The reversible Ca2+-induced permeabilization of rat liver mitochondria.

Rat liver mitochondria became permeabilized to sucrose according to an apparent first-order process after accumulating 35 nmol of Ca2+/mg of protein in the presence of 2.5 mM-Pi, but not in its absence. A fraction (24-32%) of the internal space remains sucrose-inaccessible. The rate constant for permeabilization to sucrose decreases slightly when the pH is decreased from 7.5 to 6.5, whereas the rate of inner-membrane potential (delta psi) dissipation is markedly increased, which indicates that H+ permeation precedes sucrose permeation. Permeabilization does not release mitochondrial proteins. [14C]Sucrose appears to enter permeabilized mitochondria instantaneously. Chelation of Ca2+ with EGTA restores delta psi and entraps sucrose in the matrix space. With 20 mM-sucrose at the instant of resealing, about 21 nmol of sucrose/mg of protein becomes entrapped. The amount of sucrose entrapped is proportional to the degree of permeabilization. Entrapped sucrose is not removed by dilution of the mitochondrial suspension. Resealed mitochondria washed three times retain about 74% of the entrapped sucrose. In the presence of Ruthenium Red and Ca2+ buffers permeabilized mitochondria reseal only partially with free [Ca2+] greater than 3 microM. [14C]Sucrose enters partially resealed mitochondria continuously with time, despite maintenance of delta psi, in accordance with continued interconversion of permeable and impermeable forms. Kinetic analyses of [14C]sucrose entry indicate two Ca2+-sensitive reactions in permeabilization. This conclusion is supported by the biphasic time courses of resealing and repolarization of permeabilized mitochondria and the acute dependence of the rapid repolarization on the free [Ca2+]. A hypothetical model of permeabilization and resealing is suggested and the potential of the procedure for matrix entrapment of substances is discussed.     

Divalent cation modulation of the ionic permeability of the synaptosomal plasma membrane

Synaptosomes from guinea-pig cerebral cortex reveal two distinct Na+ permeabilities when divalent cations are removed from the incubation. In the presence of Mg2+, Ca2+ chelation by EGTA causes a partial activation of a voltage-dependent tetrodotoxin-sensitive pathway, manifested as a ouabain-sensitive respiratory increase, a partial depolarization of the plasma membrane, and a lowered gradient of gamma-amino[14C]butyrate. In addition there is a hyperpolarization of the mitochondrial membrane potential. When Mg2+ is omitted from the incubation, Ca2+ chelation induces a substantially larger permeability which is only partially sensitive to tetrodotoxin. The tetrodotoxin-insensitive component is not associated with a non-specific permeabilization of the plasma membrane and may be reversed by either Mg2+ or Ca2+.     

The endocytic hyaluronan receptor in rat liver sinusoidal endothelial cells is Ca(+2)-independent and distinct from a Ca(+2)-dependent hyaluronan binding activity.

Isolated and cultured rat liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LECs) retain the ability to specifically bind 125I-hyaluronan (HA) and internalize it using a coated pit pathway [Biochem J, 257:875-884, 1989]. Here we have determined the effect of Ca+2 on the binding and endocytosis of HA by LECs. 125I-HA binding to intact LECs at 4 degrees C occurred both in the absence (10 mM EGTA) or the presence of physiologic concentrations of Ca+2 (1.8 mM). However, the specific binding of 125I-HA to LECs increased linearly with increasing Ca+2 concentrations. After permeabilization with the nonionic detergent digitonin, the Ca(+2)-independent HA binding activity increased approximately 743%, while the Ca(+2)-dependent binding activity was enhanced only approximately 46%. Therefore, the Ca(+2)-dependent HA binding activity appears not to be intracellular, whereas the Ca(+2)-independent HA receptor is found both inside LECs and on the cell surface. When LECs were allowed to endocytose 125I-HA at 37 degrees C in 10 mM EGTA or in 1.8 mM Ca+2, no differences were seen in the extent or rate of endocytosis. When LECs were allowed to endocytose 125I-HA in the presence of 10 mM Ca+2, the amount of cell-associated radioactivity increased approximately 20-50-fold. However, this additional cell-associated 125I-HA was not sensitive to hyperosmolarity and was removed by washing the cells in 10 mM EGTA at 4 degrees C. Therefore, the Ca(+2)-dependent cell-associated 125I-HA had accumulated on the cell surface and had not been internalized. From these studies we conclude that LECs have at least two types of specific HA binding sites.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Conformation change of the intestinal calcium-binding protein induced by phospholipids in the presence and absence of Ca2+

Effects of phospholipids (PL's) and lyso-PL's on the conformation of the porcine intestinal calcium-binding protein (CaBP) were studied fluorometrically with 1-(dimethylamino)naphthalene-5-sulfonyl-(DNS-) labeled CaBP. The fluorescence intensity of DNS-labeled CaBP was much higher in the presence of excess EGTA than in its Ca2+-bound state. In the absence of free Ca2+ (with 1 mM EGTA) the fluorescence of the labeled CaBP was greatly enhanced by addition of lysophosphatidylcholine (lyso-PC), lysophosphatidylserine (lyso-PS), or lysophosphatidylinositol (lyso-PI). With addition of 25 microM Ca2+ the enhancement of the fluorescence by these lyso-PL's was depressed; especially that due to lyso-PC became small. Lysophosphatidylethanolamine (lyso-PE), phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylserine (PS), phosphatidylinositol (PI), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), and mono- and dipalmitoylglycerols had no or much less effect on the fluorescence in the presence and absence of Ca2+. Lyso-PC attenuated in a concentration-dependent manner the quenching of the fluorescence of the DNS-CaBP by high temperatures and increase of ionic strength in the presence of EGTA. Lyso-PL's generally protected the CaBP from digestion with proteases in the presence of EGTA. These experimental results suggest that particular lyso-PL's have Ca2+-sensitive interaction with the porcine CaBP and induce conformation change of the CaBP molecules.     

Cyclosporin A-sensitive permeability transition pore is involved in Cd(2+)-induced dysfunction of isolated rat liver mitochondria: doubts no more

There is dose-dependent Cd(2+)-evoked swelling of isolated rat liver mitochondria energized by complex I, II, or IV respiratory substrates in sucrose medium in the absence of added Ca(2+) and P(i), which is prevented by Sr(2+). Permeability transition effectors (ADP, CsA, EGTA, RR, DTT, ATR, P(i), and Ca(2+)) affect in a corresponding way Cd(2+)-promoted membrane permeabilization in NH(4)NO(3), KCl, and sucrose media. Maximal depression of Cd(2+)-induced swelling is achieved by simultaneous addition of ADP, Mg(2+), and CsA that produces either synergistic (NH(4)NO(3)) or additive (KCl and sucrose media) action. Sustained activation by low [Cd(2+)] of mitochondrial basal respiration in KCl medium is observed both in the absence and in the presence of rotenone and/or oligomycin but only in the latter case (rotenone+oligomycin) CsA inhibits completely Cd(2+) activation of St 4 respiration and partially reverses DNP-uncoupled respiration depressed by cadmium. Cd(2+) effects are discussed in terms of comparison with those of Zn(2+) and PhAsO.     

IgE receptor-mediated phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis and exocytosis from rat basophilic leukemia cells are independent of extracellular Ca2+ in a hypotonic buffer containing a high concentration of K+

In isotonic buffer, IgE receptor-mediated exocytosis from rat basophilic leukemia cells is dependent on extracellular Ca2+, with half-maximal degranulation requiring 0.4 mM Ca2+. No significant exocytosis occurs in the absence of extracellular Ca2+. This absolute requirement for Ca2+ is eliminated by suspending the cells in a hypotonic buffer containing 60 to 80 mM K+; Na+ cannot substitute for K+. Optimal Ca2(+)-independent exocytosis occurs in a buffer containing 20 mM dipotassium Pipes, pH 7.1, 40 mM KCl, 5 mM glucose, 7 mM Mg acetate, 0.1% BSA, and 1 mM EGTA. The cells maintain this Ca2(+)-independent exocytosis even if they are preincubated with 1 mM EGTA for 40 min at 37 degrees C before triggering. Exocytosis is eliminated as isotonicity is approached by adding sucrose, NaCl, KCl, or potassium glutamate to the buffer. Quin 2 fluorescence measurements reveal only a very small rise in [Ca2+]i when the cells are triggered in hypotonic buffer in the absence of extracellular Ca2+ and the presence of 1 mM EGTA. In isotonic buffer, degranulation does not occur under conditions that lead to such a small rise in [Ca2+]i. Sustained IgE receptor-mediated phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis, which is also Ca2+ dependent in isotonic buffer, becomes independent of Ca2+ in the hypotonic buffer. In fact, the rate of phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis in hypotonic buffer in the absence of Ca2+ (and presence of 1 mM EGTA) is twice that observed in isotonic buffer in the presence of 1 mM Ca2+. These data show that in hypotonic buffer, the requirement of IgE receptor-mediated PI hydrolysis for extracellular Ca2+ is eliminated, and degranulation proceeds with a [Ca2+]i of 0.1 microM, the baseline level of [Ca2+]i found in resting cells. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that, in isotonic buffer, the Ca2+ requirement for mast cell degranulation is for the generation of second messengers via hydrolysis of membrane phosphatidylinositols.     

Calcium efflux parallel to total phosphate retention in rat liver mitochondria

Phosphate efflux from uncoupled rat liver mitochondria was completely inhibited when mersalyl plus butylmalonate and ATP were added to a sucrose suspending medium. Despite the total retention of phosphate a calcium efflux was observed even in presence of ruthenium red. Under the above conditions no phosphate is transported in association with the ADP/ATP carrier. While mersalyl completely blocked the phosphate release induced by ruthenium red or EGTA from coupled mitochondria it only partially inhibited the CA2+-efflux. The inhibition of Ca2+ efflux was almost completely abolished in the presence of acetate. The existence of a co-transport of Ca2+ associated with phosphate is discussed.     

High-affinity binding of Ca2+ to bovine alpha-lactalbumin in the absence and presence of EGTA.

Literature values for the Kd for Ca2+ in bovine alpha-lactalbumin range over 3 orders of magnitude. There is a difference between two results obtained with EGTA as a metal-ion buffer, partly because different values for the Kd of Ca2+-EGTA were used in the calculations, and a much wider difference between results obtained in the presence and absence of EGTA, which has been attributed to an interaction between EGTA and the protein. Titrations in a flow-dialysis cell showed that Mn2+ competed with Ca2+ for the high-affinity site on the protein, and the results, combined with a Kd for Mn2+ of 2.1 +/- 0.1 microM, which was determined fluorimetrically, gave a Kd for Ca2+ of 1.3 +/- 0.1 nM. When alpha-lactalbumin containing 45Ca2+ was titrated with EGTA in a flow-dialysis cell, and widely accepted metal-chelation data for EGTA were used in the calculations, a Kd for Ca2+ of 1.10 +/- 0.03 nM was obtained. The results from the two methods are so similar as to indicate that the affinity for Ca2+ was unaffected by the presence of EGTA.     

Transient induction of the mitochondrial permeability transition by uncoupler plus a Ca(2+)-specific chelator.

Determinations of aqueous space volumes, swelling and Mg2+ release experiments demonstrate that EGTA plus uncoupler causes the permeability transition in Ca(2+)-loaded mitochondria. Extramitochondrial Mg2+ is required to obtain this effect. Changes in transition-dependent parameters are smaller and more varied when induced by EGTA plus uncoupler than when induced by Ruthenium red plus uncoupler, although inhibitor-sensitive experiments show that the same basic mechanism is involved in both cases. Measurements of sucrose trapping and sucrose or inulin accessible space, after changes in transition-dependent parameters are complete, indicate that rapid reversal occurs when the transition is induced by EGTA plus uncoupler, explaining why limited responses are obtained. Data support the hypothesis that an external divalent cation binding site regulates activity of the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter.     

The entrapment of the Ca2+ indicator arsenazo III in the matrix space of rat liver mitochondria by permeabilization and resealing. Na+-dependent and -independent effluxes of Ca2+ in arsenazo III-loaded mitochondria.

The permeabilization-resealing technique [Al-Nasser & Crompton, Biochem. J. (1986) 239, 19-29] has been applied to the entrapment of arsenazo III in the matrix compartment of rat liver mitochondria. The addition of 10 mM-arsenazo III to mitochondria permeabilized with Ca2+ partially restores the inner-membrane potential (delta psi) and leads to the recovery of 3.9 nmol of arsenazo III/mg of protein in the matrix when the mitochondria are washed three times. The recovery of entrapped arsenazo III is increased 2-fold by 4 mM-Mg2+, which also promotes repolarization. ATP with or without Mg2+ decreased arsenazo III recovery. Under all conditions, less arsenazo III than [14C]sucrose is entrapped, in particular in the presence of ATP. The amount of arsenazo III entrapped is proportional to the concentration of arsenazo III used as resealant, and is equally distributed between heavy and light mitochondria. Arsenazo III-loaded permeabilized and resealed (PR) mitochondria develop delta psi values of 141 +/- 3 mV. PR mitochondria retain arsenazo III and [14C]sucrose for more than 2 h at 0 degrees C. At 25 degrees C, and in the presence of Ruthenium Red, PR mitochondria lose arsenazo III and [14C]sucrose at equal rates, but Ca2+ efflux is more rapid; this indicates that Ca2+ is released by an Na+-independent carrier in addition to permeabilization. The Na+/Ca2+ carrier of PR mitochondria is partially (60%) inhibited by extramitochondrial free Ca2+ stabilized with Ca2+ buffers; maximal inhibition is attained with 2 microM free Ca2+. A similar inhibition occurs in normal mitochondria with 3.5 nmol of matrix Ca2+/mg of protein, but the inhibition is decreased by increased matrix Ca2+. The data suggest the presence of Ca2+ regulatory sites on the Na+/Ca2+ carrier that change the affinity for matrix free Ca2+.     

Disposition of preformed mineral in matrix vesicles. Internal localization and association with alkaline phosphatase

Studies were made on the disposition of mineral ions in matrix vesicles (MV) and their relationship to alkaline phosphatase by treatment of MV-enriched microsomes (MVEM) with graded levels of Ca2+-chelating agents to complex accessible ions, fractionation of MVEM on hypertonic sucrose gradients at two different pH values (7.5 and 8.0) to evaluate for the presence of calcium phosphate mineral, and passage of MVEM through cation-exchange columns to determine the accessibility of the Ca2+. The effect of removal of Ca2+ and Pi on subsequent ability of MVEM to induce mineral formation from synthetic cartilage lymph was also determined. Passage through cation-exchange columns revealed that MV Ca2+ was not freely exchangeable, but coeluted in the void volume with alkaline phosphatase. However, upon incubation in synthetic cartilage lymph, progressively more Ca2+ was retained by the column. These findings indicate that, initially, the majority of Ca2+ in MVEM is internal and not readily exchangeable, but as Ca2+ accumulates, progressively more becomes external. The mineral in MV is labile and readily susceptible to loss; treatment with graded levels of EGTA removed major portions of the original Ca2+ and Pi. 45Ca uptake by these mineral-depleted MV was markedly reduced, even in the presence of alkaline phosphatase substrates. Sucrose gradient fractionation of MVEM caused extensive loss of Pi, but not Ca2+, from the low-density alkaline phosphatase-rich fractions. This reveals that Ca2+ and Pi are not initially coupled together: Pi is largely soluble, whereas Ca2+ must be tightly bound. In the high-density vesicles, large amounts of both Ca2+ and Pi are present. The slightly enhanced recovery at higher pH suggests the presence of a solid mineral phase. During mineralization by MV, Ca2+ became externalized, and concomitantly alkaline phosphatase activity declined. This suggests that a direct association exists between the enzyme and the developing mineral.     

Identification and partial purification of a chromatin bound calmodulin activated histone 3 kinase from calf thymus

A calcium-calmodulin (Ca2(+)-CaM) stimulated histone H3 phosphorylating activity was identified as a component of a nuclear protein complex purified from a 150 mM NaCl extract of calf thymus chromatin. This activity bound to a CaM-Sepharose affinity column in a Ca2+ dependent manner and was eluted off the column in the presence of EGTA. Equilibrium centrifugation of the EGTA eluate on a sucrose density gradient revealed that the activity is a component of a larger complex identified at 25% sucrose. This complex consisted of two major proteins, having Mr of 65 and 75 kDa. Using [125I] CaM and the gel overlay technique it was shown that the 75 kDa protein is the major CaM binding protein in the complex.     

Autophosphorylation of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II. Effects on total and Ca2+-independent activities and kinetic parameters

Incubation of purified rat brain Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II for 2 min in the presence of Ca2+, calmodulin (CaM), Mg2+, and ATP converted the kinase from a completely Ca2+-dependent kinase to a substantially Ca2+-independent form with little loss of total activity. Subsequent addition of EGTA to the autophosphorylation reaction enhanced further autophosphorylation of the kinase which was associated with a suppression of total kinase activity to the Ca2+-independent value. Protein phosphatase 1 rapidly increased the suppressed total activity back to the control value and slowly decreased the Ca2+-independent activity. Kinetic analysis showed that the kinase not previously autophosphorylated had a Km for the synthetic peptide syntide-2 of 7 microM and Vmax of 9.8 mumol/min/mg when assayed in the presence of Ca2+ and CaM. The partially Ca2+-independent species, assayed in the presence of EGTA, had a Km of 21 microM and Vmax of 6.0. In the presence of Ca2+ and CaM the Km decreased and the Vmax increased to approximately control nonphosphorylated values. The completely Ca2+-independent form generated by sequential autophosphorylation first in the presence of Ca2+ and then EGTA had similar kinetic parameters to the partially independent species when assayed in the presence of EGTA, but addition of Ca2+ and CaM (up to 1 mg/ml) had little effect. These results suggest that separate autophosphorylation sites in the Ca2+/CaM-dependent protein kinase II are associated with formation of Ca2+-independent activity and suppression of total activity.     

Pressure effects on sarcoplasmic reticulum

The irreversible effects of pressure (1-2000 atm) upon the enzymatic activity and structure of the Ca2+-ATPase of sarcoplasmic reticulum were investigated. Sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles suspended in a medium of 0.1 M KCl, 10 mM imidazole, pH 7.0, 5 mM MgCl2, and 0.5 mM EGTA irreversibly lose their Ca2+ transport and Ca2+-stimulated ATPase activities on exposure to pressures of 800-2000 atmospheres. The pressure-induced inactivation of Ca2+-ATPase is accompanied by inhibition of the formation of phosphorylated enzyme intermediate, an increase in the passive Ca2+ permeability of the membrane, and structural changes in the Ca2+-ATPase as shown by disruption of Ca2+-ATPase membrane crystals, increased susceptibility to tryptic digestion, unmasking of SH groups, and loss of the conformational responses to Ca2+ and vanadate. The sensitivity to pressure is influenced by enzyme conformation. Ca2+ or vanadate + EGTA protect the Ca2+-ATPase against pressure-induced inactivation, implying a greater stability of the enzyme in the E1 and E2 states than in the conformational equilibrium that prevails at low [Ca2+] in the absence of vanadate. Protection against pressure inactivation was also observed in the presence of sucrose, glycerol, ethylene glycol and 1 M KCl, suggesting that water density modifying groups significantly affect the stability of Ca2+-ATPase under pressure.     

Raising the intracellular level of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate changes plasma membrane ion transport in characean algae.

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) was introduced into the cytoplasm of characean algae in two different ways: (i) by iontophoretic injection into cytoplasm-enriched fragments from Chara and (ii) by adding InsP3 to the permeabilization medium of locally permeabilized cells of Nitella. In both systems this operation induced a depolarization of the membrane potential, ranging from a few mV to sequences of action potentials. The effect of InsP3 on locally permeabilized Nitella cells was abolished when InsP3 was added together with 30 mM EGTA. When inositol 1,4-bisphosphate or myo-inositol were substituted for InsP3 in this system, there was no change in the membrane potential. On the other hand, increasing the free Ca2+ concentration in the permeabilization medium induced, in a similar fashion to InsP3, action potentials. Similarities between InsP3 and Ca2+ action were also observed upon injection into Chara fragments. Both injections increased an inward current. In the first few seconds after injection the current/voltage characteristics of the InsP3-induced current resembled those of the Ca2(+)-sensitive current. Subsequently, differences between the InsP3- and Ca2(+)-induced phenomena became apparent in that the InsP3-induced current continued to increase while the Ca2(+)-induced current declined, returning to the resting level. Our results suggest that these plant cells contain an InsP3 sensitive system that, under experimental conditions, is able to affect membrane transport via an increase in cytoplasmic free Ca2+.     

Intracellular free Ca2+ concentration in fowl spermatozoa and its relationship to motility and respiration in spermatozoa.

The ability of fowl spermatozoa to accumulate and de-esterify the intracellular fluorescent Ca2+ indicator fura-2 was established. The cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations, measured by this technique, did not change after the addition of 1 mmol EGTA l-1. Subsequently, addition of the calcium ionophore A23187 caused a reduction in cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations, presumably by efflux of Ca2+ from the spermatozoa. Intracellular free Ca2+ concentrations were then significantly increased by the addition of 1 mmol CaCl2 l-1. The motility of demembranated spermatozoa gradually decreased after the addition of EGTA alone or EGTA with A23187, but was instantly restored by the addition of CaCl2 in the presence of both EGTA and A23187. Unlike demembranated spermatozoa, intact spermatozoa maintained their motility, even after the addition of EGTA, but their motility was reduced by the addition of A23187 in the presence of EGTA. The addition of A23187 also reduced the rate of oxygen consumption, but not the ATP concentrations in intact spermatozoa. These results demonstrate that the motility and respiration of fowl spermatozoa are strongly influenced by their intracellular Ca2+ concentrations.     

Do we know the absolute values of intracellular free calcium concentration?

More than 20 years ago, it was shown that the addition of EGTA increases the affinity of the plasma membrane Ca2+ pump for Ca2+ by an order of magnitude. The left-hand shift of Ca2+-dependencies in the presence of EGTA has been also documented in studies of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump, mitochondrial Ca2+-transporter as well as Ca2+-binding by calmodulin and troponin C. These data allow us to hypothesise that this effect is caused by an admixture of di- and trivalent cations possessing high affinity for EGTA and interacting with Ca2+-transporting and binding proteins. Here, we propose that polyvalent cations affect the estimation of absolute values of free intracellular Ca2+ concentration. Indeed, EGTA sharply increases the apparent affinity of the fluorescent Ca2+ indicators quin-2 and fluo-3 for Ca2+. The impact of polyvalent cations on Ca2+ measurement was further confirmed by the study showing the high sensitivity of Ca2+-induced fluo-3 fluorescence to Mn2+, Fe2+, Cu2+, and Co2+ seen in the absence of EGTA.     

Platelet activation induces the formation of a stable gelsolin-actin complex from monomeric gelsolin

We have studied the interactions between gelsolin and actin in crude extracts from activated and unactivated platelets and in mixtures of purified platelet gelsolin and muscle actin. Extracts were prepared using 10 mM EGTA from human platelets treated either with 100 microM aspirin and 2.5 mM tetracaine to retard activation or with the calcium ionophore A23187 to effect activation. The extracts were fractionated by gel filtration on Sephadex G-150 or by sedimentation on sucrose gradients and then analyzed using anti-gelsolin immunoblots and actin filament nucleation assays. The nucleation activity in both extracts was associated with gelsolin. The activity in the extracts from unactivated platelets sedimented with an S value of 5.2 and had an Mr = 90,000. The activity in the extracts prepared with EGTA from activated platelets sedimented at 6.8 S and had an Mr = 130,000. We have shown previously that the Mr = 130,000 species is an EGTA-stable binary complex of one actin and one gelsolin. Transient exposure of the extracts from unactivated platelets to 100 microM Ca2+ and subsequent fractionation in EGTA-containing buffers demonstrated that the formation of the binary complex occurs in the presence of Ca2+. Fractionation in the presence of 100 microM Ca2+ demonstrated higher order complexes including a ternary complex with a sedimentation constant of 8.2 S and an Mr = 165,000. Sedimentation and gel filtration experiments using purified platelet gelsolin and rabbit skeletal muscle actin demonstrated that formation of the EGTA-stable binary complex required Ca2+. At least one additional actin is bound to the binary complex in the presence of Ca2+, but is not sufficiently stable to be purified when EGTA is added. The results suggest that gelsolin exists either as a monomer or perhaps as a weak complex with actin in unactivated platelets but complexes tightly with actin during the transient Ca2+ rise that occurs during activation.     

On the state of calcium ions in isolated rat liver mitochondria. II. Effects of phosphate and pH on Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release

At high K+ concentration, the effect of phosphate on Ca2+ uptake and release was studied in isolated rat liver mitochondria. Phosphate stimulated uptake at moderately high Ca2+ concentration, and inhibited release at high pH. At low pH, phosphate accelerated Ca2+ release. Ca2+ was released after a lag phase. The time of onset and the velocity of Ca2+ release depended on Ca2+ concentration. Ca2+ release was associated with mitochondrial swelling and destruction of the permeability barrier for sucrose and for chloride. Mg2+ inhibited Ca2+ release and the accompanying events. Ruthenium red and EGTA protected mitochondria from the destructive Ca2+ release and induced an immediate, slow release of Ca2+ and phosphate. Destructive Ca2+ release depended on the time of preincubation of respiration-inhibited mitochondria in the presence of Ca2+, prior to respiration-initiated Ca2+ uptake. The presence of phosphate and mitochondrial energization antagonized the destructive effect of calcium ions. Ca2+ release by acetoacetate also depended on pH. At pH 6.8, phosphate-stimulated Ca2+ release by acetoacetate, while it inhibited the acetoacetate effect at pH 7.6. The results suggest that an essential cause for the destruction of mitochondrial integrity is an increase in the intramitochondrial concentration of free calcium ions under the influence of phosphate.     

Ca2+ uptake in bovine adrenocortical microsomes: formation of phosphorylated intermediate of Ca2+ dependent ATPase

Bovine adrenocortical microsomes were prepared and partially purified by discontinuous sucrose density gradient. Light fractions of the microsomes at the interface between 15 and 30% sucrose solution, exhibited ATP dependent Ca2+ uptake. The Ca2+ uptake was dependent on temperature and stimulated by free Ca2+ (the concentration for half maximal activation = 1.0 microM) and Mg2+. The Ca2+ uptake was inhibited by ADP but not affected by 10 mM NaN3 or 0.5 mM ouabain. Calcium release from the microsomes was accelerated by a Ca2+ ionophore, A23187, but not by a Ca2+ antagonist, diltiazem. A microsomal protein with a molecular weight of 100-110 kDa was phosphorylated by [gamma-32P]ATP in the presence of Ca2+, and the Ca2+ dependency was over the same range as the Ca2+ uptake (the concentration for half maximal activation = 3.0 microM). The phosphorylated protein (EP) was stable at acidic pH but labile at alkaline pH and sensitive to hydroxylamine. The rate of EP formation at 0 degrees C in the presence of 1 microM ATP and 10 microM Ca2+ (half time = 0.2 s) was less than that in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of rabbit skeletal muscle (half time = 0.1 s). The rate of EP decomposition at 0 degrees C after adding EGTA was about 6.7 times slower (rate constant: kd = 4.3 X 10(-3) s-1) than that of SR. It was suggested that adrenocortical microsomes contain a Ca2+ dependent ATPase which function as a Ca2+ pump with similar properties to that of SR.