Intracellular Calcium Ion Levels Research Articles

Mechanisms of cadmium carcinogenicity in the gastrointestinal tract.

Cancer, a serious public health problem in worldwide, results from an excessive and uncontrolled proliferation of the body cells without obvious physiological demands of organs. The gastrointestinal tract, including the esophagus, stomach and intestine, is a unique organ system. It has the highest cancer incidence and cancer- related mortality in the body and is influenceed by both genetic and environmental factors. Among the various chemical elements recognized in the nature, some of them including zinc, iron, cobalt, and copper have essential roles in the various biochemical and physiological processes, but only at low levels and others such as cadmium, lead, mercury, arsenic, and nickel are considered as threats for human health especially with chronic exposure at high levels. Cadmium, an environment contaminant, cannot be destroyed in nature. Through impairment of vitamin D metabolism in the kidney it causes nephrotoxicity and subsequently bone metabolism impairment and fragility. The major mechanisms involved in cadmium carcinogenesis could be related to the suppression of gene expression, inhibition of DNA damage repair, inhibition of apoptosis, and induction of oxidative stress. In addition, cadmium may act through aberrant DNA methylation. Cadmium affects multiple cellular processes, including signal transduction pathways, cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Down-regulation of methyltransferases enzymes and reduction of DNA methylation have been stated as epigenetic effects of cadmium. Furthermore, increasing intracellular free calcium ion levels induces neuronal apoptosis in addition to other deleterious influence on the stability of the genome.

Role of Calcium Signaling in B Cell Activation and Biology.

Increase in intracellular levels of calcium ions (Ca2+) is one of the key triggering signals for the development of B cell response to the antigen. The diverse Ca2+ signals finely controlled by multiple factors participate in the regulation of gene expression, B cell development, and effector functions. B cell receptor (BCR)-initiated Ca2+ mobilization is sourced from two pathways: one is the release of Ca2+ from the intracellular stores, endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and other is the prolonged influx of extracellular Ca2+ induced by depleting the stores via store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) and calcium release-activated calcium (CRAC) channels. The identification of stromal interaction molecule 1(STIM1), the ER Ca2+ sensor, and Orai1, a key subunit of the CRAC channel pore, has now provided the tools to understand the mode of Ca2+ influx regulation and physiological relevance. Herein, we discuss our current understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying BCR-triggered Ca2+ signaling as well as its contribution to the B cell biological processes and diseases.

Tetrandrine Inhibits the Intracellular Calcium Ion Level and Upregulates the Expression of Brg1 and AHNAK in Hep-2 Cells.

Tetrandrine has been found to inhibit the growth of various types of tumor cells, but the underlying molecular mechanism remains to be determined. We aimed to investigate the effects of tetrandrine on human laryngeal carcinoma Hep-2 cells. Cell viability was tested using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The cell cycle was analyzed using flow cytometric analysis. The intracellular Ca2+ concentration was monitored using the membrane-permeable Ca(2+)-sensitive fluorescent probe fluo-3 acetoxymethyl ester-AM (Fluo3-AM). The mRNA and protein expression of Brgl and AHNAK were evaluated by real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and immunocytochemistry, respectively. Tetrandrine significantly inhibited the proliferation of Hep-2 cells as indicated by an IC50 value of 13.28 μg/mL. Tetrandrine induced cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase and decreased the intracellular concentration of Ca2+ in a concentration dependent manner. Intriguingly, tetrandrine upregulated Brg1 expression in a dose-and time-dependent pattern and elevated the expression of AHNAK in Hep-2 cells. Our results suggest that tetrandrine may inhibit the growth of Hep-2 cells by decreasing the intracellular concentration of Ca2+ and upregulating the expressions of Brg1 and AHNAK.

Angiotensin II has acute effects on TRPC6 channels in podocytes of freshly isolated glomeruli

A key role for podocytes in the pathogenesis of proteinuric renal diseases has been established. Angiotensin II causes depolarization and increased intracellular calcium concentration in podocytes; members of the cation TRPC channels family, particularly TRPC6, are proposed as proteins responsible for calcium flux. Angiotensin II evokes calcium transient through TRPC channels and mutations in the gene encoding the TRPC6 channel result in the development of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Here we examined the effects of angiotensin II on intracellular calcium ion levels and endogenous channels in intact podocytes of freshly isolated decapsulated mouse glomeruli. An ion channel with distinct TRPC6 properties was identified in wild type, but was absent in TRPC6 knockout mice. Single channel electrophysiological analysis found that angiotensin II acutely activated native TRPC-like channels in both podocytes of freshly isolated glomeruli and TRPC6 channels transiently overexpressed in CHO cells; the effect was mediated by changes in the channel open probability. Angiotensin II evoked intracellular calcium transients in the wild type podocytes, which was blunted in TRPC6 knockout glomeruli. Pan-TRPC inhibitors gadolinium and SKF 96365 reduced the response in wild type glomerular epithelial cells, whereas the transient in TRPC6 knockout animals was not affected. Thus, angiotensin II-dependent activation of TRPC6 channels in podocytes may have a significant role in the development of kidney diseases.

Behavioral palatability of dietary fatty acids correlates with the intracellular calcium ion levels induced by the fatty acids in GPR120-expressing cells.

We recently reported that G-protein-coupled receptor 120 (GPR120) is expressed on taste buds, and that rodents showed preference for long-chain fatty acids (LCFA) at a low concentration. We also showed that the LCFA (1% linoleic acid) increased the extracellular dopamine (DA) level in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), which participates in reward behavior. However, the mechanism underlying the involvement of the GPR120-agonistic activity of LCFA in the palatability of dietary fat remains elusive. Therefore, we examined the association between the GPR120-agonistic activity and palatability of LCFA. First, we measured Ca(2+) signaling in HEK293 cells stably expressing GPR120 under stimulation by various LCFAs. We then assessed the palatability of the various LCFAs by testing the licking behavior in mice and measured the changes in the NAc-DA level by in vivo microdialysis. Consequently, 14- to 22-carbon unsaturated LCFAs showed strong GPR120-agonistic activity. Additionally, mice displayed high licking response to unsaturated 16- and 18-carbon LCFAs, and unsaturated 18-carbon LCFA significantly increased the DA level. The licking rate and the LCFA-dependent increase in DA level also correlated well with the GPR120- agonistic activity. These findings demonstrate that chemoreception of LCFA by GPR120 is involved in the recognition and palatability of dietary fat.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles inhibit Ca2+-ATPase expression in human lens epithelial cells under UVB irradiation

Epidemiological and experimental studies have revealed that lens epithelial cells exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) light could be induced apoptosis, and lens epithelial cell apoptosis can initiate cataractogenesis. Posterior capsular opacification (PCO), the most frequent complication after cataract surgery, is induced by the proliferation, differentiation, migration of lens epithelial cells. Thus, inhibiting the proliferation of lens epithelial cells could reduce the occurrence of PCO. It is reported that zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles have great potential for the application of biomedical field including cancer treatment. In the present study, we investigated the cytotoxic effect of ZnO nanoparticles on human lens epithelial cell (HLEC) viability. In addition, changes in cell nuclei, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species and intracellular calcium ion levels were also investigated after cells treated with ZnO nanoparticles in the presence and absence of UVB irradiation. Meanwhile, the expression of plasma membrane calcium ATPase 1 (PMCA1) was also determined at gene and protein levels. The results indicate that ZnO nanoparticles and UVB irradiation have synergistic inhibitory effect on HLEC proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner. ZnO nanoparticles can increase the intracellular calcium ion level, disrupt the intracellular calcium homeostasis, and decrease the expression level of PMCA1. UVB irradiation can strengthen the effect of reduced expression of PMCA1, suggesting that both UVB irradiation and ZnO nanoparticles could exert inhibitory effect on HLECs via calcium-mediated signaling pathway. ZnO nanoparticles have great potential for the treatment of PCO under UVB irradiation.

Effects of polybrominated diphenyl ether-153 lactation exposure on the concentrations of intracellular calcium ion and calcium-activated related enzymes levels of adult rats' cerebral cortex

To investigate the effects of polybrominated diphenyl ether-153 (BDE-153) exposure during lactation period on the calcium ion (Ca(2+)) concentration and calcium-activated enzyme levels in cerebral cortical cells among adult rats and to provide a scientific basis for the study on the developmental neurotoxicity of BDE-153. Forty newborn male rats were randomly and equally divided into four groups according to their body weights and litters: 1, 5, and 10 mg/kg BDE-153 groups and olive oil solvent control group. On postnatal day 10 (PND 10), the BDE-153 groups were administrated BDE-153 (0.1 ml/10 g body weight) by intraperitoneal injection, while the olive oil solvent control group was given an equal volume of olive oil. Two months later, these rats were decapitated, and the cerebral cortex was separated quickly on an ice-cold dish. The Ca(2+) concentration in cerebral cortical cells was measured by flow cytometry. The activities of calcineurin (CaN) and Ca(2+)-Mg(2+)-ATP enzyme were determined by colorimetric method. The mRNA and protein expression of calpain-1 and calpain-2 was measured by real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot. The mean fluorescence intensities of intracellular Ca(2+) in control group and 1, 5, and 10 mg/kg BDE-153 groups were 10.83, 1.48, 1.93, and 0.62, respectively; the 1, 5, and 10 mg/kg BDE-153 groups had significantly lower intercellular Ca(2+) concentrations than the control group (P < 0.05). The activities of CaN and Ca(2+)-Mg(2+)-ATP enzyme and mRNA and protein expression of calpain-1 showed no significant differences between the 1, 5, and 10 mg/kg BDE-153 groups and control group (P > 0.05). The protein expression of calpain-2 increased as the dose of BDE-153 rose. Compared with the control group (mRNA: 0.81±0.26; protein: 0.15±0.07), the 5 and 10 mg/kg BDE-153 groups had significantly higher mRNA expression of calpain-2 (5 mg/kg BDE-153 group: 1.16±0.52; 10 mg/kg BDE-153 group: 1.32±0.23) and significantly higher protein expression of calpain-2 (5 mg/kg BDE-153 group: 0.31±0.07; 10 mg/kg BDE-153 group: 0.37±0.06) (P < 0.05). The 10 mg/kg BDE-153 group had significantly higher protein expression of calpain-2 than the 1 mg/kg BDE-153 group (0.37±0.06 vs 0.22±0.07, P < 0.05). Ca(2+-) mediated calpain-2 activation may be one of the main mechanisms of BDE-153 neurotoxicity.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles decrease the expression and activity of plasma membrane calcium ATPase, disrupt the intracellular calcium homeostasis in rat retinal ganglion cells

Zinc oxide nanoparticle is one of the most important materials with diverse applications. However, it has been reported that zinc oxide nanoparticles are toxic to organisms, and that oxidative stress is often hypothesized to be an important factor in cytotoxicity mediated by zinc oxide nanoparticles. Nevertheless, the mechanism of toxicity of zinc oxide nanoparticles has not been completely understood. In this study, we investigated the cytotoxic effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles and the possible molecular mechanism involved in calcium homeostasis mediated by plasma membrane calcium ATPase in rat retinal ganglion cells. Real-time cell electronic sensing assay showed that zinc oxide nanoparticles could exert cytotoxic effect on rat retinal ganglion cells in a concentration-dependent manner; flow cytometric analysis indicated that zinc oxide nanoparticles could lead to cell damage by inducing the overproduction of reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, zinc oxide nanoparticles could also apparently decrease the expression level and their activity of plasma membrane calcium ATPase, which finally disrupt the intracellular calcium homeostasis and result in cell death. Taken together, zinc oxide nanoparticles could apparently decrease the plasma membrane calcium ATPase expression, inhibit their activity, cause the elevated intracellular calcium ion level and disrupt the intracellular calcium homeostasis. Further, the disrupted calcium homeostasis will trigger mitochondrial dysfunction, generate excessive reactive oxygen species, and finally initiate cell death. Thus, the disrupted calcium homeostasis is involved in the zinc oxide nanoparticle-induced rat retinal ganglion cell death.

The effect of guggulipid and nimesulide on MPTP-induced mediators of neuroinflammation in rat astrocytoma cells, C6

Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease (PD) but its mechanism is still not properly explored. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibition has also been known a major neuroprotective strategy in the various 1-methyl-4-phenyl 1,2,3,6 tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) induced models of Parkinson’s disease (PD) but its role in astrocytes is still not properly understood. The present study demonstrated that, guggulipid and nimesulide (preferentially selective COX-2 inhibitor) treatment of rat astrocytoma cells, C6 for 24h significantly decreased MPTP (400μM) induced nitrative and oxidative stress and intracellular calcium ion (Ca2+) level. Guggulipid and nimesulide also deactivated MPTP-induced P-p38 MAPK (Phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase) and down regulated expressions of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and CHOP (C/EBP, homologous protein 10). At transcriptional level of inflammatory cytokine genes, guggulipid and nimesulide down regulated MPTP-induced tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) mRNA expressions with up regulations in interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1α (IL-1α) mRNA expressions. In addition to this, guggulipid and nimesulide inhibited translocation of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) from cytosol to nucleus. In conclusion, our findings elucidated the potential antioxidant and anti-neuroinflammatory effect of guggulipid and nimesulide in rat astrocytoma cells C6, which may suggest the use of these drugs in the management of neuroinflammation associated pathophysiology of PD.

The effect of methylmercury exposure on behavior and cerebellar granule cell physiology in aged mice

Epidemiology studies have clearly documented that the central nervous system is highly susceptible to methylmercury toxicity, and exposure to this neurotoxicant in humans primarily results from consumption of contaminated fish. While the effects of methylmercury exposure have been studied in great detail, comparatively little is known about the effects of moderate to low dose methylmercury toxicity in the aging central nervous system. We examined the toxic effects of a moderate dose of methylmercury on the aging mouse cerebellum. Male and female C57BL/6 mice at 16-20 months of age were exposed to methylmercury by feeding a total dose of 5.0 mg kg(-1) body weight and assessed using four behavioral tests. Methylmercury-treated aged mice performed significantly worse in open field, footprint analysis and the vertical pole test compared with age-matched control mice. Isolated cerebellar granule cells from methylmercury-treated aged mice exhibited higher levels of reactive oxygen species and reduced mitochondrial membrane potentials, but no differences in basal intracellular calcium ion levels compared with age-matched control mice. When aged mice were exposed to a moderate dose of methylmercury, they exhibited a similar degree of impairment when compared with young adult mice exposed to the same moderate dose of methylmercury, as reported in earlier studies from this laboratory. Thus, at least in mice, exposure of the aged brain to moderate concentrations methylmercury does not pose greater risk compared with the young adult brain exposed to similar concentrations of methylmercury.

Investigation on signal transduction pathways after H1 receptor activated by histamine in C6 glioma cells: Involvement of phosphatidylinositol and arachidonic acid metabolisms

BackgroundInformation related to histamine-induced cellular responses in C6 glioma cells through second messenger pathways has not been fully studied, especially the involvement of arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism. In addition, specific labeled ligand binding to histamine receptor sites still needs to be clarified. MethodsLabeled mepyramine ligand was used to study its binding sites; [3H] inositol was used to detect inositol 4-phosphate (IP1) formation, and fura-2/AM was used to detect intracellular free calcium ion ([Ca2+]i) level activated by the phosphatidylinositol-phospholipase C (PI-PLC) pathway. Also, labeled AA was used to detect the metabolism of AA and its metabolites release via the activation of phospholipase A2 in the presence of histamine. ResultsC6 glioma cells incubated with histamine in the presence of 10 mM LiCl for 60 minutes induced an increase of IP1 and glycerophosphoric-inositol (GPI) accumulation. In addition, histamine caused an increase of extracellular AA with its metabolite release, eliciting a transient and sustained increase of free [Ca2+]i. The sustained increase of [Ca2+]i was almost or completely blocked by La3+ and excess ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid. The calcium ion influx associated with the sustained phase required the presence of histamine on the receptor sites, and could be blocked by a H1 antagonist, chlorpheniramine. ConclusionC6 glioma cells possess histamine H1 receptors that have affinity towards [3H]mepyramine binding, and are coupled to PI-PLC to generate inositol phosphates and to increase [Ca2+]i, and they are coupled to phospholipase A2 (PLA2) to generate GPI and AA with its metabolite release. The transient increase in [Ca2+]i can be attributed to Ca2+ release from intracellular stores, whereas the sustained increase in [Ca2+]i is due to influx of extracellular calcium ions. The sustained increase in [Ca2+]i plays a role in the activation of histamine receptor-coupled PLA2.

An optimized molecular inclusion complex of diferuloylmethane: enhanced physical properties and biological activity

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to explore and evaluate the enhanced physical properties and biological activity of a molecular inclusion complex (MICDH) comprising diferuloylmethane (DFM) and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin.MethodsThe preparation conditions of MICDH were optimized using an orthogonal experimental design. The solubility, in vitro release and model fitting, microscopic morphology, molecular structure simulation, anti-lung cancer activity, and action mechanism of MICDH were evaluated.ResultsThe solubility of DFM was improved 4400-fold upon complexation with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin. The release rate of DFM was significantly higher from MICDH than from free DFM. MICDH exhibited higher antitumor activity against human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells than free DFM. More cells were arrested in the S/G2 phase of the cell cycle or were induced to undergo apoptosis when treated with MICDH than when treated with free DFM. Furthermore, increased reactive oxygen species and intracellular calcium ion levels and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential were observed in cells treated with MICDH.ConclusionMICDH markedly improved the physical properties and antitumor activity of DFM. MICDH may prove to be a preferred alternative to free DFM as a formulation for DFM delivery in lung cancer treatment.

Shedding Light on Sperm pHertility

The acquisition of fertilization capacity by sperm is regulated by intracellular pH (pH(i)), but the transport pathways that regulate pH(i) are not well understood. Lishko et al. (2010) now report that Hv1, the voltage-sensitive proton channel, is present in human sperm and is an important regulator of the functional maturation of sperm.

Taurine protects against bilirubin-induced neurotoxicity in vitro

Kernicterus is a bilirubin-induced encephalopathy in newborn. Its spectrum ranges from subtle extrapyramidal to acute encephalopathy and chronic posticteric sequelae. Current treatment of this serious problem is far from optimal. Taurine has been documented to have protective effects on neuronal cells against ischemia in vivo and in vitro. This study used primary neuronal culture to investigate the toxicological effects of unconjugated bilirubin (UCB) and the protection of taurine against UCB-mediated neuron damage. Dose-dependent reduction of cell viability was found. Changes in neurite outgrowth preceded the reduction of cell viability. The bilirubin-mediated neurotoxicity is mainly due to increased rate of cell apoptosis and higher levels of intracellular free calcium ion level. Taurine dramatically improved cell viability in cultured neurons exposed to 12.5 µM UCB. Taurine pretreatment reduced UCB-mediated apoptotic cell death in primary cultured neurons in a concentration-dependent manner, which was associated with reversal of the increased intracellular free calcium ion levels caused by UCB. This study suggests the potential of taurine as a broad-spectrum agent for preventing and/or treating neuronal damage in neonatal jaundice.

Extracellular β‐nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (β‐NAD) promotes the endothelial cell barrier integrity via PKA‐ and EPAC1/Rac1‐dependent actin cytoskeleton rearrangement

Extracellular beta-NAD is known to elevate intracellular levels of calcium ions, inositol 1,4,5-trisphate and cAMP. Recently, beta-NAD was identified as an agonist for P2Y1 and P2Y11 purinergic receptors. Since beta-NAD can be released extracellularly from endothelial cells (EC), we have proposed its involvement in the regulation of EC permeability. Here we show, for the first time, that endothelial integrity can be enhanced in EC endogenously expressing beta-NAD-activated purinergic receptors upon beta-NAD stimulation. Our data demonstrate that extracellular beta-NAD increases the transendothelial electrical resistance (TER) of human pulmonary artery EC (HPAEC) monolayers in a concentration-dependent manner indicating endothelial barrier enhancement. Importantly, beta-NAD significantly attenuated thrombin-induced EC permeability as well as the barrier-compromising effects of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial toxins representing the barrier-protective function of beta-NAD. Immunofluorescence microscopy reveals more pronounced staining of cell-cell junctional protein VE-cadherin at the cellular periphery signifying increased tightness of the cell-cell contacts after beta-NAD stimulation. Interestingly, inhibitory analysis (pharmacological antagonists and receptor sequence specific siRNAs) indicates the participation of both P2Y1 and P2Y11 receptors in beta-NAD-induced TER increase. beta-NAD-treatment attenuates the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced phosphorylation of myosin light chain (MLC) indicating its involvement in barrier protection. Our studies also show the involvement of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A and EPAC1 pathways as well as small GTPase Rac1 in beta-NAD-induced EC barrier enhancement. With these results, we conclude that beta-NAD regulates the pulmonary EC barrier integrity via small GTPase Rac1- and MLCP- dependent signaling pathways.

Effect of Vanadate on ATP-Induced Increase in Intracellular Calcium Ion Levels in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

We investigated the effect of ammonium vanadate (vanadate) on ATP-induced increases in intracellular calcium ion level ([Ca(2+)](i)) of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) by fluorescence confocal microscopic imaging using the Ca(2+)-sensitive probe Calcium Green 1/AM. The ATP analogue 2-methylthio-ATP (2meS-ATP), at 10 microM, significantly increased the [Ca(2+)](i) of HUVEC, and this was abolished by 1 microM thapsigargin (a calcium pump inhibitor), whereas extracellular free calcium had no effect. Vanadate at 10 microM also significantly increased the [Ca(2+)](i) of HUVEC, which was abolished by 1 microM thapsigargin. However, vanadate at 1 microM did not exert such a significant effect. We thus examined the influence of < or =1 microM vanadate for 24 h on 2meS-ATP-induced increase in [Ca(2+)](i). Vanadate significantly reduced the action of 2meS-ATP at 1 microM but not at 0.1 microM. Endogenously released ATP is known to induce various actions on endothelial cells. The present results suggest that vanadate exerts a regulatory influence on the function of vascular endothelial cells.

Mercury chloride triggers human mast cells to release vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-relevance to autism (38.26)

Abstract Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are pervasive neurodevelopmental disorders of early childhood. There is no pathogenesis or curative therapy. Many ASD patients have "allergic" symptoms and food intolerance; moreover, the prevalence of ASD in patients with mastocytosis is 10-fold higher than the general population, suggesting mast cell involvement. A recent paper with data from the Vaccine Safety Datalink showed significantly increased rate ratios for ASD with mercury exposure from vaccines. We, therefore, investigated the effect of HgCl2 on VEGF secretion, intracellular calcium ion levels and viability of human cultured mast cells. HgCl2 induced statistically significant VEGF release from mast cells at 0.1-10 µM (n=3, p&amp;lt;0.05), but without a dose-dependent relationship; viability was unaffected. To study the mechanism of action, we investigated intracellular calcium ions. HgCl2 increased intracellular calcium ion levels within 15 min. Mast cell stimulation by HgCl2, possibly in combination with other triggers such as viruses, stress hormones or toxins at a vulnerable young age to release VEGF, which is also vasodilatory could disrupt the gut-blood-brain barriers and permit brain inflammation contributing to ASD pathogenesis. This work was supported by Theta Biomedical Consulting and Development Co., Inc. (Brookline, MA).

Analysis of Localized Calcium Alteration During Neural Cell Death

Fluctuations in intracellular calcium ion (Ca2+i) levels are believed to participate in a myriad of physiological and pathological intracellular events. In an attempt to investigate localized alterations in Ca2+i dynamics in a cell-based neurodegeneration model, we used Fura-2/AM dye to monitor Ca2+i ion levels in the human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells induced to undergo apoptosis with 500 nM staurosporine (STS) over a 24 h period. Using rapid illumination frequency at 5 Hz per 340/380 nm excitation wavelength pair, streaming image acquisition and analysis of 12 very small regions of interest (ROI) of ∼86.5 μm2 in either peri-nuclear (PN) or distal (DST) cytoplasmic locations, we captured micro-regional signals (“Ca2+i ripples”) at selected eight time points that were analyzed for dynamic changes in peak Ca2+i amplitudes and frequencies across both STS exposure times and CCh treatment with standard methods consisting of nonlinear curve-fitting and fast Fourier transform, respectively, and with a novel method of recurrence quantification analysis. Their results, although at times mixed or conflicting, showed that there may indeed be alterations in local Ca2+i signaling/dynamic which are biologically valid and sometimes differ from the global Ca2+i signaling/dynamic of whole cytoplasms. I propose, then, that, at least for intrinsic apoptosis, an early activation of caspases leads to cleavages of increasingly more IP3 receptors and sarco-/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase of ER which may enhance Ca2+i release by the former and inhibit uptake by the latter. Ultimately, this results in the accumulation of the ion that starts locally and heterogeneously until spreading by waves and becoming more apparent at the whole cytoplasmic scale.

Effects of ATP on the Intracellular Calcium Level in the Osteoblastic TBR31-2 Cell Line

We investigated the effects of extracellular ATP on TBR31-2 cells established from the bone marrow of transgenic mice harboring the temperature-sensitive simian virus (SV) 40 T-antigen gene. These cells showed the capacity to differentiate toward osteoblasts and could be enhanced by bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2, an inducer of osteoblasts. The intracellular calcium ion level ([Ca(2+)](i)) in differentiating TBR31-2 cells was measured by fluorescence confocal microscopic imaging using the Ca(2+)-sensitive probe, Calcium Green 1/AM. P2 receptor agonists, such as ATP (1 microM), uridine 5'-triphosphate (1 microM), and ADP (1 microM), significantly increased the [Ca(2+)](i) of TBR31-2 cells in 2-d and 5-d cultures, but a potent P2X receptor agonist, alpha,beta-methylene ATP (10 microM), did not increase [Ca(2+)](i). The increase in [Ca(2+)](i) induced by ATP in the 2-d culture tended to be higher than in the 5-d culture. The increase in [Ca(2+)](i) of both cultures was inhibited by pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulphonic acid, a P2 receptor antagonist. However, in an external Ca(2+)-free condition ATP-induced increase in [Ca(2+)](i) was unchanged at either stage. U73122, phospholipase C inhibitor and Thapsigargin, a calcium-pump inhibitor, significantly inhibited the increase in [Ca(2+)](i) at both stages. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that the expression of P2Y receptor mRNA was higher in the 2-d culture than in the 5-d culture. These results indicate that ATP induces the increase in [Ca(2+)](i) from the calcium store through activating P2Y receptors in TBR31-2 cells and that the 2-d culture can respond to ATP more than the 5-d culture due to the higher expression of P2Y receptors. This suggests that the physiological role of ATP in osteoblasts is altered during differentiation.

Verapamil Inhibits L-type Calcium Channel Mediated Apoptosis in Human Colon Cancer Cells

Treatment with calcium channel blockers have been associated with increased colon cancer mortality in epidemiologic studies. We examined the potential expression and function of calcium channels in two human colon cancer cell lines. Both primary (collected at operation) and commercially-available human colon cancer cell lines were used. The colon cancer cells were incubated with a calcium channel blocker (verapamil) and a calcium channel agonist (BayK 8644) at clinically relevant concentrations. L-type calcium channel mRNA was determined by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Intracellular calcium ion levels were measured with fluorometry and apoptosis with flow cytometry. Both types of cells expressed L-type calcium channel mRNA, comprising an alpha-1D and a beta-3 subunit, whereas the cells were negative for N-type and P-type channels. The selective calcium channel agonist (BayK 8644), dose-dependently increased intracellular calcium ion levels and the level of apoptosis in primary human colon cancer cells. Pretreatment with verapamil completely abolished both calcium channel agonist-induced influx of calcium and apoptosis in these cells. These data demonstrate that human colon cancer cells express L-type calcium channels that mediate calcium influx and apoptosis, which warrants further studies to determine whether calcium channel blockers may promote colon cancer growth.