Ca(2+) measurements in skinned cardiac fibers: effects of Mg(2+) on Ca(2+) activation of force and fiber ATPase.

In contrast to previous studies, a new fluorescent method was used to accurately determine the Ca(2+) concentration in test solutions used to activate skinned rat cardiac cells. This method used the calcium green-2 fluorescent indicator, which is shown to change its fluorescence over the Ca(2+) range responsible for Ca(2+) activation of force and ATPase. The dissociation constant (K(d)) of calcium green-2 for Ca(2+) was determined for three different Mg(2+) concentrations in solutions similar to those used in the experiment. Increasing Mg(2+) concentration from 1.0 to 8.0 mM had no significant effect on the Ca(2+) sensitivity of either force or actomyosin ATPase activity, in contrast to previous reported studies on force. The ATPase activity was activated at lower Ca(2+) concentration than the force. The ratio (ATPase/force) is proportional to the dissociation rate of force-generating myosin cross bridges and decreased during Ca(2+) activation. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that cardiac muscle contraction is activated by a single Ca(2+)-specific binding site on troponin C.     

Neuronal-specific endoplasmic reticulum Mg(2+)/Ca(2+) ATPase Ca(2+) sequestration in mixed primary hippocampal culture homogenates

Endoplasmic reticulum Mg(2+)/Ca(2+) ATPase Ca(2+) sequestration is crucial for maintenance of neuronal Ca(2+) homeostasis. The use of cell culture in conjunction with modern Ca(2+) imaging techniques has been invaluable in elucidating these mechanisms. While imaging protocols evaluate endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) loads, measurement of Mg(2+)/Ca(2+) ATPase activity is indirect, comparing cytosolic Ca(2+) levels in the presence or absence of the Mg(2+)/Ca(2+) ATPase inhibitor thapsigargin. Direct measurement of Mg(2+)/Ca(2+) ATPase by isolation of microsomes is impossible due to the minuscule amounts of protein yielded from cultures used for imaging. In the current study, endoplasmic reticulum Mg(2+)/Ca(2+) ATPase Ca(2+) sequestration was measured in mixed homogenates of neurons and glia from primary hippocampal cultures. It was demonstrated that Ca(2+) uptake was mediated by the endoplasmic reticulum Mg(2+)/Ca(2+) ATPase due to its dependence on ATP and Mg(2+), enhancement by oxalate, and inhibition by thapsigargin. It was also shown that neuronal Ca(2+) uptake, mediated by the type 2 sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca(2+) ATPase isoform, could be distinguished from glial Ca(2+) uptake in homogenates composed of neurons and glia. Finally, it was revealed that Ca(2+) uptake was sensitive to incubation on ice, extremely labile in the absence of protease inhibitors, and significantly more stable under storage conditions at -80 degrees C.     

Effect of lead on the erythrocyte (Ca2+,Mg2+)-ATPase activity Calmodulin involvement

Summary I have investigated the effect of lead on the erythrocyte ghosts (Ca²⁺,Mg²⁺)-ATPase, with special attention to the role of calmodulin in this phenomena. Under regular incubation conditions, lead inhibits the enzyme with an IC₅₀ of 6.0 µM. The presence of exogenously added calmodulin apparently does not change this inhibitory value. DTT added during the incubation period does not affect the inhibitory action of lead. However, when the membranes are preincubated with DTT, an important IC₅₀ displacement is observed, either with or without added calmodulin. Since [¹²⁵I]calmodulin binding to the membranes is enhanced when lead is used, the possibility of a lead/calmodulin complex that optimally stimulates the enzyme using lead concentrations between 1.0 and 10.0 µM, is suggested. Based on the experimental data, I propose two well defined actions of lead; first, an inhibitory action upon the ATPase above 1.0 µM lead, most probably related to essential sullphydryl groups in the enzyme; and second, a direct action of lead upon calmodulin at lead concentrations below 1.0 µM.A preliminary report has been presented at the 5^th European Bioenergetics Conference. Aberystwyth, Wales. 20–26 July 1988. EBEC Reports. vol 5; p294 (1988).     

Cation (K+, Mg2+, Ca2+) exchange in Pb2+ accumulation by Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The relationship between Pb²⁺ accumulation and cation (K⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺) release in Saccharomyces cerevisiae was extensively investigated. As Pb²⁺ accumulation proceeded, the release of cellular metal ions such as K⁺, Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺ was concomitantly released within 24 h, thereafter Pb²⁺ penetrated into the inner cellular parts and consequently plasmolysis of the cell was observed by TEM analysis. Pb²⁺ accumulation process in S. cerevisiae after 24 h was metabolism-independent because of the absence of cell viability. As the cell storage time was prolonged, the released amount of K⁺ was markedly increased, while the amount of accumulated Pb²⁺ was nearly constant regardless of cell storage time and the time required to reach an equilibrium state was shortened. The autoclaved cells had less Pb²⁺ accumulation capacity than the untreated cells, and the amounts of released K⁺ and Mg²⁺ were very low due to the denaturation of cell surface and cell membrane.     

Effect of nitric oxides and hydrogen peroxide on Ca2+, Mg(2+)-ATPase and Mg(2+)-ATPase activity in myometrium sarcolemma

The action of sodium nitroprusside, nitrite-anions and hydrogen peroxide on Ca2+, Mg(2+)-ATPase and Mg(2+)-ATPase (Ca(2+)-independent) enzymatic activity in myometrium sarcolemma fraction is investigated. It is established, that 0.1 mM sodium nitroprusside and 10(-8)-10(-5) M nitrite-anions essentially reduce Ca2+, Mg(2+)-ATPase activity whereas Mg(2+)-ATPase proved to be absolutely resistant to them. At rather high concentration of nitrite-anions (0.1 mM) appreciable stimulation of Ca2+, Mg(2+)-ATPase was observed. Hydrogen peroxide (10(-8)-10(-4)), depending on the concentration suppressed both enzymes activity. However, Ca2+, Mg(2+)-ATPase proved to be more sensitive to the action of H2O2 (seeming K(i) = 0.42 +/- 0.1 microM), than Mg(2+)-ATPase (seeming K(i) = 3.1 +/- 0.9 microM). At presence of 1 mM ditiothreitole (a reducer of SH groups of the membrane surface) action of investigated substances considerably decreased. Reagents on carboxic- (dicyclogexilcarbodiimid) and amino- groups of the membrane (trinitrobenzolsulfonic acid) inhibited both Ca2+, Mg(2+)-ATPase, and Mg(2+)-ATPase activity in membrane fractions. In the presence of noted reagents sodium nitroprusside and nitrite-anions action was not almost shown. Hence, nitrogen oxide, nitrite-anions and hydrogen peroxide suppress Ca2+, Mg(2+)-ATPase and Mg(2+)-ATPase (only hydrogen peroxide) activity in the plasmatic membrane of myometrium cells, and this action can be connected with direct updating of superficial chemical groups of the membrane.     

Cholesterol effect on thermostability of the (Ca2+, Mg2+)-ATPase from cardiac muscle sarcolemma

When the cholesterol concentration in the sarcolemmal system is raised, the (Ca2+,Mg2+)-ATPase activity acquires an important degree of thermostability; phenomena that is completely lost if the experiment is carried out with cholesterol depleted sarcolemma. In this system, a gradual depletion of sarcolemmal cholesterol, renders the ATPase remarkably sensitive to temperature. At different concentrations of ATP, it is found that cholesterol affects the Vmax of the (Ca2+,Mg2+)-ATPase but not its Km. These results support our earlier suggestion of a direct effect of cholesterol upon the enzyme, and opens a possible mode of action of cholesterol on the enzyme. It is suggested that the inverse relationship between catalysis and thermostability is due to differences in the flexibility of the enzyme directly related to hydrophobicity changes caused by cholesterol.     

Reversible inhibition of (Na+, K+) ATPase by Mg2+, adenosine triphosphate, and K+.

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) hydrolysis catalyzed by the plasma membrane (Na+,K+)ATPase isolated from several sources was inhibited by Mg+, provided that K+ and ATP were also present. Phosphorylation of the adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) by ATP and by inorganic phosphate was also inhibited, as was p-nitrophenyl phosphatase activity. (Ethylenedinitrilo)tetraacetic acid (EDTA) and catecholamines protected from and reversed the inhibition of ATP hydrolysis by Mg2+, K+ and ATP. EDTA was protected by chelation of Mg2+ but catecholamines acted by some other mechanism. The specificities of various nucleotides as inhibitors (in conjunction with Mg2+ and K+) and as substrates for the (Na+, K+) ATPase were strikingly different. ATP, ADP, beta,gamma-CH2-ATP and alpha,beta-CH2-ADP were active as inhibitors, whereas inosine, cytidine, uridine, and guanosine triphosphates (ITP, CTP, UTP, and GTP) and adenosine monophosphate (AMP) were not. On the other hand, ATP and CTP were substrates and beta,gamma-NH-ATP was a competitive inhibitor of ATP hydrolysis, but not an inhibitor in conjunction with Mg2+ and K+. The Ca2+-ATPase from sarcoplasmic reticulum and F1, the Mg2+-ATPase from the inner mitochondrial membrane, were also inhibited by Mg2+. Catecholamines reversed inhibition of the Ca2+-ATPase, but not that of F1.     

A monoclonal antibody to the calmodulin-binding (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-dependent ATPase from pig stomach smooth muscle inhibits plasmalemmal (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-dependent ATPase activity.

A monoclonal antibody (2B3) directed against the calmodulin-binding (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-dependent ATPase from pig stomach smooth muscle was prepared. This antibody reacts with a 130,000-Mr protein that co-migrates on SDS/polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis with the calmodulin-binding (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase purified from smooth muscle by calmodulin affinity chromatography. The antibody causes partial inhibition of the (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase activity in plasma membranes from pig stomach smooth muscle, in pig erythrocytes and human erythrocytes. It appears to be directed against a specific functionally important site of the plasmalemmal Ca2+-transport ATPase and acts as a competitive inhibitor of ATP binding. Binding of the antibody does not change the Km of the ATPase for Ca2+ and its inhibitory effect is not altered by the presence of calmodulin. No inhibition of (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase activity or of the oxalate-stimulated Ca2+ uptake was observed in a pig smooth-muscle vesicle preparation enriched in endoplasmic reticulum. These results confirm the existence in smooth muscle of two different types of Ca2+-transport ATPase: a calmodulin-binding (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase located in the plasma membrane and a second one confined to the endoplasmic reticulum.     

The effect of biologically active compounds on the enzymatic activity of sarcoplasmic reticulum (Ca2+,Mg2+)-dependent ATPase transformed by synthetic phospholipids

Aminasine, BeSO4 and Pt-5-sulfomercaptoquinolinate action on Ca-ATPase of SR showed a considerably less inhibiting effect as compared with that produced on the native membranes. The inhibiting action of the chemical compounds on those of native SR membranes is followed by the increase of mobility of hydrophobic segments of the membrane. The kinetic study of ATPase reaction at various temperatures showed on low-temperature transformation after the action by chemical compounds. Both structural transformations retain in the modified SR membrane independent of the chemical treatment. The activation energies considerably differ from those of native an modified membranes without chemical treatment (particularly in the region of 10-20 degrees). The data obtained allow to suggest that the inhibiting action of chemical compounds is followed by the changes in microviscosity (in the region of protein-lipid interaction of SR membrane, in particular), which by conformation transformations affect the configuration of the enzyme active center, alternating its geometry and catalytic activity.     

Regulation of (Ca2+, Mg2+)-ATPase in human erythrocytes dependent on calcium and calmodulin

The enzymatic basis for active Ca2+ transport in erythrocytes, and probably in many other cells, is a Mg2+-dependent Ca2+-ATPase located in the plasma membrane. The Ca2+-ATPase can be prepared in two different forms, a calmodulin-deficient (A-state) and a calmodulin-saturated (B-state). The ATPase is regulated by Ca2+-, K+, and ATP, and these effectors interact in a cooperative way, especially in the B-state. Both A-state and B-state can be solubilized by treatment with Triton X-100. The detergent activates the A-state but reduces the cooperative interactions in both states. The membrane-bound A and B state contain 5 and 25 nmoles calmodulin/g membrane protein, respectively, and the amount of Ca2+-ATPase was estimated at 10--20 nmoles/g membrane protein. It is discussed whether both A and B state represent natives states of the pump-enzymes.     

p-Nitrophenylphosphatase activity catalyzed by plasma membrane (Ca(2+) + Mg(2+)ATPase: correlation with structural changes modulated by glycerol and Ca(2+)

The plasma membrane (Ca²⁺+Mg²⁺)ATPase hydrolyzes pseudo-substrates such as p-nitrophenylphosphate. Except when calmodulin is present, Ca²⁺ ions inhibit the p-nitrophenylphosphatase activity. In this report it is shown that, in the presence of glycerol, Ca²⁺ strongly stimulates phosphatase activity in a dose-dependent manner. The glycerol- and Ca²⁺-induced increase in activity is correlated with modifications in the spectral center of mass (average emission wavenumber) of the intrinsic fluorescence of the enzyme. It is concluded that the synergistic effect of glycerol and Ca²⁺ is related to opposite long-term hydration effects on the substrate binding domain and the Ca²⁺ binding domain.     

SIMS Investigation of the Distribution of K+, Na+, Mg2+ and Ca2+ Cations in Birch Pollen

Two microanalytical techniques were used to investigate the inorganic cation content and distributions in birch (Betula verrucosa Ehrh.) pollen. With intact pollen grains. X-ray microanalysis (EDX) could only give a mean ionic composition. Secondary Ion Microscopy and Spectrometry (SIMS) appeared to be a more suitable technique to image ion distributions in the different pollen structures. This was carried out with samples prepared using a new vapour phase technique designed to improve ion retention. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM)showed good structural preservation of the samples. Monovalent ion (K⁺, Na⁺) distribution showed features different from those of the divalent cations (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺). In the vegetative cell, the alkaline cations were mainly distributed in the most internal part of the cytoplasm and they were probably associated with starch grains or concentrated in dry vacuoles. Calcium distribution correlated well with the areas in the cytoplasm of the vegetative cell containing a dense network of mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum. Within the pollen grain, the sperm cell appeared to contain the most calcium. Calcium was also abundant in the sporoderm. These results reveal the potential of SIMS for pollen studies that include germination, the monitoring of air pollutants and the allergens-ion interactions.     

Phospholipid and detergent effects on (Ca2+ + Mg2+)ATPase purified from human erythrocytes

(Ca2+ + Mg2+)ATPase (EC 3.6.1.3) was solubilized from human erythrocyte membranes by detergent extraction with Triton N-101 (0.5 mg/mg membrane protein) and purified by calmodulin affinity chromatography. ATPase activity was assayed in mixtures of Triton N-101 and phospholipid, without reconstitution into bilayer vesicles. At low levels of phospholipid (5 micrograms/ml), the ATPase activity was highly sensitive to the detergent concentration, with maximal activity occurring at or near the critical micelle concentration of the detergent. With increased amounts of phospholipid (50 micrograms/ml), detergent concentrations greater than the critical micelle concentration were required for maximal activity. Detergent alone did not support ATPase activity. Sonicated phospholipid in the form of vesicles was equally ineffective. Activity seemed to be dependent on the presence of detergent/phospholipid mixed micelles. The acidic phospholipids, phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylinositol, as well as the commercial phospholipid preparation, Asolectin, gave activities five to eight times greater than the same amount of phosphatidylcholine. Mixtures of phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylcholine produced intermediate ATPase activities, with the maximal value dependent on the phosphatidylserine concentration. Addition of phosphatidylcholine to fixed concentrations of phosphatidylserine caused a rise in activity that was independent of the ratio of the two phospholipids or the total phospholipid concentration. Phosphatidylcholine may therefore be irreplaceable for some aspect of ATPase function. The number of phospholipid molecules present in mixed micelles at maximal ATPase activity was calculated to be near 50. This value implied that the hydrophobic surface of the ATPase molecule must be completely coated by a single layer of phospholipid molecules for maximum activity to occur.     

Calmodulin. An activator of human erythrocyte (Ca2+ + Mg2+)ATPase phosphorylation

The effect of purified calmodulin on the calcium-dependent phosphorylation of human erythrocyte membranes was studied. Under the conditions employed, only one major peak of phosphorylation was observed when solubilized membrane proteins were analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The molecular weight of this phosphorylated protein band was estimated to be 130000 and in the presence of purified red blood cell calmodulin, the rate of phosphorylation of this band was increased. These data suggest that calmodulin activation of (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase could be a partial reflection of an increased rate of phosphorylation of the (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase of human erythrocyte membranes.