Progesterone inhibits gallbladder motility through multiple signaling pathways

Progesterone (P) has an inhibitory effect on the contractility of gastrointestinal smooth muscle, including the gallbladder. Since P levels are elevated during pregnancy, a biliary stasis may develop during pregnancy that is characterized by an increase in the fasting and residual volumes and by a decrease in emptying capacity. This study investigates the effect of P and two metabolites on contraction in guinea pig gallbladder strips. P induced a concentration-dependent relaxation in guinea pig gallbladder strips precontracted with cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK). Pretreatment of gallbladder strips with P (50 microM) also reduced the amount of CCK-induced tension. Nifedipine (1 microM) produced a similar effect. Pretreatment of the strips with PKA inhibitor 14--22 amide myristolated (180 nM) or the PKG inhibitor KT5823 (1.2 microM) either separately or in combination significantly reduced the amount of P-induced relaxation. Rp-cAMPs (0.1mM) or H-89 (10 microM) separately or in combination significantly reduced the P-effect; however, the combination of agents produced the largest reduction. Genistein (1 microM), an inhibitor of protein tyrosine kinases, significantly (p<0.01) reduced the amount of P-induced relaxation. The use of strontium in the Kreb's solution as a substitute for Ca(2+) significantly (p<0.01) reduced the amount of CCK-induced tension. Pretreatment of the strips with 2-APB (26 microM), an inhibitor of IP(3,) induced Ca(2+) release, produced a significant (p<0.01) reduction in P-induced relaxation. We conclude that P inhibits gallbladder motility rapidly by nongenomic actions of the hormone. Several pathways that include tyrosine kinase and PKA/cAMP activity may mediate this effect.

Ceramide inhibits L-type calcium channel currents in GH3 cells

In this study, we investigated the effect of ceramide on the L-type Ca2+ channel (L-channel) in GH3 cells. We found that C6-ceramide, but not C6-dihydroceramide, the inactive analogue, had an inhibitory effect on BayK 8644-stimulated GH release. Using patch clamp analysis, C6- and C2-ceramide, but not C6-dihydroceramide, were found to inhibit the L-channel current. Increasing intracellular ceramide level with sphingomyelinase also inhibited the L-channel current. The inhibitory effect of ceramide on the L-channel current was attenuated by calphostin C, a myristolated pseudosubstrate protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, and lavendustin A, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Combined treatment with lavendustin A and the myristolated PKC inhibitor blocked the effect of ceramide on the L-channel current. These results indicate that ceramide, a lipid messenger of the sphingomyelin pathway, is an important regulator of the L-channel in GH3 cells and both tyrosine kinase and PKC are involved in this effect of ceramide.

Pb2+ inhibits the hyperpolarization-activated current in acutely isolated dorsal root ganglion neurons

The hyperpolarization-activated h channel current (Ih) reported to be present in acutely isolated rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons is inhibited by Cs+ and ZD7288. It was recently reported that lead (Pb2+) inhibits voltage-gated Ca2+ and K+ channels in DRG neurons but the effect of Pb2+ on Ih has so far not been reported. Using whole-cell patch clamp technique we show that Pb2+ specifically inhibited Ih. External application of 0.1, 1 and 10 microM Pb2+ reversibly reduced the amplitude of Ih in a dose-dependent manner, with an IC50 value of 3.7 microM and a Hill coefficient of 1.1. Pb2+ shifted the activation curve of Ih by 9.3 mV but had no effect on the slope factor. Pb2+ inhibited Ih in a voltage-dependent manner and slowed down the activation process, indicating an action of Pb2+ on the activation kinetics of h channels. Our studies thus demonstrated that Pb2+ is a dose-dependent, voltage-dependent and reversible blocker of Ih in DRG neurons.

Gamma-dendrotoxin blocks large conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels in neuroblastoma cells

In N1E 115 neuroblastoma cells, gamma-dendrotoxin (DTX, 200 nM) blocked the outward K(+) current by 31.1 +/- 3.5% (n = 4) with approximately 500 nM Ca(2+) in the pipet solution, but had no effect on the outward K(+) current when internal Ca(2+) was reduced. Using a ramp protocol, iberiotoxin (IbTX, 100 nM) inhibited a component of the whole cell current, but in the presence of 200 nM gamma-DTX, no further inhibition by IbTX was observed. Two types of single channels were seen using outside-out patches when the pipette free Ca(2+) concentration was approximately 500 nM; a 63 pS and a 187 pS channel. The 63 pS channel was TEA-, IbTX- and gamma-DTX-insensitive, while the 187 pS channel was blocked by 1 mM TEA, 100 nM IbTX or 200 nM gamma-DTX. Both channels were activated by external application of ionomycin, when the pipet calcium concentration was reduced. gamma-DTX (200 nM) reduced the probability of openings of the 187 pS channel, with an IC(50) of 8.5 nM. In GH(3) cells gamma-DTX (200 nM) also blocked an IbTX-sensitive component of whole-cell K(+) currents. These results suggest that gamma-DTX blocks a large conductance Ca(2+) activated K(+) current in N1E 115 cells. This is the first indication that any of the dendrotoxins, which have classically been known to block voltage-gated (Kv) channels, can also block Ca(2+) activated K(+) channels.

Modulation of L-type Ca2+ channels in UMR 106 cells by parathyroid hormone-related protein

The effects of rat parathyroid hormone-related protein (rPTHrP) and bovine and rat parathyroid hormone (bPTH and rPTH) on L-type Ca2+ channels in UMR 106 cells were investigated using the patch clamp technique. rPTHrP increased the whole cell L-type Ca2+ channel currents and the increase was concentration dependent. rPTHrP, at a concentration of 62.5 nM, increased the L-type Ca2+ channel current by 122+/-25%. bPTH was less potent. A concentration of 7.5 microM bPTH increased the current by 99+/-24%. Results obtained with rPTH were similar to those obtained using bPTH. Single channel measurements, using the cell-attached version of the patch clamp technique, showed an increase in both the number of channel openings and the mean open time when the cells were exposed to rPTHrP. This suggested that rPTHrP affected the gating of L-type Ca2+ channels in UMR 106 cells. This study demonstrates that the actions of bPTH and rPTHrP in UMR cells are mediated in part by extracellular Ca2+ entry. PTHrP, a paracrine agent important in development, is more potent in regulating Ca2+ entry than PTH.

Ceramide inhibits the outward potassium current in rat pinealocytes

In the present study, we investigated the effect of ceramide on the outward K(+) current in rat pinealocytes using whole cell and single channel recordings. Three components of the whole cell outward K(+) current were separated, an iberiotoxin (IBTX)-sensitive K(+) current (I(KCa)), a transient A current (I(A)) and a delayed rectifier current (I(K)). C6-ceramide reduced all three components of the outward K(+) current. C6-ceramide (30 microM) caused a 53% inhibition of I(KCa) [a component that is generated by the IBTX-sensitive K(+) channel (BK channel)], a 27% inhibition of I(A) and a 17% inhibition of I(K). Additional studies showed that the BK channel was not inhibited by dihydroC6-ceramide, the inactive analog of C6-ceramide, but mimicked by sphingomyelinase which increased intracellular ceramide. The ceramide inhibition of the BK channel was only partly dependent on its inhibition of the L-type Ca(2+) channel. Studies using specific kinase inhibitors showed that calphostin C (a protein kinase C inhibitor) and to a lesser degree lavendustin A (a tyrosine kinase inhibitor) were effective in reducing the ceramide inhibition of I(KCa). Taken together, our results show that, in rat pinealocytes, ceramide reduces the outward K(+) current predominantly by inhibiting I(KCa). Moreover, protein kinase C appears to be the main kinase involved in the ceramide inhibition of I(KCa).

L-type Ca(2+) channel regulation by pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide in vascular myocytes from spontaneously hypertensive rats

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), a vasoactive peptide, modulates the L-type Ca(2+) channel current (L channel current) in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) through activation and integration of two intracellular pathways, protein kinase A and protein kinase C (PKC). In the present study we compared the effects of PACAP on the L channel current in VSMC from the spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive controls, Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY). We found that compared with WKY, VSMC from SHR had a higher L channel current density. Stimulation by PACAP (10 nM) caused an increase in the amplitude of the whole cell current and prolonged open time in VSMC from SHR and WKY, with the increase greater in SHR. These effects of PACAP on the L channel current was mimicked by an activator of PKC. In contrast, PACAP caused a smaller increase in cAMP accumulation in VSMC from SHR than WKY, and there was no difference in the inhibitory effect of 8-bromo-cAMP on the L channel current from both type of cells. The greater increase in amplitude of the L channel current by PACAP in VSMC from SHR persisted in the presence of adenosine cyclic 3',5'-monophosphothioate, Rp-isomer, a cAMP antagonist, but not calphostin C, a PKC inhibitor. Taken together, our results show an increase in L channel current density and an enhanced PACAP effect on the L channel current in VSMC from SHR compared with WKY. This difference in PACAP response appears to be predominately secondary to an increased PKC sensitivity.

Molecular identification and characterization of novel human and mouse concentrative Na+-nucleoside cotransporter proteins (hCNT3 and mCNT3) broadly selective for purine and pyrimidine nucleosides (system cib)

The human concentrative (Na(+)-linked) plasma membrane transport proteins hCNT1 and hCNT2 are selective for pyrimidine nucleosides (system cit) and purine nucleosides (system cif), respectively. Both have homologs in other mammalian species and belong to a gene family (CNT) that also includes hfCNT, a newly identified broad specificity pyrimidine and purine Na(+)-nucleoside symporter (system cib) from the ancient marine vertebrate, the Pacific hagfish (Eptatretus stouti). We now report the cDNA cloning and characterization of cib homologs of hfCNT from human mammary gland, differentiated human myeloid HL-60 cells, and mouse liver. The 691- and 703-residue human and mouse proteins, designated hCNT3 and mCNT3, respectively, were 79% identical in amino acid sequence and contained 13 putative transmembrane helices. hCNT3 was 48, 47, and 57% identical to hCNT1, hCNT2, and hfCNT, respectively. When produced in Xenopus oocytes, both proteins exhibited Na(+)-dependent cib-type functional activities. hCNT3 was electrogenic, and a sigmoidal dependence of uridine influx on Na(+) concentration indicated a Na(+):uridine coupling ratio of at least 2:1 for both hCNT3 and mCNT3 (cf 1:1 for hCNT1/2). Phorbol myristate acetate-induced differentiation of HL-60 cells led to the parallel appearance of cib-type activity and hCNT3 mRNA. Tissues containing hCNT3 transcripts included pancreas, bone marrow, trachea, mammary gland, liver, prostate, and regions of intestine, brain, and heart. The hCNT3 gene mapped to chromosome 9q22.2 and included an upstream phorbol myristate acetate response element.

Recent molecular advances in studies of the concentrative Na+-dependent nucleoside transporter (CNT) family: identification and characterization of novel human and mouse proteins (hCNT3 and mCNT3) broadly selective for purine and pyrimidine nucleosides (system cib)

The human concentrative (Na+-linked) plasma membrane transport proteins hCNT1 and hCNT2, found primarily in specialized epithelia, are selective for pyrimidine nucleosides (system cit) and purine nucleosides (system cif), respectively. Both have orthologs in other mammalian species and belong to a gene family (CNT) that also includes members in lower vertebrates, insects, nematodes, pathogenic yeast and bacteria. The CNT transporter family also includes a newly identified human and mouse CNT3 transporter isoform. This paper reviews the studies of CNT transport proteins that led to the identification of hCNT3 and mCNT3, and gives an overview of the structural and functional properties of these latest CNT family members. hCNT3 and mCNT3 have primary structures that place them in a CNT subfamily separate from CNT1/2, transport a wide range of physiological pyrimidine and purine nucleosides and antineoplastic and antiviral nucleoside drugs (system cib), and exhibit a Na+:uridine coupling ratio of at least 2:1 (cf 1:1 for hCNT1/2). Cells and tissues containing hCNT3 transcripts include mammary gland, differentiated HL-60 cells, pancreas, bone marrow, trachea, liver, prostrate and regions of intestine, brain and heart. In HL-60 cells, hCNT3 is transcriptionally regulated by phorbol myristate (PMA). The hCNT3 gene, which contains an upstream PMA response element, mapped to 9q22.2 (cf chromosome 15 for hCNT1 and hCNT2).

The verification of hazardous ingredients disclosures in selected material safety data sheets

Under the provisions of the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System, workers in Canada must be provided with accurate and comprehensive Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) describing controlled products used in the workplace. As part of an ongoing auditing project, the MSDSs of some controlled products in use under federal jurisdiction were assessed for accuracy and completeness of their ingredient disclosures. Chemical analyses of samples using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, infrared spectrophotometry, X-ray fluorescence, and wet methods, were performed to verify the ingredient disclosures in accompanying MSDSs. In this article, analytical processes and results are presented for three cases in which MSDS ingredient disclosures were incomplete. The products included a synthetic lubricant used in a mining operation, a detergent concentrate used for aircraft cleaning, and an epoxy reducer used in aircraft maintenance. In each case, undisclosed hazardous ingredients were detected at concentrations which required their disclosure. In at least one of these cases, the information provided in other sections of the MSDS failed to adequately describe the hazards and required protective measures for the composition discovered. Because the results suggest circumstances in which the inaccurate MSDS could act as a mechanism for workplace injury, compliance measures including employer, inspector, and user education, improved MSDS writer qualifications, and the incorporation of chemical analysis in active auditing programs are recommended.

Ceramide inhibits L-type calcium channel currents in rat pinealocytes

In rat pinealocytes, ceramide can inhibit the KCl- and BayK 8644-mediated potentiation of cAMP and cGMP accumulation, suggesting that the L-type Ca2+ channel is a target of ceramide action. This was examined in the present study using intracellular Ca2+ measurement and patch-clamp studies. In fura-2-loaded pinealocytes, C2- and C6-ceramide inhibited the Ca2+ increase caused by BayK 8644 and KCl, but not that caused by norepinephrine, suggesting an inhibitory effect of ceramide on the L-type Ca2+ channels. Patch-clamp analysis confirmed that C2- and C6-ceramide, but not C2-dihydroceramide (the inactive analog) inhibited the L-type Ca2+ channel current. Furthermore, treatments known to increase cellular ceramide levels, including a glucosylceramide synthase inhibitor and sphingomyelinase, also inhibited this current. The inhibitory effect of ceramide on the current was attenuated by lavendustin A, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, but not by H7, a serine/threonine kinase inhibitor. The effect of ceramide was mimicked by interleukin-1beta, a cytokine highly expressed in the pineal that is known to activate the sphingomyelin pathway. These results indicate that the sphingomyelin pathway is another important signaling mechanism that regulates the L-type Ca2+ channel, and tyrosine kinase appears to be involved in the effect of ceramide.

Gemcitabine transport in xenopus oocytes expressing recombinant plasma membrane mammalian nucleoside transporters

BACKGROUND

Gemcitabine, a pyrimidine analogue of deoxycytidine, is an anticancer nucleoside drug that requires functional plasma membrane nucleoside transporter proteins to reach its intracellular targets and cause cytotoxicity. Because of technical difficulties inherent in studying nucleoside transport in human cells, we rigorously defined gemcitabine membrane transportability by producing each of the available human (h) and rat (r) recombinant nucleoside transporters (NTs) individually in Xenopus laevis oocytes.

METHODS

Oocytes were microinjected with in vitro-transcribed RNAs derived from complementary DNAs encoding (C = concentrative) rCNT1, rCNT2, hCNT1, hCNT2, (E = equilibrative) rENT1, rENT2, hENT1, and hENT2. Uptake of [(3)H]gemcitabine and [(14)C] uridine was measured 3 days after microinjection to determine kinetic constants. We also used the two-electrode, voltage-clamp technique to investigate the electrophysiology of hCNT1-mediated gemcitabine transport.

RESULTS

Gemcitabine was transported by most of the tested proteins (the exceptions being the purine-selective rCNT2 and hCNT2), with the greatest uptake occurring in oocytes producing recombinant rCNT1 and hCNT1. Influxes of gemcitabine mediated by hCNT1, hENT1, and hENT2 were saturable and conformed to Michaelis-Menten kinetics with apparent K(m) values of 24, 160, and 740 microM, respectively. Gemcitabine had a limited ability to cross the lipid bilayer of oocyte membranes by simple diffusion. External application of gemcitabine to oocytes producing recombinant hCNT1 induced an inward current, which demonstrated that hCNT1 functions as a Na(+)/nucleoside co-transport protein and confirmed the transporter's ability to transport gemcitabine.

CONCLUSIONS

Mammalian nucleoside transporters vary widely in their affinity and capacity to transport gemcitabine. Variation in the tumor and tissue distribution of plasma membrane nucleoside transporter proteins may contribute to the solid tumor activities and schedule-dependent toxic effects of gemcitabine.

Prostaglandin E2 modulates a non-inactivating potassium current in rat neurohypophyseal nerve terminals

A non-inactivating voltage dependent K+ channel current was observed in neuro-hypophyseal nerve terminals. This current was sensitive to inhibition by 4-aminopyridine and tetraethyl ammonium chloride, but was not sensitive to inhibition by alpha- or beta-dendrotoxin. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) modulated the voltage-dependent K+ channel, through a receptor-mediated process, as indicated by meclofenamate sensitivity, and this involved the activation of G protein(s), as indicated by sensitivity to guanosine-5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) (GDPfS). After short periods of incubation (e.g. 5 min), PGE2 increased the non-inactivating current. Following longer incubation periods with PGE2 (e.g. 20 min), the non-inactivating current declined. Forskolin and the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (AMP) analogs 8-bromo- and dibutyryl cyclic AMP, and Sp-cyclic AMPs inhibited the current, but did not mimic the increase in current caused by PGE2. Also, the cyclic AMP antagonist Rp-cyclic AMPs did not block the increase in current induced by PGE2. These results indicate that activation of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) is not involved in mediating the stimulatory actions of PGE2. These observations provide evidence that PGE2 may contribute to the regulation of hormone release from the posterior pituitary by modulating K+ channels. However, the post-receptor mechanisms of subcellular signal transduction underlying this effect remain unknown.

Regulation of the L-type Ca2+ channel current in rat pinealocytes: role of basal phosphorylation

In the present study, the role of phosphoprotein phosphatase in the regulation of L-type Ca2+ channel currents in rat pinealocytes was investigated using the whole-cell version of the patch-clamp technique. The effects of three phosphatase inhibitors, calyculin A, tautomycin, and okadaic acid, were compared. Although all three inhibitors were effective in inhibiting the L-type Ca2+ channel current, calyculin A was more potent than either tautomycin or okadaic acid, suggesting the involvement of phosphoprotein phosphatase-1. To determine the kinase involved in the regulation of these channels, cells were pretreated with H7 (a nonspecific kinase inhibitor), H89 (a specific inhibitor of cyclic AMP-dependent kinase), KT5823 (a specific inhibitor of cyclic GMP-dependent kinase), or calphostin C (a specific inhibitor of protein kinase C). Pretreatment with either H7 or calphostin C decreased the inhibitory effect of calyculin A on the L-type Ca2+ channel current. In contrast, pretreatment with H89 or KT5823 had no effect on the inhibition caused by calyculin A. Based on these observations, we conclude that basal phosphatase activity, probably phosphoprotein phosphatase-1, plays an important role in the regulation of L-type Ca2+ channel currents in rat pinealocytes by counteracting protein kinase C-mediated phosphorylation.

Insulin and insulin-like growth factor-I inhibit the L-type calcium channel current in rat pinealocytes

Tyrosine phosphorylation has recently been shown to modulate ion channel activity. In the present study, the effect of growth factors on the L-type Ca2+ channel current in rat pinealocytes was investigated using the whole cell version of the patch clamp technique. Both insulin and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) inhibited the L-type Ca2+ channel current. This inhibition was dependent on concentration, with median effective concentration (EC50) values of 60 nM for insulin and 0.14 nM for IGF-I. Heat-inactivated insulin or IGF-I had no effect on the L-type Ca2+ channel current. The presence of anti-IGF-I receptor antibodies blocked the inhibitory effect of IGF-I on the L-type Ca2+ channel current. Two other growth factors, nerve growth factor and epidermal growth factor, had no effect on this current. The effects of insulin and IGF-I were blocked by lavendustin A, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Calphostin C, a protein kinase C inhibitor, attenuated the effect of insulin and IGF-I, whereas wortmannin, a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor, was ineffective. These observations indicate that insulin and IGF-I inhibit the L-type Ca2+ channel current in rat pinealocytes, and that tyrosine phosphorylation is involved in these effects of insulin and IGF-I.

Alpha 1D L-type Ca(2+)-channel currents: inhibition by a beta-adrenergic agonist and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) in rat pinealocytes

In this study the subunits of the dihydropyridine-sensitive L-type Ca2+ channels (L-channels) expressed in rat pinealocytes were characterized using reverse transcription (RT)-PCR analysis, and the modulation of these channels by adrenergic agonists and by pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) was studied using the patch-clamp technique. RT-PCR analysis showed that rat pinealocytes expressed alpha 1D, alpha 2b, beta 2, and beta 4 Ca(2+)-channel subunit mRNAs. Other alpha 1 subunit transcripts were either not expressed or present at very low levels, indicating that the pinealocytes express predominantly alpha 1D L-channels. Electrophysiological studies confirmed that the pineal expressed a single population of L-channels. The L-channel currents were inhibited by two agonists that elevate cyclic AMP: the beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol and PACAP. Similar inhibition was observed with a cyclic AMP analogue, 8-bromo-cyclic AMP. The presence of a cyclic AMP antagonist, Rp-adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphorothioate, blocked the inhibition by isoproterenol and PACAP. Norepinephrine, a mixed alpha- and beta-adrenergic agonist, also inhibited the L-channel currents, but the inhibition was smaller. The smaller inhibition by norepinephrine was secondary to the simultaneous activation of alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors. These results indicate that (a) pinealocytes express predominantly alpha 1D L-channels, and (b) the beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol and PACAP inhibit the L-channel currents through elevation of cyclic AMP. However, an alpha-adrenergic-mediated mechanism also appears to be involved in the effect of norepinephrine on the L-channel currents.

PACAP modulates L-type Ca2+ channel currents in vascular smooth muscle cells: involvement of PKC and PKA

The effect of pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) on the L-type Ca2+ channel current (L-channel current) was studied in smooth muscle cells prepared from the rat tail artery. PACAP caused an increase in the amplitude of the L-channel current. The maximal increase (56%) occurred at a PACAP concentration of 1 x 10(-8) M; higher concentrations resulted in a smaller increase. Investigation into the intracellular mechanisms of PACAP action revealed that the increase in L-channel currents was blocked by calphostin C and bisindolylmaleimide IV [protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors] and mimicked by 4 beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), an activator of PKC. PACAP was also found to cause translocation of PKC, suggesting that the increase in the current by PACAP was due to PKC. In contrast, activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) by 8-bromo-cAMP caused an inhibition of the L-channel current. A high concentration of PACAP (1 x 10(-6) M) had no effect on the L-channel current. The null effect of PACAP on the L-channel current could be converted to an increase by Rp-cAMPs, a cAMP antagonist, and a decrease by calphostin C. PACAP also increased cAMP accumulation. These observations indicate the effect of PACAP on the L-channel current represents the integration of two signaling mechanisms that involve the activation of PKA and PKC.

Characterization of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide 38 (PACAP38)-, PACAP27-, and vasoactive intestinal peptide-stimulated responses in N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells

In this study, the effects of three related peptides, pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide 38 (PACAP38), PACAP27, and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), on cyclic AMP (cAMP) accumulation and intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) were compared in N1E-115 cells. PACAP38 and PACAP27 stimulated cAMP accumulation up to 60-fold with EC50 values of 0.54 and 0.067 nM, respectively. The effect of VIP on cAMP accumulation was less potent. The binding of 125I-PACAP27 to intact cells was inhibited by PACAP38 and PACAP27 (IC50 values of 0.44 and 0.55 nM, respectively) but not by VIP. In fura-2-loaded cells, both PACAP38 and PACAP27 increased [Ca2+]i with EC50 values around 10 nM. The interactions of these three peptides with ionomycin, a Ca2+ ionophore, and 4 beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), an activator of protein kinase C, were also determined. Ionomycin increased the cAMP accumulation caused by all three peptides. With low concentrations of PACAP38 or PACAP27, the effect of PMA was inhibitory, whereas at higher concentrations of PACAP (> 1 nM), the effect of PMA was stimulatory. Similar to other agents that elevate cAMP, PACAP38 was an effective stimulator of neurite outgrowth. These results show that (a) PACAP27 and PACAP38 stimulate cAMP accumulation and increase [Ca2+]i through the type I PACAP receptors in N1E-115 cells, (b) ionomycin enhances cAMP accumulation by all three peptides, and (c) activation of protein kinase C has a dose-dependent stimulatory or inhibitory effect on the PACAP38- or PACAP27-stimulated cAMP accumulation.

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide stimulates cyclic AMP accumulation in UMR 106 osteoblast-like cells

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) share 68% homology and function as neurotransmitters or neuroendocrine factors. Although VIP immunoreactivity has been detected in bone cells, the presence of PACAP or PACAP receptors in bone has not been determined. In this study, we investigated the role of PACAP and VIP in regulating cAMP accumulation in the UMR 106 osteoblast-like tumor cell line. PACAP 27 (10(-9) to 3 x 10(-7) M), PACAP 38 (10(-9) to 3 x 10(-7) M) and VIP (10(-8) to 10(-6) M) stimulated cAMP accumulation up to eightfold. PACAP 27 was slightly more potent than PACAP 38, and both were tenfold more potent than VIP. Both PACAP- and VIP-stimulated cAMP accumulation were potentiated by 4 beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, an activator of protein kinase C. Two PACAP antagonists, PACAP 6-27 (3 x 10(-6) M) and PACAP 6-38 (3 x 10(-6) M), blocked PACAP- and VIP-stimulated cAMP accumulation. Two VIP antagonists ([Lys1,Pro2,5,Arg3,4,Tyr6]-VIP, and [4 Cl-D-Phe6,Leu17]-VIP) did not reduce the PACAP- or VIP-stimulated cAMP accumulation. Pretreatment with PACAP 27, PACAP 38 or VIP equally blocked PACAP- and VIP-stimulated cAMP accumulation. These results suggest that PACAP is a more potent stimulator of cAMP accumulation than VIP in UMR 106 cells. PACAP and VIP may share a role in the paracrine or neuroendocrine regulation of bone metabolism.

The actions of prostaglandin E2 on potassium currents in rat tail artery vascular smooth muscle cells: regulation by protein kinase A and protein kinase C

In vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) of rat tail artery, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) inhibited a voltage-dependent, delayed rectifier K channel current (Ik). The inhibition was concentration-dependent, via a receptor-mediated mechanism involving the activation of G protein(s) (Ren et al., 1995). In this study, we show that the PGE2-induced inhibition of Ik was mediated by activation of protein kinase A (PKA) and possibly protein kinase C (PKC). Pretreatment of the cells with cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphothioate Rp-isomer (Rp-cAMPs), an inhibitor of adenosine 3', 5'-cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), almost completely abolished the PGE2-induced inhibition. Forskolin, dibutyryl cAMP (Db-cAMP) and cyclic adenosine 3',5'cyclic monophosphothioate Sp-isomer (Sp-cAMPs), activators of adenylate cyclase and PKA, mimicked the effect of PGE2 on Ik. Phosphodiesterase inhibition by 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine did not alter the PGE2-induced inhibition of Ik. Moreover, we also found that phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), a PKC activator, significantly suppressed Ik. Both the kinase inhibitor staurosporine and down-regulation of PKC by prolonged exposure of the cells to PMA blocked the PGE2-induced inhibition of Ik, but had no effects on the forskolin, Db-cAMP or SpcAMP-induced effect on Ik. Pretreatment of the cells with Rp-cAMPs only partially diminished the degree of Ik inhibition evoked by PMA. Assay of cAMP content indicated that both PGE2 and PMA induced cAMP accumulation. These results strongly suggest that the modulation of Ik by PGE2 in rat tail artery VSMCs involves signal transduction through both PKA and PKC activation. The activation of PKC may potentiate the cAMP-PKA stimulation, whereas the cAMP-PKA cascade did not seem to affect the PKC pathway. These observations suggest that "cross talk" between the two second-messenger systems is involved in the mechanisms that mediate the effect of PGE2.

24,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 modulates the L-type Ca2+ channel current in UMR 106 cells: involvement of protein kinase A and protein kinase C

In this study, the effect of 24,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 (24,25D3), on the L-type Ca2+ channel current (L-channel current) in UMR 106 cells was investigated using the whole cell version of the patch clamp technique. It was found that 24,25D3 had a dual effect on the L-channel current: a low concentration of 24,25D3 (1 x 10(-8) M) increased the amplitude of the L-channel current by 49 +/- 11%, whereas a high concentration of 24,25D3 (1 x 10(-5) M) reduced the amplitude of the current by 55 +/- 7%. The effect of a low concentration of 24,25D3 was mimicked by 8-bromo-cAMP and inhibited by Rp-cAMPs, indicating the involvement of the cAMP/protein kinase A pathway. In contrast, the effect of a high concentration of 24,25D3 was mimicked by 4 beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and inhibited by calphostin C, indicating the involvement of protein kinase C. In comparison, a high concentration of 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 (1,25D3) (1 x 10(-6) M) increased the L-channel current in UMR 106 cells. Therefore, 24,25D3 appears to have an action on the L-channel current that is distinct from that of 1,25D3. This demonstration of a non-genomic effect of 24,25D3 on calcium channels suggests that 24,25D3 is an active metabolite of vitamin D3 and may play an important role in regulating the function of bone cells.

Prostaglandin E2 contracts vascular smooth muscle and inhibits potassium currents in vascular smooth muscle cells of rat tail artery

There is evidence to suggest that PGE2 plays an important role in the regulation of vascular smooth muscle tone. To determine the cellular basis of this action, we studied the effect of PGE2 on force in helical muscle strips from rat tail artery. PGE2 evoked a sustained contractile response. The contractile response was concentration-dependent, with an EC50 value of 9.6 microM. Patch-clamp studies were conducted to investigate the effects of PGE2 on K channels in isolated vascular smooth muscle cells from rat tail artery. Current-clamp studies showed that PGE2 (1 microM) depolarized the membrane by 15.9 +/- 1.3 mV. Under voltage-clamp conditions, a voltage-dependent, delayed outward rectifier K current was generated by stepwise depolarization from a holding potential of -80 mV. The current, which was activated at -45 to -40 mV and showed almost no inactivation, was inhibited by 45% using 10 mM TEA. PGE2 inhibited the outward K current in a concentration-dependent manner, with EC50 values of 3.5 microM and 4.9 microM in primary and subcultured cells, respectively. The PGE2 receptor antagonist sodium meclofenamate abolished the PGE2-induced K current inhibition. Furthermore, the intracellular application of guanosine 5'-O(-)[2-thiodiphosphate] (GDP beta S), a G protein inhibitor, and pretreatment of the cells with cholera toxin prevented the PGE2-induced inhibition, whereas application of pertussis toxin did not.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Inhibition of serine/threonine protein phosphatases enhances agonist-stimulated cAMP accumulation in UMR 106 osteoblast-like cells

Protein phosphatases regulate the activity of signal transduction mechanisms by dephosphorylating activated components. By utilizing selective inhibitors of these phosphatases, we investigated their role in regulating cAMP accumulation in the UMR 106 osteoblast-like tumor cell line. PTHrP, PTH and PGE2 stimulated cAMP accumulation up to 100-fold. Calyculin A, a potent inhibitor of protein phosphatase type 1 (PP1) and type 2A (PP2A), did not affect basal levels of cAMP, but concentrations of 10(-11) M to 10(-8) M increased PTHrP-, PTH-, and PGE2-stimulated cAMP accumulation up to 1.7-fold, and this increase was concentration-dependent. Similar results were obtained with tautomycin, another potent inhibitor of PP1 and PP2A. In contrast, okadaic acid, a potent inhibitor of PP2A which inhibited PP1 less potently, did not enhance PTHrP-, PTH-, or PGE2-stimulated cAMP accumulation. The effect of calyculin A on agonist-stimulated cAMP accumulation persisted in cells treated with isobutyl methylxanthine, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor. When the effect of calyculin A was compared with that of 4 beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), it was found that while PMA enhanced both the receptor and forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation, calyculin A had no effect on the forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation. The effect of calyculin A on PTHrP- and PTH-stimulated cAMP accumulation persisted in cells treated with PMA. These results suggest that protein phosphatases play an important role in agonist-stimulated cAMP accumulation in osteoblast-like cells, and that PP1 but not PP2A may be the major phosphatase involved. In contrast to activation by protein kinase C, the site of action for the phosphatase appears to be predominantly at a step prior to the activation of adenylyl cyclase in the cAMP signal transduction pathway.

cGMP inhibits L-type Ca2+ channel currents through protein phosphorylation in rat pinealocytes

In this study, the effect of cGMP on the dihydropyridine-sensitive (L-type) Ca2+ current was investigated using the whole cell version of the patch-clamp technique in rat pinealocytes. Dibutyryl-cGMP (1 x 10(-4) M) induced a pronounced inhibition of the L-type Ca2+ channel current. The dibutyryl-cGMP effect was concentration dependent. Elevation of cGMP by nitroprusside had a similar inhibitory action on the L-type Ca2+ channel current. Norepinephrine, which increased cGMP in rat pinealocytes, also inhibited this current. The action of cGMP was independent of cAMP elevation since the cAMP antagonist, Rp-cAMPs, had no effect on the inhibitory action of dibutyryl-cGMP. The involvement of cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase was suggested by the blocking action of two protein kinase inhibitors, (1-(5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine (H7) and N-(2-guanidinoethyl)-5-isoquinolinesulfonamide (HA1004), on the dibutyryl-cGMP effect on the L-type Ca2+ channel current. Taken together, these results suggest that (1) cGMP modulates L-type Ca2+ channel currents in rat pinealocytes, causing inhibition of this current; (2) the action of cGMP appears to be independent of cAMP elevation; and (3) phosphorylation by cGMP-dependent protein kinase may be involved.

Tetrandrine, a Ca++ antagonist: effects and mechanisms of action in vascular smooth muscle cells

Tetrandrine, an alkaloid extracted from the Chinese medicinal herb Radix stephania tetrandrae, has traditionally been used to treat hypertension. In the present study, the effect of tetrandrine on vascular smooth muscle was investigated by using the rat tail artery as a model of a resistance vessel. Tetrandrine relaxes the tension in tail artery helical strips produced by depolarization with 60 mM KCl. Further studies show that tetrandrine inhibits the KCl-induced intracellular Ca++ increase and L-type voltage-dependent Ca++ channel currents, suggesting that tetrandrine relaxes the vessel via inhibition of Ca++ influx through Ca++ channels. Tetrandrine also inhibits norepinephrine (NE)-induced vasocontraction in the presence of extracellular Ca++. It does not, however, inhibit NE-induced vasocontraction in the absence of extracellular Ca++. Tetrandrine also inhibits the NE-induced intracellular Ca++ increase in the presence of extracellular Ca++ and has no effect on the NE-induced intracellular Ca++ increase in the absence of extracellular Ca++. This suggests that tetrandrine also blocks NE-induced Ca++ influx but not NE-induced Ca++ release from the intracellular Ca++ stores. Furthermore, tetrandrine inhibits thapsigargin-induced intracellular Ca++ concentration increase, suggesting that, in addition to blocking Ca++ influx, tetrandrine also may interfere with the interaction between thapsigargin and Ca++ adenosine triphosphatase.

Effects of three fragments of parathyroid hormone on calcium channel currents in neonatal rat ventricular cells

The effects of different fragments of bovine parathyroid hormone, bPTH-(1-34), bPTH-(1-84) and bPTH-(3-34), on two types of calcium channel currents in neonatal rat ventricular cells were compared in the present study. bPTH-(1-34) increased the amplitude of L channel currents, but not of the T channel currents. This effect of bPTH-(1-34) was sustained after a complete washout of the peptide from the bath. The intact PTH molecule, bPTH-(1-84), also increased L channel currents but not affecting T channel currents. While bPTH-(3-34) did not affect the amplitudes of either L or T channel currents by itself, pretreatment of cells with bPTH-(3-34) abolished the effects of both bPTH-(1-34) and bPTH-(1-84) on L channel currents. Moreover, the kinetics of L channel currents in the presence of bPTH-(1-34) or bPTH-(3-34) were different. bPTH-(1-34) increased the time constant of activation, but not of inactivation, of L channel currents from 1.8 to 2.5 ms (P < 0.05). In contrast, bPTH-(3-34) decreased the time constant of inactivation, but not of activation, of L channel currents from 159 to 117 ms (P < 0.05). These results indicate that different fragments of PTH exert different effects on the amplitudes or kinetics of cardiac calcium channel currents.

The L-type calcium channel current is increased by alpha-1 adrenoceptor activation in neonatal rat ventricular cells

The activation of alpha-1 adrenoceptors in adult rat ventricular cells results in the reduction of the transient outward K+ current, but does not affect Ca++ currents. In this study, using neonatal rat ventricular cells, the alpha-1 adrenergic receptor agonist phenylephrine increased the long-lasting (L-type) Ca++ channel current (dihydropyridine-sensitive) and the increase was concentration-dependent. Phenylephrine did not, however, modulate the transient-type (T-type) Ca++ channel current. The alpha-1 effect of phenylephrine was reversed or abolished by prazosin, an alpha-1 antagonist. The alpha-2 agonist clonidine had no effect on the L-type current. Yohimbine, an alpha-2 antagonist, and propranolol, a beta antagonist, did not inhibit the effect of phenylephrine on L-type current. The effect of phenylephrine was abolished by pretreatment with WB4101, an alpha-1A antagonist, but not by chloroethylclonidine, an alpha-1B antagonist. In addition, norepinephrine also increased the L-type current in the presence of propranolol and this effect was reversed by washout. These observations suggest that phenylephrine increased the L-type Ca++ channel current specifically through the activation of alpha-1A adrenergic receptors in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes. This may explain in part the increase in the plateau phase of the action potential and the positive inotropic response of the neonatal myocardium to phenylephrine. This is the first description of an increase in L-type Ca++ current by alpha-1A adrenoceptor activation in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes, and this effect is different from that reported in adult rat myocytes.

L-channel modulation by alpha-1 adrenoceptor activation in neonatal rat ventricular cells: intracellular mechanisms

The alpha adrenergic agonist phenylephrine increases the long-lasting Ca++ channel current (L-type Ca++ channel current) in neonatal rat ventricular cells. In these experiments, the intracellular mechanism of the alpha (alpha-1A) adrenergic effect was investigated. Guanosine-5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate), a G-protein inhibitor, blocked and guanosine-5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate), a G-protein activator, mimicked the effect of phenylephrine, suggesting that G-proteins are involved in the activation of the alpha-1 adrenoceptor-induced increase in Ca++ channel current. The effect of phenylephrine on the L-type current was not abolished in cells pretreated with pertussis toxin and cholera toxin, indicating that pertussis toxin- and cholera toxin-insensitive G-proteins are coupled to the alpha-1A adrenoceptor. Acute treatment with 4 beta-phorbol-12-myristate and 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-rac-glycerol, two protein kinase C activators, increased the L-type Ca++ channel current. Staurosporine and prolonged pretreatment with 4 beta-phorbol-12-myristate blocked the effect of phenylephrine. This suggests that protein kinase C activation is involved in the mechanism. The results described in this study suggest that stimulation of the alpha-1A adrenoceptor results in the activation of pertussis toxin- and cholera toxin-insensitive G-proteins which may lead to phosphorylation of Ca++ channel proteins through protein kinase C. The phosphorylation of channel protein results in an increase in the L-type Ca++ channel current in neonatal rat ventricular cells.

Inhibition of a K+ current by beta-dendrotoxin in primary and subcultured vascular smooth muscle cells

beta-Dendrotoxin (beta-DTX), a polypeptide component of Eastern Green Mamba snake venom, inhibits a slow voltage-activated 86Rb efflux from synaptosomes, suggesting that beta-DTX inhibits K+ channels. The effects of beta-DTX on the K+ currents in primary cultured and subcultured (passages 8-12) rat tail artery vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were studied using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. A delayed rectifier K+ current was observed in both types of cells. The current, which was relatively insensitive to tetraethylammonium, was activated at -40 to -30 mV and showed almost no inactivation. beta-DTX (1-1000 nM) decreased the outward K+ current. The effect was concentration dependent and reversible by washout but did not depend on the frequency of stimulation (use dependence) or the membrane potential. beta-DTX was more effective in primary cultured cells than in subcultured cells. K+ channels in primary cultured cells were maximally (45%) inhibited by 1 microM beta-DTX compared with 35% inhibition in subcultured cells. The concentration producing half-maximal inhibition was 5.1 x 10(-8) M for primary cells and 7.1 x 10(-8) M for subcultured cells. The delayed rectifier current was not affected by alpha-DTX, a blocker of the fast-inactivating outward K+ current (IA). These results clearly demonstrate that beta-DTX is a novel antagonist of the delayed rectifier K+ current in primary and subcultured rat tail artery VSMCs.

Changes in alpha 1-adrenoceptor coupling to Ca2+ channels during development in rat heart

It has been reported in the literature that alpha 1-adrenoceptor activation in adult rat heart does not cause an increase in Ca2+ current but involves a decrease in I(t). This may explain in part the positive inotropic effect of alpha 1-adrenoceptor activation. In this study, the effect of phenylephrine, an alpha-adrenergic agonist, on L-type Ca2+ channel current was compared in young and neonatal rat myocytes. In the presence of propranolol, phenylephrine increased the Ca2+ current (reversed by prazosin) in neonatal but not in young rat myocytes suggesting that the coupling of the alpha 1-adrenoceptor to Ca2+ channels may switch during development.

Enhanced calcium influx by parathyroid hormone in identified Helisoma trivolvis snail neurons

The modulation of [Ca2+]i by parathyroid hormone (PTH) has been extensively studied in vertebrates. The present study examined the effects of PTH on [Ca2+]i in isolated invertebrate neurons B5 from buccal ganglia of the pond snail, Helisoma trivolvis, utilizing the Fura-2 fluorescence technique. Bovine PTH, bPTH-(1-84), induced a slow and sustained increase in [Ca2+]i in neurons B5. In contrast, the elevation of extracellular K+ concentration from 1.7 mM to 15 mM induced a rapid and transient increase in [Ca2+]i. Simultaneous application of 15 mM KCl and bPTH-(1-84), or application of 15 mM KCl in the presence of bPTH-(1-84) additively increased [Ca2+]i in neurons B5. An increase in [Ca2+]i in neurons B5 was also induced by a PTH agonist [bPTH-(1-34)], but not by a PTH antagonist [bPTH-(3-34)]. The absence of calcium, or the presence of lanthanum (2 mM) or omega-conotoxin (10 microM), in the bath solution abolished the effect of bPTH-(1-84) on [Ca2+]i. Furthermore, our results demonstrated that the effect of PTH on [Ca2+]i in neurons B5 was not due to the hormonal modulation of voltage-dependent Na+ or K+ channels or a Na+/Ca2+ exchanger. The results from this study show that PTH can modulate [Ca2+]i in an identified invertebrate neuron mainly by promoting extracellular calcium influx via the N-like voltage-dependent calcium channel.

1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D as a cardiovascular hormone. Effects on calcium current and cytosolic free calcium in vascular smooth muscle cells

Clinical and in vitro evidence suggests a role for the calcium regulating hormone, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25D) in human and experimental hypertension. To establish the cellular basis for this association, we utilized the whole-cell version of the patch clamp method and fluorescence spectroscopic techniques to measure voltage-dependent calcium channel activity and cytosolic free calcium concentrations ([Ca2+]i) in rat tail artery-derived smooth muscle cells, before and after the addition of 1,25D. 1,25D significantly increased the calcium channel current over the range of test pulses, from -40 to +60 mV, in a dose- and time-dependent manner, appearing by 5 to 10 min of exposure, with maximum effects by 15 min. At 10 and 30 nmol/L, the current increased to 149 +/- 10% and 221 +/- 13% of basal activity of 37.75 +/- 7.7 pA and 37.7 +/- 4.5 pA, respectively. Similarly, at 10 and 100 nmol/L, 1,25D increased cytosolic free calcium levels 115 +/- 2% and 171 +/- 11%, from basal values of 99 +/- 32 nmol/L and 116 +/- 10 nmol/L, respectively. These effects of [Ca2+]i developed slowly over 3 to 4 min. Peak values were achieved by 30 min of incubation and were reversible with removal of 1,25D from the medium. Altogether, these direct effects of 1,25D on calcium current and [Ca2+]i in vascular smooth muscle cells support a role for 1,25D in vascular physiology, and provide a cellular basis for better understanding the involvement of 1,25D in hypertensive vascular disease.

Neural effects of parathyroid hormone: modulation of the calcium channel current and metabolism of monoamines in identified Helisoma snail neurons

Neuronal effects of parathyroid hormone (PTH) have been reported in vertebrates. The effect of PTH on invertebrate central neurons within the buccal ganglion of Helisoma trivolvis snails was examined in the present study. By using a vibrating probe, PTH was found to induce a transient calcium-dependent inward current in intact buccal ganglia. Intracellular microelectrode recording revealed that PTH broadened the spontaneous action potential in buccal B5 neurons in situ. By using the whole-cell configuration of the patch-clamp technique, PTH was demonstrated to increase the N-like calcium channel currents in isolated B5 neurons in a concentration-dependent manner. This effect of PTH on the N-like calcium channel currents depended on the activation of a G protein insensitive to pertussis toxin, but was unlikely to be mediated by the cyclic AMP dependent protein kinase. Furthermore, the release of gamma-glutamyl conjugate of dopamine from buccal ganglia was selectively increased in the presence of PTH. These results represent the first demonstration that a vertebrate peptide hormone, PTH, selectively modulates the N-like voltage-dependent calcium channel currents in identified invertebrate neurons. Therefore, a novel role of PTH in the regulation of invertebrate central neural functions is indicated.

Comparison of the action of two protein kinase C activators on dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca2+ channels in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes

Ca2+ channels can be modulated by protein kinase C which phosphorylates Ca2+ channel proteins. Two protein kinase C activators, 4 beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and 1-oleyl-2-acetyl-rac-glycerol (OAG), were used to investigate the effect of protein kinase C activation on dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca2+ channel currents (L-type) in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes using the whole cell version of the patch clamp technique. The results show that both of the activators increased the Ca2+ channel current in myocytes. However, these increases in Ca2+ channel current were different as function of time. Therefore, our results suggest that the temporal factor should be considered when the protein kinase C activators are used in studies of channel modulation.

The changes in contractile status of single vascular smooth muscle cells and ventricular cells induced by bPTH-(1-34)

Single smooth muscle cells from rat tail artery and ventricular myocytes from neonatal rat were isolated by repeated enzyme digestion. The change in cell area as determined photographically was used as an index of cell contraction. The photographic areas of single smooth muscle cells bathed in normal Tyrode solution were 403 +/- 22 (n = 13) square micra. Exposure of smooth muscle cells to a modified Tyrode solution containing 60 mM KCl induced cell contraction. This contraction was inhibited by bPTH-(1-34) at a concentration of 1 microM. The inhibitory effect of bPTH-(1-34) was time-dependent with maximum inhibition at 5 min after administration. The photographic areas of ventricular myocytes bathed in the culture medium without fetal calf serum were 516 +/- 47 (n = 29) square micra. At a concentration of 1 microM, bPTH-(1-34) produced a time-dependent contraction in ventricular myocytes as shown by the decrease in the photographic cell area (88 +/- 2% of the control value at 15 min, n = 9, p < 0.01). Furthermore, 1 microM nifedipine inhibited the effect of bPTH-(1-34) on the contraction of ventricular myocytes, indicating that bPTH-(1-34) might exert its action via a calcium channel related mechanism. In addition, bPTH-(1-34) increased the contraction frequency of single ventricular cells, which could also be inhibited by nifedipine. The present study suggests that bPTH-(1-34) directly relaxes precontracted single vascular smooth muscle cells and contracts single ventricular myocytes.

Inhibitory action of ethanol on L-type Ca2+ channels and Ca(2+)-dependent guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate accumulation in rat pinealocytes

It has previously been shown that the K+ potentiation of vasoactive intestinal peptide-stimulated cAMP and cGMP responses was inhibited by ethanol in rat pinealocytes, suggesting an inhibitory action of ethanol on the voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels (VDCC). In this study, using the whole cell version of the patch clamp technique, we found that ethanol reduced the amplitude, but did not change the voltage dependence or the time course of activation or inactivation of the L-type VDCC. The inhibitory effect of ethanol on this current was concentration dependent, and ethanol (100 mM) resulted in a 40% inhibition of this current. However, in fura-2-loaded cells, total increases in intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) caused by ethanol and BayK 8644 did not differ from the [Ca2+]i signal caused by BayK 8644 alone, suggesting that the inhibitory action of ethanol on VDCC may not be related to a reduction in [Ca2+]i. Although there was no change in the total [Ca2+]i signal, ethanol (25-200 mM) dose-dependently inhibited the potentiation effects of depolarizing concentrations of K+ and BayK 8644 on the isoproterenol-stimulated cGMP, but not the cAMP, response. Therefore, the cGMP response appears to be more sensitive to the inhibitory action of ethanol, and a site distal to elevation of [Ca2+]i of importance to the potentiation mechanism may be inhibited by ethanol. This was confirmed by the finding that ethanol was effective in inhibiting the A23187 potentiation of isoproterenol-stimulated cGMP response. These results suggest that 1) the L-type VDCC was inhibited by ethanol; 2) the Ca(2+)-mediated potentiation of the isoproterenol-stimulated cGMP response was sensitive to the inhibitory action of ethanol; and 3) although ethanol inhibits the VDCC, it alone cannot explain the inhibitory effect of ethanol on BayK 8644- and K(+)-mediated potentiation of the isoproterenol-stimulated cGMP response.

Tetrandrine inhibits both T and L calcium channel currents in ventricular cells

Tetrandrine, a putative Ca2+ channel blocker, is extracted from the Chinese medicinal herb, Radix stephania tetrandrae. In the present study, the whole-cell version of the patch clamp technique was used to investigate the effects of tetrandrine on both T and L calcium channel currents in primary cultured neonatal rat ventricular cells. We show that tetrandrine inhibits both T and L calcium channel currents in ventricular cells. This inhibition of inward Ca2+ currents is concentration dependent and reversible. Tetrandrine does not shift the I-V relationship of the calcium currents. These results clearly demonstrate that tetrandrine acts as a calcium channel antagonist in ventricular cells. Previous data show that tetrandrine may be regarded as a wide-spectrum calcium channel antagonist.

Modification by solvents of the action of nifedipine on calcium channel currents in neuroblastoma cells

The effect of nifedipine dissolved in different solvents on the two types of calcium channel currents in neuroblastoma cells was investigated using the whole cell version of the patch clamp technique. Nifedipine dissolved in dimethylsulfoxide (nifedipine/DMSO) decreased the transient calcium channel (T channel) current by 50% at a concentration of 10 microM. This inhibitory effect was concentration-dependent and reversible. In contrast, T channel currents were not inhibited by nifedipine at a similar concentration dissolved in acetone or ethanol. Further experiments were carried out with dried nifedipine/DMSO. Dried nifedipine/DMSO powder re-dissolved in acetone or ethanol at a concentration of 10 microM decreased the T channel current by 32% and 37%, respectively. In addition, within the concentration range of 10 nM to 100 microM nifedipine/DMSO inhibited the long-lasting calcium channel (L channel) current more effectively than did nifedipine dissolved in acetone. The concentration of solvent (DMSO, ethanol, acetone) in the bath was fixed at 0.3% to reach different final concentrations of nifedipine. Solvents alone at a final concentration of 0.3% did not show any effect on T or L channel currents. UV absorbance measurements indicated that the combination of nifedipine, solvent and bath solution did not result in precipitation of the dihydropyridine during the experimental protocol. It is concluded that when DMSO is used as the solvent, nifedipine is not only a more effective L channel antagonist but also a T channel antagonist in neuroblastoma cells.

Bay K-8644 in different solvents acts as a transient calcium channel antagonist and a long-lasting calcium channel agonist

This report describes the effect of Bay K-8644 dissolved in various solvents on two types of calcium channel currents in neuroblastoma cells. Transient calcium channel (T channel) currents were not affected by Bay K-8644 dissolved in ethanol (EtOH) or polyethylene glycol (PEG). However, at the same concentration of 0.6 microM, Bay K-8644 dissolved in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) (Bay K-8644/DMSO) decreased the T channel current by 50%. The concentration of all three solvents in the bath was fixed at 0.3% to reach different final concentrations of Bay K-8644. At this fixed solvent concentration, the inhibitory effect of Bay K-8644/DMSO on T channel currents was dose-dependent; the solvents alone did not have any effect on T channel currents; and DMSO pretreatment of cells did not render the T channel current sensitive to Bay K-8644 dissolved in EtOH or PEG. Bay K-8644/DMSO was dried using a flash evaporator and redissolved in EtOH or PEG. Dried Bay K-8644 that was redissolved in EtOH or PEG to achieve a final concentration of 0.6 microM inhibited T channel currents by 39 or 35%, respectively. Furthermore, Bay K-8644 (10 nM) increased L channel currents by 80% with DMSO, but only 30% with EtOH as the solvent. These results show that in neuroblastoma cells Bay K-8644/DMSO, within the concentration range examined, is a T channel antagonist and more effective L channel agonist than Bay K-8644 dissolved in the two other solvents.

Tetrandrine: a novel calcium channel antagonist inhibits type I calcium channels in neuroblastoma cells

Tetrandrine, an alkaloid isolated from the Chinese herb, Radix stephaniae tetrandrae, has been used clinically as a hypotensive agent for a long time. Recently, several studies have demonstrated that tetrandrine behaves like a calcium entry blocker. In the present investigation, the whole cell version of the patch clamp technique was used to study the effect of tetrandrine on the type I (transient inward) calcium current in neuroblastoma cells. These results showed that tetrandrine inhibited the transient inward current, without affecting the channel kinetics. The effects of tetrandrine were dose-dependent and reversible but did not depend on the frequency of stimulation (use-dependence) or the membrane potential. These data clearly demonstrate that tetrandrine is a novel and potent antagonist of the transient inward current in neuroblastoma cells.

Parathyroid hormone selectively inhibits L-type calcium channels in single vascular smooth muscle cells of the rat

1. The active synthetic N-terminal fragment of bovine parathyroid hormone, bPTH-(1-34) at a concentration of 1 microM, decreased the peak amplitude of the long-lasting (L-type) calcium channel current by 37% (n = 14, P less than 0.01) in rat tail artery smooth muscle cells. By contrast, this fragment of parathyroid hormone (PTH) (1 microM) had no effect on the transient (T-type) calcium channel current in the same cell preparation. 2. The inhibitory effect of bPTH-(1-34) on L-channel currents was reversible and could be antagonized by the L-channel agonist, Bay K 8644. In contrast, bPTH-(1-34) inhibited Bay K 8644-induced amplification of L-channel currents. 3. The inhibitory effect of bPTH-(1-34) on L-Channel currents was dose dependent with a threshold concentration of less than 10(-7), and voltage dependent with increased inhibition at more positive holding potentials. However, this effect of bPTH-(1-34) was not dependent on different pulse lengths or interpulse intervals. 4. The kinetics of deactivation of L-channel currents were not changed although the instantaneous amplitude of the L-channel tail current was reduced by bPTH-(1-34). 5. Application of bPTH-(1-34) antagonists (10(-6) M-bPTH-(3-34) and 10(-5) M-bPTH-(7-34] did not result in any significant change in the magnitude of L-channel currents (n = 15 and n = 7, respectively). 6. Pre-incubation of cells with bPTH-(3-34) for more than 15 min abolished the inhibitory effect of bPTH-(1-34) on L-channel currents. 7. The present study provides direct evidence to demonstrate the PTH, an endogenous circulating hormone, is a selective inhibitor of L-channel currents in vascular smooth muscle cells.

Two types of voltage-dependent calcium channel currents and their modulation by parathyroid hormone in neonatal rat ventricular cells

The positive inotropic and chronotropic actions of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in cardiac cells are considered to be related to the modulation of calcium influx. The underlying mechanisms, however, are unknown, and direct electrophysiological evidence at the single-cell level is required. In the present study, the whole-cell configuration of the patch-clamp technique was used in neonatal rat ventricular cells to identify both transient (T) and long-lasting (L) voltage-dependent calcium channels according to their electrophysiological and pharmacological characteristics. The active synthetic fragment of bovine PTH, bPTH-(1-34), at a concentration of 1 microM, significantly enhanced the magnitude of L-channel currents by 67.8% (n = 13, p less than 0.01). The steady-state activation curve of L-channel currents was shifted along the voltage axis toward more negative potentials by either bPTH-(1-34) or Bay K-8644. The suppression or amplification of PTH-induced enhancement of inward currents by nifedipine, 1 microM, or Bay K-8644, 5 microM, respectively, further indicated that the effect of PTH was specific for L-type calcium channels. However, bPTH-(1-34) failed to modulate the magnitude or kinetics of T-channel currents. This study directly demonstrates that PTH is a specific endogenous calcium-channel activator in neonatal rat ventricular cells.

The effects of parathyroid hormone on L-type voltage-dependent calcium channel currents in vascular smooth muscle cells and ventricular myocytes are mediated by a cyclic AMP dependent mechanism

The present study demonstrated that L channel currents were decreased in smooth muscle cells, and increased in ventricular myocytes by both bovine parathyroid hormone, (bPTH-(1-34)), and dibutyryl cyclic AMP (db-cAMP), using the whole cell version of the patch clamp technique with Ba2+ as the charge carrier. The effects of bPTH-(1-34) and db-cAMP on L channel currents were additive but not synergistic. Furthermore, the effects of bPTH-(1-34) on L channel currents in these 2 cell preparations were abolished in the presence of a cAMP antagonist. These results suggest that the effects of bPTH-(1-34) on L channel currents in vascular smooth muscle cells and ventricular myocytes are mediated by a cAMP-dependent mechanism.

Flunarizine selectively blocks transient calcium channel currents in N1E-115 cells

The sensitivities of two types of voltage-dependent calcium channel currents in N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells to various agents were studied using the whole cell version of the patch clamp technique. Cells cultured in normal media expressed predominantly transient (T) currents whereas cells cultured in media with dimethylsulfoxide for 1 month expressed predominantly long-lasting (L) currents. Furthermore, by selecting cells with one or two short neurites it was possible to obtain cells which expressed only L channels. The dihydropyridine agonist, Bay K-8644 (5 microM), increased the amplitude of L channel currents by a factor of nearly two, whereas T channel currents were unaffected. Nifedipine (0.1 mM) significantly inhibited L channel currents, whereas T channel currents were insensitive to this treatment. Flunarizine, a diphenylpiperazine, had no effect on L channel currents but selectively inhibited T channel currents in a dose-dependent manner, with a significant effect at a concentration of 1 microM. However, flunarizine did not change the I-V relationships of T channel currents. Furthermore, the voltage dependence of T channel inactivation was shifted toward more negative potential by flunarizine. The present study provides direct evidence of the selective inhibition of T channel currents by flunarizine in N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells.

Specific inhibition of long-lasting, L-type calcium channels by synthetic parathyroid hormone

The effect of an active synthetic N-terminal fragment of bovine parathyroid hormone (bPTH), bPTH-(1-34), on Ca2+ channels was studied in mouse neuroblastoma cells (N1E-115). With the whole-cell variation of the patch-clamp technique, T (transient) and L (long-lasting) types of Ca2+ currents were identified. Pharmacological characterization showed that the L current was amplified by the Ca2+ channel stimulator BAY K-8644, but the T current was unaffected. The administration of bPTH-(1-34) produced dose-related inhibition of the L current, which could be reversed by BAY K-8644. The peptide had no effect on the T current. In addition, use of the fluorescent indicator fura-2 showed that bPTH-(1-34) inhibited the KCl-stimulated increase in intracellular free Ca2+ in neuroblastoma cells with L channels but not in cells with T channels. An inactivated (oxidized) preparation of bPTH-(1-34) failed to affect the L current. High-affinity binding of labeled PTH analog to these neuroblastoma cells was also demonstrated. In addition, bPTH-(1-34) inhibited the L current in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells from rat tail artery. These data indicate that, in some tissues, PTH can act as an endogenous blocker of Ca2+ entry.

Control of calcium channels in neuroblastoma cells (N1E-115)

Neuroblastoma cells (N1E-115) were used as models of transient (T) and long-lasting (L) Ca++ channels. The whole cell version of the patch clamp technique was used to measure inward Ca++ currents, and the fluorescent indicator, Fura-2, was used to measure changes in intracellular Ca++. Cells were cultured and selected during recording so that predominantly T or L channel currents were measured. T channel currents did not respond to dihydropyridine or parathyroid hormone, whereas L channel currents did. BAY-K-8644 increased and nifedipine decreased L channel currents. After a 15 mM KCl challenge, cells with predominantly T channels responded with a transient change in intracellular Ca++, while cells with predominantly L channels showed a sustained response. PTH inhibited the increase in intracellular Ca++ in cells with L channels, but not in those with T channels. PTH may be an example of an endogenous calcium channel blocker, at least in neuroblastoma cells.

A dihydropyridine-sensitive calcium channel in rodent osteoblastic cells

Rat osteogenic sarcoma cells (UMR 106-01) and normal rat trabecular bone osteoblasts (ROB) were studied using the whole cell version of the patch clamp technique to determine the existence of calcium (Ca2+) channels. Pipette and bath solutions were designed to separate Ca2+ channel currents from other voltage-dependent currents, and Ba2+ was used as the charge carrier. In both UMR 106-01 and ROB cells, a Ba2+ current was measured, which expressed the characteristics of an L-channel, such as activation range, dihydropyridine sensitivity, and little or no inactivation. In some cases, this channel was detectable only with BAY-K-8644 in the bath solution. The dihydropyridine agonist increased the current intensity and shifted the peak inward current to more negative potentials. This study, confirming previous observations, demonstrates the existence of a Ca2+ channel in both transformed and normal osteoblastic cells.