Role of Thapsigargin-Sensitive Intracellular Ca2+ Pools in Secretion Induced by Muscarinic Agonists in Porcine Adrenal Chromaffin Cells

The role of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate [Ins(1,4,5)P3]-sensitive Ca2+ pools in secretion, induced by muscarinic agonists in porcine adrenal chromaffin cells, was studied. Activation of muscarinic receptors, as in other species, was found to increase inositol phosphate production including that of Ins(1,4,5)P3. Treatment of cells with thapsigargin, which is known to deplete Ins(1,4,5)P3-sensitive Ca2+ pools, eliminated the initial transient component of increases in the cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]in) induced by the muscarinic agonist, methacholine, in both the presence and the absence of extracellular Ca2+. Thapsigargin treatment also decreased methacholine-induced secretion by about 30% in the presence of extracellular Ca2+ and essentially eliminated secretion that occurred independently of extracellular Ca2+ (which was about 30% of the secretory response that occurred in the presence of extracellular Ca2+). Thapsigargin itself had no effect on inositol phosphate production. These results indicate that about 30% of muscarinic agonist-induced secretion is mediated by the release of Ca2+ from Ins(1,4,5)P3- and thapsigargin-sensitive intracellular Ca2+ pools. These results also suggest that Ca2+ influx activated by muscarinic agonists is not due to depletion of intracellular Ca2+ pools, as prior depletion of these pools had no effect on the portion of the methacholine-induced secretory response and [Ca2+]in signal that was dependent on extracellular Ca2+.     

Agonist-induced endocytosis and signal generation in adrenal glomerulosa cells. A potential mechanism for receptor-operated calcium entry

The relationships between receptor-mediated endocytosis and the generation of intracellular signals were analyzed in angiotensin II (AII)-stimulated adrenal glomerulosa cells. In cells equilibrated with 125I-AII analogs at 4 degrees C, specifically bound agonist but not antagonist AII derivatives were rapidly internalized at 37 degrees C. AII-induced internalization was not influenced by the presence or absence of extracellular Ca2+ but was inhibited by treatment with phenylarsine oxide (PAO) or by arresting coated pit formation with hypotonic shock and potassium depletion. Inhibition of internalization by PAO was prevented by the bifunctional sulfhydryl reagent dithiothreitol but only partially reversed by mercaptoethanol, and readdition of K+ restored internalization in K(+)-depleted cells. Treatment with PAO did not impair the initial AII-induced elevations of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (Ins(1,4,5)P3) and cytoplasmic calcium [( Ca2+]i) but reduced the sustained phase of the Ins(1,4,5)P3 response by 85% and abolished the second phase of the cytoplasmic Ca2+ response; these responses were restored by concomitant treatment with dithiothreitol. Inhibition of AII-receptor internalization by K+ depletion also caused selective loss of the sustained phase of the AII-induced Ca2+ response. Thus, blockade of AII-receptor internalization has similar effects as extracellular Ca2+ deficiency, which abolishes the sustained but not the early AII-induced increases in Ins(1,4,5)P3 production and [Ca2+]i. The close correlations between AII-induced internalization and the generation of Ins(1,4,5)P3 and [Ca2+]i responses suggest that endocytosis of the agonist-receptor complex is necessary to maintain the production of these intracellular signals. It is also possible that receptor-operated vesicular uptake of extracellular Ca2+ makes a significant contribution to the sustained [Ca2+]i responses of certain agonist-stimulated target cells.     

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone activates a [Ca2+]i-dependent K+ current in GH3 pituitary cells via Ins(1,4,5)P3-sensitive and Ins(1,4,5)P3-insensitive mechanisms.

The role of Ins(1,4,5)P3 in receptor-induced Ca2+ mobilization in pituitary cells was studied at the single-cell level. Experimental strategies were developed which allowed a comparative analysis of the effects of Ins(1,4,5)P3 with those of receptor activation under identical conditions. These include microfluorimetry as well as a novel technique which permits the controlled and rapid application of intracellular messenger molecules to individual cells. This latter approach is based on the tight-seal whole-cell recording (WCR) technique, and utilizes two patch-clamp micropipettes, one for electrical recording and the second for the controlled pressure injection. Ins(1,4,5)P3, when applied with this dual-WCR (DWCR) technique, leads rapidly to a marked rise in cytosolic free Ca2+ [( Ca2+]i) and a concomitant stimulation of Ca2(+)-activated K+ current; Ins(1,4,5)P3 can thus mimic the effects of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) in the same cells under identical conditions. In cells dialysed intracellularly with heparin, a potent antagonist of Ins(1,4,5)P3 action, the rapid response to extracellular stimulation with TRH was abolished, as were the effects of intracellular application of Ins(1,4,5)P3. Heparin, which abolished Ins(1,4,5)P3 action completely, blocked responses to TRH in some cells only partially, revealing that Ca2+ mobilization response to TRH is in part slower in onset than the response to Ins(1,4,5)P3. It is concluded (1) that Ins(1,4,5)P3 is an essential element for the action of TRH, providing a rapid mechanism for Ca2+ mobilization induced by the releasing hormone and (2) that TRH action in mobilizing intracellular Ca2+ is sustained by a slower mechanism which is independent of Ins(1,4,5)P3.     

Cytosolic multiple inositol polyphosphate phosphatase in the regulation of cytoplasmic free Ca2+ concentration

Multiple inositol polyphosphate phosphatase (MIPP) is an enzyme that, in vitro, has the interesting property of degrading higher inositol polyphosphates to the Ca2+ second messenger, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (Ins(1,4,5)P3), independently of inositol lipid breakdown. We hypothesized that a truncated cytosolic form of the largely endoplasmic reticulum-confined MIPP (cyt-MIPP) could represent an important new tool in the investigation of Ins(1,4,5)P3-dependent intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis. To optimize our ability to judge the impact of cyt-MIPP on intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) we chose a poorly responsive beta-cell line (HIT M2.2.2) with an abnormally low [Ca2+]i. Our results show for the first time in an intact mammalian cell that cyt-MIPP expression leads to a significant enhancement of Ins(1,4,5)P3 concentration. This is achieved without a significant interference from other cyt-MIPP-derived inositol phosphates. Furthermore, the low basal [Ca2+]i of these cells was raised to normal levels (35 to 115 nm) when they expressed cyt-MIPP. Noteworthy is that the normal feeble glucose-induced Ca2+ response of HIT M2.2.2 cells was enhanced dramatically by mechanisms related to this increase in basal [Ca2+]i. These data support the use of cyt-MIPP as an important tool in investigating Ins(1,4,5)P3-dependent Ca2+ homeostasis and suggest a close link between Ins(1,4,5)P3 concentration and basal [Ca2+]i, the latter being an important modulator of Ca2+ signaling in the pancreatic beta-cell.     

Roles for Ca2+ stores release and two Ca2+ influx pathways in the Fc epsilon R1-activated Ca2+ responses of RBL-2H3 mast cells.

Cross-linking the high affinity IgE receptor, Fc epsilon R1, with multivalent antigen induces inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate [Ins(1,4,5)P3]-dependent release of intracellular Ca2+ stores, Ca2+ influx, and secretion of inflammatory mediators from RBL-2H3 mast cells. Here, fluorescence ratio imaging microscopy was used to characterize the antigen-induced Ca2+ responses of single fura-2-loaded RBL-2H3 cells in the presence and absence of extracellular Ca2+ (Ca2+o). As antigen concentration increases toward the optimum for secretion, more cells show a Ca2+ spike or an abrupt increase in [Ca2+]i and the lag time to onset of the response decreases both in the presence and the absence of Ca2+o. When Ca2+o is absent, fewer cells respond to low antigen and the lag times to response are longer than those measured in the presence of Ca2+o, indicating that Ca2+o contributes to Ca2+ stores release. Ins(1,4,5)P3 production is not impaired by the removal of Ca2+o, suggesting that extracellular Ca2+ influences Ca2+ stores release via an effect on the Ins(1,4,5)P3 receptor. Stimulation with low concentrations of antigen can lead, only in the presence of Ca2+o, to a small, gradual increase in [Ca2+]i before the abrupt spike response that indicates store release. We propose that this small, initial [Ca2+]i increase is due to receptor-activated Ca2+ influx that precedes and may facilitate Ca2+ stores release. A mechanism for capacitative Ca2+ entry also exists in RBL-2H3 cells. Our data suggest that a previously undescribed response to Fc epsilon R1 cross-linking, inhibition of Ca2+ stores refilling, may be involved in activating capacitative Ca2+ entry in antigen-stimulated RBL-2H3 cells, thus providing the elevated [Ca2+]i required for optimal secretion. The existence of both capacitative entry and Ca2+ influx that can precede Ca2+ release from intracellular stores suggests that at least two mechanisms of stimulated Ca2+ influx are present in RBL-2H3 cells.     

Inositol trisphosphate, calcium and muscle contraction

The identity of organelles storing intracellular calcium and the role of Ins(1,4,5)P3 in muscle have been explored with, respectively, electron probe X-ray microanalysis (EPMA) and laser photolysis of 'caged' compounds. The participation of G-protein(s) in the release of intracellular Ca2+ was determined in saponin-permeabilized smooth muscle. The sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) is identified as the major source of activator Ca2+ in both smooth and striated muscle; similar (EPMA) studies suggest that the endoplasmic reticulum is the major Ca2+ storage site in non-muscle cells. In none of the cell types did mitochondria play a significant, physiological role in the regulation of cytoplasmic Ca2+. The latency of guinea pig portal vein smooth muscle contraction following photolytic release of phenylephrine, an alpha 1-agonist, is 1.5 +/- 0.26 s at 20 degrees C and 0.6 +/- 0.18 s at 30 degrees C; the latency of contraction after photolytic release of Ins(1,4,5)P3 from caged Ins(1,4,5)P3 is 0.5 +/- 0.12 s at 20 degrees C. The long latency of alpha 1-adrenergic Ca2+ release and its temperature dependence are consistent with a process mediated by G-protein-coupled activation of phosphatidylinositol 4,5 bisphosphate (PtdIns(4,5)P2) hydrolysis. GTP gamma S, a non-hydrolysable analogue of GTP, causes Ca2+ release and contraction in permeabilized smooth muscle. Ins(1,4,5)P3 has an additive effect during the late, but not the early, phase of GTP gamma S action, and GTP gamma S can cause Ca2+ release and contraction of permeabilized smooth muscles refractory to Ins(1,4,5)P3. These results suggest that activation of G protein(s) can release Ca2+ by, at least, two G-protein-regulated mechanisms: one mediated by Ins(1,4,5)P3 and the other Ins(1,4,5)P3-independent. The low Ins(1,4,5)P3 5-phosphatase activity and the slow time-course (seconds) of the contractile response to Ins(1,4,5)P3 released with laser flash photolysis from caged Ins(1,4,5)P3 in frog skeletal muscle suggest that Ins(1,4,5)P3 is unlikely to be the physiological messenger of excitation-contraction coupling of striated muscle. In contrast, in smooth muscle the high Ins(1,4,5)P3-5-phosphatase activity and the rate of force development after photolytic release of Ins(1,4,5)P3 are compatible with a physiological role of Ins(1,4,5)P3 as a messenger of pharmacomechanical coupling.     

Carbachol-stimulated calcium entry in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells: which route?

M3 muscarinic receptors expressed on SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells are linked to phosphoinositide turnover and rises in [Ca2+]i. The rise in [Ca2+]i is biphasic with the peak phase being due to release from an intracellular Ins(1,4,5)P3-sensitive site and the plateau phase being due to Ca2+ entry across the plasma membrane. Ca2+ entry does not appear to involve voltage sensitive Ca2+ channels, a pertussis toxin sensitive G-protein-operated Ca2+ channel or Ins(1,4,5)P3/Ins(1,3,4,5)P4-operated Ca2+ channel. We suggest that carbachol-stimulated Ca2+ entry in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells occurs via receptor operated Ca2+ channels and through capacitive refilling.     

Relationship between agonist- and thapsigargin-sensitive calcium pools in adrenal glomerulosa cells. Thapsigargin-induced Ca2+ mobilization and entry

The relationships between agonist-sensitive calcium pools and those discharged by the Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitor thapsigargin were studied in intact bovine adrenal glomerulosa cells and a subcellular adrenocortical membrane fraction. In Fura-2-loaded glomerulosa cells, angiotensin II (AII) stimulated a rapid increase in cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) followed by a smaller plateau phase that was dependent on extra-cellular Ca2+. In such cells thapsigargin caused a sustained and dose-dependent increase in [Ca2+]i which was diminished in Ca(2+)-deficient medium. The contribution of an influx component to the thapsigargin-induced [Ca2+]i response was demonstrated by measurement of 45Ca influx rate in glomerulosa cells. Thapsigargin-induced Ca2+ entry was significantly less than that evoked by AII, and its kinetics were similar to those of the concomitant increase in [Ca2+]i. The rate of emptying of the agonist-responsive Ca2+ pool after thapsigargin treatment, as indicated by the progressive decrease in the size of the AII-induced Ca2+ transient, showed a rapid initial (t1/2 = 1.7 min) component that accounted for about 80% of the response and a slowly decreasing phase with t1/2 = 112 min. The latter thapsigargin-resistant component was abolished by the removal of extracellular Ca2+. Pretreatment with AII dose-dependently attenuated but did not abolish the subsequent Ca2+ response to thapsigargin and also increased the rate of the Ca2+ rise induced by thapsigargin. In bovine adrenocortical microsomes, thapsigargin inhibited the ATP-dependent filling of Ca2+ pools and caused a dose-dependent rise in extravesicular Ca2+ levels when added to previously loaded microsomes. The thapsigargin-releasable Ca2+ pool in adrenal microsomes was larger than the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (Ins(1,4,5)P3)-sensitive Ca2+ pool but only slightly greater than the GTP-releasable pool. Ins(1,4,5)P3-induced Ca2+ release was reduced markedly when ATP-dependent Ca2+ loading of the microsomes was prevented by prior addition of thapsigargin. However, the subsequent Ca2+ response to Ins(1,4,5)P3 was consistently better preserved after the addition of thapsigargin to microsomes preloaded with Ca2+. This difference suggests that although Ca2+ uptake by the Ins(1,4,5)P3-responsive pool is also sensitive to thapsigargin, once filled, this pool shows a slower passive leakage than other thapsigargin-sensitive pools. These findings indicate that thapsigargin increases [Ca2+]i by inhibiting Ca2+ uptake into multiple intracellular Ca2+ pools and by also promoting entry of extracellular Ca2+.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Depolarization and Agonist-Stimulated Changes in Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate and Inositol 1,3,4,5-Tetrakisphosphate Mass Accumulation in Rat Cerebral Cortex

Muscarinic receptor stimulation or depolarization with elevated extracellular K+ induced rapid and sustained increases in mass accumulations of myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate [Ins(1,4,5)P3] and myo-inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate [Ins(1,3,4,5)P4] in cerebral cortex slices. Synergistic but transient responses of both inositol polyphosphate second messengers were observed when slices were stimulated with carbachol under depolarizing conditions; this synergy was observed as an increase in the maximal responsiveness, with no significant change in EC50 values for carbachol. Omission of buffer Ca2+ ([Ca2+]e 10-20 microM) reduced basal Ins(1,4,5)P3 and Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 concentrations; the relative stimulatory effects of muscarinic receptor stimulation were maintained, but the effects of depolarization were markedly attenuated under these conditions. A component of the response to depolarization appeared to be indirectly mediated by the release of acetylcholine, because the K(+)-evoked increase in Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 was enhanced by the cholinesterase inhibitor physostigmine, and was partially attenuated by atropine. An additive suppression by nitrendipine suggests that entry of Ca2+ through L-type Ca2+ channels may serve to accelerate phosphorylation of Ins(1,4,5)P3 by 3-kinase. Norepinephrine did not significantly increase Ins(1,4,5)P3 or Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 accumulation; however, in the presence of depolarizing K+, norepinephrine caused a dramatic increase in Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 mass accumulation. In contrast, the excitatory amino acid quisqualate caused significant increases in the mass accumulations of both inositol polyphosphates measured, with no further increase being observed under depolarizing conditions. The results are discussed with respect to the interactive effects of agonist and depolarization stimuli on inositol polyphosphate accumulation which might more accurately reflect the conditions pertaining in vivo.     

Inositol tetrakisphosphate isomers and elevation of cytosolic Ca2+ in vasopressin-stimulated insulin-secreting RINm5F cells.

Signal generation during the stimulation of insulin secretion by arginine vasopressin (AVP) was investigated in RINm5F cells. AVP (0.1 microM) caused a biphasic cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) rise, namely a rapid transient marked elevation after stimulation followed by a series of oscillations. In the absence of extracellular Ca2+, the sustained oscillations were abolished, while the initial [Ca2+]i transient was only partly decreased, indicating that the former are due to Ca2+ influx and the latter due mainly to mobilization from internal Ca2+ stores. AVP also evoked a transient depolarization of the average membrane potential. AVP-induced Ca2+ influx during the sustained phase, which was strictly dependent on receptor occupancy, was attenuated by membrane hyperpolarization with diazoxide. However, blockade of Ca2+ channels of the L- or T-type was ineffective. AVP stimulated production of diacylglycerol and inositol phosphates; for the latter both [3H] inositol labeling and mass determinations were performed. A transient increase in Ins(1,4,5)P3 was followed by a marked enhancement of Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 (8-fold) peaking at 15 s and gradually returning to basal values. Ins(1,3,4,6)P4 and Ins(3,4,5,6)P4 exhibited the most long-lasting augmentation (4- and 1.7-fold, respectively), and therefore correlated best with the period of sustained [Ca2+]i oscillations. InsP5 and InsP6 were not elevated. The effects of AVP, including the stimulation of insulin secretion from perifused cells, were obliterated by a V1 receptor antagonist. In conclusion, AVP induces protracted [Ca2+]i elevation in RINm5F cells which is associated with long-lasting increases in InsP4 isomers. The accumulation of InsP4 isomers reflects receptor occupancy and accelerated metabolism of the inositol phosphates. Activation of second messenger-operated Ca2+ channels is not necessarily implicated because of the attenuating effect of membrane hyperpolarization.     

Inositol tetrakisphosphate-induced sequestration of Ca2+ replenishes an intracellular pool sensitive to inositol trisphosphate

In a permeable neoplastic rat liver epithelial (261B) cell system, inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate--Ins(1,3,4,5)P4--induces sequestration of Ca2+ released by inositol 2,4,5-trisphosphate--Ins(2,4,5)P3; a non-metabolized inositol trisphosphate (InsP3) isomer--and Ca2+ added exogenously in the form of CaCl2. Studies were performed to identify the Ca2+ pool filled after Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 treatment. Both Ins(2,4,5)P3 and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate--Ins(1,4,5)P3--dose-dependently release Ca2+ from permeable 261B cells--Ins(1,4,5)P3 having a threefold greater potency--but differ in that Ca2+ released by Ins(1,4,5)P3 is readily sequestered, while the Ca2+ released by Ins(2,4,5)P3 is not. Maximal release of Ca2+ by 6 microM Ins(2,4,5)P3 blocked the action of Ins(1,4,5)P3, demonstrating that these two isomers influence the same intracellular Ca2+ pool through a shared membrane receptor. Addition of 2 microM Ins(2,4,5)P3 to discharge partially the Ca2+ pool reduced the amount of Ca2+ released by a maximal dose of Ins(1,4,5)P3 (2 microM). Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 combined with Ins(2,4,5)P3 produced a Ca2+ release and sequestration response, which replenished the InsP3-sensitive pool as indicated by a recovery of full Ca2+ release by 2 microM Ins(1,4,5)P3. Induction of Ca2+ sequestration by Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 occurred dose-dependently, with a half-maximal response elicited at a dose of 0.9 microM. Further studies of the effect of Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 apart from the influence of Ins(2,4,5)P3 using a model in which the Ca2+ levels are raised by an exogenous addition of CaCl2 showed that Ins(1,4,5)P3 released twice the amount of Ca2+ from the storage pool following Ins(1,3,4,5)P4-induced Ca2+ sequestration. These results demonstrate that the Ca2+ uptake induced by Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 preferentially replenishes the intracellular Ca2+ storage sites regulated by Ins(1,4,5)P3 and Ins(2,4,5)P3.     

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-induced release of sequestered Ca2+ from highly purified human platelet intracellular membranes.

Evidence has accumulated in support of a role for intracellularly generated inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate [Ins(1,4,5)P3] in raising cytosol [Ca2+] when various hormones, neurotransmitters, growth factors and other stimulants act on cell surfaces. The increase in [Ca2+] that follows stimulant-receptor interaction is accompanied by rapid hydrolysis of phosphoinositides. One product, Ins(1,4,5)P3, arising from the breakdown of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate was shown to promote the release of Ca2+ from non-mitochondrial stores in a variety of cells. Although platelet intracellular membranes have been implicated in the control of cytosol [Ca2+] and we previously characterized a Ca2+-sequestering mechanism associated with them, we have as yet no knowledge of how this Ca2+ store is mobilized after a stimulus-receptor interaction at the platelet surface. Using free-flow electrophoresis, we isolated and purified human platelet intracellular membranes. They show high enrichment and exclusive localization of the endoplasmic-reticulum marker NADH:cytochrome c reductase, and they sequester Ca2+ by an ATP-dependent process, reaching steady-state values in 10-12 min. Saturation with Ca2+ occurs at around 10-30 microM external Ca2+. When Ins(1,4,5)P3 is added to the 45Ca-loaded vesicles, a rapid release of Ca2+ occurs (approx. 35% in 15-30s). The magnitude of the release depends upon external [Ca2+], being maximum in the range 0.3-0.8 microM and low at external [Ca2+] greater than 1 microM. After release there is a rapid re-uptake of Ca2+, with restoration of the former steady-state values within 1 min. Half-maximal release occurs at approx. 0.25 microM-Ins(1,4,5)P3. This release and re-uptake pattern is not observed with ionophore A23187 or arachidonic acid, both of which liberate Ca2+ irreversibly. Inositol 1,4-bisphosphate was ineffective in releasing Ca2+ from these intracellular membranes. The results support the role of Ins(1,4,5)P3 as a specific intracellular mediator, transducing the action of excitatory agonists acting on the platelet surface into metabolic, mechanochemical and other functional events, known to occur during platelet activation.     

Characterisation of Distinct Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate-Sensitive and Caffeine-Sensitive Calcium Stores in Digitonin-Permeabilised Adrenal Chromaffin Cells

The effect of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate [Ins-(1,4,5)P3] and caffeine on Ca2+ release from digitonin-permeabilised bovine adrenal chromaffin cells was examined by using the Ca2+ indicator fura-2 to monitor [Ca2+]. Permeabilised cells accumulated Ca2+ in the presence of ATP and addition of either Ins(1,4,5)P3 or caffeine released 17% or 40-50%, respectively, of the accumulated Ca2+, indicated by sustained rises in [Ca2+] in the cell suspension. Prior addition of Ins(1,4,5)P3 had no effect on the magnitude of the response to a subsequent addition of caffeine. The response to Ins(1,4,5)P3 was prevented by prior addition of caffeine or CaCl2, indicating that the Ins(1,4,5)P3 response was blocked by elevated [Ca2+]. The responses were essentially identical in the presence of the proton ionophore carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone, indicating that the Ca2+ release was not from mitochondria or secretory granules and that a proton gradient was not required for Ca2+ accumulation into the Ins(1,4,5)P3- or caffeine-sensitive stores. Ca2+ release from the caffeine-sensitive store was selectively blocked by ryanodine. The Ins(1,4,5)P3-sensitive store was emptied by thapsigargin, which had no effect on caffeine responses. These data suggest that permeabilised chromaffin cells possess two distinct nonoverlapping Ca2+ stores sensitive to either Ins(1,4,5)P3 or caffeine and support previous conclusions that these stores possess different Ca2(+)-ATPases.     

Ins(1,4,5)P3 receptor-mediated Ca2+ signaling and autophagy induction are interrelated

The role of intracellular Ca2+ signaling in starvation-induced autophagy remains unclear. Here, we examined Ca2+ dynamics during starvation-induced autophagy and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Tightly correlating with autophagy stimulation, we observed a remodeling of the Ca2+ signalosome. First, short periods of starvation (1 to 3 h) caused a prominent increase of the ER Ca2+-store content and enhanced agonist-induced Ca2+ release. The mechanism involved the upregulation of intralumenal ER Ca2+-binding proteins, calreticulin and Grp78/BiP, which increased the ER Ca2+-buffering capacity and reduced the ER Ca2+ leak. Second, starvation led to Ins(1,4,5)P3R sensitization. Immunoprecipitation experiments showed that during starvation Beclin 1, released from Bcl-2, first bound with increasing efficiency to Ins(1,4,5)P3Rs; after reaching a maximal binding after 3 h, binding, however, decreased again. The interaction site of Beclin 1 was determined to be present in the N-terminal Ins(1,4,5)P3-binding domain of the Ins(1,4,5)P3R. The starvation-induced Ins(1,4,5)P3R sensitization was abolished in cells treated with BECN1 siRNA, but not with ATG5 siRNA, pointing toward an essential role of Beclin 1 in this process. Moreover, recombinant Beclin 1 sensitized Ins(1,4,5)P3Rs in 45Ca2+-flux assays, indicating a direct regulation of Ins(1,4,5)P3R activity by Beclin 1. Finally, we found that Ins(1,4,5)P3R-mediated Ca2+ signaling was critical for starvation-induced autophagy stimulation, since the Ca2+ chelator BAPTA-AM as well as the Ins(1,4,5)P3R inhibitor xestospongin B abolished the increase in LC3 lipidation and GFP-LC3-puncta formation. Hence, our results indicate a tight and essential interrelation between intracellular Ca2+ signaling and autophagy stimulation as a proximal event in response to starvation.     

Urokinase receptor (CD87) aggregation triggers phosphoinositide hydrolysis and intracellular calcium mobilization in mononuclear phagocytes

Leukocytes utilize urokinase receptors (uPAR; CD87) in adhesion, migration, and matrix proteolysis. uPAR aggregate at cell-substratum interfaces and at leading edges of migrating cells, so this study was undertaken to determine whether uPAR aggregation is capable of initiating activation signaling. Monocyte-like U937 cells were labeled with fluo-3-acetoxymethyl ester to quantitate intracellular Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) by spectrofluorometry, and uPAR was aggregated by mAb cross-linking. uPAR aggregation induced highly reproducible increases in [Ca2+]i of 103.0 +/- 10.9 nM (p < 0.0001) and >3-fold increases in cellular d-myoinositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (Ins(1,4,5)P3) levels. Similar increases in [Ca2+]i were also elicited by uPAR aggregation in human monocytes, but cross-linking a control IgG2a had no effect on [Ca2+]i. Selectively cross-linking uPA-occupied uPAR with an anti-uPA mAb produced smaller increases in [Ca2+]i, but fully saturating uPAR with exogenous uPA enhanced the [Ca2+]i response to equal the effect of aggregating uPAR directly. Increased [Ca2+]i was inhibited by thapsigargin, herbimycin A, and U73122, but only partially reduced by low extracellular [Ca2+], indicating that uPAR aggregation increases [Ca2+]i by activating phospholipase C through a tyrosine kinase-dependent mechanism, generating Ins(1,4,5)P3 and releasing Ca2+ from Ins(1,4, 5)P3-sensitive intracellular stores. Cross-linking the beta2 integrin CR3 could not duplicate the effect of uPAR cross-linking, and uPAR-triggered Ca2+ mobilization was not blocked by anti-CR3 mAbs. These results indicate that uPAR aggregation initiates phosphoinositide hydrolysis by mechanisms that are not strictly dependent on associated uPA or CR3.     

Histamine-H1-receptor-mediated phosphoinositide hydrolysis, Ca2+ signalling and membrane-potential oscillations in human HeLa carcinoma cells.

In human HeLa carcinoma cells, histamine causes a dose-dependent formation of inositol phosphates, production of diacylglycerol and a transient rise in intracellular [Ca2+]. These responses are completely blocked by the H1-receptor antagonist pyrilamine. In streptolysin-O-permeabilized cells, formation of inositol phosphates by histamine is strongly potentiated by guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate and inhibited by guanosine 5'-[beta-thio]diphosphate, suggesting the involvement of a GTP-binding protein. Histamine stimulates the rapid but transient formation of Ins(1,4,5)P3, Ins(1,3,4)P3 and InsP4. InsP accumulates in a much more persistent manner, lasting for at least 30 min. Studies with streptolysin-O-permeabilized cells indicate that InsP accumulation results from dephosphorylation of Ins(1,4,5)P3, rather than direct hydrolysis of PtdIns. The rise in intracellular [Ca2+] is biphasic, with a very fast release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores, that parallels the Ins(1,4,5)P3 time course, followed by a more prolonged phase of Ca2+ influx. In individual cells, histamine causes a rapid initial hyperpolarization of the plasma membrane, which can be mimicked by microinjected Ins(1,4,5)P3. Histamine-induced hyperpolarization is followed by long-lasting oscillations in membrane potential, apparently owing to periodic activation of Ca2+-dependent K+ channels. These membrane-potential oscillations can be mimicked by microinjection of guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate, but are not observed after microinjection of Ins(1,4,5)P3. We conclude that H1-receptors in HeLa cells activate a PtdInsP2-specific phospholipase C through participation of a specific G-protein, resulting in long-lasting oscillations of cytoplasmic free Ca2+.     

Role of Ca(2+)-ATPase in spontaneous oscillations of cytosolic free Ca2+ in GH3 rat pituitary cells.

The relative contribution of voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels, Ca(2+)-ATPases, and Ca2+ release from intracellular stores to spontaneous oscillations in cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) observed in secretory cells is not well characterized owing to a lack of specific inhibitors for a novel thapsigargin (Tg)-insensitive Ca(2+)-ATPase expressed in these cells. We show that spontaneous [Ca2+]i oscillations in GH3 cells were unaffected by Ca2+ depletion in inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3)-sensitive Ca2+ stores by the treatment of Tg, but could be initiated by application of caffeine. Moreover, we demonstrate for the first time that these spontaneous [Ca2+]i oscillations were highly temperature dependent. Decreasing the temperature from 22 to 17 degrees C resulted in an increase in the frequency, a reduction in the amplitude, and large inhibition of [Ca2+]i oscillations. Furthermore, the rate of ATP-dependent 45Ca2+ uptake into GH3-derived microsomes was greatly reduced at 17 degrees C. The effect of decreased temperatures on extracellular Ca2+ influx was minor because the frequency and amplitude of spontaneous action potentials, which activate L-type Ca2+ channels, was relatively unchanged at 17 degrees C. These results suggest that in GH3 secretory cells, Ca2+ influx via L-type Ca2+ channels initiates spontaneous [Ca2+]i oscillations, which are then maintained by the combined activity of Ca(2+)-ATPase and Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release from Tg/IP3-insensitive intracellular stores.     

Receptor-activated cytoplasmic Ca2+ spiking mediated by inositol trisphosphate is due to Ca2(+)-induced Ca2+ release.

Receptor-mediated inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (Ins-(1,4,5)P3) generation evokes fluctuations in the cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). Intracellular Ca2+ infusion into single mouse pancreatic acinar cells mimicks the effect of external acetylcholine (ACh) or internal Ins(1,4,5)P3 application by evoking repetitive Ca2+ release monitored by Ca2(+)-activated Cl- current. Intracellular infusion of the Ins(1,4,5)P3 receptor antagonist heparin fails to inhibit Ca2+ spiking caused by Ca2+ infusion, but blocks ACh- and Ins(1,4,5)P3-evoked Ca2+ oscillations. Caffeine (1 mM), a potentiator of Ca2(+)-induced Ca2+ release, evokes Ca2+ spiking during subthreshold intracellular Ca2+ infusion. These results indicate that ACh-evoked Ca2+ oscillations are due to pulses of Ca2+ release through a caffeine-sensitive channel triggered by a small steady Ins(1,4,5)P3-evoked Ca2+ flow.     

Dissociation of Ca2+ entry and Ca2+ mobilization responses to angiotensin II in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells

In fura-2-loaded bovine adrenal chromaffin cells, 0.5 microM angiotensin II (AII) stimulated a 185 +/- 19 nM increase of intracellular-free calcium [( Ca2+]i) approximately 3 s after addition. The time from the onset of the response until achieving 50% recovery (t 1/2) was 67 +/- 10 s. Concomitantly, AII stimulated both the release of 45Ca2+ from prelabeled cells, and a 4-5-fold increase of [3H]inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate [( 3H]Ins(1,4,5)P3) levels. In the presence of 50 microM LaCl3, or when extracellular-free Ca2+ [( Ca2+]o) was less than 100 nM, AII still rapidly increased [Ca2+]i by 95-135 nM, but the t 1/2 for recovery was then only 23-27 s. In medium with 1 mM MnCl2 present, AII also stimulated a small amount of Mn2+ influx, as judged by quenching of the fura-2 signal. When [Ca2+]o was normal (1.1 mM) or low (less than 60 nM), 1-2 microM ionomycin caused [Ca2+]i to increase 204 +/- 26 nM, while also releasing 45-55% of bound 45Ca2+. With low [Ca2+]o, ionomycin pretreatment abolished both the [Ca2+]i increase and 45Ca2+ release stimulated by AII. However, after ionomycin pretreatment in normal medium, AII produced a La3+-inhibitable increase of [Ca2+]i (103 +/- 13 nM) with a t 1/2 of 89 +/- 8 s, but no 45Ca2+ release. No pretreatment condition altered AII-induced formation of [3H]Ins(1,4,5)P3. We conclude that AII increased [Ca2+]i via rapid and transient Ca2+ mobilization from Ins(1,4,5)P3- and ionomycin-sensitive stores, accompanied (and/or followed) by Ca2+ entry through a La3+-inhibitable divalent cation pathway. Furthermore, the ability of AII to activate Ca2+ entry in the absence of Ca2+ mobilization (i.e. after ionomycin pretreatment) suggests a receptor-linked stimulus other than Ca2+ mobilization initiates Ca2+ entry.