Potassium depolarization elevates cytosolic free calcium concentration in rat anterior pituitary cells through 1,4-dihydropyridine-sensitive, omega-conotoxin-insensitive calcium channels

Optimization of Near-Infrared Fluorescence Voltage-Sensitive Dye Imaging for Neuronal Activity Monitoring in the Rodent Brain

Many currently employed clinical brain functional imaging technologies rely on indirect measures of activity such as hemodynamics resulting in low temporal and spatial resolutions. To improve upon this, optical systems were developed in conjunction with methods to deliver near-IR voltage-sensitive dye (VSD) to provide activity-dependent optical contrast to establish a clinical tool to facilitate direct monitoring of neuron depolarization through the intact skull. Following the previously developed VSD delivery protocol through the blood-brain barrier, IR-780 perchlorate VSD concentrations in the brain were varied and stimulus-evoked responses were observed. In this paper, a range of optimal VSD tissue concentrations was established that maximized fluorescence fractional change for detection of membrane potential responses to external stimuli through a series of phantom, in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo experiments in mouse models.

Novel somatic variants involved in biochemical activity of pure growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma without GNAS variant

We aimed to identify somatic genetic alterations in pure growth hormone (GH)-secreting pituitary adenomas without GNAS variants. Patients with GH-secreting pituitary adenoma who underwent transsphenoidal adenomectomy at Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine were recruited. Somatic genetic alterations were profiled by whole-exome sequencing (WES) and targeted resequencing. WES was performed using DNA from nine GH-secreting pituitary tumors and corresponding blood samples. Absence of GNAS variant was confirmed by Sanger sequencing. For targeted resequencing of 140 fixed tissues, 48 WES-derived candidate genes and 7 GH-secreting pituitary adenoma-associated genes were included. Forty-eight genes with 59 somatic variants were identified by WES. In targeted resequencing, variants in 26 recurrent genes, including MAST4, PRIM2, TNN, STARD9, DNAH11, DOCK4, GPR98, BCHE, DARS, CUBN, NGDN, PLXND1, UNC5B, and COL22A1, were identified, but variants in previously reported genes were not detected. BCHE, DARS, NGDN, and UNC5B variants were associated with increased GH-secreting pituitary tumor biochemical activity, which was confirmed in vitro. Although recurrent point variants were rare, several somatic variants were identified in sporadic pure GH-secreting pituitary adenomas. Several somatic variants may affect pathways involved in the tumorigenesis and biochemical activities of GH-secreting pituitary adenomas.

The Role of Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Pituitary Adenomas Tumorigenesis

Pituitary adenomas (PAs) are among the most common intracranial neoplasms, but despite their histologically benign nature, these tumors sometimes grow large enough to cause symptoms of mass effect such as vision loss, headaches, or hypopituitarism. When they get this large, surgery will unfortunately not be curative and, other than prolactinomas, medical options are limited, and radiation has variable efficacy in controlling growth. Understanding the genetic perturbations, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), that promote the formation or growth of functional and nonfunctional PAs is important because such genetic insights could improve the diagnosis and subsequent classification of PAs as well as unlock potential therapeutic targets outside contemporary standard of care. While there have been great strides in the research of SNPs as drivers of PA formation and maintenance, a comprehensive discussion of these genetic mutations has not been undertaken. In the present article, and with the goal of providing scientists and clinicians a central review, we sought to summarize the current literature on SNPs and their relationship to PA formation. Across multiple tumor types, such as nonfunctioning PAs, prolactinomas, corticotroph adenomas, somatotroph adenomas, thyrotropic adenomas, and gonadotroph adenomas, SNPs in cell surface receptors implicated in proliferation can be appreciated. Polymorphisms found in tumor suppressors and cell cycle regulators have also been identified, such as p53 SNPs in nonfunctioning PAs or cyclin D1 in prolactinomas. While the translational relevance of SNPs in the formation of PAs is still in the early stages, the use of wide-scale genomic analysis to identify patients at risk for developing PAs could yield therapeutic benefit in the future.

Nimodipine-Dependent Protection of Schwann Cells, Astrocytes and Neuronal Cells from Osmotic, Oxidative and Heat Stress Is Associated with the Activation of AKT and CREB

Clinical and experimental data assumed a neuroprotective effect of the calcium channel blocker nimodipine. However, it has not been proven which neuronal or glial cell types are affected by nimodipine and which mechanisms underlie these neuroprotective effects. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of nimodipine treatment on the in vitro neurotoxicity of different cell types in various stress models and to identify the associated molecular mechanisms. Therefore, cell lines from Schwann cells, neuronal cells and astrocytes were pretreated for 24 h with nimodipine and incubated under stress conditions such as osmotic, oxidative and heat stress. The cytotoxicity was measured via the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity of cell culture supernatant. As a result, the nimodipine treatment led to a statistically significantly reduced cytotoxicity in Schwann cells and neurons during osmotic (p ≤ 0.01), oxidative (p ≤ 0.001) and heat stress (p ≤ 0.05), when compared to the vehicle. The cytotoxicity of astrocytes was nimodipine-dependently reduced during osmotic (p ≤ 0.01), oxidative (p ≤ 0.001) and heat stress (not significant). Moreover, a decreased caspase activity as well as an increased proteinkinase B (AKT) and cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation could be observed after the nimodipine treatment under different stress conditions. These results demonstrate a cell type-independent neuroprotective effect of the prophylactic nimodipine treatment, which is associated with the prevention of stress-dependent apoptosis through the activation of CREB and AKT signaling pathways and the reduction of caspase 3 activity.

CXCL12-induced neurotoxicity critically depends on NMDA receptor-gated and L-type Ca2+ channels upstream of p38 MAPK

Background

The chemokine receptor CXCR4 (CD184) and its natural ligand CXCL12 contribute to many physiological processes, including decisions about cell death and survival in the central nervous system. In addition, CXCR4 is a co-receptor for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 and mediates the neurotoxicity of the viral envelope protein gp120. However, we previously observed that CXCL12 also causes toxicity in cerebrocortical neurons but the cellular mechanism remained incompletely defined.

Methods

Primary neuronal-glial cerebrocortical cell cultures from rat were exposed to a neurotoxicity-inducing CXCL12 concentration for different times and the activity of the stress-associated mitogen-activated protein kinase p38 (p38 MAPK) was assessed using an in vitro kinase assay. Neurotoxicity of CXCL12 and cellular localization of p38 MAPK was analyzed by immunofluorescence microscopy. Pharmacological inhibition of NMDA-type glutamate receptor-gated ion channels (NMDAR) of l-type Ca²⁺ channels was employed during 12- and 24-h exposure to neurotoxic amounts of CXCL12 to study the effects on active p38 MAPK and neuronal survival by Western blotting and microscopy, respectively. Neurotoxicity of CXCL12 was also assessed during pharmacological inhibition of p38 MAPK.

Results

Here, we show that a neurotoxic amount of CXCL12 triggers a significant increase of endogenous p38 MAPK activity in cerebrocortical cells. Immunofluorescence and Western blotting experiments with mixed neuronal-glial and neuron-depleted glial cerebrocortical cells revealed that the majority of active/phosphorylated p38 MAPK was located in neurons. Blockade of NMDAR-gated ion channels or l-type Ca²⁺ channels both abrogated an increase of active p38 MAPK and toxicity of CXCL12 in cerebrocortical neurons. Inhibition of l-type Ca²⁺ channels with nimodipine kept the active kinase at levels not significantly different from baseline while blocking NMDAR with MK-801 strongly reduced phosphorylated p38 MAPK below baseline. Finally, we confirmed that directly blocking p38 MAPK also abrogated neurotoxicity of CXCL12.

Conclusions

Our findings link CXCL12-induced neuronal death to the regulation of NMDAR-gated ion channels and l-type Ca²⁺ channels upstream of p38 MAPK activation.

Landscape of somatic mutations in sporadic GH-secreting pituitary adenomas

CONTEXT

Alterations in the cAMP signaling pathway are common in hormonally active endocrine tumors. Somatic mutations at GNAS are causative in 30-40% of GH-secreting adenomas. Recently, mutations affecting the USP8 and PRKACA gene have been reported in ACTH-secreting pituitary adenomas and cortisol-secreting adrenocortical adenomas respectively. However, the pathogenesis of many GH-secreting adenomas remains unclear.

AIM

Comprehensive genetic characterization of sporadic GH-secreting adenomas and identification of new driver mutations.

DESIGN

Screening for somatic mutations was performed in 67 GH-secreting adenomas by targeted sequencing for GNAS, PRKACA, and USP8 mutations (n=31) and next-generation exome sequencing (n=36).

RESULTS

By targeted sequencing, known activating mutations in GNAS were detected in five cases (16.1%), while no somatic mutations were observed in both PRKACA and USP8. Whole-exome sequencing identified 132 protein-altering somatic mutations in 31/36 tumors with a median of three mutations per sample (range: 1-13). The only recurrent mutations have been observed in GNAS (31.4% of cases). However, seven genes involved in cAMP signaling pathway were affected in 14 of 36 samples and eight samples harbored variants in genes involved in the calcium signaling or metabolism. At the enrichment analysis, several altered genes resulted to be associated with developmental processes. No significant correlation between genetic alterations and the clinical data was observed.

CONCLUSION

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of somatic mutations in a large series of GH-secreting adenomas. No novel recurrent genetic alterations have been observed, but the data suggest that beside cAMP pathway, calcium signaling might be involved in the pathogenesis of these tumors.

Molecular and functional properties of densely and sparsely granulated GH-producing pituitary adenomas

OBJECTIVE

GH-producing pituitary adenomas display two distinct morphological patterns of cytoplasmic GH-containing secretory granules, namely the densely and sparsely granulated somatotroph adenoma subtype. It is unknown whether these morphological variants reflect distinct pathophysiological entities at the molecular level.

METHODS

In 28 GH-producing adenoma tissues from a consecutive set of patients undergoing pituitary surgery for acromegaly, we studied the GH granulation pattern, the expression of somatostatin receptor subtypes (SSTR) as well as the calcium, cAMP and ZAC1 pathways in primary adenoma cell cultures.

RESULTS

The expression of GSP oncogene was similar between densely and sparsely granulated somatotroph adenoma cells. There were no differences in the calcium, cAMP and ZAC1 pathways as well as in their regulation by SSTR agonists. SSTR2 was exclusively expressed in densely but not in sparsely granulated tumours (membrane expression 86 vs 0%; cytoplasmic expression 67 vs 0%). By contrast, expression of SSTR5 was only found in sparsely but not in densely granulated somatotroph adenomas (membrane expression 29 vs 0%; cytoplasmic expression 57 vs 0%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that different granulation patterns in GH-producing adenomas do not reflect differences in pathways and factors pivotal for somatotroph differentiation and function. In vitro, the vast majority of both densely and sparsely granulated tumour cells were responsive to SSTR activation at the molecular level. Sparsely granulated adenomas lacking SSTR2, but expressing SSTR5, might be responsive to novel SSTR agonists with increased affinity to SSTR5.

Three dimensional neuronal cell cultures more accurately model voltage gated calcium channel functionality in freshly dissected nerve tissue

It has been demonstrated that neuronal cells cultured on traditional flat surfaces may exhibit exaggerated voltage gated calcium channel (VGCC) functionality. To gain a better understanding of this phenomenon, primary neuronal cells harvested from mice superior cervical ganglion (SCG) were cultured on two dimensional (2D) flat surfaces and in three dimensional (3D) synthetic poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) and polystyrene (PS) polymer scaffolds. These 2D- and 3D-cultured cells were compared to cells in freshly dissected SCG tissues, with respect to intracellular calcium increase in response to high K⁺ depolarization. The calcium increases were identical for 3D-cultured and freshly dissected, but significantly higher for 2D-cultured cells. This finding established the physiological relevance of 3D-cultured cells. To shed light on the mechanism behind the exaggerated 2D-cultured cells’ functionality, transcriptase expression and related membrane protein distributions (caveolin-1) were obtained. Our results support the view that exaggerated VGCC functionality from 2D cultured SCG cells is possibly due to differences in membrane architecture, characterized by uniquely organized caveolar lipid rafts. The practical implication of use of 3D-cultured cells in preclinical drug discovery studies is that such platforms would be more effective in eliminating false positive hits and as such improve the overall yield from screening campaigns.

The role of ether-a-go-go-related gene K(+) channels in glucocorticoid inhibition of adrenocorticotropin release by rat pituitary cells

The present study investigated the role of K(+) channels in the inhibitory effect of glucocorticoid on adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) release induced by corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) using cultured rat anterior pituitary cells. Apamin and charybdotoxin (CTX) did not have a significant effect on ACTH release induced by CRH (1 nM). Tetraethylammonium (TEA), a broad spectrum K(+) channel blocker, increased the ACTH response to CRH only at the highest concentration (10 mM). The exposure to 100 nM corticosterone for 60 min inhibited the CRH-induced ACTH release. Neither TEA, apamin, nor CTX affected the inhibitory effect of corticosterone. In contrast, astemizole (Ast) and E-4031, ether-a-go-go-related gene (erg) K(+) channel blockers, abolished the inhibitory effect of corticosterone on CRH-induced ACTH release (1.25+/-0.10 vs. 1.45+/-0.11 ng/well at 10 microM Ast, p>0.05, 1.71+/-0.16 vs. 1.91+/-0.32 ng/well at 10 microM E-4031, p>0.05, vehicle vs. corticosterone). RT-PCR demonstrated all three subtypes of rat-erg mRNAs in the pituitary and corticosterone increased only erg1 mRNA up to 2.47+/-0.54 fold. In conclusion, erg K(+) channels were up-regulated by glucocorticoid, and have indispensable roles in delayed glucocorticoid inhibition of CRH-induced ACTH release by rat pituitary cells.

High potassium concentrations protect inner and outer hair cells in the newborn rat culture from ischemia-induced damage

Several studies indicate that an increase in the extracellular potassium (K+) concentration is a factor exerting a damaging effect on cochlear hair cells (HCs). The present study was designed to examine the effects of high extracellular K+ concentrations on the HCs under normoxic and ischemic conditions. Organotypic cultures of the organ of Corti of newborn rats were exposed to normoxia and ischemia at K+ concentrations of 5-70 mM in artificial perilymph for 3-4h. The number of IHCs and OHCs in the apical, medial and basal parts of the cochlea were counted 24h later. The work resulted in two main findings: (1) extracellular K+ concentrations of 30-70 mM had no effect on the HCs under normoxic conditions; (2) under ischemic conditions, a clear HC loss, mainly in the medial and basal cochlear parts, was observed at 5 mM K+ as previously reported. In contrast, a high extracellular K+ concentration strongly attenuated the HC loss. This effect nearly completely disappeared by the addition of both eosin, an inhibitor of the plasma membrane calcium ATPase (PMCA), and linopirdine, an inhibitor of the KCNQ4 channel, indicating that a normal activity of the PMCA and the KCNQ4 channels are key factors for HC survival under ischemia and depolarizing conditions.

Inhibition of BK channels contributes to the second phase of the response to TRH in clonal rat anterior pituitary cells

AIM

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) induces biphasic changes in the electrical activity, the cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), and prolactin secretion from both GH cells and native lactotrophs. It is well established that inhibition of erg channels contributes to the second phase of the TRH response. We have investigated if BK channels are also involved.

RESULTS

The BK channels may be active at the resting membrane potential (open probability, Po=0.01) in clonal rat anterior pituitary cells (GH4), which makes it possible that inhibition of these channels may contribute to the reduced K+ conductance during the TRH response. The specific BK channel blocker iberiotoxin (IbTx, 100 nm) had no effect on the resting conductance at holding potentials negative to -40 mV, but significantly reduced the conductance at shallower membrane potentials. This corresponds to the voltage dependency of the sustained [Ca2+]i. Furthermore, IbTx increased the action potential frequency by 36% in spontaneously firing cells. During the second phase of the TRH response, the action potential frequency increased by 34%, concomitantly with 61% reduction of the Po of single BK channels. The protein kinase C (PKC)-activating phorbol ester TPA had no significant effect on BK channel Po within the normal range of the resting potential.

CONCLUSION

The BK channels may contribute to the resting membrane conductance, and they are partially inhibited by TRH during the second phase. This modulation seems not to depend on PKC. We propose that inhibition of erg and BK channels acts in concert to enhance the cell excitability during the second phase of the response to TRH.

Depolarization counteracts glucocorticoid inhibition of adenohypophysical corticotroph cells

In AtT20 mouse corticotroph tumour cells large conductance Ca2+-activated K+-channels (BK-channels) have an essential role in the early glucocorticoid inhibition of adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH) secretion evoked by corticotrophin-releasing factor. The present study examined whether or not BK-channels are also pivotal to glucocorticoid inhibition of normal rat anterior pituitary cells. A membrane-permeant, non-metabolizable cyclic AMP analogue, 8-(4-Chlorophenylthio)adenosine-3',5'-cyclic-monophosphate (CPT-cAMP) was used as the primary secretagogue stimulus, as this mimics the increase of intracellular cyclic AMP caused by corticotrophin-releasing factor, but is not subject to the complex Ca2+-dependent regulation of cyclic AMP metabolism that is evident in corticotroph cells. Experiments in AtT20 cells showed that ACTH secretion stimulated by 1 mM CPT-cAMP was suppressed to 34+/-1.5% (n = 12) of the control stimulus by a maximal dose of 100 nM dexamethasone. The ACTH secretion evoked by the combination of 1 mM CPT-cAMP with either 5 microm (-)BayK8644 (L-type Ca2+-channel activator) or 5 mM TEA (K+-channel blocker) was respectively 69.1+/-7.6% and 69.3+/-11.8% of control after 2 h preincubation with 100 nM dexamethasone (P<0.05 vs CPT-cAMP). The ACTH response elicited by 5 microM (-)BayK8644 and 5 mM TEA given together was completely resistant to inhibition by 100 nM dexamethasone. Furthermore, TEA and (-)BayK8644 given together synergistically stimulated ACTH release in combination with 0.1 mM or 1 mM CPT-cAMP, and these ACTH responses were not inhibited by 100 nM dexamethasone. In primary cultures of rat anterior pituitary cells, TEA (up to 20 mM), charybdotoxin (30 nM) or apamin (100 nM) failed to modify the glucocorticoid inhibition of 0.1 mM CPT-cAMP-induced ACTH release. The combination of 5 mM TEA and 5 microM (-)BayK8644 elicited a small but significant increase in ACTH secretion but did not modify the inhibition of 0.3 mM CPT-cAMP-induced ACTH secretion by 100 nM dexamethasone. In primary cultures of rat anterior pituitary cells, depolarization of the membrane potential with 40 mM KCl enhanced the ACTH response to CPT-cAMP and markedly reduced the maximal inhibitory effect of dexamethasone to 55+/-1.2% as well as that of corticosterone to 33+/-2.1% vs 100+/-2.5% and 100+/-1.9% inhibition respectively, when 0.1 mM CPT-cAMP was used alone. Introduction of 5 microM (-)BayK8644 with 40 mM KCl in this system had no additional effect on glucocorticoid inhibition. No glucocorticoid inhibition of ACTH release to any of the stimuli applied was observed in cells pretreated with the mRNA synthesis inhibitor, 5,6-dichloro-furanosyl-benzimidazole riboside (DRB) (0.1 mM) or the protein synthesis blocker, puromycin (0.1 mM). In summary, early glucocorticoid inhibition of stimulated ACTH release by cultured rat anterior pituitary cells was dependent on the synthesis of new mRNA and protein. Depolarization of the membrane potential potentiated CPT-cAMP-induced ACTH secretion in AtT20 cells as well as cultured rat corticotrophs and this was associated with a resistance to the early inhibitory effect of glucocorticoids. Glucocorticoid inhibition in rat anterior pituitary corticotrophs was unaltered by TEA, charybdotoxin as well as apamin, and hence it is unlikely to involve predominantly BK-or SK-type Ca2+-activated K+-channels. These results support the thesis that a prime target of glucocorticoid feedback inhibition in anterior pituitary corticotrophs is the membrane potential and indicate that glucocorticoid-induced proteins regulate the activities of several distinct plasma membrane ion channels.

Ca2+ regulation by the Na(+)-Ca2+ exchanger in retinal horizontal cells depolarized by L-glutamate

This study is concerned with regulation of the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) of horizontal cells isolated from cyprinid fish retinae, with the main emphasis on the role of the (Na+)-Ca2+ exchanger. An inward current was blocked by Ca2+ (4 mM) during prolonged (> 1 h) depolarization by L-glutamate (100 microM) in the whole-cell voltage-clamp configuration, suggesting the persistent activation of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels. This (Co2+)-sensitive current was absent when extracellular Na+ was replaced by Li+ to suppress (Na+)-Ca2+ exchange. Measurement of [Ca2+]i using the Fura-2 ratiometric method gave the following results. (1) L-Glutamate (100 microM) caused [Ca2+]i to increase from the resting level of 75.4+/-36.8 nM (mean +/-S.D., n = 11) to the maximum level (2.2+/-1.4 microM, n = 11) within 15 s and then to decrease to a steady level of 0.59+/-0.23 microM (n = 11). (2) Nifedipine (100 microM) lowered the L-glutamate-induced steady [Ca2+]i level, which was still higher than the resting level. (3) L-Glutamate caused [Ca2+]i to increase even after blockading the voltage-gated Ca2+ channels by nifedipine or by clamping the membrane voltage at -55 mV. (4) (Na+)-free superfusate elevated the L-glutamate-induced steady [Ca2+]i level. (5) The time course of the [Ca2+]i decrease from the L-glutamate-induced steady level to the resting level was prolonged in the (Na+)-free superfusate. These results suggest that the (Na+)-Ca2+ exchanger extrudes intracellular Ca2+ to maintain a low [Ca2+]i level by counteracting the continuous Ca2+ influx through the voltage-gated Ca2+ channels and glutamate-gated channels when horizontal cells in situ are tonically depolarized by L-glutamate released from the photoreceptors. The (Na+)-Ca2+ exchange current isolated by a voltage-clamp experiment depends exponentially on the membrane potential.

Blocking K+ channels with TEA induces plasmalemma depolarization, increased [Ca2+]i, and ACTH secretion in AtT-20 cells

Blocking K+ channels induces hormone secretion in various pituitary cell lines by a mechanism which is not completely delineated. In the present study, we employed the mouse pituitary tumor-derived AtT-20 cell as a model to evaluate this phenomenon. We correlated the effect of the K+ channel-blocker, tetraethylammonium (TEA), on K+ current and membrane potential utilizing whole cell recording, on cytosol Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) concentration utilizing fura-2, and on ACTH secretion utilizing a perifusion system. TEA inhibited voltage-dependent K+ current and initiated membrane depolarization in a dose-dependent fashion. Divergences in the sensitivity to TEA between voltage-dependent K+ currents and membrane depolarization indicate that voltage-dependent K+ channels are not responsible for TEA-induced depolarization TEA (1-30 mM) also induced a concentration-dependent rise in [Ca2+]i concentration and ACTH secretion, both of which were inhibited by removing medium Ca2+. Our data indicate that TEA inhibits K+ currents and induces membrane depolarization; this opens Ca2+ channels in the plasmalemma, causing a rise in [Ca2+]i which initiates ACTH secretion. Alteration of K+ channel permeability by hormones or neurotransmitters may thus play an important regulatory role in controlling pituitary hormone secretion.

Synergistic regulation of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide expression by cyclic AMP and calcium in newborn but not adult rat sensory neurons in culture

There is a spontaneous induction of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) expression in adult rat dorsal root ganglion sensory neurons when grown in culture. The mechanism of this induction may be the same as that responsible for the increased VIP expression in sensory neurons following peripheral axotomy in vivo. This study investigates the effects of depolarization and cyclic AMP on VIP expression (measured by radioimmunoassay) in cultures of newborn and adult rat sensory neurons. Unlike adult neurons, newborn rat sensory neurons, supported in culture with nerve growth factor, did not spontaneously express VIP. However, potassium-evoked depolarization and drugs that increase intracellular cyclic AMP concentrations (forskolin, 8-bromo cyclic AMP, isobutylmethylxanthine) interacted synergistically to stimulate high levels of VIP expression in newborn rat neurons. The contribution of depolarization to this effect could be mimicked by the L-type calcium channel agonist Bay K 8644 and blocked by the channel antagonist nifedipine, implying the involvement of calcium influx through L-type channels. While depolarization and forskolin individually had small effects on VIP content of adult rat sensory neuron cultures, there was no synergism of the kind seen in newborn rat cultures. Immunostaining showed that VIP was localized within approximately 30% of both newborn and adult rat sensory neurons. Thus, a subpopulation of newborn rat sensory neurons exhibit marked plasticity of VIP expression in an integrated response to activation of cyclic AMP- and calcium-dependent signalling pathways. This property is no longer present in mature neurons, however, where VIP expression is regulated by as yet undetermined factors.

Lidocaine inhibits prolactin secretion in GH4C1 cells by blocking calcium influx

The mechanism of the inhibitory effect of local anesthetics on hormone secretion was studied in the GH4C1 line of rat pituitary tumor-derived cells. Lidocaine between 0.1 and 5 mM exerted significant dose-dependent inhibition on the increment in cytosol Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and prolactin (PRL) secretion induced by 30 mM K+. For both effects the IC50 was 0.25 mM and maximal inhibition occurred at 5 mM. A normal response returned within 20 min after removal of lidocaine from the incubation medium. 1 microM tetrodotoxin had no effect on the 30 mM K+ induced [Ca2+]i transient or PRL secretion, indicating that Na+ channels are not involved in the inhibitory effect of lidocaine. Lidocaine similarly inhibited the [Ca2+]i increment and PRL secretion induced by 30% medium hyposmolarity and 1 microM Bay K 8644. Lidocaine was much less effective in inhibiting secretion induced by 1 microM phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (TPA) or 5 microM forskolin. 5 mM procaine produced effects similar to those of lidocaine. Our data suggest that in GH4C1 cells local anesthetics depress secretagogue-induced PRL secretion primarily by blocking Ca2+ influx, probably through L-type Ca2+ channels.

Influence of oligopeptide aldehydes on intracellular Ca2+ concentration in rat pituitary cells

We investigated the effects of some synthetic tripeptide aldehydes, earlier shown to influence pituitary hormone secretion and 45Ca2+ uptake, on the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) of rat anterior pituitary cells in suspension. Boc-D-Phe-Leu-Phenylalaninal or Boc-D-Phe-Leu-Prolinal in the tested range of 1-100 or 200 microM, respectively, were ineffective in influencing basal [Ca2+]i but caused a concentration-dependent inhibition in K+ (25 mM)-induced [Ca2+]i elevation. The IC50 of both effects was about 50 microM. In contrast, they did not interfere with the stimulation caused by the calcium channel agonist BAY K 8644 and were also ineffective in influencing the receptor-mediated stimulus of thyrotropin-releasing hormone on [Ca2+]i. On the basis of the present and foregoing results the possible involvement of calcium channels is discussed, but different mechanisms mediating the tripeptide aldehyde inhibition are also considered. A third tripeptide aldehyde, Boc-Gln-Leu-Lysinal (Boc-GLL), showed ionophore-like properties. This nontoxic substance caused a dose-dependent rise up to 400% (at 100 microM) in [Ca2+]i. Its effect is not mediated by voltage-dependent calcium channels, as it cannot be inhibited either by the classical calcium channel antagonists verapamil and nifedipine, or by the above-mentioned inhibitory tripeptide aldehydes. When we decreased the extracellular Ca2+ concentration by the addition of 4 mM EGTA, the effect was inverted and Boc-GLL caused a large fall in [Ca2+]i. We suggest that Boc-GLL may open cell membrane pores through which Ca2+ moves along the concentration gradient.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Medium hyperosmolarity inhibits prolactin secretion induced by depolarizing K+ in GH4C1 cells by blocking Ca2+ influx

Medium hyperosmolarity between 300 (normal medium osmolarity) and 600 mOsm inhibited in a concentration-correlated fashion (r greater than 0.97, p less than 0.001) the rise in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and prolactin (PRL) secretion induced in GH4C1 cells by depolarizing 30 mM K+. [Ca2+]i concentration and PRL secretion were tightly related between 300 and 600 mOsm (r = 0.976, p less than 0.001); 50% inhibition of both occurred at 450 mOsm. Medium hyperosmolarity slowed the rate of Ca2+ influx. At 600 mOsm the rise in both [Ca2+]i and PRL secretion was abolished but PRL secretion induced by 1 microM phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate was not significantly reduced. Our data suggest that inhibition of Ca2+ influx may be the primary mechanism by which extracellular hyperosmolarity inhibits PRL secretion induced by high medium K+ in GH4C1 cells. Depression of the Ca2+ intracellular transduction system may play a pathophysiological role in vivo in conditions such as dehydration and hypertonic coma.

Differential mechanisms of dopamine and somatostatin inhibition of prolactin secretion from anterior pituitary cells

Abstract The relative potencies of dopamine and somatostatin to inhibit prolactin secretion by pituitary cells in primary culture were compared. Hormone secretion was evaluated under basal conditions as well as after challenging it with thyrotropin-releasing hormone, vasoactive intestinal peptide or with drugs affecting either the activity of adenylate cyclase (forskolin), and protein kinase C (phorbol 12 myristate 13 acetate), or eliciting Ca(2) (+) fluxes in the cell by various ways (A23187, a Ca(2+) ionophore, the dihydropyridine agonist BAY-K-8644, or K(+) depolarization which activates voltage-sensitive Ca(2+) channels). In order to test whether all effects of dopamine and somatostatin were mediated by inhibitory guanosine triphosphate binding proteins, the experiments were systematically carried out in the presence or absence of pertussis toxin, an agent which selectively uncouples given subsets of G proteins from corresponding receptors. Dopamine markedly inhibited basal as well as thyrotropin-releasing hormone-, vasoactive intestinal peptide-, forskolin- and BAY-K-8644-stimulated release of prolactin. In contrast, dopamine was only able to induce partial inhibition of hormone release when secretion was triggered by tumour-promoting activator, A23187 or K(+) depolarization. Under all conditions tested, inhibition by somatostatin was significant, but of limited amplitude. Pertussis toxin completely reversed the effects of somatostatin. In contrast, complete reversal of dopamine effects by pertussis toxin was only achieved after hormone stimulation by tumour-promoting activator, alone or with A23187. Under all other conditions a residual dopamine inhibition was maintained in the presence of the toxin. The amplitude of this residual toxin resistant inhibition was comparable in all other cases to that observed for unstimulated (basal) prolactin release. It is concluded that: 1) As expected, dopamine is a potent inhibitor of secretory processes involving cyclic AMP accumulation or voltage-sensitive Ca(2+) channel activation. In contrast, the amine is only a partial inhibitor of exocytosis resulting from non-voltage-sensitive Ca(2+) channel-gated increase in Ca(2+) or direct activation of protein kinase C. 2) Somatostatin is a partial inhibitor of prolactin under all conditions tested. Dopamine and all somatostatin effects are mediated by pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins. However, a small, but significant, proportion of dopamine inhibition is resistant to pertussis toxin and can thus be assumed to involve a distinct mode of action. This alternate mechanism of dopamine inhibition operates under all conditions except after treatment with tumour-promoting activator, suggesting that it can be inactivated by protein kinase C stimulation.

Osteoclast cytosolic calcium, regulated by voltage-gated calcium channels and extracellular calcium, controls podosome assembly and bone resorption

The mechanisms of Ca2+ entry and their effects on cell function were investigated in cultured chicken osteoclasts and putative osteoclasts produced by fusion of mononuclear cell precursors. Voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCC) were detected by the effects of membrane depolarization with K+, BAY K 8644, and dihydropyridine antagonists. K+ produced dose-dependent increases of cytosolic calcium ([Ca2+]i) in osteoclasts on glass coverslips. Half-maximal effects were achieved at 70 mM K+. The effects of K+ were completely inhibited by dihydropyridine derivative Ca2+ channel blocking agents. BAY K 8644 (5 X 10(-6) M), a VGCC agonist, stimulated Ca2+ entry which was inhibited by nicardipine. VGCCs were inactivated by the attachment of osteoclasts to bone, indicating a rapid phenotypic change in Ca2+ entry mechanisms associated with adhesion of osteoclasts to their resorption substrate. Increasing extracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]e) induced Ca2+ release from intracellular stores and Ca2+ influx. The Ca2+ release was blocked by dantrolene (10(-5) M), and the influx by La3+. The effects of [Ca2+]e on [Ca2+]i suggests the presence of a Ca2+ receptor on the osteoclast cell membrane that could be coupled to mechanisms regulating cell function. Expression of the [Ca2+]e effect on [Ca2+]i was similar in the presence or absence of bone matrix substrate. Each of the mechanisms producing increases in [Ca2+]i, (membrane depolarization, BAY K 8644, and [Ca2+]e) reduced expression of the osteoclast-specific adhesion structure, the podosome. The decrease in podosome expression was mirrored by a 50% decrease in bone resorptive activity. Thus, stimulated increases of osteoclast [Ca2+]i lead to cytoskeletal changes affecting cell adhesion and decreasing bone resorptive activity.

Involvement of dihydropyridine-sensitive calcium channels in the GABAA potentiation of TRH-induced TSH release

The effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and isoguvacine on the thyrotropin (TSH) secretion stimulated by thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH), were investigated in vitro with perifused rat pituitaries. At nanomolar concentrations the two agonists induced potentiation of the TRH-induced TSH release. The potentiation was blocked by SR 95531 a specific GABAA antagonist. The isoguvacine potentiation of the TSH response to TRH failed to occur when cobalt (Co2+) was added to the perifused medium. Nifedipine completely blocked the GABA or isoguvacine potentiation of the TSH response while omega-conotoxin did not modify it. Pre-perifusion of the pituitaries with pertussis toxin did not change the TSH response to TRH but completely inhibited the isoguvacine potentiation of the response. Our results demonstrate that the GABA potentiation of TRH-induced TSH release occurring through the stimulation of GABAA receptor sites is a calcium (Ca2+)-dependent phenomenon, probably mediated by activation of dihydropyridine (DHP)-sensitive, omega-conotoxin-insensitive Ca2+ channels involving a pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein.

Modulation of [3H]serotonin release by dihydropyridines in spinal cord synaptosomes

The release of [3H]monoamines from preloaded synaptosomes from spinal cord is K(+)-dependent and can be modulated by L-type Ca2+ channel agonists such as the 1,4-dihydropyridine (1,4-DHP), Bay K 8644. Whereas the basal release of [3H]monoamines was not altered by Bay K 8644, K(+)-stimulated release of [3H]norepinephrine was enhanced 35% and [3H]serotonin 50%. Modulation of release by Bay K 8644 was dependent on the K+ concentration in the medium, being present only at submaximal depolarization with 15 mM K+. Enhanced release in the presence of Bay K 8644 was concentration-dependent and Ca2(+)-dependent. Ca2(+)-independent release induced by fenfluramine was not enhanced by Bay K 8644. Both nimodipine and nitrendipine, 1,4-DHP antagonists, produced a concentration-dependent block of the Bay K 8644-induced monoamine release and had no independent effect on basal or K(+)-stimulated release. omega-Conotoxin GVIA (omega-CgTx) produced a concentration dependent decrease of K(+)-stimulated serotonin release, which antagonized the stimulatory effect of low concentrations of Bay K 8644. However, omega-CgTx did not alter the enhancement of K(+)-stimulated release at higher concentrations of Bay K 8644. The data from the present work establish the conditions for modulation of K(+)-evoked monoamine release in spinal cord by 1,4-DHP agonists and suggest a role for the L-type voltage dependent Ca2+ channel in this process.

Failure of omega-conotoxin to block L-channels associated with [3H]5-HT release in rat brain slices

The effects of the mixed N- and L-type voltage-sensitive calcium channel (VSCC) antagonist, omega-conotoxin GVIA and the L-type VSCC agonist Bay K-8644 on calcium-dependent, potassium evoked release of [3H]5-hydroxtryptamine ([3H]5-HT) were investigated in slices of rat hippocampus. Bay K-8644 (1 microM) enhanced, whilst omega-conotoxin (10-30 nM) attenuated, but did not abolish, evoked release of [3H]5-HT. The facilitatory actions of Bay K-8644 on evoked release were unaffected by concentrations of omega conotoxin that significantly inhibited [3H]5-HT release. The experiments indicate that concentrations of omega-conotoxin which inhibit neurotransmitter release by blockade of N-type VSCC, may leave L-type calcium channel activity unaffected.

The rate of increase not the amplitude of cytosolic Ca2+ regulates the degree of prolactin secretion induced by depolarizing K+ or hyposmolarity in GH4C1 cells

Depolarizing K+ and medium hyposmolarity caused striking rises in both cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration [( Ca2+]i) and prolactin (PRL) secretion in GH4C1 cells, which were completely blocked by removal of medium Ca2+. However, the increase in [Ca2+]i and PRL secretion induced by hyposmolarity was clearly slower than that induced by K+. Although there was a good correlation between the zenith of PRL secretion and [Ca2+]i induced by various intensities of K+ or hyposmolarity, the regression slopes were significantly different between the K(+)-and hyposmolarity-induced changes (P less than 0.01). There was a good correlation between the maximum rate of change in PRL secretion and that of the increase in [Ca2+]i when the data from the 2 secretagogues were combined (r = 0.994, P less than 0.001, N = 9). We suggest that the rate of increase in [Ca2+]i may be more important than the amplitude of [Ca2+]i in stimulating PRL secretion.

Nitrendipine and omega-conotoxin modulate gonadotropin release and gonadotrope [Ca2+]i

We have examined the pharmacology of the voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels (VSCCs) that mediate gonadotropin secretion from primary cultures of rat pituitary cells, stimulated by either cell depolarization or by binding of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). We also measured single-cell [Ca2+]i transients using fura-2 in gonadotropes identified by a reverse hemolytic plaque assay employing an antiserum to luteinizing hormone (LH). Cell depolarization evoked by either 50 mM K+ or 30 microM veratridine induced 2- to 6-fold increases in gonadotropin secretion over basal levels. GnRH caused 6- to 20-fold increases in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and LH secretion, respectively, with maximal stimulation at 100 nM GnRH. K(+)- or GnRH-induced FSH release was largely prevented by co-incubation with 1 mM CdCl. Tetrodotoxin (TTX, 5 microM) prevented the veratridine-, but not the K(+)- or GnRH-induced, stimulation of FSH secretion. Nitrendipine (Ntd, 1 microM) produced 35-50% inhibition (NS) of both FSH and LH release stimulated by either 50 mM K+ or 100 nM GnRH. Ntd also inhibited the K(+)-induced [Ca2+]i rise (greater than 90%), as well as the secondary, plateau phase of the GnRH-induced elevation of [Ca2+]i (100% inhibition). Omega-conotoxin (omega-CgTx, 100 nM) partially suppressed FSH and LH release (NS) due to both K+ (33% each) and GnRH (44% and 18%, respectively). omega-CgTx showed variable effects on [Ca2+]i transients evoked by K+ or GnRH ranging from clear inhibition to no effect. We conclude that influx of extracellular Ca2+ is one of several fundamental events underlying the depolarization- or receptor-activated release of LH and FSH, and that this influx can be inhibited by dihydropyridine-sensitive ('L') Ca2+ channels. Two classes of L-channels may exist in gonadotropes, that differ in their sensitivity to omega-CgTx.

The permeant molecule urea stimulates prolactin secretion in GH4C1 cells by inducing Ca2+ influx through dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca2+ channels

Isotonic urea in medium with a normal 1.2 mM Ca2+ concentration induced a striking rise in both cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and prolactin (PRL) secretion, each of whose peaks were proportional to the concentration of urea between 5 and 120 mM. There was a significant linear relationship between the peaks of induced [Ca2+]i and PRL secretion (r = 0.99, P less than 0.001). The increase in both [Ca2+]i and PRL secretion was completely abolished by removal of medium Ca2+ or by 2 microM nifedipine. Hypertonic urea was ineffective in inducing either an increase in [Ca2+]i or PRL secretion. These data support the hypothesis that plasma membrane expansion is a potent non-toxic inducer of hormone secretion and that in GH4C1 cells an increase in [Ca2+]i produced by enhanced influx of extracellular Ca2+ through dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca2+ channels plays an important role in this phenomenon.

The role of dihydropyridine-sensitive voltage-gated calcium channels in potassium-mediated neuronal survival

The survival of isolated neurons from chick embryo ciliary, sympathetic, and dorsal root ganglia is greatly enhanced by concentrations of extracellular potassium that significantly depolarize the neurons (ED50 = 20-25 mM). The survival-promoting effect of elevated potassium on each of these 3 types of neurons appears to be the result of the opening of voltage-gated calcium channels. The dihydropyridine, Bay K 8644, which increases calcium influx through L-type voltage-gated calcium channels in neurons, strongly potentiated the survival-promoting action of elevated potassium (ED50 = 10.8 +/- 7.0 nM). In contrast, chemically closely related dihydropyridines, PN200-110 (ED50 = 0.33 +/- 0.15 nM) and nitrendipine (ED50 = 1.3 +/- 0.3 nM), which block calcium influx through the same voltage-gated channels, completely inhibited potassium-mediated neuronal survival. Chemically different agents that also block calcium influx through voltage-gated channels also inhibited potassium-mediated neuronal survival: the phenylalkylamine verapamil (ED50 = 0.78 +/- 0.38 microM), the benzothiazepine diltiazem (ED50 = 1.7 microM), and the inorganic ion cadmium (ED50 = 5.8 microM). These calcium-channel blockers are not simply toxic to neurons, since they did not inhibit neuronal survival mediated by the neurotrophic proteins, nerve growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, or ciliary neurotrophic factor, also suggesting that voltage-gated calcium channels are not involved in the action of these factors. These results suggest that neuronal survival in elevated potassium in ciliary, sympathetic, and dorsal root ganglion neurons is the result of calcium influx through dihydropyridine-sensitive, L-type voltage-gated calcium channels. These findings are discussed in relation to the neuronal toxicity of excitatory amino acids which is also thought to occur through increased calcium influx.

Stimulation of D2 dopamine receptors decreases intracellular calcium levels in rat anterior pituitary cells but not striatal synaptosomes: a flow cytometric study using indo-1

An important question is whether all D2 dopamine (DA) receptors employ the same signal transduction mechanisms. Anterior pituitary cells and striatal synaptosomes, which possess pharmacologically similar D2 DA receptors, were compared with respect to the effect of D2 DA receptor stimulation on free intracellular Ca2+ levels [( Ca2+]i). Flow cytometry, in combination with either the fluorescent calcium indicator indo-1 or fluorescent voltage-sensitive dyes, was used to measure [Ca2+]i and to detect changes in membrane potential. In subpopulations of anterior pituitary cells, increases in [Ca2+]i were produced by elevated K+, veratridine, thyrotropin-releasing hormone, and BAY K 8644. These increases were blocked by nifedipine, suggesting the involvement of L-type voltage-sensitive calcium channels (VSCC's). In 10-15% of the cells, D2 agonists decreased resting [Ca2+]i, reversed stimulus-induced increases in [Ca2+]i, and caused a hyperpolarization. In striatal synaptosomes, elevated K+ and veratridine also increased [Ca2+]i. However, the K+-induced increase was eliminated if choline was substituted for Na+ in the medium, suggesting that Ca2+ entry in response to sustained K+ depolarization resulted from reversal of Na+/Ca2+ exchange. Nifedipine and verapamil inhibited K+-induced increases in [Ca2+]i only at concentrations greater than 10 microM, while omega-conotoxin had no effect. D2 agonists had no effect on resting or stimulated [Ca2+]i but did hyperpolarize 10-20% of the synaptosomes, indicating that D2 DA receptors are functional in this preparation. The ability of pituitary but not striatal D2 DA receptors to modulate [Ca2+]i may reflect the fact that the two systems differ with respect to pathways for Ca2+ influx.

Distribution of the omega-conotoxin receptor in rat brain. An autoradiographic mapping

The distribution of [125I]omega-conotoxin GVIA binding sites, the putative voltage-sensitive calcium channels, was studied by an autoradiographic method in the rat brain. The toxin binding sites were distributed throughout the brain in a highly heterogeneous manner. The highest density of the binding sites was observed in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, amygdaloid complex, substantia nigra, caudate putamen, superior colliculus, nucleus of the solitary tract, and the dorsal horn of the cervical spine. The glomerular layer of the olfactory bulb, molecular layer of the cerebellar cortex, and posterior lobe of the hypophysis showed intermediate density but the density was higher than in the surrounding areas. The globus pallidus, thalamic areas, inferior olive, and pontine nuclei showed low density, while no binding sites were observed in the white matter tract regions such as the internal and external capsule, corpus callosum, fimbria of the hippocampus, fornix, stria medullaris of the thalamus, and fasciculus retroflexus. This distribution of omega-conotoxin binding sites indicates that the toxin binding sites are localized in those areas of the brain enriched in synaptic connections. This distribution pattern resembles that reported for voltage-sensitive sodium channels but it differs from that of the binding sites of dihydropyridines and verapamil. These results suggest that omega-conotoxin recognizes different molecules from organic calcium channel antagonist binding sites and that omega-conotoxin-sensitive voltage-sensitive calcium channels are concentrated in the synaptic zones and play a key role in the excitation-secretion coupling of neurotransmitters.

cAMP- and diacylglycerol-mediated pathways elevate cytosolic free calcium concentration via dihydropyridine-sensitive, omega-conotoxin-insensitive calcium channels in normal rat anterior pituitary cells

The effect of 8-bromocyclic AMP (8-Br-cAMP) and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), a protein kinase C activator, on cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in normal rat anterior pituitary cells was examined. [Ca2+]i was monitored directly by the fluorescent indicator fura-2. 8-Br-cAMP as well as PMA elevated [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner. Forskolin (10 mumol/l), which activates adenylate cyclase, and 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-glycerol (10 mumol/l), another activator of protein kinase C, also increased [Ca2+]i. Both the 8-Br-cAMP (2 mmol/l)- and the PMA (100 nmol/l)-induced increase in [Ca2+]i was dependent on the presence of extracellular calcium and could be inhibited by the calcium channel blockers Mg2+ and nifedipine, but not by omega-conotoxin (100 nmol/l). The half-maximally inhibitory concentrations of Mg2+ and nifedipine were about 12 mmol/l and 160 nmol/l, respectively, for the [Ca2+]i response to 8-Br-cAMP (2 mmol/l), and were about 6 mmol/l and 400 nmol/l, respectively, for the PMA (100 nmol/l)-induced increase in [Ca2+]i. The sodium channel blocker tetrodotoxin (5 mumol/l) or PMA (100 nmol/l) on [Ca2+]i. After pretreatment for 3 min with PMA (100 nmol/l), the subsequent K+ (100 mmol/l)- or arachidonic acid (3 mumol/l)-induced increase in [Ca2+]i was decreased by about 50%. By contrast, pretreatment (3 min) with 8-Br-cAMP (2-10 mmol/l) markedly enhanced the subsequent [Ca2+]i response to K+ (100 mmol/l), and left the effect of arachidonic acid (3 mumol/l) on [Ca2+]i unimpaired.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The firing patterns of rat melanotrophs recorded using the patch clamp technique

Cell-attached and whole-cell recordings were made from adult rat melanotrophs maintained in vitro by standard cell culture techniques. In cell-attached recordings the cells showed small biphasic currents which reflected spontaneous cell firing. Single channel currents often had distinct relaxations and depolarizing currents through single channels could trigger the discharge of an action potential in the cell; both observations are consistent with the high input resistance (1-10 G omega) measured in the whole-cell configuration. The discharge of action potentials occurring either spontaneously or by current injection was eliminated by tetrodotoxin or by removing Na from the external medium. A Na-dependent plateau depolarization which activated near the spike threshold was also seen. In cells exposed to tetrodotoxin and K-channel blocking agents it was possible to evoke a long-lasting (up to 20 s) action potential which was enhanced and reduced, respectively, by Ba and Cd and thus appeared to reflect currents through voltage-activated Ca channels. Small amplitude Ca-dependent depolarizations could also be evoked at membrane potentials as low as -40 mV. In cell-attached and whole-cell recordings 10 mM Ba caused the discharge of tetrodotoxin-insensitive action potentials prior to a maintained depolarization of the membrane. The low threshold for Ca-dependent depolarizations suggest that Ca influx might occur in these cells even at the resting potential. Additionally, both a Ca current and the current underlying the Na-dependent plateau depolarization may influence the rate of cell firing and in doing so further increase Ca influx through voltage-activated channels.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)