Analytical steady-state solution to the rapid buffering approximation near an open Ca2+ channel.

We derive an analytical steady-state solution for the Ca2+ profile near an open Ca2+ channel based on a transport equation which describes the buffered diffusion of Ca2+ in the presence of rapid stationary and mobile Ca2+ buffers (Wagner and Keizer, 1994). This steady-state rapid buffering approximation gives an upper bound on local Ca2+ elevations such as Ca2+ puffs or sparks when conditions for the validity of the rapid buffering approximation are met and is an alternative to approximations that assume that mobile buffers are unsaturable. This result also provides an analytical estimate of the cytosolic Ca2+ domain concentration ([Ca2+]d) near a channel pore and shows the dependence of [Ca2+]d on moderate concentrations of endogenous mobile buffer, Ca2+ indicator dye, and bulk cytosolic Ca2+. Assuming a simple relationship between [Ca2+]d and the lumenal depletion domain of an intracellular Ca2+ channel, lumenal and cytosolic Ca2+ profiles are matched to give an implicit analytical expression for the effect of bulk lumenal Ca2+ on [Ca2+]d.     

Numerical simulation of local calcium movements during L-type calcium channel gating in the cardiac diad.

Computer simulation was used to investigate the calcium levels after sarcolemmal calcium influx through L-type calcium channels (DHPRs) into the narrow diadic space of cardiac muscle. The effect of various cytosolic and membranebound buffers, diad geometry, DHPR properties (open time and current), and surface charge were examined. The simulations showed that phospholipid binding sites on the sarcolemmal membrane are the major buffer affecting free calcium ([Ca2+]) levels in the diad. The inclusion of surface charge effects calculated from Gouy-Chapman theory resulted in a marked decrease in [Ca2+] levels at all times and a faster decay of [Ca2+] after termination of DHPR influx. For a DHPR current of 200 fA, [Ca2+] at the center of the diad reached peak levels of approximately 73 microM. In larger diads (> or = 400 nm diameter), [Ca2+] decayed more slowly than in smaller diads (100-200 nm diameter), although peak [Ca2+] levels reached during typical DHPR open times were similar. For a wide range of DHPR single-channel current magnitudes (Ica = 25-200 fA), [Ca2+] levels in the diad were approximately proportional to ICa. The decrease in calculated [Ca2+] levels due to the effects of surface charge can be interpreted as resulting from an effective "volume expansion" of the diad space. Furthermore, the layer of increased [Ca2+] close to the sarcolemmal membrane can act as a fast buffer.     

Preparation of solutions with free calcium concentration in the nanomolar range using 1,2-bis(o-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid

There are many uses for solutions with a known free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]free) in the nanomolar range. Most frequently ethylene glycol bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA) has been used as a buffer for the control of [Ca2+]free; however, under a variety of conditions the use of 1,2-bis(o-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA) for this purpose would be advantageous. The theory and calculations necessary to make solutions with known [Ca2+]free appropriate for given conditions of pH, ionic strength, and temperature for use with EGTA or BAPTA are reviewed. Practical considerations and methods for making such solutions are detailed. The advantages and disadvantages associated with the use of each of the two chelators are discussed. As one example of the application of solutions with free calcium in the nanomolar range, the dissociation constant of the fluorescent indicator fura-2 for calcium has been determined in a physiologic buffer at 22 and 37 degrees C. For practical reasons, the use of BAPTA is advantageous when solutions with different known [Ca2+]free must be used on a daily basis.     

Validity of the rapid buffering approximation near a point source of calcium ions.

In the presence of rapid buffers the full reaction-diffusion equations describing Ca2+ transport can be reduced using the rapid buffering approximation to a single transport equation for [Ca2+]. Here we simulate the full and reduced equations, exploring the conditions necessary for the validity of the rapid buffering approximation for an isolated Ca2+ channel or a cluster of channels. Using a point source and performing numerical simulations of different durations, we quantify the error of the rapid buffering approximation as a function of buffer and source parameters as well as the time and spatial scale set by the resolution of confocal microscopic measurements. We carry out simulations of Ca2+ "sparks" and "puffs," both with and without the indicator dye Ca2+ Green-1, and find that the rapid buffering approximation is excellent. These calculations also show that the traditional calculation of [Ca2+] from a fluorescence signal may grossly underestimate the true value of [Ca2+] near a source. Finally, we use the full model to simulate the transient Ca2+ domain near the pore of an open Ca2+ channel in a cell dialyzed with millimolar concentrations of 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N,N-tetraacetic acid or EGTA. In this regime, where the rapid buffering approximation is poor. Neher's equation for the steady-state Ca2+ profile is shown to be a reliable approximation adjacent to the pore.     

Intrinsic cytosolic calcium buffering properties of single rat cardiac myocytes.

Intracellular passive Ca2+, buffering was measured in voltage-clamped rat ventricular myocytes. Cells were loaded with indo-1 (K+ salt) to an estimated cytosolic concentration of 44 +/- 5 microM (Mean +/- SEM, n = 5), and accessible cell volume was estimated to be 24.5 +/- 3.6 pl. Ca2+ transport by the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca-ATPase and sarcolemmal Na-Ca exchange was inhibited by treatment with thapsigargin and Na-free solutions, respectively. Extracellular [Ca2+] was maintained at 10 mM and, in some experiments, the mitochondrial uncoupler "1799" was used to assess the degree of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake. To perform single cell titrations, intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) was increased progressively by a train of depolarizing voltage clamp pulses from -40 to +10 mV. The total Ca2+ gain with each pulse was calculated by integration of the Ca current and then analyzed as a function of the rapid change in [Ca2+]i during the pulse. In the range of [Ca2+]i from 0.1 to 2 microM, overall cell buffering was well described as a single lumped Michaelis-Menten type species with an apparent dissociation constant, KD, of of 0.63 +/- 0.07 microM (n = 5) and a binding capacity, Bmax, of 162 +/- 15 mumol/l cell H2O. Correction for buffering attributable to cytosolic indo-1 gives intrinsic cytosolic Ca2+ buffering parameters of KD = 0.96 +/- 0.18 microM and Bmax = 123 +/- 18 mumol/l cell H2O. The fast Ca2+ buffering measured in this manner agrees reasonably with the characteristics of known rapid Ca buffers (e.g., troponin C, calmodulin, and SR Ca-ATPase), but is only about half of the total Ca2+ buffering measured at equilibrium. Inclusion of slow Ca buffers such as the Ca/Mg sites on troponin C and myosin can account for the differences between fast Ca2+ buffering in phase with the Ca current measured in the present experiments and equilibrium Ca2+ buffering. The present data indicate that a rapid rise of [Ca2+]i from 0.1 to 1 microM during a contraction requires approximately 50 microM Ca2+ to be added to the cytosol.     

Two-dimensional determination of the cellular Ca2+ binding in bovine chromaffin cells.

The spatiotemporal profile of intracellular calcium signals is determined by the flux of calcium ions across different biological membranes as well as by the diffusional mobility of calcium and different calcium buffers in the cell. To arrive at a quantitative understanding of the determinants of these signals, one needs to dissociate the flux contribution from the redistribution and buffering of calcium. Since the cytosol can be heterogeneous with respect to its calcium buffering property, it is essential to assess this property in a spatially resolved manner. In this paper we report on two different methods to estimate the cellular calcium binding of bovine adrenal chromaffin cells. In the first method, we use voltage-dependent calcium channels as a source to generate calcium gradients in the cytosol. Using imaging techniques, we monitor the dissipation of these gradients to estimate local apparent calcium diffusion coefficients and, from these, local calcium binding ratios. This approach requires a very high signal-to-noise ratio of the calcium measurement and can be used when well-defined calcium gradients can be generated throughout the cell. In the second method, we overcome these problems by using calcium-loaded DM-nitrophen as a light-dependent calcium source to homogeneously and quantitatively release calcium in the cytosol. By measuring [Ca2+] directly before and after the photorelease process and knowing the total amount of calcium being released photolytically, we get an estimate of the fraction of calcium ions which does not appear as free calcium and hence must be bound to either the indicator dye or the endogenous calcium buffer. This finally results in a two-dimensional map of the distribution of the immobile endogenous calcium buffer. We did not observe significant variations of the cellular calcium binding at a spatial resolution of approximately 2 micron. Furthermore, the calcium binding is not reduced by increasing the resting [Ca2+] to levels as high as 1.1 microM. This is indicative of a low calcium affinity of the corresponding buffers and is in agreement with a recent report on the affinity of these buffers (Xu, T., M. Naraghi, H. Kang, and E. Neher. 1997. Biophys. J. 73:532-545). In contrast to the homogeneous distribution of the calcium buffers, the apparant calcium diffusion coefficient did show inhomogeneities, which can be attributed to restricted diffusion at the nuclear envelope and to rim effects at the cell membrane.     

Calcium Channel Activity during Pollen Tube Growth and Reorientation

We have shown previously that the inhibition of pollen tube growth and its subsequent reorientation in Agapanthus umbellatus are preceded by an increase in cytosolic free calcium ([Ca2+]c), suggesting a role for Ca2+ in signaling these processes. In this study, a novel procedure was used to measure Ca2+ channel activity in living pollen tubes subjected to various growth reorienting treatments (electrical fields and ionophoretic microinjection). The method involves adding extracellular Mn2+ to quench the fluorescence of intracellular Indo-1 at its ca2+-insensitive wavelength (isosbestic point). The spatial and temporal kinetics of Ca2+ channel activity correlated well with measurements of [Ca2+]c dynamics obtained by fluorescence ratio imaging of Indo-1. Tip-focused gradients in Ca2+ channel activity and [Ca2+]c were observed and quantified in growing pollen tubes and in swollen pollen tubes before reoriented growth. In nongrowing pollen tubes, Ca2+ channel activity was very low and [Ca2+]c gradients were absent. Measurements of membrane potential indicated that the growth reorienting treatments induced a depolarization of the plasma membrane, suggesting that voltage-gated Ca2+ channels might be activated.     

Regulation of calcium signalling by 1-O-alkylglycerols in human Jurkat T lymphocytes

We studied the role of natural occurring 1-O-alkylglycerols on the calcium signalling in Jurkat T-cells. Alkylglycerols evoked an increase in free intracellular calcium concentration [Ca2+]i, in a dose-dependent manner. When the experiments were performed in calcium-free buffer, the alkylglycerol response on the rise of [Ca2+]i was wholly abolished compared with the one in calcium-containing buffer, suggesting that these etherlipids induce a calcium influx by the opening of Ca2+ channels. We further employed inhibitors of voltage-gated calcium channels. We observed that omega-conotoxin, a blocker of N-type voltage-activated Ca2+ channels, but not verapamil, a blocker of L-type voltage-activated Ca2+ channels, curtailed significantly the calcium rise evoked by the lipid agents. Alkylglycerols also induced plasma membrane depolarisation, known to be involved in the opening of the voltage-gated calcium channels. Our study shows that alkylglycerols increase [Ca2+]i influx in human Jurkat T-cells possibly by modulating the permeability of calcium channels.     

Ca2+]i recordings and the inactivation of the high-voltage activated Ca2+ currents in the adult rat sensory neuron.

Fast, single cell, measurement of the average cytosolic [Ca2+]i with the Fura-2 technique suggests that the depolarization induced [Ca2+]i rise is entirely due to entry through the voltage-activated Ca2+ channels. Involvement of a Ca(2+)-induced Ca(2+)-release process is not evident. Under physiological cytosolic buffering the current-induced [Ca2+]i rise persists for seconds and decays exponentially (tau = 7 s). Analysis of the [Ca2+]i changes during two-pulse protocols indicates that the purely voltage-dependent inactivation of the high voltage-activated (HVA) channels, in the range -80/+70 mV, is a slow process (0.2-1 s) which removes at most 40% of the current. On the contrary, Ca(2+)-dependent inactivation acts in a fast way and it is therefore responsible for the fast inactivating phase of the current; this phase disappears under sustained [Ca2+]i loads, and reappears when redistribution of free Ca2+ takes place. A suitable correction may be devised to compensate for the Ca(2+)-dependent inactivation.     

Increased calcium influx in dystrophic muscle

We examined pathways which might result in the elevated resting free calcium [( Ca2+]i) levels observed in dystrophic mouse (mdx) skeletal muscle fibers and myotubes and human Duchenne muscular dystrophy myotubes. We found that mdx fibers, loaded with the calcium indicator fura-2, were less able to regulate [Ca2+]i levels in the region near the sarcolemma. Increased calcium influx or decreased efflux could lead to elevated [Ca2+]i levels. Calcium transient decay times were identical in normal and mdx fibers if resting [Ca2+]i levels were similar, suggesting that calcium-sequestering mechanisms are not altered in dystrophic muscle, but are slowed by the higher resting [Ca2+]i. The defect appears to be specific for calcium since resting free sodium levels and sodium influx rates in the absence of Na+/K(+)-ATPase activity were identical in normal and dystrophic cells when measured with sodium-binding benzofuran isophthalate. Calcium leak channels, whose opening probabilities (Po) were voltage independent, could be the major calcium influx pathway at rest. We have shown previously that calcium leak channel Po is significantly higher in dystrophic myotubes. These leak channels were selective for calcium over sodium under physiological conditions. Agents that increased leak channel activity also increased [Ca2+]i in fibers and myotubes. These results suggest that increased calcium influx, as a result of increased leak channel activity, could result in the elevated [Ca2+]i in dystrophic muscle.     

The ATP-sensitive potassium channel in pancreatic B-cells is inhibited in physiological bicarbonate buffer

The effects of bicarbonate buffer (HCO3-/CO2) on the activity of the two K+ channels proposed by some to control the pancreatic B-cell membrane response to glucose were studied. Single K+-channel records from membrane patches of cultured B-cells dissociated from adult rat islets exposed to a glucose- and bicarbonate-free medium (Na-Hepes in place of bicarbonate) exhibit the activity of both the ATP-sensitive as well as the [Ca2+]i-activated K+ channels. However, in the presence of bicarbonate-buffered Krebs solution, the activity of the ATP-sensitive K+ channel is inhibited leaving the activity of the K+ channel activated by intracellular [Ca2+]i unaffected. In the absence of bicarbonate (Hepes/NaOH in place of bicarbonate), lowering the external pH from 7.4 to 7.0 also has differential effects on the two K+ channels. While the K+ channel sensitive to ATP is inhibited, the K+ channel activated by a rise in [Ca2+]i is not affected. To determine whether the response of the B-cell in culture to bicarbonate is also present when the B-cell is functioning within the islet syncytium, the effects of bicarbonate removal on membrane potential of B-cells from intact mouse islets were compared. These studies showed that glucose-evoked electrical activity is also blocked in bicarbonate-free Krebs solution. Furthermore, in the absence of bicarbonate and presence of glucose (11 mM), electrical activity was recovered by lowering the pHo from 7.4 to 7.0. The ATP-sensitive K+-channel activity is greatly reduced by physiologically buffered solutions in pancreatic B-cells in culture. The most likely explanation for the bicarbonate effects is that they are mediated by cytosolic pH changes. Removal of bicarbonate (keeping the external pH at 7.4 with Hepes/NaOH as buffer) would increase the pHi. Since the activity of the [Ca2+]i-dependent K+ channels is not affected by the removal of the bicarbonate buffer, our patch-clamp data in cultured B-cells indicate an involvement of [Ca2+]i-activated K+ channels in the control of the membrane potential. For the B-cell in the islet, we propose that the burst pattern of electrical activity (Ca2+ entry) is controlled, at least in part, by the [Ca2+]i-activated K+ channel.     

A single-pool model for intracellular calcium oscillations and waves in the Xenopus laevis oocyte.

We construct a minimal model of cytosolic free Ca2+ oscillations based on Ca2+ release via the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptor/Ca2+ channel (IP3R) of a single intracellular Ca2+ pool. The model relies on experimental evidence that the cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]c) modulates the IP3R in a biphasic manner, with Ca2+ release inhibited by low and high [Ca2+]c and facilitated by intermediate [Ca2+]c, and that channel inactivation occurs on a slower time scale than activation. The model produces [Ca2+]c oscillations at constant [IP3] and reproduces a number of crucial experiments. The two-dimensional spatial model with IP3 dynamics, cytosolic diffusion of IP3 (Dp = 300 microns 2 s-1), and cytosolic diffusion of Ca2+ (Dc = 20 microns 2 s-1) produces circular, planar, and spiral waves of Ca2+ with speeds of 7-15 microns.s-1, which annihilate upon collision. Increasing extracellular [Ca2+] influx increases wave speed and baseline [Ca2+]c. A [Ca2+]c-dependent Ca2+ diffusion coefficient does not alter the qualitative behavior of the model. An important model prediction is that channel inactivation must occur on a slower time scale than activation in order for waves to propagate. The model serves to capture the essential macroscopic mechanisms that are involved in the production of intracellular Ca2+ oscillations and traveling waves in the Xenopus laevis oocyte.     

Sarcoplasmic reticulum lumenal Ca2+ has access to cytosolic activation and inactivation sites of skeletal muscle Ca2+ release channel.

The effects of sarcoplasmic reticulum lumenal (trans) Ca2+ on cytosolic (cis) ATP-activated rabbit skeletal muscle Ca2+ release channels (ryanodine receptors) were examined using the planar lipid bilayer method. Single channels were recorded in symmetric 0.25 M KCl media with K+ as the major current carrier. With nanomolar [Ca2+] in both bilayer chambers, the addition of 2 mM cytosolic ATP greatly increased the number of short channel openings. As lumenal [Ca2+] was increased from < 0.1 microM to approximately 250 microM, increasing channel activities and events with long open time constants were seen at negative holding potentials. Channel activity remained low at positive holding potentials. Further increase in lumenal [Ca2+] to 1, 5, and 10 mM resulted in a decrease in channel activities at negative holding potentials and increased activities at positive holding potentials. A voltage-dependent activation by 50 microM lumenal Ca2+ was also observed when the channel was minimally activated by < 1 microM cytosolic Ca2+ in the absence of ATP. With microM cytosolic Ca2+ in the presence or absence of 2 mM ATP, single-channel activities showed no or only a weak voltage dependence. Other divalent cations (Mg2+, Ba2+) could not replace lumenal Ca2+. On the contrary, cytosolic ATP-activated channel activities were decreased as lumenal Ca2+ fluxes were reduced by the addition of 1-5 mM BaCl2 or MgCl2 to the lumenal side, which contained 50 microM Ca2+. An increase in [KCl] from 0.25 M to 1 M also reduced single-channel activities. Addition of the "fast" Ca2+ buffer 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethanetetraacetic acid (BAPTA) to the cls chamber increased cytosolic ATP-, lumenal Ca(2+)-activated channel activities to a nearly maximum level. These results suggested that lumenal Ca2+ flowing through the skeletal muscle Ca2+ release channel may regulate channel activity by having access to cytosolic Ca2+ activation and Ca2+ inactivation sites that are located in "BAPTA-inaccessible" and "BAPTA-accessible" spaces, respectively.     

Effects of calcium channel antagonists on the corpora allata of adult male loreyi leafworm Mythimna loreyi: juvenile hormone acids release and intracellular calcium level

The effects of voltage-dependent calcium channel (VDCC) antagonists and the non-specific calcium channel antagonists on both juvenile hormone acids (JHA) release and cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) are investigated in the corpora allata (CA) of the adult males loreyi leafworm Mythimna loreyi. The VDCC antagonists used in this study are: the L-type antagonists diltiazem, nifedipine, and verapamil, the N-type antagonist omega-Conotoxin (CgTx) GVIA, the N- and P/Q-type antagonist omega-CgTx MVIIC, and the T-type antagonist amiloride. The non-specific calcium channel antagonists used in this study were cadmium (Cd2+), cobalt (Co2+), nickle (Ni2+), and lanthanum (La3+). The results show that both the DHPs-sensitive L-type antagonist nifedipine and the N-type antagonist omega-CgTx GVIA were able to inhibit JHA release, but only omega-CgTx GVIA was able to reduce the [Ca2+]i. Among the non-specific calcium channel antagonists, Cd2+ is the most potent in reducing JHA release but without obvious effect on the [Ca2+]i, La3+ significantly increases the [Ca2+]i but without effect on JHA release.     

Sites and mechanisms of Ca2+ movement in non-excitable cells

The level of free cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) in cells is firmly established as a second messenger alternative to the cyclic nucleotides. Regulation of the activity of Ca2+ requires the use of membrane transporters of various types which can be classified in terms of their transport rate; channels (fast), carriers (intermediate) and pumps (slow). In general channels are used to elevate [Ca2+]i whereas pumps decrease [Ca2+]i. At physiological membrane potential and Na+ gradients, carriers such as the 3Na+/Ca2+ exchanger also deplete the cell of Ca2+. The carriers could also function in a reverse mode especially with plasma membrane depolarization. Intracellular organelles which can incorporate Ca2+ from and return Ca2+ to the cytosol play a central role in determining [Ca2+]i in resting and stimulated cells. In the resting cell they function as the major Ca2+ buffering system while in the stimulated cell they participate in the dynamic control of [Ca2+]i. The collection of papers in this volume discusses the mechanisms of modulation of cell Ca2+ by these organelles.     

Water Channels Are Involved in Stomatal Oscillations Encoded by Parameter-Specific Cytosolic Calcium Oscillations

Earlier studies have shown that various stimuli can induce specific cytosolic calcium （[Ca^2＋]cyt） oscillations in guard cells and various oscillations in stomatal apertures. Exactly how [Ca^2＋]cyt oscillation signaling functions in stomatal oscillation is not known. In the present study, the epidermis of broad bean （Vicia faba L.） was used and a rapid ion-exchange treatment with two shifting buffers differing in K^＋ and Ca^2＋ concentrations was applied. The treatment for fivetransients at a 10-min transient period induced clear and regular stomatal oscillation. However, for other transient numbers and periods, the treatments induced some Irregular oscillations or even no obvious oscillations in stomatal aperture. The results indicate that stomatal oscillation Is encoded by parameter-specific [Ca^2＋]cyt oscillation： the parameters of [Ca^2＋]cyt oscillation affected the occurrence rate and the parameters of stomatal oscillation. The water channel inhibitor HgCl2 completely Inhibited stomatal oscillation and the inhibitory effect could be partially reversed by β-mercaptoethanol （an agent capable of reversing water channel inhibition by HgCl2）. Other Inhibitory treatments against Ion transport （i.e. the application of LaCIs, EGTA, or tetraethylammonlum chloride （TEACI）） weakly impaired stomatal oscillation when the compounds were added after rapid ion-exchange treatment. If these compounds were added before rapid-ion exchange treatment, the inhibitory effect was much more apparent （except In the case of TEACI）. The results of the present study suggest that water channels are involved In stomatal oscillation as a downstream element of [Ca^2＋]cyt oscillation signaling.     

Parathyroid hormone-activated calcium channels in an osteoblast-like clonal osteosarcoma cell line. cAMP-dependent and cAMP-independent calcium channels

Changes in free cytosolic calcium were measured in UMR-106 cells in response to parathyroid hormone (PTH) stimulation. Bovine PTH-(1-34) induced an increase in [Ca2+]i with the contour of the rise in [Ca2+]i occurring in three successive phases: a rapid increase in [Ca2+]i occurring within seconds, rapid decrement in [Ca2+]i to near-resting levels within 1 min, and slow increment in [Ca2+]i. Phase one and phase three increases in [Ca2+]i were dependent on medium calcium. The phase one rise in [Ca2+]i was inhibitable by the calcium channel blockers lanthanum and verapamil. Only the phase one rise in [Ca2+]i was blocked by preincubation of the cells with the phorbol ester, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. This channel was also blocked when cellular cAMP levels were increased prior to PTH stimulation. The phase two decrement of [Ca2+]i was due to the rapid inactivation of the phase one calcium channel. The phase three rise in [Ca2+]i was mediated by cellular cAMP levels. This cAMP-dependent Ca2+ channel was insensitive to pretreatment of the cells with phorbol diesters and showed low sensitivity to Ca2+ channel blockers. It is concluded that UMR-106 cells respond to PTH stimulation by the activation of a cAMP-independent Ca2+ channel. This channel rapidly inactivates. The subsequent PTH-dependent increase in cellular cAMP is followed by activation of a cAMP-dependent Ca2+ channel resulting in a slow rise in [Ca2+]i.     

Expanding the range of free calcium regulation in biological solutions

Many biological systems use ethylene glycol bis (beta-aminoethylether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA) to regulate the free calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](free)) in the presence of physiological levels of free Mg(2+) ([Mg(2+)](free)). Frequently, it is necessary to work at [Ca(2+)](free) beyond EGTA's buffering capabilities. Therefore, we have developed methods to extend the buffering range by adding nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) to solutions containing EGTA. This extension results from NTA having a lower K'(dCa) than EGTA. Such equilibria are solved by pCa Calculator, a computer program designed to aid in the study of Ca(2+)-dependent physiological processes while accounting for the effects of pH, temperature, and ionic strength. With multiple chelators and pH buffers from which to choose, pCa Calculator calculates the total concentration of each species required to achieve specified free concentrations of Ca(2+), ATP, and Mg(2+). The program is intuitive, user-friendly, and flexible enough to fix or vary the [Mg-ATP(2-)] and ionic strength. Moreover, it can account for increases in experimental volume from calcium addition. A comparative analysis is reported for testing solutions in the presence and absence of NTA by measuring the calcium binding affinity of fluorescent cardiac troponin C. These findings demonstrate that EGTA, when used in conjunction with NTA, improves and expands the regulation of free calcium in solution.     

Calcium buffering in presynaptic nerve terminals. Free calcium levels measured with arsenazo III

The particulate fraction from osmotically shocked synaptosomes ('synaptosomal membrances') sequesters Ca when incubated with ATP]containing solutions. This net accumulation of Ca can reduce the free [Ca2+] of the bathing medium to sub-micromolar levels (measured with arsenazo III). Two distinct types of Ca sequestration site are responsible for the Ca2+ buffering. One site, presumed to be smooth endoplasmic reticulum, operates at low [Ca2+] (less than 1 microM), and has a relatively small capacity. Ca sequestration at this site is prevented by the Ca2+ ionophore, A-23187, but not by mitochondrial poisons. The secone (mitochondrial) site, in contrast, is blocked by the mitochondrial uncoupler carbonyl cyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone, and oligomycin. Since the intraterminal organelles can buffer [Ca2+] to about 0.3-0.5 microM, this may be an upper limit to the normal resting level of [Ca2+]i in nerve terminals. In the steady state, total cell Ca and [Ca2+]i will be governed principally be Ca transport mechanisms in the plasmalemma; the intracellular organelle transport systems then operate in equilibrium with this [Ca2+]. During activity, however, Ca rapidly enters the terminals and [Ca2+]i rises. The intracellular buffering mechanisms then come into play and help to return [Ca2+]i toward the resting level; the non-mitochondrial Ca sequestration mechanism probably plays the major role in this Ca buffering.     

Diacylglycerol increases cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration in rat pituitary cells. Relationship to thyrotropin-releasing hormone action

To elucidate possible functions of elevation of endogenous diacylglycerol induced by thyrotropin-releasing hormone in pituitary cells, we have studied the actions of two synthetic diacylglycerols, sn-1-oleoyl-2-acetylglycerol (OAG) and sn-1,2-dioctanoylglycerol (DiC8), on cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in GH4C1 cells. OAG induced an immediate increase in [Ca2+]i which gradually reached a peak that was twice the basal level after the first min; [Ca2+]i then returned to remain at basal level after 3 min. The increase in [Ca2+]i was dependent on the concentration of OAG added with two apparent potencies; half-maximal actions on [Ca2+]i were observed at 70 nM and greater than 20 microM. The increase in [Ca2+]i induced by OAG was blocked completely by chelating extracellular calcium, or by pretreatment with calcium channel blockers. The phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate, which itself induces a rise in [Ca2+]i in these cells that is similar in time course, magnitude, and drug sensitivity to that of OAG, blocked completely the actions of subsequent exposure to OAG. Analogous results were obtained using DiC8, although DiC8 induced a transient inhibition to 75% of basal levels of [Ca2+]i after the initial increase in [Ca2+]i, and DiC8 was less potent than OAG. These data indicated that diacylglycerols induce influx of extracellular calcium in these cells, possibly by activation of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels. Furthermore, diacylglycerols and phorbol esters appear to utilize a common pathway in eliciting these actions on [Ca2+]i, possibly involving activation of a protein kinase C. These actions of diacylglycerol provide a pathway by which thyrotropin-releasing hormone may act to enhance calcium channel activity.