2-O-methyl PAF as a Ca2+ mobilizer in Madin Darby canine kidney cells

In Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells, the effect of 2-O-methyl PAF, an inactive analogue of platelet activating factor (PAF), on intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) was measured by using the Ca2+-sensitive fluorescent dye fura-2. 2-O-methyl PAF (> or = 15 microM) caused a rapid rise of [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner. 2-O-methyl PAF-induced [Ca2+]i rise was partly reduced by removal of extracellular Ca2+. 2-O-methyl PAF-induced extracellular Ca2+ influx was also suggested by Mn2+ influx-induced fura-2 fluorescence quench. The 2-O-methyl PAF-induced Ca2+ influx was blocked by nifedipine, verapamil and diltiazem. In Ca2+-free medium, thapsigargin, an inhibitor of the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase, caused a monophasic [Ca2+]i rise, after which 2-O-methyl PAF failed to increase [Ca2+]i; also, pretreatment with 2-O-methyl PAF depleted thapsigargin-sensitive Ca2+ stores. U73122, an inhibitor of phospholipase C, abolished ATP (but not 2-O-methyl PAF)-induced [Ca2+]i rise. These findings suggest that 2-O-methyl PAF evokes a rapid increase in [Ca2+]i in renal tubular cells by stimulating both extracellular Ca2+ influx and intracellular Ca2+ release.     

Effect of p-chloroamphetamine on calcium movement and viability in renal tubular cells

In Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells, the effect of p-chloroamphetamine, a neurotoxin that depletes intracellular serotonin, on intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and viability was measured by using the Ca2+-sensitive fluorescent dye fura-2 and the viability detecting fluorescent dye tetrazolium. p-Chloroamphetamine (> or = 10 microM) caused a rapid rise of [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner. p-Chloroamphetamine-induced [Ca2+]i rise was partly reduced by removal of extracellular Ca2+. p-Chloroamphetamine-induced extracellular Ca2+ influx was also suggested by Mn2+ influx-induced fura-2 fluorescence quench. In Ca2+-free medium, thapsigargin, an inhibitor of the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase, caused a monophasic [Ca2+]i rise, after which p-chloroamphetamine failed to increase [Ca2+]i; also, pretreatment with p-chloroamphetamine reduced 50% of thapsigargin-sensitive Ca2+ stores. U73122, an inhibitor of phospholipase C, abolished ATP (but not p-chloroamphetamine)-induced [Ca2+]i rise. Overnight incubation with 1-500 microM p-chloroamphetamine decreased cell viability. These findings suggest that p-chloroamphetamine evokes a rapid increase in [Ca2+]i in renal tubular cells by stimulating both extracellular Ca2+ influx and intracellular Ca2+ release, and is cytotoxic.     

Effect of nortriptyline on intracellular Ca2+ handling and viability in canine renal tubular cells

In Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells, the effect of nortriptyline, an antidepressant, on intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) was measured by using fura-2. Nortriptyline (> 10 microM) caused a rapid increase of [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner (EC50 = 75 microM). Nortriptyline-induced [Ca2+]i increase was prevented by 40% by removal of extracellular Ca2+ but was not altered by voltage-gated Ca2+ channel blockers. In Ca(2+)-free medium, thapsigargin, an inhibitor of the endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase, caused a monophasic [Ca2+]i, increase, after which the increasing effect of nortriptyline on [Ca2+], was abolished; also, pretreatment with nortriptyline reduced a large portion of thapsigargin-induced [Ca2+]i increase. U73122, an inhibitor of phospholipase C, abolished ATP (but not nortriptyline)-induced [Ca2+]i increase. Overnight incubation with 10 microM nortriptyline decreased cell viability by 16%, and 50 microM nortriptyline killed all cells. Prechelation of cytosolic Ca2+ with BAPTA did not alter nortriptyline-induced cell death. These findings suggest that nortriptyline rapidly increased [Ca2+]i in renal tubular cells by stimulating both extracellular Ca2+ influx and intracellular Ca2+ release, and was cytotoxic at higher concentrations in a Ca(2+)-dissociated manner.     

Effect of maprotiline on Ca(2+) movement in human neuroblastoma cells

In human neuroblastoma IMR32 cells, the effect of the anti-depressant maprotiline on baseline intracellular Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) was explored by using the Ca2+-sensitive probe fura-2. Maprotiline at concentrations greater than 100 microM caused a rapid rise in [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner (EC50 = 200 microM). Maprotiline-induced [Ca2+]i rise was reduced by 50% by removal of extracellular Ca2+. Maprotiline-induced [Ca2+]i rises were inhibited by half by nifedipine, but was unaffected by verapamil or diiltiazem. In Ca2+-free medium, thapsigargin, an inhibitor of the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase, caused a monophasic [Ca2+]i rise, after which the increasing effect of maprotiline on [Ca2+]i was abolished. U73122, an inhibitor of phospholipase C, did not affect maprotiline-induced [Ca2+]i rises. These findings suggest that in human neuroblastoma cells, maprotiline increases [Ca2+]i by stimulating extracellular Ca2+ influx and also by causing intracellular Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum via a phospholiase C-independent manner.     

Growth hormone promotes Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release in insulin-secreting cells by ryanodine receptor tyrosine phosphorylation

Elevation in cytoplasmic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) is a common mechanism in signaling events. An increased [Ca2+]i induced by GH, has been observed in relation to different cellular events. Little is known about the mechanism underlying the GH effect on Ca2+ handling. We have studied the molecular mechanisms underlying GH-induced rise in [Ca2+]i in BRIN-BD11 insulin-secreting cells. GH (500 ng/ml, 22 nm) induced a sustained increase in [Ca2+]i. The effect of GH on [Ca2+]i was prevented in the absence of extracellular Ca2+ and was inhibited by the ATP-sensitive K(+)-channel opener diazoxide and the voltage-dependent Ca(2+)-channel inhibitor nifedipine. However, GH failed to induce any changes in Ca2+ current and membrane potential, evaluated by patch-clamp recordings and by using voltage-sensitive dyes. When the intracellular Ca2+ pools had been depleted using the Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitor thapsigargin, the effect of GH was inhibited. In addition, GH-stimulated rise in [Ca2+]i was completely abolished by ruthenium red, an inhibitor of mitochondrial Ca2+ transport, and caffeine. GH induced tyrosine phosphorylation of ryanodine receptors. The effect of GH on [Ca2+]i was completely blocked by the tyrosine kinase inhibitors genistein and lavendustin A. Interestingly, treatment of the cells with GH significantly enhanced K(+)-induced rise in [Ca2+]i. Hence, GH-stimulated rise in [Ca2+]i is dependent on extracellular Ca2+ and is mediated by Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release. This process is mediated by tyrosine phosphorylation of ryanodine receptors and may play a crucial role in physiological Ca2+ handling in insulin-secreting cells.     

Effect of olvanil (N-vanillyl-cis-9-octadecenoamide) on cytosolic Ca2+ increase in renal tubular cells

In canine renal tubular cells, effect of olvanil, a presumed cannabinoid and vanilloid receptor modulator, on intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) was measured by using fura-2. Olvanil (5-100 microM) caused a rapid and sustained [Ca2+]i rise in a concentration-dependent manner. Olvanil-induced [Ca2+]i rise was prevented by 70 and 90% by removal of extracellular Ca2+ and La3+, respectively, but was not changed by dihydropyridines, verapamil and diltiazem. In Ca2+-free medium, thapsigargin, an inhibitor of the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase, caused a monophasic [Ca2+]i rise, after which the increasing effect of olvanil on [Ca2+]i was abolished; also, pretreatment with olvanil partly reduced thapsigargin-induced [Ca2+]i rise. U73122, an inhibitor of phoispholipase C, abrogated ATP-, but partly inhibited olvanil-, induced [Ca2+]i rise. Two cannabinoid receptor antagonists (AM251 and AM281; 5 microM) and a vanilloid receptor antagonist (capsazepine; 100 microM) did not alter olvanil (50 microM)-induced [Ca2+]i rise. These results suggest that olvanil rapidly increases [Ca2+]i in renal tubular cells, by stimulating both extracellular Ca2+ influx and intracellular Ca2+ release via mechanism(s) independent of stimulation of cannabinoid and vanilloid receptors.     

Novel effect of Y-24180, a presumed specific platelet activation factor receptor antagonist, on Ca2+ levels and growth of human prostate cancer cells

In human prostate cancer PC3 cells, the effect of Y-24180, a presumed specific platelet activation factor (PAF) receptor antagonist, on intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) was measured by using fura-2 as a Ca2+-sensitive fluorescent probe. Y-24180 (1-10 microM) caused a rapid and sustained [Ca2+]i rise in a concentration-dependent manner. The [Ca2+]i rise was prevented by 40% by removal of extracellular Ca2+, but was not changed by dihydropyridines, verapamil and diltiazem. In Ca2+-free medium, thapsigargin, an inhibitor of the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase, caused a monophasic [Ca2+]i rise, after which the increasing effect of 10 microM Y-24180 on [Ca2+]i was reduced by 67%; conversely, depletion of Ca2+ stores with 10 microM Y-24180 abolished thapsigargin-induced [Ca2+]i rise. U73122, an inhibitor of phospholipase C, inhibited ATP-, but not Y-24180-induced [Ca2+]i rise. Activation of protein kinase C with phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) enhanced Y-24180-induced [Ca2+]i rise by 70%. Overnight treatment with 0.1-10 microM Y-24180 inhibited cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner. Collectively, these results suggest that Y-24180 acts as a potent and cytotoxic Ca2+ mobilizer in prostate cancer cells, by stimulating both extracellular Ca2+ influx and intracellular Ca2+ release. Since alterations in Ca2+ movement may interfere with many cellular signalling processes unrelated to modulation of PAF receptors, caution must be applied in using this reagent as a selective PAF receptor antagonist.     

Induction of calcium influx from extracellular fluid by beauvericin in human leukemia cells

Beauvericin, a cyclic hexadepsipeptide, is a mycotoxin that can induce cell death in human lymphoblastic leukemia CCRF-CEM cells. Our previous data have shown that beauvericin induces cell death in CCRF-CEM cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and that this beauvericin-induced cell death can be prevented by administration of intracellular calcium chelator-BAPTA. Therefore, the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) may play an important role in beauvericin-induced cell death in CCRF-CEM cells. In this study, the effect of beauvericin on [Ca2+]i and the possible mechanism responsible for the changes of [Ca2+]i in CCRF-CEM cells were investigated. Beauvericin caused a rapid and sustained [Ca2+]i rise in a dose-dependent manner. Excess extracellular Ca2+ facilitated beauvericin-induced [Ca2+]i rise by adding 1 mM CaCl2 in the bathing medium. On the other hand, beauvericin-induced [Ca2+]i rise was prevented in Ca2+-free Tyrode's solution by 200 microM EGTA. In addition, beauvericin-induced [Ca2+]i rise was also attenuated by intracellular Ca2+ chelator-BAPTA/AM. It is worthy to note that neither the voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel blocker, nimodipine, nor depletion of intracellular Ca2+ with thapsigargin, an endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor, has any effect on beauvericin-induced [Ca2+]i rise. The data from present study indicate that beauvericin acts as a potent Ca2+ mobilizer by stimulating extracellular Ca2+ influx CCRF-CEM cells.     

Effect of NPC-15199 on Ca2+ levels in renal tubular cells

In Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells, effect of NPC-15199 on intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) was investigated by using fura-2. NPC-15199 (100-1000 microM) caused a rapid and sustained increase of [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner (EC50=500 microM). NPC-15199-induced [Ca2+]i rise was prevented by 70% by removal of extracellular Ca2+, but was not changed by dihydropyridines, verapamil and diltiazem. In Ca2+-free medium, carbonylcyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP; 2 microM), a mitochondrial uncoupler, and thapsigargin (1 microM), an inhibitor of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2(+)-ATPase, caused a monophasic [Ca2+]i rise, respectively, after which the increasing effect of NPC-15199 (1 mM) on [Ca2+]i was substantially attenuated; also, pretreatment with NPC-15199 abolished CCCP- and thapsigargin-induced [Ca2+]i rises. U73122, an inhibitor of phospholipase C, [corrected] abolished 10 microM ATP (but not 1 mM NPC-15199)-induced [Ca2+]i rise. These results suggest that NPC-15199 rapidly increases [Ca2+]i by stimulating both extracellular Ca2+ influx and intracellular Ca2+ release via as yet unidentified mechanism(s).     

Direct relationship between intracellular calcium mobilization and phospholipase D activation in prostaglandin E-stimulated human erythroleukemia cells.

The relationship between calcium mobilization and phospholipase D (PLD) activation in response to E-series prostaglandins (PGEs) was investigated in human erythroleukemia cells. Intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) was increased by PGE1 and PGE2 over the same concentration range at which PLD activation was seen. Pretreatment of cells with pertussis toxin greatly inhibited the PGE-stimulated increase in [Ca2+]i, implying that a G protein participates in the PGE receptor signaling process. The peak level and also the plateau level of Ca2+ mobilization stimulated by these prostaglandins were markedly decreased in Ca(2+)-depleted medium, indicating that both extracellular and intracellular Ca2+ stores contribute to the changes in [Ca2+]i. Likewise, activation of PLD by PGE1 and PGE2 was abolished by pertussis toxin pretreatment or incubation in Ca(2+)-depleted medium. U73122, a putative phospholipase C inhibitor, blocked both Ca2+ mobilization and PLD activation in PGE-stimulated cells. Furthermore, the intracellular loading of BAPTA, a Ca2+ chelator, inhibited both Ca2+ mobilization and PLD activation by PGE1 and PGE2 in a similar dose-dependent manner. Simultaneous measurement of [Ca2+]i and PLD activity in the same cell samples indicated that PLD activity increases as a function of [Ca2+]i in a similar fashion in cells stimulated either by PGEs or by the calcium ionophore ionomycin. Taken together, these findings suggest that a rise in [Ca2+]i is necessary for PGE-stimulated PLD activity in human erythroleukemia cells.     

Effect of desipramine on Ca2+ levels and growth in renal tubular cells

The in vitro effect of desipramine on renal tubular cell is unknown. In Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells, the effect of desipramine on intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) was measured by using fura-2. Desipramine (>25 microM) caused a rapid and sustained rise of [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner (EC50=50 microM). Desipramine-induced [Ca2+]i rise was prevented by 40% by removal of extracellular Ca2+ but was not altered by L-type Ca2+ channel blockers. In Ca2+-free medium, thapsigargin, an inhibitor of the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase, caused a monophasic [Ca2+]i rise, after which desipramine failed to release more Ca2+; in addition, pretreatment with desipramine partly decreased thapsigargin-induced [Ca2+]i increase. U73122, an inhibitor of phospholipase C, did not change desipramine-induced [Ca2+]i rise. Incubation with 10-100 microM desipramine enhances or inhibits cell proliferation in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. The inhibitory effect of desipramine on proliferation was not extracellular Ca2+-dependent. Apoptosis appears to contribute to desipramine-induced cell death. Together, these findings suggest that desipramine increases baseline [Ca2+]i in renal tubular cells by evoking both extracellular Ca2+ influx and intracellular Ca2+ release, and can cause apoptosis.     

The thapsigargin-sensitive intracellular Ca2+ pool is more important in plasma membrane Ca2+ entry than the IP3-sensitive intracellular Ca2+ pool in neuronal cell lines

In NG108-15 cells, bradykinin (BK) and thapsigargin (TG) caused transient increases in a cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), after which [Ca2+]i elevated by TG only declined to a higher, sustained level than an unstimulated level. In PC12 cells, carbachol (CCh) evoked a transient increase in [Ca2+]i followed by a sustained rise of [Ca2+]i, whereas [Ca2+]i elevated by TG almost maintained its higher level. In the absence of extracellular Ca2+, the sustained elevation of [Ca2+]i induced by each drug we used was abolished. In addition, the rise in [Ca2+]i stimulated by TG was less affected after CCh or BK, whereas CCh or BK caused no increase in [Ca2+]i after TG. TG neither increased cellular inositol phosphates nor modified the inositol phosphates format on stimulated by CCh or BK. We conclude that TG may release Ca2+ from both IP3-sensitive and -insensitive intracellular pools and that some kinds of signalling to link the intracellular Ca2+ pools and Ca2+ entry seem to exist in neuronal cells.     

Hg2+ signaling in trout hepatoma (RTH-149) cells: involvement of Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release

Mercury is a non-essential heavy metal affecting intracellular Ca2+ dynamics. We studied the effects of Hg2+ on [Ca2+]i in trout hepatoma cells (RTH-149). Confocal imaging of fluo-3-loaded cells showed that Hg2+ induced dose-dependent, sustained [Ca2+]i transient, triggered intracellular Ca2+ waves, stimulated Ca2+-ATPase activity, and promoted InsP3 production. The effect of Hg2+ was reduced by the Ca2+ channel blocker verapamil and totally abolished by extracellular GSH, but was almost unaffected by cell loading with the heavy metal chelator TPEN or esterified GSH. In a Ca2+-free medium, Hg2+ induced a smaller [Ca2+]i transient, that was unaffected by TPEN, but was abolished by U73122, a PLC inhibitor, and by cell loading with GDP-betaS, a G protein inhibitor, or heparin, a blocker of intracellular Ca2+ release. Data indicate that Hg2+ induces Ca2+ entry through verapamil-sensitive channels, and intracellular Ca2+ release via a G protein-PLC-InsP3 mechanism. However, in cells loaded with heparin and exposed to Hg2+ in the presence of external Ca2+, the [Ca2+]i rise was maximally reduced, indicating that the global effect of Hg2+ is not a mere sum of Ca2+ entry plus Ca2+ release, but involves an amplification of Ca2+ release operated by Ca2+ entry through a CICR mechanism.     

Ca2+]i independent mitogenesis in cultured human fibroblasts revealed by single cell microfluorimetry

A transient rise in intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) has been implicated in mitogenic induction of cell division. Individual human foreskin fibroblasts in confluent cultures examined with the Ca2+ indicator Fura-2 and a fluorescence microscope-imaging system had a basal [Ca2+]i which varied markedly from cell-to-cell. A transient serum-induced rise in [Ca2+]i was demonstrated the magnitude of which was directly correlated with the basal [Ca2+]i level. In contrast to serum-induced increase in [Ca2+]i, exposure to an elevated level of extracellular Ca2+, which is at least equally mitogenic for fibroblasts, did not alter the basal [Ca2+]i of single subconfluent cells or confluent cells. Elevated extracellular Ca2+ does not exert its mitogenicity via a transient rise in [Ca2+]i.     

Effect of diethylstilbestrol on Ca2+ handling and cell viability in human breast cancer cells

In human breast cancer cells, the effect of the widely prescribed estrogen diethylstilbestrol (DES) on intracellular Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) and cell viability was explored by using fura-2 and trypan blue exclusion, respectively. DES caused a rise in [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner (EC50 = 15 microM). DES-induced [Ca2+]i rise was reduced by 80 % by removal of extracellular Ca2+. DES-induced Mn(2+)-associated quench of intracellular fura-2 fluorescence also suggests that DES induced extracellular Ca2+ influx. In Ca(2+)-free medium, thapsigargin, an inhibitor of the endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase, caused a monophasic [Ca2+]i rise, after which the increasing effect of DES on [Ca2+]i was greatly inhibited. Conversely, pretreatment with DES to deplete intracellular Ca2+ stores totally prevented thapsigargin from releasing more Ca2+, whereas ionomycin added afterward still released some Ca2+. These findings suggest that in human breast cancer cells, DES increases [Ca2+]i by stimulating extracellular Ca2+ influx and also by causing intracellular Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum. Acute trypan blue exclusion studies suggest that 10-20 NM DES killed cells in a time-dependent manner.     

Nordihydroguaiaretic acid-induced Ca2+ handling and cytotoxicity in human prostate cancer cells

The effect of nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), a compound commonly used as a lipoxygenases inhibitor, on intracellular free Ca2+ levels ([Ca2+]i) in PC3 human prostate cancer cells was investigated. [Ca2+]i was measured by using the Ca2+ -sensitive dye fura-2. NDGA increased [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner with an EC50 of 30 microM. The Ca2+ signal comprised a gradual and sustained increase. Removal of extracellular Ca2+ partly decreased the NDGA-induced [Ca2+]i increase, suggesting that the Ca2+ signal was due to both extracellular Ca2+ influx and intracellular Ca2+ release. NDGA-induced Ca2+ influx was independently confirmed by measuring NDGA-induced Mn2+ -coupled quench of fura-2 fluorescence. The NDGA-induced Ca2+ influx was not affected by L-type Ca2+ channel blockers. In Ca2+ -free medium, the NDGA-induced [Ca2+]i increase was abolished by pretreatment with 1 microM thapsigargin (an endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor), and conversely, pretreatment with NDGA abolished thapsigargin-induced [Ca2+]i increase. NDGA-induced intracellular Ca2+ release was not altered by inhibition of phospholipase C. Overnight treatment with 20-50 microM NDGA inhibited cell proliferation rate in a concentration-dependent manner. Several other lipoxygenases inhibitors did not alter [Ca2+]i. Collectively, this study shows that in prostate cells, NDGA induced a [Ca2+]i increase via releasing stored Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum in a manner independent of phospholipase C activity, and by causing Ca2+ influx. NDGA also caused cytotoxicity at higher concentrations.     

CP55,940 increases intracellular Ca2+ levels in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells

The effect of CP55,940, a presumed CB1/CB2 cannabinoid receptor agonist, on intracellular free Ca2+ levels ([Ca2+]i) in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells was examined by using the fluorescent dye fura-2 as a Ca2+ indicator. CP55,940 (2-50 microM) increased [Ca2+]i concentration-dependently with an EC50 of 8 microM. The [Ca2+]i signal comprised an initial rise and a sustained phase. Extracellular Ca2+ removal decreased the maximum [Ca2+]i signals by 32+/-12%. CP55,940 (20 microM)-induced [Ca2+]i signal was not altered by 5 microM of two cannabinoid receptor antagonists, AM-251 and AM-281. CP55,940 (20 microM)-induced [Ca2+]i increase in Ca2+-free medium was inhibited by 86+/-3% by pretreatment with 1 microM thapsigargin, an endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor. Conversely, pretreatment with 20 microM CP55,940 in Ca2+-free medium for 6 min abolished thapsigargin-induced [Ca2+]i increases. CP55,940 (20 microM)-induced intracellular Ca2+ release was not inhibited when inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate formation was abolished by suppressing phospholipase C with 2 microM U73122. Collectively, this study shows that CP,55940 induced significant [Ca2+]i increases in canine renal tubular cells by releasing stored Ca2+ from the thapsigargin-sensitive pools in an inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-independent manner, and also by causing extracellular Ca2+ entry. The CP55,940's action appears to be dissociated from stimulation of cannabinoid receptors.     

Spontaneous and stimulated transients in cytoplasmic free Ca(2+) in normal human osteoblast-like cells: aspects of their regulation.

We characterize two patterns of transients in cytoplasmic free calcium ([Ca2+]i) in normal human osteoblast-like cells (hOB cells). Firstly, spontaneous oscillations in [Ca2+]i were found to be common. The [Ca2+]i oscillations were completely inhibited by thapsigargin, indicating that Ca2+ fluxes between intracellular Ca2+ pools and the cytosol contributed to the generation of the [Ca2+]i oscillations. Removing extracellular Ca2+ either attenuated or completely inhibited spontaneous [Ca2+]i oscillations. Gadolinium, an inhibitor of stretch activated cation channels (SA-cat channels), reduced the frequency of [Ca2+]i oscillations. Hence, entry of calcium from the extracellular space, possibly through SA-cat channels also seemed to be of importance in the regulation of these [Ca2+]i oscillations. The role of the observed spontaneous [Ca2+]i oscillations in hOB cell function is not clear. Secondly, a decrease in pericellular osmolality, which causes the plasma membrane to stretch, transiently increased [Ca2+]i in hOB cells. This effect was also observed in a Ca2+ free extracellular environment, suggesting that osmotic stimuli release Ca2+ from intracellular pools. This finding indicates a possible signaling pathway by which mechanical strain can promote anabolic effects on the human skeleton.     

Ketoconazole-evoked [Ca2+]i rises and non-Ca2+-triggered cell death in rabbit corneal epithelial cells (SIRC)

The effect of ketoconazole on cytosolic free Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) and proliferation has not been explored in corneal cells. This study examined whether ketoconazole alters Ca2+ levels and causes cell death in SIRC rabbit corneal epithelial cells. [Ca2+]i and cell viability were measured by using the fluorescent dyes fura-2 and WST-1, respectively. Ketoconazole at concentrations of 5 microM and above increased [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner. The Ca2+ signal was reduced partly by removing extracellular Ca2+. The ketoconazole-induced Ca2+ influx was insensitive to L-type Ca2+ channel blockers and protein kinase C modulators. In Ca2+-free medium, after pretreatment with 50 microM ketoconazole, thapsigargin-(1 microM)-induced [Ca2+]i rises were abolished; conversely, thapsigargin pretreatment nearly abolished ketoconazole-induced [Ca2+]i rises. Inhibition of phospholipase C with 2 microM U73122 did not change ketoconazole-induced [Ca2+]i rises. At concentrations between 5 and 100 microM, ketoconazole killed cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The cytotoxic effect of 50 microM ketoconazole was not reversed by prechelating cytosolic Ca2+ with BAPTA. In summary, in corneal cells, ketoconazole-induced [Ca2+]i rises by causing Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum and Ca2+ influx from unknown pathways. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity induced by ketoconazole was not caused via a preceding [Ca2+]i rise.     

Characterization of hypoxia-induced [Ca2+]i rise in rabbit pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells

We have investigated the effects of hypoxia on the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in rabbit pulmonary (PASMCs) and coronary arterial smooth muscle cells with fura-2. Perfusion of a glucose-free and hypoxic (PO2<50 mmHg) external solution increased [Ca2+]i in cultured as well as freshly isolated PASMCs. However it had no effect on [Ca2+]i in freshly isolated coronary arterial myocytes. In the absence of extracellular Ca2+, hypoxic stimulation elicited a transient [Ca2+]i increase in cultured PASMCs which was abolished by the simultaneous application of cyclopiazonic acid and ryanodine, suggesting the involvement of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ store. Pretreatment with the mitochondrial protonophore, carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl-hydrazone (CCCP) enhanced the [Ca2+]i rise in response to hypoxia. A short application of caffeine gave a transient [Ca2+]i rise which was prolonged by CCCP. Decay of the caffeine-induced [Ca2+]i transients was significantly slowed by treatment of CCCP or rotenone. After full development of the hypoxia-induced [Ca2+]i rise, nifedipine did not decrease [Ca2+]i. These data suggest that the [Ca2+]i increase in response to hypoxia may be ascribed to both Ca2+ release from the SR and the subsequent activation of nifedipine-insensitive capacitative Ca2+ entry. Mitochondria appear to modulate hypoxia induced Ca2+ release from the SR.