Effect of riluzole on Ca2+ movement and cytotoxicity in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells

Riluzole is a drug used in the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; however, its in vitro action is unclear. In this study, the effect of riluzole on intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells was investigated using the Ca2+ -sensitive fluorescent dye, fura-2. Riluzole (100-500 microM) caused a rapid and sustained increase of [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner (EC50 = 150 microM). Some 40 and 50% of this [Ca2+]i increase was prevented by the removal of extracellular Ca2+ and the addition of La3+, respectively, but was unchanged by dihydropyridines, verapamil and diltiazem. In Ca2+ -free medium, thapsigargin - an inhibitor of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Caz+ -ATPase--caused a monophasic [Ca2+]i increase, after which the increasing effect of riluzole on [Ca2+]i was attenuated by 70%; in addition, pre-treatment with riluzole abolished thapsigargin-induced [Ca2+]i increases. U73122, an inhibitor of phospholipase C (PLC), abolished ATP (but not riluzole)-induced [Ca2+]i increases. At concentrations of 250 and 500 microM, riluzole killed 40 and 95% cells, respectively. The cytotoxic effect of riluzole (250 microM) was unaltered by pre-chelating cytosolic Ca2+ with BAPTA. Collectively, in MDCK cells, riluzole rapidly increased [Ca2+]i by stimulating extracellular Ca2+ influx via an La3+ -sensitive pathway and intracellular Ca2+ release from the ER via, as yet, unidentified mechanisms. Furthermore, riluzole caused Ca2+ -unrelated cytotoxicity in a concentration-dependent manner.     

Novel effects of 5,8,11-eicosatriynoic acid, a lipoxygenase inhibitor, on Ca2+ mobilization in Madin Darby canine kidney cells

The effect of 5,8,11-eicosatriynoic acid, a widely used lipoxygenase inhibitor, on Ca2+ fate in Madin Darby canine kidney cells was examined by using fura-2 as a Ca2+ probe. At concentrations between 2-100 microM 5,8,11-eicosatriynoic acid increased [Ca2+]i concentration-dependently with an EC50 of 20 microM . Extracellular Ca2+ removal decreased the Ca2+ signals, indicating that 5,8,11-eicosatriynoic acid triggered Ca2+ release and Ca2+ influx. 5,8,11 -Eicosatriynoic acid (30 microM) induced a [Ca2+]i increase in Ca2+-free medium after pretreatment with carbonylcyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (2 microM), a mitochondrial uncoupler, and thapsigargin (1 microM), an endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor for 20 min. Conversely, 5,8,11-eicosatriynoic acid pretreatment almost abolished the Ca2+ release induced by carbonylcyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone and thapsigargin. These results suggest that 30 microM 5,8,11-eicosatriynoic acid released Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria and other stores. Addition of 3 mM Ca2+ increased [Ca2+]i after preincubation with 2-50 microM 5,8,11-eicosatriynoic acid for 10 min. in Ca2+-free medium concentration-dependently. Pretreatment with 10 microM La3+ abolished 30 microM 5,8,11-eicosatriynoic acid -induced [Ca2+]i increases, but adding La3+ during the decay phase had no effect. 5,8,11-Eicosatriynoic acid-induced Ca2+ release was not altered by inhibiting phospholipase C with 2 microM 1-(6-((17beta-3-methoxyestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-yl)amino)hexyl)-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione (U73122), but was decreased by 60% by 40 microM aristolochic acid. Several other lipoxygenase inhibitors such as baicalein (50 microM), 5.8.11.14-eicosatetraynoic acid (ETYA; 0.1-0.2 mM), caffeic acid (5-50 microM), esculetin (5-50 microM), alpha-pentyl-3-(2-quinolinylmethoxy)-benzenemethanol (REV-5901; 0.1-0.2 mM) and alpha-pentyl-4-(2-quinolinylmethoxy)-benzenemethanol (L-655238; 80-100 microM) had no effect on [Ca2+]i. Collectively, the data suggest that the lipoxygenase inhibitor 5,8,11-eicosatriynoic acid induced a [Ca2+]i increase in renal tubular cells concentration-dependently, by releasing intracellular Ca2+ from multiple stores in an inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-independent manner, and by inducing extracellular Ca2+ influx in a La3+-sensitive manner.     

Tamoxifen-induced Ca2+ mobilization in bladder female transitional carcinoma cells

This study examined the effect of tamoxifen, an anti-breast cancer drug, on Ca2+ handling in bladder female transitional cancer cells. Changes in cytosolic free Ca2+ levels were recorded by using the Ca2+-sensitive dye fura-2. In a dose-dependent manner, tamoxifen induced intracellular free Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) increases between 5 and 20 microM with an EC50 of 10 microM. External Ca2+ removal reduced the response by 60+/-6%. Addition of 3 mM Ca2+ caused a [Ca2+]i increase after pretreatment with 10 microM tamoxifen in Ca2+-free medium. In Ca2+-free medium, pretreatment with 10 microM tamoxifen abolished the [Ca2+]i increase induced by 1 microM thapsigargin, an endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor. Conversely, pretreatment with 1 microM thapsigargin prevented tamoxifen from releasing more Ca2+. Inhibition of phospholipase C-dependent inositol 1,4,5-tris-phosphate formation with 2 microM U73122 did not alter 10 microM tamoxifen-induced Ca2+ release. The [Ca2+]i increase induced by 5 microM tamoxifen was not altered by 10 microM La3+, nifedipine, verapamil, and diltiazem. Collectively, it was found that tamoxifen increased [Ca2+]i in bladder cancer cells by releasing Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ stores in a manner independent of phospholipase C activity, and by inducing Ca2+ entry from external medium.     

Effect of triethyltin on Ca2+ movement in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells

The effects of the environmental toxicant, triethyltin, on Ca2+ mobilization in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells have been examined. Triethyltin induced an increase in cytosolic free Ca2+ levels ([Ca2+]i) at concentrations larger than 2 microM in a concentration-dependent manner. Within 5 min, the [Ca2+]i signal was composed of a gradual rise and a sustained phase. The [Ca2+]i signal was partly reduced by removing extracellular Ca2+. In Ca(2+)-free medium, pretreatment with thapsigargin (1 microM), an endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor, reduced 50 microM triethyltin-induced [Ca2+]i increase by 80%. Conversely, pretreatment with triethyltin abolished thapsigargin-induced Ca2+ release. Pretreatment with U73122 (2 microM) to inhibit phospholipase C-coupled inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate formations failed to alter 50 microM triethyltin-induced Ca2+ release. Incubation with triethyltin at a concentration (1 microM) that did not increase basal [Ca2+]i for 3 min did not alter ATP (10 microM)- and bradykinin (1 microM)-induced [Ca2+]i increases. Collectively, this study shows that triethyltin altered Ca2+ movement in renal tubular cells by releasing Ca2+ from multiple stores in an inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-independent manner, and by inducing Ca2+ influx.     

The effect of the PKC inhibitor GF109203X on the release of Ca2+ from internal stores and Ca2+ entry in DDT1 MF-2 cells.

1. The effects of the specific protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, GF109203X, were measured on the cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), and on histamine H1 receptor- and thapsigargin-mediated increases in [Ca2+]i in DDT1 MF-2 smooth muscle cells. 2. After pretreatment of cells with GF109203X (5 microM, 45 min), the histamine (100 microM)-induced initial rise in [Ca2+]i, representing Ca2+ mobilization from internal stores, was inhibited (by 59 +/- 7%). The slowly declining phase of the histamine induced Ca2+ response, reflecting Ca2+ entry, was enhanced (83 +/- 26%) in the presence of the PKC inhibitor. 3. The histamine induced release of Ca2+ from internal stores, measured after blocking Ca2+ entry with LaCl3 was inhibited by GF109203X in a concentration-dependent manner (IC50: 3.1 +/- 1.1 microM). 4. Histamine-induced formation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (Ins(1,4,5)P3) was not changed in the presence of GF109203X. 5. The PKC activating phorbol ester, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA, 1 microM), strongly reduced histamine-induced Ins(1,4,5)P3 formation (58 +/- 16%). This effect was reversed by GF109203X (5 microM). Furthermore, PMA diminished histamine evoked Ca2+ release (50 +/- 6%) and blocked Ca2+ entry completely. 6. The rise in [Ca2+]i caused by blocking endoplasmic reticulum Ca2(+)-ATPase with thapsigargin (1 microM), was strongly reduced (57 +/- 3%) after pretreatment of cells with GF109203X. Downregulation of PKC by long-term pretreatment of cells with PMA (1 microM, 48 h) did not abolish this effect of GF109203X (48 +/- 3% inhibition). 7. In permeabilized DDT, MF-2 cells preloaded with 45Ca2+ in the presence of GF109203X, the amount of 45Ca2+ released by Ins(1,4,5)P3 (10 microM) was markedly reduced (42 +/- 9%). GF109203X did not release Ca2+ itself and did not impair Ins(1,4,5)P3 receptor function. 8. Uptake of 45Ca2+ by intact cells, representing Ca2+ entry, was enhanced by GF109203X (65 +/- 11%), by histamine (24 +/- 6%) and also by thapsigargin (121 +/- 10%). The GF109203X- and the thapsigargin-induced uptake of 45Ca2+ were not additive. 9. These data suggest that GF109203X reduces the filling-state of intracellular Ins(1,4,5)P3 sensitive Ca2+ stores by inhibiting the Ca2+ uptake into these stores, thereby promoting store-dependent (capacitive) Ca2+ entry.     

Effect of fluoxetine on intracellular Ca2+ levels in bladder female transitional carcinoma (BFTC) cells.

The effect of the antidepressant fluoxetine on Ca2+ signaling in cultured cells was largely unknown. The effect of various concentrations of fluoxetine on [Ca 2+] i in populations of bladder female transitional cancer (BFTC) cells was evaluated by using fura-2 as a Ca2+ probe. Fluoxetine increased [Ca 2+] i concentration dependently (20-100 microM) with an EC50 value of 30 microM. The response was inhibited by 50-60% on extracellular Ca2+ removal. In Ca2+ -free medium, pretreatment with 1 microM thapsigargin (an inhibitor of the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump) abolished 50 microM fluoxetine-induced Ca2+ release; whereas pretreatment with fluoxetine did not alter the thapsigargin-induced Ca2+ response. Addition of 3 mM Ca2+ increased [Ca 2+] i after pretreatment with 50 microM fluoxetine in Ca2+ -free medium, suggestive of fluoxetine-induced capacitative Ca2+ entry. Suppression of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate formation by 2 microM U73122 (a phospholipase C inhibitor) did not affect 50 microM fluoxetine-induced Ca2+ release. Collectively, this study shows that fluoxetine increased [Ca 2+] i in bladder cancer cells in a concentration-dependent fashion, by releasing Ca2+ from thapsigargin-sensitive Ca2+ stores in an IP3-independent manner, and by inducing Ca2+ influx from extracellular medium.     

Effect of carvedilol on Ca2+ movement and cytotoxicity in human MG63 osteosarcoma cells

Carvedilol is a useful cardiovascular drug for treating heart failure, however, the in vitro effect on many cell types is unclear. In human MG63 osteosarcoma cells, the effect of carvedilol on intracellular Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) and cytotoxicity was explored by using fura-2 and tetrazolium, respectively. Carvedilol at concentrations greater than 1 microM caused a rapid rise in [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner (EC50=15 microM). Carvedilol-induced [Ca2+]i rise was reduced by 60% by removal of extracellular Ca2+. Carvedilol-induced Mn2+-associated quench of intracellular fura-2 fluorescence also suggests that carvedilol induced extracellular Ca2+ influx. In Ca2+-free medium, thapsigargin, an inhibitor of the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase, caused a monophasic [Ca2+]i rise, after which the increasing effect of carvedilol on [Ca2+]i was inhibited by 50%. Conversely, pretreatment with carvedilol to deplete intracellular Ca2+ stores totally prevented thapsigargin from releasing more Ca2+. U73122, an inhibitor of phospholipase C, abolished histamine (an inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-dependent Ca2+ mobilizer)-induced, but not carvedilol-induced, [Ca2+]i rise. Pretreatment with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and forskolin to activate protein kinase C and adenylate cyclase, respectively, did not alter carvedilol-induced [Ca2+]i rise. Separately, overnight treatment with 0.1-30 microM carvedilol inhibited cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner. These findings suggest that in human MG63 osteosarcoma cells, carvedilol increases [Ca2+]i by stimulating extracellular Ca2+ influx and also by causing intracellular Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum and other stores via a phospholipase C-independent manner. Carvedilol may be cytotoxic to osteoblasts.     

Mechanism underlying histamine-induced intracellular Ca2+ movement in PC3 human prostate cancer cells.

The effect of histamine on intracellular free Ca2+ levels ([Ca2+]i) in PC3 human prostate cancer cells and the underlying mechanism were evaluated using fura-2 as a Ca2+ dye. Histamine at concentrations between 0.1 and 50 microM increased [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner with an EC50 value of 1 microM. The [Ca2+]i response comprised an initial rise and a slow decay, which returned to baseline within 3 min. Extracellular Ca2+ removal inhibited 50% of the [Ca2+]i signal. In the absence of extracellular Ca2+, after cells were treated with 1 microM thapsigargin (an endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor), 10 microM histamine did not increase [Ca2+]i. After pretreatment with 10 microM histamine in a Ca2+-free medium for several minutes, addition of 3 mM Ca2+ induced [Ca2+]i increases. Histamine (10 microM)-induced intracellular Ca2+ release was abolished by inhibiting phospholipase C with 2 microM 1-(6-((17 beta-3- methoxyestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-yl)amino)hexyl)-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione (U73122), and by 10 microM pyrilamine but was not altered by 50 microM cimetidine. Collectively, the present study shows that histamine induced [Ca2+]i transients in PC3 human prostate cancer cells by stimulating H1 histamine receptors leading to Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum in an inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-dependent manner, and by inducing Ca2+ entry.     

The ether lipid ET-18-OCH3 increases cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations in Madin Darby canine kidney cells.

The effect of the ether lipid 1-O-octadecyl-2-O-methyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine (ET-18-OCH3) on the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in Madin Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells was studied using fura-2 as the Ca2+ probe. In Ca2+ medium, ET-18-OCH3 induced a significant rise in [Ca2+]i at concentrations between 10-100 microM with a concentration-dependent delay of 45-175 s. The [Ca2+]i signal was composed of a gradual rise and a sustained plateau. In Ca2+-free medium, ET-18-OCH3 (10-100 microM) induced a Ca2+ release from internal Ca2+ stores with a concentration-dependent delay of 45-175 s. This discharge of internal Ca2+ triggered capacitative Ca2+ entry in a concentration-dependent manner. This capacitative Ca2+ entry was not inhibited by econazole (25 microM), 1-[beta-[3-(4-methoxyphenyl)propoxy]-4-methoxyphenethyl]-1H-imidazole hydrochloride (SKF96365; 50 microM), nifedipine (10 microM), verapamil (10 microM), diltiazem (10 microM) and cadmium (0.5 microM). Methyl 2-(phenylthio)ethyl-1,4-dihydro-2,4,6-trimethylpyridine-3,5-dicarboxylat e (PCA-4248), a platelet-activating factor (PAF) receptor antagonist, inhibited 25 microM ET-18-OCH3-induced [Ca2+]i rise in a concentration-dependent manner between 1-20 microM, with 20 microM exerting a complete block. The [Ca2+]i rise induced by ET-18-OCH3 (25 microM) was not altered when the production of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) was suppressed by the phospholipase C inhibitor U73122 (2 microM), but was partly inhibited by the phospholipase D inhibitor propranolol (0.1 mM) or the phospholipase A2 inhibitor aristolochic acid (20-40 microM). In Ca2+-free medium, pretreatment with 25 microM ET-18-OCH3 completely depleted the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor thapsigargin-sensitive Ca2+ store. In contrast, pretreatment with thapsigargin abolished 0.1 mM ATP-induced [Ca2+]i rise without altering the ET-18-OCH3-induced [Ca2+]i rise. This suggests that ET-18-OCH3 depleted thapsigargin-sensitive Ca2+ stores and also released Ca2+ from thapsigargin-insensitive stores. The thapsigargin-insensitive stores involve mitochondria because the mitochondria uncoupler carbonylcyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP; 2 microM) induced a release of mitochondrial Ca2+ which was abolished by pretreatment with 25 microM ET-18-OCH3. ET-18-OCH3 (25 microM) induced a significant Mn2+ quench of fura-2 fluorescence at 360 nm excitation wavelength confirming that ET-18-OCH3 induced capacitative Ca2+ entry. La3+ (0.1 mM) or Gd3+ (50 microM) abolished the ET-18-OCH3-induced Mn2+ quench and [Ca2+]i rise. Our data imply that ET-18-OCH3 induced a [Ca2+]i rise in MDCK cells by activating PAF receptors leading to an internal Ca2+ release followed by capacitative Ca2+ entry. Phospholipase D and phospholipase A2, but not phospholipase C, might be involved in mediating the capacitative Ca2+ entry. La3+ abolished the ET-18-OCH3-induced [Ca2+]i rise presumably by inhibiting PAF receptors.     

Econazole induces increases in free intracellular Ca2+ concentrations in human osteosarcoma cells

Econazole is an antifungal drug with different in vitro effects. However, econazole's effect on osteoblast-like cells is unknown. In human MG63 osteosarcoma cells, the effect of econazole on intracellular Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) was explored by using fura-2. At a concentration of 0.1 microM, econazole started to cause a rise in [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner. Econazole-induced [Ca2+]i rise was reduced by 74% by removal of extracellular Ca2+. The econazole-induced Ca2+ influx was mediated via a nimodipine-sensitive pathway. In Ca2+ -free medium, thapsigargin, an inhibitor of the endoplasmic reticulum Ca+ -ATPase, caused a [Ca2+]i rise, after which the increasing effect of econazole on [Ca2+]i was abolished. Pretreatment of cells with econazole to deplete Ca2+ stores totally prevented thapsigargin from releasing Ca2+. U73122, an inhibitor of phospholipase C, abolished histamine (an inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-dependent Ca2+ mobilizer)-induced, but not econazole-induced, [Ca2+]i rise. Econazole inhibited 76% of thapsigargin-induced store-operated Ca2+ entry. These findings suggest that in MG63 osteosarcoma cells, econazole increases [Ca2+]i by stimulating Ca2+ influx and Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum via a phospholipase C-independent manner. In contrast, econazole acts as a potent blocker of store-operated Ca2+ entry.     

Effects of the antianginal drug fendiline on Ca2+ movement in hepatoma cells.

This study investigated the effect of the anti-anginal drug, fendiline, on intracellular free Ca2+ levels ([Ca2+]i) in HA/ 22 human hepatoma cells by using fura-2 as a fluorescent Ca2+ dye. Fendiline (1-100 microM) increased [Ca2+]i with an EC50 of 25 microM. Removal of extracellular Ca2+ reduced the [Ca2+]i signals by 51 +/- 5%. Fendiline (10 microM)-induced Ca2+ release was abolished by pretreatment with 1 microM thapsigargin (an endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor). Inhibition of phospholipase C with 2 microM 1-(6-((17beta-3-methoxyestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-yl)amino)hexyl)-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione (U73122) did not alter 10 microM fendiline-induced Ca2+ release. Several other calmodulin antagonists, such as phenoxybenzamine (100-200 microM), trifluoperazine (5-50 microM), and fluphenazine-N-chloroethane (2-100 microM), had no effect on [Ca2+]i. Together, it was found that fendiline increased [Ca2+]i in human hepatoma cells by discharging Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum in an inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-independent manner and by inducing Ca2+ entry. This effect of fendiline does not appear to be via antagonism of calmodulin.     

Quisqualate and carbachol-induced increases in intrasynaptosomal free calcium are mediated by different products of phospholipid hydrolysis

The mechanisms by which quisqualate and carbachol increase intrasynaptosomal free calcium ([Ca2+]i) were studied in rat cortical synaptosomes. Quisqualate (0.01-100 microM) and carbachol (100-1000 microM) increased [Ca2+]i in Fura-2 acetoxymethyl ester (Fura-2 AM)-loaded synaptosomes. The resting level of [Ca2+]i was 118 nM. The maximum increase (55%) was produced by 10 microM quisqualate which had an EC50 of 0.2 microM. The maximum increase (28%) elicited by carbachol occurred at 1000 microM and the EC50 was 30 microM. The stimulatory effects of quisqualate on [Ca2+]i were blocked by heparin (100 I.U.) but not by staurosporine (1 microM), nifedipine (1 microM) or omega-conotoxin fraction GVIA (omega-CgTx) (0.5 microM). On the other hand, the effects of carbachol on [Ca2+]i were abolished by staurosporine, nifedipine or omega-CgTx but not by heparin. Carbachol (100 microM) also significantly increased 45Ca accumulation into either resting or K+ (30 mM)-depolarised synaptosomes and these effects were inhibited by staurosporine and nifedipine. Quisqualate (10 microM) had no effect on 45Ca accumulation under resting or depolarised conditions. When quisqualate and carbachol were used in combination, there were apparently additive effects on [Ca2+]i but not on 45Ca accumulation. It is concluded that carbachol increases [Ca2+]i by facilitating Ca2+ entry through L-type Ca2+ channels via a 1,2-diacylglycerol (DAG)-protein kinase C (PKC)-dependent pathway while quisqualate mobilizes Ca2+ from inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3)-sensitive stores.     

Effects of a water-soluble forskolin derivative (NKH477) and a membrane-permeable cyclic AMP analogue on noradrenaline-induced Ca2+ mobilization in smooth muscle of rabbit mesenteric artery.

1. Effects were studied of 6-(3-dimethylaminopropionyl) forskolin (NKH477), a water-soluble forskolin derivative and of dibutyryl-cyclic AMP, a membrane-permeable cyclic AMP analogue on noradrenaline (NA)-induced Ca2+ mobilization in smooth muscle strips of the rabbit mesenteric artery. The intracellular concentration of Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i), isometric force and cellular concentration of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) were measured. 2. NA (10 microM) produced a phasic, followed by a tonic increase in both [Ca2+]i and force in a solution containing 2.6 mM Ca2+. NKH477 (0.01-0.3 microM) attenuated the phasic and the tonic increases in both [Ca2+]i and force induced by 10 microM NA, in a concentration-dependent manner. 3. In Ca(2+)-free solution containing 2 mM EGTA with 5.9 mM K+, NA (10 microM) produced only phasic increases in [Ca2+]i and force. NKH477 (0.01 microM) and dibutyryl-cyclic AMP (0.1 mM) each greatly inhibited these increases. 4. NA (10 microM) led to the production of InsP3 in intact smooth muscle strips and InsP3 (10 microM) increased Ca2+ in Ca(2+)-free solution after a brief application of Ca2+ in beta-escin-skinned smooth muscle strips. NKH477 (0.01 microM) or dibutyryl-cyclic AMP (0.1 mM) modified neither the NA-induced synthesis of InsP3 in intact muscle strips nor the InsP3-induced Ca2+ release in skinned strips. 5. In Ca(2+)-free solution, high K+ (40 and 128 mM) itself failed to increase [Ca2+]i but concentration-dependently enhanced the amplitude of the increase in [Ca2+]i induced by 10 microM NA with a parallel enhancement of the maximum rate of rise.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Activation of phospholipase C in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells by potassium-induced calcium entry.

1. We used SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells to investigate whether depolarization with high K+ could stimulate inositol (1,4,5)trisphosphate (Ins(1,4,5)P3) formation and, if so, the mechanism involved. 2. Ins(1,4,5)P3 was measured by a specific radioreceptor mass assay, whilst [Ca2+]i was measured fluorimetrically with the Ca2+ indicator dye, Fura-2. 3. Depolarization with K+ caused a time- and dose-dependent increase in [Ca2+]i (peak at 27 s, EC50 of 50.0 +/- 9.0 mM) and Ins(1,4,5)P3 formation (peak at 30 s, EC50 of 47.4 +/- 1.1 mM). 4. Both the K(+)-induced Ins(1,4,5)P3 formation and increase in [Ca2+]i were inhibited dose-dependently by the L-type voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channel closer, (R+)-BayK8644, with IC50 values of 53.4 nM and 87.9 nM respectively. 5. These data show a close temporal and dose-response relationship between Ca2+ entry via L-type voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels and Ins(1,4,5)P3 formation following depolarization with K+, indicating that Ca2+ influx can activate phospholipase C in SH-SY5Y cells.     

Activation of rabbit platelets by Ca2+ influx and thromboxane A2 release in an external Ca(2+)-dependent manner by zooxanthellatoxin-A, a novel polyol.

1. Zooxanthellatoxin-A (ZT-A), a novel polyhydroxylated long chain compound, isolated from a symbiotic marine alga Simbiodinium sp., caused aggregation in rabbit washed platelets in a concentration-dependent manner (1-4 microM), accompanied by an increase in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). 2. ZT-A did not cause platelet aggregation or increase [Ca2+]i in a Ca(2+)-free solution, and Cd2+ (0.1-1 mM), Co2+ (1-10 mM) and Mn2+ (1-10 mM) inhibited ZT-A-induced aggregation. SK&F96365 (1-100 microM), a receptor operated Ca2+ channel antagonist, and mefenamic acid (0.1-10 microM), a non-specific divalent cation channel antagonist, inhibited platelet aggregation and the increase in [Ca2+]i induced by ZT-A. 3. Indomethacin (0.1-10 microM), a cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor, and SQ-29548 (0.1-10 microM), a thromboxane A2 (TXA2) receptor antagonist, inhibited platelet aggregation and the increase in [Ca2+]i induced by ZT-A. 4. Methysergide (0.01-1 microM), a 5-HT2 receptor antagonist, inhibited ZT-A-induced platelet aggregation but did not affect the increase in [Ca2+]i induced by ZT-A. 5. Tetrodotoxin (1 microM), a Na+ channel blocker and chlorpheniramine (1 microM), a H1-histamine receptor antagonist, neither affected ZT-A-induced platelet aggregation nor the increase in [Ca2+]i induced by ZT-A. 6. Genistein (1-100 microM), a protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor, and staurosporine (0.01-1 microM), a protein kinase C inhibitor, also inhibited ZT-A-induced platelet aggregation. 7. The present results suggest that ZT-A elicits Ca(2+)-influx from platelet plasma membranes. The resulting increase in [Ca2+]i subsequently stimulates the secondary release of TXA2 from platelets.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

P2-purinoceptor-mediated formation of inositol phosphates and intracellular Ca2+ transients in human coronary artery smooth muscle cells.

1. The effects of extracellular adenosine 5''-triphosphate (ATP) on smooth muscles are mediated by a variety of purinoceptors. In this study we addressed the identity of the purinoceptors on smooth muscle cells (SMC) cultured from human large coronary arteries. Purinoceptor-mediated increases in [Ca2+]i were measured in single fura-2 loaded cells by applying a digital imaging technique, and the formation of inositol phosphate compounds was quantified after separation on an anion exchange column. 2. Stimulation of the human coronary artery SMC (HCASMC) with extracellular ATP at concentrations of 0.1-100 microM induced a transient increase in [Ca2+]i from a resting level of 49 +/- 21 nM to a maximum of 436 +/- 19 nM. The effect was dose-dependent with an EC50 value for ATP of 2.2 microM. 3. The rise in [Ca2+]i was independent of the presence of external Ca2+, but was abolished after depletion of intracellular stores by incubation with 100 nM thapsigargin. 4. [Ca2+]i was measured upon stimulation of the cells with 0.1-100 microM of the more specific P2-purinoceptor agonists alpha, beta-methyleneadenosine 5''-triphosphate (alpha,beta-MeATP), 2-methylthioadenosine 5''-triphosphate (2MeSATP) and uridine 5''-triphosphate (UTP). alpha, beta-MeATP was without effect, whereas 2MeSATP and UTP induced release of Ca2+ from internal stores with 2MeSATP being the most potent agonist (EC50 = 0.17 microM), and UTP having a potency similar to ATP. The P1 purinoceptor agonist adenosine (100 microM) did not induce any changes in [Ca2+]i. 5. Stimulation with a submaximal concentration of UTP (10 microM) abolished a subsequent ATP-induced increase in [Ca2+]i, whereas an increase was induced by ATP after stimulation with 10 microM 2MeSATP. 6. The phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor U73122 (5 microM) abolished the purinoceptor-activated rise in [Ca2+]i, whereas pretreatment with the Gi protein inhibitor pertussis toxin (PTX, 500 ng ml-1) was without effect on ATP-evoked [Ca2+]i increases. 7. Receptor activation with UTP and ATP resulted in formation of inositol phosphates with peak levels of inositol 1, 4, 5-trisphosphate (Ins(1, 4, 5)P3) observed 5-20 s after stimulation. 8. These findings show, that cultured HCASMC express G protein-coupled purinoceptors, which upon stimulation activate PLC to induce enhanced Ins(1, 4, 5)P3 production causing release of Ca2+ from internal stores. Since a release of Ca2+ was induced by 2MeSATP as well as by UTP, the data indicate that P2y- as well as P2U-purinoceptors are expressed by the HCASMC.     

Differential effect of diltiazem and TA-3090 on calcium homeostasis of neutrophils.

The effects of diltiazem and TA-3090, an 8-chloro analog of diltiazem, on cellular responses and calcium homeostasis of human neutrophils were investigated. TA-3090, at 10 to 20 microM, enhanced lysozyme release and superoxide generation induced in neutrophils by n-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP). Higher concentrations of TA-3090 inhibited responses at IC50s between 70 and 85 microM. Diltiazem by comparison inhibited responses at an IC50 of about 200 microM. The two drugs had little or no effect on early signaling events: inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate formation triggered by FMLP was not affected. Moreover, 500 microM TA-3090 or diltiazem did not significantly affect FMLP-triggered Ca2+ transients. (Cytoplasmic free Ca2+ levels ([Ca2+]i) were monitored in fura-2-loaded neutrophils.) Diltiazem alone caused a limited influx of extracellular Ca2+ which increased basal [Ca2+]i by twofold. Internal Ca2+ stores were not released. TA-3090, in contrast, induced a biphasic rise in [Ca2+]i--an initial mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ stores was followed after 10-15 min by a persistent influx of extracellular Ca2+ which increased [Ca2+]i to 1.3 +/- 0.7 (SD) microM. Complementary studies with semipermeabilized neutrophils showed that TA-3090 but not diltiazem directly released Ca2+ from intracellular stores. In TA-3090-treated cells, lactate dehydrogenase release was correlated with delayed influx of extracellular Ca2+. The chelation of extracellular Ca2+ by EGTA prevented LDH release. Present results show that TA-3090 and diltiazem initially blocked cell signaling at steps subsequent to phospholipase C activity. With TA-3090-treated cells, elevated [Ca2+]i ensuing from prolonged incubations likely activated inappropriate reactions leading to cell lysis and death.     

Nordihydroguaiaretic acid elevates osteoblastic intracellular Ca2+

Nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) is widely used as a pharmacological tool to inhibit lipoxygenases; however, recent evidence suggests that it increases renal intracellular [Ca2+]i via novel mechanisms. Here the effect of NDGA on Ca2+ signaling in MG63 osteoblastic cells was explored using fura-2 as a Ca2+ indicator. NDGA (2-50 microM) increased [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner. The signal comprised an initial rise and an elevated phase over a time period of 4 min. Removing extracellular Ca2+ reduced 2-50 microM NDGA-induced signals by 62+/-2%. After incubation with 50 microM NDGA in Ca2+-free medium for several minutes, addition of 3 mM CaCl2 induced an increase in [Ca2+]i. NDGA (50 microM)-induced [Ca2+]i increases were not changed by pretreatment with 10 microM of verapamil, diltiazem, nifedipine, nimodipine and nicardipine. In Ca2+-free medium, pretreatment with the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor thapsigargin (1 microM) inhibited 50 microM NDGA-induced [Ca2+]i increases by 69+/-3%. Inhibition of phospholipase C with 2 microM U73122 had little effect on 50 microM NDGA-induced Ca2+ release. Several other lipoxygenase inhibitors had no effect on basal [Ca2+]i. At a concentration that did not increase basal [Ca2+]i, NDGA (1 microM) did not alter 10 microM ATP- or 1 microM thapsigargin-induced [Ca2+]i increases. Alteration of protein kinase C activity with 1 nM phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate or 2 microM GF 109203X did not affect 50 microM NDGA-induced [Ca2+]i increases. Together, the results show that NDGA increased [Ca2+]i in osteoblasts in a lipoxygenase-independent manner, by releasing stored Ca2+ in a fashion independent of phospholipase C activity, and by causing Ca2+ influx.     

Fluoxetine-induced Ca2+ signals in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells

The effect of fluoxetine on Ca2+ signaling in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells was investigated by using fura-2 as a Ca2+ probe. Fluoxetine increased [Ca2+]i concentration-dependently between 5 microM and 200 microM with an EC50 value of 40 microM. The response was reduced by external Ca2+ removal by 30%40%. In Ca2+-free medium pretreatment with 1 microM thapsigargin, an inhibitor of the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump, abolished 100 microM fluoxetine-induced Ca2+ release. Addition of 3 mM Ca2+ to Ca2+-free medium increased [Ca2+]i when cells were pretreated with 100 microM fluoxetine. Suppression of 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) formation by 2 microM U73122 (a phospholipase C inhibitor) did not affect 100 microM fluoxetine-induced Ca2+ release. Fluoxetine (5-100 microM) also increased [Ca2+]i in neutrophils, prostate cancer cells and bladder cancer cells from human and rat glioma cells.     

Effects of econazole on Ca2+ levels in and the growth of human prostate cancer PC3 cells

1. Econazole is used clinically as an antifungal drug with many different in vitro effects. However, the effects of econazole on prostate cancer cells are unknown. The effects of econazole on intracellular Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) in and the proliferation of human PC3 prostate cancer cells was explored in the present study using fura-2 and tetrazolium as fluorescent dyes. 2. At a concentration of 0.1 micromol/L, econazole started to increase [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner. The econazole-induced increase in [Ca2+]i was reduced by 48% by removal of extracellular Ca2+, suggesting that the econazole-induced increase in [Ca2+]i was composed of extracellular Ca2+ influx and intracellular Ca2+. 3. This econazole-induced Ca2+ influx was via an L-type Ca2+ channel-like pathway. In Ca2+-free medium, 1 micromol/L thapsigargin, an inhibitor of the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase, caused a monophasic increase in [Ca2+]i, after which the effect of econazole to increase [Ca2+]i was substantially inhibited. Conversely, pretreatment with 5 micromol/L econazole to deplete intracellular Ca2+ stores totally prevented thapsigargin from releasing more Ca2+. 4. The phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor U73122 (2 micromol/L) abolished the increase in [Ca2+]i induced by 10 micromol/L ATP (a Ca2+ mobilizer that needs inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate). 5. Overnight incubation with 1-30 micromol/L econazole inhibited proliferation of PC3 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. 6. These findings suggest that, in PC3 cells, econazole increases [Ca2+]i by stimulating Ca2+ influx into cells and Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum via a PLC-independent mechanism. Econazole is cytotoxic at submicromolar concentrations.