Ca2+ influx during agonist and Ins(2,4,5)P3-evoked Ca2+ oscillations in HeLa epithelial cells

Fucoidan inhibits Ca2+ responses induced by a wide spectrum of agonists for G‑protein‑coupled receptors

Fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide extracted from brown seaweed, has been used in traditional Chinese herbal medicine to treat thyroid tumors for many years. Although a number of its cellular effects have been investigated, the role of fucoidan in molecular signaling, particularly in Ca²⁺ signaling, remains largely unknown. In the present study, the effects of fucoidan on Ca²⁺ responses in HeLa cells, human umbilical vein endothelial cells and astrocytes were investigated using a wide range of receptor agonists. Fucoidan inhibited the increase in intracellular free calcium concentration that was induced by histamine, ATP, compound 48/80 and acetylcholine. The responses induced by the same agonists in the absence of extracellular Ca²⁺ were also markedly suppressed by fucoidan. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction demonstrated that 0.5 and 1.0 mg/ml fucoidan treatment for 3 h decreased histamine receptor 1 expression in HeLa cells. Similarly, the expressions of purinergic receptor P2Y, G-protein coupled (P2YR)1, P2YR2 and P2YR11 were significantly downregulated within cells pretreated with 1.0 mg/ml fucoidan for 3 h, and 0.5 mg/ml fucoidan significantly inhibited P2YR1 and P2YR11 expression. The results demonstrated that fucoidan may exert a wide spectrum of inhibitory effects on Ca²⁺ responses and that fucoidan may inhibit a number of different G-protein coupled receptors associated with Ca²⁺ dynamics.

Coupling optogenetic stimulation with NanoLuc-based luminescence (BRET) Ca++ sensing

Optogenetic techniques allow intracellular manipulation of Ca⁺⁺ by illumination of light-absorbing probe molecules such as channelrhodopsins and melanopsins. The consequences of optogenetic stimulation would optimally be recorded by non-invasive optical methods. However, most current optical methods for monitoring Ca⁺⁺ levels are based on fluorescence excitation that can cause unwanted stimulation of the optogenetic probe and other undesirable effects such as tissue autofluorescence. Luminescence is an alternate optical technology that avoids the problems associated with fluorescence. Using a new bright luciferase, we here develop a genetically encoded Ca⁺⁺ sensor that is ratiometric by virtue of bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET). This sensor has a large dynamic range and partners optimally with optogenetic probes. Ca⁺⁺ fluxes that are elicited by brief pulses of light to cultured cells expressing melanopsin and to neurons-expressing channelrhodopsin are quantified and imaged with the BRET Ca⁺⁺ sensor in darkness, thereby avoiding undesirable consequences of fluorescence irradiation.

Ca2+ Influx through Store-operated Calcium Channels Replenishes the Functional Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-Bisphosphate Pool Used by Cysteinyl Leukotriene Type I Receptors

Oscillations in cytoplasmic Ca²⁺ concentration are a universal mode of signaling following physiological levels of stimulation with agonists that engage the phospholipase C pathway. Sustained cytoplasmic Ca²⁺ oscillations require replenishment of the membrane phospholipid phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP₂), the source of the Ca²⁺-releasing second messenger inositol trisphosphate. Here we show that cytoplasmic Ca²⁺ oscillations induced by cysteinyl leukotriene type I receptor activation run down when cells are pretreated with Li⁺, an inhibitor of inositol monophosphatases that prevents PIP₂ resynthesis. In Li⁺-treated cells, cytoplasmic Ca²⁺ signals evoked by an agonist were rescued by addition of exogenous inositol or phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PI4P). Knockdown of the phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5 (PIP5) kinases α and γ resulted in rapid loss of the intracellular Ca²⁺ oscillations and also prevented rescue by PI4P. Knockdown of talin1, a protein that helps regulate PIP5 kinases, accelerated rundown of cytoplasmic Ca²⁺ oscillations, and these could not be rescued by inositol or PI4P. In Li⁺-treated cells, recovery of the cytoplasmic Ca²⁺ oscillations in the presence of inositol or PI4P was suppressed when Ca²⁺ influx through store-operated Ca²⁺ channels was inhibited. After rundown of the Ca²⁺ signals following leukotriene receptor activation, stimulation of P2Y receptors evoked prominent inositol trisphosphate-dependent Ca²⁺ release. Therefore, leukotriene and P2Y receptors utilize distinct membrane PIP₂ pools. Our findings show that store-operated Ca²⁺ entry is needed to sustain cytoplasmic Ca²⁺ signaling following leukotriene receptor activation both by refilling the Ca²⁺ stores and by helping to replenish the PIP₂ pool accessible to leukotriene receptors, ostensibly through control of PIP5 kinase activity.

Interaction of holothurian triterpene glycoside with biomembranes of mouse immune cells

The in vitro interactions between triterpene glycoside, cucumarioside A(2)-2, isolated from the Far-Eastern holothurian Cucumaria japonica, and mouse splenocyte and peritoneal macrophage biomembranes were studied. Multiple experimental approaches were employed, including determination of biomembrane microviscosity, membrane potential and Ca(2+) signaling, and radioligand binding assays. Cucumarioside A(2)-2 exhibited strong cytotoxic effect in the micromolar range of concentrations and showed pronounced immunomodulatory activity in the nanomolar concentration range. It was established that the cucumarioside A(2)-2 effectively interacted with immune cells and increased the cellular biomembrane microviscosity. This interaction led to a dose-dependent reversible shift in cellular membrane potential and temporary biomembrane depolarization; and an increase in [Ca(2+)](i) in the cytoplasm. It is suggested that there are at least two binding sites for [(3)H]-cucumarioside A(2)-2 on cellular membranes corresponding to different biomembrane components: a low affinity site match to membrane cholesterol that is responsible for the cytotoxic properties, and a high affinity site corresponding to a hypothetical receptor that is responsible for immunostimulation.

A constitutively active nonselective cation conductance underlies resting Ca2+ influx and secretion in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells

We have combined fluorimetric measurements of the intracellular free Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) with the patch clamp technique, to investigate resting Ca(2+) entry in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells. Perfusion with nominally Ca(2+)-free medium resulted in a rapid, reversible decrease in [Ca(2+)](i), indicating a resting Ca(2+) permeability across the plasma membrane. Simultaneous whole-cell voltage-clamp showed a resting inward current that increased when extracellular Ca(2+) (Ca(2+)(o)) was lowered. This current had a reversal potential of around 0 mV and was carried by monovalent or divalent cations. In Na(+)-free extracellular medium there was a reduction in current amplitude upon removal of Ca(2+)(o), indicating the current can carry Ca(2+). The current was constitutively active and not enhanced by agents that promote Ca(2+)-store depletion such as thapsigargin. Extracellular La(3+) abolished the resting current, reduced resting [Ca(2+)](i) and inhibited basal secretion. Abolishment of resting Ca(2+) influx depleted the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-sensitive Ca(2+) store without affecting the caffeine-sensitive Ca(2+) store. The results indicate the presence of a constitutively active nonselective cation conductance, permeable to both monovalent and divalent cations, that can regulate [Ca(2+)](i), the repletion state of the intracellular Ca(2+) store and the secretory response in resting cells.

Regulation of the localization and activity of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate 3-kinase B in intact cells by proteolysis

IP3K (inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate 3-kinase) catalyses the Ca2+-regulated phosphorylation of the second messenger Ins(1,4,5)P3, thereby inactivating the signal to release Ca2+ and generating Ins(1,3,4,5)P4. Here we have investigated the localization and activity of IP3KB and its modulation by proteolysis. We found that the N- and C-termini (either side of residue 262) of IP3KB localized predominantly to the actin cytoskeleton and ER (endoplasmic reticulum) respectively, both in COS-7 cells and in primary astrocytes. The functional relevance of this was demonstrated by showing that full-length (actin-localized) IP3KB abolished the histamine-induced Ca2+ response in HeLa cells more effectively than truncated constructs localized to the ER or cytosol. The superior efficacy of full-length IP3KB was also attenuated by disruption of the actin cytoskeleton. By transfecting COS-7 cells with double-tagged IP3KB, we show that the translocation from actin to ER may be a physiologically regulated process caused by Ca2+-modulated constitutive proteolysis in intact cells.

Cytosolic Ca2+ signals depending on the functional state of the Golgi in HeLa cells

The Golgi apparatus is, like the endoplasmic reticulum, an inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate-sensitive Ca2+ store, but its role in setting up Ca2+ signals is not well understood. We have now measured histamine-induced Ca2+ signals in HeLa cells pretreated with brefeldin A, a fungal metabolite that leads to the fragmentation and subsequent disappearance of the Golgi apparatus by its reabsorption within the endoplasmic reticulum. Ca2+ responses in which the free cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration returned to resting levels during the histamine stimulation (mainly baseline Ca2+ oscillations or a single Ca2+ peak) occurred more often in brefeldin A pretreated cells, resulting in a lower Ca2+ plateau in population measurements. The latencies before the onset of the Ca2+ signals were longer after brefeldin A pretreatment. These results suggest that the integrity of the Golgi apparatus contributes to the shaping of intracellular Ca2+ signals.

Localised calcium release events in cells from the muscle of guinea-pig gastric fundus

After enzymatic dispersion of the muscle of the guinea-pig gastric fundus, single elongated cells were observed which differed from archetypal smooth muscle cells due to their knurled, tuberose or otherwise irregular surface morphology. These, but not archetypal smooth muscle cells, consistently displayed spontaneous localized (i.e. non-propagating) intracellular calcium ([Ca(2+)](i)) release events. Such calcium events were novel in their magnitude and kinetic profiles. They included short transient events, plateau events and events which coalesced spatially or temporally (compound events). Quantitative analysis of the events with an automatic detection programme showed that their spatio-temporal characteristics (full width and full duration at half-maximum amplitude) were approximately exponentially distributed. Their amplitude distribution suggested the presence of two release modes. Carbachol application caused an initial cell-wide calcium transient followed by an increase in localized calcium release events. Pharmacological analysis suggested that localized calcium release was largely dependent on external calcium entry acting on both inositol trisphosphate receptors (IP(3)Rs) and ryanodine receptors (RyRs) to release stored calcium. Nominally calcium-free external solution immediately and reversibly abolished all localized calcium release without blocking the initial transient calcium release response to carbachol. This was inhibited by 2-APB (100 microm), ryanodine (10 or 50 microm) or U-73122 (1 microm). 2-APB (100 microm), xestospongin C (XeC, 10 microm) or U-73122 (1 microm) blocked both spontaneous localized calcium release and localized release stimulated by 10 microm carbachol. Ryanodine (50 microm) also inhibited spontaneous release, but enhanced localized release in response to carbachol. This study represents the first characterization of localized calcium release events in cells from the gastric fundus.

Control of calcium oscillations by membrane fluxes

It is known that Ca(2+) influx plays an important role in the modulation of inositol trisphosphate-generated Ca(2+) oscillations, but controversy over the mechanisms underlying these effects exists. In addition, the effects of blocking membrane transport or reducing Ca(2+) entry vary from one cell type to another; in some cell types oscillations persist in the absence of Ca(2+) entry (although their frequency is affected), whereas in other cell types oscillations depend on Ca(2+) entry. We present theoretical and experimental evidence that membrane transport can control oscillations by controlling the total amount of Ca(2+) in the cell (the Ca(2+) load). Our model predicts that the cell can be balanced at a point where small changes in the Ca(2+) load can move the cell into or out of oscillatory regions, resulting in the appearance or disappearance of oscillations. Our theoretical predictions are verified by experimental results from HEK293 cells. We predict that the role of Ca(2+) influx during an oscillation is to replenish the Ca(2+) load of the cell. Despite this prediction, even during the peak of an oscillation the cell or the endoplasmic reticulum may not be measurably depleted of Ca(2+).

Calcium-binding Protein 1 Is an Inhibitor of Agonist-evoked, Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate-mediated Calcium Signaling

Intracellular calcium signals are responsible for initiating a spectrum of physiological responses. The caldendrins/calcium-binding proteins (CaBPs) represent mammal-specific members of the CaM superfamily. CaBPs display a restricted pattern of expression in neuronal/retinal tissues, suggesting a specialized role in Ca2+ signaling in these cell types. Recently, it was reported that a splice variant of CaBP1 functionally interacts with inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) receptors to elicit channel activation in the absence of InsP3 (Yang, J., McBride, S., Mak, D.-O. D., Vardi, N., Palczewski, K., Haeseleer, F., and Foskett, J. K. (2002) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 99, 7711-7716). These data indicate a new mode of InsP3 receptor modulation and hence control of intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in neuronal tissues. We have analyzed the biochemistry of the long form splice variant of CaBP1 (L-CaBP1) and show that, in vitro, a recombinant form of the protein is able to bind Ca2+ with high affinity and undergo a conformational change. We also describe the localization of endogenous and overexpressed L-CaBP1 in the model neuroendocrine PC12 cell system, where it was associated with the plasma membrane and Golgi complex in a myristoylation-dependent manner. Furthermore, we show that overexpressed L-CaBP1 is able to substantially suppress rises in [Ca2+]i in response to physiological agonists acting on purinergic receptors and that this inhibition is due in large part to blockade of release from intracellular Ca2+ stores. The related protein neuronal calcium sensor-1 was without effect on the [Ca2+]i responses to agonist stimulation. Measurement of [Ca2+] within the ER of permeabilized PC12 cells demonstrated that LCaBP1 directly inhibited InsP3-mediated Ca2+ release. Expression of L-CaBP1 also inhibited histamine-induced [Ca2+]i oscillations in HeLa cells. Together, these data suggest that L-CaBP1 is able to specifically regulate InsP3 receptor-mediated alterations in [Ca2+]i during agonist stimulation.

Effects of calcium buffers and calbindin-D28k upon histamine-induced calcium oscillations and calcium waves in HeLa cells

The effects of the artificial Ca(2+) buffers EGTA and BAPTA upon histamine-induced Ca(2+) oscillations and calcium waves were studied in HeLa cells. These events were also examined in HeLa cell lines transfected with the intracellular calcium-binding protein calbindin-D28k (CaBP; HeLa-CaBP) or the pCINeo vector alone (HeLa-pCINeo). High concentrations of the Ca(2+) indicators fluo-3 and fura-2 significantly influenced the oscillatory pattern of intracellular Ca(2+) in HeLa-pCINeo cells exposed to 1 microM histamine. Loading cells with low concentrations of the cell-permeant esters of the artificial Ca(2+)-buffers EGTA or BAPTA, resulted in fewer cells with a distinct "baseline" oscillatory pattern, and loading with higher concentrations of BAPTA almost completely abolished them. In HeLa-CaBP cells, stimulation with 1 microM histamine resulted in individual Ca(2+) spikes that had a flattened profile when compared to control cells; peak [Ca(2+)](i) was lowered, the rate of increase in [Ca(2+)](i) was slower and transients were prolonged. When compared to HeLa-pCINeo cells, loading with EGTA or BAPTA, or transfection of CaBP, significantly reduced the propagation velocity (by up to 60%) of Ca(2+) waves induced by exposure to 100 microM histamine. We conclude that intracellular Ca(2+) buffering exerts a significant influence on global Ca(2+) responses in HeLa cells and the propagation of Ca(2+) waves that underlie them. The relative effectiveness of different Ca(2+) buffers, including CaBP, appears to be particularly dependent upon the rapidity of their binding kinetics, with BAPTA being the most effective.

Modulation of IP(3)-sensitive Ca(2+) release by 2,3-butanedione monoxime

We describe the actions of 2,3-butanedione monoxime (BDM) on calcium responses in secretory cells. Our studies were prompted by the widespread use of BDM as a myosin-ATPase inhibitor. Application of 10 mM BDM almost completely inhibited agonist-evoked amylase secretion from mouse pancreatic acinar cells. This action might be interpreted as indicating a role for myosin in secretion. However, BDM alone elicited a calcium response in single cells and this calcium signal was sufficient to activate calcium-dependent chloride currents. Furthermore, in some cases, BDM potentiated agonist-evoked calcium signals but almost always blocked agonist-evoked calcium oscillations. These effects of BDM were not due to an action on calcium influx pathways but rather to direct effects on IP(3)-sensitive stores. We conclude that BDM cannot be used for unequivocal identification of the involvement of myosin motors in a cellular response. Further, our evidence suggests that BDM can act directly to modify the opening of IP(3) receptors.

Luminal Ca(2+) and the activity of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) pumps modulate histamine-induced all-or-none Ca(2+) release in smooth muscle cells

We have studied histamine (HA)-evoked intracellular Ca(2+) release in single, freshly isolated myocytes from the guinea pig urinary bladder. Short applications of histamine (5 s) produced a thapsigargin (TG)-sensitive transient increase in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)). It was established that histamine and caffeine (Caff) released Ca(2+) from the same intracellular stores in these cells. Reducing the Ca(2+) content of internal stores by incubating cells with U-73343 or cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) inhibited the histamine-evoked Ca(2+) release in 69% and 60% of cells, respectively. Under these conditions, all cells released Ca(2+) in response to either caffeine or acetylcholine (ACh). However, decreasing internal Ca(2+) stores by removing external Ca(2+) inhibited histamine-induced Ca(2+) mobilization in only 22% of cells. A similar small fraction of cells was inhibited when sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+) pumps were quickly blocked to avoid a significant reduction of luminal Ca(2+). In conclusion, lowering the luminal Ca(2+) content in combination with an impairment of the SR Ca(2+) pump activity significantly diminishes the ability of histamine to evoke an all-or-none intracellular Ca(2+) release.

Reciprocal regulation of capacitative and arachidonate-regulated noncapacitative Ca2+ entry pathways

Receptor-activated Ca(2+) entry is usually thought to occur via capacitative or store-operated Ca(2+) channels. However, at physiological levels of stimulation, where Ca(2+) store depletion is only transient and/or partial, evidence has suggested that an arachidonic acid-dependent noncapacitative Ca(2+) entry is responsible. Recently, we have described a novel arachidonate-regulated Ca(2+)-selective (ARC) conductance that is entirely distinct from store-operated conductances in the same cell. We now show that these ARC channels are indeed specifically activated by low agonist concentrations and provide the predominant route of Ca(2+) entry under these conditions. We further demonstrate that sustained elevations in cytosolic Ca(2+), such as those resulting from activation of store-operated Ca(2+) entry by high agonist concentrations, inhibit the ARC channels. This explains earlier failures to detect the presence of this noncapacitative pathway in experiments where store-operated entry had already been fully activated. The result is that the respective activities of ARC and store-operated Ca(2+) channels display a unique reciprocal regulation that is related to the specific nature of the [Ca(2+)](i) signals generated at different agonist concentrations. Importantly, these data show that at physiologically relevant levels of stimulation, it is the noncapacitative ARC channels that provide the predominant route for the agonist-activated entry of Ca(2+).

A novel role for membrane potential in the modulation of intracellular Ca2+ oscillations in rat megakaryocytes

1. The effect of membrane potential (Vm) on ADP-evoked [Ca2+]i oscillations was investigated in rat megakaryocytes, a non-excitable cell type recently shown to exhibit depolarisation-evoked Ca2+ release from intracellular stores during metabotropic purinoceptor stimulation. 2. Hyperpolarising voltage steps caused a transient fall in [Ca2+]i and either abolished Ca2+ oscillations or reduced the oscillation amplitude. These effects were observed in both the presence and absence of extracellular Ca2+ and also in Na+-free saline solutions, suggesting that hyperpolarisation leads to a reduction in the level of ADP-dependent Ca2+ release without a requirement for altered transmembrane Ca2+ fluxes. 3. In the presence of Ca2+ oscillations, depolarising voltage steps transiently enhanced the amplitude of Ca2+ oscillations. Following run-down of Ca2+ oscillations, depolarisation briefly restimulated oscillations. 4. Simultaneous [Ca2+]i and current-clamp recordings showed that Ca2+ and Vm oscillate in synchrony, with an average fluctuation of approximately 30-40 mV, due to activation and inactivation of Ca2+-dependent K+ channels. Application of a physiological oscillating Vm waveform to non-oscillating cells under voltage clamp stimulated [Ca2+]i oscillations. 5. Analysis of the relationship between [Ca2+]i and Vm showed a threshold for activation of hyperpolarisation at about 250-300 nM. The implications of this threshold in the interaction between Vm and Ca2+ release during oscillations are discussed. 6. We conclude that the ability of voltage to control release of endosomal Ca2+ in ADP-stimulated megakaryocytes is bipolar in nature. Our data suggest that Vm changes are active components of the feedback/feedforward mechanisms contributing to the generation of Ca2+ oscillations.

Muscarinic receptor activation of arachidonate-mediated Ca2+ entry in HEK293 cells is independent of phospholipase C

Receptor-enhanced entry of Ca2+ in non-excitable cells is generally ascribed to a capacitative mechanism in which the activation of the entry pathway is specifically dependent on the emptying of agonist-sensitive intracellular Ca2+ stores. Although such entry can be clearly demonstrated under conditions of maximal or near-maximal stimulation, it is uncertain whether such a mechanism can operate during the oscillatory [Ca2+]i signals that are frequently seen following stimulation with low concentrations of agonists. In this study, we report that the stimulation of human m3 muscarinic receptors stably transfected into HEK293 cells results in the appearance of a novel arachidonate-mediated Ca2+ entry pathway. We show that the generation of arachidonic acid and the activation of this pathway are specifically associated with stimulation at the low agonist concentrations that typically give rise to oscillatory [Ca2+]i signals. At such agonist concentrations, however, the generation of arachidonic acid is independent of the simultaneous activation of the phospholipase C-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate pathway. We further show that the arachidonate-mediated Ca2+ entry demonstrates characteristics that distinguish it from the corresponding capacitative pathway in the same cells and therefore is likely to represent an entirely distinct pathway that is specifically responsible for the receptor-enhanced entry of Ca2+ during [Ca2+]i oscillations.

Calcium store depletion activates two distinct calcium entry pathways in secretory cells of the blowfly salivary gland

Ca2+ influx into secretory cells of the intact salivary gland of the blowfly Calliphora erythrocephala elicited by the agonist 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) or the Ca2+ uptake inhibitor thapsigargin was studied by using Fura-2 and digital fluorescence imaging and by recordings of the transepithelial potential. Application of saturating [5-HT] in the absence of Ca2+ (Ca2+o) from the bathing saline did not affect the initial Ca2+ transient but greatly attenuated the subsequent sustained Ca2+ elevation observed in the presence of Ca2+o demonstrating that the latter component of the [Ca2+]i response is largely dependent on Ca2+ entry across the baso-lateral plasma membrane. La3+ or Gd3+ (10 microM) mimicked the effects of the withdrawal of Ca2+o. Experimental attempts temporally to uncouple 5-HT stimulation and Ca2+ influx by withdrawal of Ca2+o during agonist application revealed a second Ca2+ entry pathway. This pathway was insensitive to 10 microM La3+ and produced transient [Ca2+]i increases whose amplitudes were a function of the [5-HT] during the preceding stimulation and that were selectively suppressed by 50 microM SK&F 96365. Both (10 microM) La(3+)-insensitive [Ca2+]i transients and (10 microM) La3+ inhabitable tonic [Ca2+]i increases could be sequentially activated in the presence of 5-HT or thapsigargin (1 microM). These results indicate that Ca2+ store depletion by 5-HT or thapsigargin activates two distinct store-operated Ca2+ entry pathways, one of which supports tonic [Ca2+]i increases. The other is transiently activated, even under conditions that prohibit store refilling and does not significantly contribute to the [Ca2+]i responses evoked by saturating 5-HT concentrations.

Ca2+ influx does more than provide releasable Ca2+ to maintain repetitive spiking in human umbilical vein endothelial cells

We investigated why oscillations of intracellular Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) in endothelial cells challenged by sub-maximal histamine run down in Ca(2+)-free medium despite stores retaining most of their Ca2+. One explantation is that only a small subpopulation of the Ca2+ stores oscillate and are completely emptied of Ca2+. To investigate if influx refills an empty store subpopulation, we differentiated between cations entering the cell and those released from internal stores by using extracellular Sr2+ as a Ca2+ surrogate; we distinguished between [Sr2+]i and [Ca2+]i by using the larger effect of Sr2+ on fura 2 fluorescence at 360 nm (F360). Ca2+ was still available for release when oscillations had run down since oscillations promptly reappeared on addition of Sr2+o and these were predominantly of Ca2+ (indicated by F360 changes). Also, totally depleting Ca2+ stores inhibited Sr(2+)-induced oscillations, suggesting that Sr2+ entry leads to Ca2+ release. In contrast, Ba2+o was unable to stimulate oscillations. Finally, oscillations generated by photolytic release of inositol trisphosphate (IP3) analogues were similarly sensitive to extracellular Ca2+ and Sr2+. We conclude that stores (or a sub-population) are not completely depleted of Ca2+ when oscillations run down in Ca(2+)-free medium. Bivalent cation entry therefore maintains sensitivity to IP3, possibly by maintaining luminal bivalent cation levels.

Spatial domains of Ca2+ signaling in secretory epithelial cells

Secretory epithelial cells are found in exocrine organs such as the pancreas and are also found in the lining of the lungs and gut. One important regulator of cell function in epithelial cells is the concentration of cytosolic Ca2+. The study of Ca2+ signaling in these cells has a long history and recent work has now identified, at the molecular level, key components in the Ca2+ signaling cascade. Furthermore, advances in fluorescent imaging techniques has enabled a detailed insight into the subcellular distribution of the agonist-evoked [Ca2+]i signal. A number of spatially different [Ca2+]i responses have been identified. Firstly, global [Ca2+]i signals are observed in response to high agonist concentrations. Secondly, at lower agonist concentrations trains of local [Ca2+]i spikes, restricted to the secretory pole region of pancreatic acinar cells, have been identified. Finally, these local [Ca2+]i spikes have now been further devolved into microdomains of [Ca2+]i elevation. The [Ca2+]i signal within a single microdomain has been shown to be the crucial trigger in the regulation of the ion channels important in fluid secretion.

A direct measurement of increased divalent cation influx in fertilised mouse oocytes

On fertilisation of mouse oocytes, the fusing spermatozoon triggers a series of repetitive calcium (Ca2+) spikes. The Ca2+ spikes seem to be necessary for successful progression through the cell cycle and are regulated in a cell-cycle-dependent manner. The spikes appear to require the linkage of continuous Ca2+ influx to the periodic release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores by a process of Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release. The precise role of Ca2+ influx was explored using the manganese (Mn2+)-quench technique to monitor unidirectional cation influx into single mouse oocytes. There was a marked stimulation of cation influx associated closely with the upsweep of the first and subsequent fertilisation Ca2+ spikes. A smaller but significant increase in the rate of cation influx persisted in the interspike period in fertilised oocytes. Spike-associated entry was not as apparent in oocytes stimulated to spike repetitively by thimerosal or acetylcholine application. Instead, there was a continuous increase in cation influx underlying Ca2+ spiking which commenced with the onset of the first spike. Using the specific microsomal inhibitor thapsigargin and the Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin, we found evidence for a capacitative entry mechanism in mouse oocytes. We propose that the persistent influx of Ca2+ observed in response to all stimuli examined is controlled by a capacitative mechanism and sets the frequency of spiking by determining the time taken to refill the internal stores to a point where they are again sensitive enough to initiate the next spike.

Evidence for a non-capacitative Ca2+ entry during [Ca2+] oscillations

Current models for the agonist-induced activation of Ca2+ entry from the extracellular medium in non-excitable cells generally emphasize a capacitative mechanism whereby Ca2+ entry is activated simply as a result of the emptying of intracellular Ca2+ stores, without any direct involvement of inositol phosphates. To date, the activation and control of Ca2+ entry have generally been studied under conditions where the agonist-sensitive stores undergo a profound and sustained depletion. However, responses under more normal physiological conditions typically involve the cyclical release and refilling of the stores associated with oscillations in [Ca2+], and the nature and control of entry under these conditions has received relatively little attention. In this study, using isolated cells from the exocrine avian nasal gland as a model system, we show that: (a) the agonist-enhanced rate of Mn2+ quench is independent of the cyclical emptying and refilling of the agonist-sensitive Ca2+ pool during oscillations; (b) the Ca2+ entry pathway is maintained in an activated state for extended periods following inhibition of oscillations under conditions in which agonist-sensitive stores can be shown to be full; (c) no Ca2+ entry could be detected in oscillating cells in experiments that followed a definitive protocol for the demonstration of capacitative entry; and (d) on initial exposure to low agonist concentrations, activation of Ca2+ entry preceded any detectable release of Ca2+ from the stores. We conclude that the essential characteristics of the control of Ca2+ entry during oscillations are incompatible with current capacitative models.

Ca2+ entry modulates oscillation frequency by triggering Ca2+ release

As in many cells, the frequency of agonist-induced cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]1) oscillations in exocrine avian nasal gland cells is dependent on the rate of Ca2+ entry. Experiments reveal that the initiation of each oscillatory spike is independent of the relative fullness of the stores and, furthermore, the oscillating pool is normally fully refilled by the end of each [Ca2+]1 spike. Therefore, contrary to current models, the interspike interval (which essentially sets the frequency) does not reflect the time taken to recharge the oscillating stores. Instead, the data show that it is the previously demonstrated role that Ca2+ entry plays in triggering the repetitive release of Ca2+ from the oscillating stores, rather than the recharging of those stores, that provides the basis for the observed effects of Ca2+ entry rate on oscillation frequency.

Ca2+ signalling in rat chromaffin cells: interplay between Ca2+ release from intracellular stores and membrane potential

Cytosolic Ca2+ oscillations are physiologically important in a range of excitable and non-excitable cells. The combined techniques of whole-cell patch clamp and photometric measurement of cytosolic Ca2+ has enabled us to identify the components of Ca2+ spiking in rat chromaffin cells. We show that Ca2+ oscillations continue at a fixed membrane potential and that infusion of the InsP3 receptor antagonist, heparin, substantially blocked the cytosolic Ca2+ spikes. However, even in the presence of heparin we observed spikes of membrane potential depolarization due to the repetitive activation of a transient inward cation current. We conclude that Ca2+ oscillations are dependent on Ca2+ release from heparin sensitive Ca2+ stores and possibly on Ca2+ entry associated with the repetitive activation of a transient cation current. The depolarizing action of the cation current would, in turn, recruit voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels and further Ca2+ entry would augment the cytosolic Ca2+ spikes. Our results demonstrate that Ca2+ oscillations in rat chromaffin cells are due to a complex interplay of Ca2+ entry and Ca2+ release.

Activation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors expressed in quail fibroblasts: effects on intracellular calcium

1. The aim of these experiments was to determine the ability of the muscle-type nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) stably expressed in quail fibroblasts (QF18 cells) to elevate intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) upon activation. Ratiometric confocal microscopy, with the calcium-sensitive fluorescent dye Indo-1 was used. 2. Application of the nicotine agonist, suberyldicholine (SDC), to the transfected QF18 cells caused an increase in [Ca2+]i. Control [Ca2+]i levels in QF18 cells were found to be 164 +/- 22 nM (mean +/- s.e. mean; n = 40 cells) rising to 600 +/- 81 nM on addition of SDC (10 microM; n = 15 cells), whereas no increase in [Ca2+]i was seen in non-transfected control QT6 fibroblasts (before: 128 +/- 9 nM, n = 40; after; 113 +/- 13 nM, n = 15). 3. The increase in [Ca2+]i caused by application of SDC was dose-dependent, with an EC50 value of 12.7 +/- 5.9 microM (n = 14). 4. The responses to SDC in QF18 cells were blocked by prior application of alpha-bungarotoxin (200 nM), by the addition of Ca2+ (100 microM), by removal of Na+ ions from the extracellular solution, or by the voltage-sensitive calcium channel blockers nifedipine and omega-conotoxin, which act with IC50 values of 100 nM and 100 pM respectively. 5. We conclude that activation of the nicotinic AChRs leads to a Na(+)-dependent depolarization and hence activation of endogenous voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels in the plasma membrane and an increase in [Ca2+]i. There is no significant entry of Ca2+ through the nicotinic receptor itself.