Effect of inhibition of sarcoplasmic Ca(2+)-ATPase on vasoconstriction and cytosolic Ca2+ in aortic smooth muscle from spontaneously hypertensive and normotensive rats

The role of STIM1 and SOCE in smooth muscle contractility

Contraction is a central feature for skeletal, cardiac and smooth muscle; this unique feature is largely dependent on calcium (Ca²⁺) signaling and therefore maintenance of internal Ca²⁺ stores. Stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) is a single-pass transmembrane protein that functions as a Ca²⁺ sensor for the activation store-operated calcium channels (SOCCs) on the plasma membrane in response to depleted internal sarco(endo)plasmic (S/ER) reticulum Ca²⁺ stores. STIM1 was initially characterized in non-excitable cells; however, evidence from both animal models and human mutations suggests a role for STIM1 in modulating Ca²⁺ homeostasis in excitable tissues as well. STIM1-dependent SOCE is particularly important in tissues undergoing sustained contraction, leading us to believe STIM1 may play a role in smooth muscle contraction. To date, the role of STIM1 in smooth muscle is unknown. In this review, we provide a brief overview of the role of STIM1-dependent SOCE in striated muscle and build off that knowledge to investigate whether STIM1 contributes to smooth muscle contractility. We conclude by discussing the translational implications of targeting STIM1 in the treatment of smooth muscle disorders.

Cyclic stretch decreases TRPC4 protein and capacitative calcium entry in rat vascular smooth muscle cells

We investigated whether cyclic stretch affects TRPC4 or TRPC6 expression and calcium mobilization in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells. In aortic and mesenteric smooth muscle cells isolated from male Sprague-Dawley rats, TRPC4 expression was decreased after 5 h stretch and remained suppressed through 24 h stretch. After removal of the stretch stimulus, TRPC4 expression recovered within 2 h. Stretch did not affect TRPC6 expression. Stretch also decreased capacitative calcium entry, while agonist-induced calcium influx was increased. Similar results were obtained in primary aortic smooth muscle cells. TRPC4 mRNA levels were not decreased in response to mechanical strain. TRPC4 downregulation was also achieved by increasing extracellular calcium and was attenuated by gadolinium and MG132, suggesting that TRPC4 protein is regulated by intracellular calcium concentration and/or the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. These data suggest that stretch-induced downregulation of TRPC4 protein expression and capacitative calcium entry may be a protective mechanism to offset stretch-induced increases in intracellular calcium.

Store-operated calcium entry in vascular smooth muscle

In non-excitable cells, activation of G-protein-coupled phospholipase C (PLC)-linked receptors causes the release of Ca(2+) from intracellular stores, which is followed by transmembrane Ca(2+) entry. This Ca(2+) entry underlies a small and sustained phase of the cellular [Ca(2+)](i) increases and is important for several cellular functions including gene expression, secretion and cell proliferation. This form of transmembrane Ca(2+) entry is supported by agonist-activated Ca(2+)-permeable ion channels that are activated by store depletion and is referred to as store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE) and represents a major pathway for agonist-induced Ca(2+) entry. In excitable cells such as smooth muscle cells, Ca(2+) entry mechanisms responsible for sustained cellular activation are normally considered to be mediated via either voltage-operated or receptor-operated Ca(2+) channels. Although SOCE occurs following agonist activation of smooth muscle, this was thought to be more important in replenishing Ca(2+) stores rather than acting as a source of activator Ca(2+) for the contractile process. This review summarizes our current knowledge of SOCE as a regulator of vascular smooth muscle tone and discusses its possible role in the cardiovascular function and disease. We propose a possible hypothesis for its activation and suggest that SOCE may represent a novel target for pharmacological therapeutic intervention.

Increased store-operated and 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol-induced calcium influx in monocytes is mediated by transient receptor potential canonical channels in human essential hypertension

OBJECTIVE

Activation of nonselective cation channels of the transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) family has been associated with hypertension. Whether store-operated channels, which are activated after depletion of intracellular stores, or second-messenger-operated channels, which are activated by 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol, are affected in essential hypertension is presently unknown.

METHODS

Using a polymerase chain reaction, an in-cell western assay and the fluorescent dye technique we studied TRPC3, TRPC5, and TRPC6 expression and store-operated and 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol-induced calcium influx into human monocytes in 19 patients with essential hypertension and in 17 age-matched and sex-matched normotensive control individuals.

RESULTS

We observed a significantly increased expression of TRPC3 and TRPC5, but not TRPC6, in essential hypertension. Store-operated calcium influx was significantly elevated in essential hypertension. Store-operated calcium influx was reduced by the inhibitor 2-aminoethoxydiphenylborane, specific TRPC3 and TRPC5 knockdown, but not TRPC6 knockdown using gene silencing by RNA interference. 1-Oleoyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol-induced calcium influx and barium influx were also significantly elevated in essential hypertension. The 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol-induced cation influx was reduced by TRPC3 and TRPC5 knockdown.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated an increased TRPC3 and TRPC5 expression and a subsequently increased store-operated calcium influx and increased 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol-induced cation influx in monocytes of patients with essential hypertension. This increased activation of monocytes through TRPC channels in patients with essential hypertension may promote vascular disease in these patients.

Trans- and cis-resveratrol increase cytoplasmic calcium levels in A7r5 vascular smooth muscle cells

The effects of trans- and cis-resveratrol on cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) were studied using fura-2 in vascular smooth muscle cells (A7r5). Both isomers of resveratrol caused a sustained elevation in [Ca2+]i, cis-resveratrol being significantly more effective than the trans-isomer. The resveratrol-induced increase in [Ca2+]i was significantly potentiated by the previous application of low concentrations of thapsigargin, partially inhibited by nifedipine or Ni2+, and not affected by SKF 96365. In the absence of extracellular Ca2+, both isomers of resveratrol induced a transient, slow increase in [Ca2+]i, which was inhibited by the previous depletion of intracellular stores with thapsigargin and completely blocked by preincubation with TMB-8, an inhibitor of intracellular calcium release. Reintroduction of Ca2+ in the external solution after the resveratrol-induced release of Ca2+ activated the Ca2+ influx through store-operated calcium channels. The resveratrol-induced increase in [Ca2+]i in the absence of extracelullar Ca2+ partially reduced the increase in [Ca2+]i evoked by the subsequent application of thapsigargin. Our results suggest that trans- and cis-resveratrol induce a depletion of Ca2+ from the same intracellular stores released by thapsigargin and subsequent capacitative influx of Ca2+. Additionally, a direct activation of transmembrane Ca2+ influx through another type of channel may be also implicated.

Contribution of store-operated Ca2+ entry to pHo-dependent changes in vascular tone of porcine coronary smooth muscle

Vascular smooth muscle contracts on increases of extracellular pH (pH(o)) and relaxes on pH(o) decreases possibly resulting from changes in transsarcolemmal Ca(2+) influx. Therefore, we studied store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE; i.e. capacitative Ca(2+) entry (CCE)) during acidification (pH(o)=6.5) and alkalinization (pH(o)=8.0) in isolated porcine coronary smooth muscle cells (SMCs) by monitoring cytoplasmic Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)) and divalent cation entry (Mn(2+) quench) with fura-2/AM-fluorometry. Additionally, we evaluated the contribution of SOCE to pH(o)-dependent changes in isometric tension of porcine coronary smooth muscle strips. SOCE elicited in SMCs by the SERCA inhibitor BHQ was strongly modulated by pH(o) showing a decrease upon acidification and vice versa an increase upon alkalinization. BHQ-mediated tension of smooth muscle strips also revealed strong pH(o) dependence. In contrast, L-VOC-dependent tension ([K(+)](o)=20 and 40 mmol l(-1)) was remarkably less affected by pH(o) changes. Moreover, refilling of depleted Ca(2+) stores after repeated M(3)-cholinergic receptor stimulation could be almost completely inhibited by SKF 96365 and was markedly reduced by acidification and considerably enhanced by alkalinization pointing to a major role of SOCE in refilling. We conclude that vascular tone particularly responds to alterations in pH(o) whenever SOCE substantially contributes to the amount of activator Ca(2+) for contraction.

Capacitative calcium entry as a pulmonary specific vasoconstrictor mechanism in small muscular arteries of the rat

(1) The effect of induction of capacitative Ca2+ entry (CCE) upon tone in small (i.d. 200-500 microm) intrapulmonary (IPA), mesenteric (MA), renal (RA), femoral (FA), and coronary arteries (CA) of the rat was examined. (2) Following incubation of IPA with 100 nm thapsigargin (Thg) in Ca2+-free physiological salt solution (PSS), a sustained contraction was observed upon reintroduction of 1.8 mm Ca2+, which was unaffected by either diltiazem (10 microm) or the reverse mode Na+/Ca2+ antiport inhibitor KB-R7943 (10 microm). An identical protocol failed to elicit contraction in MA, RA, or CA, while a small transient contraction was sometimes observed in FA. (3) The effect of this protocol on the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) was assessed using Fura PE3-loaded IPA, MA, and FA. Reintroduction of Ca2+ into the bath solution following Thg treatment in Ca2+-free PSS caused a large, rapid, and sustained increase in [Ca2+]i in all the three types of artery. (4) 100 nm Thg induced a slowly developing noisy inward current in smooth muscle cells (SMC) isolated from IPA, which was due to an increase in the activity of single channels with a conductance of approximately 30 pS. The current had a reversal potential near 0 mV in normal PSS, and persisted when Ca2+-dependent K+ and Cl- currents were blocked; it was greatly inhibited by 1 microm La3+, 1 microm Gd3+, and the IP3 receptor antagonist 2-APB (75 microm), and by replacement of extracellular cations by NMDG+. (5) In conclusion, depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores with Thg caused capacitative Ca2+ entry in rat small muscular IPA, MA, and FA. However, a corresponding contraction was observed only in IPA. CCE in IPA was associated with the development of a small La3+- and Gd3+-sensitive current, and an increased Mn2+ quench of Fura PE-3 fluorescence. These results suggest that although CCE occurs in a number of types of small arteries, its coupling to contraction appears to be of particular importance in pulmonary arteries.

Calpain as an effector of the Gq signaling pathway for inhibition of Wnt/beta -catenin-regulated cell proliferation

Signaling pathways interact to integrate and regulate information flow in evoking complex cellular responses. We have studied the mechanisms and consequences of interactions between the Gq and Wnt/beta-catenin pathways. In human colon carcinoma SW480 cells, activation of the Gq pathway inhibits beta-catenin signaling as determined by transcriptional reporter and cell proliferation assays. Ca(2+) release from internal stores results in nuclear export and calpain-mediated degradation of beta-catenin in the cytoplasm. Galphaq does not inhibit the effects of constitutively activated DeltaN-XTCF3-VP16 chimera in SW480 cells. Similarly, in HEK293 cells the Gq pathway suppresses beta-catenin-T cell factor/lymphocyte enhancer factor-1 transcriptional activity induced by Wnt/Frizzled interaction or glycogen synthase kinase-3beta-resistant beta-catenin, but not DeltaN-XTCF3-VP16. We conclude that Gq signaling promotes nuclear export and calpain-mediated degradation of beta-catenin, which therefore contributes to the inhibition of Wnt/beta-catenin pathway.

The developing relationship between receptor-operated and store-operated calcium channels in smooth muscle

Contraction of smooth muscle is initiated, and to a lesser extent maintained, by a rise in the concentration of free calcium in the cell cytoplasm ([Ca(2+)](i)). This activator calcium can originate from two intimately linked sources--the extracellular space and intracellular stores, most notably the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Smooth muscle contraction activated by excitatory neurotransmitters or hormones usually involves a combination of calcium release and calcium entry. The latter occurs through a variety of calcium permeable ion channels in the sarcolemma membrane. The best-characterized calcium entry pathway utilizes voltage-operated calcium channels (VOCCs). However, also present are several types of calcium-permeable channels which are non-voltage-gated, including the so-called receptor-operated calcium channels (ROCCs), activated by agonists acting on a range of G-protein-coupled receptors, and store-operated calcium channels (SOCCs), activated by depletion of the calcium stores within the sarcoplasmic reticulum. In this article we will review the electrophysiological, functional and pharmacological properties of ROCCs and SOCCs in smooth muscle and highlight emerging evidence that suggests that the two channel types may be closely related, being formed from proteins of the Transient Receptor Potential Channel (TRPC) family.

Involvement of erythropoietin-induced cytosolic free calcium mobilization in activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase and DNA synthesis in vascular smooth muscle cells

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

Human recombinant erythropoietin (rHuEPO) induces cytosolic free calcium ([Ca2+]i) mobilization, an activation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase and DNA synthesis in several tissues. We explored the mechanism of rHuEPO-induced [Ca2+]i mobilization and its role in the activation of MAP kinase and DNA synthesis in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC).

METHODS

[Ca2+]i concentrations were measured by fura-2. MAP kinase activation was analyzed using an immunocomplex kinase assay and Western blotting. DNA synthesis was measured as an incorporation of 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine.

RESULTS

Although addition of rHuEPO significantly increased [Ca2+]i, either in the presence or absence of extracellular Ca2+, the peak level and sustained elevation of [Ca2+]i were significantly reduced in the absence of extracellular Ca2+. Pretreatment with genistein completely blocked the elevation of [Ca2+]i in both conditions. Calphostin C and staurosporine did not completely block the elevation of [Ca2+]i. Staurosporine reduced its peak level in a dose-dependent manner, whereas calphostin C reduced its peak level at concentrations over 1 nmol/l in the presence of extracellular Ca2+. Similar results to those with staurosporine were observed with nifedipine. In the absence of extracellular Ca2+, their dose-dependent effects disappeared even though rHuEPO increased [Ca2+]i. rHuEPO activated MAP kinase and DNA synthesis, both of which were significantly suppressed by the chelation of intracellular Ca2+.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that rHuEPO increases [Ca2+]i by both Ca2+ influx and Ca2+ release from intracellular stores. Tyrosine phosphorylation is critical in the regulation of [Ca2+]i, but protein kinase C activation is important only in the regulation of Ca2+ influx. Dihydropyridine-sensitive L-type Ca2+ channels seem to be involved in rHuEPO-induced Ca2+ influx. In addition, increase of [Ca2+]i by rHuEPO stimulates MAP kinase activation and DNA synthesis in VSMC.

Effects of cyclopiazonic acid and thapsigargin on electromechanical activities and intracellular Ca2+ in smooth muscle of carotid artery of hypertensive rats

1. The effects of cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) and thapsigargin (TG), both of which are known to inhibit sarcoplasmic reticular Ca(2+)-ATPase, on the mechanical activities, intracellular Ca2+ level and electrical activities of smooth muscle of the carotid artery of stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP) and Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) were compared. 2. Both CPA and TG induced elevation of tension of the smooth muscle, which was composed of a phasic and a tonic component. The level of tension attained, especially the tonic component, was greater in the preparation from SHRSP. 3. The elevation of tension was associated with an increased intracellular Ca2+ level. Both the elevation of tension and the increase in intracellular Ca2+ were diminished by the removal of extracellular Ca2+ or by the application of verapamil. 4. The resting membrane potential of the preparations from SHRSP were depolarized to a greater extent than those from WKY.CPA depolarized the smooth muscle from both SHRSP and WKY, and the final level was also more depolarized in the preparation from SHRSP. 5. These results indicate that the elevation of tension induced by these drugs is mainly due to increased Ca2+ influx through voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels, and the difference in the action between the preparation from SHRSP and that from WKY can be explained mainly by the changes in the channels. 6. Thus, differences in the action of these drugs on the tension of smooth muscle between preparations from WKY and SHRSP can mainly be explained by the difference in the membrane potential which is related to the difference in voltage-dependent Ca2+ influx.

8-(N,N-diethylamino)octyl 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate (TMB-8) acts as a muscarinic receptor antagonist in the epithelial cell line HT29

8-(N,N-diethylamino)octyl-3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate (TMB-8) is a widely used pharmacological tool to investigate the involvement of intracellular Ca2+ stores in cellular responses. In this study we investigate the effect of TMB-8 as a putative inhibitor of "Ca2+ signalling" in single fura-2 loaded HT29 colonic epithelial cells stimulated by ATP, carbachol (CCH) and neurotensin (NT). TMB-8 effectively inhibited the CCH-induced (100 mumol/l intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) transient with an IC50 of 20 mumol/l. However, [Ca2+]i transients induced by other phospholipase C coupled agonists ATP (10 mumol/l, n = 4) and NT (10 nmol/l, n = 4) remained unaffected by TMB-8 (50 mumol/l). The agonist-induced [Ca2+]i transients remained equally unaffected by 100 mumol/l TMB-8 when the stimulatory concentration was reduced to 0.5 mumol/l for ATP (n = 4) or 1 nmol/l for NT (n = 4). The competitive nature of the TMB-8-induced inhibition of the CCH-induced [Ca2+]i transient was demonstrated by examining the agonist at various concentrations in absence and presence of the antagonist. High TMB-8 concentrations (100 mumol/l) alone induced a small [Ca2+]i increase (delta[Ca2+]i: 40 +/- 5 nmol/l, n = 7). We assume that this increase is a consequence of a TMB-8 induced intracellular alkalinization (delta pH: 0.1 +/- 0.02, n = 7) occurring simultaneously with the increase in [Ca2+]i. From these results we draw the following conclusions: (1) In sharp contrast to a large number of other studies, but in agreement with studies in other types of cells, these results substantially challenge the value of the "tool" TMB-8 as an "intracellular Ca2+ antagonist"; (2) TMB-8 acts a muscarinic receptor antagonist at the M3 receptor; (3) TMB-8 does not influence the release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores when IP3 signal transduction is activated by ATP or NT; (4) TMB-8 as a weak organic base alkalinizes the cytosol at high concentrations; and (5) TMB-8 induces small [Ca2+]i transients at higher concentrations.