Ca2+ release from intracellular stores of pig oocytes during different stages of growth

Ca2+ release from intracellular stores of pig oocytes was investigated using the Ca(2+)-sensitive fluorescent dye chlorotetracycline. Oocytes were divided into growing ones and those that completed their growth using brilliant cresyl clue (BCB) staining. The stained oocytes (BCB "+") were determined as the ones that completed their growth, while the stainless ones (BCB "-") were determined as those in the final stages of growth. In the BCB "+" and BCB "-" oocytes, prolactin, theophylline, GTP, and GDP cause Ca2+ to exit intracellular stores. In the oocytes that completed their growth, joint action of prolactin and GTP activates additional release of Ca2+, in which protein kinase C takes part. In growing oocytes, joint action of prolactin and GTP does not lead to additional release of Ca2+. Joint action of theophylline and GDP in growing oocytes and oocytes that completed the growth stage promotes additional Ca2+ exit from intracellular stores. This exit is regulated by protein kinase A. The obtained data show that there various routes of Ca2+ release from intracellular stores in growing and grown pig oocytes.     

Effect of estradiol on Ca<Superscript>2+</Superscript> release from intracellular stores in porcine oocytes stimulated by prolactin,theophylline, or guanosine triphosphate

The interaction between prolactin and theophylline as well as between prolactin and guanosine triphosphate during Ca²⁺ release from intracellular stores of estradiol-treated porcine oocytes isolated from the ovary at the stage of follicular growth were studied using fluorescent Ca²⁺-sensitive probe chlortetracycline. In the absence of estradiol, prolactin or theophylline induced Ca²⁺ release from intracellular stores; however, no increase in Ca²⁺ release was observed after their combined action. Conversely, Ca²⁺ release from intracellular stores increased only after the combined exposure to prolactin and theophylline in the presence of estradiol. In the absence of estradiol, guanosine triphosphate induced calcium release alone and together with prolactin. Protein kinase C regulated Ca²⁺ release from intracellular stores after the combined exposure to prolactin and theophylline only in the presence of estradiol; while the activation of protein kinase C required no estradiol during the combined exposure to prolactin and guanosine triphosphate. The data obtained indicate the effect of estradiol on Ca²⁺ release from intracellular stores after the combined exposure to prolactin and theophylline, while no such effect was observed after the combined exposure to prolactin and guanosine triphosphate.     

Effects of Guanine Nucleotides and Protein Kinase C on Prolactin-Stimulated Release of Ca<Superscript>2+</Superscript> from Intracellular Stores of Pig Oocytes

The effects of guanine nucleotides and protein kinase C on prolactin-stimulated Ca²⁺ release from intracellular stores of pig oocytes were studied using the fluorescent dye chlorotetracycline. The effect of prolactin was related to the protein kinase C activation. Inhibition of protein kinase C stimulated Ca²⁺ release from intracellular stores of the pig oocytes treated with 5 ng/ml prolactin in the presence of extracellular Ca²⁺ and inhibited Ca²⁺ release from intracellular stores of the pig oocytes treated with 50 ng/ml prolactin. In a Ca²⁺-free medium, prolactin did not stimulate Ca²⁺ release from intracellular stores of the oocytes treated with GDP in the presence of GDP. GTP inhibition of protein kinase C activated Ca²⁺ release from intracellular stores of the pig oocytes treated with 5 ng/ml prolactin and inhibited Ca²⁺ release from intracellular stores of the pig oocytes treated with 50 ng/ml prolactin. These data suggest the influence of guanine nucleotides and protein kinase C on calcium metabolism, stimulated by prolactin.__________Translated from Ontogenez, Vol. 36, No. 3, 2005, pp. 199–204.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Denisenko, Kuzmina.     

Effect of progesterone on theophylline and prolactin stimulated Ca2+ exit from intracellular stores of pig oocytes

Effect of progesterone on theophylline and prolactin stimulated Ca2+ exit from intracellular stores of pig oocytes was investigated using a fluorescent dye chlortetracycline. It is shown that in progesterone treated oocytes prolactin in concentration 50 ng/ml inhibits Ca2+ exit from intracellular stores of pig oocytes. Theophylline exerts the effect on prolactin Ca2+ exit from intracellular stores of pig oocytes. Employment of protein kinase C inhibitor cancelled inhibitory effect of prolactin and theophylline on Ca2+ exit from intracellular stores of pig oocytes. Ca2+ exit from intracellular stores of pig oocytes caused a joint influence of prolactin and GDP, and that of theophylline and GTP. The influence of protein kinase C inhibitor cancelled the stimulating effect of prolactin and GDP on Ca2+ exit from intracellular stores of pig oocytes also did not render any influence on the action of theophylline and GTP. These data suggest the influence of progesterone on theophylline and prolactin stimulated Ca2+ exit from intracellular stores of pig oocytes.     

Peculiarities of theophylline and prolactin interaction and calcium fluctuation from intracellular stores of porcine oocytes in the presence of estradiol

Using a fluorescent dye chlortetracycline, a study was made of the effect of estradiol on the interaction of theophylline and prolactin in the course of Ca2+ exit from intracellular stores of pig oocytes, isolated from ovaries at the stage of follicle growth. It is shown that in the presence of estradiol, prolactin does not stimulate Ca2+ exit from intracellular stores of pig oocytes. The action of theophylline similarly does not stimulate Ca2+ exit. Unlike, a joint effect of theophylline and prolactin on pig oocytes in the presence estradiol stimulated Ca2+ exit from intracellular stores of pig oocytes. These data demonstrated the influence of estradiol on theophylline and prolactin stimulated Ca2+ exit from intracellular stores of pig oocytes.     

Effect of estradiol on stimulated theophylline and prolactin Ca2+ exit from intracellular stores of pig oocytes

Effect of estradiol on stimulated theophylline and prolactin Ca2+ exit from intracellular stores of pig oocytes was investigated using fluorescent dye chlortetracycline. It was shown that in the presence of estradiol neithert theophylline nor prolactin stimulated Ca2+ exit from intracellular stores of oocytes. Unlike, the common action oftheophylline and prolactin, also in the presence of estradiol, stimulated Ca2+ exit from intracellular stores. Inhibition of protein kinase C inhibits Ca2+ exit from intracellular stores in common action of theophylline and prolactin. These data suggest an obvious influence of estradiol on Ca2+ exit from intracellular stores of pig oocytes stimulated by theophylline and prolactin.     

Involvement of protein kinase C in the regulation of Ca2+ exit from intracellular stores of prolactin stimulated pig oocytes

Involvement of protein kinase C in the regulation of Ca2+ exit from intracellular stores of pig oocytes activated by prolactin was investigated, using the fluorescent dye chlortetracycline. In the presence of extracellular calcium, the inhibitor of protein kinase C Ro 31-8220 increased calcium exit from intracellular stores in pig oocytes after prolactin treatment. In calcium-free medium, Ro 31-8220 exerted effect on calcium release from intracellular stores. In calcium-free medium, prolactin did not stimulate calcium release from intracellular stores of oocytes in the presence of thimerosal, while in the presence of protein kinase C inhibitor, prolactin increased Ca2+ content from intracellular stores in such oocytes. These data suggest a direct involvement of protein kinase C in the processes of regulation of Ca2+ exit from intracellular stores of pig oocytes stimulated by prolactin.     

Influence of ryanodine and inositol trisphosphate receptors inhibitions on Ca2+ exit from intracellular stores of porcine oocytes stimulated by prolactin and GTP

The influence of ryanodine and inositol triphosphate receptors inhibitors on Ca2+ exit from intracellular stores of porcine oocytes stimulated by prolactin and GTP was investigated using fluorescent dye chlortetracycline. Porcine oocytes were isolated from ovaries with yellow body. Ca2+ exit from intracellular stores of porcine oocytes activated by prolactin (5 and 50 ng/ml) in calcium free medium was decreased after treatment of oocytes by heparin (inhibitor of inositol triphosphate receptors) and was not changed after treatment of oocytes by ruthenium red (inhibitor of ryanodine receptors). Inhibition of protein kinase C did not affect on the Ca2+ exit stimulated by prolactin. GTP did not stimulate Ca2+ exit from intracellular stores of pig oocytes, and inhibitors of both calcium channels and proteinkinase C had no influence on this process. The joint action of prolactin and GTP did not result in additional Ca2+ exit from intracellular stores of oocytes after both pretreatment and untreatment by the inhibitor of protein kinase C. The data obtained testify to activation of IP3-sensitive receptors under effect of prolactin and in the absence of GTP influence on these receptors.     

Boric acid inhibits stored Ca<Superscript>2+</Superscript> release in DU-145 prostate cancer cells

Boron (B) is a developmental and reproductive toxin. It is also essential for some organisms. Plants use uptake and efflux transport proteins to maintain homeostasis, and in humans, boron has been reported to reduce prostate cancer. Ca²⁺ signaling is one of the primary mechanisms used by cells to respond to their environment. In this paper, we report that boric acid (BA) inhibits NAD⁺ and NADP⁺ as well as mechanically induced release of stored Ca²⁺ in growing DU-145 prostate cancer cells. Cell proliferation was inhibited by 30% at 100μM, 60% at 250μM, and 97% at 1,000μM BA. NAD⁺-induced Ca²⁺ transients were partly inhibited at 250μM BA and completely at 1,000μM BA, whereas both NADP⁺ and mechanically induced transients were inhibited by 1,000μM BA. Expression of CD38 protein increased in proportion to BA exposure (0–1,000μM). In vitro mass spectrometry analysis showed that BA formed adducts with the CD38 products and Ca²⁺ channel agonists cyclic adenosine diphosphate ribose (cADPR) and nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP). Vesicles positive for the Ca²⁺ fluorophore fluo-3 acetoxymethyl ester accumulated in cells exposed to 250 and 1,000μM BA. The BA analog, methylboronic acid (MBA; 250 and 1,000μM), did not inhibit cell proliferation or NAD⁺, NADP⁺, or mechanically stimulated Ca²⁺ store release. Nor did MBA increase CD38 expression or cause the formation of intracellular vesicles. Thus, mammalian cells can distinguish between BA and its synthetic analog MBA and exhibit graded concentration-dependent responses. Based on these observations, we hypothesize that toxicity of BA stems from the ability of high concentrations to impair Ca²⁺ signaling.     

Dual role of ryanodine-sensitive calcium stores in central neurons

The ryanodine-sensitive intracellular Ca²⁺ stores are known to play a major role in excitation-contraction coupling in muscles. Although these stores are also abundantly present in central neurons, their functional role in these cells remains unclear. Using fluorometric digital imaging of the intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺] _i ) in rat hippocampal slices, we investigated the dynamic properties of the ryanodine-sensitive Ca²⁺ stores inCA1 hippocampal pyramidal cells. We found that at rest the ryanodine-sensitive Ca²⁺ stores are functioning predominantly as a “sink” for Ca ions responding to an increase in [Ca²⁺] _i with an increase in the amount of Ca ions accumulated inside the stores. If, however, [Ca²⁺] _i increases significantly, as happens during strong neuronal discharges, the ryanodine-sensitive Ca²⁺ stores respond with Ca²⁺ release, thus acting as an amplifier of the intracellular Ca²⁺ signal.     

Preload-induced changes in isometric tension and [Ca<Superscript>2+</Superscript>]<Subscript>i</Subscript> in rat myocardium

Preload-induced changes of active tension and [Ca²⁺]i are “dissociated” in mammalian myocardium. This study aimed to describe the distinct effects of preload at low and physiological [Ca²⁺]_o. Rat RV papillary muscles were studied in isometric conditions at 25‡C and 0.33 Hz at 1 mM (hypo-Ca group) and 2.5 mM [Ca²⁺]_o (normal-Ca group). [Ca²⁺]_i was monitored with fura-2/AM. Increase of preload caused a rise of active tension in hypo-Ca and normal-Ca groups whereas peak fluorescence rose significantly only at low [Ca²⁺]_o. End-diastolic tension, end-diastolic level of fluorescence, time-to-peak tension, but not time-to-peak of Ca²⁺ transient, progressively increased with preload. Mechanical relaxation decelerated with preload while Ca²⁺ transient decay time decreased in the initial phase and increased in the late phase, resulting in a prominent “bump” configuration. The “bump” was assessed as a ratio of its area to the fluorescence trace area. It was a new finding that the preload-induced rise of this ratio was twice as large in hypo-Ca. Our results indicate that preload-induced changes in active tension and [Ca²⁺]_i are “dissociated” in rat myocardium, with relatively higher expression at low [Ca²⁺]_o. Ca-dependence of Ca-TnC association/dissociation kinetics is thought to be a main contributor to these preload-induced effects.     

Inhibition of Ca<Superscript>2+</Superscript> Channels and Adrenal Catecholamine Release by G Protein Coupled Receptors

Catecholamines and other transmitters released from adrenal chromaffin cells play central roles in the “fight-or-flight” response and exert profound effects on cardiovascular, endocrine, immune, and nervous system function. As such, precise regulation of chromaffin cell exocytosis is key to maintaining normal physiological function and appropriate responsiveness to acute stress. Chromaffin cells express a number of different G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) that sense the local environment and orchestrate this precise control of transmitter release. The primary trigger for catecholamine release is Ca²⁺ entry through voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels, so it makes sense that these channels are subject to complex regulation by GPCRs. In particular G protein βγ heterodimers (Gβγ) bind to and inhibit Ca²⁺ channels. Here I review the mechanisms by which GPCRs inhibit Ca²⁺ channels in chromaffin cells and how this might be altered by cellular context. This is related to the potent autocrine inhibition of Ca²⁺ entry and transmitter release seen in chromaffin cells. Recent data that implicate an additional inhibitory target of Gβγ on the exocytotic machinery and how this might fine tune neuroendocrine secretion are also discussed.     

Effects of guanine nucleotides and protein kinase C on prolactin-stimulated release of Ca from intracellular stores of pig oocytes

The effects of guanine nucleotides and protein kinase C on prolactin-stimulated Ca2+ release from intracellular stores of pig oocytes were studied using the fluorescent dye chlorotetracycline. The effect of prolactin was related to the protein kinase C activation. Inhibition of protein kinase C stimulated Ca2+ release from intracellular stores of the pig oocytes treated with 5 ng/ml prolactin in the presence of extracellular Ca2+ and inhibited Ca2+ release from intracellular stores of the pig oocytes treated with 50 ng/ml prolactin. In a Ca2+-free medium, prolactin did not stimulate Ca2+ release from intracellular stores of the oocytes treated with GDP in the presence of GDP. GTP inhibition of protein kinase C activated Ca2+ release from intracellular stores of the pig oocytes treated with 5 ng/ml prolactin and inhibited Ca2+ release from intracellular stores of the pig oocytes treated with 50 ng/ml prolactin. These data suggest the influence of guanine nucleotides and protein kinase C on calcium metabolism, stimulated by prolactin.     

Properties of the charibdotoxin-sensitive component of Ca2+-dependent K+ current in smooth muscle cells of the guinea pigTaenia Coli

Using the voltage-clamp technique, we investigated transmembrane ion currents in isolated smooth muscle cells of the guinea pigtaenia coli. In our study, we identified and studied a charibdotoxin-sensitive component of Ca²⁺-dependent K⁺ current carried through the channels of high conductance (in most publications called “big conductance,”I _BK(Ca)). This component was completely blocked by 100 nM charibdotoxin and by tetraethylammonium in concentrations as low as 1 mM.I _BK(Ca) demonstrated fast kinetics of inactivation, which nearly coincided with that of Ca²⁺ current. In addition to the dependence on Ca²⁺ concentration, this current also showed voltage-dependent properties: with a rise in the level of depolarization its amplitude increased. In many cells, depolarizing shifts in the membrane potential evoke spontaneous outward currents. Such currents probably represent the secondary effect of cyclic Ca²⁺ release from the caffeine-sensitive intracellular stores that result in short-term activation of charibdotoxin-sensitive Ca²⁺-dependent K⁺ channels.     

Comparison of Ca<Superscript>2+</Superscript> Currents of Chromaffin Cells from Normotensive Wistar Kyoto and Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) are widely used as model to investigate the pathophysiological mechanisms of essential hypertension. Catecholamine plasma levels are elevated in SHR, suggesting alterations of the sympathoadrenal axis. The residual hypertension in sympathectomized SHR is reduced after demedullation, suggesting a dysfunction of the adrenal medulla. Intact adrenal glands exposed to acetylcholine or high K⁺ release more catecholamine in SHR than in normotensive Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats, and adrenal chromaffin cells (CCs) from SHR secrete more catecholamines than CCs from WKY rats. Since Ca²⁺ entry through voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels (VGCC) triggers exocytosis, alterations in the functional properties of these channels might underlie the enhanced catecholamine release in SHR. This study compares the electrophysiological properties of VGCC from CCs in acute adrenal slices from WKY rats and SHR at an early stage of hypertension. No significant differences were found in the macroscopic Ca²⁺ currents (current density, I–V curve, voltage dependence of activation and inactivation, kinetics) between CCs of SHR and WKY rats, suggesting that Ca²⁺ entry through VGCC is not significantly different between these strains, at least at early stages of hypertension. Ca²⁺ buffering, sequestration and extrusion mechanisms, as well as Ca²⁺ release from intracellular stores, must now be evaluated to determine if alterations in their function can explain the enhanced catecholamine secretion reported in CCs from SHR.     

Nanosecond Electric Pulses: A Novel Stimulus for Triggering Ca<Superscript>2+</Superscript> Influx into Chromaffin Cells Via Voltage-Gated Ca<Superscript>2+</Superscript> Channels

Exposing bovine chromaffin cells to a single 5 ns, high-voltage (5 MV/m) electric pulse stimulates Ca²⁺ entry into the cells via L-type voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels (VGCC), resulting in the release of catecholamine. In this study, fluorescence imaging was used to monitor nanosecond pulse-induced effects on intracellular Ca²⁺ level ([Ca²⁺]_i) to investigate the contribution of other types of VGCCs expressed in these cells in mediating Ca²⁺ entry. ω-Conotoxin GVIA and ω-agatoxin IVA, antagonists of N-type and P/Q-type VGCCs, respectively, reduced the magnitude of the rise in [Ca²⁺]_i elicited by a 5 ns pulse. ω-conotoxin MVIIC, which blocks N- and P/Q-type VGCCs, had a similar effect. Blocking L-, N-, and P\Q-type channels simultaneously with a cocktail of VGCC inhibitors abolished the pulse-induced [Ca²⁺]_i response of the cells, suggesting Ca²⁺ influx occurs only via VGCCs. Lowering extracellular K⁺ concentration from 5 to 2 mM or pulsing cells in Na⁺-free medium suppressed the pulse-induced rise in [Ca²⁺]_i in the majority of cells. Thus, both membrane potential and Na⁺ entry appear to play a role in the mechanism by which nanoelectropulses evoke Ca²⁺ influx. However, activation of voltage-gated Na⁺ channels (VGSC) is not involved since tetrodotoxin (TTX) failed to block the pulse-induced rise in [Ca²⁺]_i. These findings demonstrate that a single electric pulse of only 5 ns duration serves as a novel stimulus to open multiple types of VGCCs in chromaffin cells in a manner involving Na⁺ transport across the plasma membrane. Whether Na⁺ transport occurs via non-selective cation channels and/or through lipid nanopores remains to be determined.     

Change in Intracellular pH Causes the Toxic Ca<Superscript>2+</Superscript> Entry via NCX1 in Neuron- and Glia-Derived Cells

Brain hypoxia or ischemia causes acidosis and the intracellular accumulation of Ca²⁺ in neuron. The aims of the present study were to elucidate the interaction between intracellular pH and Ca²⁺ during transient acidosis and its effects on the viability of neuronal and glial cells. Intracellular Ca²⁺ and pH were measured using the fluorescence of fura-2 and 2′,7′-bis(2-carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein acetoxymethyl ester in neuroblastoma (IMR-32), glioblastoma (T98G), and astrocytoma (CCF-STTG1) cell lines. The administration of 5 mM propionate caused intracellular acidification in IMR-32 and T98G cells but not in CCF-STTG1 cells. After the removal of propionate, the intracellular pH recovered to the resting level. The intracellular Ca²⁺ transiently increased upon the removal of propionate in IMR-32 and T98G cells but not in CCF-STTG1 cells. The transient Ca²⁺ increase caused by the withdrawal of intracellular acidification was abolished by the removal of external Ca²⁺, diminished by a reduction of external Na⁺, and inhibited by benzamil. Transient acidosis caused cell death, whereas the cells were more viable in the absence of external Ca²⁺. Benzamil alleviated cell death caused by transient acidosis in IMR-32 and T98G cells but not in CCF-STTG1 cells. These results suggest that recovery from intracellular acidosis causes a transient increase in cytosolic Ca²⁺ due to reversal of Ca²⁺ transport via Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchanger coactivated with Na⁺/H⁺ exchanger, which can cause cell death.     

Swelling-Induced Ca<Superscript>2+</Superscript> Influx and K<Superscript>+</Superscript> Efflux in American Alligator Erythrocytes

The American alligator can hibernate during winter, which may lead to osmotic imbalance because of reduced kidney function and lack of food consumption during this period. Accordingly, we hypothesized that their red blood cells would have a well-developed regulatory volume decrease (RVD) to cope with the homeostatic challenges associated with torpor. Osmotic fragility was determined optically, mean cell volume was measured by electronic sizing, and changes in intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration were visualized using fluorescence microscopy and fluo-4-AM. Osmotic fragility increased and the ability to regulate volume was inhibited when extracellular Na⁺ was replaced with K⁺, or when cells were exposed to the K⁺ channel inhibitor quinine, indicating a requirement of K⁺ efflux for RVD. Addition of the ionophore gramicidin to the extracellular medium decreased osmotic fragility and also potentiated volume recovery, even in the presence of quinine. In addition, hypotonic shock (0.5× Ringer) caused an increase in cytosolic Ca²⁺, which resulted from Ca²⁺ influx because it was not observed when extracellular Ca²⁺ was chelated with EGTA (ethylene glycol-bis(2-aminoethylether)-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid). Furthermore, cells loaded with BAPTA-AM (1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxymethyl)ethane-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid tetrakis(acetoxymethyl) ester) or exposed to a low Ca²⁺-EGTA hypotonic Ringer had a greater osmotic fragility and also failed to recover from cell swelling, indicating that extracellular Ca²⁺ was needed for RVD. Gramicidin reversed the inhibitory effect of low extracellular Ca²⁺. Finally, and surprisingly, the Ca²⁺ ionophore A23187 increased osmotic fragility and inhibited volume recovery. Taken together, our results show that cell swelling activated a K⁺ permeable pathway via a Ca²⁺-dependent mechanism, and this process mediated K⁺ loss during RVD.     

Transduction mechanism(s) of Na-saccharin in the blowfly <Emphasis Type="Italic">Protophormia terraenovae</Emphasis>: evidence for potassium and calcium conductance involvement

The study on transduction mechanisms underlying bitter stimuli is a particularly intriguing challenge for taste researchers. The present study investigates, in the labellar chemosensilla of the blowfly Protophormia terraenovae, the transduction mechanism by which saccharin evokes the response of the “deterrent” cell, with particular attention to the contribution of K⁺ and Ca²⁺ current and the role of cyclic nucleotides, since second messengers modulate Ca²⁺, Cl⁻ and K⁺ currents to different extents. As assessed by extracellular single-sensillum recordings, our results show that the addition of a Ca²⁺ chelator such as EGTA or the Ca²⁺ current blockers SK&F-96365, Mibefradil, Nifedipine and W-7 decrease the response of the “deterrent” cell to saccharin. A similar decreasing effect was also obtained following the addition of 4-aminopyridine, a K⁺ current blocker. On the contrary, the membrane-permeable cyclic nucleotide 8-bromoguanosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (8Br-cGMP) activates this cell and shows an additive effect when presented mixed with saccharin. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that in the labellar chemosensilla of the blowfly both Ca²⁺ and K⁺ ions are involved in the transduction mechanism of the “deterrent” cell in response to saccharin. Our results also suggest a possible pathway common to saccharin and 8Br-cGMP.