Evidence for ERK1/2 activation by thrombin that is independent of EGFR transactivation

Thrombin is involved in abnormal proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) associated with pathogenic vascular remodeling. Thrombin stimulation results in extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 activation through transactivation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Here, using specific antibodies and inhibitors, we investigated the thrombin-induced phosphorylation of Src family kinases, nonreceptor proline-rich tyrosine kinase (Pyk2), EGFR, and ERK1/2. Our results show that Src and Pyk2 are involved upstream of the EGFR transactivation that is required for ERK1/2 phosphorylation. The investigation of the role of intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) and calcium mobilization with the Ca2+ chelator BAPTA and thapsigargin, respectively, indicated that thrombin- and thapsigargin-induced phosphorylation of the EGFR but not ERK1/2 is dependent on an increase in [Ca2+]i. Moreover, only after BAPTA-AM pretreatment was thrombin-induced activation of ERK1/2 partially preserved from the effects of EGFR and PKC inhibition but not Src family kinase inhibition. These results suggest that BAPTA, by preventing [Ca2+]i elevation, unmasks a new pathway of Src family kinase-dependent thrombin-stimulated ERK1/2 phosphorylation that is independent of EGFR and PKC activation.     

Sphingosylphosphorylcholine enhances calcium entry in thyroid FRO cells by a mechanism dependent on protein kinase C

Several sphingolipid derivatives, including sphingosylphosphorylcholine (SPC), regulate a multitude of biological processes. In the present study we show that both human thyroid cancer cells (FRO cells) and normal human thyroid cells express G protein-coupled receptor 4 (GPR4) and ovarian cancer G protein-coupled receptor 1 (OGR1), putative SPC-specific receptors. In FRO cells SPC evoked a concentration-dependent increase in intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in a calcium containing, but not in a calcium-free buffer. Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) evoked an increase in [Ca2+]i in both a calcium containing and a calcium-free buffer. The phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor U 73122 potently attenuated the effect of SPC, suggesting that effects of SPC were mediated by a G protein coupled receptor. Overnight pretreatment of the cells with pertussis toxin did not affect the SPC-evoked response. Interestingly, SPC did not evoke an increase in inositol phosphates, although S1P did so. Furthermore, in cells pretreated with thapsigargin to deplete intracellular calcium stores, SPC still evoked an increase in [Ca2+]i, suggesting that SPC mainly evoked entry of extracellular calcium. When the cells were pretreated with the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor GF 109203X, or when the cells were pretreated with PMA for 24 h, the SPC-evoked calcium entry was attenuated. Thus, the SPC-evoked calcium entry was apparently dependent on PKC. In sharp contrast, the increase in [Ca2+]i evoked by S1P was not sensitive to GF 109203X. Furthermore, the calcium entry evoked by the diacylglycerol analog 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol was not inhibited by GF 109203X. In addition, SPC decreased the incorporation of 3H-thymidine in a concentration-dependent manner in FRO cells. Taken together, SPC may be an important factor regulating thyroid cancer cell function.     

Intracellular elevations of free calcium induced by activation of histamine H1 receptors in interphase and mitotic HeLa cells: hormone signal transduction is altered during mitosis

A broad range of membrane functions, including endocytosis and exocytosis, are strongly inhibited during mitosis. The underlying mechanisms are unclear, however, but will probably be important in relation to the mitotic cycle and the regulation of surface phenomena generally. A major unanswered question is whether membrane signal transduction is altered during mitosis; suppression of an intracellular calcium [( Ca2+]i) transient could inhibit exocytosis; [Ca2+]i elevation could disassemble the mitotic spindle. Activation of the histamine H1 receptor interphase in HeLa cells is shown here by Indo-1 fluorescence to produce a transient elevation of [Ca2+]i. The [Ca2+]i transient consists of an initial sharp rise that is at least partially dependent on intracellular calcium followed by an elevated plateau that is absolutely dependent on extracellular calcium. The [Ca2+]i transient is completely suppressed by preincubation with the tumor promoter, phorbol myristate acetate, but is unaffected by preincubation with pertussis toxin (islet-activating protein). In mitotic (metaphase- arrested) HeLa cells, the [Ca2+]i transient is largely limited to the initial peak. Measurement of 45Ca2+ uptake shows that it is stimulated by histamine in interphase cells, but not in mitotics. We conclude that the histamine-stimulated generation of the second messenger, [Ca2+]i, in mitotic cells is limited by failure to activate a sustained calcium influx. The initial phase of calcium mobilization from intracellular stores is comparable to that in interphase cells. Hormone signal transduction thus appears to be altered during mitosis.     

Lipophilicity of capsaicinoids and capsinoids influences the multiple activation process of rat TRPV1

Analogs of capsaicin, such as capsaicinoids and capsinoids, activate a cation channel, transient receptor potential cation channel vanilloid subfamily 1 (TRPV1), and then increase the intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i). These compounds would be expected to activate TRPV1 via different mechanism(s), depending on their properties. We synthesized several capsaicinoids and capsinoids that have variable lengths of acyl moiety. The activities of these compounds towards TRPV1 heterologously expressed in HEK293 cells were determined by measuring [Ca2+]i. When an extracellular or intracellular Ca2+ source was removed, some agonists such as capsaicin could increase [Ca2+]i. However, a highly lipophilic capsaicinoid containing C18:0 and capsinoids containing C14:0, C18:0, or C18:1 (the latter was named olvanilate) could not elicit a large increase in [Ca2+]i in the absence of an extracellular or intracellular Ca2+ source. These results suggest that highly lipophilic compounds cause only a slight Ca2+ influx, via TRPV1 in the plasma membrane, and are not able to activate TRPV1 in the endoplasmic reticulum.     

Vasopressin-induced increases in cellular free calcium concentration measured in single cells of rat renal papillary collecting tubule

We determined the cellular free calcium concentration [Ca2+]i in response to arginine vasopressin (AVP) using single cells of cultured rat renal papillary collecting tubule cells. AVP at a concentration of 1 x 10(-10) M or higher significantly increased [Ca2+]i in a dose-dependent manner. The prompt increase in [Ca2+]i induced by AVP was completely blocked by the V1V2 antagonist, but not by the V1 antagonist. Also, an antidiuretic agonist of 1-deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin (dDAVP) increased [Ca2+]i, which was blocked by the pretreatment with the V1 V2 antagonist. An AVP-induced increase in [Ca2+]i was still demonstrable in cells pretreated with Ca2(+)-free medium containing 1 x 10(-3) M EGTA, or a blocker of cellular Ca2+ uptake, 5 x 10(-5) M verapamil. These results indicate that AVP increases [Ca2+]i through the V2 receptor in renal papillary collecting tubule cells where cAMP is a well-known second messenger for AVP, and that cellular free Ca2+ mobilization depends on both the intracellular and extracellular Ca2+.     

Association of increased intracellular free Ca2+ by platelet-derived growth factor with mitogenesis but not with proteoglycan synthesis in chondrocytes--effect of suramin

The effects of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) on the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration [( Ca2+]i) in chondrocytes were studied with a fluorescent Ca2+ indicator, fura 2, and compared with the effects of PDGF on mitogenesis and proteoglycan synthesis. PDGF evoked phasic and then tonic increase in [Ca2+]i dose-dependently in quiescent cultures of chondrocytes, and it also stimulated both DNA and proteoglycan syntheses dose-dependently similar to somatomedins. Suramin, which inhibits the interaction of PDGF with its receptors, caused dose-dependent inhibition of both the PDGF-evoked increase in [Ca2+]i and stimulation of DNA synthesis by PDGF. However, suramin rather enhanced the proteoglycan synthesis induced by PDGF without affecting the basal level of proteoglycan synthesis directly. These results suggest that [Ca2+]i may be an important signal for the action of PDGF on cell proliferation in chondrocytes, and that the initial signal for proteoglycan synthesis is different from that for DNA synthesis induced by PDGF after the activation of PDGF receptor.     

Pretreatment of cloned helper T lymphocytes with IL-2 induces unresponsiveness to antigen and concanavalin A, associated with decreased inositol phosphate and diacylglycerol production

IL-2 pretreatment of cloned Th lymphocytes has been demonstrated to render these cells unresponsive to subsequent stimulation through the TCR. These cells remain unresponsive for up to 7 days after removal from IL-2. Cells rendered unresponsive to Ag by pretreatment with IL-2 also demonstrated reduced increases in intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) after stimulation, hence this unresponsiveness is believed to result from absence of sufficient [Ca2+]i for activation of lymphokine genes. We have confirmed these observations, and demonstrate that only that portion of the [Ca2+]i increase derived from extracellular sources is inhibited in IL-2 pretreated cells. Further, inositol degradation and diacylglycerol production after stimulation are observed to be markedly reduced in cells rendered unresponsive by IL-2 pretreatment, suggesting that signal transduction leading to cleavage of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate after Ag receptor engagement is incomplete in these cells. However, treatment of IL-2 pretreated cells with AlF4- results in both production of inositol phosphates as well as increased intracellular calcium, suggesting that phospholipase C remains active in these cells. It appears that chronic IL-2 exposure regulates Th activation by inhibiting the signal transduction which follows engagement of the TCR.     

Molecular signals in B cell activation. I. Differential refractory effects of incomplete signaling by ionomycin or PMA relate to autocrine IL-2 production and IL-2R expression

The molecular signals required by resting (G0) B cells for the induction of cell cycle entry, IL-2 production, and high-affinity IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) expression were defined and the effects of incomplete activation signals on the subsequent response to complete signals were examined. Highly enriched rabbit peripheral blood B cells were activated with a calcium ionophore, ionomycin, and a protein kinase C (PKC) activating phorbol ester, phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). It was observed that cell cycle entry to early G1 was induced by either reagent acting alone, but both reagents were required to stimulate IL-2 production, IL-2R expression, and DNA synthesis. These effects of ionomycin and PMA were shown to be mediated by increased intracellular calcium ion concentration [Ca2+]i and PKC activation, respectively. Although, increased [Ca2+]i or PKC activation each led to cell cycle entry, the subsequent response of these preactivated cells to complete activation with both signals was different: Cells pretreated with PMA alone for up to 24 hr could progress further to DNA synthesis after the addition of ionomycin. In contrast, cells activated with ionomycin alone, or those cultured without any stimulus, progressively lost the ability to show DNA synthesis after complete activation. The failure to progress to DNA synthesis in these two cases was, however, differentially regulated by the ability of these cells to produce IL-2 and to express IL-2R. Ionomycin-pretreated cells retained the ability to produce IL-2 but showed about 70% reduction in the numbers of IL-2R; whereas cells cultured without any stimulus lost the ability to produce IL-2 after subsequent complete activation, but showed lesser reduction in IL-2R expression.     

Measurement of intracellular Ca2+ in BC3H-1 muscle cells with Fura-2: relationship to acetylcholine receptor synthesis

Synthesis of acetylcholine receptors (AChR) can be affected by calcium, but the role played by this cation is controversial. The effect of changes in extracellular calcium, [Ca2+]o, on AChR synthesis was examined in a cultured mouse muscle cell line, BC3H-1. Reduction of [Ca2+]o for long periods (approximately 22 h) leads to a decrease in total surface AChR levels, a finding that is consistent with inhibition of AChR synthesis. A half-maximal reduction in surface AChR levels is observed when [Ca2+]o is decreased from 1.8 to approximately 5o microM. Under these conditions, however, total protein synthesis is also largely inhibited, suggesting that the effect of [Ca2+]o on AChR synthesis may be relatively non-specific. Increasing [Ca2+]i by adding the Ca2+ ionophore, A23187 (in the presence of 1.8 mM [Ca2+]o) also gives similar and significant reductions of both AChR and protein synthesis. Since the time course of changes in intracellular calcium [( Ca2+]i) produced by these manoeuvres is unknown, we examined the effects of briefer (1-6 h) reductions in [Ca2+]o and achieved a more specific reduction in AChR synthesis. A direct measurement of the changes in [Ca2+]i resulting from changes in [Ca2+]o was made using the fluorescent indicator Fura-2 and video fluorescence microscopy. Our results show that in BC3H-1 muscle cells the resting intracellular calcium decreases reversibly over 20 min when [Ca2+]o is decreased. We suggest that a reduction of [Ca2+]i produced by the lower [Ca2+]o underlies the reduction in AChR synthesis observed in these experiments.     

Presence of functionally active protease-activated receptors 1 and 2 in myenteric glia

Protease-activated receptors (PARs) belong to the family of membrane receptors coupled to G-proteins; their presence is reported in a wide variety of cells. The object of this study was to demonstrate the presence of PAR-1 and PAR-2 in myenteric glia of the guinea pig, and to elucidate the cellular mechanisms that are triggered upon receptor activation. Thrombin and PAR-1 agonist peptide (PARP-1) activate PAR-1 with a maximum mean +/- SEM change in intracellular calcium concentration with respect to basal level (Delta[Ca2+]i) of 183 +/- 18 nm and 169 +/- 6 nm, respectively. Trypsin and PAR-2 agonist peptide (PARP-2) activate PAR-2 with a maximum Delta[Ca2+]i of 364 +/- 28 nm and 239 +/- 19 nm, respectively. Inhibition of phospholipase C by U73312 (1 microm) decreased the Delta[Ca2+]i due to PAR-1 activation from 167 +/- 10 nm to 87 +/- 6 nm. The PAR-2-mediated Delta[Ca2+]i decreased from 193 +/- 10 nm to 124 +/- 8 nm when phospholipase C activity was inhibited. Blockade of sphingosine kinase with dimethylsphingosine (1 microm) decreased the Delta[Ca2+]i due to PAR-2 activation from 149 +/- 19 nm to 67 +/- 1 nm, but did not influence the PAR-1-mediated Delta[Ca2+]i. PAR-1 and PAR-2 were localized in myenteric glia by immunolabeling. Our results indicate that PAR-1 and PAR-2 are present in myenteric glia of the guinea pig, and their activation leads to increases in intracellular calcium via different signal transduction mechanisms that involve activation of phospholipase C and sphingosine kinase.     

Interrelationships of platelet-derived growth factor isoform-induced changes in c-fos expression, intracellular free calcium, and mitogenesis

Both increases in c-fos proto-oncogene expression and intracellular free calcium ([Ca2+]i) have been implicated as necessary components of the signal transduction pathway by which platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) stimulates DNA synthesis in cultured BALB/c3T3 fibroblasts. To determine the interrelationship between PDGF-induced increases in c-fos proto-oncogene expression and [Ca2+]i, purified, recombinant BB and AA homodimeric isoforms of PDGF were used to evaluate the dose-response relationships and mechanisms of growth factor-induced changes in these two parameters as well as DNA synthesis. Concentration-dependent increases in [Ca2+]i, c-fos expression, and [3H]thymidine incorporation were observed with both BB and AA PDGF isoforms. BB PDGF was consistently more potent and efficacious than the AA isoform in eliciting a given response. The [Ca2+]i dependency of PDGF-induced increases in c-fos expression and DNA synthesis was determined by pretreatment of cells with agents that inhibit increases in [Ca2+]i: BAPTA, Quin-2, and TMB-8. Under these conditions, PDGF-induced DNA synthesis was blocked, whereas c-fos expression was enhanced. Conversely, in cells made deficient in protein kinase C (PKC) activity by prolonged treatment with phorbol ester, BB and AA PDGF-induced c-fos expression was inhibited by 75-80%, while PDGF-induced increases in [Ca2+]i and DNA synthesis were unaffected or enhanced. Additionally, the PKC-independent component of PDGF-stimulated c-fos expression was found to be independent of increases in [Ca2+]i. These data suggest that 1) both BB and AA PDGF isoforms elicit alterations in [Ca2+]i and c-fos proto-oncogene expression through the same or similar mechanisms in BALB/c3T3 fibroblasts, 2) PDGF-stimulated increases in [Ca2+]i are not required for c-fos expression, and 3) distinct pathways regulate PDGF-induced c-fos expression and mitogenesis, with c-fos expression being substantially PKC-dependent yet [Ca2+]i-independent, while mitogenesis is [Ca2+]i-dependent yet PKC-independent.     

Extracellular superoxide dismutase in the vascular system of mammals.

NIH 3T3 cells, which express a small number of EGF (epidermal growth factor) receptors, are poorly responsive to EGF. However, when the same cells overexpress the cloned human EGF receptor (EGFR T17 cells), they display EGF-dependent transformation. In EGFR T17 cells (but not in the parental NIH 3T3 cells), EGF is shown here to trigger polyphosphoinositide hydrolysis as well as the generation of the ensuing intracellular signals, the increase in the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and pH. EGF induced a large accumulation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate, with a peak at 15-30 s and a slow decline thereafter. Other inositol phosphates (1,3,4-trisphosphate and 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate) increased less rapidly and to a lesser degree. [Ca2+]i increased after a short lag, reached a peak at 25 s and remained elevated for several minutes. By use of incubation media with and without Ca2+, the initial phase of the EGF-induced [Ca2+]i increase was shown to be due largely to Ca2+ release from intracellular stores. In contrast with previous observations in human A431 cells, the concentration-dependence of the EGF-triggered [Ca2+]i increase in EGFR T17 cells paralleled that of [3H]thymidine incorporation. It is concluded that polyphosphoinositide hydrolysis, [Ca2+]i increase and cytoplasmic alkalinization are part of the spectrum of intracellular signals generated by the activation of one single EGF receptor type. These processes might be triggered by the receptor via activation of the intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity. Large stimulation of DNA synthesis and proliferation by EGF in EGFR T17 cells could be due to a synergistic interplay between the two signal pathways initiated by tyrosine phosphorylation and polyphosphoinositide hydrolysis.     

Epac- and Ca2+ -controlled activation of Ras and extracellular signal-regulated kinases by Gs-coupled receptors

We have recently reported that two typical Gs-coupled receptors, the beta2-adrenergic receptor and the receptor for prostaglandin E1, stimulate phospholipase C-epsilon (PLC-epsilon) and increase intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in HEK-293 cells and N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells, respectively, by a pathway involving Epac1, a cAMP-activated and Rap-specific guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF), and the GTPase Rap2B. Here we have demonstrated that these Gs-coupled receptors use this pathway to activate H-Ras and the extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2). Specifically, agonist activation of the receptors resulted in activation of H-Ras and ERK1/2. The latter action was suppressed by dominant negative H-Ras, but not Rap1A. The receptor actions were independent of protein kinase A but fully mimicked by an Epac-specific cAMP analog as well as by a constitutively active Rap2B mutant. On the other hand, a cAMP-binding-deficient Epac1 mutant, the Rap GTPase-activating proteinII, and a dominant negative Rap2B mutant suppressed receptor- and Epac-mediated activation of H-Ras and ERK1/2. Finally, we have demonstrated that activation of H-Ras and ERK1/2 requires the lipase activity of PLC-epsilon and the subsequent [Ca2+]i increase, suggesting that H-Ras activation is mediated by a Ca2+ -activated GEF. In line with this hypothesis, receptor-mediated activation of H-Ras and ERK1/2 was strongly enhanced by expression of RasGRP1, a Ca2+ -regulated Ras-GEF. Collectively, our data indicated that Gs-coupled receptors can activate H-Ras and subsequently the mitogen-activated protein kinases ERK1/2 by a Ca2+ -activated Ras-GEF, possibly RasGRP1, mediated by cAMP-activated Epac proteins, which then lead via Rap2B and PLC-epsilon stimulation to [Ca2+]i increase.     

Effect of anti-Ig on cytosolic Ca2+ in Daudi lymphoblastoid cells

We examined the response in the free intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) of Daudi (human lymphoblastoid) cells to antibodies against human immunoglobulins (anti-Ig), and the relationship of [Ca2+]i to anti-Ig-induced capping. At 80 microM intracellular quin-2 (a fluorescent probe for [Ca2+]i), anti-Ig (10 micrograms/ml) caused a rapid increase in [Ca2+]i from 100 to 600 nM; the signal returned to baseline with approximately 1 min. At 450 microM intracellular quin-2, [Ca2+]i rose to only approximately 250 microM, and the signal declined gradually, returning to base line after greater than 7 min. In subsequent experiments, the lower concentrations of quin-2 were employed. Plots of the amplitude of the [Ca2+]i transients and of the binding of 125I-anti-Ig to Daudi cells versus the concentrations of anti-Ig showed similar saturation kinetics, with half-saturation occurring at 2-3 micrograms/ml. Part of the calcium in the transient is derived from the extracellular medium, and part from the nonmitochondrial intracellular stores. Caffeine (4 mM) and 8-(diethylamino)octyl 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate HCl (0.5 mM) suppressed the release of calcium from internal stores and the entry of calcium from outside the cells, but permitted capping in more than half of the cells. Phorbol esters (1-2 nM) inhibited both capping and the anti-Ig-induced decrease in [Ca2+]i. None of these agents blocked the binding of anti-Ig to the cells. It appears that receptor capping is not dependent on the anti-Ig-induced transient increase in calcium concentration.     

Ginkgo biloba extract-induced relaxation of rat aorta is associated with increase in endothelial intracellular calcium level.

Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) has been used clinically for improving peripheral vascular diseases in France and Germany. In the present study, to clarify the pharmacological properties of vasodilation produced by GBE, we examined the effect of GBE and quercetin, one of the ingredients in GBE, on the thoracic aorta isolated from Wistar rats. GBE produced a dose-dependent relaxation in the aortic ring precontracted with noradrenaline, and the relaxation was abolished by L-N(G)-nitro arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). Quercetin produced a similar relaxation, which was also abolished by L-NAME. We then examined the effects of GBE and quercetin on the intracellular calcium level ([Ca2+]i) of cultured aortic endothelial cells using a fluorescent confocal microscopic imaging system. Both GBE and quercetin produced significant increases in [Ca2+]i in the endothelial cells. The increase in [Ca2+]i by quercetin (10(-6) M) was abolished by removing the extracellular Ca2+, but was not affected by thapsigargin, a calcium pump inhibitor. These findings suggest that a principal ingredient of GBE producing vasodilation is quercetin, which can activate nitric oxide synthesis and release by increasing [Ca2+]i in vascular endothelial cells.     

Insulin-like growth factor I stimulates inositol phosphate accumulation, a rise in cytoplasmic free calcium, and proliferation in cultured porcine thyroid cells

Insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) stimulates thyroid cell proliferation. Using primary cultured porcine thyroid cells, we studied the intracellular pathways that mediate the action of IGF-I on thyroid cell proliferation. IGF-I stimulates inositol phosphate accumulation, a rise in cytoplasmic free calcium [( Ca2+]i), and cell proliferation. Exposure to IGF-I results in a time- and dose-dependent accumulation of inositol monophosphate, inositol bisphosphate, and inositol trisphosphate. IGF-I also increases [Ca2+]i, measured using fura-2, a fluorescent Ca2+ indicator; the IGF-I-induced [Ca2+]i response occurs immediately, reaches a maximum within 1 min, and then slowly declines. IGF-I stimulates thyroid cell proliferation, stimulates thymidine incorporation, and increases cell numbers. The IGF-I-induced inositol phosphate accumulation and [Ca2+]i response parallel thyroid cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner; the maximal response is observed at a concentration of 100 ng/ml IGF-I, with half-maximal stimulation at approximately 10 ng/ml. Inositol phosphate accumulation and [Ca2+]i response after IGF-I stimulation may function as intracellular messengers for thyroid cell proliferation. This report may constitute the first demonstration of IGF-I-stimulated inositol phosphate accumulation and [Ca2+]i response in the cells.     

Ammonia inhibits the C-type natriuretic peptide-dependent cyclic GMP synthesis and calcium accumulation in a rat brain endothelial cell line

Recently we reported a decrease of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP)-dependent, natriuretic peptide receptor 2 (NPR2)-mediated cyclic GMP (cGMP) synthesis in a non-neuronal compartment of cerebral cortical slices of hyperammonemic rats [Zielińska, M., Fresko, I., Konopacka, A., Felipo, V., Albrecht, J., 2007. Hyperammonemia inhibits the natriuretic peptide receptor 2 (NPR2)-mediated cyclic GMP synthesis in the astrocytic compartment of rat cerebral cortex slices. Neurotoxicology 28, 1260-1263]. Here we accounted for the possible involvement of cerebral capillary endothelial cells in this response by measuring the effect of ammonia on the CNP-mediated cGMP formation and intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) accumulation in a rat cerebral endothelial cell line (RBE-4). We first established that stimulation of cGMP synthesis in RBE-4 cells was coupled to protein kinase G (PKG)-mediated Ca2+ influx from the medium which was inhibited by an L-type channel blocker nimodipine. Ammonia treatment (1h, 5mM NH4Cl) evoked a substantial decrease of CNP-stimulated cGMP synthesis which was related to a decreased binding of CNP to NPR2 receptors, and depressed the CNP-dependent [Ca2+]i accumulation in these cells. Ammonia also abolished the CNP-dependent Ca2+ accumulation in the absence of Na+. In cells incubated with ammonia in the absence of Ca2+ a slight CNP-dependent increase of [Ca2+]i was observed, most likely representing Ca2+ release from intracellular stores. Depression of CNP-dependent cGMP-mediated [Ca2+]i accumulation may contribute to cerebral vascular endothelial dysfunction associated with hyperammonemia or hepatic encephalopathy.     

Regulation of programmed death in erythroid progenitor cells by erythropoietin: effects of calcium and of protein and RNA syntheses.

Erythropoietin (EPO) retards DNA breakdown characteristic of programmed cell death (apoptosis) and promotes survival in erythroid progenitor cells. The mechanism by which EPO inhibits programmed death is unknown. In the well-characterized model of glucocorticoid-treated thymocytes, activation of a Ca2+/Mg(2+)-sensitive endonuclease and new protein and RNA syntheses have been found necessary for apoptosis. We examined the effects of EPO on the free intracellular calcium ion concentration ([Ca2+]i), and the roles of Ca2+ and RNA and protein syntheses on DNA cleavage in erythroid progenitor cells. The murine model of erythroid differentiation using Friend leukemia virus-infected proerythroblasts (FVA cells) was used. EPO did not affect the [Ca2+]i in FVA cells. Decreasing [Ca2+]i by extracellular Ca2+ chelation with EGTA facilitated DNA breakdown. Increasing [Ca2+]i with the calcium ionophore 4-bromo-A23187 increased DNA cleavage; however, DNA fragments generated by high [Ca2+]i were much larger than those seen in the absence of EPO or presence of EGTA. Increased [Ca2+]i also inhibited DNA breakdown to small oligonucleosomal fragments characteristic of cells cultured without EPO. However, no concentration of ionophore protected the high molecular weight DNA as did EPO. Cycloheximide inhibited DNA breakdown in a dose dependent manner in cultures lacking EPO, but two other protein synthesis inhibitors, pactamycin and puromycin, did not prevent DNA breakdown. Inhibition of RNA synthesis with actinomycin D did not prevent DNA breakdown. Cells with morphological characteristics similar to those reported in other cells undergoing programmed death accumulated in EPO-derived cultures. These studies demonstrate that although DNA cleavage and morphological changes are common to apoptotic cells, the roles for Ca2+ and protein and RNA syntheses are not universal and suggest that apoptosis can be regulated by different biochemical mechanisms in different cell types.     

Agonist activation of cytosolic Ca2+ in subfornical organ cells projecting to the supraoptic nucleus

The subfornical organ (SFO) is sensitive to both ANG II and ACh, and local application of these agents produces dipsogenic responses and vasopressin release. The present study examined the effects of cholinergic drugs, ANG II, and increased extracellular osmolarity on dissociated, cultured cells of the SFO that were retrogradely labeled from the supraoptic nucleus. The effects were measured as changes in cytosolic calcium in fura 2-loaded cells by using a calcium imaging system. Both ACh and carbachol increased intracellular ionic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i). However, in contrast to the effects of muscarinic receptor agonists on SFO neurons, manipulation of the extracellular osmolality produced no effects, and application of ANG II produced only moderate effects on [Ca2+]i in a few retrogradely labeled cells. The cholinergic effects on [Ca2+]i could be blocked with the muscarinic receptor antagonist atropine and with the more selective muscarinic receptor antagonists pirenzepine and 4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiperdine methiodide (4-DAMP). In addition, the calcium in the extracellular fluid was required for the cholinergic-induced increase in [Ca2+]i. These findings indicate that ACh acts to induce a functional cellular response in SFO neurons through action on a muscarinic receptor, probably of the M1 subtype and that the increase of [Ca2+]i, at least initially, requires the entry of extracellular Ca2+. Also, consistent with a functional role of M1 receptors in the SFO are the results of immunohistochemical preparations demonstrating M1 muscarinic receptor-like protein present within this forebrain circumventricular organ.