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels by depolarizations (1-5 s) increased the capacitance by 4.3 +/- 0.9 % and the fluorescence by 6.6 +/- 1.1 % (10 cells). The correlation between the capacitance and fluorescence changes indicated that the cell membrane and granule membrane added via exocytosis were stained with the membrane-bound fluorescent dye FM1-43 in a quantitatively similar manner. Intracellular dialysis (0.5-4.5 min) with elevated Ca2+ (1.5-100 microM) evoked continuous exocytosis that was detected with a carbon fibre electrode from dopamine-loaded cells (10 cells) or as an increase in FM1-43 fluorescence (56 +/- 10 %; 21 cells). Interestingly during Ca2+ dialysis the capacitance did not significantly change (2 +/- 1 %; 31 cells), indicating that endocytosis efficiently retrieved increased cell membrane. Sustained endocytosis was not blocked when the intracellular GTP (300 microM) was replaced with GTP[gamma]S. Replacing intracellular Ca2+ (100 microM) with Ba2+ (300 microM) or Sr2+ (200 microM), or reducing the pH of the intracellular solution from 7.2 to 6.2 did not block sustained endocytosis. Our results suggest that pituitary somatotrophs have the ability to undergo continuous exocytosis and membrane retrieval that persist in whole-cell recordings.

Purinergic regulation of intracellular Ca2+ concentration of rat pituitary folliculo-stellate cells in primary culture

Pituitary folliculo-stellate cells (FSCs) are glia-like cells in the anterior pituitary and are believed to modulate the activity of the pituitary endocrine cells. However, little is known what regulates the activity of FSCs. We hypothesized that ATP could act on FSCs, because ATP is coreleased with pituitary hormones from endocrine cells. To test this possibility, we examined the effect of ATP by measuring intracellular Ca2+ concentration [Ca2+]i of FSCs in primary culture. Both ATP and UTP increased the [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner in a range between 0.1 microM and 10 microM. The response was completely suppressed by thapsigargin, an inhibitior of endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase, and was significantly suppressed by U-73122, an inhibitor of phospholipase C. The response was also suppressed by caffeine, a blocker of IP3 receptor, whereas that was not suppressed by ryanodine, an antagonist of ryanodine receptor. These results indicate that ATP increases [Ca2+]i of FSCs by activating phospholipase C via P2Y purinergic receptor and suggest that ATP would be one of paracrine factors to FSCs in the anterior pituitary.

Acetylcholine increases intracellular Ca2+ in the rat pituitary folliculostellate cells in primary culture

Pituitary folliculostellate cells (FSCs) are thought to partially inhibit pituitary hormone secretion through a paracrine mechanism. In this process, one of the important questions is what factors regulate the function of FSCs. Because ACh is synthesized in and possibly released from the corticotrophs and lactotrophs, we examined whether FSCs respond to ACh by the method of Ca2+ imaging in primary cultured FSCs from male Wistar rats. ACh (30 nM-3 microM) increased intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+](i)) of FSCs in a concentration-dependent manner, with an initial rapid rise followed by a relatively sustained increase. The complete block of the response by atropine and pirenzepine suggests involvement of muscarinic receptors. Depletion of the stored Ca2+ by thapsigargin blocked the response completely. Blockers of phospholipase C, U-73122 and neomycin, suppressed significantly the rise of [Ca2+](i). These results suggest that ACh increases [Ca2+](i) in FSCs by activating phospholipase C, presumably through activation of M(1) receptors. The rise in [Ca2+](i) could trigger a variety of Ca2+-dependent cellular processes, including the synthesis and release of bioactive substances, which in turn act on endocrine cells.

Somatostatin-induced control of cytosolic free calcium in pituitary tumour cells

1. In rat pituitary tumour cells (GC cells), spontaneous oscillations of the intracellular concentration of Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) induce growth hormone (GH) secretion that is inhibited by octreotide, a somatostatin (SRIF) agonist which binds to SRIF subtype (sst) receptor 2. The effects of its functional activation on the control of [Ca2+]i were investigated using fluorimetric measurements of [Ca2+]i. 2. SRIF decreases the basal [Ca2+]i and the [Ca2+]i rise in response to forskolin (FSK) through the inhibition of L-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels. 3. Pretreatment with octreotide or with L-Tyr8++ Cyanamid 154806, a sst2 receptor antagonist, abolishes the SRIF-induced inhibition of [Ca2+]i. Octreotide is known to operate through agonist-induced desensitization, while the antagonist operates through receptor blockade. 4. sst1 and sst2 receptor-immunoreactivities (-IRs) are localized to cell membranes. sst2, but not sst1 receptor-IR, internalizes after cell exposure to octreotide. 5. SRIF-induced inhibition of basal [Ca2+]i or FSK-induced Ca2+ entry is blocked by pertussis toxin (PTX). 6. FSK-induced cyclic AMP accumulation is only partially decreased by SRIF or octreotide, indicating that sst2 receptors are coupled to intracellular pathways other than adenylyl cyclase (AC) inhibition. 7. In the presence of H-89, an inhibitor of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), SRIF-induced inhibition of basal [Ca2+]i is still present, although reduced in amplitude. 8. SRIF inhibits [Ca2+]i by activating sst2 receptors. Inhibition of AC activity is only partly responsible for this effect, and other transduction pathways may be involved.

Direct evidence of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-stimulated nitric oxide production in the L beta T-2 clonal gonadotropes

An immortal cell line (L beta T-2) with characteristics of gonadotropes, such as LH-containing secretory granules, and LH release responsiveness to GnRH, was used to investigate the effect of GnRH stimulation on nitric oxide (NO) production. RT-PCR analysis showed that mouse nNOS mRNA was expressed in cultured L beta T-2 cells. L beta T-2 cells were treated with the calcium ionophore, A23187, and NO levels were measured as nitrite using the Griess assay. The data clearly showed that NO production was increased dose-dependently by A23187 treatment (0-10(-5) M). Next, changes in the intracellular concentration of ionized calcium ([Ca2+]i) in L beta T-2 cells induced by GnRH were analyzed by quantitative fluorescence microscopy, and [Ca2+]i was found to be increased markedly by GnRH treatment. In fact, exposure of L beta T-2 cells to increasing concentrations of GnRH from 0 to 10(-6) M was found to enhance NO production in a dose dependent manner, with maximal augmentation at 10(-6) M. However, the stimulation of NO production by GnRH at this concentration was significantly attenuated by pretreatment with NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME), a NO synthase inhibitor. Taken together, the present results suggest that GnRH treatment results in increased NO production in L beta T-2 clonal gonadotropes, and intracellular calcium augmentation produced by GnRH may be participate in this process. Our findings also indicate that the L beta T-2 cell line is a useful tool for in vitro studies of the autocrine and paracrine roles of NO in the anterior pituitary gland.

Intracellular calcium stores are involved in growth hormone-releasing hormone signal transduction in rat somatotrophs

In rat pituitary somatotrophs, the stimulation of growth hormone secretion by growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) is a Ca2+-dependent event involving Ca2+ influx. The presence of calcium-induced calcium release (CICR) Ca2+ stores has been suggested in these cells. The aim of our study was to demonstrate the presence of CICR stores in rat somatotrophs and to determine their function in GHRH Ca2+ signalling. To this end we measured cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), using indo-1 in purified rat somatotrophs in primary culture, while altering intracellular Ca2+ stores. Ionomycin (10 µM) or 4-bromo-A23187 (10 µM), used to mobilise organelle-bound Ca2+, raised [Ca2+]i in the absence of extracellular Ca2+. Caffeine (5 to 50 mM), used to mobilise Ca2+ from CICR stores, transiently raised [Ca2+]i in 65% of cells tested. The response to 40 mM caffeine was abolished when Ca2+ stores were depleted, with 1 µM thapsigargin or with 10 µM ryanodine. All cells that responded to 40 mM caffeine responded to 10 nM GHRH. The [Ca2+]i response to 10 nM GHRH was reversible and repeatable. However, the second response was 38% smaller than the first. Ryanodine treatment abolished the reduction in the second [Ca2+]i response, while thapsigargin increased the reduction by 67%. We conclude that rat somatotrophs possess CICR Ca2+ stores and that they account for 30-35% of the GHRH-induced increase in [Ca2+]i, and that their partial depletion is involved in somatotroph desensitization.Key words: somatotrophs, growth hormone-releasing hormone, intracellular calcium, calcium stores, calcium-induced calcium release.

Hypothalamic and hypophyseal regulation of growth hormone secretion

1. Regulation of pulsatile secretion of growth hormone (GH) relies on hypothalamic neuronal loops, major transmitters involved in their operation are growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) synthetized mostly in arcuate nucleus (ARC) neurons, and somatostatin (SRIH), synthetized both in hypothalamus periventricular (PVe) and ARC neurons. 2. Neurons synthetizing both peptides can inhibit each other in a reciprocal manner. Other neuropeptides synthetized in ARC neurons, such as galanin, or in ARC interneurons, such as neuropeptide Y (NPY), are able to modulate synthesis and release of GHRH and SRIH into the hypothalamohypophyseal portal system. 3. In addition, the hitherto uncharacterized endogenous ligand of the recently cloned growth hormone releasing peptide receptor, expressed mostly in the ARC, triggers GH release, presumably by actions on ARC interneurons. 4. Thyroid, gonadal, and adrenal steroid hormones also affect the GHRH-SRIH balance; a differential distribution of sex steroid receptors in the ARC and the PVe is likely to account for the different pattern of GH secretion in male and female animals. 5. Growth hormone itself is able to inhibit the amplitude of GH secretory episodes and to increase their frequency, by entering the brain (presumably by receptor-mediated internalization at the level of the choroid plexus) and acting subsequently on ARC neurons. 6. At the pituitary level, major neurotransmitters regulating GH cells act on receptors of the VIP/PACAP/GHRH family and of the somatostatin family, in particular, sst2 and sst3. Those are coupled to accumulation of cAMP as a second messenger. 7. In addition, patch-clamp experiments and measurement of intracellular Ca2+ indicate that GH cells present characteristic, GHRH-dependent, but self-maintained Ca2+ spikes and [Ca2+]i transients, which reflect adaptive mechanisms to constraints of episodic release. 8. Recent data on transcription factors affecting GH gene expression and somatotrope differentiation are also summarized. 9. Regulation and differentiation of somatotropes also depend upon paracrine processes within the pituitary itself and involve growth factors and several neuropeptides, for instance, vasoactive intestinal peptide, angiotensin 2, endothelin, and activin. 10. Finally, characteristic changes occur in the GH secretory pattern under discrete, pathological conditions, such as abnormal growth and dwarfism, diabetes, and acromegaly, as well as during inflammatory processes.

Multi-responsiveness of single anterior pituitary cells to hypothalamic-releasing hormones: a cellular basis for paradoxical secretion

The classic view for hypothalamic regulation of anterior pituitary (AP) hormone secretion holds that release of each AP hormone is controlled specifically by a corresponding hypothalamic-releasing hormone (HRH). In this scenario, binding of a given HRH (thyrotropin-, growth hormone-, corticotropin-, and luteinizing hormone-releasing hormones) to specific receptors in its target cell increases the concentration of cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i), thereby selectively stimulating the release of the appropriate hormone. However, "paradoxical" responses of AP cells to the four well-established HRHs have been observed repeatedly with both in vivo and in vitro systems, raising the possibility of functional overlap between the different AP cell types. To explore this possibility, we evaluated the effects of HRHs on [Ca2+]i in single AP cells identified immunocytochemically by the hormone they stored. We found that each of the five major AP cell types contained discrete subpopulations that were able to respond to several HRHs. The relative abundance of these multi-responsive cells was 59% for lactotropes, 33% for thyrotropes, and in the range of 47-55% for gonadotropes, corticotropes, and somatotropes. Analysis of prolactin release from single living cells revealed that each of the four HRHs tested were able to induce hormone release from a discrete lactotrope subpopulation, the size of which corresponded closely to that in which [Ca2+]i changes were induced by the same secretagogues. When viewed as a whole, our diverse functional measurements of multi-responsiveness suggest that hypothalamic control of pituitary function is more complicated than previously envisioned. Moreover, they provide a cellular basis for the so-called "paradoxical" behavior of pituitary cells to hypothalamic hypophysiotropic agents.

Regulation by growth hormone-releasing hormone and somatostatin of a Na+ current in the primary cultured rat somatotroph

The purpose of the present study is to characterize Na+ current activated by GH-releasing hormone (GHRH) and to investigate the effect of somatostatin (SRIF) on that current, because the Na+ current has been suggested to play a pivotal role in the process of GHRH-induced GH secretion. Primary-cultured pituitary somatotrophs were prepared from male Wistar rats. Whole-cell membrane currents were recorded and analyzed by a perforated patch clamp system. To isolate Na+ current, K+ and Ca2+ were replaced with Cs+ and Mg2+, respectively, in the extracellular solution, and cesium aspartate was used for the pipette solution. Furthermore, tetrodotoxin and nifedipine were added to the extracellular solution to eliminate the voltage-gated currents. Under these conditions, GHRH activated a mean inward Na+ current (-1.86 +/- 0.33 pA, mean +/- SE) at potentials between -50 and -20 mV and a smaller current (-0.59 +/- 0.13 pA) at potentials between -100 and -80 mV, which were completely blocked by protein kinase A blocker (H-89). In addition, SRIF (1-10 nM) partially suppressed these Na+ currents, which were not affected by phosphatase inhibitors (okadaic acid and calyculin A). These results suggest that GHRH activates the Na+ current through phosphorylation by protein kinase A and that SRIF partially suppressed this current and that the current was larger at more positive potentials than at more negative potentials.

Mechanisms for stimulation of rat anterior pituitary cells by arginine and other amino acids

1. Arginine and other amino acids are secretagogues for growth hormone and prolactin in the intact animal, but the mechanism of action is unclear. We have studied the effects of amino acids on cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in single rat anterior pituitary (AP) cells. Arginine elicited a large increase of [Ca2+]i) in about 40% of all the AP cells, suggesting that amino acids may modulate hormone secretion by acting directly on the pituitary. 2. Cell typing by immunofluorescence of the hormone the cells store showed that the arginine-sensitive cells are distributed uniformly within all the five AP cell types. The arginine-sensitive cells overlapped closely with the subpopulation of cells sensitive to thyrotrophin-releasing hormone. 3. Other cationic as well as several neutral (dipolar) amino acids had the same effect as arginine. The increase of [Ca2+]i was dependent on extracellular Ca2+ and blocked by dihydropyridine, suggesting that it is due to Ca2+ influx through L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels. The [Ca2+]i increase was also blocked by removal of extracellular Na+ but not by tetrodotoxin. The substrate specificity for stimulation of AP cells resembled closely that of the amino acid transport system B0+. We propose that electrogenic amino acid influx through this pathway depolarizes the plasma membrane with the subsequent activation of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels and Ca2+ entry. 4. Amino acids also stimulated prolactin secretion in vitro with a similar substrate specificity to that found for the [Ca2+]i increase. Existing data on the stimulation of secretion of other hormones by amino acids suggest that a similar mechanism could apply to other endocrine glands.

Impaired cytosolic Ca2+ response to glucose and gastric inhibitory polypeptide in pancreatic beta-cells from triphenyltin-induced diabetic hamster

Oral administration of a single dose of triphenyltin compounds induces diabetes with decreased insulin secretion in rabbits and hamsters after 2-3 days without any morphological changes in pancreatic islets. In the present study, to test the possibility that the impaired insulin secretion induced by triphenyltin compounds could result from an impaired Ca2+ response in pancreatic beta-cells, we investigated the effect of triphenyltin-chloride (TPTCl) administration on the changes in the cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) induced by secretagogues, such as glucose, high K+, gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP), and acetylcholine (ACh) in hamster pancreatic beta-cells. TPTCl administration caused partial suppression in 10 mM K+-induced rise in [Ca2+]i without suppressing the increase in [Ca2+]i evoked by 20-50 mM K+. Administration of TPTCl strongly inhibited the rises in [Ca2+]i induced by 27.8 mM glucose, 100 microM ACh in the presence of 5.5 mM glucose, and by 100 nM GIP in the presence of 5.5 mM glucose. In the ACh-induced response, TPTCl administration strongly suppressed the late sustained phase, while weakly suppressing the initial rise in [Ca2+]i. TPTCl administration significantly suppressed the rise of cAMP content in islet cells induced by 100 nM GIP with 1 mM 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine in the presence of 5.5 mM glucose (P < 0.01, N = 5-11). TPTCl administration also impaired the insulin secretion in islet cells induced by 27.8 mM glucose, 100 nM GIP in the presence of 5.5 mM glucose, and 100 microM ACh in the presence of 5.5 mM glucose (P < 0.05, N = 9-16). We conclude that the pathology of triphenyltin-induced diabetes in hamsters involves a defect in cellular Ca2+ response due to a reduced Ca2+-influx through voltage-gated Ca2+ channels.

Growth hormone-releasing hormone triggers pacemaker activity and persistent Ca2+ oscillations in rat somatotrophs

1. The effects of brief applications of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) to male rat somatotrophs in culture were analysed with the perforated patch clamp technique to record changes in potential or with fura-2 imaging techniques to measure variations of cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). 2. Silent somatotrophs (n = 61) had a mean resting potential of -37 +/- 1 mV and a mean basal [Ca2+]i of 30 +/- 4 nM. Brief GHRH applications (30 nM, 40 s) triggered rhythmic action potentials (23.6 +/- 0.9 mV, 613 +/- 82 ms, 0.21 +/- 0.02 Hz) and [Ca2+]i increase (to 352 +/- 30 nM) followed by rhythmic [Ca2+]i transients (to 138 +/- 6 nM) that persisted up to 90 min after the last GHRH application. Both action potentials and [Ca2+]i transients were totally and reversibly blocked by removing external Ca2+ or Na+ or by adding inorganic Ca2+ channel blockers or nifedipine (3 microM). 3. Somatostatin (1-300 nM), carbamylcholine (0.1-1 microM) and muscarine (0.1-1 microM) each had a dose-dependent inhibitory effect, from a decrease of Ca2+ spike duration and frequency to a complete block of the GHRH-evoked action potentials. 4. The present results show that somatotrophs in culture have intrinsic membrane properties that allow them to sustain a pacemaker activity and subsequent long-lasting sequences of [Ca2+]i oscillations triggered by short pulses of GHRH and inhibited by somatostatin and muscarinic agonists.

Activation of Na+ channels in GH3 cells and human pituitary adenoma cells by PACAP

The effects of pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) on ion channels were examined in GH3 cells human pituitary adenoma cells. In GH3 cells, PACAP-38 (10-9 M) reversibly activated tetrodotoxin-sensitive NA+ channels but had little effect on nicardipine-sensitive Ca2+ channels. PACAP-induced increase in Na+ currents was inhibited by PACAP (6-38), a specific PACAP receptor antagonist, and Rp-cAMPs, an inhibitor for protein kinase A, and mimicked by 8-bromo-cAMP. In human pituitary adenoma cells, PACAP also activated tetrodotoxin-sensitive Na+ channels and growth hormone secretion. These results suggest the possibility that PACAP can activate voltage-gated Na+ channels via adenylate cyclase-protein kinase A pathway in the pituitary.

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide regulates [Ca(2+)](i) and electrical activity in pituitary cells through cell type-specific mechanisms

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a recently identified hypothalamic factor that acts on a variety of anterior pituitary cell types. It is clear, however, that its actions are not mediated by the same intracellular signaling mechanisms in each cell type. The signaling pathways by which PACAP regulates changes in [Ca(2+)], and electrical activity in rat somatotrophs and gonadotrophs is described in the present article. Finally, the possibility that the differences in PACAP-regulated signaling in anterior pituitary cells is due to the differential expression and coupling of PACAP receptor subtypes is discussed.

A role for a background sodium current in spontaneous action potentials and secretion from rat lactotrophs

We have used the perforated-patch variation of whole cell patch-clamp techniques, measurements of cytosolic calcium with use of fura 2, and secretion measurements with use of the reverse-hemolytic plaque assay to address the role of depolarizing background currents in maintaining spontaneous action potentials and spontaneous secretion from rat lactotrophs in primary culture. Replacement of bath sodium with tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane or N-methyl-D-glucamine caused a dramatic hyperpolarization of the cells, a cessation of spontaneous action potentials, and an increase in input resistance of cells. Tetrodotoxin had no effect on spontaneous action potentials, and removal of bath calcium stopped spiking but did not hyperpolarize the cells. The hyperpolarization in response to removal of bath sodium was associated with a decrease in cytosolic calcium levels. Finally, removal of bath sodium caused a decrease in spontaneous secretion of prolactin from lactotrophs. These data suggest that a background sodium current is essential to drive the membrane to threshold for firing spontaneous calcium-dependent action potentials in lactotrophs. This, in turn, results in elevated intracellular calcium, which supports spontaneous secretion of prolactin from these cells.

GHRH activates a nonselective cation current in human GH-secreting adenoma cells

Electrophysiological responses induced by human (h) growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) were analyzed using the perforated whole cell clamp technique in human growth hormone (GH)-secreting adenoma cells. Application of hGHRH depolarized the membrane by increasing Na+ conductance. The reversal potential of the hGHRH-induced current was -20 to 0 mV. The channel was permeable to Na+, Li+ and K+ but not to TMA+. These properties were compatible with those of nonselective cation channels. Similar nonselective cation current was activated by 8-bromoadenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate and forskolin, and the activation of the hGHRH-induced current was inhibited by protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitors, (R)-p-adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate and N-[2-(p-bromocinnamylamino)ethyl]-5-isoquinoleinsulfonamide, and PKA inhibitor peptide PKI-(5-24), indicating that hGHRH-induced current was activated by PKA. Cholera toxin pretreatment eliminated the hGHRH-induced current, suggesting that Gs is involved in the activation of this current. This current became irreversible when the cells were pretreated with okadaic acid, suggesting that the recovery of the hGHRH-induced current was mediated by a serine/threonine protein phosphatase. GHRH-induced GH secretion was inhibited in Na+-free medium, suggesting the importance of the nonselective cation current on hGHRH-induced GH secretion. In human GH-secreting nonadenoma cells, hGHRH increased Na+ conductance, as was the case in GH-secreting adenoma cells.

GLP-1 depolarizes the rat pancreatic beta cell in a Na(+)-dependent manner

An intestinal hormone glucagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a prominent candidate for incretin. In vitro experiment showed (Fridolf and Ahren, Mol. Cell. Endocrinol., 96 (1993) 85-90) that GLP-1 increased both insulin secretion and the efflux of 45Ca2+ in a Na(+)-dependent manner. Further, GLP-1 depolarizes the pancreatic beta cells in the presence of high concentration of glucose. Here, we report the effect of GLP-1 on the membrane potential with a physiological concentration of glucose in perforated patch clamp of primary cultured rat beta cells. 10 nM GLP-1 depolarized the beta cell, which was completely reversed by replacing Na+ with the impermeant molecule N-methyl-D-glucamine (NMDG). The Ca2+ channel blocker, Co2+ suppressed the Ca2+ spikes without hyperpolarizing the cell. GLP-1-induced insulin secretion in perifused islets was also suppressed by a prior replacement of Na+ with NMDG. In addition, GLP-1 slightly augmented the long-lasting Ba2+ current, which was reverted to the control level by a selective inhibitor of protein kinase A, H-89. These results indicate: (i) GLP-1 depolarizes the beta cell by activating the membrane Na+ permeability; (ii) GLP-1 slightly modulates the L-type Ca2+ channel probably through protein kinase A; and (iii) at least in part, these mechanisms may be involved in the insulin secretion induced by GLP-1.

Effects of bradykinin on the intracellular calcium concentration of pancreatic acinar AR42J cells

We examined the effects of bradykinin (BK) on the intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in rat pancreatic acinar AR42J cells. BK induced a dose-dependent rise in [Ca+2]i in AR42J cells between the concentrations of 10(-12)M and 10(-7)M. The BK-evoked response was not affected by the presence of Co2+ or the absence of extracellular calcium. This response was suppressed by neomycin or the B2 antagonist, but not by the B1 antagonist. The response was also attenuated by treatment with dexamethasone. These results suggest that BK increases [Ca2+]i through the B2 receptors by promoting the phosphatidyl inositol turn-over and that, in the process of azaserine-induced undifferentiation, the pancreatic acinar cells strongly express the BK receptors.

Withdrawal of somatostatin augments L-type Ca2+ current in primary cultured rat somatotrophs

It is known that withdrawal of somatostatin (SRIF) augments the growth hormone (GH) releasing hormone (GRF)-induced GH secretion. To investigate the mechanism of this augmentation in GH secretion, effects of GRF and SRIF on L-type Ca2+ current (Ba2+ was used as a charge carrier) or primary cultured rat somatotroph were studied by perforated patch clamp technique. The reason is that GRF-induced GH secretion is thought to be causally related to the influx of Ca2+ through L-type Ca2+ channels. 10 mM GRF augmented maximum amplitude of L-type Ba2+ current by 12.2% (n = 12). Subsequent application of SRIF slightly suppressed the currents but the suppression never exceeded the control level of the current. Removal of SRIF, however, promptly augmented the L-type Ba2+ current by 26.8%. Such off-response of SRIF was not observed in cells treated overnight with 100 ng/ml pertussis toxin. Further, specific inhibitor of protein kinase A, H-89 at 1 microM reversibly suppressed the augmentation of L-type Ba2+ current to control level. At 10 microM, H-89 suppressed L-type Ba2+ current by more than 40% from control level. These results suggest that (1) L-type Ca2+ channel of somatotroph is probably phosphorylated in a basal condition and may be slightly modulated by GRF through increased level of cAMP; (2) SRIF only slightly suppress the channel activity; (3) Withdrawal of SRIF facilitates the activity of L-type Ca2+ channel via PTX-sensitive G-protein, although the precise mechanism of this facilitation is unknown. The augmentation by SRIF-pretreatment of GRF-induced GH secretion may be at least partly due to the facilitation of the activity of L-type Ca2+ channel.

Expression of calcium-permeable cation channel CD20 accelerates progression through the G1 phase in Balb/c 3T3 cells

CD20 is a transmembrane protein that functions as a Ca(2+)-permeable cation channel (Bubien, J. K., Zhou, L. J., Bell, P. D., Frizzel, R. A., and Tedder, T. F. (1993) J. Cell Biol. 121, 1121-1132) and is involved in growth regulation of B lymphocytes. In order to further investigate the role of calcium entry in cell cycle progression, we introduced the cDNA encoding a Ca(2+)-permeable cation channel, CD20, into Balb/c 3T3 cells. Balb/c 3T3 cells transfected with a vector containing cDNA encoding CD20 expressed the CD20 protein, which was detected by assaying the binding of a monoclonal antibody against CD20. Calcium-permeable cation channel activity was detected in CD20-expressing cells by whole cell patch clamp recording and microfluorometric determination of the cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration using fura-2. The expression of CD20 induced significant alterations in the responses of the cells to insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I). IGF-I induced DNA synthesis by control cells only when they had been pretreated with both platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and epidermal growth factor (EGF). In contrast, DNA synthesis by 30% of the quiescent CD20-expressing cells was initiated in response to IGF-I in the absence of priming with PDGF and EGF. When control quiescent cells were primed with PDGF and EGF, the addition of IGF-I led to the initiation of DNA synthesis after 14 h or more, whereas it induced DNA synthesis by CD20-expressing cells primed with PDGF and EGF 4 h earlier. The IGF-induced DNA synthesis was dependent on extracellular Ca2+, and expression of CD20 reduced the concentration of extracellular Ca2+ required for it. Furthermore, DNA synthesis by approximately 25% of the CD20-expressing cells was initiated after priming with PDGF and EGF, even in the absence of the progression factor IGF-I. These results indicate that CD20 expressed in Balb/c 3T3 cells functions as a constitutively active Ca(2+)-permeable cation channel and that expression of CD20 accelerates G1 progression in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner.

Is the intrasomal phase of fast axonal transport driven by oscillations of intracellular calcium?

An hypothesis is presented suggesting that the delivery of vesicle-packaged protein from the neuronal soma to the axonal transport system is physiologically coupled to spontaneous fluctuations of intracellular calcium (Cai). Evidence is reviewed that oscillations of Cai, commonly detected as agonist- or voltage-triggered waves and spikes propagating through the cytosol, also occur as spontaneous events. Endogenously-generated oscillations are examined since intrasomal transport persists in the absence of extracellular signals or nerve impulse activity. Vesicle budding from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) may be a key step at which anterograde transport is regulated by events related to the release and reuptake of ER stores of Ca2+.

Ion channels and the signal transduction pathways in the regulation of growth hormone secretion

The secretion of GH from pituitary somatotrophs is mainly regulated by alterations in the levels of intracellular free Ca(2+) concentrations ([Ca(2+)](i)) that depend on the influx of Ca(2+) through voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels in the cell membrane. Hypothalamic stimulatory and inhibitory factors bind to specific receptors on the cell membrane to regulate membrane potential and activate second-messenger systems. The receptors are G-protein coupled, and activated G proteins directly influence membrane ion channels to regulate Ca(2+) influx. The function of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A is also modulated by receptor-coupled G proteins leading to the phosphorylation of Ca(2+) channel proteins and further alteration of Ca(2+) influx.

Actions of growth-hormone-releasing hormone on rat pituitary cells: intracellular calcium and ionic currents

Actions of growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) on single rat anterior pituitary cells were studied using indo-1 fluorescence to monitor changes in intracellular calcium, [Ca2+]i, and perforated-patch recording to measure changes in membrane potential and ionic currents. GHRH elevated [Ca2+]i in non-voltage-clamped cells by a mechanism that was dependent upon extracellular Na+ and Ca2+ and was blocked by the dihydropyridine Ca(2+)-channel blocker, nitrendipine. Resting cells had a fluctuating membrane potential whose a mean value depolarized by 9 mV in response to GHRH. The membrane-permeant cAMP analogue, 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)cAMP, mimicked the action of GHRH on membrane potential. Under voltage clamping, GHRH activated a small inward current (1-5 pA). Two types of response could be distinguished. The type I response had an inward current that was largest at more negative potentials (-90 mV), and the type II response had inward current that was larger at more positive potentials (-40 to -70 mV). Both types of response were reversible and blocked by removal of extracellular Na+. These results suggest that the rise in [Ca2+]i produced by GHRH in non-voltage-clamped cells results from the activation via cAMP of a Na(+)-dependent conductance, which depolarizes the cell and increases the Ca2+ influx through voltage-gated Ca2+ channels.

A background sodium conductance is necessary for spontaneous depolarizations in rat pituitary cell line GH3

The role of Na+ in the expression of membrane potential activity in the clonal rat pituitary cell line GH3 was investigated using the perforated patch variation of patch-clamp electrophysiological techniques. It was found that replacing bath Na+ with choline, tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (Tris), or N-methyl-D-glucamine (NMG) caused the cells to hyperpolarize 20-30 mV. Tetrodotoxin had no effect. The effects of the Na+ substitutes could not be explained by effects on potassium or calcium currents. Although all three Na+ substitutes suppressed voltage-dependent calcium current by 10-20%, block of voltage-dependent calcium current by nifedipine or Co2+ did not result in hyperpolarization of the cells. There was no effect of the Na+ substitutes on voltage-dependent potassium currents. In contrast, all three Na+ substitutes influenced calcium-activated potassium currents [IK(Ca)], but only at depolarized potentials. Choline consistently suppressed IK(Ca), whereas Tris and NMG either had no effect or slightly increased IK(Ca). These effects on IK(Ca) also cannot explain the hyperpolarization induced by removing bath Na+. Choline always hyperpolarized cells yet suppressed IK(Ca). Furthermore, removing bath Na+ caused an increase in cell input resistance, an observation consistent with the loss of a membrane conductance as the basis of the hyperpolarization. Direct measurement of background currents revealed a 12-pA inward current at -84 mV that was lost upon removing bath Na+. These results suggest that this background sodium conductance provides the depolarizing drive for GH3 cells to reach the threshold for firing calcium-dependent action potentials.

Simultaneous measurements of cytosolic pH and calcium interactions in bovine lactotrophs using optical probes and four-wavelength quantitative video microscopy

The properties of pH and calcium homeostasis have been investigated in single bovine lactotrophs by the use of the fluorescent indicators 2',7'-bis(carboxyethyl)-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF) and fura-2 respectively. A method of simultaneous recording from both dyes loaded in the same cell was used. Despite slight crosstalk between the two dyes, physiologically relevant information about the interrelationship between pH and calcium homeostasis was obtained. Three types of interactions were recorded. First, an increase in calcium due to the discharge of intracellular stores by thyrotropin-releasing hormone resulted in no change in cytosolic pH. Secondly, alkalinization by the addition of a weak base, NH4Cl, induced a large transient (around 1000 nM) and a small (a few tens of nanomoles per liter) sustained increase in cytosolic calcium. The former is partly due to release from agonist-sensitive stores. Thirdly, upon the removal of NH4Cl the cytoplasm became acidic, which induced a release of calcium from intracellular stores in some cells. In addition we demonstrate that the recovery from acid load is sensitive to extracellular Na+, suggesting the presence of Na+/H+ exchange mechanisms in bovine lactotrophs. Interestingly we have also found that, at rest, removal of Na+ from the bathing medium results in a decrease in resting [Ca2+]i, paralleled by a reduction in pHi. This suggests a role for Na+/H+ exchange in determining resting [Ca2+]i.

Human growth hormone releasing factor (hGRF) modulates calcium currents in human growth hormone secreting adenoma cells

Electrophysiology of human growth hormone secreting tumour cells and its modification by hGRF has been studied using on-cell and Nystatin-perforated whole-cell recording configurations. Local application of hGRF (10 nM) produced an increase in the frequency of action potentials. Ca2+ currents were isolated by a ramp depolarizing pulse from -120 mV to +60 mV in the presence of tetrodotoxin (1 microM). Human GRF increased the Ca2+ currents which could be blocked by Ni+ (300 microM). We conclude that an increase in Ca2+ current is integral to the action of hGRF on these cells.