Chemotactic peptide activation of human neutrophils and HL-60 cells. Pertussis toxin reveals correlation between inositol trisphosphate generation, calcium ion transients, and cellular activation.

The mechanism of neutrophil activation by the chemotactic peptide formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP) has been studied by pretreatment of human neutrophils with pertussis toxin. Upon stimulation with FMLP, the cytosolic-free calcium concentration, [Ca2+]i, is increased both by stimulation of calcium influx and mobilization of cellular calcium. We have measured [Ca2+]i as well as the generation of the phospholipid breakdown product inositol trisphosphate (IP3), which is thought to mediate Ca2+ mobilization. As the phosphoinositide pool in human neutrophils is difficult to prelabel with [3H]myoinositol, experiments were also carried out in the cultured human promyelocytic leukemia cell line HL-60 after differentiation with dimethylsulfoxide. Pertussis toxin pretreatment of both cell types inhibited FMLP stimulated membrane depolarization, exocytosis, and superoxide production in a dose-dependent manner. This toxin effect was selective for the receptor agonist, since stimulation of these parameters by two substances bypassing the transduction mechanism, the calcium ionophore ionomycin and the phorbolester phorbol myristate acetate, were unaffected. Rises in [Ca2+]i, as well as generation of IP3 in response to FMLP, were inhibited in parallel; for the inhibition of functional responses, slightly lower toxin concentrations were required. The attentuation of the [Ca2+]i rise was more marked in the absence of extracellular calcium, i.e., when the rise is due only to calcium mobilization. The results provide evidence that phospholipase C stimulation by FMLP resulting in IP3 generation is involved in the signal transduction mechanism. Coupling of FMLP receptor occupancy to phospholipase C activation is sensitive to pertussis toxin, suggesting the involvement of a GTP binding protein (N protein), which has been shown to be a pertussis toxin substrate. The parallel changes in [Ca2+]i and IP3 further support the hypothesis that IP3 is the calcium-mobilizing mediator in FMLP-activated cells.     

Regulation of Ca2+ influx in myeloid cells. Role of plasma membrane potential, inositol phosphates, cytosolic free [Ca2+], and filling state of intracellular Ca2+ stores.

To study the mediation of Ca2+ influx by second messengers in myeloid cells, we have combined the whole-cell patch clamp technique with microfluorimetric measurements of [Ca2+]i. Me2SO-differentiated HL-60 cells were loaded with the fluorescent Ca2+ indicator Indo-1, allowed to adhere to glass slides, and patch-clamped. Receptor agonists and Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitors were applied by superfusion and inositol phosphates by microperfusion through the patch pipette. In voltage-clamped cells, [Ca2+]i elevations with a sustained phase could be induced by (a) the chemoattractant receptor agonist FMLP, (b) the Ca(2+)-releasing second messenger myo-inositol(1,4,5)trisphosphate [Ins(1,4,5)P3], as well as its nonmetabolizable analogues, and (c) the Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitor cyclopiazonic acid, which depletes intracellular Ca2+ stores. In the absence of extracellular Ca2+, responses to all stimuli were short-lasting, monophasic transients; however, subsequent addition of Ca2+ to the extracellular medium led to an immediate [Ca2+]i increase. In all cases, the sustained phase of the [Ca2+]i elevations could be inhibited by millimolar concentrations of extracellular Ni2+, and its amplitude could be decreased by depolarization of the plasma membrane. Thus, the sustained phase of the Ca2+ elevations was due to Ca2+ influx through a pathway sensitive to the electrical driving force and to Ni2+. No Ca2+ influx could be observed after (a) plasma membrane depolarization in resting cells, (b) an imposed [Ca2+]i transient independent of receptor activation, or (c) microperfusion of myo-inositol(1,3,4,5)tetrahisphosphate (Ins(1,3,4,5)P4). Also, Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 did not have additive effects when co-perfused with a submaximal concentration of Ins(1,4,5)P3. Our results suggest that, in myeloid cells, activation of chemoattractant receptors induces an electrogenic, Ni(2+)-sensitive Ca2+ influx via generation of Ins(1,4,5)P3. Ins(1,4,5)P3 might activate Ca2+ influx directly, or by depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores, but not via [Ca2+]i increase or Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 generation.     

Activation of Ca2+-dependent K+ channels in human B lymphocytes by anti-immunoglobulin.

Many mammalian cell types exhibit Ca2+-dependent K+ channels, and activation of these channels by increasing intracellular calcium generally leads to a hyperpolarization of the plasma membrane. Their presence in B lymphocytes is as yet uncertain. Crosslinking Ig on the surface of B lymphocytes is known to increase the level of free cytoplasmic calcium ([Ca2+]i). However, rather than hyperpolarization, a depolarization has been reported to occur after treatment of B lymphocytes with anti-Ig. To determine if Ca2+-dependent K+ channels are present in B lymphocytes, and to examine the relationship between intracellular free calcium and membrane potential, we monitored [Ca2+]i by means of indo-1 and transmembrane potential using bis(1,3-diethylthiobarbituric)trimethine oxonol in human tonsillar B cells activated by anti-IgM. Treatment with anti-IgM induced a biphasic increase in [Ca2+]i and a simultaneous hyperpolarization. A similar hyperpolarization was induced by ionomycin, a Ca2+ ionophore. Delaying the development of the [Ca2+]i response by increasing the cytoplasmic Ca2+-buffering power delayed the hyperpolarization. Conversely, eliminating the sustained phase of the [Ca2+]i response by omission of external Ca2+ abolished the prolonged hyperpolarization. In fact, a sizable Na+-dependent depolarization was unmasked. This study demonstrates that in human B lymphocytes, Ca2+-dependent K+ channels can be activated by crosslinking of surface IgM. Moreover, it is likely that, by analogy with voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels, Na+ can permeate through these ligand-gated Ca2+ "channels" in the absence of extracellular Ca2+.     

Pertussis toxin inhibition of chemotactic factor-induced calcium mobilization and function in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes

Chemotactic factors stimulate a rapid increase in the cytosolic concentration of intracellular calcium ions ([Ca2+]in) in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL), which may be an event that is critical to the expression of chemotaxis and other PMNL functions. Treatment of PMNL with pertussis toxin catalyzes ADP-ribosylation of a protein similar or identical to the inhibiting regulatory protein of adenylate cyclase, Gi, and suppresses the increase in [Ca2+]in elicited by leukotriene B4(LTB4) and formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine. Chemotactic migration and lysosomal enzyme release elicited by chemotactic factors were inhibited by pertussis toxin with a concentration-dependence similar to that for inhibition of the increase in [Ca2+]in, without an effect on lysosomal enzyme release induced by the ionophore A23187 and phorbol myristate acetate. Activated pertussis toxin catalyzed the [32P]ADP-ribosylation of a 41 kD protein in homogenates of PMNL. The extent of [32P]ADP-ribosylation of this protein was reduced 59% by pretreatment of intact PMNL with pertussis toxin. Pertussis toxin selectively decreased the number of high-affinity receptors for LTB4 on PMNL by 60% without altering the number or binding properties of the low-affinity subset of receptors. Pertussis toxin modification of a membrane protein of PMNL analogous to Gi thus simultaneously alters chemotactic receptors and attenuates the changes in cytosolic calcium concentration and PMNL function caused by chemotactic factors.     

Selective differentiation and proliferation of human eosinophils from umbilical cord blood: calcium fluxes and superoxide ion secretion

Investigation of the physiologic mechanisms involved in the activation of eosinophils is crucial to comprehend their role in the pathogenesis of allergic reactions. To overcome the difficulty of obtaining large numbers of eosinophils, we differentiated in vitro eosinophils from human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells. These cells responded to fMLP or PAF with an increase in [Ca2+]i, associated with O2 production. Deprivation or chelation of extracellular calcium induced a reduction of fMLP or PAF-induced [Ca2+]i rise and O2- production. Similar results were obtained with extracellular Ni2+ addition. Chelation of intracellular calcium induced an inhibition of fMLP- or PAF-induced [Ca2+]i rise and a decrease in O2- production. Our results indicate that fMLP- and PAF-dependent O2- production in eosinophils requires intra- and extracellular Ca2+ and that Ca2+ influx is necessary for optimal activation.     

Vasopressin V1 receptors on the principal cells of the rabbit cortical collecting tubule. Stimulation of cytosolic free calcium and inositol phosphate production via coupling to a pertussis toxin substrate.

The effects of arginine vasopressin (AVP) on the cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]f) were examined in freshly immunodissected rabbit cortical collecting tubule cells using fluorescent Ca2+ indicators fura-2 and indo-1. The addition of AVP to a cell suspension resulted in a rapid and transient increase in the [Ca2+]f. The 1-deamino-8-D-AVP (dDVP), a V2 receptor agonist of AVP that stimulated adenosine 3',5' cAMP production in these cells, had no effect on [Ca2+]f and did not affect AVP-induced increase in [Ca2+]f. The AVP-induced increase in [Ca2+]f but not cAMP production was blocked by the V1 receptor antagonist, [1-(beta-mercapto-beta-beta-cyclopentamethylene propionic acid), 2-(O-methyl)tyrosine] Arg8-vasopressin. The AVP-stimulated increase in [Ca2+]f appeared to be largely due to Ca2+ release from intracellular stores as reduction of extracellular Ca2+ with EGTA had little if any effect on the AVP-induced increase in [Ca2+]f. This AVP-induced increase in [Ca2+]f was associated with an increase in inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate production and appeared to involve a guanine nucleotide-binding protein (G), since the pretreatment of cells with pertussis toxin for 4-6 h inhibited this effect. Finally, measurements of [Ca2+]f in single cells suggest that only the principal cells of the collecting tubules respond to AVP with an increase in [Ca2+]f. In summary, these results demonstrate that the principal cells of the cortical collecting tubule possess two distinct receptor systems for vasopressin, the well-known V2 receptor coupled to adenylate cyclase, and a V1 receptor system that leads to the mobilization of cytosolic calcium, coupled through a pertussis toxin substrate (G protein) to a production of inositol phosphates.     

Calcium dependency and free calcium concentrations during insulin secretion in a hamster beta cell line.

Using a glucose-responsive beta cell line, we tested the hypothesis that the free cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) is the primary signal that couples a stimulus to insulin secretion, and examined the involvement of the extracellular Ca2+ pool in this process. Glucose or depolarization of the beta cell with 40 mM K+ stimulated a monophasic release of insulin directly proportional to the extracellular Ca2+ concentration. 40 mM K+ increased 45Ca2+ uptake and increased [Ca2+]i, which was measured with quin 2, 4.7-fold, from 56 +/- 3 to 238 +/- 17 nM. With high glucose, 45Ca2+ uptake did not increase, and [Ca2+]i was unchanged or fell slightly. There was a striking correlation between inhibitory effects of verapamil, the Ca2+ channel blocker, on insulin secretion and the rise in [Ca2+]i evoked by K+. Higher concentrations of verapamil were required to inhibit glucose- than K+-stimulated insulin secretion (dose giving half-maximal effect of 1.4 X 10(-4) M vs. 6.0 X 10(-7) M). Incubation in Ca2+-free, 1 mM EGTA buffer for 30 min lowered [Ca2+]i to 14 +/- 2 nM, and inhibited acute insulin release to both secretagogues. If high glucose was present in the Ca2+-free period, reintroduction of 2.5 mM Ca2+ in high glucose restored insulin secretion only to the basal rate. However, if low glucose was present during the Ca2+-free period, high glucose and 2.5 mM Ca2+ triggered a full first-phase insulin response. These data suggest that high glucose generates a non-Ca2+ signal that turns over rapidly and provide direct evidence that K+ triggers insulin release by drawing extracellular Ca2+ into the beta cell through verapamil-sensitive Ca2+ channels. However, an increase [Ca2+]i is not the primary signal that evokes glucose-stimulated insulin release in this beta cell line.     

The effect of atrial natriuretic peptide on cytosolic free calcium in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells

Effect of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) on cytosolic free calcium [( Ca2+]i) was studied in monolayers of cultured vascular smooth muscle (VSM) cells loaded with a fluorescent calcium indicator, fura-2. Vasoconstrictive hormones, angiotensin II (AII) and Arg8-vasopressin (AVP) induced initial rapid rises in [Ca2+]i, followed by sustained elevation of [Ca2+]i. ANP (Atriopeptin III 10(-8) M) decreased both the resting level and the sustained elevation of [Ca2+] i induced by AII and AVP. ANP also decreased the rise in [Ca2+]i induced by high potassium (K+) depolarization. AVP-induced initial rapid rise in [Ca2+]i was not inhibited by ANP in the presence or absence of the phosphodiesterase inhibitor, isobutylmethylxanthine 0.1 mM, which has been shown to fully enhance ANP-induced cyclic GMP accumulation. On the other hand, a calcium antagonist, nicardipine, inhibited the high K+-induced rise in [Ca2+]i, whereas it had no effect on not only initial but also sustained rises in [Ca2+]i induced by AVP or AII. These results suggest that ANP has an ability to decrease [Ca2+]i not through inhibition of voltage-sensitive calcium channels, and that neither ANP nor ANP-induced cyclic GMP may affect initial hormone-induced rise in [Ca2+]i. In conclusion, an ability to decrease [Ca2+]i is implicated in ANP-induced relaxation of VSM.     

Relationship between proliferation and cell cycle-dependent Ca2+ influx induced by a combination of thyrotropin and insulin-like growth factor-I in rat thyroid cells.

The mechanism of cell proliferation by a combination of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) was studied in rat thyroid (FRTL-5) cells. IGF-I stimulated an approximately 3.5-fold increase in the rate of Ca2+ influx sustained for at least 6 h in TSH-pretreated cells but not in quiescent cells. The significant cell proliferation was observed when TSH-primed cells were incubated with IGF-I for 24 h but not for 12 h. IGF-I stimulated the rate of Ca2+ influx in a dose-dependent manner that was similar to that for induction of DNA synthesis. Both Ca2+ influx and DNA synthesis observed in response to IGF-I in TSH-primed cells were inhibited by cobalt. In addition, the stimulations of Ca2+ influx and DNA synthesis by IGF-I were dependent on extracellular Ca2+ in TSH-pretreated cells. When TSH-primed cells were pretreated with pertussis toxin, both IGF-I-induced Ca2+ influx and DNA synthesis were abolished. However, pertussis toxin did not block the priming action of TSH or forskolin. When calcium entry was induced by Bay K8644, it stimulated cell growth in TSH-primed cells but not in quiescent cells. Moreover, cobalt and lanthanum inhibited DNA synthesis even when added several hours after the addition of Bay K8644 but not when added 24 h after the growth factor in TSH-primed cells. These findings suggest that at least two important mechanisms may work in response to IGF-I only in the TSH-primed G1 phase of the cell cycle: first, IGF-I can activate directly or indirectly the Ca2+ channel via a pertussis toxin-sensitive substrate in TSH-primed cells; and second, a long lasting calcium entry by IGF-I may be a cell cycle-dependent mitogenic signal.     

Effects of lysophosphatidylcholine on electrophysiological properties and excitation-contraction coupling in isolated guinea pig ventricular myocytes.

Lysophosphoglyceride accumulation in ischemic myocardium has been implicated as a cause of arrhythmias. We examined the effects of lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) in isolated guinea pig ventricular myocytes. In paced myocytes loaded with the Ca2+ indicator Indo-1-AM and studied at room temperature, 20 microM LPC caused an initial positive inotropic effect followed by spontaneous automaticity, a decline in active cell shortening, and progressive diastolic shortening (contracture) leading to cell death. These changes were accompanied by a progressive increase in cytosolic [Ca2+]i. In patch-clamped myocytes dialyzed internally with high EGTA concentrations, LPC caused membrane depolarization, shortening of the action potential duration, and abnormal automaticity as seen in multicellular preparations. Voltage clamp experiments revealed the appearance of a nonselective leak conductance without significant changes in the delayed rectifier K+ current, inward rectifier K+ current, L-type Ca2+ current, and T-type Ca2+ current. Pretreatment with 20 mM caffeine and [Ca2+]o-free solution did not prevent the leak current. In patch clamped myocytes loaded with 0.1 mM Fura-2 salt, the [Ca2+]i transient induced by either voltage clamps or brief caffeine exposure remained normal until the nonselective leak current developed. The Na(+)-Ca2+ exchange current elicited during caffeine-induced [Ca2+]i transients also did not appear to be altered by LPC. Qualitatively similar results were obtained in myocytes studied at 35 degrees C. The membrane detergent saponin (0.005% wt/wt) mimicked all of the effects of LPC. We conclude that under these experimental conditions the effects of LPC are most compatible with a detergent action causing membrane leakiness with resultant depolarization, [Ca2+]i overload, and contracture.     

Endothelin receptor subtype B mediates synthesis of nitric oxide by cultured bovine endothelial cells.

Endothelins (ET) produce endothelium-dependent vasodilation through nitric oxide (NO) synthesis. The present study was designed to elucidate the cellular mechanism by which ET induces synthesis and release of endothelium-derived NO by cultured bovine endothelial cells (EC). Binding studies revealed that bovine EC membrane had the binding sites of a novel agonist (BQ3020) for non-isopeptide-selective receptor subtype (ETB). Affinity labeling studies showed a major labeled band with the apparent molecular mass of 50 kD. Northern blot analysis demonstrated the expression of mRNA for ETB receptor. BQ3020 rapidly and dose dependently induced formation of inositol-1,4,5-triphosphate and increased intracellular Ca2+ concentrations in fura-2-loaded cells. Concomitantly, BQ3020 dose dependently stimulated production of both nitrate/nitrite (NOx) and cyclic GMP; a highly significant correlation existed between NOx and cGMP production. The stimulatory effect on NOx and cGMP production by ETB agonist was inhibited by NO synthase inhibitor monomethyl-L-arginine; this effect was reversed by coaddition of L-arginine, but not D-arginine. NOx and cGMP production stimulated by BQ3020 was inhibited by pretreatment with pertussis toxin. ETB agonist-induced NOx production was blocked by a calmodulin inhibitor and an intracellular Ca2+ chelator, but not by an extracellular Ca2+ chelator or a Ca2+ channel blocker. These data suggest that endothelins stimulate ETB receptor-mediated phosphoinositide breakdown via pertussis toxin-sensitive G-protein(s), which triggers release of intracellular Ca2+, thereby activating Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent NO synthase in EC.     

Mechanism of calcium transport stimulated by chlorothiazide in mouse distal convoluted tubule cells.

Thiazide diuretics inhibit Na+ and stimulate Ca2+ absorption in renal distal convoluted tubules. Experiments were performed on immortalized mouse distal convoluted tubule (MDCT) cells to determine the mechanism underlying the dissociation of sodium from calcium transport and the stimulation of calcium absorption induced by thiazide diuretics. Control rates of 22Na+ uptake averaged 272 +/- 35 nmol min-1 mg protein-1 and were inhibited 40% by chlorothiazide (CTZ, 10(-4) M). Control rates of 36Cl- uptake averaged 340 +/- 50 nmol min-1 mg protein-1 and were inhibited 50% by CTZ. CTZ stimulated 45Ca2+ uptake by 45% from resting levels of 2.86 +/- 0.26 nmol min-1 mg protein-1. Bumetanide (10(-4) M) had no effect on 22Na+, 36Cl-, or 45Ca2+ uptake. Control levels of intracellular calcium activity ([Ca2+]i) averaged 91 +/- 12 nM. CTZ elicited concentration-dependent increases of [Ca2+]i to a maximum of 654 +/- 31 nM at 10(-4) M. CTZ reduced intracellular chloride activity ([Cl-]i), as determined with the chloride-sensitive fluorescent dye 6-methoxy-N-(3-sulfopropyl)quinolinium. The chloride channel blocker 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)benzoic acid (NPPB, 10(-5) M) abolished the effect of CTZ on [Cl-]i. NPPB also blocked CTZ-induced increases of 45Ca2+. Resting membrane voltage, measured in cells loaded with the potential-sensitive dye 3,3'-dihexyloxacarbocyanine iodide [DiOC6(3)], averaged -72 +/- 2 mV. CTZ hyperpolarized cells in a concentration-dependent and reversible manner. At 10(-4) M, CTZ hyperpolarized MDCT cells by 20.4 +/- 7.2 mV. Reduction of extracellular Cl- or addition of NPPB abolished CTZ-induced hyperpolarization. Direct membrane hyperpolarization increased 45Ca2+ uptake whereas depolarization inhibited 45Ca2+ uptake. CTZ-stimulated 45Ca2+ uptake was inhibited by the Ca2+ channel blocker nifedipine (10(-5) M). We conclude that thiazide diuretics block cellular chloride entry mediated by apical membrane NaCl cotransport. Intracellular chloride, which under control conditions is above its equilibrium value, exits the cell through NPPB-sensitive chloride channels. This decrease of intracellular chloride hyperpolarizes MDCT cells and stimulates Ca2+ entry by apical membrane, dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca2+ channels.     

Alpha-2 adrenergic inhibition of Ca(++)-evoked [3H]norepinephrine release from synaptosomes is blocked by depolarization

The Ca(++)-evoked release of [3H]norepinephrine was used in these studies to investigate presynaptic regulation of norepinephrine release. In hippocampal synaptosomes, previously unexposed to Ca++ during isolation and superfusion, 1.25 mM Ca++ evoked a modest (4 to 7% of total stores) release of [3H]norepinephrine with 4.5 mM [K+] present. The alpha-2 adrenergic agonist clonidine inhibited 60% of the Ca(++)-evoked [3H]norepinephrine release. The alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists idazoxan and yohimbine reversed clonidine inhibition of release whereas the alpha-1 antagonist prazosin did not. Increasing the [K+] before Ca++ exposure increased [3H]norepinephrine release, and at 20 [K+] the release increased to over 20% of total stores. However, at [K+] above 9 mM, inhibition of Ca(++)-evoked release by clonidine decreased, and by 20 mM [K+] clonidine no longer inhibited release. Release was unaffected by 5 microM idazoxan or the opiate antagonist naloxone at 15 or 20 mM [K+]. The K+ channel blockers tetraethylammonium (5 mM) and 4-aminopyridine (0.1 mM) increased Ca(++)-evoked release almost 4-fold above control (4.5 mM [K+] present). Neither clonidine nor idazoxan affected Ca(++)-evoked release with the K+ channel blockers present. Therefore, even though K+ channel blockers and 20 mM [K+] increase neurotransmitter release, it is not autoreceptor activation by released endogenous norepinephrine that is responsible for blocking alpha-2 inhibition, but the depolarization produced by these treatments. The 20 mM [K+] blockade of alpha-2 inhibition was decreased by lowering the [Ca++] in the superfusion buffer. Therefore, synaptosomal accumulation of Ca++ may partially explain the loss of alpha-2 inhibition.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Extracellular protons acidify osteoclasts, reduce cytosolic calcium, and promote expression of cell-matrix attachment structures.

Because metabolic acids stimulate bone resorption in vitro and in vivo, we focused on the cellular events produced by acidosis that might be associated with stimulation of bone remodeling. To this end, we exposed isolated chicken osteoclasts to a metabolic (butyric) acid and observed a fall in both intracellular pH and cytosolic calcium [( Ca2+]i). These phenomena were recapitulated when bone resorptive cells, alkalinized by HCO3 loading, were transferred to a bicarbonate-free environment. The acid-induced decline in osteoclast [Ca2+]i was blocked by either NaCN or Na3VO4, in a Na+-independent fashion, despite the failure of each inhibitor to alter stimulated intracellular acidification. Moreover, K+-induced membrane depolarization also reduced cytosolic calcium in a manner additive to the effect of protons. These findings suggest that osteoclasts adherent to bone lack functional voltage-operated Ca2+ channels, and they reduced [Ca2+]i in response to protons via a membrane residing Ca-ATPase. Most importantly, acidosis enhances formation of podosomes, the contact areas of the osteoclast clear zone, indicating increased adhesion to substrate, an early step in bone resorption. Thus, extracellular acidification of osteoclasts leads to decrements in intracellular pH and calcium, and appears to promote cell-matrix attachment.     

Epidermal growth factor-stimulated phosphoinositide hydrolysis in cultured rat inner medullary collecting tubule cells. Regulation by G protein, calcium, and protein kinase C.

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) exhibits specific saturable binding to cultured rat inner medullary collecting tubule cells and stimulates inositol trisphosphate (IP3) production by these cells in a dose-dependent fashion. EGF-stimulated IP3 production is enhanced by GTP gamma s or AIF4- and is inhibited by GDP beta s or pertussis toxin. Alterations in extracellular Ca2+ have no effect on either basal or EGF-stimulated IP3 production. Similarly, treatment with EGTA which decreases cytosolic Ca2+ is without effect. In contrast, treatment with ionomycin which increases cytosolic Ca2+ has no effect on basal IP3 production but enhances the response to EGF. Activation of protein kinase C inhibits IP3 production in response to either EGF or AIF4-. These studies demonstrate the occurrence of EGF-stimulated phospholipase C activity in the rat inner medullary collecting duct. Stimulation by EGF is transduced by a pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein, unaffected by alterations in extracellular Ca2+, insensitive to a decrement in cytosolic Ca2+, enhanced by an increase in cytosolic Ca2+, and inhibited by protein kinase C.     

Endothelin(B) receptor activates NHE-3 by a Ca2+-dependent pathway in OKP cells.

To examine the mechanisms by which endothelin (ET) regulates the Na/H antiporter isoform, NHE-3, OKP cells were stably transfected with ET(A) and ET(B) receptor cDNA. In cells overexpressing ET(B), but not ET(A) receptors, ET-1 increased Na/H antiporter activity (JNa/H). This effect was inhibited by a nonselective endothelin receptor blocker and by a selective ET(B) receptor blocker but was not inhibited by an ET(A) selective receptor blocker. In ET(B)-overexpressing cells, 10(-8) M ET-1 inhibited adenylyl cyclase, but protein kinase A inhibition and pertussis toxin pretreatment did not affect Na/H antiporter activation by ET-1. ET-1 caused a transient increase in cell [Ca2+], followed by a sustained increase. Increases in cell [Ca2+] were partially inhibited by pertussis toxin. ET-1-induced increases in J(Na/H) were 50% inhibited by clamping cell [Ca2+] low with BAPTA, and by KN62, a Ca-calmodulin kinase inhibitor. Inhibitors of protein kinase C, cyclooxygenase, lipoxygenase, and cytochrome P450 and cyclic GMP were without effect. In ET(A)-overexpressing cells, ET-1 increased cell [Ca2+] but did not increase JNa/H. In summary, binding of ET-1 to ET(B) receptors increases Na/H antiporter activity in OKP cells, an effect mediated in part by increases in cell [Ca2+] and Ca-calmodulin kinase. Increases in cell [Ca2+] are not sufficient for Na/H antiporter activation.     

Enhancement of macrophage candidacidal activity by interferon-gamma. Increased phagocytosis, killing, and calcium signal mediated by a decreased number of mannose receptors.

In contrast to its macrophage-activating capacity, IFN-gamma downregulates expression of the macrophage mannose receptor (MMR), which mediates uptake of Candida and other microorganisms. We found that IFN-gamma induced a concentration-dependent increase in the capacity of human monocyte-derived macrophages to ingest and kill both opsonized and unopsonized Candida albicans and to release superoxide anion upon stimulation with Candida. Mannan or mannosylated albumin inhibited this activated uptake of unopsonized Candida, but glucan did not. Addition of mAb to complement receptor (CR) 3 did not inhibit ingestion; macrophages that lacked CR3 (leukocyte adhesion defect) showed normal upregulation of ingestion by IFN-gamma. The increased candidacidal activity of IFN-gamma-activated macrophages was associated with reduced expression of MMR by a mean of 79% and decreased pinocytic uptake of 125I-mannosylated BSA by 73%; K(uptake) of pinocytosis was not changed. Exposure of resident macrophages to unopsonized Candida did not elicit a transient increase in intracellular free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i); macrophages activated by IFN-gamma expressed a brisk increase in [Ca2+]i on exposure to Candida. These data suggest that macrophage activation by IFN-gamma can enhance resistance to C. albicans infection in spite of downregulation of the MMR, perhaps through enhanced coupling of the MMR to microbicidal functions.     

Pharmacological properties of potassium currents in swine tracheal smooth muscle.

The pharmacological properties of large conductance Ca(++)-activated K+ channels and spontaneous transient outward currents (STOCs) in swine tracheal smooth muscle (TSM) were studied using enzymatically dissociated single cells and patch clamp techniques. Recording from inside-out patches showed that extracellular tetraethylammonium caused a concentration-dependent decrease in single channel current amplitude. Acetylcholine (ACh; 10(-8) M) induced repetitive outward current transients in cell-attached patches due to simultaneous opening of many large conductance Ca(++)-activated K+ channels. Whole-cell recordings revealed the presence of STOCs in TSM membrane that were inhibited by tetraethylammonium at concentrations similar to those which inhibited the large conductance Ca(++)-activated K+ channels. Caffeine (5 mM) stimulated and then inhibited STOCs, suggesting that they are induced by the release of calcium from internal stores. ACh (1 microM) initially increased STOC frequency followed by an inhibition of STOCs. The effects of ACh occurred in control solution (2 mM Ca++) or when calcium influx was eliminated (0 Ca++, 2 mM Mn++). ACh also induced an inward current at negative membrane potentials associated with an increase in conductance. We conclude that inhibition of STOCs (i.e., potassium channel activity) and induction of an inward cation current by ACh may give rise to the depolarization observed in the presence of ACh and be important in the development of ACh-induced contractions in TSM.     

Aspirin potentiates prestimulated acid secretion and mobilizes intracellular calcium in rabbit parietal cells.

The effects of aspirin on gastric acid secretion were studied in isolated rabbit parietal cells (PC). Aspirin (10(-5) M) potentiated histamine-, dibutyryl cyclic AMP (dbcAMP)-, forskolin- and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine-stimulated acid secretion without affecting basal acid secretion. Augmentation of secretagogue-stimulated acid secretion by aspirin was dependent on calcium (Ca2+) since potentiation was blocked by removal of extracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]o) or addition of the calcium antagonist lanthanum chloride. Using the Ca2+ probe fura-2, aspirin (10(-6) - 2 X 10(-5) M) rapidly increased intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in a dose-dependent manner. The source of released Ca2+ was intracellular as demonstrated by depletion of intracellular Ca2+ and [Ca2+]o with EGTA washing. Aspirin did not affect several other signal transduction sites involved in stimulus-secretion coupling, including the H2 receptor, intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP), inositol 1,4,5, triphosphate (IP3) and H+,K(+)-ATPase. Aspirin decreased PC prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) content by 98%. Exogenous dimethyl PGE2 (dmPGE2) inhibited both histamine-stimulated acid secretion and its enhancement by aspirin. In contrast, dmPGE2 abolished aspirin-induced potentiation of dbcAMP-stimulated acid secretion by augmenting the dbcAMP-stimulated response. These results indicate that aspirin acts at a site beyond the adenylate cyclase/cAMP system and before the proton pump, presumably by releasing Ca2+ from an IP3-independent intracellular storage pool and by inhibiting PGE2 generation.