Fura-2 Experiments Research Articles

Apical pH regulates calcium-activated chloride secretion across human airway epithelia

Anion secretion across airway epithelia contributes to host defense by increasing airway surface liquid (ASL) volume and pH. Anion channels in the apical membrane of airway epithelia include Ca2+-activated Cl− channels (CaCCs) and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) channels. Mutations in the CFTR gene that encode nonfunctional CFTR channels cause cystic fibrosis (CF); thus, activating CaCCs may restore anion secretion in people with CF. ATP secreted into the ASL activates purinergic receptors, leading to an increase in intracellular Ca2+ (Cai2+) and the opening of CaCCs. Data from docking simulations suggest that the protonation state of ATP influences its affnity for purinergic receptors, therefore we tested the hypothesis that ASL pH influences the effcacy of ATP to activate CaCCs in airway epithelia. In saline solutions buffered with 5 mM ATP, titration experiments revealed a pKa of ~6.9 at 37°C. Thus, ATP exists in its protonated ATP3− and deprotonated ATP4− in ASL that can range from pH 6 to pH 7.5. To determine the effect of pH on ATP-stimulated Cl− secretion through CaCCs, we measured Cl− secretion across CF epithelia generated by several ATP concentrations with apical pH-6.00, -6.70, and -7.40 solutions. As pH became alkaline, the EC50 for the relationship between [ATP] and Cl− secretion decreased. Using the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation and the pKa for ATP, we determined the relationship between ATP4− and Cl− secretion. This analysis revealed that regardless of apical pH values, the relationship between [ATP4−] and Cl− secretion aligned to a single experimental fit. These data suggest that pH regulates the CaCC response by deprotonating ATP. To examine the pH dependence of purinergic receptor activation, we measured ATP-induced Cai2+ responses in acutely dissociated human airway epithelial cells loaded with FURA-2 and perfused with pH-7.40 or -6.50 solutions. Separate experiments measuring intracellular pH in pH-7.40 or 6.50 solutions informed Kd values for FURA-2 experiments. With an [ATP] that induces similar levels of Cl− secretion from pH 6.00 to pH 7.40 (100 μM ATP), we observed similar Cai2+ responses for pH-7.40 and -6.50 solutions. However, when we repeated the experiment with an [ATP] that induces pH-sensitive Cl− secretion (10 μM ATP), we observed larger Ca2+ responses with pH-7.40 solutions than with pH-6.50 solutions. These data indicate that pH influences purinergic receptor activation near the pKa of ATP, a finding consistent with ATP4− activating purinergic receptors. These data have implications in CF and airway inflammation. In CF, decreased CFTR-mediated HCO−3 secretion acidifies the ASL, thus a large portion of ATP will exist in the protonated ATP3− species requiring a higher total [ATP] to open CaCCs. Inflammatory cytokines that cause airway inflammation increase the ASL pH, therefore a larger portion of ATP will exist in the deprotonated ATP4− species requiring less total [ATP] to open CaCCs. Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Research Development Program. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Evidence for metabotropic function of epithelial nicotinic cholinergic receptors in rat colon.

ACh exerts its actions via nicotinic (nAChR) and muscarinic receptors. In the peripheral nervous system, ionotropic nAChR mediate responses in excitable cells. However, recent studies demonstrate the expression of nAChR in the colonic epithelium, which are coupled to an induction of Cl- secretion via activation of the Na+ -K+ -pump. In order to find out whether these epithelial nAChR function as ionotropic receptors, intracellular microelectrode and imaging experiments were performed in isolated crypts from rat colon. Apically permeabilized epithelia were used to measure pump current across the basolateral membrane. Imaging experiments with the Na+ -sensitive dye SBFI revealed that nicotine induced a decrease in the cytosolic Na+ concentration concomitant with a fall in the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration in about 50% of the cells. as shown in fura-2 experiments. Nicotine hyperpolarized the membrane by 6.4±2.1mV. These observations contradict the assumption that epithelial nAChR function as ligand-gated non-selective cation channels. The decrease in the cytosolic Na+ concentration was strongly delayed, when the Na+ -K+ -pump was inhibited by scilliroside. Ussing chamber experiments revealed a strong dependence of the nicotine-induced pump current on the presence of Ca2+ , and chelation of cytosolic Ca2+ with BAPTA prevented the fall in the cytosolic Na+ concentration in SBFI-loaded crypts. Inhibition of PKC with GF 109203X or Goe 6983 significantly reduced the nicotine-induced pump current. These results suggest that epithelial nAChR activate the Na+ -K+ -pump via a PKC dependent on a sufficient cytosolic Ca2+ concentration.

Duloxetine Reduces Oxidative Stress, Apoptosis, and Ca2+ Entry Through Modulation of TRPM2 and TRPV1 Channels in the Hippocampus and Dorsal Root Ganglion of Rats.

Overload of Ca2+ entry and excessive oxidative stress in neurons are the two main causes of depression. Activation of transient receptor potential (TRP) vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) and TRP melastatin 2 (TRPM2) during oxidative stress has been linked to neuronal survival. Duloxetine (DULOX) in neurons reduced the effects of Ca2+ entry and reactive oxygen species (ROS) through glutamate receptors, and this reduction of effects may also occur through TRPM2 and TRPV1 channels. In order to better characterize the actions of DULOX in peripheral pain and hippocampal oxidative injury through modulation of TRPM2 and TRPV1, we tested the effects of DULOX on apoptosis and oxidative stress in the hippocampal and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons of rats. Freshly isolated hippocampal and DRG neurons were incubated for 24h with DULOX. In whole-cell patch-clamp and intracellular-free calcium ([Ca2+]) concentration (Fura-2) experiments, cumene hydroperoxide and ADP-ribose-induced TRPM2 currents in the neurons were inhibited by N-(p-amylcinnamoyl) anthranilic acid (ACA) and capsaicin-induced TRPV1 currents were inhibited by capsazepine (CPZ) incubations. TRPM2 and TRPV1 channel current densities, [Ca2+] concentration, apoptosis, caspase 3, caspase 9, mitochondrial depolarization, and intracellular ROS production values in the neurons were lower in the DULOX group than in controls. In addition, the above values were further decreased by DULOX + CPZ and DULOX + ACA treatments. In conclusion, TRPM2 and TRPV1 channels are involved in Ca2+ entry-induced neuronal death and modulation of the activity of these channels by DULOX treatment may account for their neuroprotective activity against apoptosis, excessive ROS production, and Ca2+ entry.

Hypoxia/Reoxygenation Effects on Ion Transport across Rat Colonic Epithelium.

Ischemia causes severe damage in the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, it is interesting to study how the barrier and transport functions of intestinal epithelium change under hypoxia and subsequent reoxygenation. For this purpose we simulated hypoxia and reoxygenation on mucosa-submucosa preparations from rat distal colon in Ussing chambers and on isolated crypts. Hypoxia (N2 gassing for 15 min) induced a triphasic change in short-circuit current (Isc): a transient decrease, an increase and finally a long-lasting fall below the initial baseline. During the subsequent reoxygenation phase, Isc slightly rose to values above the initial baseline. Tissue conductance (Gt) showed a biphasic increase during both the hypoxia and the reoxygenation phases. Omission of Cl− or preincubation of the tissue with transport inhibitors revealed that the observed changes in Isc represented changes in Cl− secretion. The radical scavenger trolox C reduced the Isc response during hypoxia, but failed to prevent the rise of Isc during reoxygenation. All changes in Isc were Ca2+-dependent. Fura-2 experiments at loaded isolated colonic crypts revealed a slow increase of the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration during hypoxia and the reoxygenation phase, mainly caused by an influx of extracellular Ca2+. Surprisingly, no changes could be detected in the fluorescence of the superoxide anion-sensitive dye mitosox or the thiol-sensitive dye thiol tracker, suggesting a relative high capacity of the colonic epithelium (with its low O2 partial pressure even under physiological conditions) to deal with enhanced radical production during hypoxia/reoxygenation.

Involvement of apoptosis and calcium accumulation through TRPV1 channels in neurobiology of epilepsy

Calcium ion accumulation into the cytosol of the hippocampus and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) are main reasons in etiology of epilepsy. Transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) channel is a cation-permeable calcium channel found in the DRG and hippocampus. Although previous studies implicate TRPV1 channels in the generation of epilepsy, suppression of ongoing seizures by TRPV1 antagonists has not yet been investigated. We tested the effects of TRPV1-specific antagonists, capsazepine (CPZ) and 5′-iodoresiniferatoxin (IRTX) on the modulation of calcium accumulation, apoptosis and anticonvulsant properties in the hippocampus and DRG of pentylentetrazol (PTZ) and capsaicin (CAP) administrated rats.Forty rats were divided into five groups as follows; control, PTZ, CAP+PTZ, IRTX, and IRTX+PTZ. Fura-2 and patch-clamp experiments were performed on neurons dissected from treated animals by CAP and CPZ. PTZ and CAP+PTZ administrations increased intracellular free Ca2+ concentrations, TRPV1 current densities, apoptosis, caspase 3 and 9 values although the values were reduced by IRTX and CPZ treatments. Latency time was extended by application CPZ and IRTX although CAP produced acceleration of epileptic seizures.Taken together, these results support a role for TRPV1 channels in the inhibition of apoptosis, epileptic seizures and calcium accumulation, indicating that TRPV1 inhibition may possibly be a novel target in the DRG and hippocampus for prevention of epileptic seizures and peripheral pain.

β1-Adrenergic Receptor Signaling Activates the Epithelial Calcium Channel, Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid Type 5 (TRPV5), via the Protein Kinase A Pathway

Epinephrine and norepinephrine are present in the pro-urine. β-Adrenergic receptor (β-AR) blockers administered to counteract sympathetic overstimulation in patients with congestive heart failure have a negative inotropic effect, resulting in reduced cardiac contractility. Positive inotropes, β1-AR agonists, are used to improve cardiac functions. Active Ca(2+) reabsorption in the late distal convoluted and connecting tubules (DCT2/CNT) is initiated by Ca(2+) influx through the transient receptor potential vanilloid type 5 (TRPV5) Ca(2+) channel. Although it was reported that β-ARs are present in the DCT2/CNT region, their role in active Ca(2+) reabsorption remains elusive. Here we revealed that β1-AR, but not β2-AR, is localized with TRPV5 in DCT2/CNT. Subsequently, treatment of TRPV5-expressing mouse DCT2/CNT primary cell cultures with the β1-AR agonist dobutamine showed enhanced apical-to-basolateral transepithelial Ca(2+) transport. In human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells, dobutamine was shown to stimulate cAMP production, signifying functional β1-AR expression. Fura-2 experiments demonstrated increased activity of TRPV5 in response to dobutamine, which could be prevented by the PKA inhibitor H89. Moreover, nonphosphorylable T709A-TRPV5 and phosphorylation-mimicking T709D-TRPV5 mutants were unresponsive to dobutamine. Surface biotinylation showed that dobutamine did not affect plasma membrane abundance of TRPV5. In conclusion, activation of β1-AR stimulates active Ca(2+) reabsorption in DCT2/CNT; an increase in TRPV5 activity via PKA phosphorylation of residue Thr-709 possibly plays an important role. These data explicate a calciotropic role in addition to the inotropic property of β1-AR.

Modulation of oxidative stress and Ca2+ mobilization through TRPM2 channels in rat dorsal root ganglion neuron by Hypericum perforatum

A main component of St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum, HP) is hyperforin which has antioxidant properties in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, due to its ability to modulate NADPH oxidase and protein kinase C. Recent reports indicate that oxidative stress through NADPH oxidase activates TRPM2 channels. HP may be a useful treatment for Ca2+ entry and oxidative stress through modulation of TRPM2 channels in the DRG. We aimed to investigate the protective role of HP on Ca2+ entry and oxidative stress through TRPM2 channels in DRG neurons of rats.The native rat DRG neurons were used in whole-cell patch-clamp, Fura-2 and antioxidant experiments. Appropriate, nontoxic concentrations and incubation times for HP were determined in the DRG neurons by assessing cell viability. The H2O2-induced TRPM2 currents were inhibited by 2-aminoethyl diphenylborinate (2-APB) and N-(p-amylcinnamoyl)anthranilic acid (ACA). TRPM2 current densities and cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration in the neurons were also reduced by HP (2 and 24h). In Fura-2 experiments, cytosolic Ca2+ mobilization was reduced by voltage-gated calcium channel blockers (verapamil+diltiazem, V+D) and HP. Glutathione peroxidase activity and GSH values in the DRG were high in HP, 2-APB and V+D groups although lipid peroxidation level was low in the groups.In conclusion, we observed a protective role for HP on Ca2+ entry through a TRPM2 channel in the DRG neurons. Since over-production of oxidative stress and Ca2+ entry are implicated in the pathophysiology of neuropathic pain and neuronal inflammation, our findings may be relevant to the etiology and treatment of neuropathology in DRG neurons.

Synaptically evoked Ca2+release from intracellular stores is not influenced by vesicular zinc in CA3 hippocampal pyramidal neurones

The co-release of neuromodulatory substances in combination with classic neurotransmitters such as glutamate and GABA from individual presynaptic nerve terminals has the capacity to dramatically influence synaptic efficacy and plasticity. At hippocampal mossy fibre synapses vesicular zinc is suggested to serve as a cotransmitter capable of regulating calcium release from internal stores in postsynaptic CA3 pyramidal cells. Here we investigated this possibility using combined intracellular ratiometric calcium imaging and patch-clamp recording techniques. In acute hippocampal slices a brief train of mossy fibre stimulation produced a large, delayed postsynaptic Ca(2+) wave that was spatially restricted to the proximal apical dendrites of CA3 pyramidal cells within stratum lucidum. This calcium increase was sensitive to intracellularly applied heparin indicating reliance upon release from internal stores and was triggered by activation of both group I metabotropic glutamate and NMDA receptors. Importantly, treatment of slices with the membrane-impermeant zinc chelator CaEDTA did not influence the synaptically evoked postsynaptic Ca(2+) waves. Moreover, mossy fibre stimulus evoked postsynaptic Ca(2+) signals were not significantly different between wild-type and zinc transporter 3 (ZnT3) knock-out animals. Considered together our data do not support a role for vesicular zinc in regulating mossy fibre evoked Ca(2+) release from CA3 pyramidal cell internal stores.

The sea urchin, Paracentrotus lividus, embryo as a “bioethical” model for neurodevelopmental toxicity testing

Presently, a large effort is being made worldwide to increase the sustainability of industrial development, while preserving not only the quality of the environment but also that of animal and human life. In this work, sea urchin early developmental stages were used as a model to test the effects of the organophosphate pesticide (diazinon) on the regulation of gene expression by immunohistochemical localization of the human regulatory protein against the human OTX2. Egg exposure to diazinon did not affect fertilization; however, at concentrations 10(-5)-10(-6) M, it did cause developmental anomalies, among which was the dose-dependent alteration of the intracellular distribution of a regulatory protein that is immunologically related to the human OTX2. The severe anomalies and developmental delay observed after treatment at 10(-5) M concentration are indicators of systemic toxicity, while the results after treatment at 10(-6) M suggest a specific action of the neurotoxic compound. In this second case, exposure to diazinon caused partial delivery of the protein into the nuclei, a defective translocation that particularly affected the blastula and gastrula stages. Therefore, the possibility that neurotoxic agents such as organophosphates may damage embryonic development is taken into account. Specifically, the compounds are known to alter cytoplasmic dynamics, which play a crucial role in regulating the distribution of intracellular structures and molecules, as well as transcription factors. Speculatively, basing our assumptions on Fura2 experiments, we submit the hypothesis that this effect may be due to altered calcium dynamics, which in turn alter cytoskeleton dynamics: the asters, in fact, appear strongly positive to the OTX2 immunoreaction, in both control and exposed samples. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments seem to supply evidence to the hypothesis.

Role of basal extracellular Ca2+ entry during 5‐HT‐induced vasoconstriction of canine pulmonary arteries

1. Measurements of artery contraction, cytosolic [Ca(2+)], and Ca(2+) permeability were made to examine contractile and cytosolic [Ca(2+)] responses of canine pulmonary arteries and isolated cells to 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), and to determine the roles of intracellular Ca(2+) release and extracellular Ca(2+) entry in 5-HT responses. 2. The EC(50) for 5-HT-mediated contractions and cytosolic [Ca(2+)] increases was approximately 10(-7) M and responses were inhibited by ketanserin, a 5-HT(2A)-receptor antagonist. 3. 5-HT induced cytosolic [Ca(2+)] increases were blocked by 20 microM Xestospongin-C and by 2-APB (IC(50)=32 microM inhibitors of InsP(3) receptor activation. 4. 5-HT-mediated contractions were reliant on release of InsP(3) but not ryanodine-sensitive Ca(2+) stores. 5. 5-HT-mediated contractions and cytosolic [Ca(2+)] increases were partially inhibited by 10 microM nisoldipine, a voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channel blocker. 6. Extracellular Ca(2+) removal reduced 5-HT-mediated contractions further than nisoldipine and ablated cytosolic [Ca(2+)] increases and [Ca(2+)] oscillations. Similar to Ca(2+) removal, Ni(2+) reduced cytosolic [Ca(2+)] and [Ca(2+)] oscillations. 7. Mn(2+) quench of fura-2 and voltage-clamp experiments showed that 5-HT failed to activate any significant voltage-independent Ca(2+) entry pathways, including store-operated and receptor-activated nonselective cation channels. Ni(2+) but not nisoldipine or Gd(3+) blocked basal Mn(2+) entry. 8. Voltage-clamp experiments showed that simultaneous depletion of both InsP(3) and ryanodine-sensitive intracellular Ca(2+) stores activates a current with linear voltage dependence and a reversal potential consistent with it being a nonselective cation channel. 5-HT did not activate this current. 9. Basal Ca(2+) entry, rather than CCE, is important to maintain 5-HT-induced cytosolic [Ca(2+)] responses and contraction in canine pulmonary artery.

Stimulation of colonic anion secretion by monochloramine: action sites

During inflammatory bowel disease, reactive oxygen metabolites are released by phagocytes reacting with intraluminal NH3 to produce monochloramine (NH2Cl). NH2Cl is assumed to play role in the pathogenesis of inflammation-associated diarrhoea, as it is able to induce intestinal secretion. The aim of the present study was to determine the action sites of NH2Cl in rat colonic epithelium with Ussing chamber and fura-2 experiments. In intact mucosa, NH2Cl (5.10(-6)-10(-4) mol.l(-1)) evoked a concentration-dependent increase in short-circuit current (Isc), consistent with the induction of anion secretion, as demonstrated by anion substitution and transport blocker experiments. When the apical membrane was permeabilised by the ionophore nystatin, two basolateral action sites of NH2Cl (5.10(-5) mol.l(-1)) could be identified, i.e. an increase in the K+ conductance and a stimulation of the Na+-K+ pump. When tissues were basolaterally depolarised by a high K+ concentration, the stimulation of an apical Cl- conductance by NH2Cl was observed. In isolated colonic crypts loaded with the Ca2+-sensitive fluorescent dye fura-2, NH2Cl (5.10(-5) mol.l(-1)) evoked an increase in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration. This increase was independent from the presence of Ca2+ in the extracellular medium, but was inhibited by blockade of intracellular sarcoplasmatic, endoplasmatic Ca2+-ATPases with cyclopiazonic acid (10(-5) mol.l(-1)). The NH2Cl-evoked Ca2+ release was sensitive against inhibition of ryanodine receptors with ruthenium red (5.10(-5) mol.l(-1)) and against inhibition of inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptors with 2-aminoethoxydiphenylborate (10(-4) mol.l(-1)). Both blockers also inhibited the NH2Cl-induced increase in Isc. These results indicate that an intracellular Ca2+ release via ryanodine and/or IP3 receptors is involved in oxidant stimulation of anion secretion in rat colon.

Effects of dopamine on ion transport across the rat distal colon.

Dopamine (5.10(-6)-5.10(-4) M) induced a concentration-dependent decrease in short-circuit current (I(sc)) across the rat distal colon. This response was preceded by a transient and inconsistent increase in I(sc). The alpha-adrenoceptor blocker phentolamine and the inhibitors of dopamine-2-like (D(2)-like) receptors L-741,626 and L-745,870 inhibited the dopamine response, suggesting a contribution of adrenergic and dopaminergic receptors. The decrease in I(sc) evoked by dopamine was inhibited by bumetanide, an inhibitor of the basolateral Na(+)-K(+)-2 Cl(-) cotransporter responsible for the uptake of K(+), and by quinine, a blocker of apical K(+) channels, indicating that stimulation of K(+) secretion contributes to the measured change in I(sc). In patch-clamp experiments dopamine hyperpolarized the membrane and increased cellular K(+) current. This response was not concomitant with a change in the intracellular [Ca(2+)] as demonstrated in parallel fura-2 experiments. These results demonstrate that dopamine, like other catecholamines, stimulates colonic K(+) secretion.

Ca 2+-dependent and -independent Cl − secretion stimulated by the nitric oxide donor, GEA 3162, in rat colonic epithelium

The lipophilic nitric oxide-liberating drug, 1,2,3,4-oxatriazolium,5-amino-3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-chloride (GEA 3162), concentration-dependently induced a Cl − secretion in rat colon. At a low concentration (5×10 −5 M), the action was Ca 2+-dependent, whereas at a high concentration (5×10 −4 M), the response was independent from extracellular Ca 2+. Fura-2 experiments at isolated colonic crypts revealed that GEA 3162 induced an increase of the cytoplasmic Ca 2+ concentration due to an influx of extracellular Ca 2+, probably mediated by an activation of a nonselective cation conductance as demonstrated by whole-cell patch-clamp studies. After depolarization of the basolateral membrane, GEA 3162 (5×10 −4 M) stimulated a current, which was suppressed by glibenclamide but was resistant against blockade of protein kinases by staurosporine, suggesting an activation of apical Cl − channels directly by the nitric oxide (NO) donor. After permeabilizing the apical membrane with the ionophore, nystatin, GEA 3162 (5×10 −4 M) activated basolateral K + conductances and the Na +–K +-ATPase. Thus, the lipophilic NO donor GEA 3162 stimulates a Cl − secretion in a Ca 2+-dependent and -independent manner.

Interaction between store-operated non-selective cation channels and the Na(+)-Ca(2+) exchanger during secretion in the rat colon.

The properties of capacitative Ca(2+) influx were studied using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique in crypts isolated from rat distal colon. Store-operated cation influx was evoked by increasing the intracellular buffering capacity for Ca(2+) in the pipette solution; contamination by Cl(-) currents was reduced by the use of NMDG gluconate as the main electrolyte in the pipette solution. The permeability of the non-selective cation conductance stimulated by store depletion had the following sequence for monovalent cations: Cs(+) > Na(+) > or = Li(+). The store-operated conductance is permeable to Na(+) and Ca(2+), but in contrast to Na(+), Ca(2+) also exerts a (feedback) inhibition on its own influx. Other divalent cations shared this inhibitory action with the sequence: Ca(2+) > or = Mg(2+) > or = Ba(2+) > or = Sr(2+). Fura-2 experiments revealed that replacement of extracellular Na(+) by NMDG(+) induced an increase in the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration, which was suppressed by the Na(+)-Ca(2+) exchange inhibitor, dichlorobenzamil, indicating the presence of a Na(+)-Ca(2+) exchanger within the colonic crypt cells. In Ussing chamber experiments dichlorobenzamil induced an increase in short-circuit current (I(sc)) in the majority of tissues tested indicating that this exchanger acts as a Ca(2+)-extruding transporter under physiological conditions. When Ca(2+)-dependent anion secretion was stimulated by the acetylcholine analogue carbachol, dichlorobenzamil no longer evoked an increase in I(sc), indicating that after stimulation of the store-operated cation conductance the Na(+)-Ca(2+) exchanger is turned off. Therefore, it is concluded that the influx of Na(+) across the non-selective store-operated cation conductance serves to reduce the driving force for Ca(2+) extrusion via the Na(+)-Ca(2+) exchanger and thereby maintains the increase in the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration during induction of secretion. Experimental Physiology (2001) 86.4, 461-468.

The Orexin OX1 Receptor Activates a Novel Ca2+ Influx Pathway Necessary for Coupling to Phospholipase C

Ca(2+) elevations in Chinese hamster ovary cells stably expressing OX(1) receptors were measured using fluorescent Ca(2+) indicators fura-2 and fluo-3. Stimulation with orexin-A led to pronounced Ca(2+) elevations with an EC(50) around 1 nm. When the extracellular [Ca(2+)] was reduced to a submicromolar concentration, the EC(50) was increased 100-fold. Similarly, the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate production in the presence of 1 mm external Ca(2+) was about 2 orders of magnitude more sensitive to orexin-A stimulation than in low extracellular Ca(2+). The shift in the potency was not caused by depletion of intracellular Ca(2+) but by a requirement of extracellular Ca(2+) for production of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate. Fura-2 experiments with the "Mn(2+)-quench technique" indicated a direct activation of a cation influx pathway by OX(1) receptor independent of Ca(2+) release or pool depletion. Furthermore, depolarization of the cells to +60 mV, which almost nullifies the driving force for Ca(2+) entry, abolished the Ca(2+) response to low concentrations of orexin-A. The results thus suggest that OX(1) receptor activation leads to two responses, (i) a Ca(2+) influx and (ii) a direct stimulation of phospholipase C, and that these two responses converge at the level of phospholipase C where the former markedly enhances the potency of the latter.

Insulin induces cation fluxes and increases intracellular calcium in the HTC rat hepatoma cell line.

Rat hepatoma HTC cells were used to study conductive pathways implicated in insulin-induced cation and calcium influx into liver cells. Membrane potentials and currents were measured by whole-cell patch clamp. Cytosolic calcium was measured using FURA-2 fluorescence. Insulin induced a gradual and reversible depolarization of 5.7+/-0.8 mV. Insulin-induced currents showed a linear slope conductance of 663 pS and a reversal potential of -17.9 mV. Ion substitution experiments showed that these currents were composed mainly of a nonselective cation component. In FURA-2 experiments, insulin caused a slow monophasic rise in HTC cell calcium, which depended on the presence of extracellular calcium. Insulin also induced significant increases of 1.58- and 1.54-fold in basal calcium influx when studied by external calcium withdrawal and readmission, or by the manganese quench method, respectively. Using the latter approach, we found that 100 microM gadolinium and 10 microM SKF96365 blocked the rise of the basal manganese quench rate induced by insulin whereas 100 microM verapamil was without effect. Insulin induces inward cation currents that depolarize HTC cell membrane potentials and participate in increased calcium influx.

Electrogenic Ca2+ entry in the rat colonic epithelium.

Capacitative Ca2+ entry in isolated rat colonic crypts was induced by dialysing the cells in the whole-cell patch-clamp mode with a pipette solution having a high Ca(2+)-buffering capacity. Under these conditions crypt cell resting potential was lower than normal. Flufe-namate, La3+ and Gd3+, blockers of non-selective cation channels, hyperpolarized the crypt cells and decreased membrane current. This current exhibited a cation selectivity of Na+>Ca2+. In contrast to Na+, Ca(2+) inhibited the current at concentrations exceeding 1 mmol/l. Indirect evidence suggests that the non-selective cation conductance is activated after stimulation of muscarinic receptors. Carbachol, a cholinergic agonist, evoked a transient hyperpolarization and an increase in membrane outwards current. The half-time of the decay of the carbachol response was shortened strongly in the presence of La3+. Fura-2 experiments with isolated crypts confirmed that La3+ inhibited the carbachol-induced increase in intracellular Ca2+. In parallel Ussing chamber experiments, La3+ suppressed the induction of Cl- secretion by carbachol. These results demonstrate that a non-selective cation conductance activated by store depletion may be involved in the regulation of electrolyte transport by agonists of the Ca2+ signalling pathway.

Maitotoxin-Induced Calcium Influx in Erythrocyte Ghosts and Rat Glioma C6 Cells, and Blockade by Gangliosides and Other Membrane Lipids

Maitotoxin (MTX) at 0.3 nM elicited a 10-20-fold increase in the level of Ca(2+) influx in rat glioma C6 cells. At higher doses (3-30 nM), MTX induced marked Ca(2+) influx in human erythrocyte ghosts when monitored with the fluorescent dye Fura-2. Although the ghosts were not as susceptible to MTX as intact erythrocytes or other cell lines, Fura-2 experiments under various conditions suggested that the MTX-induced entry of ions into the ghosts was mediated by a mechanism similar to that reported for cells or tissues. These ghosts are the simplest system known to be sensitive to MTX and thus may be suitable for research on the direct action of MTX. Gangliosides GM1 and GM3, glycosphingolipids which have a sialic acid residue, strongly inhibited MTX-induced Ca(2+) influx in C6 cells, while the inhibitory action by asialo-GM1, which lacks a sialic acid residue, was somewhat weaker. Their inhibitory potencies were in the following order: GM1 (IC(50) approximately 2 microM) > GM3 (IC(50) approximately 5 microM) > asialo-GM1 (IC(50) approximately 20 microM). GM1 (3 microM) completely blocked MTX (30 nM)-induced Ca(2+) influx in human erythrocyte ghosts. When C6 cells were pretreated with tunicamycin, an antibiotic which inhibits N-linked glycosylation, or concanavalin A, a lectin which exhibits a high affinity for cell-surface oligosaccharides, MTX-induced Ca(2+) influx was significantly potentiated. This suggests that removal of oligosaccharides from the cell surface by tunicamycin or capping of sugar chains on plasma membranes by concanavalin A can potentiate the action of MTX.

In vivo pathway of thermal hyperalgesia by intrathecal administration of alpha,beta-methylene ATP in mouse spinal cord: involvement of the glutamate-NMDA receptor system.

1. The aim of the present study is to characterize the role of the P2X receptor in spinal nociceptive processing in vivo. We investigated the mechanisms of the P2X receptor agonist alpha,beta-methylene ATP (alpha,betameATP)-induced modulation of acute nociceptive signalling in mouse spinal cord. 2. Intrathecal administration of alpha,betameATP produced a significant and dose-dependent thermal hyperalgesic response. This response was completely blocked by intrathecal pretreatment with the non-selective P2 receptor antagonist, pyridoxal-phosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulphonate (PPADS) and the selective P2X1, P2X3 and P2X2-3 receptor antagonist, 2',3'-O-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)adenosine 5'-triphosphate (TNP-ATP). Pretreatment with alpha,betameATP 15, 30 and 60 min prior to administration of a second dose of alpha,betameATP diminished the alpha,betameATP-induced thermal hyperalgesia. 3. A potent agonist for the P2X1 receptor, beta,gamma-methylene-L-ATP, did not show the hyperalgesic response, indicating that the P2X1 receptor is not involved in the spinal nociceptive pathway. 4. In fura-2 experiments using mouse dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, alpha,betameATP (100 microM) increased intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i). This was not produced by a second application of alpha,betameATP. The same DRG neurons also showed a marked [Ca2+]i increase in response to capsaicin (3 microM). 5. Intrathecal pretreatment with the Ca2+-dependent exocytosis inhibitor, botulinum neurotoxin B, abolished the thermal hyperalgesia by alpha,betameATP. Furthermore, thermal hyperalgesia was significantly inhibited by the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists, 2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoate (APV), dizocilpine and ifenprodil. 6. These findings suggest that alpha,betameATP-induced thermal hyperalgesia may be mediated by the spinal P2X3 receptor subtype that causes unresponsiveness by repetitive agonist applications, and that alpha,betameATP (perhaps through P2X3 receptors) may evoke spinal glutamate release which, in turn, leads to the generation of thermal hyperalgesia via activation of NMDA receptors.

Calcium current activated by muscarinic receptors and thapsigargin in neuronal cells.

The activation of muscarinic receptors in N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells elicits a voltage-independent calcium current. The current turns on slowly, reaches its maximum value approximately 45 s after applying the agonist, is sustained as long as agonist is present, and recovers by one half in approximately 10 s after washing the agonist away. The current density is 0.11 +/- 0.08 pA/pF (mean +/- SD; n = 12). It is absent in zero-Ca++ saline and reduced by Mn++ and Ba++. The I(V) curve characterizing the current has an extrapolated reversal potential > +40 mV. The calcium current is observed in cells heavily loaded with BAPTA indicating that the calcium entry pathway is not directly gated by calcium. In fura-2 experiments, we find that muscarinic activation causes an elevation of intracellular Ca++ that is due to both intracellular calcium release and calcium influx. The component of the signal that requires external Ca++ has the same time course as the receptor operated calcium current. Calcium influx measured in this way elevates (Ca++)i by 89 +/- 41 nM (n = 7). Thapsigargin, an inhibitor of Ca++/ATPase associated with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), activates a calcium current with similar properties. The current density is 0.22 +/- 0.20 pA/pF (n = 6). Thapsigargin activated current is reduced by Mn++ and Ba++ and increased by elevated external Ca++. Calcium influx activated by thapsigargin elevates (Ca++)i by 82 +/- 35 nM. The Ca++ currents due to agonist and due to thapsigargin do not sum, indicating that these procedures activate the same process. Carbachol and thapsigargin both cause calcium release from internal stores and the calcium current bears strong similarity to calcium-release-activated calcium currents in nonexcitable cells (Hoth, M., and R. Penner. 1993. Journal of Physiology. 465:359-386; Zweifach, A., and R. S. Lewis, 1993. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, USA. 90:6295-6299).