Change in Ca2+ transport in myometrial plasma cell membrane in proton gradient dissipation

By means of delta pH 14C-methylamine indicator the myometrium vesicle sarcolemma fraction was shown to be capable, while applying a "delta pH-leap", for developing in it a proton transmembrane gradient, dissipating in time. The proton gradient dissipation under Ca ions transmembrane equilibrium concentration is a driving force of these ions transposition against the concentration gradient. The blocking agents of H+ transport--Cd ions and DCCD decrease the proton-dependent 45Ca2+ accumulation in the vesicle sarcolemma fraction. The conclusion has been made about the possibility of Ca2+(H(+)-exchange on the uterus smooth cells sarcolemma. The possible physiological value of this exchange is under discussion.     

Effect of nitrite-anions on Ca2+ transport into the sarcolemma of myometrium

The influence of nitrite-anions physiological concentration on Ca2+ input into vesicles was investigated when using the "outside-out" vesicles of myometrial plasmalemma and 45Ca2+. It was established that nitrite-anions increased Ca(2+)-permeability of plasmalemma and increased the affinity of cation-transport system. The effects are probably connected with reversible modification of glutamate residues that bound and transported Ca2+ within the membrane. These findings showed that nitrite-anions are competitive activators of the passive calcium transport. On the other hand the decrease of Ca2+ affinity for the transport system under transmembrane proton scattering by the membrane, by rapid dissipation of transmembrane delta pH. It may be possible that the dissipation of transmembrane proton gradient changed the conformation of calcium transport system that calls the difference of kinetic mechanism of NO2- action in case of delta pH = 0 and delta pH = 1.5 on vesicle membranes.     

Divalent cations and nifedipine action on Ca(2+) transport into myometrial plasmalemma vesicles

While using 45Ca2+ on the model of "outside-out configuration" vesicules of the myometrium cells sarcolemma an investigation of Cd2+, Zn2+, Co2+ and niphedipin on Ca2+ transport into the vesicules in the conditions of protons gradient transmembrane dissipation has been conducted. The above listed substances blocking effect corresponds to their physicochemical properties. Cadmium and zinc ions are considerably more effective in suppressing Ca2+ transport into the vesicules under the dissipation of delta pH on the membrane if compare with the case of delta pH = 0. In the case of niphedipin inhibiting action an opposite result is observed. The hypothesis has been made, that dissipation of delta pH on the sarcolemma is capable to strengthen the transmembrane Ca2+ transport by means of changing the channel structures conformation.     

Effect of nitric oxides and hydrogen peroxide on Ca2+, Mg(2+)-ATPase and Mg(2+)-ATPase activity in myometrium sarcolemma

The action of sodium nitroprusside, nitrite-anions and hydrogen peroxide on Ca2+, Mg(2+)-ATPase and Mg(2+)-ATPase (Ca(2+)-independent) enzymatic activity in myometrium sarcolemma fraction is investigated. It is established, that 0.1 mM sodium nitroprusside and 10(-8)-10(-5) M nitrite-anions essentially reduce Ca2+, Mg(2+)-ATPase activity whereas Mg(2+)-ATPase proved to be absolutely resistant to them. At rather high concentration of nitrite-anions (0.1 mM) appreciable stimulation of Ca2+, Mg(2+)-ATPase was observed. Hydrogen peroxide (10(-8)-10(-4)), depending on the concentration suppressed both enzymes activity. However, Ca2+, Mg(2+)-ATPase proved to be more sensitive to the action of H2O2 (seeming K(i) = 0.42 +/- 0.1 microM), than Mg(2+)-ATPase (seeming K(i) = 3.1 +/- 0.9 microM). At presence of 1 mM ditiothreitole (a reducer of SH groups of the membrane surface) action of investigated substances considerably decreased. Reagents on carboxic- (dicyclogexilcarbodiimid) and amino- groups of the membrane (trinitrobenzolsulfonic acid) inhibited both Ca2+, Mg(2+)-ATPase, and Mg(2+)-ATPase activity in membrane fractions. In the presence of noted reagents sodium nitroprusside and nitrite-anions action was not almost shown. Hence, nitrogen oxide, nitrite-anions and hydrogen peroxide suppress Ca2+, Mg(2+)-ATPase and Mg(2+)-ATPase (only hydrogen peroxide) activity in the plasmatic membrane of myometrium cells, and this action can be connected with direct updating of superficial chemical groups of the membrane.     

Effect of the membrane potential on the Mg2+,ATP-dependent transport of Ca2+ across smooth muscle sarcolemma

The effect of the membrane potential (K(+)-valinomycin system) on the Mg2+, ATP-dependent transport of Ca2+ in inside-out vesicles of myometrium sarcolemma has been studied. The membrane potential was identified by using a cyanine potential-sensitive probe, diS-C3-(5). In the presence of valinomycin (5.10(-8) M) the inside-out directed K+ gradient (delta psi = -86 mV, with a negative charge inside) stimulated the initial rate of the energy-dependent accumulation of Ca2+ transfer whereas the oppositely directed K+ gradient (delta psi = +72 mV, with a positive charge inside) had no effect on this process. The K+ gradient was formed by isotonic substitution of K+ in intra- or extravesicular space for choline +. At the same time, in the absence of K+ gradient the Mg2+, ATP-dependent accumulation of Ca2+ in membrane vesicles did not depend on the chemical nature of the cations (K+ or choline+) used for isotonicity. The decrease of delta psi from 0 to -86 mV affects the initial rate of Ca2+ accumulation but not the maximal content of the accumulated cation. Preliminary dissipation of the membrane potential (delta psi = -86 mV) in Mg2(+)-free isotonic (with respect of K+ and choline+) media containing ATP and Ca2+ resulted in the inhibition of Mg2+, ATP-dependent Ca2+ transport induced by subsequent addition of Mg2+. These results indicate that the negative (intravesicular) electrical potential activates the Ca-pump of smooth muscle sarcolemma. This activation is based on the increase in the turnover number of the Ca2+ transporting system but not on its affinity for the transfer substrate. The use of the absolute reaction rates theory made it possible to establish that the Ca-pump effectuates the transport of a single positive charge in inside-out vesicles of smooth muscle plasma membranes, i.e., the energy-dependent transport of Ca2+ occurs either as a symport (with an anion (Cl-) or an antiport with a monovalent cation (K+) or a proton. It is assumed that the potential dependence of the Ca-pump in the smooth muscle plasma membrane plays a role in the realization of effects of mediators and physiologically active substances that are manifested as stimulation of the contractile response and depolarization of the sarcolemma. In is quite probable that the delta psi-dependent Ca-pump is also responsible for the maintenance of intracellular homeostasis of monovalent cations (K+, H+, Cl-) in smooth muscle tissues.     

Effect of nitrogen and oxygen active compounds on exchange of Ca2+ and H+ through the myometrial cell membrane

While using myometrium sarcolemma vesicles the action of sodium nitroprusside, NO2-, NO3- and H+ on delta pH-dependent Ca(2+)-transport and passive permeability for H+ vesicles sarcolemma was estimated in the wide concentration range (10(-10)-10(-3) M) of the substances tested. In order of studying calcium transport 45Ca2+ was used, while for H+ translocation registrating via sarcolemma delta pH-indicator 14C-methylamine was applied. Sodium nitroprusside was displayed as weakly effective, while nitrite-anions essentially increased delta pH-dependent Ca2+ transport in the physiologically significant nanomolar concentration region, however in the micromolar region these substances effect failed to differ from the control and restored its intensity starting at 10(-4) M and more. Under the experiment sodium nitroprusside produces considerable quantities of NO2-. Effectory action of NO3- was similar as of NO2-. In the micromolar region the compounds estimated increased considerably sarcolemma passive permeability for H+. Hydrogen peroxide decreased delta pH-dependent Ca(2+)-transport by 10(-8) M and 10(-3) M while at the concentration equal to 10(-3) M increased the sarcolemma passive permeability for proton. Sodium nitroprusside and NO2(-)-effect on the vesicles passive permeability for proton failed to be prevented by dithiotriitol, while H2O2 action was completely removed. The conclusion about the complex concentration-dependent character of the active oxygen metabolities to the sarcolemma transport processes was made, and it's noticeable that the important role in vivo, probably could be played by NO (NO2-) stable nitric metabolities.     

Static and dynamic pH-dependent components of calcium exchange in the fraction of smooth muscle sarcolemma vesicles

It is proved that in the fraction of inverted vesicles of the myometrium sarcolemma there are two components of calcium metabolism which depend on the proton concentration in the incubation medium. The first component, a static one, identified under alkalization of the incubation medium from pH 6.0 up to pH 8.0 under equilibrium conditions (Ca2+ concentration inside and outside vesicles is the same) is manifested as an increase of the calcium capacity of vesicles at the expense of Ca2+-binding centres of the inner surface of membrane vesicles. The second component, a dynamic one, is represented as a passive transmembrane flow of Ca2+ outflowing from the vesicles induced by alkalization of the extravesicle space. Alkalization-stimulated Ca2+ release from vesicles is analyzed kinetically. Possible functional role of two components of pH-dependent metabolism of Ca2+ in providing the electrical and pharmacological-mechanical conjugation in the smooth-muscular tissue is under discussion.     

Steady-state currents through voltage-dependent, dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca2+ channels in GH3 pituitary cells.

Ca2+ influx via voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels is known to be elicited during action potentials but possibly also occurs at the resting potential. The steady-state current through voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels and its role for the electrical activity was, therefore, investigated in pituitary GH3 cells. Applying the recently developed 'nystatin-modification' of the patch-clamp technique, most GH3 cells (18 out of 23 cells) fired spontaneous action potentials from a baseline membrane potential of 43.7 +/- 4.6 mV (mean +/- s.d., n = 23). The frequency of action potentials was stimulated about twofold by Bay K 8644 (100 nM), a Ca(2+)-channel stimulator, and action potentials were completely suppressed by the Ca(2+)-channel blocker PN 200-110 (100 nM). Voltage clamping GH3 cells at fixed potentials for several minutes and with 1 mM Ba2+ as divalent charge carrier, we observed steady-state Ca(2+)-channel currents that were dihydropyridine-sensitive and displayed a U-shaped current-voltage relation. The results strongly suggest that the observed long lasting, dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca(2+)-channel currents provide a steady-state conductivity for Ca2+ at the resting potential and are essential for the generation of action potentials in GH3 pituitary cells.     

Effect of ethanol on the activity of the energy-dependent Ca2+-transporting system of myometrial cells

In order of estimating some regularities of ethanol direct (effectory) effect to transmembrane calcium metabolism in the myometrium the action of this substance on the energy-dependent Ca(2+)-transporting systems of the uterine myocytes subcellular structures has been studied. The systems of Mg2+, ATP-dependent Ca2+ transport regarding their sensitivity to ethanol inhibitory effect were displayed as satisfying the following sequences: endoplasmic reticulum calcium pump > plasma membrane solubilized Ca2+, Mg2+, ATP-ase > mitochondrial Ca(2+)-accumulating system = plasma membrane calcium pump. Alongside with the latter, the oxytocin-insensitive component of Mg2+, ATP-dependent Ca2+ accumulation in the endoplasmic reticulum was defined to be less resistant to inhibitory effect of ethanol if compared with the oxytocin-sensitive one. On the base of the data received some mechanisms of ethanol effectory action on the intracellular calcium homeostasis in the myometrium cells are under the discussion.     

Ca2+ and proton transport in chromaffin granule membranes: a proton NMR study

High-resolution proton NMR spectroscopy has been used to monitor the internal pH of chromaffin granule ghosts during Ca2+ influx through the membrane. For this purpose, ghosts were prepared by lysing and resealing chromaffin granules in a medium containing the disodium-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid complex (Na2.EDTA). Uncomplexed EDTA and Ca.EDTA give rise to distinct sets of methylene peaks in the proton NMR spectrum. Free EDTA titrates with a pK near 6.6 in deuterated media; the chemical shifts that accompany titration have been used to monitor intravesicular pH changes which occur inside chromaffin granule ghosts as a result of ATPase activity and deprotonation of EDTA during Ca2+ influx and complex formation. ATPase activity results in an NMR-detectable proton gradient which is dissipated by nigericin. Experiments monitoring Ca2+ uptake showed that protons which are liberated inside ghosts as a result of Ca.EDTA complex formation are not extruded from the ghosts via a process coupled to Ca2+ entry. This suggests that the Ca2+ transport system of the chromaffin granule membrane occurs without concurrent proton antiport and is not directly coupled energetically to the transmembrane pH gradient.     

Delta pH-induced transport of Ca 2+ into smooth muscle plasma membrane vesicle fraction

Using the fluorescent dye acridine orange, the feasibility of formation in myometrium sarcolemma of closed inside-out oriented vesicles and of a proton gradient created by the pH-jump method and stable in time, was demonstrated. At the initial value of delta pH = 2, the characteristic time of the gradient dissipation providing for the pH change by one unity is 4 to 5 minutes. The proton gradient oriented from the intravesicular space to the environment stimulated the Ca2+ influx into the vesicles. The transmembrane gradient of H+ with the inside-out oriented sarcolemmal vesicles prevents the Ca2+ influx. It is concluded that plasma membranes of smooth muscle cells contain alongside with the ATP- and Na(+)-dependent Ca2+ transport systems also a mechanism of the delta pH-induced transport of this bivalent cation.     

Effect of calcium on the structure-function relationship of (Na+ + K+)-ATPase in cardiac sarcolemma

Calcium-induced changes in (Na+ + K+)-ATPase activity and structural changes of membrane bound proteins in rat heart sarcolemma were investigated. Increasing concentrations of Ca2+ (0.1-8.0 mmol.l-1) gradually inhibited the (Na+ + K+)-ATPase activity and decreased the alpha-helix content of sarcolemmal proteins. Mathematical and graphical analysis of observed data yielded a quantitative relationship between Ca2+-induced changes in (Na+ + K+)-ATPase activity and the secondary structure of membrane proteins in cardiac sarcolemma.     

The effect of lipid intermediates on Ca2+ and Na+ permeability and (Na+ + K+)-ATPase of cardiac sarcolemma. A possible role in myocardial ischemia

The effect of fatty acid and acylcarnitine on Ca2+ and Na+ transporting enzymes and carriers was studied in sealed cardiac sarcolemma vesicles of mixed polarity. Palmitoylcarnitine markedly reduced the Na+ gradient-induced Ca2+ uptake. Half-maximal reduction was obtained at 15 microM of the carnitine derivative. In a same concentration range palmitoylcarnitine caused a rapid release of accumulated Ca2+ when added to Ca2+-filled vesicles, which suggests that palmitoylcarnitine increases the permeability of the sarcolemma vesicles to Ca2+. A rapid release of Ca2+ was also observed if Ca2+ was taken up by action of the Ca2+ pump. The (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase, which most likely drives this active Ca2+ uptake, was 90% increased by 50 microM palmitoylcarnitine and evidence was presented that the acylcarnitine effect again was linked to an alteration of Ca2+ permeability of the vesicles. At the same concentration acylcarnitine was not able to unmask the latent protein kinase, so that probably the sarcolemma ATP permeability was not affected. Palmitoylcarnitine at 25 microM did not affect the ouabain-sensitive (Na+ + K+) -ATPase in native sarcolemma vesicles, however, it inhibited markedly if the enzyme was measured in SDS-treated vesicles. The effect of increased free fatty acid concentration on some of the sarcolemma transporting properties was tested by adding oleate-albumin complexes with different molar ratios to the sarcolemma vesicles. In contrast to molar ratios 1 and 5, the ratio of 7 was able to induce a rapid Ca2+ release and to inhibit (Na+ + K+)-ATPase in either native or SDS-treated vesicles markedly. 22Na release from 22Na-preloaded sarcolemma vesicles was shown to be stimulated by either palmitoylcarnitine (50 microM) or oleate-albumin complex (with a molar ratio of 7). The possible significance of the observed effects of lipid intermediates on ion permeability and (Na+ + K+)-ATPase activity in isolated sarcolemma vesicles for the derangement of cardiac cell function in ischemia is discussed.     

Changes in hydrodynamic diameter of myometrium plasmalemma vesicles under artificial creation of transmembrane proton gradients

A method of laser-correlation spectrophotometry was applied for finding the effect of proton transmembrane gradient on hydrodynamic diameter of plasmalemma smooth muscle vesicles. It is shown, that the building of protons gradient on the membrane of vesicles, pHi = 6.0; pHo = 7.5 (delta pH = 1.5) results in the reliable decrease of their hydrodynamic diameter (from 212 +/- 6 nm in monitoring to 174 +/- +/- 0.25 nm in experiment). The exit of K+ from vesicles (KCl concentration inside vesicles is 150 mM), on the contrary, evokes augmentation of hydrodynamic diameter. The chemical paravariation of COO-, NH(3+)-groups and stabilization of SH-groups of plasmalemma surface results in essential modifications in magnitude of the hydrodynamic diameter of vesicles. On the basis of experimental data a supposition is expressed about the role of modifications of regional position of the functionally important groups of plasmalemma with respect to the membrane surface in mechanisms of H+ transport.     

Effects of vitamin D-3 on phosphate and calcium transport across and composition of skeletal muscle plasma cell membranes

The effects of vitamin D-3 on calcium and phosphate transport in skeletal muscle plasma membranes were studied. Sarcolemma vesicles were isolated from vitamin D-deficient and vitamin D-treated (one week) chicks by sucrose density gradient centrifugation of a crude muscle plasma membrane fraction. Measurement of (Na+ + K+)-ATPase activity, cholesterol to phospholipid molar ratios and levels of intracellular marker enzymes showed a high degree of purification of the preparations. Administration of vitamin D-3 significantly increased active Ca2+ and phosphate uptake into the vesicles. The efflux of both ions from preloaded vesicles was only slightly altered by the sterol. Ca2+-ATPase activity was higher in sarcolemma from treated animals. This confirms that the effects of vitamin D-3 on calcium transport are related to the Ca2+ pump and not to the passive permeability properties of the membrane. No changes in the protein composition of vesicles from both experimental groups were observed. However, treatment with vitamin D-3 increased sphingomyelin and phosphatidylcholine concentrations. These changes in lipid structure may play a role in the effects of vitamin D-3 on transport characteristics of sarcolemma.     

Orientation of synaptic plasma membrane vesicles containing calcium pump and sodium-calcium exchange activities

Sidedness of synaptic plasma membrane vesicles isolated from brain synaptosomes has been assessed by two distinct experimental approaches: first, analysis of (Na+ + K+)-ATPase, Mg2+-ATPase, and (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase activities before and after permeabilization of vesicles; second, analysis of Ca2+ fluxes via the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger, before and after modification of an imposed Na+ gradient by penetrating or nonpenetrating Na+ channel-modifying drugs. 0.05% saponin, which completely permeabilizes the vesicles, increases digitoxigenin-sensitive (Na+ + K+)-ATPase, basal Mg2+-ATPase, and (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase activities by 51.0, 47.4, and 83.6%, respectively. Saponin increases only the Vmax of the latter activity, the Km for Ca2+ (0.13 microM; the same as that for Ca2+-pumping) being unaltered by saponin. An increment of 20.5% in the Vmax of (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase activity with 10 microM A23187, reveals that the enzyme activity in nonpermeabilized vesicles is limited by the formation of a Ca2+ gradient. Thus, the saponin-induced increment in (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase due only to exposure of occluded sites (as opposed to Ca2+ gradient dissipation) is actually 52%, which is similar to values for both other ATPases, and suggests that 32-35% of plasma membranes exist in an inverted orientation. Vesicle orientation was independently assessed by the differential actions of tetrodotoxin (a membrane impermeant blocker) and veratridine (a membrane permeant agonist) on Na+-channel opening measured indirectly by dissipation of an imposed Na+ gradient utilized to drive a large 45Ca2+ accumulation via the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger. Tetrodotoxin reverses 35-44% of veratridine-mediated Na+ gradient-dissipation, the relative membrane-permeability of the two channel modifiers, suggesting that 56-65% of sealed vesicles are inverted. The concurrence of these two independent measurements of vesicle orientation reinforces their validity.     

Synergism of energy-dependent calcium fluxes through smooth muscle cell membrane]

Some peculiarities of Ca2+ exchange in the vesiculate fraction of myometrium sarcolemma during separate and combined functioning of the Ca-pump and Na(+)-Ca2+ antiporter in the presence of initial physiologically significant transmembrane gradients of Ca2+ and Na+ were studied. The effect of synergistic activation of the transfer substrate accumulation inside the vesicles was demonstrated. This effect was observed both in the presence of inside-out directed Ca2+ gradient and in its absence. At Ca2+ concentrations in the extravesicular space equimolar to those in contracted myocytes (5 x 10(-6)-10(-5) M), the co-functioning of the cationic antiporter and Ca-pump provided for effective translocation of the transfer substrate to the vesicles which fully prevented the dissipation of the initial oppositely directed Ca2+ gradient. The synergism of energy-dependent calcium fluxes seemed to be unrelated to changes in the chemical composition of the ATP-containing incubation medium responsible for the induction of Mg2+, ATP- and Na(+)-dependent Ca2+ transfer (addition to the medium of Mg2+ and isotonic replacement of Na+ for choline+, respectively). It is concluded that the observed synergism is due to the stimulating effect of the Na+ gradient on the turnover number of the myometrium sarcolemma Ca-pump.     

Transport mechanism of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ -ATPase pump

The sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA1a) belongs to the group of P-type ATPases, which actively transport inorganic cations across membranes at the expense of ATP hydrolysis. Three-dimensional structures of several transport intermediates of SERCA1a, stabilized by structural analogues of ATP and phosphoryl groups, are now available at atomic resolution. This has enabled the transport cycle of the protein to be described, including the coupling of Ca(2+) occlusion and phosphorylation by ATP, and of proton counter-transport and dephosphorylation. From these structures, Ca(2+)-ATPase gradually emerges as a molecular mechanical device in which some of the transmembrane segments perform Ca(2+) transport by piston-like movements and by the transmission of reciprocating movements that affect the chemical reactivity of the cytosolic globular domains.     

Cation/proton antiport systems in Escherichia coli. Solubilization and reconstitution of delta pH-driven sodium/proton and calcium/proton antiporters

Uptake of 22Na+ and 45Ca2+ into everted membrane vesicles from Escherichia coli was measured with imposed transmembrane pH gradients, acid interior, as driving force. Vesicles loaded with 0.5 M KCl were diluted into 0.5 M choline chloride to create a potassium gradient. Addition of nigericin to produce K+/H+ exchange resulted in formation of a pH gradient. This imposed gradient was capable of driving 45Ca2+ accumulation. In another method vesicles loaded with 0.5 M NH4Cl were diluted into 0.5 M choline chloride, creating an ammonium diffusion potential. A gradient of H+ was produced by passive efflux of NH3. With an ammonium gradient as driving force, everted vesicles accumulated both 45Ca2+ and 22Na+. The data suggest that 22Na+ uptake was via the sodium/proton antiporter and 45Ca2+ via the calcium/proton antiporter. Uptake of both cations required alkaline pHout. A minimum pH gradient of 0.9 unit was needed for transport of either ion, suggesting gating of the antiporters. Octyl glucoside extracts of inner membrane were reconstituted with E. coli phospholipids in 0.5 M NH4Cl. NH4+-loaded proteoliposomes accumulated both 22Na+ and 45Ca2+, demonstrating that the sodium/proton and calcium/proton antiporters could be solubilized and reconstituted in a functional form.     

Gadolinium-sensitive, voltage-dependent calcium release channels in the endoplasmic reticulum of a higher plant mechanoreceptor organ.

The lipid bilayer technique was adapted to the functional reconstitution of ion channels from the endoplasmic reticulum of a higher plant. This was obtained at high purity from touch-sensitive tendrils of Bryonia dioica. In this preparation, a calcium-selective strongly rectifying channel is prevailing whose single-channel properties have been characterized. The single-channel conductance is 29 pS in 50 mM CaCl2. The Ca2+: K+ selectivity was determined to be approximately 6.6. The channel is voltage-gated and, more importantly, the gating voltage is strongly shifted towards more negative voltages when a transmembrane Ca2+ gradient is applied. Thus, at physiological voltages across the endoplasmic reticulum membrane, the channel's open probability will be governed largely by the chemical potential gradient of Ca2+, generated by the Ca(2+)-ATPase in that same membrane. The calcium release channel described here is effectively blocked by Gd3+ which also completely suppresses a tendril's reaction to touch, suggesting that this channel could be a key element of calcium signaling in higher plant mechanotransduction. Its molecular characteristics and inhibitor data show it to be the first known member of a hitherto unrecognized class of calcium channels.