Evidence that prostacyclin modulates the vascular actions of calcium in man.

Increases in extracellular calcium (Ca++) can alter vascular tone, and thus may result in increased blood pressure (Bp) and reduced renal blood flow (RBF). Ca++ can stimulate prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and/or prostacyclin (PGI2) release in vitro, which may modulate Ca++ vascular effects. However, in man, the effect of Ca++ on PG release is not known. To study this, 14 volunteers received low-dose (2 mg/kg Ca++ gluconate) or high-dose (8 mg/kg) Ca++ infusions. The low-dose Ca++ infusion did not alter systemic or renal hemodynamics, but selectively stimulated PGI2, as reflected by the stable metabolite 6-keto-PGF1 alpha in urine (159 +/- 21-244 +/- 30 ng/g creatinine, P less than 0.02). The same Ca++ infusion given during cyclooxygenase blockade with indomethacin or ibuprofen was not associated with a rise in PGI2 and produced a rise in Bp and fall in RBF. However, sulindac, reported to be a weaker renal PG inhibitor, did not prevent the Ca++ -induced PGI2 stimulation (129 +/- 33-283 +/- 90, P less than 0.02), and RBF was maintained despite similar increases in Bp. The high-dose Ca++ infusion produced an increase in mean Bp without a change in cardiac output, and stimulated urinary 6-keto-PGF1 alpha to values greater than that produced by the 2-mg/kg Ca++ dose (330 +/- 45 vs. 244 +/- 30, P less than 0.05). In contrast, urinary PGE2 levels did not change. A Ca++ blocker, nifedipine, alone had no effect on Bp or urinary 6-keto-PGF1 alpha levels, but completely prevented the Ca++ -induced rise in Bp and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha excretion (158 +/- 30 vs. 182 +/- 38, P greater than 0.2). However, the rise in 6-keto-PGF1 alpha was not altered by the alpha 1 antagonist prazosin (159 +/- 21-258 +/- 23, P less than 0.02), suggesting that calcium entry and not alpha 1 receptor activation mediates Ca++ pressor and PGI2 stimulatory effects. These data indicate a new vascular regulatory system in which PGI2 modulates the systemic and renal vascular actions of calcium in man.     

Ambient C1- ions modify rat mesangial cell contraction by modulating cell inositol trisphosphate and Ca2+ via enhanced prostaglandin E2.

Our recent observation showed that angiotensin II (AII) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) stimulate Ca2+-activated Cl- conductance in mesangial cells. These data raise the possibility that mesangial cell function may be modulated by extracellular chloride concentration [( Cl-]o). The present study was undertaken to test this possibility using cultured rat mesangial cells. When the [Cl-]o was reduced to zero, the percentage of mesangial cells showing contraction responding to AII and AVP was decreased from 72 +/- 9 to 33 +/- 10% and from 60 +/- 4 to 24 +/- 11%, respectively. Ca2+ transients induced by AII and AVP, measured in mesangial cells loaded with Ca2+-sensitive photoprotein aequorin, were attenuated as [Cl-]o decreased. Also, when [Cl-]o decreased, inositol trisphosphate (IP3) levels of mesangial cells were suppressed, both in the presence and absence of AII or AVP. PGE2 production by mesangial cells increased when [Cl-]o decreased and the effects of ambient Cl- deprivation could be restored by addition of indomethacin to the Cl- -free medium. Moreover, PGE2 decreased mesangial cell contractility, Ca2+ transients, and IP3 production in response to AII and AVP. These data suggest that the decrease in [Cl-]o attenuates mesangial cell contraction by suppressing IP3 production and thus Ca2+ transients in response to AII and AVP through enhanced PGE2 production.     

Nicotinic receptor-evoked release of acetylcholine and somatostatin in the myenteric plexus is coupled to calcium influx via N-type calcium channels.

Entry of extracellular calcium (Ca++) via voltage-gated Ca++ channels is essential for neurotransmitter release. In this study, we examined whether nicotinic receptor-stimulated release of acetylcholine (ACh) and somatostatin (S14) are coupled to calcium influx via distinct calcium channel subtypes in the myenteric plexus. Isolated ganglia from the guinea pig ileal myenteric plexus were prepared and placed in perfusion chambers under standard conditions. The ganglionic agonist dimethylphenylpiperazinium (DMPP, 10(-6) to 10(-3) M) stimulated the release of [3H]ACh in a concentration-dependent manner. This release was blocked by hexamethonium or Ca(++)-free medium containing 1 mM EGTA and was antagonized by omega-conotoxin, a preferential N calcium channel blocker, but was not affected by nifedipine (L channel antagonist) or nickel (T calcium channel antagonist). DMPP-evoked release of somatostatin was also antagonized by omega-conotoxin, but was not affected by nifedipine or nickel. These observations indicate that neurosecretion of ACh and S14 evoked by DMPP is mediated by calcium entry via voltage-sensitive N-type Ca++ channels. To provide additional evidence that nicotinic receptor stimulation is associated with Ca++ entry via the N-type Ca++ channels, we examined the intracellular calcium [Ca++]i concentration of the myenteric plexus neurons using fura-2 microspectrofluorometry. Basal [Ca++]i of single ileal myenteric neurons was 65 +/- 5 nM. Perfusion with DMPP (10(-6) to 10(-3) M) caused a rapid, transient elevation in [Ca++]i which was abolished by Ca(++)-free medium containing 1 mM EGTA.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Antiplatelet activity of J78 (2-Chloro-3-[2'-bromo, 4'-fluoro-phenyl]-amino-8-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone), an antithrombotic agent, is mediated by thromboxane (TX) A2 receptor blockade with TXA2 synthase inhibition and suppression of cytosolic Ca2+ mobilization

We previously reported that J78 (2-chloro-3-[2'-bromo, 4'-fluoro-phenyl]-amino-8-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone), a newly synthesized 1,4-naphthoquinone derivative, exhibited a potent antithrombotic effect, which might be due to antiplatelet rather than anticoagulation activity. In the present study, possible anti-platelet mechanism of J78 was investigated. J78 concentration-dependently inhibited rabbit platelet aggregation induced by collagen (10 microg/ml), thrombin (0.05 U/ml), arachidonic acid (100 microM), and U46619 (9,11-dideoxy-9,11-methanoepoxy-prostaglandin F(2); 1 microM), a thromboxane (TX) A(2) mimic, with IC(50) values of 0.32 +/- 0.01, 0.44 +/- 0.02, 0.50 +/- 0.04, and 0.36 +/- 0.02 microM, respectively. J78 also produced a shift to the right of the concentration-response curve of U46619, indicating an antagonistic effect on the TXA(2) receptor. J78 concentration-dependently inhibited collagen-induced arachidonic acid liberation. In addition, J78 potently suppressed TXA(2) formation by platelets that were exposed to arachidonic acid in a concentration-dependent manner but had no effect on the production of PGD(2), indicating an inhibitory effect on TXA(2) synthase. This was supported by a TXA(2) synthase activity assay that J78 concentration-dependently inhibited TXB(2) formation converted from PGH(2). Furthermore, J78 was also able to inhibit the [Ca(2+)](i) mobilization induced by collagen or thrombin at such a concentration that completely inhibited platelet aggregation. Taken together, these results suggest that the antiplatelet activity of J78 may be mediated by TXA(2) receptor blockade with TXA(2) synthase inhibition and suppression of cytosolic Ca(2+) mobilization.     

Bradykinin-induced contraction is inhibited by tiaramide, an anti-inflammatory drug, with an inhibition of increase in intracellular free calcium

The mechanism of bradykinin-induced contraction in rabbit urinary detrusor was investigated using an anti-inflammatory drug, tiaramide. The contraction as well as prostaglandin (PG) E2 release induced by bradykinin was abolished by treatment with indomethacin, indicating that the contraction was mediated by PGs. The accumulation of inositol phosphates (IP) by bradykinin was partly inhibited by treatment with indomethacin, suggesting that part of the IP accumulation was due to PGs. Although the remaining accumulation of IPs induced by bradykinin in the presence of indomethacin should elicit contraction in smooth muscle cells, indomethacin abolished bradykinin-induced contraction. The dissociation between indomethacin-induced inhibition of IP accumulation and contraction induced by bradykinin might be explained by the existence of PG-generating cells in addition to smooth muscle cells. Bradykinin stimulates phospholipase C, which leads to an increase in intracellular free Ca++, activation of phospholipase A2 and release of PGs in the PG-generating cells. The released PGs act on smooth muscle cells to elicit contractions via phospholipase C activation and Ca++ mobilization. Tiaramide inhibited the PGE2 release and contraction induced by bradykinin by reducing the arachidonic acid release from membrane phospholipid but did not have a direct effect on cyclo-oxygenase. Tiaramide reduced IP accumulation induced by bradykinin to an extent similar to indomethacin. However, tiaramide had no effect on IP accumulation induced by PGE2, although it potently inhibited the contraction induced by PGE2, which elicits contractions without affecting phospholipase A2. The rise in intracellular free Ca++ induced by PGE2 as well as bradykinin was inhibited by tiaramide.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Mechanism of vascular smooth muscle contraction by sodium fluoride in the isolated aorta of rat and rabbit.

The purpose of this study was to determine the cellular basis for fluoride ion (F-)-induced contractions of isolated aortic rings from both the rat and the rabbit. The F- contractions were not affected by endothelial denudation but were enhanced in the presence of A (0.1 or 1.0 mM) added to the bathing Krebs' solution. The contractile effect of F- also was not modified by bathing with Ca(++)-free + ethylene glycol bis(b-aminoethylether)-N,N-tetracetic acid Krebs' solution or nifedipine (10 microM), but was attenuated by inorganic (Cd++, Co++ and Ni++) Ca++ antagonists in normal and Ca(++)-free Krebs' media. Bis(o-aminophenoxy)-ethane-N-N-N'-N'-tetraacetic acid, ryanodine and intracellular Ca++ modulators, respectively, caused 36.1 +/- 6.1%, 16.4 +/- 6.8% and 52.3 +/- 7.3% inhibition of the contractile response to F- in a Ca(++)-free media while causing near complete inhibition of norepinephrine-induced contractions. F- contractions were also inhibited by the calmodulin antagonists W-7 and calmidazolium (IC50 = 23.0 +/- 7.0 and 45.0 +/- 10.0 microM, respectively). On the other hand, the protein kinase C antagonists staurosporine and H-7 potently (IC50 = 0.016 +/- 0.007 and 1.1 +/- 0.5 microM, respectively) inhibited the fluoride-induced contractions. Aortic rings from the rabbit were similarly potently antagonized by the protein kinase C inhibitors, however, K(+)-induced contractions were also equally sensitive to these agents in both rat and rabbit tissues. The putative phospholipase C inhibitor neomycin was significantly less effective (IC50 = 13.0 +/- 5.0, 0.44 +/- 0.09 and 0.89 +/- 0.40 mM) at inhibiting F- than norepinephrine and KCl contractile effects.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Mechanism of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-induced aggregation in saponin-permeabilized platelets.

The present study investigated the relationship between inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3), thromboxane (TX)A2 and ADP in IP3-induced activation of saponin-permeabilized platelets. The time course of the different responses indicated that IP3-induced Ca++ mobilization and TXA2 production preceded both aggregation and secretion. Furthermore, platelet aggregation occurred coincident with secretion. In contrast, U46619- [15(S)-hydroxy-11,9-epoxymethano-prosta-5Z,13E-dienoic acid] and A23187-induced aggregation was commensurate with Ca++ mobilization, and preceded the secretion response. Indomethacin and SQ29,548 ([1S-[1 alpha,2 beta(5Z),3 beta,4 alpha]]-7-[3-[[2-[(phenylamino)carbonyl]hydrazino]methyl]- 7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid) inhibited IP3-mediated aggregation by 100%, Ca++ mobilization by 80% and secretion by 90%. A23187 exhibited a different inhibition profile, in that only secretion was blocked (65%). U46619-induced responses were completely inhibited by SQ29,548 and unaffected by indomethacin. Pretreatment of the platelets with creatine phosphate/creatine phosphokinase (CP/CPK), which removes secreted ADP, produced 100% inhibition of IP3-induced aggregation, 90% inhibition of Ca++ mobilization and 72% inhibition of secretion. On the other hand, CP/CPK was ineffective in blocking any of the A23187-induced responses. Concerning U46619, CP/CPK produced a 30% attenuation of maximal aggregation and 78% inhibition of both Ca++ mobilization and secretion. These results in saponin-permeabilized platelets demonstrate that IP3-induced aggregation is a secretion-mediated process which requires both TXA2 and secreted ADP. Taken together, the findings suggest that IP3 is not capable of directly causing platelet aggregation, but may function in platelets to amplify an initial agonist response through TXA2 production and secretion.     

Evidence that blood ionized calcium can regulate serum 1,25(OH)2D3 independently of parathyroid hormone and phosphorus in the rat.

This study asks whether arterial blood ionized calcium concentration (Ca++) can regulate the serum level of 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] independently of serum phosphorus and parathyroid hormone (PTH). We infused either PTH (bovine 1-34, 10 U/kg body wt/h) or saline into awake and unrestrained rats for 24 h, through a chronic indwelling catheter. PTH raised total serum calcium and arterial blood ionized calcium, yet serum 1,25(OH)2D3 fell from 35 +/- 6 (mean +/- SEM, n = 10) with saline to 12 +/- 3 pg/ml (n = 11, P less than 0.005 vs. saline). To determine if the decrease in serum 1,25(OH)2D3 was due to the elevated Ca++, we infused PTH into other rats for 24 h, along with varying amounts of EGTA. Infusion of PTH + 0.67 micron/min EGTA reduced Ca++, and 1,25(OH)2D3 rose to 90 +/- 33 (P less than 0.02 vs. PTH alone). PTH + 1.00 micron/min EGTA lowered Ca++ more, and 1,25(OH)2D3 increased to 148 +/- 29 (P less than 0.01 vs. saline or PTH alone). PTH + 1.33 micron/min EGTA lowered Ca++ below values seen with saline or PTH alone, and 1,25(OH)2D3 rose to 267 +/- 46 (P less than 0.003 vs. all other groups). Thus, during PTH infusion lowering Ca++ with EGTA raised 1,25(OH)2D3 progressively. There were no differences in serum phosphorus concentration or in arterial blood pH in any group infused with PTH. The log of serum 1,25(OH)2D3 was correlated inversely with Ca++ in all four groups infused with PTH (r = -0.737, n = 31, P less than 0.001), and also when the saline group was included (r = -0.677, n = 41, P less than 0.001). The results of this study indicate that serum 1,25(OH)2D3 may be regulated by Ca++ independent of PTH and serum phosphorus levels in the rat. Since 1,25(OH)2D3 regulates gastrointestinal calcium absorption, there may be direct feedback control of 1,25(OH)2D3, by its regulated ion, Ca++.     

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) receptor-mediated calcium mobilization and phosphoinositide turnover in neurohybrid NG108-15 cells: studies with BN50739, a new PAF antagonist.

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is an unusually potent lipid autacoid with a variety of biological activities. The growing body of evidence suggests that PAF might play an important role in modulation of central nervous system function, particularly during ischemia- and trauma-induced neuronal damage. However, the mechanisms involved in PAF actions on neuronal or other brain cells is virtually unknown. Therefore, this study was designed to characterize PAF receptor-mediated cellular signal transduction in neurohybrid NG108-15 cells with the aid of a new potent PAF antagonist, BN 50739. PAF induced an immediate and concentration-dependent increase in [Ca++]i with an EC50 of 6.8 nM. PAF-induced [Ca++]i mobilization was inhibited by several structurally unrelated PAF antagonists such as BN 50739, WEB 2086, SRI 63-441 and BN 52021, in a dose-dependent manner with IC50 values of 4.8, 6.9, 809 and 98500 nM, respectively. The calcium channel blockers nifedipine (5 microM) and diltiazem (10 microM) had no effect on the PAF-induced increase in [Ca++]i, but omission of CA++ from the incubation buffer caused an 82% reduction of PAF-induced [Ca++]i elevation; the remainder contributed from intracellular sources was completely inhibited by 10 microM TMB-8, an intracellular Ca++ blocker. NG108-15 cells exhibited homologous desensitization to sequential addition of PAF, but no heterologous desensitization between PAF and other agonists such as bradykinin, endothelin, angiotensin II and ATP was observed. PAF stimulated phosphoinositide metabolism in a dose-dependent manner with an EC50 of 5.1 nM for IP3 formation, which was also inhibited by the PAF antagonist BN 50739 in a dose-dependent manner (IC50 = 3.6 nM).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effect of thrombin on calcium homeostasis in chick embryonic heart cells. Receptor-operated calcium entry with inositol trisphosphate and a pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein as second messengers.

Thrombin increases intracellular calcium ([Ca++]i) in several cell types and causes a positive inotropic effect in the heart. We examined the mechanism of the thrombin-induced [Ca++]i increase in chick embryonic heart cells loaded with the fluorescent calcium indicator, indo-1. Thrombin (1 U/ml) increased both systolic and diastolic [Ca++]i from 617 +/- 62 and 324 +/- 46 to 1041 +/- 93 and 587 +/- 38 nM, respectively. An initial rapid [Ca++]i increase was followed by a more sustained increase. There were associated increases in contraction strength, beat frequency, and action potential duration. The [Ca++]i increase was not blocked by tetrodotoxin or verapamil, but was blocked by pretreatment with pertussis toxin (100 ng/ml). The thrombin-induced [Ca++]i increase was partly due to intracellular calcium release, since it persisted after removal of external calcium. The [Ca++]i increase in zero calcium was more transitory than in normal calcium and was potentiated by 10 mM Li+. Thrombin also induced influx of calcium across the surface membrane, which could be monitored using Mn++ ions, which quench indo-1 fluorescence when they enter the cell. Thrombin-induced Mn++ entry was insensitive to verapamil, but was blocked by 2 mM Ni++. Thrombin increased inositol trisphosphates by 180% at 90 s and this effect was also blocked by pretreatment with pertussis toxin. Conclusion: thrombin promotes calcium entry and release in embryonic heart cells even when action potentials are inhibited. Both modes of [Ca++]i increase may be coupled to the receptor by pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins.     

Effects of anagrelide on platelet cAMP levels, cAMP-dependent protein kinase and thrombin-induced Ca++ fluxes

Anagrelide (BL-4162A, 6,7-dichloro-1,5-dihydroimidazo[2, 1-6] quinazolin-2[3H]one monohydrochloride hydrate) is a potent and broad spectrum inhibitor of platelet aggregation. Prior studies showed that anagrelide inhibited platelet cyclic AMP (cAMP) phosphodiesterase activity but did not appreciably elevate platelet cAMP levels. We examined the effects of anagrelide on washed human platelets and found that anagrelide caused significant elevation of cAMP levels. Anagrelide treatment also resulted in activation of the platelet cAMP-dependent protein kinase at anagrelide concentrations of 0.1 to 1 microgram/ml, which inhibited platelet aggregation but caused only small increases in platelet cAMP content. When whole platelets were incubated with radiolabeled phosphate, anagrelide increased phosphorylation of platelet proteins with relative molecular weights of 22, 26, 50 and 80 kilodaltons. The pattern of protein phosphorylation stimulated by anagrelide treatment was similar to that observed when the platelets were treated with forskolin. Anagrelide also inhibited the rise in intracellular Ca++ caused by thrombin, as measured using Fura-2-loaded platelets. The inhibition of increased intracellular Ca++ resulted from block of thrombin-induced mobilization of intracellular Ca++, as well as prevention of Ca++ influx through the plasma membrane. Anagrelide itself had no influence on inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-induced Caz5++ release from isolated platelet membrane vesicles. These studies suggest that anagrelide inhibits platelet phosphodiesterase activity in intact platelets resulting in an elevation in cAMP levels sufficient to activate the cAMP-dependent protein kinase and inhibit agonist-activated Ca++ fluxes.     

Protective effect of intrarenal calcium membrane blockers before or after renal ischemia. Functional, morphological, and mitochondrial studies

The present study examined whether a pre- or postischemic infusion of verapamil (V) or a postischemic infusion of nifedipine (N), drugs which block calcium (Ca++) influx across plasma membranes, provides protection against ischemic acute renal failure (ARF) in dogs. Renal hemodynamics and excretory function were examined 1 h (initiation phase) and 24 h (maintenance phase) after a 40-min intrarenal infusion of norepinephrine (NE). In each case, the uninfused contralateral kidney served as control. Four groups were studied: (a) dogs receiving NE alone; (b) dogs receiving an intrarenal infusion of V for 30 min before NE (V + NE); (c) dogs in which intrarenal V was infused for 2 h, beginning immediately after completion of NE infusion (NE + V); and (d) dogs in which intrarenal N was infused for 2 h, beginning immediately after completion of NE infusion (NE + N). Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in the NE kidneys, as assessed by inulin clearance, at 1 and 24 h averaged 2.4 +/- 1.1 and 5.0 +/- 2.0 ml/min, respectively, as compared with control kidney GFRs of 28.0 +/- 3.5 and 43.8 +/- 5.0 ml/min, respectively (both at least P less than 0.01). In the V + NE group, GFR at 1 and 24 h averaged 15.0 +/- 5.5 and 31.0 +/- 4.5 ml/min, respectively, both at least P less than 0.05 as compared with values from NE kidneys. GFRs in the NE + V group averaged 15.0 +/- 2.4 and 16.3 +/- 3.6 ml/min at 1 and 24 h, both at least P less than 0.02 as compared with values from NE kidneys. GFR in the NE + N group averaged 18.6 +/- 6.0 ml/min at 24 h (P less than 0.05 as compared with GFRs in the NE kidneys). In addition, function of cortical mitochondria (Mito) was examined at the end of the 40-min NE infusion and after 1 and 24 h of reperfusion in the NE alone and NE + V groups. Mito respiration, assessed by acceptor control ratios, was reduced at each period in the NE alone kidneys. After 24 h, these Mito had accumulated Ca++ and exhibited reduced Ca++ uptake and increased Ca++ release rates. Mito from NE + V kidneys respired normally, did not accumulate Ca++, and exhibited no alterations in Ca++ uptake or release. Light and electron microscopy also demonstrated morphological protection of V against tubular necrosis and cell injury. Mito from the NE + N kidneys also respired normally and did not accumulate significant amounts of Ca++. The results of the present studies therefore demonstrated that chemically dissimilar calcium entry blockers exert substantial functional, cellular, and morphological protection against experimental ischemic ARF. These findings are compatible with the hypothesis that increased cytosolic Ca++ is critically important in the maintenance of renal vasoconstriction and the development of cellular necrosis with subsequent tubular obstruction in NE-induced ischemic ARF. V or N may provide protection against renal injury by retarding any increase in cytosolic Ca++ in renal vasculature and epithelium.     

Effects on calmodulin of bepridil, an antianginal agent

Using biopharmacological techniques, we determined the effect on calmodulin of bepridil, a Ca++ channel blocker. We used two Ca++/calmodulin-dependent enzymes, Ca++/calmodulin-dependent cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase from bovine brain and myosin light chain kinase from chicken gizzard. Bepridil inhibited the calmodulin-induced activation of Ca++/calmodulin-dependent cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase and the concentration of this drug producing 50% inhibition (IC50) of this enzyme was 8 microM. There was no significant effect on unactivated Ca++/calmodulin-dependent cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (in the absence of Ca++-calmodulin), up to a concentration of 100 microM. Bepridil inhibited specifically Ca++/calmodulin-dependent phosphorylation of chicken gizzard myosin light chain with an IC50 value of 18 microM. Moreover, this agent produced a marked displacement of [3H]N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphthalenesulfonamide, an antagonist that interacts selectively with calmodulin. The influence of bepridil on the dose-response curves of mesenteric arterial strips for CaCl2, norepinephrine and serotonin differed from the influence seen with nifedipine, another Ca++ blocker. Bepridil (100 microM) suppressed the Ca++-induced contraction of saponin-skinned mesenteric arteries and calmodulin (26 microM) reversed partly the relaxant effect of this agent. These results suggest that the effect of bepridil on the cardiovascular system is due not only to its Ca++ channel blocking action but also to a calmodulin antagonistic action.     

Prostaglandin and thromboxane synthesis by highly enriched rabbit proximal tubular cells in culture

Prostaglandin synthetic profiles were studied in monolayers of highly enriched rabbit renal proximal tubular cells cultured in serum-free, hormone-supplemented, defined media. The cultures were initiated from glomeruli-free cortical suspensions. Cells in culture demonstrated morphologic and functional characteristics highly suggestive of proximal tubular cells. The basal and stimulated synthesis of immunoassayable prostaglandin (PG) E2, PGF2 alpha, 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, and thromboxane (Tx) B2 in response to various agonists, as well as the effect of two cyclooxygenase inhibitors, was assessed. Under both basal and stimulated conditions, PGE2 was the major product synthesized. PGF2 alpha and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha were synthesized to a lesser extent, and TxB2 was undetectable. The basal synthesis of PGE2 and PGF2 alpha in cultured cells was found to be higher than in isolated proximal tubular fragments by sevenfold and fivefold, respectively. Exogenous arachidonate, angiotensin II, and the divalent cation ionophore A23187 stimulated all three immunoassayable prostaglandins in a dose-dependent manner. Arginine vasopressin (10(-5) mol/L) had no stimulatory effect. In Ca++-free media or in the presence of 10(-5) mol/L Ca++ channel blocker, verapamil, the stimulatory effects of angiotensin II and A23187 were ameliorated. The stimulatory effect of angiotensin II was inhibited by saralasin (10(-5) mol/L), indicating that receptor binding could mediate PGE2 synthesis. Both indomethacin and sulindac sulfide (10(-5) mol/L) reversibly inhibited PGE2 synthesis.     

Maitotoxin, a novel activator of mediator release from human basophils, induces large increases in cytosolic calcium resulting in histamine, but not leukotriene C4, release.

Maitotoxin (MTX) is a potent marine toxin which stimulates several Ca(++)-dependent processes presumably through an increase in Ca++ permeability. We have examined the effect of MTX on the release of chemical mediators from human basophils and its mechanism of action. MTX (1-20 ng/ml) induced histamine release (37-100%) from both mixed leukocyte preparations and purified basophils. Histamine release activated by MTX was slow (t 1/2 approximately equal to 15 min), temperature and Ca++ dependent (optimal at 37 degrees C and 1-2.5 mM Ca++). Sr++ ion could substitute for Ca++ in the secretory process. Digital video microscopy analysis of purified (> 70%) basophils revealed that MTX (1-20 ng/ml) induced a slow and marked increase of cytosolic Ca++ levels that was temporally coincident with histamine release. MTX (1-20 ng/ml) stimulated the release of sulfidopeptide leukotriene C4 from mixed leukocyte preparations (approximately equal to 0.5% basophils). However, purified basophils (77 +/- 7%) showed no sulfidopeptide leukotriene C4 release even in the presence of large histamine secretion (84 +/- 14%). Two organic Ca(++)-channel entry blockers, verapamil and diltiazem (1-30 microM) inhibited the release of histamine induced by MTX, whereas the dihydropyridine nifedipine (0.1-10 microM) caused only minimal inhibition. These results suggest that MTX represents a novel stimulus useful to study the role of Ca++ in human basophil mediator release.     

Calcium dependence of phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate-induced force and myosin light chain phosphorylation in arterial smooth muscle

Phorbol dibutyrate (PDB) is an activator of protein kinase C and has been observed to cause a slow developing contraction in vascular smooth muscle. The mechanism of phorbol ester-induced contraction is unknown. We studied the Ca++-dependence of, and the degree of myosin light chain phosphorylation (MLC-P), during PDB-induced contractions in rabbit aortic rings. PDB elicited concentration-dependent contractions (3 X 10(-8) to 10(-6) M) in rabbit aortic rings incubated in normal (1.6 mM Ca++) physiologic salt solution (PSS). Addition of the Ca++-channel blocker nifedipine (0.1 microM) to PSS or removal or Ca++ from PSS significantly reduced the contractile responses to PDB. Depletion of Ca++ by repeated washes in O Ca++-PSS containing 10(-3) M ethylene glycol bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N'-tetraacetic acid reduced, but did not eliminate, the responses to PDB. In PSS, PDB significantly increased the fraction of phosphorylated MLC/total MLC to 0.33 from a resting value of 0.20. Ca++ depletion reduced the resting fraction (MLC-P/MLC) to 0.14. PDB-stimulated contractions in Ca++-depleted tissues occurred in the absence of significant increases in MLC-P. Sodium nitroprusside partially relaxed PDB-induced contractions by approximately 50% whether elicited in the presence of 1.6 mM Ca++ or after Ca++ depletion. In both cases relaxation occurred in the absence of statistically significant decreases in MLC phosphorylation. Ca++-dependent MLC phosphorylation may account for a component of the PDB contractile response in rabbit aorta. Studies in the absence of Ca++ suggest that PDB may activate contraction without concomitant MLC-P.     

Bile salt stimulation of colonic epithelial proliferation. Evidence for involvement of lipoxygenase products.

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and several other prostaglandins synthesized by colon suppress the proliferative activity of colonic epithelium. However, bile salts stimulate colonic epithelial proliferation despite the actions of bile salts to enhance the release of arachidonate and consequent colonic synthesis of PGE2. The current study was conducted to assess whether bile salt-induced increases in colonic formation of arachidonate metabolites other than PGE2 were linked to the stimulation of the proliferative activity of colonic epithelium. Within 10 min of addition, deoxycholate markedly stimulated the in vitro release of [14C]arachidonate from prelabeled rat colon. When given in vivo by intracolonic instillation deoxycholate (10 mumol) increased colonic accumulation of immunoreactive prostaglandin E (PGE), thromboxane B2 (TXB2), and the lipoxygenase product 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE) by two to fourfold over control in 30 min. This effect of intracolonic deoxycholate was followed by a ninefold increase in mucosal ornithine decarboxylase activity (4 h), and a subsequent two to threefold increase in [3H]thymidine [( 3H]Thd) incorporation into DNA of either mucosal scrapings or isolated pools of proliferative colonic epithelial cells (24 h). Intracolonic instillation of indomethacin (50 mumol) suppressed to low or undetectable levels both basal colonic accumulation of PGE and TXB2 and the increases in each parameter induced by subsequent instillation of deoxycholate. By contrast, indomethacin enhanced accumulation of 12-HETE in both control colons and those subsequently exposed to deoxycholate. The increases in 12-HETE induced by indomethacin alone were correlated with stimulation of mucosal ornithine decarboxylase activity and [3H]Thd incorporation into mucosal DNA. Indomethacin also enhanced the increases in these parameters induced by deoxycholate. Intracolonic instillation of phenidone (25-100 mumol) suppressed accumulation of PGE, TXB2, and 12-HETE in control colons and the increases in these parameters induced by a subsequent instillation of deoxycholate. Phenidone alone did not alter mucosal ornithine decarboxylase activity or [3H]thymidine incorporation into mucosal DNA. However, phenidone suppressed or abolished increases in these parameters induced by a subsequent instillation of deoxycholate. 4-(2-[IH-imidazol-1-yl]ethoxy) benzoic acid hydrochloride UK 37,248, which selectively reduced colonic TXB2 to undetectable levels without altering PGE or 12-HETE, had no effect on control or deoxycholate-induced increases in mucosal ornithine decarboxylase activity or [3H]Thd incorporation into DNA. Neither indomethacin nor phenidone altered the increases in [(14)C]arachidonate release induced in vitro by deoxycholate. Chenodeoxycholate and cholate also stimulated [(14)C]arachidonate release from colon in vitro within 10 min, and increased colonic 12-HETE (30 min) and mucosal ornithine decarboxylase activity (4 h) upon intracolonic installation. Prior installation of phenidone inhibited the increases in both 12-HETE and ornithine decarboxylase activity induced by these bile salts. The results support a role for bile salt-induced increases in colonic accumulation of lipoxygenase products, as reflected by 12-HETE, in the subsequent stimulation of the proliferative activity of colonic epithelium.     

Regulation of proliferation of human colonic subepithelial myofibroblasts by mediators important in intestinal inflammation.

An increase in myofibroblast number may be necessary for wound healing but may also lead to postinflammatory scarring. We have, therefore, studied the role of mediators important in inflammatory bowel disease in regulating proliferation of human colonic myofibroblasts. Using primary cultures of these cells, we have shown increases in [3H]thymidine incorporation in response to platelet-derived growth factor (EC50 = 14 ng/ml), basic fibroblast growth factor (EC50 = 2.2 ng/ml), and epidermal growth factor (EC50 = 1.1 ng/ml). Coulter counting of cell suspensions demonstrated increases in cell number with these growth factors along with insulin-like growth factor-I and -II. In addition the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1beta and TNF-alpha produced increases in [3H]thymidine incorporation. IL-1beta and platelet-derived growth factor together produced an increase in [3H]thymidine greater than either agonist alone; this effect was not, however, seen when we examined changes in cell numbers. Finally, we demonstrate a mechanism whereby these responses may be downregulated: vasoactive intestinal peptide (1 microM) elevates cyclic AwMP in these cells 4. 2-fold over control and produces a dose-related inhibition of platelet-derived growth factor-driven proliferation with a maximum inhibition of 33% at 1 microM.     

Prostanoids secreted by alveolar macrophages enhance ionic currents in swine tracheal submucosal gland cells

We examined the effect of substances released by swine alveolar macrophages (AMs) on ionic currents in airway submucosal gland cells (SGCs). AMs obtained by lavage were activated by 24-h zymosan exposure (0.1 mg/ml). Supernatant was collected and used to stimulate short-circuit current changes (DeltaI(SC)) in SGC monolayers in Ussing chambers. Dexamethasone (1 microM) or indomethacin (5 muM) during zymosan exposure of AMs reduced or abolished the supernatant-induced DeltaI(SC). Zymosan exposure induced a 5-fold increase in cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 but not COX-1 protein levels in AMs. Prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) concentration in the supernatant from zymosan-activated AMs was 550 +/- 10 nM (n = 3) compared with 28 +/- 3 nM for unstimulated AMs (n = 3). PGE(2), applied serosally, induced DeltaI(SC) with an EC(50) of 15.5 +/- 1.3 nM (n = 4) and 3.6 +/- 1.8 microM (n = 3) when applied apically. Four types of endoprostanoid receptors (EP(1-4)) were detected in SGCs using Western blot. PGE(2)-induced DeltaI(SC) were inhibited by AH6809 (6-isopropoxy-9-oxoxanthene-2-carboxylic acid) but not by SC19220 (8-chloro-dibenzo[b,f][1,4]oxazepine-10(11H)-carboxylic acid, 2-acetylhydrazide), suggesting that endoprostanoid (EP)(2) but not EP(1) receptors were activated by PGE(2). Pretreatment of SGCs with supernatant from zymosan-activated AMs, PGE(2), or forskolin enhanced the sensitivity to acetylcholine (ACh)-induced DeltaI(SC). PGE(2)-induced DeltaI(SC) were blocked by charybdotoxin (ChTX), chromanol 293B, or glibenclamide. ACh-induced DeltaI(SC) were only blocked by ChTX or glibenclamide. None of these blockers altered PGE(2) pretreatment-induced sensitization of ACh-induced DeltaI(SC). These results demonstrate that prostanoids released from activated AMs directly increase cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator and K(+) channel activity. ACh-induced DeltaI(SC) are also enhanced due to enhanced activation of Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels (K(Ca)).