Roles of Ca2+ and protein kinase C in the excitatory response to serotonin in embryonic molluscan ciliary cells

We examined the roles of Ca2+ and protein kinase C (PKC) in the cilio-excitatory response to serotonin in pedal ciliary cells from Helisoma trivolvis embryos. Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT; 100 micromol/L) induced an increase in ciliary beat frequency (CBF) was abolished by microinjected BAPTA (50 mmol/L), but was only partially inhibited by the phospholipase C inhibitor U-73122 (10 micromol/L). The diacylglycerol analogs 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol (100 micromol/L) and 1,2-dioctanoyl-sn-glycerol (100 micromol/L) caused increases in [Ca2+]i that were smaller than those induced by serotonin. In the absence of extracellular Ca2+, 1,2-dioctanoyl-sn-glycerol (100 micromol/L) failed to elicit an increase in both CBF and [Ca2+]i. In contrast, the serotonin-induced increase in CBF persisted in the absence of extracellular Ca2+, although the increase in [Ca2+]i was abolished. PKC inhibitors bisindolylmaleimide (10 and 100 nmol/L) and calphostin C (10 nmol/L) partially inhibited the serotonin-induced increase in CBF, but didn't affect the serotonin-induced change in [Ca2+]i. These findings suggest that an intracellular store-dependent increase in [Ca2+]i mediates the cilio-excitatory response to serotonin. Furthermore, although PKC is able to cause an increase in [Ca2+]i through calcium influx, it contributes to the cilio-excitatory response to 5-HT through a different mechanism.     

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.     

Intracellular and extracellular changes of [Ca2+] in hypoxia and ischemia in rat brain in vivo

Changes in intra- and extracellular free calcium concentration were evaluated with ion-selective microelectrodes during periods of anoxia and ischemia in three different regions of intact rat brain. Recordings stable for at least 2 min and in most cases for 4-6 min were chosen for analysis. Under normoxic conditions neuronal [Ca2+]i varied between less than 10(-8) and 10(-7) M from cell to cell but no systematic regional differences were observed. Elimination of O2 or interruption in blood flow caused, within 30-60 s, slight intracellular alkalinization followed by a small rise in [Ca2+]i, a mild degree of hyperpolarization, and disappearance of electrical activity in the cortex, in that order. It is postulated that a decline in cellular energy levels, as manifested by H+ uptake associated with creatine phosphate hydrolysis, leads to an increase in [Ca2+]i, which activates Ca2(+)-dependent K+ channels and consequently enhances gK. 2-4 min later there was a sudden, large rise in [K+]e, a fall in [Ca2+]e and a rapid elevation of [Ca2+]i. The magnitude of the latter was greatest in a high proportion of hippocampal neurons in area CA1 and some cortical cells, while it was smallest and relatively delayed in thalamic neurons. In the hippocampus area CA1 increases in [Ca2+]i to as much as 6-8 x 10(-4) were observed; some of these could be reversed when O2 or blood flow were restored to normal. Pretreatment of animals with ketamine and MK-801, antagonists of excitatory amino acid transmitters, markedly slowed and decreased the rises in [Ca2+]i. The effects of the two agents were most pronounced in the hippocampus. It is concluded that the receptor-operated channels are largely responsible for Ca2+ entry into certain cells during hypoxia/ischemia. This pathway may be of primary importance in parts of the hippocampus and cortex, regions of the brain that are particularly vulnerable to O2 deprivation and which receive high glutamatergic input and have an abundance of excitatory amino acid receptors.     

Acute hypoxia increases intracellular [Ca2+] in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle by enhancing capacitative Ca2+ entry

Hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) requires influx of extracellular Ca2+ in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). To determine whether capacitative Ca2+ entry (CCE) through store-operated Ca2+ channels (SOCCs) contributes to this influx, we used fluorescent microscopy and the Ca2+-sensitive dye fura-2 to measure effects of 4% O2 on intracellular [Ca2+] ([Ca2+]i) and CCE in primary cultures of PASMCs from rat distal pulmonary arteries. In PASMCs perfused with Ca2+-free Krebs Ringer bicarbonate solution (KRBS) containing cyclopiazonic acid to deplete Ca2+ stores in sarcoplasmic reticulum and nifedipine to prevent Ca2+ entry through L-type voltage-operated Ca2+ channels (VOCCs), hypoxia markedly enhanced both the increase in [Ca2+]i caused by restoration of extracellular [Ca2+] and the rate at which extracellular Mn2+ quenched fura-2 fluorescence. These effects, as well as the increased [Ca2+]i caused by hypoxia in PASMCs perfused with normal salt solutions, were blocked by the SOCC antagonists SKF-96365, NiCl2, and LaCl3 at concentrations that inhibited CCE >80% but did not alter [Ca2+]i responses to 60 mM KCl. In contrast, the VOCC antagonist nifedipine inhibited [Ca2+]i responses to hypoxia by only 50% at concentrations that completely blocked responses to KCl. The increased [Ca2+]i caused by hypoxia was completely reversed by perfusion with Ca2+-free KRBS. LaCl3 increased basal [Ca2+]i during normoxia, indicating effects other than inhibition of SOCCs. Our results suggest that acute hypoxia enhances CCE through SOCCs in distal PASMCs, leading to depolarization, secondary activation of VOCCs, and increased [Ca2+]i. SOCCs and CCE may play important roles in HPV.     

镉诱发肝细胞毒性和胞内Ca2+变化及硒的保护作用研究

本文通过研究镉诱发鼠肝细胞毒性和胞内游离Ca2 变化及硒的干预效应,探讨镉致肝细胞损伤机制及硒的保护作用。分离培养新生鼠原代肝细胞,随机分为正常对照组、4个5、25、100和250μmol/LCdCl2组、2个10和20μmol/LNa2SeO3组和8个用10和20μmol/LNa2SeO3分别与5、25、100和250μmol/LCdCl2联合作用组。在实验后第12h检测肝细胞存活及其MDA含量和培养液中LDH活性,激光共聚焦显微镜分析肝细胞内游离Ca2 水平([Ca2 ]i)。结果显示,镉处理的肝细胞存活随镉浓度增加明显下降,硒处理组与对照组差异不明显;硒提高或明显提高镉染毒肝细胞存活。肝细胞培养上清液LDH活性随镉浓度增加而逐渐升高,且100和250μmol/LCdCl2组显著高于对照组,而硒处理组未见明显变化;给予硒的25、100和250μmol/LCdCl2处理组LDH活性下降或明显下降。不同浓度镉均诱发肝细胞MDA含量显著升高,而硒处理组未见类似表现;10和20μmol/LNa2SeO3抑制或显著地降低25、100和250μmol/LCdCl2诱发的MDA的生成。经镉处理的肝细胞[Ca2 ]i荧光强度明显高于对照组,且随镉浓度的增加而上升,而给予硒的肝细胞[Ca2 ]i荧光强度未见升高,与对照组相近;加入硒的镉染毒肝细胞[Ca2 ]i均比各对应浓度的镉处理组有较大幅度地下降,其中给予硒的25μmol/LCdCl2处理组差异显著,且接近对照组的水平。结果提示,镉诱发肝细胞毒性和损伤以及肝细胞[Ca2 ]i升高;硒可能通过干预肝损伤细胞脂质过氧化反应,改善和保护肝细胞[Ca2 ]i稳态而减轻镉诱发的细胞毒性和损伤过程。     

BDNF acutely modulates synaptic transmission and calcium signalling in developing cortical neurons.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), like other neurotrophins, has long-term effects on neuronal survival and differentiation; furthermore, BDNF has been reported to exert an acute potentiation of synaptic activity and are critically involved in long-term potentiation(LTP). We found that BDNF rapidly induced potentiation of synaptic activity and an increase in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration in cultured cortical neurons. Within minutes of BDNF application to cultured cortical neurons, spontaneous firing rate was dramatically increased as was the frequency and amplitude of excitatory spontaneous postsynaptic currents (EPSCs). Fura-2 recordings showed that BDNF acutely elicited an increase in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i). This effect was partially dependent on extracellular Ca2+. In calcium-free perfusion medium a substantial calcium signal remained which disappeared after loading of cortical neurons with 5 microM U-73122. BDNF-induce Ca2+ transients were completely blocked by K252a and partially blocked by Cd2+. The results demonstrate that BDNF can enhance synaptic transmission and induce directly a rise in [Ca2+]i that require two routes: the release of Ca2+ from intracellular calcium stores and influx of extracellular Ca2+ mainly through voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels in cultured cortical neurons.     

Differential regulation of intracellular Ca2+ signalling induced by high K+ and endothelin-1 in single smooth muscle cells of intact canine basilar artery: detection by means of confocal laser microscopy

Changes in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in smooth muscle cells play the key role in regulation of vascular smooth muscle tone and pathogenesis of cerebral vasospasm. In this study, we adopted the confocal laser microscopy to detect the fluorescence signals arising from the individual smooth muscle cells of canine basilar artery. Ring preparations were made, loaded with fluo-3 and changes in fluorescence induced by high K+ and endothelin-1 (ET-1) were measured by confocal laser microscopy. In some unstimulated smooth muscle cells Ca2+ waves arising from discrete region of the cell propagated to the whole cell with a velocity of approximately 10 microm/s. High K+ (80 mmol/L) induced a rapid rise in [Ca2+]i, the peak level being consistently reached approximately 10 s after stimulation. In contrast, the time to peak level of [Ca2+]i induced by ET-1 (0.3 micromol/L) varied widely between 13 and 26 s among individual cells, an indication that the extent of nonuniform coordination of increases in [Ca2+]i in individual cells may be partly responsible for the different time courses of tension development of vascular smooth muscle in response to the vasoactive stimulants. The increase in [Ca2+]i induced by ET-1 was transient but a pronounced and sustained contraction developed further in response to ET-1. Thus ET-1 has a biological property as a potential candidate to elicit cerebral vasospasm. Confocal laser microscopy could be a useful tool to measure the changes in [Ca2+]i in individual smooth muscle cells of cerebral artery.     

蝙蝠葛碱拮抗缓激肽引起的钙稳态改变 及细胞骨架蛋白的异常磷酸

为研究蝙蝠葛碱 (dauricine , Dau) 拮抗缓激肽 (bradykinin , BK) 诱导的 Alzheimer 样钙稳态失衡及细胞骨架蛋白异常磷酸化的作用,采用双波长荧光分光光度计测定细胞内钙离子浓度 ([Ca2+] i) ,用 MTT 法检测细胞代谢水平,用免疫组织化学方法观察 tau 蛋白表达和磷酸化 . 结果表明,Dau (3 μmol/L , 6 μmol/L) 可抑制 BK 诱导的 [Ca2+]i 升高,保护 BK 引起的神经元代谢降低,拮抗 BK 引起的 tau 蛋白异常磷酸化和聚集 . 结果提示： Dau 可拮抗 BK 诱导的 Alzheimer 样钙稳态失衡及细胞骨架蛋白异常磷酸化的作用 .     

Preconditioning improves function and recovery of single muscle fibers during severe hypoxia and reoxygenation

Reperfusion following prolonged ischemia induces cellular damage in whole skeletal muscle models. Ischemic preconditioning attenuates the deleterious effects. We tested whether individual skeletal muscle fibers would be similarly affected by severe hypoxia and reoxygenation (H/R) in the absence of extracellular factors and whether cellular damage could be alleviated by hypoxic preconditioning. Force and free cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]c) were monitored in Xenopus single muscle fibers (n = 24) contracting tetanically at 0.2 Hz during 5 min of severe hypoxia and 5 min of reoxygenation. Twelve cells were preconditioned by a shorter bout of H/R 1 h before the experimental trial. In preconditioned cells, force relative to initial maximal values (P/P(o)) and relative peak [Ca2+]c fell (P < 0.05) during 5 min of hypoxia and recovered during reoxygenation. In contrast, P/P(o) and relative peak [Ca2+]c fell more during hypoxia (P < 0.05) and recovered less during reoxygenation (P < 0.05) in control cells. The ratio of force to [Ca2+]c was significantly higher in the preconditioned cells during severe hypoxia, suggesting that changes in [Ca2+]c were not solely responsible for the loss in force. We conclude that 1) isolated skeletal muscle fibers contracting in the absence of extracellular factors are susceptible to H/R injury associated with changes in Ca2+ handling; and 2) hypoxic preconditioning improves contractility, Ca2+ handling, and cell recovery during subsequent hypoxic insult.     

Mitochondria exert a negative feedback on the propagation of intracellular Ca2+ waves in rat cortical astrocytes.

We have used digital fluorescence imaging techniques to explore the interplay between mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake and physiological Ca2+ signaling in rat cortical astrocytes. A rise in cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]cyt), resulting from mobilization of ER Ca2+ stores was followed by a rise in mitochondrial Ca2+ ([Ca2+]m, monitored using rhod-2). Whereas [Ca2+]cyt recovered within approximately 1 min, the time to recovery for [Ca2+]m was approximately 30 min. Dissipating the mitochondrial membrane potential (Deltapsim, using the mitochondrial uncoupler carbonyl cyanide p-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl-hydrazone [FCCP] with oligomycin) prevented mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake and slowed the rate of decay of [Ca2+]cyt transients, suggesting that mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake plays a significant role in the clearance of physiological [Ca2+]cyt loads in astrocytes. Ca2+ signals in these cells initiated either by receptor-mediated ER Ca2+ release or mechanical stimulation often consisted of propagating waves (measured using fluo-3). In response to either stimulus, the wave traveled at a mean speed of 22.9 +/- 11.2 micrometer/s (n = 262). This was followed by a wave of mitochondrial depolarization (measured using tetramethylrhodamine ethyl ester [TMRE]), consistent with Ca2+ uptake into mitochondria as the Ca2+ wave traveled across the cell. Collapse of Deltapsim to prevent mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake significantly increased the rate of propagation of the Ca2+ waves by 50%. Taken together, these data suggest that cytosolic Ca2+ buffering by mitochondria provides a potent mechanism to regulate the localized spread of astrocytic Ca2+ signals.     

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.     

Attenuation of extracellular ATP response in cardiomyocytes isolated from hearts subjected to ischemia-reperfusion

Extracellular ATP is known to augment cardiac contractility by increasing intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in cardiomyocytes; however, the status of ATP-mediated Ca2+ mobilization in hearts undergoing ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) has not been examined previously. In this study, therefore, isolated rat hearts were subjected to 10-30 min of global ischemia and 30 min of reperfusion, and the effect of extracellular ATP on [Ca2+]i was measured in purified cardiomyocytes by fura-2 microfluorometry. Reperfusion for 30 min of 20-min ischemic hearts, unlike 10-min ischemic hearts, revealed a partial depression in cardiac function and ATP-induced increase in [Ca2+]i; no changes in basal [Ca2+]i were evident in 10- or 20-min I/R preparations. On the other hand, reperfusion of 30-min ischemic hearts for 5, 15, or 30 min showed a marked depression in both cardiac function and ATP-induced increase in [Ca2+]i and a dramatic increase in basal [Ca2+]i. The positive inotropic effect of extracellular ATP was attenuated, and the maximal binding characteristics of 35S-labeled adenosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate with crude membranes from hearts undergoing I/R was decreased. ATP-induced increase in [Ca2+]i in cardiomyocytes was depressed by verapamil and Cibacron Blue in both control and I/R hearts; however, this response in I/R hearts, unlike control hearts, was not affected by ryanodine. I/R-induced alterations in cardiac function and ATP-induced increase in [Ca2+]i were attenuated by treatment with an antioxidant mixture and by ischemic preconditioning. The observed changes due to I/R were simulated in hearts perfused with H2O2. The results suggest an impairment of extracellular ATP-induced Ca2+ mobilization in I/R hearts, and this defect appears to be mediated through oxidative stress.     

Fluorescence digital image analysis of thrombin and ADP induced rise in intracellular Ca2+ concentration of single blood platelets.

Cytoplasmic free Ca2+ concentration, [Ca2+]i, was estimated in single rabbit blood platelets by digital imaging microscopy with the use of the specific Ca(2+)-indicator dye Fura-2. Uneven distribution and low level of [Ca2+]i was found in the resting platelet even in the presence of extracellular 1 mM Ca2+. Thrombin at 1 unit/ml immediately caused a transient increase in [Ca2+]i, which was followed by a secondary and sustained increase in [Ca2+]i. The distribution of increased levels of [Ca2+]i was also shown to be uneven within the cell. The presence of 1 mM EGTA in the medium only slightly decreased the initial rise in [Ca2+]i, but completely inhibited the latter phase, a sustained rise in [Ca2+]i. This result shows that the initial rise of [Ca2+]i might not be caused by Ca2+ influx, but might be induced by mobilization of Ca2+ from intracellular Ca2+ storage sites. This speculation is further supported by the fact that the elevated [Ca2+]i induced by thrombin immediately decreased to the base line value when 3 mM EGTA was applied. Thus, thrombin induced elevation of [Ca2+]i is suggested to consist of two different processes, namely the mobilization of Ca2+ from the intracellular storage sites and the successive Ca2+ influx through the receptor activated Ca2+ channels. Stimulation with ADP also caused a rapid elevation of platelet [Ca2+]i, but this effect of ADP was different form that of thrombin. Thus, the ADP induced rise in [Ca2+]i was accompanied by oscillation and was inhibited by extracellular EGTA. Our present experiment is the first report that clearly and directly reveals the differences between the effects of thrombin and ADP on [Ca2+]i of platelets.     

Sphingosine stimulates calcium mobilization in rat parotid acinar cells

In fura-2-loaded parotid acinar cells, 50-200 microM sphingosine induced an increase in cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i). When extracellular Ca2+ was chelated by EGTA, 50 microM sphingosine failed to increase [Ca2+]i, but 100 or 200 microM sphingosine induced a slight and transient increase in [Ca2+]i. The addition of LaCl3 to the medium resulted in the same effect as chelation of extracellular Ca2+. When cells were incubated in low Ca2+ medium containing sphingosine, and extracellular Ca2+ was subsequently added, a rapid increase in [Ca2+]i depending on the concentration of sphingosine was shown. In low Ca2+ medium, a slight increase in [Ca2+]i induced by high concentrations of sphingosine was not shown after the transient increase in [Ca2+]i elicited by methacholine. Inhibitors of protein kinase C, H-7 and K252a, did not mimic the effect of sphingosine on [Ca2+]i. These results suggest that sphingosine stimulates Ca(2+)-influx and further stimulates the release of Ca2+ from agonist-sensitive intracellular pools by a mechanism that is independent of protein kinase C.     

Evidence for receptor-mediated calcium entry and refilling of intracellular calcium stores in FRTL-5 rat thyroid cells.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between agonist-induced changes in intracellular free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) and the refilling of intracellular Ca2+ stores in Fura 2-loaded thyroid FRTL-5 cells. Stimulating the cells with ATP induced a dose-dependent increase in ([Ca2+]i). The ATP-induced increase in [Ca2+]i was dependent on both release of sequestered intracellular Ca2+ as well as influx of extracellular Ca2+. Addition of Ni2+ prior to ATP blunted the component of the ATP-induced increase in [Ca2+]i dependent on influx of Ca2+. In cells stimulated with ATP in a Ca(2+)-free buffer, readdition of Ca2+ induced a rapid increase in [Ca2+]i; this increase was inhibited by Ni2+. In addition, the ATP-induced influx of 45Ca2+ was blocked by Ni2+. Stimulating the cells with noradrenaline (NA) also induced release of sequestered Ca2+ and an influx of extracellular Ca2+. When cells were stimulated first with NA, a subsequent addition of ATP induced a blunted increase in [Ca2+]i. If the action of NA was terminated by addition of prazosin, and ATP was then added, the increase in [Ca2+]i was restored to control levels. Addition of Ni2+ prior to prazosin inhibited the restoration of the ATP response. In the presence of extracellular Mn2+, ATP stimulated quenching of Fura 2 fluorescence. The quenching was probably due to influx of Mn2+, as it was blocked by Ni2+. The results thus suggested that stimulating release of sequestered Ca2+ in FRTL-5 cells was followed by influx of extracellular Ca2+ and rapid refilling of intracellular Ca2+ stores.     

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.     

Hypoxic remodelling of Ca2+ mobilization in type I cortical astrocytes: involvement of ROS and pro-amyloidogenic APP processing

Chronic hypoxia (CH) alters Ca2+ homeostasis in various cells and may contribute to disturbed Ca2+ homeostasis of Alzheimer's disease. Here, we have employed microfluorimetric measurements of [Ca2+]i to investigate the mechanism underlying augmentation of Ca2+ signalling by chronic hypoxia in type I cortical astrocytes. Application of bradykinin evoked significantly larger rises of [Ca2+]i in hypoxic cells as compared with control cells. This augmentation was prevented fully by either melatonin (150 micro m) or ascorbic acid (200 micro m), indicating the involvement of reactive oxygen species. Given the association between hypoxia and increased production of amyloid beta peptides (AbetaPs) of Alzheimer's disease, we performed immunofluorescence studies to show that hypoxia caused a marked and consistent increased staining for AbetaPs and presenilin-1 (PS-1). Western blot experiments also confirmed that hypoxia increased PS-1 protein levels. Hypoxic increases of AbetaP production was prevented with inhibitors of either gamma- or beta-secretase. These inhibitors also partially prevented the augmentation of Ca2+ signalling in astrocytes. Our results indicate that chronic hypoxia enhances agonist-evoked rises of [Ca2+]i in cortical astrocytes, and that this can be prevented by antioxidants and appears to be associated with increased AbetaP formation.     

三羟异黄酮对豚鼠心室肌细胞内游离钙浓度的影响

用激光共聚焦显微镜观察研究三羟异黄酮(genistein,GST)对豚鼠心室肌细胞内游离钙浓度([Ca^2 ]i)的影响。结果用相对荧光强度(FI-F0／FX0,％)表示。实验结果显示,在正常台氏液、无钙台氏液和正常台氏液中加入3mmol／L EGTA后,GST(10～40μmol／L)浓度依赖性地降低细胞内钙浓度。蛋白酪氨酸磷酸酶抑制剂正钒酸钠(sodium orthovanadate)和L-型Ca^2 通道激动剂Bay K8644可部分抑制正常台氏液时GST的效应。当细胞外液钙浓度由1mmol／L增加到10mmol／L而诱发心室肌细胞钙超载时,部分心室肌细胞产生可传播的钙波,GST(40μmol／L)可降低钙波的传播速度和持续时间,最终阻断钙波。以上结果提示,GST降低心室肌细胞内游离钙浓度,此作用与其抑制电压依赖性Ca^2 通道、减弱酪氨酸激酶抑制和豚鼠心室肌细胞肌浆网内钙释放有关。     

Cellular responses to stimulation of the M5 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor as seen in murine L cells

The membrane signaling properties of the neuronal type-5 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M5 AChR) as expressed in murine L cells were studied. Recipient Ltk- cells responded to ATP acting through a P2-purinergic receptor by increasing phosphoinositide hydrolysis 2-fold but were unresponsive to 17 receptor agonists that are stimulatory in other cells. L cells expressing the M5 AChR responded to carbachol (CCh) with an approximately 20-fold increase in phospholipase C activity, mobilization of Ca2+ from endogenous stores, causing a transient peak increase in the intracellular concentration of Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i), influx of extracellular Ca2+, causing a sustained increase in [Ca2+]i dependent on extracellular Ca2+, and release of [3H]arachidonic acid from prelabeled cells, without altering resting or prostaglandin E1-elevated intracellular cAMP levels. None of the effects of the M5 AChR were inhibited by pertussis toxin. The regulation of L cell [Ca2+]i was studied further. ATP had the same effects as CCh and the two agonists acted on a shared intracellular pool of Ca2+. The peak and sustained [Ca2+]i increases were reduced by cholera toxin and forskolin, neither of which altered significantly phosphoinositide hydrolysis. This is consistent with interference with the action of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) through cAMP-mediated phosphorylation and suggests a continued involvement of IP3 during the sustained phase of [Ca+]i increases. The temporal pattern of the sustained [Ca2+]i increase differed whether elicited by CCh or ATP, and was enhanced in pertussis toxin-treated cells. This is consistent with existence of a kinetic control of the sustained [Ca2+]i change by a receptor-G protein-dependent mechanism independent of the IP3 effector site(s) (e.g. pulsatile activation of phospholipase C and/or pulsatile activation of a receptor/G protein-operated plasma membrane Ca2+ channel). Thus, the non-excitable L cell may be a good model for studying [Ca2+]i regulations, as may occur in other nonexcitable cells of which established cell lines do not exist, and for studying of receptors that as yet cannot be studied in their natural environment.     

Graded response of K+ current,membrane potential,and [Ca2+]i to hypoxia in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle

Many studies indicate that hypoxic inhibition of some K+ channels in the membrane of the pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) plays a part in initiating hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction. The sensitivity of the K+ current (I(k)), resting membrane potential (E(m)), and intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) of PASMCs to different levels of hypoxia in these cells has not been explored fully. Reducing PO2 levels gradually inhibited steady-state I(k) of rat resistance PASMCs and depolarized the cell membrane. The block of I(k) by hypoxia was voltage dependent in that low O2 tensions (3 and 0% O2) inhibited I(k) more at 0 and -20 mV than at 50 mV. As expected, the hypoxia-sensitive I(k) was also 4-aminopyridine sensitive. Fura 2-loaded PASMCs showed a graded increase in [Ca2+]i as PO2 levels declined. This increase was reduced markedly by nifedipine and removal of extracellular Ca2+. We conclude that, as in the carotid body type I cells, PC-12 pheochromocytoma cells, and cortical neurons, increasing severity of hypoxia causes a proportional decrease in I(k) and E(m) and an increase of [Ca2+]i.