The Decisive Porlevels in Haloalkane-Mediated Liver Cell Injury

The model hepatotoxine carbon tetrachloride (CC1₄) was used to study haloalkane free radical-induced lipid peroxidation in isolated rat hepatocytes at steady state oxygen partial pressures (pO,) between 0.2 and IOOmmHg. Equilibrium oxygen conditions were achieved by using an oxystat system.

Monitoring of hepatocellular oxygen uptake, malondialdehyde-formation and low-level chemilumine-scence during incubations of CC1₄-supplemented hepatocytes indicated a drastic stimulation of lipid peroxidation at p0₂-levels between 1 and lOmmHg. Above and below this pO₂-region the potency of CC1₄ to induce lipid peroxidation sharply decreased. The evaluation of cellular damages by determining trypan blue exclusion and lactate dehydrogenase leakage revealed that in the presence of CC1₄ hepatocellular injury was significantly increased at those pO₂-levels which were optimal for CC1₄-mediated lipid peroxidation.

The present results demonstrate that CC1₄ is a potent inducer of lipid peroxidation also in the intact hepatocyte, provided that the p0₂ is maintained at distinct low levels. The coincidence of lipid peroxidation and loss of cell viability at the same pO,-range provides further evidence for the assumption that the haloalkane-mediated liver cell injury is due to a peroxidative process which primarily occurs at the hypoxic end of the physiological pO, -levels (1-70 mmHg) in liver.     

间充质干细胞外泌体对小鼠急性肝衰竭的保护作用

目的:研究小鼠骨髓间充质干细胞(Mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, m BMMSC)来源的外泌体(Exosome, Exo)对四氯化碳(Carbon tetrachloride, CCl4)诱导的急性肝衰竭(Acute liver failure, ALF)的保护作用。方法:采用全骨髓培养法提取Balb/c小鼠原代骨髓间充质干细胞并利用流式细胞仪进行鉴定,用试剂盒混合细胞上清后提取干细胞分泌的外泌体,透射电镜(Transmission electron microscope, TEM)鉴定外泌体形态,纳米粒径追踪分析仪(Nanoparticle tracking analysis, NTA)鉴定外泌体的粒径,Western Blot鉴定外泌体表面的标志蛋白。激光共聚焦显微镜(Confocal laser scanning microscope, CLSM)下观察肝细胞内吞外泌体。小鼠肝脏的免疫荧光切片观察外泌体的肝脏内分布。Balb/c小鼠随机分为健康对照组(Healthy)、CCl4损伤组(CCl4)、CCl4损伤外泌体治疗组(Exo)。观察小鼠7 d内的生存时间。检测血清中谷丙转氨酶(ALT)、谷草转氨酶(AST)、乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)、尿酸(UA)的含量,HE染色组织切片观察肝脏病理变化,流式细胞仪和磁珠细胞试剂盒(Cytometric bead array, CBA)检测血清中白介素6(IL-6)、白介素12(IL-12)和γ干扰素的含量(IFN-γ)。结果:成功提取并鉴定了小鼠骨髓间充质干细胞与其外泌体,NTA测得干细胞外泌体的粒径在100 nm左右,电镜下外泌体呈现囊泡状,Western Blot测得外泌体表达CD9和CD63蛋白。CLSM下观察到L02肝细胞内吞外泌体且随时间递增,免疫荧光切片观察到外泌体靶向肝脏且在肝脏组织中均匀分布。动物实验表明相比于CCl4组,Exo组小鼠的生存时间显著延长,血清中ALT、AST、LDH和UA的含量显著降低,肝脏组织切片显示肝脏损伤明显减少,血清中IL-6, IL-12和IFN-γ的含量显著降低。结论:小鼠骨髓间充质干细胞分泌的外泌体可能通过抑制炎症减轻四氯化碳诱导的急性肝衰竭。     

Capsaicin-Induced Changes in the Cytosolic Calcium Level and Mitochondrial Membrane Potential

Simultaneous video-microfluorimetry allows experimenters to monitor calcium signals in the cytosol, as well as changes in the membrane potential of the mitochondria, in living cells loaded with both fura2 and rhodamine123 (rhod123). Capsaicin-evoked responses of cultured sensory neurons and transfected HT1080 cells are described below. Polymodal nociceptors [1] or other cells expressing TRPV1 receptors respond to capsaicin application with a rise in the cytosolic calcium level ([Ca²⁺]_c), reaching eventually toxic levels. Capsaicin induces selective permanent morphological changes of the mitochondria before any loss of small cells (type B) in the sensory ganglia can be detected [3]. An unknown link between changes in the mitochondria and cell loss can be investigated by combined functional examination of capsaicin-induced [Ca2+]_c changes and reactions of the mitochondria. In most tests, the capsaicin-induced [Ca²⁺]_c elevation occurred before the rising phase of rhod123 waves. Cellular reactions were either transient or sustained (lasting over hundreds of seconds). A transient or a sustained nature of the reactions was slightly concentration-dependent. Fluorescence of the cells changed in complicated ways during repeated tests. Moderate but permanent changes of the cellular responsiveness suggest mild injury, which might be involved in cellular desensitization.Neirofiziologiya/Neurophysiology, Vol. 37, No. 1, pp. 82–93, January–February, 2005.     

糖皮质激素对肝细胞内游离钙的作用

应用钙离子荧光指示剂ｆｕｒａ－２,对糖皮质激素（Ｇｌｕｃｏｃｏｒｔｉｃｏｉｄ,ＧＣ）是否影响肝细胞内游离钙（Ｉｎｔｒａｃｅｌｌｕｌａｒ　ｆｒｅｅ　ｃａｌｃｉｕｍ,［Ｃａ２＋］ｉ作了初步探讨。结果发现,ＧＣ在短期内能升高肝细胞［Ｃａ２＋］ｉ,水平,并具有明显的量效关系。以１．０μｍｏｌ／Ｌ的Ｃｏｒｔｉｓｏｌ和１０．０μｍｏｌ／Ｌ的Ｄｅｘａｍｅｔｈａｓｏｎｅ效果最好。加入１．０μｍｏｌ／Ｌ的Ｃｏｒｔｉｓｏｌ０．２５ｍｉｎ即可引起肝细胞［Ｃａ２＋］ｉ的明显升高,到１０分钟时效应达高峰。此时与静息状态的肝细胞［Ｃａ２＋］ｉ水平相比,胞浆内游离钙升高了近３倍;与相应对照组比较,胞浆内游离钙升高具有明显的统计学意义,Ｐ＜０．０１。ＲＵ４８６为一种人工合成的糖皮质激素受体（Ｇｌｕｃｏｃｏｒｔｉｃｏｉｄ　ｒｅｃｅｐｔｏｒ,ＧＲ）的拮抗剂,它可以取消ＧＣ升高肝细胞［Ｃａ２＋］ｉ的效应,提示ＧＣ升高肝细胞内［Ｃａ２＋］ｉ可能与ＧＲ介导有一定关系。鉴于ＧＣ升高［Ｃａ２＋］ｉ时间较短,推测与肝细胞膜ＧＲ的非基因快速调节作用影响钙离子通道有关。     

Increase of Lipid Hydroperoxides in Liver Mitochondria and Inhibition of Cytochrome Oxidase by Carbon Tetrachloride -Intoxication in Rats

The cellular localization of lipid hydroperoxides was determined for the first time in mitochondria, microsomes and cytosol of rat liver using a specific method involving chemical derivatization and HPLC. Mitochondria contained the highest level of hydroperoxides. After 6h of intragastric administration of carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) to rats (2 ml/kg body weight), the concentration of lipid hydroperoxides increased significantly in liver mitochondria and cytochrome oxidase activity was inhibited to 35% of the control rats. The mitochondrial content of haem a decreased to 60% of the control at 12 h of CCl₄ administration. In vitro reaction of mitochondria with CCl₄ caused inactivation of cytochrome oxidase. These observations suggested that cytochrome oxidase and haem a in mitochondria were targets of CCl₄.     

Clarification of the Relationship Between Free Radical Spin Trapping and Carbon Tetrachloride Metabolism in Microsomal Systems

It has been proposed that the C-phenyl-N-tert-butylnitrone/trichloromethyl radical adduct (PBN/^•CCl₃) is metabolized to either the C-phenyl-N-tert-butylnitrone/carbon dioxide anion radical adduct (PBN/^•CO₂⁻) or the glutathione (GSH) and CCl₄-dependent PBN radical adduct (PBN/[GSH-^•CCl₃]). Inclusion of PBN/^•CCl₃ in microsomal incubations containing GSH, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), or GSH plus NADPH produced no electron spin resonance (ESR) spectral data indicative of the formation of either the PBN/[GSH-^•CCl₃] or PBN/^•CO₂⁻ radical adducts. Microsomes alone or with GSH had no effect on the PBN/^•CCl₃ radical adduct. Addition of NADPH to a microsomal system containing PBN/^•CCl₃ presumably reduced the radical adduct to its ESR-silent hydroxylamine because no ESR signal was observed. The Folch extract of this system produced an ESR spectrum that was a composite of two radicals, one of which had hyperfine coupling constants identical to those of PBN/^•CCl₃. We conclude that PBN/^•CCl₃ is not metabolized into either PBN/[GSH-^•CCl₃] or PBN/^•CO₂⁻ in microsomal systems.     

The Contribution of TRPV4-Mediated Calcium Signaling to Calcium Homeostasis in Endothelial Cells

A large variety of cation transport systems are involved in the regulation of calcium homeostasis in endothelial cells. The focus of the present study is to determine the contribution of nonselective cation channels from the TRP (transient receptor potential) family to cellular calcium homeostasis of porcine aortic endothelial cells (PAEC). One member of the TRPV (vanniloid) subfamily, TRPV4, has previously been shown to be involved in cation transport induced by a large variety of stimulations including osmolarity, temperature, mechanical stress, and phosphorylation. Here, we demonstrate the existence of several TRP proteins, including TRPV4, in PAEC using RT-PCR. To test whether this channel is functional, we performed FURA-2 calcium measurements and whole-cell patch-clamp experiments. We observed the induction of large calcium signals following mechanical stress, altered extracellular temperature, and the selective TRPV4 activator 4-α -PDD. These effects were diminished in the presence of the TRPV4 inhibitor miconazole, suggesting the involvement of this channel in mediating endothelial calcium signals. The large amounts of transported calcium and the short signaling ways suggest a potentially important role of this channel in many physiological processes.     

人羊膜间充质干细胞移植对CCl_4诱导的小鼠损伤肝HGF、SIRT-1、α-SMA及P~(27kip1)表达的影响

人羊膜间充质干细胞(h AMSCs)具有自我增殖和多向分化潜能,有望为干细胞移植性治疗提供新来源,是病变组织器官损伤修复的理想种子细胞.但目前关于h AMSCs对肝损伤的修复机制仍不十分清楚.本研究采用胰蛋白酶-胶原酶消化法从羊膜组织中分离、纯化了间充质干细胞.免疫荧光检测表面标记波形丝蛋白(vimentin)和阶段特异表达抗原4(SSEA-4)均呈阳性.h AMSCs表达CD29、CD49d、CD73表面抗原,但不表达骨髓间充质表面抗原CD34、CD45和人类白细胞抗原DR位点(HLA-DR).实时定量PCR和Western印迹检测揭示,h AMSCs移植后可提高受损肝组织中肝细胞生长因子(HGF)和沉默信息调节因子1(SIRT-1)的表达,抑制α-平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA)和周期性蛋白依赖性激酶抑制因子(P27kip1)的表达.因为上述蛋白质分子涉及肝细胞增殖、再生、凋亡调节,抑或肝纤维化过程,因此h AMSCs移植后所引起的上述分子表达变化可改善四氯化碳(CCL4)诱导的肝损伤,抑制肝细胞凋亡,促进肝细胞有丝分裂,对肝损伤有一定的修复作用.该研究为进一步探索调控肝再生、损伤修复信号通路(机制)及预防肝纤维化提供了新启示.     

Comparison of the Preventive Activity of Isorhamnetin Glycosides from Atsumi-kabu (Red Turnip,Brassica, campestris L.) Leaves on Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Injury in Mice

Isorhamnetin 3-O-glucoside, which was contained together with isorhamnetin 3,7-di-O-glucoside in atsumi-kabu leaves, suppressed increases in the plasma ALT and AST activities of mice with liver injury induced by the injection of carbon tetrachloride, but no suppression by isorhamnetin 3,7-di-O-glucoside was apparent. This result indicates that the release of glucose at the 7-position in isorhamnetin 3,7-di-O-glucoside was very important to mitigating liver injury.     

Calcium Permeability of Non-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Channels in Immature Cerebellar Purkinje Cells: Studies Using Fura-2 Microfluorometry

Abstract: Using fura-2 microfluorometry, I investigated the mechanism by which non-N-methyl-d -aspartate (NMDA) receptor agonists increase the cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca]_in) in single cerebellar Purkinje cells isolated from 3–10-day-old rats. Kainate and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionate dose-dependently increased the cytosolic free Na⁺ concentration, which was measured using sodium-binding benzofuran isophthalate microfluorometry, confirming the Na⁺ influx through ion channels linked to non-NMDA receptors. The [Ca²⁺] increases induced by relatively lower concentrations of agonists were entirely dependent on external Ca²⁺ and were reduced by removal of external Na⁺ or by addition of a Ca²⁺ channel blocker, D600. The results indicate that the non-NMDA agonist–induced [Ca]_in increase was due mainly to Ca²⁺ influx through voltage-dependent Ca²⁺ channels, which were activated by a massive Na⁺ influx. On the other hand, higher concentrations of agonists dose-dependently increased [Ca]_in under conditions in which activation of voltage-dependent Ca²⁺ channels were blocked by a combination of Na⁺ removal with D600. These [Ca]_in increases were Ca²⁺ dependent and little affected by adding a competitive NMDA antagonist. Non-NMDA agonists also stimulated influxes of Mn²⁺ and Co²⁺, both of which can be monitored by quenching fura-2 fluorescence under the same conditions. These results suggest that ion channels linked to non-NMDA receptors on immature Purkinje cells are permeable to Ca²⁺, Mn²⁺, and Co²⁺.     

Correlations between common tests for assessment of liver damage: indices of the hepatoprotective activity of promethazine in carbon tetrachloride hepatotoxicity

The effects of promethazine (PM) on different aspects of the hepatotoxic action of CCl4 in the rat were investigated with the objective of finding rapid and reliable indicators of hepatoprotective effects. The study was based on definitive histological assessment of liver damage caused by CCl4 in the presence and absence of PM: PM (78 mumol kg-1, i.p.) protected against CCl4-induced hepatic necrosis 24 h after a low dose of CCl4 (1.3 mmol kg-1) but not against a higher dose (13.0 mmol kg-1). The large increases in plasma activities of GOT, GPT and LDH produced by dosing with CCl4 were partially inhibited by the administration of PM. PM and CCl4 caused a synergistic and long-lasting decrease in body temperature (2-3 degrees C for 8-10 h). Modifying the toxicity with PM, together with a low dose of CCl4, helped to minimize secondary effects of CCl4, to clarify the sequence of toxic events, and to assess the sensitivity of some standard tests of hepatotoxicity. Simultaneous measurement of over 20 commonly used biochemical screening tests in individual animals 3 or 6 h after treatment permitted direct correlation of a wide variety of concentrations, activities and effects. For example, liver CHCl3 concentrations (as a measure of CCl4 metabolism) correlate strongly with increases in diene conjugation of microsomal lipids (as a measure of CCl4-induced lipid peroxidation); malonaldehyde production appears to be less sensitive as a measure of lipid peroxidation in vivo than diene conjugation. The changes induced in each parameter and the correlations between them are discussed with reference to the overall nature of the hepatotoxic reaction and its modification by PM.     

AMPA Receptor-Mediated Alterations of Intracellular Calcium Homeostasis in Rat Cerebellar Purkinje Cells In Vitro: Correlates to Dark Cell Degeneration

In the rat cerebellar slice preparation in vitro, excessive DL-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-isoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA)-receptor activation elicits a characteristic type of excitotoxicity of Purkinje cells (PCs) known as dark cell degeneration (DCD). DCD models neurotoxicity of PCs and hippocampal pyramidal neurons in vivo following hyperexcitable states. The intent of this study was to: a) determine whether AMPA-induced neurotoxicity of PCs is correlated with temporally and spatially restricted rises in intracellular Ca²⁺ and b) whether GYKI 52466 and nominal external Ca²⁺, conditions that reduced expression of AMPA-elicited DCD, altered the induced Ca²⁺ patterns. Employing the Ca²⁺-sensitive dye Fluo-3 and a confocal laser scanning microscope, we evaluated changes in intracellular Ca²⁺ within PCs in a cerebellar slice preparation. AMPA application alone (30 M for 30 min) caused a significant initial rise in perinuclear and cytoplasmic Ca²⁺ that returned to control levels during the latter part of the AMPA exposure period. Following removal of AMPA (expression period), perinuclear and cytoplasmic Ca²⁺ displayed a significant delayed rise peaking transiently 60 min after AMPA removal. The efficacy of GYKI 52466 and nominal external Ca²⁺ conditions to attenuate AMPA-induced DCD was correlated to reductions in AMPA-induced transient elevations in perinuclear and cytoplasmic Ca²⁺ levels during the expression phase and to a lesser extent during the exposure period. The present data suggest that during the expression phase, the delayed perinuclear and cytoplasmic Ca²⁺ transient may be the harbinger of impending loss of Ca²⁺ homeostasis and cell damage.     

Processes Maintaining Calcium Homeostasis in Acinar Cells of the Rat Submandibular Salivary Gland

Using a Ca²⁺-sensitive fluorescent indicator, fura-2/AM, we recorded calcium transients in secretory cells of isolated acini of the rat submandibular salivary gland; these transients were induced by hyperpotassium-induced depolarization (after an increase in [K⁺] _e up to 50 mM) of the plasma membrane of the above cells. Calcium transients were significantly suppressed by 50 M nifedipine. Addition of 10 M carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone to the normal extracellular solution was accompanied by a rise in [Ca²⁺] _i , whereas when hyperpotassium solution is used the effect was less expressed. Blockers of CA²⁺-ATPase in the cellular membrane and in the endoplasmic reticulum, eosin Y (5 M) and cyclopiazonic acid (CPA, 5 M), respectively, evoked a significant increase in [Ca²⁺] _i and a decrease in the K⁺-depolarization-induced calcium transient. Extracellular application of caffeine (2, 10, or 30 mM) was accompanied by a concentration-dependent rise in [Ca²⁺] _i . Therefore, potassium depolarization of the plasma membrane of acinar cells of the rat submandibular salivary gland activates both the voltage-dependent Ca²⁺ influx and Ca²⁺-induced Ca²⁺ release from the endoplasmic reticulum; the initial level of [Ca²⁺] _i was restored at the joint involvement of Ca²⁺-ATPases in the plasma membrane and the membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria.     

ATP-induced calcium oscillations and change of P2Y subtypes with culture conditions in HeLa cells

ATP, UTP, ADP and UDP induced intracellular Ca(2+) responses and oscillations in HeLa cells that sometimes lasted over 1 h. The response is due to the activation of P2Ys, G-protein coupled ATP receptors, because the oscillations persisted for several minutes even in Ca(2+)-free solution, and suramin and PPADS, antagonists of ATP receptors, partially inhibited the response. The potency of these nucleotides varied with the culture or cell conditions, i.e. UTP was generally most potent but in some cases UDP was more potent; responses to UDP were variable while those to ATP were constant. In addition, Ca(2+) responses to ATP and UDP were additive. These findings suggested the existence of two or more subtypes of P2Ys in HeLa cells. RT-PCR experiments revealed the existence of P2Y(2), P2Y(4) and P2Y(6). Recovery from starvation (culture in FBS-free medium overnight and re-addition of FBS) increased the responses to UTP and UDP but not to ATP, suggesting that the number or activity of P2Y(6) and/or P2Y(4) receptors may increase with cell proliferation in HeLa cells.     

Bradykinin-responsive cells of dorsal root ganglia in culture: Cell size,firing, cytosolic calcium,and substance P

Summary 1. We analyze bradykinin-sensitive cells of the mouse dorsal root ganglion in culture from the viewpoints of cell size, electrical responses, and Ca²⁺ concentration change due to bradykinin and immunocytochemistry of substance P.2. Sixteen percent of cells in the cell group 26–30 µm in diameter fired in response to 10 µM bradykinin. None of other cell groups showed a firing response to bradykinin.3. We measured a cytosolic Ca²⁺ change due to bradykinin using a Ca²⁺-sensitive fluorescent dye, Fura 2. The rapid rise (peak time, 20 sec) in the Ca²⁺ concentration was ascribed to Ca²⁺ release from intracellular Ca²⁺ stores. The profound change in the Ca²⁺ concentration was observed again in the cell group 26–30 µm in diameter. Seventeen percent of cells in this group increased the Ca²⁺ concentration by approximately seven times that at resting level.4. Among cells which increase Ca²⁺ concentration responding to bradykinin, 83% of them contain substance P (an immunocytochemical study).5. We conclude that 16–17% of the cell group 26–30 µm in diameter of the dorsal root ganglia in culture are polymodal nociceptors and respond to bradykinin.     

New Insight into the Biochemical Pathology of Liver in Choline Deficiency

Abstract

A diet deficient in choline can cause liver cancer in rats. The previous work since 1932 emphasized the fat-removing ability of choline from the liver. There are other dietary factors, including methionine, which, like choline, can remove fat from the liver. These factors were termed as lipotropes. Since then, choline deficiency and lipotrope deficiency are used synonoumously. Recent work since 1980 has clearly demonstrated that choline deficiency (CD) and lipotrope deficiency (LD) are not the same. Generation of free radicals, DNA alterations, liver cell death, and liver cancer that occur due to CD are not generated by LD. Generation of free radicals due to CD diet and some of the agents that counteract free radical action also prevent CD effects except for lipid accumulation in the liver. Despite the recent observations on the role of phospholipase A, (PLA) as the protector of the membranes, it has been found that by preventing the rise of PLA, in the liver, cell death can be prevented. These new findings give choline a distinct role in liver cell death and cancer rather than the role of lipotrope. A new hypothesis linking dietary choline deficiency and liver cancer has been discussed.     

Intracellular Calcium Homeostasis in a Human Neuroblastoma Cell Line: Modulation by Depolarization, Cholinergic Receptors, and α-Latrotoxin

Intracellular calcium homeostasis and its modulation by different agents was studied in control and differentiated IMR32 human neuroblastoma cells by using the Ca2+-sensitive fluorescent dye quin2. The results obtained demonstrate the existence in IMR32 cells of (a) voltage-dependent, verapamil sensitive, Ca2+ channels, which are expressed before differentiation; (b) muscarinic receptors whose activation triggers both Ca2+ influx and Ca2+ redistribution from intracellular stores, whereas nicotinic receptors and alpha-bungarotoxin binding sites do not; and (c) receptors for alpha-latrotoxin (the major toxin of the black widow spider venom), which are well-known markers of the neuronal presynaptic membrane. Up to now, no cell lines of human origin sensitive to this toxin have been identified. These results confirm that IMR32 cells are very convenient model cells for studying specific aspects of the neurochemistry and neurobiology of the human neuron at the molecular and cellular levels.     

Studies on the Cytosolic Phospholipase A2 in Immortalized Astrocytes (DITNC) Revealed New Properties of the Calcium Ionophore,A23187

Besides playing an important role in the maintenance of cell membrane phospholipids, phospholipases A₂ (PLA₂) are responsible for the release of arachidonic acid (AA) which is a precursor for prostaglandin biosynthesis. The cytosolic PLA₂ has been the focus of recent studies, probably due to its ability to respond to protein kinases and changes in intracellular calcium levels. In this study, we examined agents for stimulation of the cytosolic phospholipase A₂ in immortalized astrocytes (DITNC). Incubation of DITNC cells with [¹⁴C]arachidonic acid (AA) resulted in a time-dependent uptake of the label into phospholipids (PL) and neutral glycerides. In prelabeled cells, release of labeled AA could be stimulated by calcium mobilizing agents such as calcium ionophore A23187 (4–20 M) and thimerosal (100 M), and by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA, 100 nM), an agent for activation of protein kinase C. The release of AA could also be stimulated by ATP (200 M), probably through activation of the purinergic receptor but not by glutamate (1 mM). The stimulated release of AA was dependent on extracellular Ca²⁺ and was inhibited by mepacrine (50 M), a non-specific PLA₂ inhibitor. Western blot analysis further confirmed the presence of an 85 kDa cPLA₂ in both membrane and cytosol fractions of these cells and stimulation by A23187 resulted in translocation of this protein to the membrane fraction. Besides labeled fatty acids, A23187 also stimulated the concomitant release of labeled PL into the culture medium and this event was accompanied by the increased release in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Results thus revealed that besides activation of cPLA₂, the calcium ionophore A23187 is capable of perturbating cell membrane integrity.     

Voltage-Sensitive Calcium Channels in Differentiated Neuroblastoma × Glioma Hybrid (NG108–15) Cells: Characterization by Quin 2 Fluorescence

Depolarization of differentiated neuroblastoma X glioma (NG108-15) cells with KCl (50 mM) or veratridine (50 microM) stimulated Ca2+ accumulation, was detected by quin 2 fluorescence. Intracellular Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) were elevated about threefold from 159 +/- 7 to 595 +/- 52 nM (n = 12). Ca2+ entry evoked by high extracellular K+ concentration ([K+]o) was voltage-dependent and enhanced by the dihydropyridine agonists, BAY K 8644 and CGP 28 392, in a dose-dependent manner. CGP 28 392 was less potent and less efficacious than BAY K 8644. The (+) and (-) stereoisomers of 202-791 showed agonist and antagonist properties, respectively. (+)-202-791 was less potent, but as efficacious as BAY K 8644. In the absence of KCl, BAY K 8644 had no effect on Ca2+ entry. Voltage-sensitive calcium channel (VSCC) activity was blocked by organic Ca2+ channel antagonists (nanomolar range) both before and after KCl treatment and also by divalent metal cations (micromolar range). High [K+]o-induced Ca2+ accumulation was dependent on external Ca2+, but not on external Na+ ions ([Na]o), and was insensitive to both tetrodotoxin (3 microM) and tetraethylammonium (10 microM). In contrast, veratridine-induced Ca2+ accumulation required [Na+]o, and was blocked by tetrodotoxin, but not by nimodipine (1 microM). Veratridine-induced Ca2+ accumulation was slower (approximately 45 s), smaller in magnitude (approximately 30% of [K+]o-induced Ca2+ entry), and also enhanced by BAY K 8644 (approximately 50%). VSCC were identified in neuronal hybrid (NG108-15 and NCB-20) cells, but not in glial (C6BU-1), renal epithelial (MDCK), and human astrocytoma (1321N1) cells. NG108-15 cells differentiated with 1.0 mM dibutyryl cyclic AMP showed greater VSCC activity than undifferentiated cultures. These results suggest that cultured neural cells provide a useful system to study Ca2+ regulation via ion channels.