Magnesium regulates intracellular free ionized calcium concentration and cell geometry in vascular smooth muscle cells.

Regulatory effects of extracellular magnesium ions ([Mg2+]o) on intracellular free ionized calcium ([Ca2+]i) were studied in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) from rat aorta by use of the fluorescent indicator fura-2 and digital imaging microscopy. With normal Mg2+ (1.2 mM)-containing incubation media, [Ca2+]i in VSMCs was 93.6 +/- 7.93 nM with a heterogeneous cellular distribution. Lowering [Mg2+]o to 0 mM or 0.3 mM (the lowest physiological range) resulted in 5.8-fold (579.5 +/- 39.99 nM) and 3.5-fold (348.0 +/- 31.52 nM) increments of [Ca2+]i, respectively, without influencing the cellular distribution of [Ca2+]i. Surprisingly, [Mg2+]o withdrawal induced changes of cell geometry in many VSMCs, i.e., the cells rounded up. However, elevation of [Mg2+]o up to 4.8 mM only induced slight decrements of [Ca2+]i (mean = 72.0 +/- 4.55 nM). The large increment of [Ca2+]i induced by [Mg2+]o withdrawal was totally inhibited when [Ca2+]o was removed. The data suggest that: (1) [Mg2+]o regulates the level of [Ca2+]i in rat aortic smooth muscle cells, and (2) [Mg2+] acts as an important regulatory ion by modulating cell shapes in cultured VSMc and their metabolism to control vascular contractile activities.     

Vascular smooth muscle and neurohypophyseal hormones.

Experimental studies relating to the direct peripheral vascular actions of neurohypophyseal hormones and their synthetic variants are reviewed. In addition, the available data on the comparative pharmacologic actions of these peptides on mammalian vascular smooth muscle are reviewed. Experiments relating to mechanisms by which neurohypophyseal peptides induce contraction of blood vessels are discussed. Neurohypophyseal peptide hormones appear to be able to contract and relax vascular smooth muscle, the exact type of response being dependent on species, vascular bed, and region within a vascular bed. Receptors that subserve both contraction and relaxation may exist on different blood vessels within a species, with a preponderance of receptors that subserve contraction being present in most blood vessels. Concentrations of vasopressin that can be considered physiologic (i.e., 10(-13) to 10(-11) M) are capable of evoking responses on a variety of microscopic as well as large blood vessels. Arginine-vasopressin appears to be, relatively, the most potent contractile substance on rat blood vessels investigated to date; angiotensin is not. Preservative-free oxytocin is a contractile agent on all mammalian arterial and arteriolar vessels so far investigated. A great deal of the controversy surrounding the exact vascular actions elicited by these peptide hormones can be attributed to many factors that were not controlled in older experiments. Moreover, rat pressor assays cannot be utilized to determine structure-activity relationship for neurohypophyseal peptides on vascular smooth muscles. Nuerohypophyseal peptide-induced contractions of vascular smooth muscles can be markedly affected by sex, sex hormones, alcohols, [Ca2+]0, [mg2+]0, oxygen deficit, and glucose-deprivation. Extracellular sodium and potassium ions appear to play relatively little role in vasopressin-induced contractions of rat arterial smooth muscle. The terminal amino group, phenolic hydroxyl, aromatic ring and basicity in positions 1, 2, 3, and 8, respectively, of the neurohypophyseal hormones are important for optimizing hormone-receptor affinity and intrinsic contractile activity on vascular smooth muscle. Basicity in position 8 of these peptide hormones is not an absolute requirement for contractile activation of these smooth muscles. Alterations in molecular structure can result in neurohypophyseal peptides with unique, and selective, microcirculatory effects that may be beneficial in the treatment of low-flow states.     

Sphingolipids regulate [Mg2+]o uptake and [Mg2+]i content in vascular smooth muscle cells: potential mechanisms and importance to membrane transport of Mg2+

Sphingolipids have a variety of important signaling roles in mammalian cells. We tested the hypothesis that certain sphingolipids and neutral sphingomyelinase (N-SMase) can regulate intracellular free magnesium ions ([Mg2+]i) in vascular smooth muscle (VSM) cells. Herein, we show that several sphingolipids, including C2-ceramide, C8-ceramide, C16-ceramide, and sphingosine, as well as N-SMase, have potent and direct effects on content and mobilization of [Mg2+]i in primary cultured rat aortic smooth muscle cells. All of these sphingolipid molecules increase, rapidly, [Mg2+]i in these vascular cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The increments of [Mg2+]i, induced by these agents, are derived from influx of extracellular Mg2+ and are extracellular Ca2+ concentration-dependent. Phospholipase C and Ca2+/calmodulin/Ca2+-ATPase activity appear to be important in the sphingolipid-induced rises of [Mg2+]i. Activation of certain PKC isozymes may also be required for sphingolipid-induced rises in [Mg2+]i. These novel results suggest that sphingolipids may be homeostatic regulators of extracellular Mg2+ concentration influx (and transport) and [Mg2+]i content in vascular muscle cells.     

Basal intracellular free Mg2+ concentration in smooth muscle cells of guinea pig tenia cecum: intracellular calibration of the fluorescent indicator furaptra

Longitudinal muscle strips dissected from tenia cecum of guinea pig were loaded with the Mg2+ indicator, furaptra, and the relation between the fluorescent ratio signal (R) and cytoplasmic free Mg2+ concentration ([Mg2+]i) was studied in smooth muscle cells at 25 degrees C. After the application of ionophores (4-bromo-A23187, monensin, and nigericin), a small immediate offset of R (deltaRjump) was followed by a slow change in R (deltaRslow), which reached a steady level within 2-5 h. The deltaRjump was independent of Mg2+ concentration in solution ([Mg2+]o), and was thought to be unrelated to the change in [Mg2+]i. The direction of the deltaRslow depended on [Mg2+]o with a reversal at approximately 1 mM [Mg2+]o. The intracellular calibration curve was constructed from the steady levels of deltaRslow, and the dissociation constant was 5.4 mM. With the intracellular calibration curve and correction for the deltaRjump, basal [Mg2+], was estimated to be 0.98 +/- 0.05 mM (mean +/- SE, n = 12). When the same calibration was applied to A7r5 cells and rat ventricular myocytes, estimates of basal [Mg2+]i of these cells were 0.74 +/- 0.02 mM (n = 33) and 1.13 +/- 0.06 mM (n = 9), respectively. These results suggest that the basal [Mg2+] level is approximately 1 mM at least in some types of smooth muscle cells, as generally found in striated muscles.     

Genistein inhibits contractile force, intracellular Ca2+ increase and Ca2+ oscillations induced by serotonin in rat aortic smooth muscle

The soy-derived isoflavones genistein and daidzein affect the contractile state of different kinds of smooth muscle. We describe acute effects of genistein and daidzein on contractile force and intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in in situ smooth muscle of rat aorta. Serotonin (5-HT) (2 microM) or a depolarizing high K+ solution produced the contraction of aortic rings, which were immediately relaxed by 20 microM genistein and by 20 microM daidzein. Accordingly, both 5-HT and a high K+ solution increased the [Ca2+]i in in situ smooth muscle cells. Genistein strongly inhibited the [Ca2+]i increase evoked by 5-HT (74.0 +/- 7.3%, n = 11, p < 0.05), and had a smaller effect on high K+ induced [Ca2+]i increase (19.9 +/- 4.0%, n = 7, p < 0.05). The K+ channels blocker tetraethylammonium (TEA) (0.5 mM) diminished genistein effects on 5-HT-induced [Ca2+]i increase. Interestingly, during prolonged application of 5-HT, the [Ca2+]i oscillated and a short (90 s) preincubation with genistein (20 microM) significantly diminished the frequency of the oscillations. This effect was totally abolished by TEA. In conclusion, in rat aortic smooth muscle, genistein is capable of diminishing the increase in [Ca2+]i and in force evoked by 5-HT and high K+ solution, and of decreasing the frequency of [Ca2+]i oscillations induced by 5-HT. The short time required by genistein, and the relaxing effect of daidzein suggest that tyrosine kinases inhibition is not involved. The small inhibiting effect of genistein on the [Ca2+]i increase evoked by high K+ and the effect of TEA point to the activation by genistein of calcium-activated K+ channels.     

Increased [Mg2+]o reduces Ca2+ influx and disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential during reoxygenation

Increase in extracellular Mg2+ concentration ([Mg2+]o) reduces Ca2+ accumulation during reoxygenation of hypoxic cardiomyocytes and exerts protective effects. The aims of the present study were to investigate the effect of increased [Mg(2+)](o) on Ca2+ influx and efflux, free cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) and Mg2+ concentrations ([Mg2+]i), Ca2+ accumulation in the presence of inhibitors of mitochondrial or sarcoplasmatic reticulum Ca2+ transport, and finally mitochondrial membrane potential (Delta(psi)m). Isolated adult rat cardiomyocytes were exposed to 1 h of hypoxia and subsequent reoxygenation. Cell Ca2+ was determined by 45Ca2+ uptake, and the levels of [Mg2+]i and [Ca2+]i were determined by flow cytometry as the fluorescence of magnesium green and fluo 3, respectively. Ca2+ influx rate was significantly reduced by approximately 40%, whereas Ca2+ efflux was not affected by increased [Mg2+]o (5 mM) during reoxygenation. [Ca2+]i and [Mg2+]i were increased at the end of hypoxia, fell after reoxygenation, and were unaffected by increased [Mg2+]o. Clonazepam, a selective mitochondrial Na+/Ca2+ exchange inhibitor (100 microM), significantly reduced Ca2+ accumulation by 70% and in combination with increased [Mg2+]o by 90%. Increased [Mg2+]o, clonazepam, and the combination of both attenuated the hypoxia-reoxygenation-induced reduction in Delta(psi)m, determined with the cationic dye JC-1 by flow cytometry. A significant inverse correlation was observed between Delta(psi)m and cell Ca2+ in reoxygenated cells treated with increased [Mg2+]o and clonazepam. In conclusion, increased [Mg2+]o (5 mM) inhibits Ca2+ accumulation by reducing Ca2+ influx and preserves Delta(psi)m without affecting [Ca2+]i and [Mg2+]i during reoxygenation. Preservation of mitochondria may be an important effect whereby increased [Mg2+]o protects the postischemic heart.     

Cytosolic free calcium levels in monolayers of cultured rat aortic smooth muscle cells. Effects of angiotensin II and vasopressin

A rise in cytosolic free calcium ([Ca2+]i) is thought to be the principal mediator in vascular smooth muscle contraction. Quantitative changes of [Ca2+]i in response to two vasoconstrictor peptide hormones, angiotensin II and vasopressin, were directly measured in monolayers of adherent cultured rat aortic smooth muscle cells loaded with the fluorescent calcium indicator Quin 2. Angiotensin II induced rapid, concentration-dependent rises in [Ca2+]i from 1.53 +/- 0.27 X 10(-7) (n = 16) up to 1.2 X 10(-6) M, with ED50 of 0.45 X 10(-9) M, an effect which was blocked by the antagonist analogue [Sar1, Ala8]angiotensin II. Vasopressin also elicited transient rises in [Ca2+]i to peak levels of about 8 X 10(-7) M, with ED50 of 1.05 X 10(-9) M, and this response was completely abolished by a vasopressor antagonist. In calcium-free medium, basal [Ca2+]i levels fell to 0.92 +/- 0.24 X 10(-7) M (n = 4), and both hormones were still able to raise [Ca2+]i, although to a lesser extent. Readdition of extracellular calcium following the [Ca2+]i transient induced a second, slower [Ca2+]i rise. In calcium-containing medium, lanthanum ion (2 X 10(-5) M) reduced peptide-evoked [Ca2+]i rises to the values observed in calcium-free medium. Stimulation with each peptide completely desensitized the smooth muscle cells to a subsequent identical challenge, with little crosstachyphylaxis. Potassium ion (50 mM) only minimally affected [Ca2+]i levels. The calcium channel blocker nifedipine (10(-6) M) did not prevent the [Ca2+]i rises induced by angiotensin II, vasopressin, or potassium. These findings indicate that the two physiologically important vasoconstrictor hormones angiotensin II and vasopressin rapidly raise [Ca2+]i in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells, in part by mobilizing calcium from intracellular pools and in part through activation of receptor-operated calcium channels.     

Effects of intracellular and extracellular concentrations of Ca2+, K+, and Cl- on the Na+-dependent Mg2+ efflux in rat ventricular myocytes

Intracellular Mg2+ concentration ([Mg2+]i) was measured in rat ventricular myocytes with the fluorescent indicator furaptra (25 degrees C). After the myocytes were loaded with Mg2+, the initial rate of decrease in [Mg2+]i (initial Delta[Mg2+]i/Deltat) was estimated upon introduction of extracellular Na+, as an index of the rate of Na+-dependent Mg2+ efflux. The initial Delta[Mg2+]i/Deltat values with 140 mM [Na+]o were essentially unchanged by the addition of extracellular Ca2+ up to 1 mM (107.3+/-8.7% of the control value measured at 0 mM [Ca2+]o in the presence of 0.1 mM EGTA, n=5). Intracellular loading of a Ca2+ chelator, either BAPTA or dimethyl BAPTA, by incubation with its acetoxymethyl ester form (5 microM for 3.5 h) did not significantly change the initial Delta[Mg2+]i/Deltat: 115.2+/-7.5% (seven BAPTA-loaded cells) and 109.5+/-10.9% (four dimethyl BAPTA loaded cells) of the control values measured in the absence of an intracellular chelator. Extracellular and/or intracellular concentrations of K+ and Cl- were modified under constant [Na+]o (70 mM), [Ca2+]o (0 mM with 0.1 mM EGTA), and membrane potential (-13 mV with the amphotericin-B-perforated patch-clamp technique). None of the following conditions significantly changed the initial Delta[Mg2+]i/Deltat: 1), changes in [K+]o between 0 mM and 75 mM (65.6+/-5.0% (n=11) and 79.0+/-6.0% (n=8), respectively, of the control values measured at 140 mM [Na+]o without any modification of extracellular and intracellular K+ and Cl-); 2), intracellular perfusion with K+-free (Cs+-substituted) solution from the patch pipette in combination with removal of extracellular K+ (77.7+/-8.2%, n=8); and 3), extracellular and intracellular perfusion with K+-free and Cl--free solutions (71.6+/-5.1%, n=5). These results suggest that Mg2+ is transported in exchange with Na+, but not with Ca2+, K+, or Cl-, in cardiac myocytes.     

The Gibbs-Donnan near-equilibrium system of heart

The gradients of the major inorganic ions across the plasma membrane of heart were examined to determine the factors controlling the extent and direction of the changes induced during injury, certain diseases, and electrolyte disturbances. The ionic environment was altered by changing only the concentration of inorganic phosphate, [sigma Pi]o, from 0 to 1.2 to 5 mM in the Krebs-Henseleit buffer perfusing working rat hearts. Raising [sigma Pi]o from 1.2 to 5 mM resulted in a decrease in total Mg2+ content and calculated free cytosolic [Mg2+] from 0.44 to 0.04 mM, conversion of 4 mmol of MgATP2- to ATP4- and a decrease in measured intracellular [Cl-]i from 41 to 16 mM. At all levels of [sigma Pi]o, both the [Na+]i and [K+]i were invariant at about 3 mM and 130 mM, respectively, as was the energy of hydrolysis of the terminal phosphate bond of sigma ATP, delta GATP Hydr, of -13.2 kcal/mol. The relationship maintained between the ions on both sides of the plasma membrane by the 3Na+/2K(+)transporting ATPase (EC 3.6.1.37) and an open K+ channel was: (formula; see text) The energy of the gradients of the other inorganic ions across the plasma membrane, delta G[ion]o/i, exhibited three distinct quanta of energy derived from the prime quantum of delta GATP Hydr of -13.2 kcal/mol. The second quantum was about one-third of delta GATP Hydr or +/- 4.4 kcal/mol and comprised the delta G[Na+]o/i, delta G[Mg2+]o/i, and delta G[HPO42-]o/i. These results indicated near-equilibrium was achieved by the reactants of the 3Na+/2K(+)-ATPase, the K+ channel, the Na(+)-Pi co-transporter, and a postulated net Mg2+/H2PO4- exchanger. The third quantum was one-third of delta G[Na+]o/i or about +/- 1.5 kcal/mol and comprised delta G[H+]o/i, delta G[HCO3-]o/i, and delta G[Cl-]o/i. The delta G[K+]o/i was 0, indicating near-equilibrium between the chemical energy of [K+]o/i and the E across the plasma membrane of -83 mV. It is concluded that the gradients of the major inorganic ions across the plasma membrane and the potential across that membrane constitute a Gibbs-Donnan equilibrium system catalyzed by transport enzymes sharing common substrates. The chemical and electrical energies of those gradients are equal in magnitude and opposite in sign to the chemical energy of ATP hydrolysis.     

Nitric oxide relaxes rat tail artery smooth muscle by cyclic GMP-independent decrease in calcium sensitivity of myofilaments

The effects of authentic nitric oxide (NO, 10(-6) M) and NO-donors such as sodium nitroprusside (SNP, 10(-5) M) and glyceryl trinitrate (GTN, 10(-4) M) on contractile force and free intracellular calcium level ([Ca2+]i) were studied on precontracted with high potassium chloride (KCl, 70 mM) isolated rings of rat tail artery. The sensitivity of contractile myofilaments to Ca2+ was measured using chemically permeabilized (alpha-toxin, beta-escin, Triton X-100) vascular rings. [Ca2+]i and contractile activity were measured simultaneously. The relationship of [Ca2+]i and tension developed was studied in endothelium-denuded rings and controlled calcium response was evaluated in both endothelium-denuded and permeabilized vascular rings. Both authentic NO and NO-donors decreased [Ca2+]i and high potassium-induced tension with a different time course. Inhibitor of soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) LY83583 (10(-5) M) did not affect SNP-induced relaxation whereas the other sGC inhibitor ODQ (10(-6) M) attenuated SNP-induced relaxation. Both inhibitors had no effect on NO- and SNP-induced reduction in [Ca2+]i. On the contrary, GTN induced neither relaxation nor decrease in [Ca2+]i on application of both LY83583 and ODQ. Tail artery rings permeabilized with alpha-toxin, beta-escin, but not with Triton X-100 were relaxed by authentic NO and NO-donors, but to a less extent than non-permeabilized rings. Dithioerythritol (DTE, 5 x 10(-3) M) that maintains sulfhydryl (SH) groups in reduced state preventing their nitrosylation attenuated NO-induced relaxation in both non-permeabilized and permeabilized tail artery rings. The cyclic heptapeptide mycrocystin-LR (MC-LR) (10(-5) M), an inhibitor of type 1 and 2A phosphatases, induced sustained increase in tension of beta-escin permeabilized rings in low Ca2+ (10(-8) M) solution. The tension was not affected by authentic NO and SNP. We conclude that authentic NO and SNP relax rat tail artery smooth muscle (SM) in the presence of inhibitors of sGC via cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-independent pathway, whereas relaxation induced by GTN is inhibited. The data demonstrate that cGMP-dependent pathway in vascular smooth muscle is ubiquitous, but not the only way of relaxation induced by NO. NO can modulate vascular tone directly by reducing sensitivity of contractile myofilaments to [Ca2+]i and may involve activation of protein phosphatase(s).     

Ca2+-dependent modulation of intracellular Mg2+ concentration with amiloride and KB-R7943 in pig carotid artery

It has long been recognized that magnesium is associated with several important diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular, and cerebrovascular diseases. In the present study, we measured the intracellular free Mg2+ concentration ([Mg2+]i) using 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) in pig carotid artery smooth muscle. In normal solution, application of amiloride (1 mm) decreased [Mg2+]i by approximately 12% after 100 min. Subsequent washout tended to further decrease [Mg2+]i. In contrast, application of amiloride significantly increased [Mg2+]i (by approximately 13% after 100 min) under Ca2+-free conditions, where passive Mg2+ influx is facilitated. The treatments had little effect on intracellular ATP and pH (pHi). Essentially the same Ca2+-dependent changes in [Mg2+]i were produced with KB-R7943, a selective blocker of reverse mode Na+-Ca2+ exchange. Application of dimethyl amiloride (0.1 mM) in the presence of Ca2+ did not significantly change [Mg2+]i, although it inhibited Na+-H+ exchange at the same concentration. Removal of extracellular Na+ caused a marginal increase in [Mg2+]i after 100-200 min, as seen in intestinal smooth muscle in which Na+-Mg2+ exchange is known to be the primary mechanism of maintaining a low [Mg2+]i against electrochemical equilibrium. In Na+-free solution (containing Ca2+), neither amiloride nor KB-R7943 decreased [Mg2+]i, but they rather increased it. The results suggest that these inhibitory drugs for Na+-Ca2+ exchange directly modulate Na+-Mg2+ exchange in a Ca2+-dependent manner, and consequently produce the paradoxical decrease in [Mg2+]i in the presence of Ca2+.     

Low [Mg(2+)](o) induces contraction of cerebral arteries: roles of tyrosine and mitogen-activated protein kinases

The present study was designed to investigate the mechanism of action of low extracellular magnesium ion concentration ([Mg(2+)](o)) on isolated canine basilar arteries and single cerebral vascular smooth muscle cells from these arteries. Low-[Mg(2+)](o) medium (0-0.6 mM) produces endothelium-independent contractions in isolated canine basilar arteries in a concentration-dependent manner; the lower the concentration of [Mg(2+)](o), the stronger the contractions. The low-[Mg(2+)](o) medium-induced contractions are significantly attenuated by pretreatment of the arteries with low concentrations of either SB-203580, U-0126, PD-98059, genistein, or an Src homology 2 (SH2) domain inhibitor peptide. IC(50) levels obtained for these five antagonists are consistent with reported inhibitor constant (K(i)) values for these tyrosine kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) antagonists. Low-[Mg(2+)](o) medium (0-0.6 mM) produces transient intracellular calcium ion concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) peaks followed by a slow, sustained, and elevated plateau of [Ca(2+)](i) in primary single smooth muscle cells from canine basilar arteries. Low-[Mg(2+)](o) medium induces rapid and stable increases in [Ca(2+)](i); these increases are inhibited markedly in the presence of either SB-203580, U-0126, PD-98059, genistein or a SH2 domain inhibitor peptide. Several specific antagonists of known endogenously formed vasoconstrictors do not inhibit or attenuate either the low-[Mg(2+)](o)-induced contractions or the elevation of [Ca(2+)](i). The present study suggests that activation of several cellular signaling pathways, such as protein tyrosine kinases (including the Src family) and MAPK, appears to play important roles in low-[Mg(2+)](o)-induced contractions and the elevation of [Ca(2+)](i) in smooth muscle cells from canine basilar arteries.     

Regulation of the plasma membrane Ca2+ pump by cyclic nucleotides in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells

We investigated the mechanisms of Ca2+ extrusion from cultured rat aortic smooth muscle cells while monitoring changes in the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) using fura 2 fluorescence. 45Ca2+ efflux from these cells consisted of two major mechanisms; one was dependent on the extracellular sodium concentration (Na+o) and the other was independent of Na+o. Na+o-dependent efflux increased monotonically with increasing [Ca2+]i between 0.1 and 1.0 microM, whereas Na+o-independent efflux reached a plateau at 0.6-1 microM [Ca2+]i with a half-maximum obtained at about 0.16 microM. At [Ca2+]i below 1 microM, the latter was significantly greater than the former. Unlike the Na+o-dependent mechanism, Na+o-independent 45Ca2+ efflux was inhibited almost entirely by extracellularly added La3+ or a combination of high extracellular pH (pH 8.8) and 20 mM Mg2+. It was also inhibited, although not completely, by compound 48/80, a calmodulin antagonist, and vanadate. These results strongly suggest that Na+o-dependent and Na+o-independent 45Ca2+ effluxes occur via the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger and the ATP-dependent Ca2+ pump, respectively. Sodium nitroprusside and atrial natriuretic factor, which are agents that stimulate intracellular production of cGMP, and 8-BrcGMP significantly accelerated the Na+o-independent 45Ca2+ efflux especially at low [Ca2+]i. Forskolin, dibutyryl cAMP, and 8-Br-cAMP, however, showed no stimulation. These results suggest that the plasma membrane Ca2+ pump is regulated by cGMP but not by cAMP in intact vascular smooth muscle cells.     

Na+ gradient-dependent Mg2+ transport in smooth muscle cells of guinea pig tenia cecum

Thin strips of guinea pig tenia cecum were loaded with the Mg2+ indicator furaptra, and the indicator fluorescence signals measured in Ca2+-free condition were converted to cytoplasmic-free Mg2+ concentration ([Mg2+]i). Lowering the extracellular Na+ concentration ([Na+]o) caused a reversible increase in [Mg2+]i, consistent with the inhibition of Na+ gradient-dependent extrusion of cellular Mg2+ (Na+-Mg2+ exchange). Curve-fitting analysis indicated that the relation between [Na+]o and the rate of rise in [Mg2+], had a Hill coefficient of approximately 3, a [Na+]o at the half-maximal rate of rise of approximately 30 mM, and a maximal rate of 0.16 +/- 0.01 microM/s (mean +/- SE, n = 6). Depolarization with 56 mM K+ shifted the curve slightly toward higher [Na+]o without significantly changing the maximal rate, suggesting that the Na+-Mg2+ exchange was inhibited by depolarization. The maximal rate would correspond to a flux of 0.15-0.4 pmol/cm2/s, if cytoplasmic Mg2+ buffering power (defined as the ratio of the changes in total Mg2+ and free Mg2+ concentrations) is assumed to be 2-5. Ouabain (1-5 microM) increased the intracellular Na+ concentration, as assessed with fluorescence of SBFI (sodium-binding benzofuran isophthalate, a Na+ indicator), and elevated [Mg2+]i. In ouabain-treated preparations, removal of extracellular Na+ rapidly increased [Mg2+]i, with an initial rate of rise roughly proportional to the degree of the Mg2+ load, and, probably, to the Na+ load caused by ouabain. The enhanced rate of rise in [Mg2+]i (up to approximately 1 microM/s) could be attributed to the Mg2+ influx as a result of the reversed Na+-Mg2+ exchange. Our results support the presence of a reversible and possibly electrogenic Na+-Mg2+ exchange in the smooth muscle cells of tenia cecum.     

Ca2+]i changes in guinea pig tracheal smooth muscle cells in culture: effects of Na+ and ouabain

The objective of this work was to confirm that the contractile effects of ouabain and Na(+)-free solutions in guinea pig tracheal rings are associated with increments in the cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in cultured tracheal smooth muscle (TSM) cells. Cultured cells were alpha-actin positive. Histamine (50 microM) and Na(+)-free solution elicited a transient increase in [Ca2+]i, while the responses to thapsigargin (1 microM) and ouabain (1 mM) were long lasting. However, carbachol (10, 200, and 500 mM) and high K(+)-solution produced no effect on [Ca2+]i, suggesting that cultured guinea pig TSM cells display a phenotype change but maintain some of the tracheal rings physiological properties. The transient rise in [Ca2+]i in response to the absence of extracellular Na+ and the effect of ouabain may indicate the participation of the Na(+)/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) in the regulation of [Ca2+]i.     

Unitary Ca2+ current through mammalian cardiac and amphibian skeletal muscle ryanodine receptor Channels under near-physiological ionic conditions

Ryanodine receptor (RyR) channels from mammalian cardiac and amphibian skeletal muscle were incorporated into planar lipid bilayers. Unitary Ca2+ currents in the SR lumen-to-cytosol direction were recorded at 0 mV in the presence of caffeine (to minimize gating fluctuations). Currents measured with 20 mM lumenal Ca2+ as exclusive charge carrier were 4.00 and 4.07 pA, respectively, and not significantly different. Currents recorded at 1-30 mM lumenal Ca2+ concentrations were attenuated by physiological [K+] (150 mM) and [Mg2+] (1 mM), in the same proportion (approximately 55%) in mammalian and amphibian channels. Two amplitudes, differing by approximately 35%, were found in amphibian channel studies, probably corresponding to alpha and beta RyR isoforms. In physiological [Mg2+], [K+], and lumenal [Ca2+] (1 mM), the Ca2+ current was just less than 0.5 pA. Comparison of this value with the Ca2+ flux underlying Ca2+ sparks suggests that sparks in mammalian cardiac and amphibian skeletal muscles are generated by opening of multiple RyR channels. Further, symmetric high concentrations of Mg2+ substantially reduced the current carried by 10 mM Ca2+ (approximately 40% at 10 mM Mg2+), suggesting that high Mg2+ may make sparks smaller by both inhibiting RyR gating and reducing unitary current.     

Dissociation of the contractile and hypertrophic effects of vasoconstrictor prostanoids in vascular smooth muscle.

To more clearly define the physiologic roles of thromboxane (TX)A2 and primary prostaglandins (PG) in vascular tissue we examined vascular contractility, cell signaling, and growth responses. The growth-promoting effects of (15S)-hydroxy-11 alpha,9 alpha-(epoxymethano)prosta-5Z,13E-dienoic acid (U46619; TXA2 agonist), PGF2 alpha, and PGE2 consisted of protein synthesis and proto-oncogene expression, but not DNA synthesis or cell proliferation. U46619 contracted rat aortas and increased cultured rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cell intracellular free calcium concentration [Ca2+]i, [3H]inositol monophosphate (IP) accumulation, myosin light chain phosphorylation, and protein synthesis ([3H]leucine incorporation) with EC50 values ranging from 10 to 50 nM. Each of these responses was inhibitable with the TXA2 receptor antagonist [1S]1 alpha,2 beta(5Z),3 beta,4 alpha-7-(3-[2- [(phenylamino)carbonyl]hydrazino]methyl)-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2- yl-5-heptenoic acid (SQ29548). In contrast, PGF2 alpha increased [Ca2+]i, [3H]IP, and protein synthesis with EC50 values of 30-230 nM but contracted rat aortas with an EC50 of 4800 nM. PGE2 increased [Ca2+]i, [3H]IP accumulation, protein synthesis, and contracted rat aortas with EC50 values of 2.5-3.5 microM. TXA2 receptor blockade prevented PGF2 alpha- and PGE2-induced aortic contraction and cell myosin light chain phosphorylation, but not cell signaling or protein synthesis. Binding studies to vascular smooth muscle TXA2 receptors using 1S-[1 alpha,2 beta(5Z),3 alpha(1E,3S),4 alpha]-7-(3-[3-hydroxy-4-(p- [125I]iodophenoxy)-1-butenyl]7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl)-5-hepte noic acid ([125I]BOP) showed U46619, SQ29548, PGF2 alpha, and PGE2 competition for TXA2 receptor binding at concentrations similar to their EC50 values for aortic contraction, while binding competition with [3H]PGF2 alpha and [3H]PGE2 demonstrated the specificity of [125I]BOP and SQ29548 for TXA2 receptors. The results suggest that 1) PGF2 alpha- and E2-stimulated vessel contraction is due to cross-agonism at vascular TXA2 receptors; 2) PGF2 alpha stimulates TXA2 receptor-independent vascular smooth muscle protein synthesis at nanomolar concentrations, consistent with an interaction at its primary receptor; and 3) TXA2 is a potent stimulus for vascular smooth muscle contraction and protein synthesis. We suggest that the main physiologic effect of PGF2 alpha may be as a stimulus for vascular smooth muscle cell hypertrophy, not as a contractile agonist.     

Cytoplasmic free calcium, myosin light chain phosphorylation, and force in phasic and tonic smooth muscle

The time course of [Ca2+]i, tension, and myosin light chain phosphorylation were determined during prolonged depolarization with high K+ in intact tonic (rabbit pulmonary artery) and phasic (longitudinal layer of guinea pig ileum) smooth muscles. [Ca2+]i was monitored with the 340 nm/380 nm signal ratio of the fluorescent indicator fura-2. The fluorescence ratio had a similar time course in both muscle types during depolarization with 109 mM [K+]o; after a transient peak, there was a decline to 70% of its peak value in tonic smooth muscle, and to 60% in phasic smooth muscle. Tension, however, continued to increase in the pulmonary artery, while in the ileum it declined in parallel with the [Ca2+]i. On changing [K+]o from 109 to 20 mM, tension and [Ca2+]i either remained unchanged or declined in parallel in the pulmonary artery. Phosphorylation of the 20-kD myosin light chain, measured during stimulation of muscle strips with 109 mM [K+]o in another set of experiments, increased from 3% to a peak of 50% in the intact pulmonary artery, and then declined to a steady state value of 23%. In the intact ileum, a very rapid, early transient phosphorylation (up to 50%) at 2-3 s was seen. This transient declined by 30 s to a value that was close to the resting level (7%), while tension remained at 55% of its peak force. A quick release during maintained stimulation induced no detectable change in the [Ca2+]i in either type of smooth muscle. We discuss the possibility that the slowly rising tonic tension in pulmonary artery could be due to cooperativity between phosphorylated and nonphosphorylated crossbridges.     

Lactate depresses sarcolemmal permeability of Ca2+ in intact arterial smooth muscle

Elevation of ambient lactate concentration has been shown to alter contractile reactivity of vascular smooth muscle. We tested the hypothesis that lactate affects the disposition of intracellular free Ca2+. Porcine carotid artery strips were incubated in normal medium and in medium containing 10 mM sodium lactate or 10 mM sodium pyruvate. The rate and magnitude of contraction in response to K+-depolarization was depressed in lactate when compared to control. This was associated with a decrease in the onset and magnitude of the normal increase in free [Ca2+]i, as reflected by fluorescence of fura-2. Pyruvate had no effect on these variables. Depression in [Ca2+]i could not be attributed to a selective effect of lactate on pHi, membrane potential, or to enhanced superoxide production. Deletion of Ca2+ from the incubation medium negated depression of contractile responsiveness produced by lactate when compared to control. Lactate had no effect on contraction induced by 100 microM norepinephrine, which releases intracellular stored Ca2+. Thus, lactate inhibits arterial smooth muscle contraction by inhibiting influx of Ca2+ across the sarcolemma.