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.     

Novel effect of N-palmitoyl-L-serine phosphoric acid on cytosolic Ca2+ levels in human osteoblasts

The effect of N-palmitoyl-L-serine phosphoric acid (L-NASPA), which has been used as an inhibitor of lysophosphatidic acid receptors, on intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in human osteosarcoma MG63 cells was measured by using fura-2. L-NASPA (0.1-10 microM) caused a rapid and transient plateau [Ca2+]i rise in a concentration-dependent manner (EC50=0.5 microM). The L-NASPA-induced [Ca2+]i rise was partly reduced by removal of extracellular Ca2+ but was not altered by L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channel blockers. In Ca2+-free medium, thapsigargin, an inhibitor of the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase, induced a [Ca2+]i rise, after which the increasing effect of L-NASPA on [Ca2+]i was completely inhibited; also, pretreatment with L-NASPA partly reduced thapsigargin-induced [Ca2+]i rise. U73122, an inhibitor of phospholipase C, abolished histamine (but not L-NASPA)-induced [Ca2+]i rise. Overnight incubation with 1 microM L-NASPA did not affect cell proliferation, but 10-20 microM L-NASPA exerted 4% and 15% inhibition, respectively. Collectively, L-NASPA rapidly increased [Ca2+]i in MG63 cells by evoking both extracellular Ca2+ influx and intracellular Ca2+ release, and is cytotoxic at higher concentrations.     

Tamoxifen-induced [Ca2+]i rise and apoptosis in corneal epithelial cells

The effect of tamoxifen on cytosolic free Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) and viability has not been explored in corneal epithelial cells. This study examined whether tamoxifen altered [Ca2+]i and viability in SIRC corneal epithelial cells. Tamoxifen at concentrations > or = 1 microM increased [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner with an EC50 value of 6 microM. The Ca2+ signal was reduced substantially by removing extracellular Ca2+. Tamoxifen induced Mn2+ quench of fura-2 fluorescence implicating Ca2+ influx. The Ca2+ influx was insensitive to Ca2+ entry inhibitors and protein kinase C modulators. After pretreatment with thapsigargin (an endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor), tamoxifen-induced [Ca2+]i rises were abolished; conversely, tamoxifen pretreatment abolished thapsigargin-induced [Ca2+]i rises. Inhibition of phospholipase C with U73122 did not change the [Ca2+]i rises. At concentrations of 5-30 microM, tamoxifen killed cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The cytotoxic effect of 15 microM tamoxifen was not reversed by prechelating cytosolic Ca2+ with BAPTA/AM. Apoptosis was induced by 5-30 microM tamoxifen. Tamoxifen (30 microM did not induce production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Collectively, in SIRC cells, tamoxifen induced [Ca2+]i rises by causing Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum in a phospholipase C-independent manner, and Ca2+ influx via unknown pathways. Tamoxifen-caused cytotoxicity was partly mediated by a Ca2+-independent apoptotic pathway.     

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.     

Oxidation by thimerosal increases calcium levelsin renal tubular cells

The effect of thimerosal, a reactive oxidant, on cytoplasmic free Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) in Madin Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells was explored by using the Ca2+-sensitive dye fura-2. Thimerosal acted in a concentration-dependent manner with an EC50 of 0.5 microM. The Ca2+ signal comprised a gradual rise and a sustained elevation. Removal of extracellular Ca2+ reduced 80% of the signal. In Ca2+-free medium, the [Ca2+]i rise induced by 1 microM thapsigargin (an endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor) was completely inhibited by pretreatment with 5 microM thimerosal. The thimerosal (5 microM)-induced Ca2+ release was not changed by inhibition of phospholipase C with 2 microM U73122. Collectively, this study shows that thimerosal induced [Ca2+]i rises in renal tubular cells via releasing store Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ stores in a manner independent of phospholipase C activity.     

Safrole-induced cellular Ca2+ increases and death in human osteosarcoma cells.

The effect of the carcinogen safrole on intracellular Ca2+ movement has not been explored in osteoblast-like cells. This study examined whether safrole could alter Ca2+ handling and viability in MG63 human osteosarcoma cells. Cytosolic free Ca2+ levels ([Ca2+]i) in populations of cells were measured using fura-2 as a fluorescent Ca2+ probe. Safrole at concentrations above 130 microM increased [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner with an EC50 value of 450 microM. The Ca2+ signal was reduced by 30% by removing extracellular Ca2+. Addition of Ca2+ after safrole had depleted intracellular Ca2+ induced Ca2+ influx, suggesting that safrole caused Ca2+ entry. In Ca2+-free medium, after pretreatment with 650 microM safrole, 1 microM thapsigargin (an endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor) failed to release more Ca2+; and pretreatment with thapsigargin inhibited most of the safrole-induced [Ca2+]i increases. Inhibition of phospholipase C with U73122 did not affect safrole-induced Ca2+ release; whereas activation of protein kinase C with phorbol ester enhanced safrole-induced [Ca2+]i increase. Trypan exclusion assays revealed that incubation with 65 microM safrole for 30 min did not kill cells, but incubation with 650 microM safrole for 10-30 min nearly killed all cells. Flow cytometry demonstrated that safrole evoked apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner. Safrole-induced cytotoxicity was not reversed by chelation of Ca2+ with BAPTA. Collectively, the data suggest that in MG63 cells, safrole induced a [Ca2+]i increase by causing Ca2+ release mainly from the endoplasmic reticulum in a phospholipase C-independent manner. The safrole response involved Ca2+ influx and is modulated by protein kinase C. Furthermore, safrole can cause apoptosis in a Ca2+-independent manner.     

Mechanisms of AM404-induced [Ca]i rise and death in human osteosarcoma cells

The effect of N-(4-hydroxyphenyl) arachidonoyl-ethanolamide (AM404), a drug commonly used to inhibit the anandamide transporter, on intracellular free Ca²⁺ levels ([Ca²⁺]_i) and viability was studied in human MG63 osteosarcoma cells using the fluorescent dyes fura-2 and WST-1, respectively. AM404 at concentrations ≥5 μM increased [Ca²⁺]_i in a concentration-dependent manner with an EC₅₀ value of 60 μM. The Ca²⁺ signal was reduced partly by removing extracellular Ca²⁺. AM404 induced Mn²⁺ quench of fura-2 fluorescence implicating Ca²⁺ influx. The Ca²⁺ influx was sensitive to La³⁺, Ni²⁺, nifedipine and verapamil. In Ca²⁺-free medium, after pretreatment with 1 μM thapsigargin (an endoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ pump inhibitor), AM404-induced [Ca²⁺]_i rise was abolished; and conversely, AM404 pretreatment totally inhibited thapsigargin-induced [Ca²⁺]_i rise. Inhibition of phospholipase C with U73122 did not change AM404-induced [Ca²⁺]_i rise. At concentrations between 10 and 200 μM, AM404 killed cells in a concentration-dependent manner presumably by inducing apoptotic cell death. The cytotoxic effect of 50 μM AM404 was partly reversed by prechelating cytosolic Ca²⁺ with BAPTA/AM. Collectively, in MG63 cells, AM404 induced [Ca²⁺]_i rise by causing Ca²⁺ release from the endoplasmic reticulum in a phospholipase C-independent manner, and Ca²⁺ influx via L-type Ca²⁺ channels. AM404 caused cytotoxicity which was possibly mediated by apoptosis.     

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.     

Effect of nortriptyline on intracellular Ca2+ handling and proliferation in human osteosarcoma cells

The effect of the antidepressant nortriptyline, on bone cells is unknown. In human osteosarcoma MG63 cells, the effect of nortriptyline on intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and proliferation was measured by using fura-2 and tetrazolium, respectively. Nortriptyline (> or = 10 microM) caused a [Ca2+]i rise in a concentration-dependent manner (EC50 = 200 microM). Nortriptyline-induced [Ca2+]i rise was prevented by 60% by removal of extracellular Ca2+ but was not altered by voltage-gated Ca2+ channel blockers. 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 nortriptyline on [Ca2+]i was abolished; also, pretreatment with nortriptyline abolished thapsigargin-induced [Ca2+]i increase. U73122, an inhibitor of phospholipase C, did not affect nortriptyline-induced [Ca2+]i rise; however, activation of protein kinase C decrease nortriptyline-induced [Ca2+]i rise by 32%. Overnight incubation with 50 and 100 microM nortriptyline killed 78% and 97% of cells, respectively; while 10 microM nortriptyline had no effect. These data suggest that nortriptyline rapidly increases [Ca2+]i in human osteosarcoma cells by stimulating both extracellular Ca2+ influx and intracellular Ca2+ release, and is cytotoxic at high concentrations.     

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.     

Nonylphenol-induced Ca2+ elevation and Ca2+-independent cell death in human osteosarcoma cells

The effect of the environmental toxicant nonylphenol on cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and proliferation has not been explored in human osteoblast-like cells. This study examined whether nonylphenol alters Ca2+ levels and causes cell death in MG63 human osteosarcoma cells. [Ca2+]i and cell death were measured using the fluorescent dyes fura-2 and WST-1 respectively. Nonylphenol at concentrations above 3 microM increased [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner. The Ca2+ signal was reduced by 90% by removing extracellular Ca2+. The nonylphenol-induced Ca2+ influx was insensitive to blockade of L-type Ca2+ channel blockers. After pretreatment with 10 microM nonylphenol, 1 microM thapsigargin (an endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor) failed to induce [Ca2+]i rises. Inhibition of phospholipase C with 2 microM U73122 did not change nonylphenol-induced [Ca2+]i rises. The nonylphenol-induced [Ca2+]i rises were enhanced or inhibited by phorbol myristate acetate or GF 109203X, respectively. At concentrations of 10 and 20 microM nonylphenol killed 55% and 100% cells, respectively. The cytotoxic effect of 10 microM nonylphenol was unaltered by pre-chelating cytosolic Ca2+ with BAPTA. Collectively, in MG63 cells, nonylphenol induced [Ca2+]i rises by causing Ca2+ release from intracellular stores and Ca2+ influx from extracellular space. Furthermore, nonylphenol can cause Ca2+-unrelated cytotoxicity in a concentration-dependent manner.     

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.     

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.     

Zn2+ increases resting cytosolic Ca2+ levels and abolishes capacitative Ca2+ entry induced by ATP in MDCK cells

The effect of Zn2+ on Ca2+ signaling in Madin Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells was investigated by measuring the changes in the fluorescence of the Ca2+-sensitive dye fura-2. Zn2+ significantly increased cytoplasmic free Ca2+ levels ([Ca2+]i) at concentrations of 2-100 microM. The maximum response was obtained at concentrations of 25-100 microM. The [Ca2+]i rise induced by 100 microM Zn2+ consisted of a gradual rise and a plateau phase, and was primarily mediated by La3+-sensitive extracellular Ca2+ influx because the [Ca2+]i rise was abolished by pretreatment with 100 microM La3+ or removal of extracellular Ca2+, and that Zn2+ induced Mn2+ quench of fura-2 fluorescence at 360 nm excitation wavelength which was prevented by pretreatment with 100 microM La3+. Pretreatment with 100 microM Zn2+ for 220 s did not reduce the [Ca2+]i rise induced by the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ pump inhibitor, thapsigargin, suggesting that Ca2+ release from the ER played a minor role in the Zn2+-induced [Ca2+]i rise. Zn2+ (100 microM) nearly abolished the capacitative Ca2+ entry induced by ATP (100 microM). We also investigated the effect of Zn2+ pretreatment on the [Ca2+]i rise induced by ATP. Zn2+ (100 microM) affected ATP-induced [Ca2+]i rise by abolishing capacitative Ca2+ entry and increasing [Ca2+]i on its own without altering Ca2+ release from intracellular sources. The effect of Zn2+ on [Ca2+]i was dissociated from changes in membrane potential.     

Effect of the antianginal drug bepridil on intracellular Ca2+ release and extracellular Ca2+ influx in human neutrophils

To understand more fully the effects of bepridil, an antiarrhythmic and antianginal drug, on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury and systemic immune responses, its effect on intracellular Ca2+ levels ([Ca2+]i) in human neutrophils was investigated by using fura-2 as a fluorescent probe. Bepridil (10-200 microM) increased [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent fashion. This signal was partly inhibited by removal of extracellular Ca2+. In a Ca(2+)-free medium, pretreatment with bepridil (100 microM) abolished the Ca2+ release induced by thapsigargin (1 microM), an endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor, and by carbonylcyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (2 microM), a mitochondrial uncoupler. Pretreatment with carbonylcyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone and thapsigargin, respectively, partly inhibited bepridil-induced Ca2+ release. Addition of Ca2+ (3 mM) increased [Ca2+]i after pretreatment with bepridil (100 microM) in a Ca(2+)-free medium. Bepridil (100 microM)-induced Ca2+ release was not altered when phospholipase C was inhibited by U73122 (2 microM). Both Ca2+ release and Ca2+ entry induced by bepridil (100 microM) were augmented by activating protein kinase C with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (10 nM), and were suppressed by inhibiting protein kinase C with GF 109203X (2 microM). Treatment with bepridil (10-20 microM) for 30 min increased the production of reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI) by more than 50%. Collectively, it was found that bepridil increased [Ca2+]i concentration-dependently in human neutrophils by releasing Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria and, possibly, other compartments in a phospholipase C-independent manner. Bepridil also activated Ca2+ influx. The activity of protein kinase C may regulate bepridil-induced Ca2+ release and Ca2+ entry.     

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.     

Gossypol, a component in cottonseed, induced increases in cytosolic Ca2+ levels in Chang liver cells.

The effect of gossypol, a compound found in cottonseed, on intracellular free Ca2+ levels ([Ca2+](i)) in Chang liver cells were evaluated using fura-2 as a fluorescent Ca2+ indicator. Gossypol (0.2-5microM) increased [Ca2+](i) in a concentration-dependent manner with an EC(50) value of 1.5microM. The [Ca2+](i) response was composed of an initial rise and a slow decay to a sustained phase within 5min after drug application. Removal of extracellular Ca2+ markedly reduced the [Ca2+](i) signals by 80+/-2%. Preincubation with 0.1mM La3+ or 10microM nimodipine abolished the Ca2+ influx. Gossypol (5microM)-induced release of intracellular Ca2+ was reduced by 75% by pretreatment with 1microM thapsigargin (an endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor) to deplete the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+. Conversely, pretreatment with gossypol abolished thapsigargin-induced Ca2+ release. After pretreatment with 5microM gossypol in Ca2+-free medium for several min, addition of 3mM Ca2+ induced a [Ca2+](i) increase of a magnitude nine-fold greater than control. Gossypol (5microM)-induced Ca2+ release was not affected by inhibiting phospholipase C with 2microM 1-(6-((17beta-3-methoxyestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-yl)amino)hexyl)-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione (U73122). Together, this study shows that gossypol induced significant [Ca2+](i) increases in Chang liver cells by releasing Ca2+ from intracellular pools in a phospholipase C-dissociated fashion and by causing La3+- and nimodipine-sensitive Ca2+ influx.     

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.     

Mechanisms of diethylstilbestrol-induced calcium movement in MG63 human osteosarcoma cells

The effect of the estrogen diethylstilbestrol (DES) on cytosolic free Ca(2+) levels ([Ca(2+)](i)) in MG63 human osteoblasts was explored by using fura-2 as a Ca(2+) indicator. DES at concentrations between 5--20 microM induced an immediate increase in [Ca(2+)](i) in a concentration-dependent manner with an EC(50) of 10 microM. Removing extracellular Ca(2+) reduced the Ca(2+) signal by 70%. Pretreatment with 50 microM La(3+) or 10 microM of nifedipine, verapamil and diltiazem did not change 20 microM DES-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increases. Addition of 3 mM Ca(2+) increased [Ca(2+)](i) in cells pretreated with 20 microM DES in Ca(2+)-free medium. Pretreatment with 1 microM thapsigargin (an endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) pump inhibitor) to deplete the endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) store partly inhibited 20 microM DES-induced Ca(2+) release, but addition of carbonylcyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP; a mitochondrial uncoupler) and thapsigargin together abolished DES-induced Ca(2+) release. Conversely, pretreatment with 20 microM DES abrogated CCCP- and thapsigargin-induced Ca(2+) release. Inhibition of phospholipase C activity with 2 microM U73122 did not alter 20 microM DES-induced Ca2+ release. Another estrogen 17beta-estradiol also increased [Ca(2+)](i) in a concentration-dependent manner with an EC50 of 7 microM. Together, the data indicate that in human osteoblasts, DES increased [Ca(2+)](i) via causing Ca(2+) release from both mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum in a phospholipase C-independent manner, and by causing Ca(2+) influx.     

Effect of the antidepressant maprotiline on Ca2+ movement and proliferation in human prostate cancer cells

1. The effect of maprotiline, an antidepressant, on human prostate cells is unclear. In the present study, the effect of maprotiline on [Ca2+]i and growth in PC3 human prostate cancer cells was measured using the fluorescent dyes fura-2 and tetrazolium, respectively. 2. Maprotiline caused a rapid, concentration-dependent increase in [Ca2+]i (EC50 = 200 micromol/L). The maprotiline-induced [Ca2+]i increase was reduced by removal of extracellular Ca2+ or pretreatment with nicardipine. 3. The maprotiline-induced Mn2+ influx-associated fura-2 fluorescence quench directly suggests that maprotiline caused Ca2+ influx. 4. In Ca(2+)-free medium, thapsigargin, an inhibitor of the endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase, caused a monophasic [Ca2+]i increase, after which the effects of maprotiline of increasing [Ca2+]i were abolished. In addition, pretreatment with maprotiline reduced a major portion of the thapsigargin-induced increase in [Ca2+]i. 5. U73122, an inhibitor of phospholipase C, abolished the ATP (but not maprotiline)-induced increase in [Ca2+]i. 6. Overnight incubation with 1-10 micromol/L maprotiline did not alter cell proliferation, although incubation with 30-50 micromol/L maprotiline decreased cell proliferation. 7, These findings suggest that maprotiline rapidly increases [Ca2+]i in human prostate cancer cells by stimulating both extracellular Ca2+ influx and intracellular Ca2+ release and that it may modulate cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner.