Effect of membrane depolarization on binding of [3H]nitrendipine to rat cardiac myocytes

Use of Isolated Adult Myocytes to Evaluate Cardiotoxicity. II. Preparation and Properties*

The preparation and properties of isolated adult cardiac myocytes are reviewed, with the goal being to evaluate their usefulness as a model system for measuring cardiotoxicity. Some important factors in cell isolation methodology which impact on the quality of the preparation are identified, along with criteria for assessing the quality of cells after isolation. By all criteria, myocytes isolated by good procedures appear to largely retain their original properties. Moreover, the distinctive behavior of adult myocytes under metabolic stress endows them with a particular usefulness as monitors of toxicity. Overall, we conclude that the art of adult heart cell isolation and culture is now sufficiently advanced for either freshly isolated cells in suspension or cells in culture to be a useful model system for toxicity studies.

Absorption and bioavailability of glucosamine in the rat

The objective of this study was to determine reasons behind the low oral (p.o.) bioavailability of glucosamine. By using male Sprague-Dawley rats, the movement of glucosamine through everted gut, the effect of dose and glucose, and inhibition of a glucose transporter (GLUT2) by quercetin were studied. Glucosamine pharmacokinetics and the effect of dosing, route of administration, food and antibiotic to eradicate gut microflora was also studied. Both in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated linear absorption kinetics for glucosamine. Absorption from duodenum was the greatest. Glucose had no effect on the transport, whereas quercetin significantly reduced the extent of glucosamine transport. Intraperitoneal doses were completely absorbed, whereas p.o. doses demonstrated low bioavailability, indicating the gut as the site of presystemic loss. Food had no significant effect on glucosamine pharmacokinetics. Antibiotic treatment resulted in strong trends towards increased bioavailability with significant increase in fecal recovery. Incubation of glucosamine with faeces resulted in a significant loss. Glucosamine's low bioavailability is, at least in part, due to its dependence on a transport-facilitated absorption and presystemic loss brought about by the gut microflora.

Effects of angiotensin II blockade on inflammation-induced alterations of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of calcium channel blockers

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Inflammation elevates plasma verapamil concentrations but diminishes pharmacological response. Angiotensin II is a pro-inflammatory mediator. We examined the effect of angiotensin II receptor blockade on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of verapamil, as well as the binding properties and amounts of its target protein in calcium channels, in a rat model of inflammation.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

We used 4 groups of male Sprague-Dawley rats (220-280 g): inflamed-placebo, inflamed-treated, control-placebo and control-treated. Inflammation as pre-adjuvant arthritis was induced by injecting Mycobacterium butyricum on day 0. From day 6 to 12, 30 mg kg(-1) oral valsartan or placebo was administered twice daily. On day 12, a single oral dose of 25 mg kg(-1) verapamil was administered and prolongation of the PR interval measured and plasma samples collected for verapamil and nor-verapamil analysis. The amounts of the target protein Ca(v)1.2 subunit of L-type calcium channels in heart was measured by Western blotting and ligand binding with (3)H-nitrendipine.

KEY RESULTS

Inflammation reduced effects of verapamil, although plasma drug concentrations were increased. This was associated with a reduction in ligand binding capacity and amount of the calcium channel target protein in heart extracts. Valsartan significantly reversed the down-regulating effect of inflammation on verapamil's effects on the PR interval, and the lower level of protein binding and the decreased target protein.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Reduced responses to calcium channel blockers in inflammatory conditions appeared to be due to a reduced amount of target protein that was reversed by the angiotensin II antagonist, valsartan.

Contraction of human hepatic stellate cells activated in culture: a role for voltage-operated calcium channels

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Voltage-operated calcium channels are essential for the regulation of vascular tone and are potential targets for vasodilating agents. They regulate calcium entry and thereby cell contraction in vascular cell types. Hepatic stellate cells in the activated phenotype have contractile properties and could participate in the regulation of sinusoidal blood flow. Thus, this study was aimed at investigating the presence of voltage-operated calcium channels in human hepatic stellate cells activated in culture and the effects of their stimulation on intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) and cell contractility.

METHODS

Binding studies using [3H]-nitrendipine were performed to demonstrate the presence of voltage-operated calcium channels. Voltage-operated calcium channels were stimulated by causing cell membrane depolarization either by electrical field stimulation or extracellular high potassium. [Ca2+]i and cell contraction were measured in individual cells loaded with fura-2 using a morphometric method with an epifluorescence microscope coupled to a charge-coupled device-imaging system.

RESULTS

Binding studies demonstrated the existence of voltage-operated calcium channels in human activated hepatic stellate cells (7.1+/-1.4x10(4) sites/cell with a Kd of 2.1+/-0.1 nM). Both electrical field stimulation and potassium chloride-induced cell depolarization resulted in a marked and prolonged increase in [Ca2+]i followed by intense cell contraction. The degree of cell contraction correlated with the intensity of calcium peaks. Removal of extracellular calcium or preincubation of cells with nitrendipine, a specific antagonist of voltage-operated calcium channels, completely blocked the effects on [Ca2+]i and cell contraction, whereas preincubation of cells with BayK-8644, a specific agonist of voltage-operated calcium channels, increased calcium peaks and contraction.

CONCLUSION

Activated human hepatic stellate cells have a large number of voltage-operated calcium channels, the activation of which is associated with an increase in [Ca2+]i followed by marked cell contraction. Voltage-operated calcium channels probably play an important role in the regulation of activated hepatic stellate cells contractility.

Selectivity of felodipine for depolarized ventricular myocytes: a study at the single-cell level

We studied the effects of felodipine (a second-generation dihydropyridine Ca2+ channel blocker) on excitation-contraction coupling (E-C coupling) in single isolated guinea-pig ventricular myocytes, using the whole-cell perforated patch-clamp technique or the Ca indicator, indo-1. Felodipine inhibited both L-type Ca2+ channel currents (ICa) and cell contractions in a concentration-dependent manner (10 pM to 100 nM) when we used a holding potential of -80 mV or -40 mV. The potency of felodipine was sharply dependent on a holding potential. Namely, use of a more depolarized holding potential markedly increased the potency of felodipine for inhibition of ICa and cell contraction. Next we current-clamped cells and obtained the resting membrane potential of -82 +/- 8 mV. When cells were current-injected at 0.1 Hz, exposure to 10 nM felodipine slightly but significantly diminished the amplitude of cell contractions (7.2 +/- 1.6 to 6.7 +/- 1.7 microns, P < 0.05) within 10 min. When cells were field stimulated, exposure of cells to 10 nM felodipine also slightly diminished the amplitude of cell shortening (5.1 +/- 2.0 to 4.6 +/- 1.9 microns, P < 0.05) and [Ca2+]i transients. We observed clear voltage-dependent blockade of E-C coupling by felodipine in ventricular myocytes. Thus, therapeutic concentrations (1-10 nM) of felodipine could inhibit E-C coupling in depolarized ventricular myocytes, which might simulate an ischemic or failing heart.

Effects of ATP on specific [3H](+)-isradipine binding in rat ventricular cardiomyocytes

In heart membranes, specific [3H](+)-isradipine binding is reduced in membranes from ischemic hearts and by adding 1 mM ATP at low Ca2+ concentrations (1 microM). We investigated if ATP affected specific [3H](+)-isradipine binding in intact rat ventricular cardiomyocytes. Reducing intracellular ATP by 2 h hypoxia (N2 gas) and glucose-free buffer with 1 mM CN-, did not affect density or dissociation constant of [3H](+)-isradipine binding in cardiomyocytes at extracellular 30 mM K+. Extracellular 10 mM ATP inhibited binding in cardiomyocytes by 90% and 50%, respectively, in 30 mM and 120 mM K+ buffer with Ca2+ and Mg2+. Omitting Ca2+ and Mg2+ from the buffer had no effect on the binding inhibition of ATP. Hence, in cardiomyocytes, reducing intracellular ATP has no effect on specific [3H](+)-isradipine binding, whereas high extracellular ATP in the presence of Ca2+ and Mg2+ inhibits binding. Apparently, ATP effects on binding differ in cardiomyocytes and membranes.

On establishing primary cultures of neonatal rat ventricular myocytes for analysis over long periods

INTRODUCTION

Primary cultures of neonatal rat ventricular myocytes include a population of rapidly dividing nonmyocardial cells that can alter the properties of myocytes and complicate experimental interpretations. Without any intervention, nonmyocyte proliferation restricts the utility of primary cultures in biochemical and electrophysiologic studies to 4-5 days. However, with the recent interest in regulation of cardiac gene expression and the effects of growth factors on cardiac function, long-term studies with stable heart cultures are warranted.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In the present study an immunohistochemical staining strategy was developed that allowed for reliable quantitation of myocytes and nonmyocytes in cultures maintained for extended periods under different culture conditions. Density gradient purification of myocytes was found valuable in limiting nonmyocyte levels to < 20% at early times. Further treatment of cultures with a mitotic inhibitor, 0.1 mM bromodeoxyuridine, or 3500 rads of gamma-irradiation effectively blocked the proliferation of nonmyocardial cells, while it had no effect on cardiocyte levels. However, bromodeoxyuridine displayed side effects on the myocytes; the spontaneous beating rate and intracellular glycogen content were markedly depressed. In contrast, a systematic investigation of the properties of the irradiated myocytes, including spontaneous beating rates, dihydropyridine receptors, glycogen content, sarcoplasmic reticulum function, and phosphoinositide signaling, revealed that irradiation did not alter cardiac cell function. Although ionizing radiation can stimulate gene expression in some cell types, gamma-irradiation did not evoke c-fos expression or cause sarcomere formation, responses seen in cardiac cells to several trophic factors.

CONCLUSION

This study establishes a system of stable, functional, primary cultured cardiac cells that can be used in long-term molecular and electrophysiologic studies of at least 2 weeks.

Effect of prolonged administration of clonidine on [3H]PN 200-110 and [125I]omega-conotoxin binding in mouse brain

The effect of chronic exposure to clonidine or morphine on clonidine- and morphine-induced analgesia in mice was examined. Binding of L- or N-type calcium channel antagonist to cortical membrane fractions was also compared between these groups of mice. A decrease in the analgesic effect of clonidine and morphine was observed following prolonged administration of clonidine or morphine. Binding of [3H]PN 200-110, an L-type calcium channel antagonist, decreased following prolonged administration of clonidine whereas it increased after morphine treatment. On the other hand, a significant increase of [125I]omega-conotoxin, an N-type calcium channel antagonist, binding was observed after chronic clonidine or morphine treatment. These results will be discussed in relation with the possible development of cross-tolerance between clonidine and morphine through the change in calcium channels, more specifically in N-type channels.

Effects of dexamethasone on L-type calcium currents in the A7r5 smooth muscle-derived cell line

Patch clamp experiments were used to characterize the effect of dexamethasone on calcium currents in A7r5 cells. Pretreatment for 48 h with 200 nM dexamethasone did not affect the single channel conductance, the voltage dependence of channel opening, or the voltage-dependent inactivation of L-type channels. However, dexamethasone caused an approximately 2-fold increase in the amplitude of L-type calcium currents in 5 out of 9 experiments, suggesting an increase in the number of active channels. The effect of dexamethasone appeared to be greatest on batches of cells with low control current density. The amplitude of T-type calcium current was not affected by dexamethasone.

Stimulatory effects of HSR-803 on ileal motor activity

Stimulatory effects of HSR-803 on intestinal motor activity in vitro were studied in guinea pig ileum. HSR-803 (1 x 10(-6)-1 x 10(-4) M) increased the amplitude of longitudinal muscle contractions and increased the frequency of peristalsis in isolated segments of guinea pig ileum. The stimulatory effect in amplitude and not frequency was abolished by 1 x 10(-6) M atropine. In the Magnus method with ileal segments, HSR-803 (1 x 10(-7) - 1 x 10(-4) M) produced contractions concentration-dependently, which were inhibited by atropine (1 x 10(-8) and 3 x 10(-8) M) and 3 x 10(-7) M tetrodotoxin (TTX). In the [3H]-quinuclidinyl benzilate (QNB) binding experiment with ileal smooth muscle, HSR-803 had low affinity for acetylcholine (ACh) receptors (pKi = 4.47 +/- 0.04). In addition, HSR-803 failed to increase the spontaneous release and the electrical stimulation-induced [3H]ACh release in ileal smooth muscle. On the other hand, HSR-803 (1 x 10(-5) M) enhanced contractions induced by ACh, but had no effect on contractions induced by carbachol, which is not hydrolyzed by acetylcholinesterase (AChE). In conclusion, HSR-803 stimulated ileal motor activity. However, HSR-803 had low affinity for ACh receptors and had no influence on ACh release. It is likely that HSR-803 stimulated motor activity mainly due to prevention of ACh hydrolysis.

Ratio of ryanodine to dihydropyridine receptors in cardiac and skeletal muscle and implications for E-C coupling

We measured dihydropyridine receptor (DHPR) and ryanodine receptor (RYR) density in isolated ventricular myocytes from rabbits, rats, ferrets, and guinea pigs and also from rabbit ventricular homogenate, skeletal muscle homogenate, and isolated triads. In skeletal muscle homogenate and triads the RYR/DHPR ratio was 0.7 and 0.52, respectively. This stoichiometry is reasonably consistent with excitation-contraction (E-C) coupling models in skeletal muscle where the DHPR molecule itself may transmit the signal for Ca release to the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and with the molecular arrangement proposed for toadfish swimbladder from ultrastructural studies by B. A. Block, T. Imagawa, K. P. Campbell, and C. Franzini-Armstrong. (J. Cell Biol. 107: 2587-2600, 1988). That is, there could be approximately two RYR for each four DHPR or two RYR feet per DHPR tetrad in an organized array (assuming 1 high-affinity RYR/foot and 4 DHPR/tetrad). The fraction of rabbit ventricular protein that is cardiac myocyte protein was also estimated (< or = 55-62%), assuming that RYR and DHPR are useful but not exclusive markers for myocytes in the ventricle. In cardiac myocytes the RYR/DHPR was much higher than in skeletal muscle and varied among different mammalian myocytes. The RYR/DHPR ratios were 3.7 in rabbit, 4.3 in guinea pig, 7.3 in rat, and 10.2 in ferret myocytes. In contrast to skeletal muscle, these results indicate that there are many more RYR feet per DHPR in cardiac muscle, and this ratio depends on species (i.e., 4-10 times and would be 4 times higher still per putative DHPR tetrad if that structure exists in mammalian heart).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

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

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

Frequency- and potential-dependency of the negative inotropic action of various dihydropyridine and non-dihydropyridine calcium antagonists

Transmembrane voltage and beat frequency are important determinants of the action of several organic calcium antagonists. This is well-known for the cationic amphiphilic calcium antagonists. We intended to assess the functional impact of these phenomena in cardiac muscle with special regard to dihydropyridines. Therefore, concentration-response curves were constructed in isolated guinea-pig left atria for the negative inotropic effect of various compounds. The dihydropyridines nifedipine, racemic nitrendipine, nisoldipine, and felodipine, and the enantiomers of isradipine were investigated at different stimulation frequencies (1 Hz, 2.5 Hz, 4.5 Hz), and at different extracellular K+ concentrations (2.7 mM, 5.4 mM, 10.8 mM). These drugs were compared with the cationic amphiphilic compounds gallopamil, verapamil and diltiazem. The potency of some dihydropyridines, particularly nitrendipine, could be modulated to a remarkable extent, covering several orders of magnitude. The potential-dependency of the drugs depended on stimulus frequency and ranged from less than a half to two orders of magnitude. At 2.5 Hz, the rank order of extent of potential-dependency was gallopamil greater than nitrendipine greater than diltiazem greater than verapamil = (+)-isradipine greater than (-)-isradipine greater than or equal to nisoldipine greater than or equal to felodipine = nifedipine. Based on data obtained from binding studies in intact atria and from patch-clamp measurements of calcium current blockade, a mathematical model was used which describes the observed potency changes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Regulation of [3H]nitrendipine binding by phospholipases A2 and C through direct and GTP-sensitive mechanisms

We compared the effects of Phospholipases A2, C, B and D on [3H]nitrendipine binding to hamster cardiac membranes, in the absence and presence of ATP or GTP. Phospholipase A2, competitively inhibited [3H]nitrendipine binding to hamster cardiac membranes unchanged by ATP or GTP (Ki = 5 ng/ml); as evidenced by complete and reversible displacement of [3H]nitrendipine binding and increase in KD on Scatchard analyses. Phospholipase C also completely inhibited [3H]nitrendipine binding to hamster cardiac membranes (Ki = 5 micrograms/ml) with a decrease in Bmax and no change in KD on Scatchard analyses. The addition of GTP alone inhibited the PLC effect in EGTA-treated membranes. The addition of GTP with either CaCl2 or ATP or both resulted in an equal and opposite enhancement of the PLC effect. Phospholipases B and D had no effect on [3H]nitrendipine binding. These data support: (1) Direct effect of PLA2 on dihydropyridine binding. (2) Indirect regulation of dihydropyridine binding by Phospholipase C through a GTP and ATP-sensitive mechanism.

L-type cardiac calcium channels in doxorubicin cardiomyopathy in rats morphological, biochemical, and functional correlations

Doxorubicin (DXR) is an effective antitumor agent in a wide spectrum of neoplasms. Chronic treatment is associated with cardiomyopathy and characteristic myocardial ultrastructural changes, which include swelling of the t tubules. Accordingly, we investigated excitation-contraction coupling in cardiomyopathic rat heart resulting from chronic DXR treatment. Using the whole-cell patch clamp technique, we studied the L-type calcium channel in single cells enzymatically isolated from normal (CTRL) and DXR rat hearts. Despite similar cell dimensions, the total membrane capacitance was significantly smaller in the DXR cells (138 +/- 9 pF) than in the CTRL cells (169 +/- 11 pF) (mean +/- SEM, n = 9, P less than 0.05). The mean current and the current density-voltage relationships of the CTRL and the DXR cells were significantly different (n = 9, P less than 0.001) with the maximal peak L-type calcium current (ICa) density increased from 6.4 +/- 0.9 in CTRL cells to 10.5 +/- 2.4 microA/cm2 in the DXR cells (P less than 0.05). There was no shift either in the current-voltage relationship or the steady-state inactivation curve in the two cell groups. However, the fast time constant of inactivation was increased at a membrane voltage of -10 to 10 mV. Calcium channel antagonist equilibrium binding assays using [3H]-PN200-110 revealed no difference in the maximal receptor binding capacity (CTRL, 194 +/- 27 and DXR 211 +/- 24 fmol/mg protein; P greater than 0.05, n = 6) and in receptor affinity (CTRL, 0.15 +/- 0.05 and DXR 0.13 +/- 0.03 nM; P less than 0.05). These data suggest that a decrease in effective capacitance might be associated with t-tubular damage. Despite this decrease, ICa was increased in the DXR cells. Such an increase may result from an alteration in the properties of the calcium channels and/or recruitment of "hibernating" channels in the remaining surface and t-tubular membranes.

Mechanism of blockade by (+)isradipine of adrenal catecholamine release

Cat adrenal glands were perfused at a high rate with various modified Krebs solutions containing different concentrations of K+ but no Ca2+. Catecholamine release was tested by applying brief Ca2+ pulses (10 s of a solution containing 120 mM K+ and 2.5 mM Ca2+). Under polarizing conditions (10 min perfusion with 1.4 mM K+ with no Ca2+), the total catecholamines released by the Ca2+ pulse amounted to 5 micrograms; in depolarizing conditions (10 min perfusion with a solution containing 70 mM K+ but no Ca2+), secretion was somewhat less (4-4.5 micrograms). (+)Isradipine, a 1,4-dihydropyridine Ca2+ channel blocker, did not affect the secretory response under polarizing conditions at 10(-8) M; at 10(-6) M, the secretory response was halved. When present under depolarizing conditions (70 mM K+ in 0 Ca2+), (+)isradipine (10(-8) M) blocked catecholamine release by 90%. In contrast, the inorganic Ca2+ channel blocker, Co2+, inhibited secretion equally well under polarizing or depolarizing conditions. Since 45Ca2+ uptake into adrenal medullary chromaffin cells was also inhibited by (+)isradipine (10(-8) M) in a voltage-dependent manner, it seems likely that blocking effects of the drug on catecholamine release are associated with inhibition of Ca2+ entry into cells through L-type Ca2+ channels. The association of (+)isradipine to its receptor is very rapid under polarizing conditions; dissociation is very slow in depolarized cells and very rapid upon polarization of such cells. Since chromaffin cells are being depolarized during stressful situations to secrete catecholamines into the circulation, (+)isradipine is likely to bind better to dihydropyridine receptors in this state; in this manner, the ensuing blockade of adrenal secretion could serve as a protective mechanism of cardiovascular tissues against massive increases in circulating catecholamines. If this suggestion is correct this mechanism could have additional therapeutic value in the treatment of hypertensive patients with (+)isradipine.

Effects of diltiazem on calcium concentrations in the cytosol and on force of contractions in porcine coronary arterial strips

1. Using front-surface fluorometry with fura-2-loaded porcine coronary arterial strips, we simultaneously measured effects of a Ca2+ antagonist, diltiazem, on cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations [( Ca2+]i) and on tension development. 2. In the presence of extracellular Ca2+ (1.25 mM), histamine concentration-dependently induced abrupt (the first component) and then sustained (the second component) elevations of [Ca2+]i. In the absence of extracellular Ca2+, histamine induced transient elevations of [Ca2+]i, and the time course was similar to that of the first component observed in the presence of extracellular Ca2+. Histamine caused a greater contraction for a given change in [Ca2+]i than did potassium, at [Ca2+]i over 300 nM. 3. Diltiazem, 10(-8)M to 10(-5)M, concentration-dependently inhibited the second component of [Ca2+]i elevation and tension development induced by histamine (10(-5) M). Only at higher concentrations (over 10(-5) M) did diltiazem inhibit the first component of increases in [Ca2+]i and tension development induced by histamine, both in the presence and absence of extracellular Ca2+. 4. Diltiazem (10(-6) M) inhibited increases in [Ca2+]i and tension development induced by cumulative applications of extracellular Ca2+ during K(+)-depolarization. The curve of [Ca2+]i against tension of these Ca2(+)-induced contractions obtained in diltiazem-treated strips overlapped with that obtained in untreated strips. This suggests that diltiazem has no direct effects on contractile elements. 5. In contrast, the histamine-induced Ca2(+)-tension curve (second component) was shifted in parallel to the left by diltiazem. 6. We conclude that diltiazem, at therapeutic concentrations, specifically inhibits extracellular Ca2+- dependent increases in [Ca2 +]i, with no effects on the release of Ca2 + from intracellular store sites or on Ca2 +-sensitivity of the contractile elements involved in the contractions induced by elevations of [Ca2 +]i.

Changes in membrane proteins in chronic mechanical overload of the heart

Several data suggest that in species such as humans, dogs or guinea pigs, sarcomere protein changes do not explain the physiologic modifications that occur in the heart in response to chronic overload. In the guinea pig, e.g., the shortening velocity of an intact papillary muscle negatively correlates with the degree of hypertrophy while the shortening velocity of a skinned hypertrophied fiber does not correlate with heart weight. This review is an attempt to summarize quantitatively data concerning membrane proteins in chronic experimental cardiac overload. With that respect, 2 groups of proteins can be distinguished: (1) the group formed by the calcium-activated adenosine triphosphatase (Ca2(+)-ATPase) of the sarcoplasmic reticulum, the beta 1-adrenergic and muscarinic receptors and the low affinity isoform of the Na+K(+)-ATPase. The synthesis of these proteins is not activated by the process of hypertrophy and consequently their density diminished and their total number per myocyte or per ventricle is unchanged. (2) The second group is formed by the calcium channels and the high affinity isoform of the Na+K(+)-ATPase whose density, in contrast, is unchanged or even increases. Their synthesis is therefore stimulated commensurately with the degree of overload and their total number per myocyte is enhanced. These data suggest that search in the field of inotropes must take into account the fact that the keys that these drugs represent must be modeled as a function of the lock they have to fit into.

Two subtypes of dihydropyridine-sensitive calcium channels in rat ventricular muscle

Two opposite inotropic effects of the dihydropyridine activators, CGP 28392 and Bay K 8644, given at the same concentration (1-2 microM) were found in rat papillary muscles: a positive effect in polarized tissue (4 mM KCl) and a negative one during partial depolarization. The depressive effect found at a low rate or after a short rest was associated with marked prolongation of the Ca2(+)-mediated action potential, indicating that the drugs behave as Ca channel stimulators. The depressive effect of the activation on the resting state contraction was antagonized by nifedipine (2 microM) and high Mg2+ (5 mM). It was suggested that at least two subtypes of the L-type, dihydropyridine-sensitive channels underlie the opposite inotropic responses of the activators. The positive effect is apparently caused by conventional stimulation of Ca2+ entry through the cell membrane, whereas the negative effect is probably due to the stimulation of Ca2+ efflux from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, leading to depletion of intracellular stores. The effect was proposed to be mediated by activation of junctional channels linked to sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release. An important role for these channels in triggering the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release and regulation of force-frequency relation is proposed.

Differential enhancement of postischemic segmental systolic thickening by diltiazem

Prolonged depression of segmental systolic thickening after brief coronary artery occlusion may result principally from events during reperfusion rather than during the ischemic interval. Thus, cellular calcium overload at reperfusion may be a mediator of contractile dysfunction after brief ischemia, and reduction of calcium entry by diltiazem, a calcium channel antagonist, may enhance recovery of systolic thickening after brief periods of ischemia. Thirteen awake unsedated dogs instrumented with hemodynamic catheters, left anterior descending coronary artery occluders and five to six pairs of intramyocardial sonomicrometers underwent two 15 min coronary artery occlusions with 24 h reperfusion. The order of infusion of diltiazem (15 micrograms/kg per min) or saline solution was alternated. Systolic thickening, hemodynamic variables and regional myocardial blood flow were measured serially over 24 h. Despite equally severe ischemic dysfunction during coronary occlusion, diltiazem-treated segments with systolic thinning during ischemia recovered control segmental thickening significantly earlier than saline solution-treated segments (at 30 versus 180 min of reperfusion). Blood pressure was mildly decreased during diltiazem treatment; therefore, a second group of 10 dogs underwent a similar occlusion and reflow period during infusion of nitroprusside to lower mean arterial pressure equivalently. Decreases in blood pressure in this group resulted in some improvement in segmental systolic function; however, this did not reach statistical significance at any time. Regional myocardial blood flows were similar in the saline solution- and diltiazem-treated groups during ischemia and reflow. Thus, it is concluded that 1) diltiazem infusion significantly enhanced recovery of segmental systolic thickening after 15 min of ischemia and 24 h of reperfusion; 2) the enhancement in segmental systolic function could not entirely be attributed to decreased mean arterial pressure; 3) improvement in postischemic segmental ventricular function was seen only in those segments with systolic thinning during ischemia; thus, segments with the most severe ischemic dysfunction benefited most; and 4) there were no important differences in regional myocardial blood flow during ischemia and reperfusion between saline- and diltiazem-treated animals.

Internal and external effects of dihydropyridines in the calcium channel of skeletal muscle

The agonist effect of the dihydropyridine (DHP) (-)Bay K 8644 and the inhibitory effects of nine antagonist DHPs were studied at a constant membrane potential of 0 mV in Ca channels of skeletal muscle transverse tubules incorporated into planar lipid bilayers. Four phenylalkylamines (verapamil, D600, D575, and D890) and d-cis-diltiazem were also tested. In Ca channels activated by 1 microM Bay K 8644, the antagonists nifedipine, nitrendipine, PN200-110, nimodipine, and pure enantiomer antagonists (+)nimodipine, (-)nimodipine, (+)Bay K 8644, inhibited activity in the concentration range of 10 nM to 10 microM. Effective doses (ED50) were 2 to 10 times higher when HDPs were added to the internal side than when added to the external side. This sidedness arises from different structure-activity relationships for DHPs on both sides of the Ca channel since the ranking potency of DHPs is PN200-110 greater than (-)nimodipine greater than nifedipine approximately S207-180 on the external side while PN200-110 greater than S207-180 greater than nifedipine approximately (-)nimodipine on the internal side. A comparison of ED50's for inhibition of single channels by DHPs added to the external side and ED50's for displacement of [3H]PN200-110 bound to the DHP receptor, revealed a good quantitative agreement. However, internal ED50's of channels were consistently higher than radioligand binding affinities by up to two orders of magnitude. Evidently, Ca channels of skeletal muscle are functionally coupled to two DHP receptor sites on opposite sides of the membrane.

Coregulation of calcium channels and beta-adrenergic receptors in cultured chick embryo ventricular cells

To examine mechanisms whereby the abundance of functional Ca channels may be regulated in excitable tissue, Ca channel number was estimated by binding of the dihydropyridine (DHP) antagonist 3H (+)PN200-110 to monolayers of intact myocytes from chick embryo ventricle. Beta adrenergic receptor properties were studied in cultured myocytes using [3H]CGP12177, an antagonist ligand. Physiological correlates for alterations in DHP binding site number included 45Ca uptake and contractile response to (+)BAYk 8644, a specific L-type Ca channel activator. All binding and physiological determinations were performed in similar intact cell preparations under identical conditions. 4-h exposure to 1 microM isoproterenol reduced cell surface beta-adrenergic receptor number from 44 +/- 3 to 17 +/- 2 fmol/mg (P less than 0.05); DHP binding sites declined in number from 113 +/- 25 to 73 +/- 30 fmol/mg (P less than 0.03). When protein kinase A was activated by a non-receptor-dependent mechanism, DHP binding declined similarly to 68% of control. Exposure to diltiazem, a Ca channel antagonist, for 18-24 h had no effect on number of DHP binding sites. After 4-h isoproterenol exposure, 45Ca uptake stimulated by BAYk 8644 declined from 3.3 +/- 0.2 nmol/mg to 2.9 +/- 0.3 nmol/mg (P less than 0.01) and BAYk 8644-stimulated increase in amplitude of contraction declined from 168 +/- 7 to 134 +/- 11% (P = 0.02). Thus, elevation of [cAMP] in myocytes is associated with a time-dependent decline in Ca channel abundance as estimated by DHP binding and a decline in physiological responses that are in part dependent on abundance of Ca channels. Binding of a directly acting Ca channel antagonist for 18-24 h does not modulate the number of DHP binding sites.

Intramembrane charge movement in guinea-pig and rat ventricular myocytes

1. Non-linear capacitative current (charge movement) was studied in isolated guinea-pig and rat ventricular myocytes. Linear capacitance was subtracted using standard procedures. Most of the experiments were done with guinea-pig myocytes, while rat myocytes were used for comparison. 2. When a myocyte was held at -100 mV, depolarizing clamp steps produced a rapid outward current transient, which was followed by an inward current transient upon repolarization. This current was identified as the movement of charged particles in the cell membrane, rather than ionic movement across the membrane, for the following reasons: (1) the current saturated at membrane potentials positive to +20 mV; (2) the current was capacitative in nature, having no reversal potential; (3) in general, the charge moved during depolarization (Qon) approximated the charge moved during repolarization (Qoff). 3. Qoff was significantly less than Qon for a depolarization from -100 mV to 0 mV. However, the Qoff/Qon ratio approached unity if the cell was instead repolarized to -140 mV. This was interpreted as being due to the immobilization of a fraction of the charge during the depolarization, which recovered rapidly enough to be measured at -140 mV, but recovered too slowly at -100 mV. 4. Charge movement in these cells had a sigmoidal dependence on the membrane potential, which could be empirically described by the two-state Boltzmann equation Q = Qmax/(1 + exp[-(V-V*)/kappa]), where Q is the charge movement at potential V, Qmax is the maximum charge, V* is the membrane potential at Q = Qmax/2, and kappa is a slope factor. Qmax was 11.7 nC/microF, V* was -18 mV and kappa was 16 mV in guinea-pig myocytes held at -100 mV, while the values in rat myocytes were 10.9 nC/microF, -32 mV and 13 mV. 5. The charge movement could be partially immobilized by a prior depolarization. This effect developed over a broad voltage range, from -120 to +20 mV. The fraction of charge that could be immobilized by a 10 s pre-pulse to +20 mV was 59%. 6. The time course of decay of both Qon and Qoff could basically be described as a single-exponential process. The time constant was largest at -40 mV and decreased at both more positive and negative test potentials. A second, slower Qoff time constant, possibly representing remobilization of immobilized charge, could be seen under some conditions. 7. The temperature dependence of charge movement was studied between 11 and 35 degrees C.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

The binding of (+)-isradipine by guinea-pig intact atria

1. The accumulation of [3H]-(+)-isradipine (PN 200-110) was measured in quiescent guinea-pig left atria with normal (K+ 2.7 mM) or lowered (K+ 40 mM) membrane potential. 2. Under control conditions (2.7 mM K+) a high affinity binding of (+)-isradipine could not be detected. If, however, the atria were partially depolarized to about -30 mV by 40 mM K+, high affinity binding became evident displaying a dissociation constant of 4.2 x 10(-11) M and a capacity of 9.7 nmol kg-1 wet wt. 3. The depolarization-induced binding was reversible upon repolarization of the atria although isradipine was still present in the medium. This indicates that the high affinity binding sites disappear as soon as the cell membranes become polarized. 4. Isradipine belongs to the less hydrophobic dihydropyridines, but nevertheless the unsaturable binding led to an accumulation of about 84 fold. At a concentration of 2 x 10(-8) M (+)-isradipine, which reduces the contractile force by 50%, the cellular concentration will rise to more than 10(-6) M.

Isolation and enrichment of Ca2+-tolerant myocytes for biochemical experiments from guinea-pig heart

Isolated myocytes for biochemical experiments must be homogeneous and highly enriched in viable cells. For cardiac myocytes, isolation of Ca2+-tolerant cells in high yield and with good viability has been possible from rat. This paper describes myocyte isolation and enrichment procedures which are effective for several species including guinea-pig and rat. New methods for selection of collagenase and viable cells are presented. Using Ca2+-tolerant myocytes obtained from guinea-pig heart and enriched in viable cells, dihydropyridine binding sites are shown to be accessible only in depolarized cells.

Asymmetric charge movement and calcium currents in ventricular myocytes of neonatal rat

1. Calcium and sodium currents and non-linear capacitive currents were recorded from isolated ventricular cells from neonatal rats, using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique, usually with a holding potential of -100 mV. 2. When recording with internal and external solutions designed to suppress virtually all ionic currents except the calcium current, careful subtraction of all linear capacitive and ionic currents revealed that depolarizations elicited a small transient outward current which preceded the inward calcium current. This outward current was discernible just below the threshold potential for the calcium current and increased with larger depolarizations to a maximum for potentials of about +30 mV and above. 3. Elimination of the calcium current revealed that at each potential the transient outward current was accompanied by a roughly equal transient inward current upon repolarization. The properties of these currents indicate that they are non-linear capacitive currents. Best-fit Boltzmann curves of the 'on' charge (integral of the transient outward current) gave values for qmax, V and k of 3.9 nC/microF, -29.3 mV and 15.5 mV with internal Cs+. The maximum 'on' charge is similar to that found with calcium currents (4.3 nC/microF). Similar values were obtained with internal TEA+. 4. Boltzmann fits of conductance vs. voltage for the calcium channel gave mean values of -15.5 and 13.3 mV for V and k (with internal Cs+); the corresponding values for the sodium channel were -49.9 and 5.4 mV. 5. Pre-pulses (20 ms) to -60 mV inactivated 77% of the peak sodium current, but only inactivated about 10% of the peak calcium current and reduced the maximum 'on' charge (moved at potentials positive to -60 mV) by 19%. 6. With a holding potential of -100 mV, 10 microM-nifedipine blocked 89% of the calcium current, but had little effect on the amount of 'on' charge. The 'off' charge appeared to be slower in the presence of nifedipine. 7. These results and consideration of the number of calcium channels and high-affinity binding sites for dihydropyridines (DHP), suggest that a large part of the charge movement may be related to DHP binding sites and involved with gating calcium channels. Comparison with skeletal muscle suggests similarities in the mechanisms involved in excitation-contraction coupling.

Characterization of [3H]nifedipine binding to intact vascular smooth muscle cells

Specific binding of the dihydropyridine Ca2+ antagonist [3H]nifedipine to dispersed smooth muscle cells of the porcine coronary artery was investigated and the findings were compared with the binding to microsomes of smooth muscles. Specific binding to intact cells was saturable and reversible. The dissociation constant was 1.93 +/- 0.42 nM and the maximal binding capacity was 59.6 +/- 12.4 fmol/10(6) cells, as assessed by Scatchard analysis of the equilibrium binding at 25 degrees C. The Kd value with intact cells was slightly higher than that observed with microsomes. Specific binding of [3H]nifedipine to intact cells was completely displaced by unlabeled dihydropyridine derivatives. Among other Ca2+ antagonists, verapamil and d-cis-diltiazem partially and flunarizine completely inhibited the binding. In the case of microsomes, d-cis-diltiazem stimulated the binding of [3H]nifedipine. These results suggest that there may be multiple binding sites for different subclasses of Ca2+ antagonists. Polyvalent cations had no effect on the binding to intact cells. In the case of ethylene glycol-bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA)-treated microsomes, the addition of CaCl2 and BaCl2 increased the Bmax, but the Kd value remained unchanged. MnCl2 and CdCl2 had stimulatory or inhibitory effects, depending on the concentrations, whereas LaCl3 had no effect. The effect of membrane depolarization on the binding was also examined. When the intact cells were incubated in high [K+]o solution for 60 min, the Kd was lowered to 1.4 nM from the control value of 2.0 nM, thereby indicating that [3H]nifedipine binds to Ca2+ channels, with a higher affinity, at depolarized states.

Calcium channel antagonists, Part I: Fundamental properties: mechanisms, classification, sites of action

Ca2+ channel antagonists are agents that interact with the voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel in a highly specific way. The prototype agents of cardiovascular importance are verapamil, nifedipine, and diltiazem, in historical order of appearance. These agents all have different molecular structures and bind separately with receptor sites located in or near the calcium channel, at molecular sites still to be fully identified. There are probably three distinct receptor sites (V, N, D) which stand in relation to the "gate" of the long-acting "L" calcium channel. There is probably overlap among the receptor sites, especially between the V and D sites to explain their common properties. All three agents inhibit the voltage-dependent calcium channel in vascular smooth muscle and also myocardial slow calcium channels. The ratio of the arterial to the myocardial effect is an index of the arterial selectivity, generally held to be a desirable property because the negative inotropic effect is usually a liability. The general clinical impression that nifedipine is the agent most active in vascular tissue in relation to the myocardial effect is supported by data on the relative potencies of these three agents on blood perfused dog preparations and by a comparison of the potency on rat vascular (portal vein) versus myocardial effects. Nonetheless all three agents are highly active in the inhibition of K(+)-induced vascular contractions (nifedipine 10(-9) M to 10(-8) M; verapamil 10(-7) M to 10(-6) M; and diltiazem 5 x 10(-7) M to 10(-6) M; concentrations for 50% inhibition of K(+)-induced vascular contractions in rat or rabbit aorta; comparative data for resistance vessels not available). The clinical impression that verapamil and diltiazem are more active on nodal tissue is also supported by a comparison of potencies on blood perfused dog nodal preparations in comparison with effects on coronary flow, with verapamil and diltiazem being approximately 10x more potent on the AV node than increasing coronary blood flow, so that the nodal effect is first detected. These basic pharmacological properties explain why all these three agents have clinical effects relevant to inhibition of vascular contraction (antihypertensive and antianginal effects) and only verapamil and diltiazem have clinically relevant inhibitory effects on the AV node (inhibition of supraventricular tachycardias). The comparative potencies of verapamil, diltiazem, and nifedipine in angina and hypertension will be examined in Parts II and III of this review.

Depolarization-induced increase in surface binding and internalization of 125I-nerve growth factor by PC12 pheochromocytoma cells

The binding and internalization of 125I-nerve growth factor (NGF) by PC12 pheochromocytoma cells was studied as a function of extracellular potassium concentration. Both surface-bound and internalized fractions of 125I-NGF associated with the cells under depolarizing conditions (50 mM K+) increased to 144 +/- 28% (average +/- SEM, six different cell preparations) and to 176 +/- 12% (n = 6), respectively, of those observed at 6.0 mM K+. Scatchard-type analysis of the data indicates increased sites for the binding and internalization of iodinated NGF by the cells. Similar enhancement was observed for cells treated with NGF as well. This voltage-dependent phenomenon was reversible, and also observed in the presence of veratridine. Moreover, withdrawal of extracellular Ca2+ abolished high K+-induced modulation of 125I-NGF binding and internalization, indicating that this effect may be mediated by Ca2+.

Inhibition of myocardial Ca2+ channels by three dihydropyridines with different structural features: potential-dependent blockade by Ro 18-3981

Inhibition of myocardial Ca2+ channels was investigated for three dihydropyridines with different structural features: Ro 18-3981, darodipine (PY 108-068) and nifedipine. Ro 18-3981 contains a sulphamoyl acetyl side-chain. In voltage-clamps experiments with isolated cardiac myocytes of guinea-pig, Ro 18-3981 caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of the Ca2+ current, which was influenced by the membrane holding potential. A markedly greater inhibition by Ro 18-3981 was observed when myocytes were depolarized (to +10 mV) from a holding potential (Vh) of -20 mV (IC50 = 2.3 nm) than at -50 mV (IC50 = 100 nM). The three dihydropyridines caused a concentration-dependent reduction in contractile force of isolated, electrically-stimulated left atria of the guinea-pig. Elevation of the extracellular K+ concentration from 5.9 to 24 mM resulted in a significant reduction in negative inotropic IC50 values for Ro 18-3981 (137 fold), darodipine (8 fold) and nifedipine (20 fold). The affinity of these drugs for the high-affinity (+)-[3H]-PN 200-110 binding site was determined in guinea-pig cardiac membranes. The KD value of Ro 18-3981 (1.0 nM) was similar to the IC50 value for blockade of ICa at a Vh of -20 mV (2.3 nM), i.e. at a level of near-maximal depolarization. Thus, structurally-different dihydropyridines exert potential-dependent inhibition of myocardial Ca2+ channel activity consistent with the modulated receptor hypothesis. These results demonstrate that blockade of myocardial excitation-contraction coupling by Ca2+ entry blockers is also potential-dependent.

High and concentration-proportional accumulation of [3H]-nitrendipine by intact cardiac tissue

The binding of [3H]-nitrendipine to intact, electrically driven isolated left atria of guinea-pigs was investigated over the concentration range 10(-10) M to 3 X 10(-5) M. A high affinity binding site saturable in the nM range as found in ventricular homogenates could not be detected. Instead the accumulation of nitrendipine in intact atria was found to be proportional to the concentration from 10(-10) M to 10(-6) M; beyond 10(-6) M the binding started to become saturated. Nitrendipine was highly accumulated in atrial tissue. The cell:medium ratios amounted to about 120 in the range from 10(-10) M to 10(-6) M. The concentration-response curve for the negative inotropic action of nitrendipine yielded an ED50 of 3 X 10(-7) M, thus lying within the range of concentration-proportional accumulation. The reduction of the contractile force proceeded faster (t1/2 less than 10 min) than the uptake process t1/2 approximately 40 min) suggesting that it is the binding of nitrendipine into a superficial compartment, which interferes with the excitation-contraction coupling. The results suggest that the high concentration of nitrendipine present in hydrophobic cellular compartments such as the plasmalemma might be involved in its pharmacological action.

Voltage-dependent effects of YC-170, a dihydropyridine calcium channel modulator, in cardiovascular tissues

Voltage-dependent effects of YC-170, a putative calcium channel activator, were examined and compared with those of Bay K 8644 in isolated guinea-pig cardiac tissues and rabbit aortae. In guinea-pig left atria superfused with a normal bathing solution (4 mmol/l K+), both YC-170 (10 mumol/l) and Bay K 8644 (1 mumol/l) produced a positive inotropic action accompanied by a prolongation of action potential durations (APDs). In normally-polarized guinea-pig papillary muscles Bay K 8644 increased force of contraction (fc) and APDs. However, YC-170 failed to increase fc in spite of a slight prolongation of APDs. In papillary muscles partially depolarized by 25 mmol/l K+ solution, Bay K 8644 enhanced the electrically-induced slow action potentials and contractile force. In contrast with Bay K 8644, YC-170 significantly depressed the slow action potentials and decreased fc. YC-170 also showed the depressant action on the slow action potentials induced by isoproterenol (0.1 mumol/l), histamine (3 mumol/l) and tetraethylammonium (10 mmol/l) plus high Ca2+ (4 mmol/l). In sinoatrial node cells of guinea-pig right atria Bay K 8644 produced a positive chronotropic action with increases in the maximum rate of rise (Vmax) and action potential amplitude (APA), whereas YC-170 produced a negative chronotropic action with decreases in Vmax and APA. In the rabbit aortic strips preincubated with bathing solution containing various concentrations of K+ (15, 20, 30 and 40 mmol/l), Bay K 8644 produced concentration-dependent contractions in a range of concentrations up to 0.3 mumol/l. However, when the concentration exceeded 1 mumol/l, Bay K 8644 caused a slight relaxation, irrespective of the K+ concentrations of bathing solution. YC-170 in concentrations of 10 and 30 mumol/l contracted the aortic strips placed in 5.9 or 15 mmol/l K+ bathing solution, but caused relaxation in 30 or 40 mmol/l K+ bathing solution. These results suggest that YC-170 is a dihydropyridine calcium channel modulator which behaves as a Ca2+ channel agonist in tissues of high membrane potentials, but as a Ca2+ channel antagonist in tissues of low membrane potentials.

Alterations in the plasma membrane properties of the myocardium of spontaneously hypertensive rats

Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were used to investigate the adaptive biochemical changes in the myocardium in response to chronic afterload. Ouabain-inhibited Na+,K+-adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activity was decreased by 40% in myocardium of SHR compared with that from WKY, which may lead to increased intracellular Ca2+ through Na+-Ca2+ exchange. Similarly, alpha 1-adrenergic receptor density, estimated by [3H]prazosin binding, was decreased by 42% in myocardial membranes of SHR, while the affinity for the agonist and the antagonist was not altered. In contrast, the number of Ca2+ channels estimated by [3H]nitrendipine binding was increased by 45% in myocardial membranes of SHR, while the affinity was comparable between SHR and WKY. These differences between WKY and SHR in the membrane properties were not due to differential contamination of plasma membranes because the activities of other putative plasma membrane marker enzymes were comparable between WKY and SHR. There were no differences between WKY and SHR in the myosin ATPase activity estimated using myofibrils, actomyosin, and myosin. These results suggest that specific alterations have occurred in the plasma membrane properties of myocardium of SHR that result in altered intracellular Ca2+ metabolism. These alterations may have an important bearing on excitation-contraction coupling in myocardium of SHR.

Profile of the oppositely acting enantiomers of the dihydropyridine 202-791 in cardiac preparations: receptor binding, electrophysiological, and pharmacological studies

Receptor binding, electrophysiological, and inotropic effects of the pure dihydropyridine enantiomers (+)S202-791 and (-)R202-791 were studied in cardiac preparations. The KI for (+)S202-791 binding correlated with the ED50's for an increase in contractile force and an increase in calcium current, the latter effect occurring at depolarized as well as resting holding potentials. The KI for (-)R202-791 binding was much lower than the IC50's for inhibition of calcium current measured at holding potentials of -80 or -90 mV and a negative inotropic effect, but correlated closely with the IC50 for inhibition of calcium current measured at -30 mV. Thus, (+)S202-791, is a voltage independent calcium channel activator and (-)R202-791 is a voltage dependent calcium channel inhibitor.