Magnitude Of Ca2 Research Articles

Human cytomegalovirus modulates the Ca 2+ response to vasopressin and ATP in fibroblast cultures

The free calcium concentrations in the nucleus ([Ca 2+] n) and in cytosol ([Ca 2+] c) of cultured human embryonic lung (HEL) fibroblasts were estimated by confocal laser microscopy using the Ca 2+-indicator Indo-1. In resting HEL cells, the free cellular Ca 2+-concentration significantly increased upon human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection. The ratio between [Ca 2+] n and [Ca 2+] c was not affected. Following stimulation by ATP or [Arg 8] vasopressin (AVP), a differential Ca 2+ response of the HCMV-infected HEL cells was observed. While uninfected cells were highly sensitive to AVP and only poorly sensitive to ATP, infected cells showed a high responsiveness to ATP but not to AVP. This switch in sensitivity to the agonists was first observed at 24 h post infection. The Ca 2+-rise following ATP or AVPD stimulation was derived from intracellular Ca 2+ stores. The magnitude of the ATP-induced Ca 2+-rise increased upon infection. In contrast to non-infected cells where [Ca 2+] n > [Ca 2+]c during stimulation with AVP or ATP, no nucleo-cytosolic Ca 2+-gradient was observed in infected cells. Furthermore, the magnitude of the Ca 2+ rise in the two compartments was higher in ATP-stimulated cells. It is concluded that HCMV infection significantly interferes with Ca 2+-homeostasis in HEL cells which could be related to the pathogenesis of the disease.

Effects of Action Potential Duration on Excitation-Contraction Coupling in Rat Ventricular Myocytes

Although each of the fundamental processes involved in excitation-contraction coupling in mammalian heart has been identified, many quantitative details remain unclear. The initial goal of our experiments was to measure both the transmembrane Ca2+ current, which triggers contraction, and the Ca2+ extrusion due to Na(+)-Ca2+ exchange in a single ventricular myocyte. An action potential waveform was used as the command for the voltage-clamp circuit, and the membrane potential, membrane current, [Ca2+]i, and contraction (unloaded cell shortening) were monitored simultaneously. Ca(2+)-dependent membrane current during an action potential consists of two components: (1) Ca2+ influx through L-type Ca2+ channels (ICa-L) during the plateau of the action potential and (2) a slow inward tail current that develops during repolarization negative to approximately -25 mV and continues during diastole. This slow inward tail current can be abolished completely by replacement of extracellular Na+ with Li+, suggesting that it is due to electrogenic Na(+)-Ca2+ exchange. In agreement with this, the net charge movement corresponding to the inward component of the Ca(2+)-dependent current (ICa-L) was approximately twice that during the slow inward tail current, a finding that is predicted by a scheme in which the Ca2+ that enters during ICa is extruded during diastole by a 3 Na(+)-1 Ca2+ electrogenic exchanger. Action potential duration is known to be a significant inotropic variable, but the quantitative relation between changes in Ca2+ current, action potential duration, and developed tension has not been described in a single myocyte. We used the action potential voltage-clamp technique on ventricular myocytes loaded with indo 1 or rhod 2, both Ca2+ indicators, to study the relation between action potential duration, ICa-L, and cell shortening (inotropic effect). A rapid change from a "short" to a "long" action potential command waveform resulted in an immediate decrease in peak ICa-L and a marked slowing of its decline (inactivation). Prolongation of the action potential also resulted in slowly developing increases in the magnitude of Ca2+ transients (145 +/- 2%) and unloaded cell shortening (4.0 +/- 0.4 to 7.6 +/- 0.4 microns). The time-dependent nature of these effects suggests that a change in Ca2+ content (loading) of the sarcoplasmic reticulum is responsible. Measurement of [Ca2+]i by use of rhod 2 showed that changes in the rate of rise of the [Ca2+]i transient (which in rat ventricle is due to the rate of Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum) were closely correlated with changes in the magnitude and the time course of ICa-L.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Chemical depolarization-induced SR calcium release in triads isolated from rabbit skeletal muscle.

Excitation-Ca2+ release coupling properties in the heavy microsomal fraction of the rabbit skeletal muscle enriched in triads were investigated by following the same type of approach used for the studies of excitation-contraction coupling in the skinned fiber system. Incubation of the triads with Mg-ATP in a solution containing 150 mM K+, 15.0-37.2 mM Na+, 150-180 mM gluconate-, and 150-200 microM Ca2+ (priming solution) led to (a) the generation of a T-tubule membrane potential making the cytoplasmic side negative, as assessed by potential-dependent uptake of the potential probe [14C]SCN- by triads, and (b) active transport of Ca2+ into the SR moiety. One volume of the primed (viz., polarized and Ca(2+)-loaded) triads was mixed with nine volumes of depolarization solution according to Cl(-)-replacement [Donaldson, S.K.B. (1985) J. Gen. Physiol 86, 501-525; Stephenson, E. W. (1985) J. Gen. Physiol. 86, 813-832] and Na(4)-replacement [Lamb, G.D., & Stephenson, D.G. (1990) J. Physiol. 423, 495-517] protocols used for the induction of contraction in skinned fiber system. The ionic replacement procedure by either protocol produced a rapid release of Ca2+ from SR as determined by stopped-flow fluorometry using fluo-3 as a Ca2+ probe in the presence of BAPTA-calcium buffer. Both the rate constant and the magnitude of Ca2+ release increased with the degree of ionic replacement. The ionic replacement-dependent changes in the release kinetics showed a striking similarity to the voltage-dependent changes of the Ca2+ transient in the intact fiber system.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Multistep mechanism of polarized Ca2+ wave patterns in hepatocytes.

The spatial organization of cytosolic Ca2+ (Ca2+i) signals is thought to be important for regulation of cell function. In epithelial cells, the involvement of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3)-mediated Ca2+ release in evoking Ca2+i signals is appreciated, but the location of IP3-sensitive Ca2+ stores and the role of Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release (CICR) for Ca2+ signaling are less defined. Here, we demonstrate that IP3 receptors are localized to the apical region in hepatocytes. We also show that hormone-induced Ca2+i waves propagate across the cell at a rate that depends on mobilization of Ca2+ stores that are sensitive to caffeine, ryanodine, and dantrolene, and that these agents, at concentrations that inhibit CICR, decrease the magnitude of Ca2+i signals. Furthermore, Ca2+i wave speed is not reduced in Ca(2+)-free medium. These findings suggest that Ca2+i signals in epithelial cells begin as apical-to-basal Ca2+i waves that result from sequential release of Ca2+, first from IP3-sensitive stores in the apex and then from Ca(2+)-sensitive stores distributed across the remainder of the cell.

Subcellular patterns of calcium release determined by G protein-specific residues of muscarinic receptors

Calcium release from intracellular stores is a point of convergence for a variety of receptors involved in cell signaling. Consequently, the mechanism(s) by which cells differentiate between individual receptor signals is central to transmembrane communication. There are significant differences in timing and magnitude of Ca2+ release stimulated by the m2 and m3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. The m2 receptors couple to a pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein to activate phosphatidyl inositol hydrolysis weakly and to stimulate small, delayed and oscillatory chloride currents. In contrast, m3 receptors potently activate phosphatidyl inositol hydrolysis and stimulate large, rapid and transient chloride currents by a pertussis toxin-insensitive G protein pathway. Using confocal microscopy, we now show that the m2- and m3-coupled Ca2+ release pathways can also be spatially distinguished. At submaximal acetylcholine concentrations, both receptors stimulated pulses of Ca2+ release from discrete foci in random, periodic and frequently bursting patterns of activity. But maximal stimulation of m2 receptors increased the number of focal release sites, whereas m3 receptors invariably evoked a Ca2+ wave propagating rapidly just beneath the plasma membrane surface. Analysis of pertussis toxin sensitivity and hybrid m2-m3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors confirmed that these Ca2+ release patterns represent distinct cell signalling pathways.

Changes in inositol phosphate metabolism are associated with terminal differentiation and neoplasia in mouse keratinocytes

Cultured murine keratinocytes respond to specific Ca2+ levels in medium (Ca0) by expressing markers of terminal differentiation. A Ca0 of 0.05 mM selects for a basal cell phenotype, whereas spinous cell characteristics occur in 0.12 mM Ca2+ and cornified envelopes develop in 1.0 mM Ca2+. An increase in inositol phosphate (InsP) metabolism is associated with higher Ca2+ in the medium. The magnitude of Ca(2+)-stimulated InsP turnover is Ca0-dependent, whereas Ca0 of 0.05, 0.12 or 1.4 mM resulted in a graded, sustained (greater than 24 h) increase in InsPs. Diacylglycerol (DAG) levels similarly increased in a graded manner. The major inositol trisphosphate (InsP3) to accumulate was Ins-1,3,4-P3 while Ins-1,4,5-P3 increased transiently. Neoplastic keratinocyte cell lines, 308 and SP-1, which produce benign tumors and have a mutated c-rasHa gene, do not express markers of differentiation in response to Ca2+. Basal InsP and DAG are 2- and 5-fold higher respectively in the neoplastic cells relative to normal keratinocytes. However, the metabolic profiles of InsPs were similar in normal and neoplastic cells. In neoplastic cells, InsP metabolism was stimulated even further following a Ca2+ increase, and this was graded to the Ca0. The unusual, sustained Ca(2+)-graded InsP response in normal cells is consistent with the turnover of InsP contributing to the signals controlling expression of markers of differentiation. Very high InsP turnover and DAG levels, as in neoplastic cells, may be inhibitory to marker expression.

Calcium kinetics and energetics in myocardium. Simulation study.

We carried out a simulation study to obtain insight into the relation between calcium (Ca2+) transients and energy for handling Ca2+ in excitation-contraction (EC) coupling. The simulation incorporated basic Ca2+ kinetics among total released Ca2+ from sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), myoplasmic free Ca2+ ion concentration, and troponin (Tn)-Ca complex concentration ([TnCa]). The total Ca2+ released from the SR was arbitrarily set as an impulse and three rate constants were used for Ca2+ binding to Tn, Ca2+ dissociation from Tn, and Ca2+ uptake by SR. The results showed that the peak Ca2+ transient varies widely as a reciprocal of the Ca2+ sensitivity of the contractile machinery, despite constant total released Ca2+ and hence, a constant energy for Ca2+ handling. This result suggests a disproportate relationship between the magnitude of Ca2+ transients and the energy for Ca2+ handling when the Ca2+ sensitivity of contractile machinery changes.

Oxidase activation in individual neutrophils is dependent on the onset and magnitude of the Ca 2+ signal

Using single-cell ratio imaging of Fura-2-loaded neutrophils, we demonstrate that the heterogeneity and asynchrony of the oxidase response originates from variabillity in the timing and magnitude of the cytosolic free Ca 2+ signal. The Ca 2+ signals from individual cells could be classified into four types: (a) type 1, a transient rise in Ca 2+ occurring within 6 s; (b) type 2, an oscillating cytosolic free Ca 2+; (c) type 3, a latent Ca 2+ transient significantly delayed (21–56 s); and (d) type 4, no significant Ca 2+ rise. These response types accounted for approximately 41%, 15%, 26% and 18% of the population respectively for stimulation with 1 μM f-met-leu-phe peptide (n=27) and 52.5%, 15%, 11.5% and 21% respectively for 0.1 μM f-met-leu-phe peptide (n=52). The oxidase in neutrophils in which the cytosolic free Ca 2+ concentration rose to greater than 250 nM always became activated. In the presence of extracellular Ca 2+, cytosolic Ca 2+ rose uniformly throughout the cell, whereas in the absence of extracellular Ca 2+, a localised Ca 2+ ‘cloud’ was observed in approximately 30% of cells. A localised activation of the oxidase accompanled the presence of the Ca 2+ ‘cloud’ when the 250 nM Ca 2+ threshold was exceeded. The data presented here therefore demonstrate a tight coupling in individual neutrophils between an elevation in cytosolic free Ca 2+ above a threshold of 250 nM and activation of the oxidase.

Voltage and beat dependence of Ca2+ transient in feline ventricular myocytes.

The positive contractile staircase after a period of rest is attributable to a positive staircase in the magnitude of the Ca2+ transient. The present study used voltage-clamp techniques and the fluorescent Ca2+ indicator, indo-1, to examine the effects of membrane potential, the duration of depolarization, and the slow inward Ca2+ current (Isi) in the regulation of the magnitude of the steady-state Ca2+ transient and the development of the steady state during the positive staircase. In the steady state, the Ca2+ transient was greatest at +10 mV, the potential at which Isi was also the greatest. However, the Isi-voltage relationship was much more bell-shaped than the Ca2+ transient-voltage relationship. The magnitude and duration of the steady-state Ca2+ transient was not affected by pulse durations as short as 25 ms. However, prolonged voltage pulses were essential to maintain the steady state. The development of the positive staircase was very voltage dependent. After a rest period, a positive staircase was seen when voltage-clamp drives were done to +30 mV but not when done to -10 mV, potentials that elicit Isi of comparable magnitude. These results support the idea that the early peak of Isi can act as a trigger for release of Ca2+ from the sarcoplasmic reticulum. However, sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ loading is dependent on prolonged depolarization and may be mediated through Na+-Ca2+ exchange.

Characterization of Ca2+-stimulated secretion in permeable GH3 pituitary cells.

In this report, the secretory response to Ca2+ in GH3 rat pituitary cells permeabilized by electric field discharge has been compared in both magnitude and Ca2+ sensitivity to prolactin (PRL) release from intact GH3 cells. The half-maximally effective [Ca2+] for stimulating PRL release in permeable cells was approximately 0.5 microM, and maximal stimulation was obtained at 3-10 microM Ca2+. The magnitude of Ca2+ stimulation in permeable cells was in the same range as that obtained from an equal number of intact cells stimulated by depolarizing K+. Moreover, the Ca2+ sensitivity of PRL release in intact GH3 cells (measured by Quin 2 fluorescence) closely resembled the Ca2+ sensitivity determined in permeable cells. Release of a sulfated proteoglycan whose release is stimulated by secretagogues in intact cells was stimulated by Ca2+ in permeable cells with the same Ca2+ sensitivity as for PRL release. Maximal Ca2+ stimulation of PRL release in permeable cells required the addition of MgATP. Other energy sources (ADP, GTP, and inorganic phosphate) also supported Ca2+-stimulated secretion but were less effective. The above results indicated that PRL release from permeable cells resembles the physiological process in intact cells. The permeable cell system should prove useful in investigating the mechanism mediating the effect of Ca2+ on secretion, although our studies with pharmacological agents have so far proved inconclusive. Among calmodulin antagonists tested, only trifluoroperazine inhibited Ca2+-stimulated secretion, whereas pimozide and calmidazolium did not.

Inhibition of the myocardial Ca2+ inward current by the class 1 antiarrhythmic agent, cibenzoline.

Cibenzoline, a class 1 (local anaesthetic-type) antiarrhythmic drug, was investigated for possible effects upon the myocardial Ca2+ inward current. In voltage-clamp experiments with isolated cardiac myocytes of guinea-pig, cibenzoline caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of the Ca2+ current, with an IC50 of 14 microM. Inhibition of the Ca2+ current by cibenzoline (2 microM) was dependent upon stimulation frequency, with a greater block occurring at 2 Hz (approximately 50%) than at 0.2 Hz (approximately 15%). The magnitude of Ca2+ current block was also potential-dependent. A markedly greater inhibition by cibenzoline (20 microM) was recorded when myocytes were depolarized (to +20 mV) from a holding potential of -35 mV than of -80 mV. At the less negative potential, cibenzoline also caused a reduction in the level of the holding current, which suggests a decrease in the inwardly rectifying K+ current. Cibenzoline also caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of KCl-induced contractures of isolated aortic strips of the rat (IC50 = 55 microM) and a reduction in contractile force of isolated, electrically-stimulated papillary muscles of the guinea-pig (IC50 = 35 microM). Thus, cibenzoline possesses Ca2+ channel blocking (class 4) properties in addition to its local anaesthetic actions.

Effects of interrupted K+ supply on growth and uptake of K+, Ca2+, Mg2+ and Na+ in spring wheat

Effects of interrupted K+ supply on different parameters of growth and mineral cation nutrition were evaluated for spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Svenno). K+ (2.0 mM) was supplied to the plants during different periods in an otherwise complete nutrient solution. Shoot growth was reduced before root growth after interruption in K+ supply. Root structure was greatly affected by the length of the period in K+ ‐free nutrient solution. Root length was minimal, and root branching was maximal within a narrow range of K+ status of the roots. This range corresponded to cultivation for the last 1 to 3 days, of 11 in total, in K+ ‐free nutrient solution, or to continuous cultivation in solution containing 0.5 to 2 mM K+. In comparison, both higher and lower internal/external K+ concentrations had inhibitory effects on root branching. However, the differing root morphology probably had no significant influence on the magnitude of Ca2+, Mg2+ and Na+ uptake. Uptake of Ca2+ and especially Mg2+ significantly increased after K+ interruption, while Na+ uptake was constant in the roots and slowly increased in the shoots. The two divalent cations could replace K+ in the cells and maintain electroneutrality down to a certain minimal range of K+ concentrations. This range was significantly higher in the shoot [110 to 140 μmol (g fresh weight)−1] than in the root [20 to 30 μmol (g fresh weight)−1]. It is suggested that the critical K+ values are a measure of the minimal amount of K+ that must be present for physiological activity in the cells. At the critical levels, K+ (86Rb) influx and Ca2+ and Mg2+ concentrations were maximal. Below the critical K+ values, growth was reduced, and Ca2+ and Mg2+ could no longer substitute for K+ for electrostatic balance. In a short‐term experiment, the ability of Ca2+ to compete with K+ in maintaining electroneutrality in the cells was studied in wheat seedlings with different K+ status. The results indicate that K+, which was taken up actively and fastest at the external K+ concentration used (2.0 mM), partly determines the size of Ca2+ influx.

Biochemical events associated with PHA-induced lymphocyte activation in human ageing II. Characteristics of the early Ca 2+ uptake

Since the early biochemical changes are critical in defining the triggering mechanism of a mitogen-induced lymphocyte activation, their study could provide a good understanding of the processes that might be relevant to the immune deficiency associated with ageing. The increase of Ca 2+ influx appears to be one of these earliest events which takes place in the first minutes following the contact with stimulating agents, as a consequence of membrane activation. Therefore, the timing and the magnitude of Ca 2+ influx were analyzed in unstimulated and PHA-stimulated peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) from old and adult subjects. Whereas PBL from elders exhibited a decrease in DNA synthesis, the characteristics of Ca 2+ accumulation into unstimulated and PHA-stimulated PBL were found unaltered in the elderly. The data support the evidence that the cellular defect relevant to the depressed response to T-mitogens associated with ageing, does not result from the defect of Ca 2+ transport induced by membrane activation.

Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate Modulation of Slow Calcium Influx Channels in Guinea Pig Hearts

The relationship between cellular levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (AMP) and slow inward calcium ion (Ca 2+ ) current was studied in isolated perfused guinea pig hearts in which fast sodium ion (Na + ) channels had been inactivated by depolarization with potassium ions (K + ) or blockade with tetrodotoxin. Perfusion with 22 mM K + depolarized cardiac tissue to approximately -40 mv and rendered hearts inexcitable. Tetrodotoxin (3 x 10 -5 M) blocked excitability without altering resting membrane potential. Excitability and contractions could be restored to these hearts with a variety of inotropic agents that also raised the measured tissue levels of cyclic AMP or with high concentrations of Ca 2+ . The magnitude of steady-state tension developed by restored hearts was directly related to the external Ca 2+ concentration as well as to the concentration of the restoring agent used. The tension of restored hearts was markedly reduced by Ca 2+ -channel antagonists. Elevation of cyclic AMP levels preceded restoration of excitability to inactivated hearts. A highly significant positive correlation was found between the magnitude of Ca 2+ -dependent tension developed by restored hearts and the level of cyclic AMP in those hearts. Glucagon and ouabain, inotropic drugs that do not elevate myocardial levels of cyclic AMP, failed to restore depolarized or tetrodotoxin-blocked hearts. Therefore, cyclic AMP appears to modulate slow Ca 2+ influx channels in myocardial cells.