Divalent Cation Ionophore A23187 Research Articles

Impaired Phagocytosis in Localized Aggressive Periodontitis: Rescue by Resolvin E1

Resolution of inflammation is an active temporally orchestrated process demonstrated by the biosynthesis of novel proresolving mediators. Dysregulation of resolution pathways may underlie prevalent human inflammatory diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and periodontitis. Localized Aggressive Periodontitis (LAP) is an early onset, rapidly progressing form of inflammatory periodontal disease. Here, we report increased surface P-selectin on circulating LAP platelets, and elevated integrin (CD18) surface expression on neutrophils and monocytes compared to healthy, asymptomatic controls. Significantly more platelet-neutrophil and platelet-monocyte aggregates were identified in circulating whole blood of LAP patients compared with asymptomatic controls. LAP whole blood generates increased pro-inflammatory LTB4 with addition of divalent cation ionophore A23187 (5 µM) and significantly less, 15-HETE, 12-HETE, 14-HDHA, and lipoxin A4. Macrophages from LAP subjects exhibit reduced phagocytosis. The pro-resolving lipid mediator, Resolvin E1 (0.1–100 nM), rescues the impaired phagocytic activity in LAP macrophages. These abnormalities suggest compromised resolution pathways, which may contribute to persistent inflammation resulting in establishment of a chronic inflammatory lesion and periodontal disease progression.

A novel liposomal irinotecan formulation with significant anti-tumour activity: Use of the divalent cation ionophore A23187 and copper-containing liposomes to improve drug retention

We determined whether the method used to encapsulate irinotecan into 1,2-distearoyl- sn-glycero-phosphocholine/cholesterol (DSPC/Chol; 55:45 mol%) liposomes influenced: (i) irinotecan release rate and (ii) therapeutic efficacy. DSPC/Chol (55:45 mol%) liposomes were prepared with: (i) unbuffered CuSO 4; (ii) buffered (pH 7.5) CuSO 4; (iii) unbuffered MnSO 4 and the ionophore A23187 (exchanges internal metal 2+ with external 2H + to establish and maintain a transmembrane pH gradient); and (iv) unbuffered CuSO 4 and ionophore A23187. All formulations exhibited >98% irinotecan encapsulation (0.2 drug-to-lipid molar ratio; 10 min incubation at 50 °C). Following a single intravenous injection (100 mg/kg irinotecan) into Balb/c mice, the unbuffered CuSO 4 plus A23187 formulation mediated a half-life of irinotecan release of 44.4 h; a ⩾4-fold increase compared to the other liposome formulations. This surprising observation demonstrated that the CuSO 4 plus A23187 formulation enhanced irinotecan retention compared to the MnSO 4 plus A23187 formulation, indicating the importance of the divalent metal. A single dose of the CuSO 4 plus A23187 formulation (50 mg/kg irinotecan) mediated an 18-fold increase in median T − C (the difference in days for treated and control subcutaneous human LS 180 adenocarcinoma xenografts to increase their initial volume by 400%) when compared to a comparable dose of Camptosar ®. Improved irinotecan retention was associated with increased therapeutic activity.

Mg2+ as activator of uridine phosphorylation in coordination with other cellular responses to growth factors.

The divalent cation ionophore A23187 facilitates the manipulation of intracellular Mg2+ without increasing the general permeability of the cell. The uptake of uridine into cells is limited by its rate of intracellular phosphorylation that increases within minutes after the addition of growth factors. In the experiments described here, the rate of uridine uptake in ionophore-treated cells stimulated by either serum or insulin depended on the extracellular and intracellular concentrations of Mg2+ and was independent of the extracellular Ca2+ concentration. In very high concentrations of Mg2+ (50 mM), ionophore-treated cells take up uridine as fast, in the absence of growth factors as in their presence, demonstrating that Mg2+ can replace the growth factor requirement for the stimulation of uridine uptake. In contrast, thymidine uptake, which also is limited by its rate of intracellular phosphorylation, showed no early response to either growth factors or Mg2+ concentration, which is consistent with the 10-fold lower Mg2+ requirement of thymidine kinase compared with uridine kinase. The feedback inhibition of uridine kinase by UTP and CTP in cell-free extracts was alleviated by increased Mg2+ concentration. The results support the thesis that the increased uptake of uridine in cells treated with growth factors is determined by a membrane-induced increase in intracellular free Mg2+. Such increase would also accelerate the rate of translation-initiation and other coordinate responses that, unlike increased uridine uptake, are essential for cell proliferation. The rate of uridine uptake is suggested as a direct indicator of free cytosolic Mg2+ that drives the shift from quiescence to proliferation.

Arachidonic Acid Released by Phospholipase A2 Activation Triggers Ca2+-dependent Apoptosis through the Mitochondrial Pathway

We studied the effects of the divalent cation ionophore A23187 on apoptotic signaling in MH1C1 cells. Addition of A23187 caused a fast rise of cytosolic Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](c)), which returned close to the resting level within about 40 s. The [Ca(2+)](c) rise was immediately followed by phospholipid hydrolysis, which could be inhibited by aristolochic acid or by pretreatment with thapsigargin in Ca(2+)-free medium, indicating that the Ca(2+)-dependent cytosolic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)) was involved. These early events were followed by opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (PTP) and by apoptosis in about 30% of the cell population. In keeping with a cause-effect relationship between addition of A23187, activation of cPLA(2), PTP opening, and cell death, all events but the [Ca(2+)](c) rise were prevented by aristolochic acid. The number of cells killed by A23187 was doubled by treatment with 0.5 microm MK886 and 5 microm indomethacin, which inhibit arachidonic acid metabolism through the 5-lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase pathway, respectively. Consistent with the key role of free arachidonic acid, its levels increased within minutes of treatment with A23187; the increase being more pronounced in the presence of MK886 plus indomethacin. Cell death was preceded by cytochrome c release and cleavage of caspase 9 and 3, but not of caspase 8. All these events were prevented by aristolochic acid and by the PTP inhibitor cyclosporin A. Thus, A23187 triggers the apoptotic cascade through the release of arachidonic acid by cPLA(2) in a process that is amplified when transformation of arachidonic acid into prostaglandins and leukotrienes is inhibited. These findings identify arachidonic acid as the causal link between A23187-dependent perturbation of Ca(2+) homeostasis and the effector mechanisms of cell death.

Regulation of protein tyrosine phosphorylation in boar sperm through a cAMP-dependent pathway.

Changes of protein tyrosine phosphorylation in ejaculated boar sperm incubated in vitro were examined with the use of antiphosphotyrosine antibodies and immunoblotting. The intracellular levels of cAMP were modulated by treatment with various combinations of caffeine, 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX), and dibutyryl cyclic AMP (dbcAMP), and acrosome reactions (ARs) were induced via treatment with divalent cation ionophore A23187. Proteins of Mr 34, 38, 40, and 44 (p34 ... p44) were strongly phosphorylated on tyrosine residues in freshly prepared sperm samples and at the same level during all subsequent treatments. Incubation of sperm in vitro for various periods of time induced an increase of tyrosine phosphorylation of p20, p93, and p175. The tyrosine phosphorylation of p93, p175, and several other sperm proteins was up-regulated in a concentration-dependent manner following treatment of the sperm with dbcAMP, caffeine, or IBMX alone, or with combinations of caffeine and IBMX, respectively, with dbcAMP; the tyrosine phosphorylation of p20 was not correlated with treatment of sperm with cAMP-elevating reagents. The percentage of sperm cells undergoing spontaneous ARs was not affected by the manipulation of cAMP levels and was not correlated with protein tyrosine phosphorylation. In contrast, the addition of calcium to the incubation media decreased protein tyrosine phosphorylation and elevated percentage of spontaneous ARs. The induction of ARs with A23187 caused a significant decrease of tyrosine phosphorylation of p93, p175, and p220/230, indicating that dephosphorylation on protein tyrosine residues might be associated with calcium influx during physiological ARs as well. Proteins p93 and p175 were effectively solubilized in greater than 9M urea/1% triton and in SDS sample buffer, but to only a small extent in triton, while p20 was virtually completely extractable with triton. In conjunction with the previously reported isolation of active tyrosine kinase sp42 from triton extracts of noncapacitated boar sperm cells (Berruti and Porzio, 1992: Biochim Biophys Acta 1118: 149-154), our results suggest that a cAMP-dependent event is required for tyrosine phosphorylation of triton-insoluble proteins such as p93 and p175. On the other hand, the tyrosine phosphorylation of p20 (and potentially other triton-soluble substrates) might not strictly require such cAMP up-regulation. We discuss the differences in the regulation of cAMP-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation in mouse, human, and boar sperm, and suggest that sensitivity to calcium and distinct basal levels of cyclic nucleotide PDE might correspond to species-specific reproduction strategies in mammals.

Apparent Ca2+ dissociation constant of Ca2+ chelators incorporated non-disruptively into intact human red cells.

1. A recently developed method of measuring cytoplasmic Ca2+ buffering in intact red cells was applied to re-evaluate the intracellular Ca2+ binding properties of the Ca2+ chelators benz2 and BAPTA. Incorporation of the free chelators was accomplished by incubating the cells with the acetoxymethyl ester forms (benz2 AM or BAPTA AM). The divalent cation ionophore A23187 was used to induce equilibrium distribution of Ca2+ between cells and medium. 45Ca2+ was added stepwise to cell suspensions in the presence and absence of external BAPTA. To induce full Ca2+ equilibration, the plasma membrane Ca2+ pump was inhibited either by depleting the cells of ATP or by adding vanadate to the cell suspension. 2. The properties of the incorporated chelators were assessed from the difference in cytoplasmic Ca2+ buffering between chelator-free and chelator-loaded cells, over a wide range of intracellular ionized calcium concentrations ([Ca2+]i), from nanomolar to millimolar. 3. Under the experimental conditions applied, incorporation of benz2 and BAPTA into the red cells increased their Ca2+ buffering capacity by 300-600 mumol (340 g Hb)-1. The intracellular apparent Ca2+ dissociation constants (KDi) were about 500 nM for benz2 and 800 nM for BAPTA, values much higher than those reported for standard salt solutions (KD) of about 40 and 130 nM, respectively. These results suggest that, contrary to earlier observations, the intracellular red cell environment may cause large shifts in the apparent Ca2+ binding behaviour of incorporated chelators. 4. The possibility that the observed KD shifts are due to reversible binding of the chelators to haemoglobin is considered, and the implications of the present results for early estimates of physiological [Ca2+]i levels is discussed.

Two components of blood-brain barrier disruption in the rat.

1. Permeability of pial venular capillaries to Lucifer Yellow (PLY) was measured using the single microvessel occlusion technique. 2. PLY was extremely low, when measured shortly after the removal of the meninges, consistent with an intact blood-brain barrier, but rose spontaneously to (1.65 +/- 0.60) x 10(-6) cm s-1 (mean +/- S.D.) within 20-60 min. This first phase of spontaneous disruption lasted 44-164 min. A second phase started when PLY rose sharply, and was characterized by rapid permeability fluctuations with a mean of (12.31 +/- 15.14) x 10(-6) cm s-1. 3. The first phase could be mimicked by applying the divalent cation ionophore A23187 in the presence of Ca2+, when PLY rose by (1.47 +/- 0.25) x 10(-6) cm s-1 (mean +/- S.E.M.). Application of histamine (10 microM) to tight vessels increased PLY by (2.41 +/- 0.22) x 10(-6) cm s-1. 4. Substances that raised intraendothelial cAMP of vessels during the first phase of disruption reduced PLY to the initial blood-brain barrier level. 5. The second phase could be prevented by applying catalase. Similar high and fluctuating PLY values could be produced reversibly by applying arachidonic acid or NH4Cl. 6. This is the first report of two distinct types of permeability increase in the cerebral microvasculature, and reasons for this are discussed.

Cytoplasmic calcium buffers in intact human red cells.

1. Precise knowledge of the cytoplasmic Ca2+ buffering behaviour in intact human red cells is essential for the characterization of their [Ca2+]i-dependent functions. This was investigated by using a refined method and experimental protocols which allowed continuity in the estimates of [Ca2+]i, from nanomolar to millimolar concentrations, in the presence and absence of external Ca2+ chelators. 2. The study was carried out in human red cells whose plasma membrane Ca2+ pump was inhibited either by depleting the cells of ATP or by adding vanadate to the cell suspension. Cytoplasmic Ca2+ buffering was analysed from plots of total cell calcium content vs. ionized cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration ([CaT]i vs. [Ca2+]i) obtained from measurements of the equilibrium distribution of 45Ca2+ at different external Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]o), in conditions known to clamp cell volume and pH. The equilibrium distribution of 45Ca2+ was induced by the divalent cation ionophore A23187. 3. The results showed the following. (i) The known red cell Ca2+ buffer represented by alpha, with a large capacity and low Ca2+ affinity, was the main cytoplasmic Ca2+ binding agent. (ii) The value of alpha was remarkably constant; the means for each of four donors ranged from 0.33 to 0.35, with a combined value of all independent measurements of 0.34 +/- 0.01 (mean +/- S.E.M., n = 16). This contrasts with the variability previously reported. (iii) There was an additional Ca2+ buffering complex with a low capacity (approximately 80 micromol (340 g Hb)(-1)) and intermediate Ca2+ affinity (apparent dissociation constant, K(D,app) approximately 4-50 microM) whose possible identity is discussed. (iv) The cell content of putative Ca2+ buffers with submicromolar Ca2+ dissociation constants was below the detection limit of the methods used here (less than 2 micromol (340 g Hb)(-1)). 4. Vanadate (1 mM) inhibited the Vmax of the Ca2+ pump in inosine-fed cells by 99.7%. The cytoplasmic Ca2+ buffering behaviour in these cells was similar to that found in ATP-depleted cells.

Cryopreservation of spermatozoa of the edible mud crabScylla serrata (Forskal)

Biotechnique for programmed freezing of the spermatozoa of the edible mud crab Scylla serrata and the procedures for assessing viability of the frozen-thawed spermatozoa are described. Free spermatozoa recovered from spermathecae and those released from the spermatophores were subjected to cryoprotectant treatment at different physiological temperatures (30°C, 23°C, 15°C), frozen to subzero temperatures in a rate-controlled programmable freezer Kryo 10/1.7 and subsequently plunged into liquid nitrogen. Post-thaw viability, after 8 hr of storage at −196°C, was assessed by artificial induction of acrosome reaction using divalent cation ionophore A23187. Hypo/hyperosmotic sensitivity tests were used to assess the membrane integrity of the spermatozoa before and after cryopreservation experiments. Viability tests using dye exclusion methods were discontinued owing to variations in incorporation of different stains into the spermatozoa. The limitations of the dye exclusion method as an indicator of sperm viability are discussed. Dimethyl sulfoxide, ethylene glycol and glycerol offered cryoprotection at concentrations ranging from 5% to 15% v/v. Post-thaw survival was highest (52%) with 12.5% glycerol at a cooling rate of −5°C/min. J. Exp. Zool. 277:326–336, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

A thermodynamic study of electroneutral K-Cl cotransport in pH- and volume-clamped low K sheep erythrocytes with normal and low internal magnesium.

Swelling-induced human erythrocyte K-Cl cotransport is membrane potential independent and capable of uphill transport. However, a complete thermodynamic analysis of basal and stimulated K-Cl cotransport, at constant cell volume, is missing. This study was performed in low K sheep red blood cells before and after reducing cellular free Mg into the nanomolar range with the divalent cation ionophore A23187 and a chelator, an intervention known to stimulate K-Cl cotransport. The anion exchange inhibitor 4,4'diisothiocyanato-2,2'disulfonic stilbene was used to clamp intracellular pH and Cl or NO3 concentrations. Cell volume was maintained constant as external and internal pH differed by more than two units. K-Cl cotransport was calculated from the K effluxes and Rb (as K congener) influxes measured in Cl and NO3, at constant internal K and external anions, and variable concentrations of extracellular Rb and internal anions, respectively. The external Rb concentration at which net K-Cl cotransport is zero was defined as flux reversal point which changed with internal pH and hence Cl. Plots of the ratio of external Rb concentrations corresponding to the flux reversal points and the internal K concentration versus the ratio of the internal and external Cl concentrations (i.e., the Donnan ratio of the transported ions) yielded slopes near unity for both control and low internal Mg cells. Thus, basal as well as low internal Mg-stimulated net K-Cl cotransport depends on the electrochemical potential gradient of KCl.

Elevating intracellular free Mg2+ preserves sensitivity of Na(+)-K+ pump to ATP at reduced temperatures in guinea pig red blood cells.

Red cells of hibernating species have a higher relative rate of Na(+)-K+ pump activity at low temperature than the red cells of a mammal with a typical sensitivity to cold. The kinetics of ATP stimulation of the Na(+)-K+ pump were determined in guinea pig and ground squirrel red cells at different temperatures between 5 and 37 degrees C by measuring ouabain-sensitive K+ influx at different levels of ATP. In guinea pig cells, elevation of intracellular free Mg2+ to 2 mmol.1-1 by use of the divalent cation ionophore A23187 caused the apparent affinity of the pump for ATP to increase with cooling to 20 degrees C, rather than to decrease, as occurs in cells not loaded with Mg2+. In ground squirrel cells raising intracellular free Mg2+ had little effect on apparent affinity of the pump for ATP at 20 degrees C. ATP affinity rose slightly with cooling both in Mg(2+)-enriched and in control ground squirrel cells. Increased intracellular free Mg2+ in guinea pig cells stimulated Na(+)-K+ pump activity so that at 20 degrees C the pump rate was the same in the Mg(2+)-enriched guinea pig and control ground squirrel cells. Pump activity in Mg(2+)-enriched guinea pig cells at 5 degrees C was significantly improved but still lower than pump activity in control cells from ground squirrel. Thus, loss of affinity of the Na(+)-K+ pump for ATP that occurs with cooling in cold-sensitive guinea pig red cells can be, at least partially, prevented by elevating cytoplasmic free Mg2+. Conversely, in ground squirrel red cells natural rise of free Mg2+ may in part account for the preservation of the ATP affinity of their Na(+)-K+ pump with cooling.

Induction of capacitation in human spermatozoa in vitro by an endometrial sialic acid-binding protein.

A Ca(2+)-dependent sialic acid-binding protein (SABP) of human endometrium, which specifically bound to human sperm head plasma membrane in vitro, was found to increase the percentage motility and acrosome-reacted pattern of uncapacitated spermatozoa. The protein was synthesized in the endometrium and secreted into the uterine fluid. This intra-uterine factor, which is apparently advantageous in vitro in inducing human sperm capacitation, may play a significant role in promoting the post-release maturation of ejaculated spermatozoa by enhancing 45Ca uptake into spermatozoa by a pathway which is insensitive to calcium-channel blockers. However, the 45Ca uptake could be enhanced on exposure to the divalent cation ionophore A23187 and inhibited in the presence of the calmodulin inhibitor trifluoperazine. The SABP also induces an increase in intracellular Ca2+ in spermatozoa, as seen by FURA-2 AM studies. Furthermore, overlay studies show human SABP to be a Ca(2+)-binding protein. The data presented here suggest that SABP induces in-vitro sperm capacitation and the subsequent acrosome reaction by increasing intracellular Ca2+ concentration.

Effect of intracellular magnesium on calcium extrusion by the plasma membrane calcium pump of intact human red cells.

1. The effect of varying the concentration of intracellular magnesium on the Ca(2+)-saturated Ca(2+)-extrusion rate through the Ca2+ pump (phi max) was investigated in human red blood cells with the aid of the divalent cation ionophore A23187. The aim was to characterize the [Mg2+]i dependence of the Ca2+ pump in the intact cell. 2. The initial experimental protocol consisted of applying a high ionophore concentration to obtain rapid sequential Mg2+ and [45Ca]CaCl2 equilibration, prior to measuring phi max at constant internal [MgT]i by either the Co2+ block method or by ionophore removal. With this protocol, competition between Ca2+ and Mg2+ through the ionophore prevented Ca2+ equilibration at high [Mg2+]o. To provide rapid and comparable Ca2+ loads and maintain intracellular ATP within normal levels it was necessary to separate the Mg2+ and the Ca2+ loading-extrusion stages by an intermediate ionophore and external Mg2+ removal step, and to use different metabolic substrates during Mg2+ loading (glucose) and Ca2+ loading-extrusion (inosine) periods. 3. Intracellular Co2+ was found to sustain Ca2+ extrusion by the pump at subphysiological [Mg2+]i. Ionophore removal was therefore used to estimate the [Mg2+]i dependence of the pump at levels below [MgT]i (approximately 2 mmol (340 g Hb)-1), whereas both ionophore removal and Co2+ block were used for higher [MgT]i levels. 4. [Mg2+]i was computed from measured [MgT]i using known cytoplasmic Mg(2+)-buffering data. The phi max of the Ca2+ pump increased hyperbolically with [Mg2+]i. The Michaelis parameter (K 1/2) of activation was 0.12 +/- 0.04 mmol (1 cell water)-1 (mean +/- S.E.M.). Increasing [MgT]i and [Mg2+]i to 9 mmol (340 g Hb)-1 and 2.6 mmol (1 cell water)-1, respectively, failed to cause significant inhibition of the phi max of the Ca2+ pump. 5. The results suggest that within the physiological and pathophysiological range of [Mg2+]i, from 0.3 mmol (1 cell water)-1 in the oxygenated state to 1.2 mmol (1 cell water)-1 in the deoxygenated state, the Ca(2+)-saturated Ca2+ pump remains unaffected by [Mg2+]i at normal ATP levels.

Role of calcium fluxes in the action of glucagon on cytosolic glutathione S-transferase activity in rat liver slices.

In a previous study we demonstrated that the administration of 20 micrograms/kg b.wt. of glucagon to rats caused a significant diminution of hepatic cytosolic glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity. This inhibition was non-competitive and reversible. We suggested that the effect would be mediated by cytosolic effectors. The present work was performed to characterize the mechanism involved in this inhibition. Liver tissue slices (170 to 200 mg) were incubated during different periods of time (0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 30 min.) with several concentrations of glucagon (10(-5) M, 10(-8) M and 10(-10) M), dibutiryl cyclic AMP (10(-4) M, 10(-6) M and 10(-9) M), divalent cation ionophore A23187 (10(-4) M, 10(-6) M and 10(-9) M) or vasopressin (10(-7) M, 5 x 10(-7) M and 10(-8) M). The incubation was done with or without calcium in the medium. In all cases the cytosolic GST activity were determined in liver slices. The percentage of inhibition of GST activity was directly related to the increase of concentration of the test substances. An inhibition between 40% to 45% after 10 min. of incubation with the highest concentrations was observed (except vasopressin which caused 10% of inhibition). 10(-10) M glucagon did not produce a decrease of GST activity. The inhibition disappeared in calcium-free incubated slices, but direct relationship between plasma-membrane calcium influx and inhibition of GST activity (r = 0.950, P < 0.001, n = 24) could be obtained. By using calmodulin antagonists, we conclude that the inhibition process of the enzyme was mediated by calmodulin. In summary, we propose that plasma-membrane calcium influx induced by high concentrations of glucagon activates calmodulin, which promotes a modification (actually a methylation, according to other authors) on GST, thereby causing a decrease in its activity.

Original Article: Comparison of A23187 vs Ionomycin-induced Responses and Cytosolic Calcium Increases in Aequorin-loaded Human Platelets. Evidence for Ionophore-specific Differences in Intracellular Calcium Release

The dose-dependent induction of platelet aggregation, dense granule secretion and thromboxane formation by the divalent cation ionophores A23187 and ionomycin were compared in citrated platelet rich plasma (PRP), and measured simultaneously with the increases in cytosolic Ca(2+) levels in aequorin-loaded gel-filtered platelet (GFP). In citrated PRP, both ionophores induced similar extents of aggregation at comparable concentrations, whereas A23187 induced somewhat greater extents of secretion, and substantially greater extents of thromboxane B(2) (TxB(2)) formation, than ionomycin. When 5 mM EDTA or EGTA was added to PRP secretion and TxB(2) formation occurred only with A23187; ionomycin was inactive at all concentrations tested, up to 100 pM. In aequorin-loaded GFP containing 1 mM Ca(2+), 1 mM EGTA or 2 mM EDTA, ionomycin as well as A23187 induced these platelet responses, but the concentration dose-response curve for ionomycin was shifted to the right by approximately one order of magnitude relative to that for A23187. Simultaneous measurements of the cytosolic Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](1)) increases induced by the two ionophores showed that the increases produced by ionomycin were consistently 2040% less than those induced by A23187 at all ionophore concentrations tested. Analysis of the extents of secretion and TxB, formation obtained in EDTA- or EGTA-containing systems as a function of the [Ca(2+)](1) increases suggested that the data for both ionophores were described by the same [Ca(2+)](1) dose-response curve, indicating that the decreased extents of these responses seen with ionomycin vs A23187 were due primarily, if not solely, to the lower [Ca(2+)], increases produced by ionomycin. Since ionomycin is theoretically capable of transporting twice as much divalent cation as A23187, these findings in platelets, together with similar findings in certain other cell systems, provide evidence that factors associated with the intracellular environment may differentially affect the abilities of A23187 and ionomycin to induce cellular responses and, more specifically, to release intracellular Ca(2+) stores.

Intermittent swimming in the spermatozoa of the lugworm Arenicola marina (L.) (Annelida: Polychaeta).

Motile spermatozoa of the polychaete Arenicola marina were observed to swim intermittently. On the basis of the behaviour of the flagellum, the quiescent periods can be classified into two main types. The first are those in which, although the generation of the flagellar wave appears to be initiated, its passage down the axoneme appears blocked. This results in the formation of an acute bend (of approximately 2.65 rad) in the proximal region of the flagellum with the remainder of the axoneme remaining straight. These have been termed Type I quiescent periods and are very similar to the "cane-shaped" configuration which has been described in the spermatozoa of some sea urchins. Sperm may also enter a Type II quiescent period, in which both the propagation and the generation of flagellar waves appears blocked. The flagellum of such sperm appears straight or slightly curved and they can remain in this configuration for several minutes. With increased intensity and duration of irradiation, the length of time spent in Type II quiescent period was increased significantly. Both types of quiescent period were (1) reduced in duration and frequency by deletion of calcium from artificial sea water (ASW); (2) either abolished or reduced in duration by the addition of 1 mM cadmium chloride to ASW. In addition, flagellar waveforms very similar to those displayed by spermatozoa in Type I quiescent periods could be induced (if only for a short time) by the addition of the divalent cation ionophore A23187 to ASW.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

In vitro release of prostaglandins and leukotrienes from synovial tissue, cartilage, and bone in degenerative joint diseases

To determine the major source of eicosanoid release in arthritic joint tissues and to examine the modulation of this release by indomethacin and diclofenac. Release of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, leukotriene B4 (LTB4), and LTC4 was measured in supernatants of synovial tissue, cartilage, and bone incubates from patients with osteoarthritis, active rheumatoid arthritis (RA), inactive RA, and pseudogout. Radioimmunoassay (RIA) was used to determine the levels of the eicosanoids. Addition of the divalent cation ionophore A23187 resulted in significant release of all eicosanoids measured from synovial tissue, but not from cartilage, cortical bone, or cancellous bone. PG release was significantly inhibited by the addition of indomethacin or diclofenac at either 10(-5) moles/liter or 10(-7) moles/liter. The amount of LTC4 released from cartilage and bone was only slightly above the detection limit of the RIA, whereas large amounts were released from synovial tissue. Neither indomethacin nor diclofenac had an effect on LTC4 release. LTC4 release from synovial tissue of patients with inactive RA was significantly decreased in comparison with the levels from synovial tissue of patients with the other joint diseases. There was no significant difference in PG release among patients in the various disease groups. Synovial tissue appears to be the major source of eicosanoids in synovial fluid. Indomethacin and diclofenac inhibit the release of PG, but not LT, from various joint tissues.

Effects of deoxygenation on active and passive Ca2+ transport and cytoplasmic Ca2+ buffering in normal human red cells.

1. The effects of deoxygenation on cytoplasmic Ca2+ buffering, saturated Ca2+ extrusion rate through the Ca2+ pump (Vmax), passive Ca2+ influx and physiological [Ca2+]i level were investigated in human red cells to assess whether or not their Ca2+ metabolism might be altered by deoxygenation in capillaries and venous circulation. 2. The study was performed in fresh human red cells maintained in a tonometer either fully oxygenated or deoxygenated. Cytoplasmic Ca2+ buffering was estimated from the equilibrium distribution of 45Ca2+ induced by the divalent cation ionophore A23187 and the Vmax of the Ca2+ pump was measured either by the Co(2+)-exposure method or following ionophore wash-out. The passive Ca2+ influx and physiological [Ca2+]i were determined in cells preloaded with the Ca2+ chelator benz-2 and resuspended in autologous plasma. 3. Deoxygenation increased the fraction of ionized Ca2+ in cell water by 34-74% and reduced the Vmax of the Ca2+ pump by 18-32%. 4. To elucidate whether or not these effects were secondary to deoxygenation-induced pH shifts, the effects of deoxygenation on cell and medium pH, and of pH on cytoplasmic Ca2+ binding and Ca2+ pump Vmax in oxygenated cells were examined in detail. 5. Deoxygenation generated large alkaline pH shifts that could be explained if the apparent isoelectric point (pI) of haemoglobin increased by 0.2-0.4 pH units in intact cells, consistently higher than the value of 0.15 reported for pure haemoglobin solutions. 6. In oxygenated cells, the fraction of ionized cell calcium, alpha, was little affected by pH within the 7.0-7.7 range. Ca2+ pump Vmax was maximal at a medium pH of about 7.55. Comparison between pH effects elicited by HCl-NaOH additions and by replacing Cl- with gluconate suggested that Vmax was inhibited by both internal acidification and external alkalinization. Since deoxygenation alkalinized cells and medium within a range stimulatory for Vmax, the inhibition observed was not due to pH. 7. There was no significant effect of deoxygenation on passive Ca2+ uptake, or steady-state physiological [Ca2+]i level. 8. The deoxygenation-induced reduction in Ca2+ binding capacity may result from the increased protonation of haemoglobin on deoxygenation and from binding of 2,3-diphosphoglyceric acid (2,3-DPG) and ATP to deoxyhaemoglobin; inhibition of the Ca2+ pump may result from shifts in the [Mg2+]i/[ATP]i ratio away from a near optimal stimulatory value in the oxygenated state.

Degranulation of Human Platelets by the Thrombin Receptor Peptide SFLLRN: Comparison with Degranulation by Thrombin

A new, simplified method of degranulating human platelets using the thrombin receptor peptide SFLLRN (20 microM) is described; released fibrinogen cannot be converted to fibrin, and the platelets are not exposed to a proteolytic enzyme, as they are when thrombin is used for degranulation. The peptide-degranulated platelets regain their disc shape and are recovered as single platelets which have released approximately 90% of the contents of their dense granules. Their procoagulant activity is greater than that of control platelets, but somewhat less than that of thrombin-degranulated platelets. Without added fibrinogen, the peptide-degranulated platelets aggregate slightly in response to 50 microM SFLLRN, and to collagen, arachidonic acid, the thromboxane A2 mimetic U46619, platelet activating factor, ADP, and the divalent cation ionophore A23187; added fibrinogen enhances aggregation caused by these agonists. Extensive aggregation of peptide-degranulated platelets is caused by thrombin in the absence of added fibrinogen; it may be that the alternative thrombin receptor that is not activated by SFLLRN is responsible for the strong response to thrombin. Aggregation responses to most of the agonists are greater than those observed previously with thrombin-degranulated platelets. By this method, platelets are obtained that have been degranulated in a way that is similar to in vivo degranulation. They are useful for studies of platelet responses without the complicating effects of released granule contents, and for investigation of the characteristics and functions of platelets that have come in contact with release-inducing agents in vivo.

Strontium and barium induce exocytosis in electropermeabilized neutrophils

Calcium, strontium and barium induced an exocytotic response in electropermeabilized rabbit neutrophils while magnesium was without any effect. The extent of enzyme release was found to depend upon the concentration of these cations. For all cations, an optimum concentration was found with the same maximum enzyme release. At concentrations higher than optimum a decrease in lysozyme release was observed. Efficiency to induce enzyme release was in the order: Ca 2+>Sr 2+>Ba 2+. Enzyme release was significantly enhanced by guanosine-5′-[γ-thio]triphosphate (GTPγS) resulting in a shift to the left of the dose/response curve. The enhancement by GTPγS was strongest with Ca 2+, was less with Sr 2+, and was very little with Ba 2+. The time course of lysozyme release was the same for Ca 2+, Sr 2+, and Ba 2+ in the presence and absence of GTPγS when suboptimal cation concentrations were used. A decrease in responsiveness to the effectors after electropermeabilization was observed with Ca 2+, Sr 2+ and Ba 2+ in the presence and absence of GTPγS. The lysozyme release induced by the different cations was not inhibited by the protein kinase C inhibitor staurosporine and was slightly affected by pertussis toxin. Ca 2+ and Sr 2+, but not Ba 2+, potentiated formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMet-Leu-Phe) induced enzyme release in intact neutrophils. The divalent cation ionophore A23187 induced enzyme release in the presence of Ca 2+ and Sr 2+ but not in the presence of Ba 2+. The results obtained with electropermeabilized neutrophils indicate that Sr 2+ and Ba 2+ can act as substitutes for Ca 2+ in activating exocytosis, and that permeabilized neutrophils provide the best tool to investigate the effects of alkaline earth ions in exocytosis.