Intracellular calcium and cAMP regulate directional pigment movements in teleost erythrophores

Teleost pigment cells (erythrophores and melanophores) are useful models for studying the regulation of rapid, microtubule-dependent organelle transport. Previous studies suggest that melanophores regulate the direction of pigment movements via changes in intracellular cAMP (Rozdzial and Haimo, 1986a; Sammak et al., 1992), whereas erythrophores may use calcium- (Ca(2+)-) based regulation (Luby- Phelps and Porter, 1982; McNiven and Ward, 1988). Despite these observations, there have been no direct measurements in intact erythrophores or any cell type correlating changes of intracellular free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) with organelle movements. Here we demonstrate that extracellular Ca2+ is necessary and that a Ca2+ influx via microinjection is sufficient to induce pigment aggregation in erythrophores, but not melanophores of squirrel fish. Using the Ca(2+)- sensitive indicator, Fura-2, we demonstrate that [Ca2+]i rises dramatically concomitant with aggregation of pigment granules in erythrophores, but not melanophores. In addition, we find that an erythrophore stimulated to aggregate pigment will immediately transmit a rise in [Ca2+]i to neighboring cells, suggesting that these cells are electrically coupled. Surprisingly, we find that a fall in [Ca2+]i is not sufficient to induce pigment dispersion in erythrophores, contrary to the findings obtained with the ionophore and lysed-cell models (Luby- Phelps and Porter, 1982; McNiven and Ward, 1988). We find that a rise in intracellular cAMP ([cAMP]i) induces pigment dispersion, and that this dispersive stimulus can be overridden by an aggregation stimulus, suggesting that both high [cAMP]i and low [Ca2+]i are necessary to produce pigment dispersion in erythrophores.     

Control of organelle transport in melanophores: regulation of Ca2+ and cAMP levels.

Melanophores of the cichlid Tilapia mossambica can be induced to aggregate pigment by addition of epinephrine to the medium, suggesting adrenergic control of this transport. The melanophore response to adrenergic stimulation was examined using agonists and antagonists that are highly specific for each alpha-adrenoceptor subclass. The signal transduction mechanism of each subclass is unique: stimulation of alpha 1 receptors results in a rise in intracellular free Ca2+, while alpha 2 stimulation results in decreased cAMP levels [Exton, 1985: Am. J. Physiol. 248:E633-E647]. Each alpha 1 or alpha 2 specific agonist tested showed a dose dependent ability to induce aggregation and each was able to effect complete aggregation of pigment, suggesting that aggregation can be mediated either by elevating Ca2+ or by lowering cAMP. However, in the presence of either an alpha 1 or an alpha 2 receptor antagonist, none of the agonists were able to induce significant aggregation, suggesting that changes in levels of both messengers are required for pigment aggregation in the melanophores. Moreover, experiments in which intracellular levels of Ca2+ or cAMP were perturbed, using BAPTA and forskolin, respectively, indicated that elevating Ca2+ in the presence of high cAMP is not sufficient to induce aggregation and, conversely, that lowering cAMP levels in the presence of reduced Ca2+ is not sufficient to induce pigment aggregation. These data indicate that the concentrations of both cAMP and Ca2+ are important in regulating pigment aggregation in teleost melanophores, and suggest that maximal aggregation of pigment requires altering the levels of both messengers.     

Lack of inhibition of thrombin-induced rise in intracellular Ca2+ levels and 5-hydroxytryptamine secretion by 1-oleoyl-2-acetylglycerol in human platelets

The effect of 1-oleoyl-2-acetylglycerol (OAG) on the thrombin-induced rise in intracellular Ca2+ levels ([Ca2+]i) and 5-hydroxy[14C]tryptamine ([14C]5HT) secretion was studied. In washed human platelets prelabelled with [14C]5HT and quin 2, OAG (10-50 micrograms/ml) induced no significant aggregation, [14C]5HT secretion or rise in [Ca2+]i in the presence or absence of fibrinogen. However, addition of OAG (10-50 micrograms/ml) 10 s to 5 min before or 10-60 s after addition of threshold concentrations of thrombin (less than 0.03 U/ml) resulted in a significant potentiation of aggregation and [14C]5HT secretion without any effect on the thrombin-induced rise in [Ca2+]i. Both EGTA, which abolished the latter and creatine phosphate/creatine phosphokinase, the ADP scavenger, totally inhibited the aggregation but only partially reduced [14C]5HT secretion in response to thrombin plus OAG. At higher concentrations of thrombin, neither the rise in [Ca2+]i nor the extent of [14C]5HT secretion was significantly altered by OAG addition. The results demonstrate that, unlike phorbol esters, OAG has no inhibitory effect on thrombin-induced [Ca2+]i mobilisation but can synergize with low concentrations of thrombin in potentiating [14C]5HT secretion even at basal [Ca2+]i.     

Immunoglobulin E receptor cross-linking induces oscillations in intracellular free ionized calcium in individual tumor mast cells

Fura-2 fluorescence in single rat basophilic leukemia cells was monitored to study the rise in intracellular free ionized calcium ([Ca2+]i) produced by aggregation of immunoglobulin E receptors. Repetitive transient increases in [Ca2+]i were induced by antigen stimulation and were measured using digital video imaging microscopy at high time resolution. The [Ca2+]i oscillations were not dependent upon changes in the membrane potential of the cells and were observed in cells stimulated with antigen either with or without extracellular Ca2+. Transient oscillations in [Ca2+]i were also observed when calcium influx was blocked with La3+. These results suggested that during antigen stimulation of cells under normal physiological conditions, release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores makes an important contribution to the initial increase in [Ca2+]i. Oscillations in [Ca2+]i are not induced by elevating [Ca2+]i with the calcium ionophore ionomycin. Mitochondrial calcium buffering is not required for [Ca2+]i oscillations to occur. The results show that rat basophilic leukemia cells have significant stores of calcium and that release of calcium from these stores can participate in both the initial rise and the oscillations in [Ca2+]i.     

Superoxide anion increases intracellular free calcium in human myometrial cells

We investigated the effects of superoxide anion on the intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in human cultured myometrial cells using a calcium-sensitive fluorescent dye, indo-1, and a digital imaging fluorescence microscopic system. Hypoxanthine (HX) plus xanthine oxidase induced a rise in [Ca2+]i in a manner dose-dependent on xanthine oxidase. The increase in [Ca2+]i in the absence of extracellular calcium ([Ca2+]ex) was 10% of that in the presence of [Ca2+]ex. Nifedipine, which blocks voltage-sensitive calcium channels, also reduced the increase in [Ca2+]i induced by HX-xanthine oxidase. Superoxide dismutase or superoxide dismutase plus catalase, which metabolizes superoxide anion, inhibited the effect of HX-xanthine oxidase on [Ca2+]i. The desensitization of the effect of superoxide anion on [Ca2+]i was investigated by pulsatile administration of HX and xanthine oxidase. Desensitization was observed on pulsatile administration of HX-xanthine oxidase at 2-min intervals. These data suggest that superoxide production may participate in uterine contraction via [Ca2+]i increase.     

Secondary signals mediated by GPIIb/IIIa in thrombin-activated platelets

We have previously found that stimulation of aequorin-loaded platelets by thrombin produced a two-peaked increase in intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i), and the development of the second peak of [Ca2+]i was closely related with the aggregation. In this report, we studied the interrelationship between the GPIIb/IIIa complex, aggregation, cytoskeletons and [Ca2+]i of platelets. The pretreatment of the platelets with dihydrocytochalasin B (4 microM), an actin polymerization inhibitor, did not inhibit aggregation and TXB2 production, but did inhibit both actin polymerization and the second peak of [Ca2+]i increase induced by thrombin, suggesting that actin polymerization and the second peak of [Ca2+]i are interrelated. GRGDSP (100 microM), a synthetic anti-adhesive peptide, has already been reported to inhibit platelet aggregation and the second peak of [Ca2+]i induced by thrombin. It also inhibited actin polymerization and TXB2 production, suggesting that aggregation was important for not only the generation of the second peak of [Ca2+]i but also for actin polymerization and TXB2 production. PGI2 (5 nM) did not abolish but only delayed aggregation, TXB2 production, actin polymerization and the second peak of [Ca2+]i increase. These findings suggest that the secondary signals are caused by aggregation (fibrinogen-binding to the GPIIb/IIIa) in thrombin-aggregated platelets, which results in the TXA2 production and the secondary peak of [Ca2+]i increase, and the latter was dependent on actin polymerization.     

Characterization of the cyclic AMP-independent actions of somatostatin in GH cells. I. An increase in potassium conductance is responsible for both the hyperpolarization and the decrease in intracellular free calcium produced by somatostatin

The neuropeptide somatostatin causes membrane hyperpolarization and reduces the intracellular free calcium ion concentration ([Ca2+]i) in GH pituitary cells. In this study, we have used the fluorescent dyes bisoxonol (bis,-(1,3-diethylthiobarbiturate)-trimethineoxonol) and quin2 to elucidate the mechanisms by which these ionic effects are triggered. Addition of 100 nM somatostatin to GH4C1 cells caused a 3.4 mV hyperpolarization and a 26% decrease in [Ca2+]i within 30 s. These effects were not accompanied by changes in intracellular cAMP concentrations and occurred in cells containing either basal or maximally elevated cAMP levels. To determine which of the major permeant ions were involved in these actions of somatostatin, we examined its ability to elicit changes in the membrane potential and the [Ca2+]i when the transmembrane concentration gradients for Na+, Cl-, Ca2+, and K+ were individually altered. Substitution of impermeant organic ions for Na+ or Cl- did not block either the hyperpolarization or the decrease in [Ca2+]i induced by somatostatin. Decreasing extracellular Ca2+ from 1 mM to 250 nM abolished the reduction in [Ca2+]i but did not prevent the hyperpolarization response. These results show that hyperpolarization was not primarily due to changes in the conductances of Na+, Cl-, or Ca2+. Although the somatostatin-induced decrease in [Ca2+]i did require Ca2+ influx, it was independent of changes in Na+ or Cl- conductance. In contrast, elevating the extracellular [K+] from 4.6 to 50 mM completely blocked both the somatostatin-induced hyperpolarization and the reduction in [Ca2+]i. Furthermore, hyperpolarization of the cells with gramicidin mimicked the effect of somatostatin to decrease the [Ca2+]i and prevented any additional effect by the hormone. These results indicate that somatostatin increases a K+ conductance, which hyperpolarizes GH4C1 cells, and thereby secondarily decreases Ca2+ influx. Since the somatostatin-induced decrease in [Ca2+]i is independent of changes in intracellular cAMP levels, it may be responsible for somatostatin inhibition of hormone secretion by its cAMP-independent mechanism.     

An increase in extracellular Ca(2+) concentration induces pigment aggregation in teleostean melanophores

An increase in the concentration of Ca(2+) ions in the external medium ([Ca(2+)](o)) induced pigment aggregation in melanophores of three species of freshwater teleosts examined. Denervated melanophores were refractory to elevations of [Ca(2+)](o). The pigment-aggregating action was inhibited by the sympathetic blocking agents, phentolamine, prazosin and yohimbine. Bretylium, an agent known to block the release of the neurotransmitter, interfered with the response effectively. Ca(2+) blockers, such as Mn(2+), verapamil and gallopamil, also inhibited the response, possibly by inhibiting Ca(2+) entry into the presynaptic elements of melanosome-aggregating fibers. The conclusion is that the increase in [Ca(2+)](o) may induce membrane depolarization of presynaptic nervous elements around the melanophores, which open the voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels there. The liberation of adrenergic neurotransmitter follows, which induces the aggregation of pigment in melanophores.     

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.     

Calcium regulates cAMP-induced potassium ion efflux in Dictyostelium discoideum

The chemoattractant cAMP elicits a transient efflux of K+ in cell suspensions of Dictyostelium discoideum. This cellular response displayed half-maximal activity at about 1 microM cAMP and saturated at 100 microM cAMP, cAMP-stimulated K+ efflux, measured with a K+-sensitive electrode, depended on the extracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]0) and was maximal in the presence of EGTA. Usually more than 90% of the K+ release could be inhibited by the addition of Ca2+. Half-maximal reduction occurred at about 2 microM [Ca2+]0. Inhibition was also observed in the presence of caffeine or A23187, drugs known to elevate the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). Under conditions where [Ca2+]0 was maintained at a low level, half-maximal inhibition was 1 mM for caffeine and 3 microM for A23187. These results indicate that Cai2+ is involved in the regulation of K+ efflux. Simultaneous measurements of Ca2+ uptake and K+ efflux induced by cAMP as well as free running oscillations of both ions revealed that initiation and termination of Ca2+ uptake slightly preceded those of K+ efflux.     

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.     

Effects of Welsh onion extracts on human platelet function in vitro

Welsh onion has been consumed for prevention of cardiovascular disorders. However, its underlying mechanisms are still unclear. This study investigated whether Welsh onion extracts can alter human platelet function (ie, platelet adhesion, aggregation, and thromboxane release). To clarify the underlying mechanisms, we also measured the intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) and cyclic nucleotide levels in platelets. Our results showed that 1) boiled extracts directly induced platelet aggregation in a dose-dependent manner; 2) raw extracts inhibited platelet adhesion and ADP-evoked platelet aggregation, while boiled extracts enhanced them; 3) raw green extract suppressed ADP-stimulated platelet [Ca2+]i elevation and thromboxane production, whereas boiled green extract enhanced them; 4) raw green extract elevated platelet cAMP level, whereas boiled green extract had no effect on cAMP level. Furthermore, the boiled green extract, but not the raw extract, induced pronounced platelet morphological changes. In conclusion, raw extracts of Welsh onion inhibit platelet function in vitro while boiled extracts activate platelets.     

Is Ca2+ the second messenger in the response to melatonin in cuckoo wrasse melanophores?

Pigment aggregation in melanophores of Labrus ossifagus is controlled by an alpha2-adrenoceptor and is somehow modulated by melatonin. The signal transduction mechanisms seem to involve both an attenuation of cAMP and an increase in intracellular Ca2+, inhibiting protein kinase A or activating a phosphatase, respectively. These effects result in dephosphorylation, which in turn induces aggregation. Various alpha2-adrenoceptor agonists attenuate cAMP levels or increase the concentration of intracellular Ca2+. Noradrenaline, for example, lowers cAMP but does not affect the calcium signal whereas B-HT 920, an alpha2-adrenoceptor specific agonist, does not induce a cAMP decrease but does appear to induce an increase in intracellular Ca2+. This later inference is drawn from experiments with BAPTA/AM, an intracellular calcium chelator, which counteracts the aggregation induced by B-HT 920. Interestingly, the very potent alpha2-adrenoceptor agonist medetomidine apparently activates both signal transduction pathways, which could explain its high efficacy in producing aggregation. Melatonin itself does not cause pigment aggregation, but it potentiates noradrenaline-induced aggregation. It has been suggested that melatonin receptors and alpha2-adrenoceptors follow the same signal transduction pathway, i.e. an attenuation of cAMP. In our experiments, melatonin did not reduce cAMP levels; instead it appears to increase Ca2+ concentration, since melatonin-potentiated aggregation was inhibited by BAPTA/AM. Thus, aggregation amplified by melatonin is probably not mediated by a further decrease in cAMP, but by the same signal transduction mechanism as B-HT 920, i.e. an increase in Ca2+. This further strengthens the suggestion that melatonin and B-HT 920 bind to the same site, but it is unclear if that particular site is on the melatonin receptor or the alpha2-adrenoceptor.     

Characterization of positive inotropic effect of colforsin daropate [correction of dapropate] hydrochloride, a water-soluble forskolin derivative, in isolated adult rat cardiomyocytes.

The present study was undertaken to characterize the positive inotropic action of colforsin daropate [corrected] hydrochloride (NKH477), a novel water-soluble forskolin derivative, on isolated cardiomyocytes of adult rats. Simultaneous measurements of cellular contraction and intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) were carried out. The effects of isoprenaline and ouabain on these parameters were also determined for comparison. The contraction and maximum [Ca2+]i of NKH477-, isoprenaline-, or ouabain-treated cells were increased concentration dependently. Peak shortening of NKH477-treated cells was positively correlated with the shortening velocity and inversely with the time to peak shortening. Maximum, but not minimum, [Ca2+]i in NKH477-treated cells was correlated with the rate of increase in [Ca2+]i and inversely with the time to maximum [Ca2+]i. Similar results were obtained with isoprenaline. In contrast, ouabain increased both maximum and minimum [Ca2+]i. Treatment with either NKH477 or isoprenaline increased cellular cAMP content, but treatment with ouabain did not. These results suggest that the positive inotropic action of NKH477 is associated with an increase in [Ca2+]i and acceleration of its kinetics.     

The existence of distinct classes of prostaglandin E2 receptors mediating adenylate cyclase and phospholipase C pathways in osteoblastic clone MC3T3-E1.

We have reported previously that PGE2 evoked an increase in intracellular calcium level ([Ca2+]i) in mouse osteoblastic cells (1). Here, we investigated the effects of PGE1 and PGF2 alpha on cAMP production and [Ca2+]i in comparison with those of PGE2. In osteoblastic clone, MC3T3-E1 cells, PGE1 stimulated cAMP production, but had no effect on [Ca2+]i, whereas PGF2 alpha evoked only [Ca2+]i increase. In contrast, PGE2 not only stimulated cAMP production, but also increased [Ca2+]i. From the Scatchard plot analysis of PGE2 it was confirmed that there were two classes of PGE2 binding sites (Kd value, 9.2 nM; binding site, 29 fmole/mg protein, and Kd value, 134 nM; binding site, 148 fmole/mg protein). As the increase in [Ca2+]i was caused by PGF2 alpha and PGE2, but not by PGE1, we investigated the displacement of [3H]-PGF2 alpha binding. The displacement capacity of unlabeled PGE2 was about 110 of that of PGF2 alpha, while that of PGE1 was very low even at 500-fold excess. These data indicate the possibility that the dual action of PGE2 is mediated by distinct receptor systems.     

Cl-]i modulation of Ca2+-regulated exocytosis in ACh-stimulated antral mucous cells of guinea pig

The effects of intracellular Cl- concentration ([Cl-]i) on acetylcholine (ACh)-stimulated exocytosis were studied in guinea pig antral mucous cells by video microscopy. ACh activated Ca2+-regulated exocytosis (an initial phase followed by a sustained phase). Bumetanide (20 microM) or a Cl- -free (NO3-) solution enhanced it; in contrast, 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)benzoic acid (NPPB, a Cl- channel blocker) decreased it and eliminated the enhancement induced by bumetanide or NO3- solution. ACh and Ca2+ dose-response studies demonstrated that NO3- solution does not shift their dose-response curves, and ATP depletion studies by dinitrophenol or anoxia demonstrated that exposure of NO3- solution prior to ATP depletion induced an enhanced initial phase followed by a sustained phase, whereas exposure of NO3- solution after ATP depletion induced only a sustained phase. Intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) measurements showed that bumetanide and NO3- solution enhanced the ACh-stimulated [Ca2+]i increase. Measurements of [Cl-]i revealed that ACh decreases [Cl-]i and that bumetanide and NO3- solution decreased [Cl-]i and enhanced the ACh-evoked [Cl-]i decrease; in contrast, NPPB increased [Cl-]i and inhibited the [Cl-]i decrease induced by ACh, bumetanide, or NO3- solution. These suggest that [Cl-]i modulates [Ca2+]i increase and ATP-dependent priming. In conclusion, a decrease in [Cl-]i accelerates ATP-dependent priming and [Ca2+]i increase, which enhance Ca2+-regulated exocytosis in ACh-stimulated antral mucous cells.     

Speract induces calcium oscillations in the sperm tail

Sea urchin sperm motility is modulated by sperm-activating peptides. One such peptide, speract, induces changes in intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i). High resolution imaging of single sperm reveals that speract-induced changes in [Ca2+]i have a complex spatiotemporal structure. [Ca2+]i increases arise in the tail as periodic oscillations; [Ca2+]i increases in the sperm head lag those in the tail and appear to result from the summation of the tail signal transduction events. The period depends on speract concentration. Infrequent spontaneous [Ca2+]i transients were also seen in the tail of unstimulated sperm, again with the head lagging the tail. Speract-induced fluctuations were sensitive to membrane potential and calcium channel blockers, and were potentiated by niflumic acid, an anion channel blocker. 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, which potentiates the cGMP/cAMP-signaling pathways, abolished the [Ca2+]i fluctuations in the tail, leading to a very delayed and sustained [Ca2+]i increase in the head. These data point to a model in which a messenger generated periodically in the tail diffuses to the head. Sperm are highly polarized cells. Our results indicate that a clear understanding of the link between [Ca2+]i and sperm motility will only be gained by analysis of [Ca2+]i signals at the level of the single sperm.     

Control of mitochondrial motility and distribution by the calcium signal: a homeostatic circuit

Mitochondria are dynamic organelles in cells. The control of mitochondrial motility by signaling mechanisms and the significance of rapid changes in motility remains elusive. In cardiac myoblasts, mitochondria were observed close to the microtubular array and displayed both short- and long-range movements along microtubules. By clamping cytoplasmic [Ca2+] ([Ca2+]c) at various levels, mitochondrial motility was found to be regulated by Ca2+ in the physiological range. Maximal movement was obtained at resting [Ca2+]c with complete arrest at 1-2 microM. Movement was fully recovered by returning to resting [Ca2+]c, and inhibition could be repeated with no apparent desensitization. The inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate- or ryanodine receptor-mediated [Ca2+]c signal also induced a decrease in mitochondrial motility. This decrease followed the spatial and temporal pattern of the [Ca2+]c signal. Diminished mitochondrial motility in the region of the [Ca2+]c rise promotes recruitment of mitochondria to enhance local Ca2+ buffering and energy supply. This mechanism may provide a novel homeostatic circuit in calcium signaling.     

Ca2+]i as a potential downregulator of alpha2beta1-integrin-mediated A2058 tumor cell migration to type IV collagen

We have investigated cellular Ca2+ regulation during A2058 human melanoma cell chemotaxis to type IV collagen (CIV). We have identified alpha2beta1-integrin as the primary mediator of A2058 cell response to CIV in vitro. Integrin ligation initiated a characteristic intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) response consisting of an internal release and a receptor-mediated Ca2+ entry. Thapsigargin (TG) pretreatment drained overlapping and CIV-inducible internal Ca2+ stores while initiating a store-operated Ca2+ release (SOCR). CIV-mediated Ca2+ entry was additive to TG-SOCR, suggesting an independent signaling mechanism. Similarly, ionophore application in a basal medium containing Ca2+ initiated a sustained influx. Elevated [Ca2+]i from TG-SOCR or ionophore significantly attenuated cell migration to CIV by recruiting the Ca2+/calcineurin-mediated signaling pathway. Furthermore, low [Ca2+]i induced by EGTA application in the presence of ionophore fully restored cell motility to CIV. Together, these results suggest that [Ca2+]i signaling accompanying A2058 cell response to alpha2beta1-integrin ligation is neither necessary nor sufficient and that elevated [Ca2+]i downregulates cell motility via a calcineurin-mediated mechanism in A2058 cell chemotaxis to CIV.     

Ca2+ Mobilized by Caffeine from the Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate-Insensitive Pool of Ca2+ in Somatic Regions of Sympathetic Neurons Does Not Evoke [3H]Norepinephrine Release

The effects of electrical stimulation, muscarinic and serotonergic agonists, and caffeine on [3H]inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate ([3H]Ins(1,4,5)P3) content, intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), and release of [3H]norepinephrine ([3H]NE) were studied in cultured sympathetic neurons. Neuronal cell body [Ca2+]i was unaffected by muscarinic or serotonergic receptor stimulation, which significantly increased [3H]Ins(1,4,5)P3 content. Stimulation at 2 Hz and caffeine had no effect on [3H]Ins(1,4,5)P3, but caused greater than two-fold increase in [Ca2+]i. Only 2-Hz stimulation released [3H]NE. Caffeine had no effect on the release. When [Ca2+]i was measured in growth cones, only electrical stimulation produced an increase in [Ca2+]i. The other agents had no effect on Ca2+ at the terminal regions of the neurons. We conclude that Ins(1,4,5)P3-insensitive, but caffeine-sensitive Ca2+ stores in sympathetic neurons are located only in the cell body and are not coupled to [3H]NE release.