Cromakalim effects of acetylcholine-induced changes in cytosolic calcium and tension in swine trachealis.

The effects of cromakalim, an ATP-sensitive K+ channel activator, on changes in cytosolic calcium concentration [( Ca++]i) and tension induced by acetylcholine (ACh; 0.1-10 microM) were examined in swine tracheal smooth muscle. Cromakalim (10 microM) hyperpolarized muscle cells by approximately 18 mV from -58 mV (resting membrane potential) to -76 mV. Cromakalim relaxed muscle contractions evoked by ACh at a concentration of 0.1 microM, but not at higher concentrations. Measurement of [Ca++]i using Fura-2 demonstrated that except at 0.1 microM ACh, cromakalim did not alter peak increases in [Ca++]i. At 0.1 microM ACh, the peak transient was decreased, but not eliminated. Cromakalim reduced steady-state increases in [Ca++]i at ACh less than or equal to 1 microM, but not 10 microM ACh. Tension was similarly affected. These data suggest that ACh-induced increases in steady-state [Ca++]i and tension are inhibited by cromakalim-induced hyperpolarization. The initial ACh-induced transient increase in [Ca++]i is not greatly altered. Cromakalim did not alter the transient peak tension and [Ca++]i relationship. The relationship between steady-state [Ca++]i/tension (EC50 = 321 nM) obtained for control, cromakalim inhibition and after glibenclamide reversal of cromakalim inhibition falls to the left of the peak transient [Ca++]i/tension relationship (EC50 = 587 nM). Thus, the Ca++ sensitivity of the contractile proteins during steady-state stimulation by ACh was increased from that at rest. We conclude that electromechanical coupling is important in ACh-induced contraction at concentrations less than 1 microM. Pharmacomechanical coupling with little or no sensitivity to changes in potential is important at higher ACh concentrations.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Serotonin-induced acute desensitization of serotonin2 receptors in human platelets via a mechanism involving protein kinase C

Serotonin (5-HT)-induced changes in the levels of intracellular Ca++ were analyzed in human platelets, using the Ca+(+)-sensitive dye 1-(2-(5'-carboxyoxazol-2'-yl)-6-aminobenzofuran-5-oxy)-2-(2' -amino-5'- methylphenox)-ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid, pentaacetoxymethyl ester, to investigate the regulation of 5-HT2 receptor function. Serotonin mobilized intracellular Ca++ in a dose-dependent fashion from basal level of 98 +/- 2.7 and up to 211 +/- 5.8 nM with an EC50 value for 5-HT of 0.2 microM. Ketanserin, a 5-HT2 antagonist, reversed the 5-HT (10 microM)-induced Ca++ increase in a dose-dependent manner with an IC50 value of 2 nM. An initial treatment with 10 microM 5-HT abolished the response to a second treatment with 100 microM 5-HT, suggesting that 5-HT evoked an acute desensitization of 5-HT2 receptors in human platelets. Mezerein and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, activators of protein kinase C, inhibited 5-HT-stimulated inositol monophosphate accumulation with IC50 values of 3 and 10 nM, respectively. Furthermore, a protein kinase C inhibitor 1-(5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine dihydrochloride prevented the protein kinase C activator-induced inhibition against 5-HT-mediated inositol monophosphate accumulation. Mezerein also inhibited 5-HT (10 microM)-mediated Ca++ release with an IC50 value of 3 nM. 1-(5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine dihydrochloride prevented the inhibition by mezerein of the 5-HT-stimulated Ca++ increase. Moreover, 1-(5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine dihydrochloride by itself enhanced the Ca++ spike induced by 100 microM 5-HT, the plateau phase induced by 10 microM 5-HT and the second response to 5-HT. These findings suggest that 5-HT2 receptor activation mobilizes intracellular Ca++ in human platelets and that this receptor may be desensitized acutely by a protein kinase C mediated feedback system.     

Factors affecting rabbit mesenteric artery smooth muscle sensitivity to calcium antagonists

The sensitivity of rabbit isolated superior mesenteric artery to Ca++ antagonists was examined under various conditions. Relaxation dose-response curves for D600 or nifedipine were generated, and IC50 values were calculated. In the first series of experiments, D600 or nifedipine IC50 was found to be 20-25-fold greater for norepinephrine (NE, 5 microM) contraction than for 80 nM K+ contraction. Even when the tissues were depolarized with 80 mM K+ before NE contraction, D600 or nifedipine IC50 still remained significantly greater compared with 80 mM K+ alone and remained closer to that during NE alone. Also a protocol was designed to study NE-induced phasic contraction in EGTA-physiological salt solution (a functional indicator of intracellular Ca++ release) as well as NE-induced sustained contraction after readdition of Ca++. The effects of varying [K+]ex (0-80 nM range) on NE-induced [Ca++]i release as well as on the D600 IC50 for NE contraction was studied. Increasing [K+]ex was found to enhance NE-sensitive [Ca++]i release and lower the D600 IC50 for NE contraction. Thus, conditions causing an increase in the ability of NE to cause [Ca++]i release were associated with an increase in the sensitivity of NE contraction to D600. These data provide functional evidence that the receptor-agonist sensitive Ca++ influx process in vascular smooth muscle is not solely regulated by changes in membrane potential. Additional mechanisms, such as a modulatory role of [Ca++]i release, in this process are implicated.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Modulation of levels of free calcium within synaptosomes by organochlorine insecticides

Effects of the organochlorine insecticides chlordecone, mirex, 1-(2-chlorophenyl)-1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2,2,2-trichloroethane and 1,1-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-2,2,2-trichloroethane on free intrasynaptosomal Ca2+ [( Ca++]i), synaptosomal 45Ca uptake and synaptosomal plasma and mitochondrial membrane potentials in vitro were studied. Chlordecone (10-50 microM) increased [Ca++]i from the resting level of 370 nM in a dose- and time-dependent manner to above 1.5 microM. This took place in the presence of 1 mM extrasynaptosomal Ca++ but not in nominally Ca++-free medium. Verapamil, a voltage sensitive Ca++ channel blocker, inhibited the initial increase of [Ca++]i caused by chlordecone, by 40%. Chlordecone also elevated [Ca++]i in synaptosomes in which mitochondrial Ca++ uptake had been abolished by valinomycin. Chlordecone depolarized partially the synaptosomal plasma membrane and, to a lesser extent, the potential of mitochondria within synaptosomes. However, chlordecone appeared to inhibit synaptosomal K+-stimulated and unstimulated 45Ca++ uptake by 20 to 30%. Inasmuch as chlordecone also stimulated release of 45Ca++ and the fluorescent dye fura-2 from preloaded synaptosomes, the apparent inhibition of uptake might be due to lysis of some synaptosomes by chlordecone. The effect of chlordecone on [Ca++]i decreased when the total amount of tissue in incubations was increased. [Ca++]i was only elevated marginally by mirex at the same concentration range. The results suggest that chlordecone increases free intrasynaptosomal Ca++ mainly by increasing influx of extrasynaptosomal Ca++. The principal mechanism appears to be a nonspecific leakage of Ca++ through the plasma membrane but some Ca++ may pass through voltage-sensitive Ca++ channels due to chlordecone-induced membrane depolarization.     

Dihydropyridine- and omega-conotoxin-resistant, neomycin-sensitive calcium channels mediate the depolarization-induced increase in internal calcium levels in cortical slices from immature rat brain.

In order to characterize pharmacologically voltage-operated calcium channels in the rat brain, we have developed a technique to measure intracellular calcium levels ([Ca++]i) in immature rat cortical slices loaded with the fluorescent calcium probe Fura-2. KCl depolarization caused a rapid and reversible increase in cortical [Ca++]i. A significant increase was already observed at 20 mM KCl and the maximal effect was obtained at 77 mM. This response was not modified when extracellular Na+ was substituted by the nonpermeant cation bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-dimethylammonium chloride and was insensitive to the Na+ channel blocker tetrodotoxin (1 microM). In the absence of extracellular Ca++, KCl (50 mM) failed to increase [Ca++]i. The KCl (50 mM)-induced increase in [Ca++]i was not affected by the L-type calcium channel blockers nifedipine and isradipine and was only partially inhibited (by less than 30% at 50 microM) by verapamil and diltiazem. In contrast, nimodipine prevented this response by 41% at 50 microM. Flunarizine (a nonselective T channel blocker) inhibited the KCl response by 47% at 30 microM, whereas nicergoline (another nonselective T channel blocker) reduced this entry by 74% at 300 microM (IC50 = 120 microM). Cyclandelate, an atypical calcium antagonist, inhibited KCl-induced increase in [Ca++]i with a maximal effect of 41% at 30 microM, whereas perhexiline was inactive. The KCl-induced rise in [Ca++]i was only marginally inhibited by omega-conotoxin with a maximal effect of 20% from 1 nM to 1 microM.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Platelet activating factor (PAF) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha) interactions in endotoxemic shock: studies with BN 50739, a novel PAF antagonist

BN 50739, a new PAF receptor antagonist, was tested in vitro and in vivo for its capacity to block PAF, endotoxin and recombinant human tumor necrosis factor-alpha (rTNF)-mediated effects. In vitro, BN 50739 blocked PAF-induced platelet aggregation by 60 to 100% at 0.2-1 x 10(-7) M (P less than .002), respectively. In the conscious rat, pretreatment (30 min) with BN 50739 (n = 5-13) dose-dependently attenuated PAF-induced hypotension (-5 +/- 5 vs. - 43 +/- 2 mm Hg, P less than .01) and shortened the recovery time of mean arterial pressure (22 +/- 13 vs. 325 +/- 46 sec, P less than .01). BN 50739 (10 mg/kg i.p., n = 5-11) prevented endotoxin (14.4 mg/kg) induced-hemoconcentration (54 +/- 1 vs. 46 +/- 1%, P less than .01) and reduced 24-hr mortality (100 vs. 60%, P less than .05). Only partial protection was conveyed by BN 50739 against the hypotensive response to endotoxin (115 +/- 3 vs. 91 +/- 4 mm Hg, P less than .03). Also, BN 50739 attenuated the lipopolysaccharide-induced elevation of plasma thromboxane B2 (21.2 +/- 0.8 vs. 46.7 +/- 11.8 pg/100 microliters, P less than .01) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (7523 +/- 3983 vs. 26,430 +/- 3541 U/ml, P less than .05), whereas leukopenia and thrombocytopenia remained unchanged.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Protective effect of BN 50739, a new platelet-activating factor antagonist, in endotoxin-treated rabbits

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) has been demonstrated in the circulation and organs of animals exposed to gram negative endotoxins, whereas PAF antagonists have been shown to exhibit some efficacy in modifying the course of endotoxemia. In this study we evaluated BN 50739, a novel specific PAF antagonist, for its capacity to block PAF or lipopolysaccharide endotoxin (LPS)-mediated effects in rabbits. Pretreatment with BN 50739 (3 and 10 mg/kg i.p.) inhibited PAF (500 pmol/kg i.v.)-induced thrombocytopenia, leukopenia and plasma thromboxane B2 elevation in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibitory effect lasted 3.5 to 4.5 hr. BN 50739 (10 mg/kg) prevented the early phase of LPS (50 micrograms/kg i.v.)-induced thrombocytopenia and thromboxane B2 elevation, and reduced the 24-hr mortality rate from 75 to 22% (P less than .05). Post-treatment with BN 50739 increased the 10-hr survival rate from 33 to 87% (P less than .05); however, it had no effect on the 24-hr mortality. BN 50739 did not affect LPS-induced leukopenia or the elevation in plasma tumor necrosis factor. Our data support possible therapeutic efficacy of PAF antagonists in septic shock despite their inability to prevent the generation of tumor necrosis factor.     

Receptor agonists induce myosin phosphorylation-dependent and phosphorylation-independent contractions in vascular smooth muscle.

In isolated rat aorta, 72.7 mM KCI, 10 microM prostaglandin F2 alpha, 30 nM endothelin-1 and 1 microM norepinephrine increased muscle tension, cytosolic Ca++ concentration ([Ca++]i) and 20 kDa myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation. The levels of contractile tension and MLC phosphorylation at a given [Ca++]i were greatest in the presence of endothelin-1 followed by prostaglandin F2 alpha greater than norepinephrine greater than high K+. Verapamil inhibited the high K(+)-induced increments to their respective resting levels. Verapamil also almost completely inhibited the receptor agonist-induced increments in [Ca++]i and MLC phosphorylation, although a part of the contraction was not inhibited. Ethylene glycol bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N'-tetraacetic acid further decreased [Ca++]i and muscle tension, suggesting that a part of the contraction is regulated by [Ca++]i below a resting level. Receptor agonists induced sustained contraction in the absence of external Ca++ which was not followed by the increase in [Ca++]i or MLC phosphorylation. This contraction was followed by the increments in shortening velocity and stiffness. In the rabbit mesenteric artery permeabilized with Staphylococcus aureus, alpha-toxin, norepinephrine and endothelin-1 shifted the Ca(++)-tension curve to the left in the presence of GTP. From these results, it is suggested that high K(+)-induced sustained contraction of vascular smooth muscle is attributable to an increase in [Ca++]i followed by an increase in MLC phosphorylation. In addition to this fundamental mechanism, receptor agonists increase Ca+ sensitivity of MLC phosphorylation when [Ca++]i is higher than resting level resulting in a greater contraction than that induced by high K+ for a given increase in [Ca++]i.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Biological effects of the orally active platelet activating factor receptor antagonist SDZ 64-412

SDZ 64-412 is a trimethoxyphenylethylphenyl imidazo[2,1-a] isoquinoline molecule that displays marked in vitro inhibition of platelet activating factor (PAF)-induced human platelet aggregation (IC50 = 60 nM) but is without inhibition (at 100 microM) of epinephrine-, ADP- or collagen-induced aggregation. SDZ 64-412 antagonized receptor binding of radiolabeled PAF to human platelet membranes with an IC50 = 60 nM. In the rat, SDZ 64-412 inhibited 100 ng kg-1 PAF-induced hypotension when given i.v. (ED50 = 0.23 mg kg-1) or p.o. (ED50 = 13 mg kg-1). In the guinea pig, SDZ 64-412 inhibited 50 ng kg-1 PAF-induced bronchoconstriction (ED50 = 4.2 mg kg-1 p.o.) and hemoconcentration (ED50 = 5.0 mg kg-1 p.o.). SDZ 64-412 exhibited oral activity in the dog against 1.5 micrograms kg-1 PAF-induced hypotension (ED50 = 5.1 mg kg-1 p.o.) and hemoconcentration (ED50 = 4.9 mg kg-1) and 3.5 micrograms kg-1 PAF-induced hemoconcentration in the cebus primate (ED50 = 12.8 mg kg-1 p.o.). SDZ 64-412 protected in a dose-dependent manner against PAF-induced lethality (LD75 = 75 micrograms kg-1 i.v.) in mice, where 20 mg kg-1 p.o. improved survival from 25 +/- 4% to 77 +/- 8%. SDZ 64-412 afforded complete protection against endotoxin-induced lethality (LD90 = 7.5 mg kg-1 endotoxin i.v.) where the ED50 was 45 mg kg-1 twice predose.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effects of nitroglycerin on ATP-induced Ca(++)-mobilization, Ca(++)-activated K channels and contraction of cultured smooth muscle cells of porcine coronary artery.

Extracellular application of ATP transiently increases the cytosolic-free Ca++ concentration ([Ca++]i) in cultured smooth muscle cells of porcine coronary artery, and this activates large conductance Ca(++)-activated K (Kca) channels. In the present study effects of nitroglycerin (NG) and 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) on [Ca++]; and contraction were studied. 4-AP blocked Kca channels and enhanced the rise of [Ca++]i with oscillation, which led to contraction of the cells. NG activated the Kca channels of 300 picosiemens and inhibited 4-AP-induced contraction and oscillation of [Ca++]i. These results suggest that the vasorelaxant effect of NG involves hyperpolarization of the cell membrane by activating the Kca channels. NG also cause rapid decrease of [Ca++]i during the Ca(++)-mobilization by ATP in Ca-free solution. Similar effects were observed with cyclic GMP, suggesting that the effects of NG on the Kca channels and [Ca++]i were mediated by cyclic GMP.     

Platelet-activating factor stimulates arachidonic acid release and enhances thromboxane B2 production in intact fetal rat brain ex vivo.

The ability of brain preparations from 20-day-old rat fetuses to synthesize eicosanoids in the presence of platelet activating factor (PAF) was investigated. A rise (49%) in thromboxane B2 (TxB2; the stable thromboxane A2 metabolite) was observed after 30 min in the presence of 0.6 microM PAF. Repetitive administration of PAF did not rise TxB2 production above a certain level, suggesting desensitization. 1-O-alkyl, sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (lyso-PAF) at 0.6 microM had no effect, whereas selective PAF antagonists, i.e., BN52021, BN50739 and BN50727, or indomethacin, a general cyclooxygenase inhibitor, blocked completely TxB2 synthesis. The calcium ionophore A23187 (10 microM) stimulated production of TxB2, prostaglandin E2 and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha eicosanoids, whereas extracellular calcium deprivation did not impair eicosanoid release. The effects of PAF and A23187 on TxB2 synthesis were not additive and were not dependent on extracellular calcium. Chelation of intracellular Ca++ by Fluo-3/AM reduced production of TxB2 and prostaglandin E2 eicosanoids. Fluo-3/AM also blocked effectively PAF-dependent TxB2 release, indicating that production of TxB2 was almost entirely dependent on free intracellular calcium levels. PAF-dependent changes in brain phospholipids, prelabeled with [3H]arachidonic acid, were examined. One hour after in vivo injection of the isotope, fetal brains were removed and incubated in vitro for 30 min with carbamyl-PAF. Radioactivity in arachidonic acid and diglyceride fractions increased (35% and 30%, respectively), whereas radioactivity in phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylinositol decreased. BN50726 antagonist abolished the effect of PAF. The radioactivity in poly-phosphoinositides was diminished (30-40% decrease) after PAF addition.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Leukotriene D4-induced homologous desensitization of calcium mobilization in rat basophilic leukemia cells

Previous work from our laboratory demonstrated that RBL-1 cells express membrane receptors for leukotriene (LT)D4 and that agonist stimulation of these receptors results in mobilization of intracellular calcium ([Ca++]i). We have used this LTD4 receptor-mediated event to examine the effects of homologous desensitization in RBL-1 cells. Prior exposure of RBL-1 cells to LTD4 resulted in a 40% reduction in the amount of maximal [Ca++]i mobilization. This desensitization was concentration- and time-dependent, with an EC50 of 1 to 3 nM and with 50% of the desensitization occurring after 7.5 min of pretreatment. SKF 104353 (100 nM), a high affinity, LTD4-receptor antagonist, blocked completely LTD4-induced desensitization of RBL-1 cells. The LTD4-induced desensitization was stereospecific, as the (5R,6S)-enantiomer of LTD4 was at least 100 times less potent than LTD4. Pretreatment of RBL-1 cells with LTD4 did not alter the ability of thrombin or ATP to induce [Ca++]i mobilization, suggesting that the desensitization was of the "homologous" type. The density of [3H]LTD4 receptors in RBL-1 cell membranes was decreased 23% by prior treatment of RBL-1 cells with LTD4. These results demonstrate that the [Ca++]i mobilization induced by LTD4 can be desensitized as a result of prior exposure to LTD4 and that the LTD4 receptor and/or second messenger systems can be specifically down-regulated.     

Platelet-activating factor-induced phosphoinositide metabolism in differentiated U-937 cells in culture

Human monocytic leukemic U-937 cells, when differentiated with dimethylsulfoxide to macrophage-like state, express receptors for platelet-activating factor (PAF). In the differentiated U-937 cells, PAF induced hydrolysis of phosphoinositides and synthesis of inositol phosphates. PAF-induced production of inositol phosphates was rapid, concentration-dependent and was inhibited by a receptor antagonist CV3988, indicating that it was mediated via a specific receptor. In fura-2-loaded, differentiated U-937 cells, PAF induced immediate and concentration-dependent calcium mobilization [( Ca++]i) that was inhibited by CV3988, but not by calcium channel blockers. Addition of an increasing concentration of calcium chelator, ethylene glycol bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N'-tetraacetic acid, to the medium inhibited a large fraction (approximately 75%) of PAF receptor-induced [Ca++]i mobilization thus suggesting the majority of [Ca++]i mobilization was originated from extracellular milieu and a small portion (approximately 25%) was originated from intracellular sources. The inositol phosphate production induced by PAF, however, was independent from the extracellular calcium and was not inhibited by the addition of ethylene glycol bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N'-tetraacetic acid. Neither [Ca++]i mobilization or phosphoinositide metabolism in U-937 cells was sensitive to treatment of pertussis toxin, but both types of effects were sensitive to treatment by an inhibitor of phospholipase C, manoalide. These results suggest that in differentiated U-937 cells PAF receptor is coupled through a pertussis toxin-insensitive guanine nucleotide binding protein to a phosphoinositide specific phospholipase C. Inositol-trisphosphate, and possibly diacylglycerol, could be the intracellular messengers for PAF receptor in U-937 cells.     

Doxorubicin blocks the increase in intracellular Ca++, part of a second messenger system in N1E-115 murine neuroblastoma cells

Exposure of differentiated N1E-115 murine neuroblastoma cells, microinjected with the Ca(++)-sensitive photoprotein aequorin, to doxorubicin for 1 hr, but not for 2 min, produced a reversible block of the rise in intracellular free Ca++ [( Ca++]i) produced by histamine. The resting level of [Ca++]i was increased from 0.23 to 1.22 microM (P less than 0.05) by 10(-4) M histamine. After exposure to 10(-6) M doxorubicin for 1 hr, histamine increased [Ca++]i to only 0.34 microM (P less than 0.05 compared to the histamine alone value). Doxorubicin exposure for 1 hr completely blocked the increase in inositol trisphosphate caused by histamine. There was no block by doxorubicin of the release of intracellular Ca++ after microinjection of the cells with inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate. Based on the results from studies with differentiated N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells doxorubicin may: 1) block the histamine-induced rise in [Ca++]i by decreasing synthesis of inositol polyphosphates, 2) block plasma membrane Ca++ channels that allow entry of extracellular Ca++ in response to histamine and/or 3) prevent recovery of histamine receptors after desensitization.     

Negative inotropic effect of leukotrienes: leukotrienes C4 and D4 inhibit calcium-dependent contractile responses in potassium-depolarized guinea-pig myocardium

The effects of the sulfidopeptide leukotrienes (LTs) on the contractile response of electrically paced guinea-pig right ventricular papillary muscles in vitro were studied. LTs caused a concentration-dependent (1 nM-20 microM) negative inotropic effect; the order of relative potency was LTC4 greater than or equal to LTD4 greater than LTE4. A maximal 30% decrease in contractility occurred with 1 microM LTC4. The LT-induced decrease in contractile force was not mediated by cyclooxygenase products of the arachidonic acid cascade, as it was not influenced by indomethacin (14 microM). On the other hand, the slow-reacting substance-antagonist compound FPL 55712 (480 nM) caused a marked shift to the right of the LTC4 concentration-response curve. Because the negative inotropic effect of LTD4 was attenuated by increasing [Ca++]o, we next assessed the negative inotropic effect of LTs under conditions in which myocardial contractility depends solely on the slow inward Ca++ current. As a model, we used the isoproterenol- or histamine-induced restoration of contractile response in papillary muscles rendered inexcitable by 22 mMK+. LTC4 (16-480 nM) and LTD4 (20-600nM) inhibited isoproterenol- and histamine-induced restoration of contractility in a dose-dependent manner; a maximal 90% inhibition occurred with 0.48 microM LTC4. This effect of LTs was reversed by an elevation in [Ca++]o from 1.8 to 5.4 mM and prevented by FPL 55712 (480 nM). In muscles maintained at 5.4 mM [K+]o, LTC4 (160 and 480 nM) and LTD4 (1 microM) shifted the force-frequency curve (0.1-2 Hz) downwards in a parallel fashion; a similar alteration was obtained by lowering [Ca++]o to 1 mM.     

Biochemical and pharmacological activities of SR 27417, a highly potent, long-acting platelet-activating factor receptor antagonist.

SR 27417 [N-(2-dimethylamino ethyl)-N-(3-pyridinyl methyl)[4- (2,4,6-triisopropylphenyl) thiazol-2-yl]amine] is the first member of a newly developed platelet-activating factor (PAF) antagonist series. It is a highly potent, competitive and selective antagonist of the binding of [3H]PAF to its receptor in rabbit platelets. It exhibits an equilibrium inhibition constant for PAF binding of 57 pM, a value that is at least 5-fold lower than that of unlabeled PAF itself. SR 27417 potently inhibited PAF-induced aggregation of rabbit and human platelets in vitro (IC50 = 0.10 and 0.50 nM, respectively) but had no effect on the action of other platelet-aggregating agents. In comparison with the triazolothienodiazepine WEB-2086, SR 27417 was 470 and 70 times more potent against PAF-induced aggregation of rabbit and human platelets, respectively. SR 27417 displayed marked in vitro inhibition of PAF-induced oxidative burst in guinea pig macrophages (IC50 = 32 nM). In an in vivo model, it protected mice from 100 micrograms/kg PAF-induced death when given i.v. (ED50 = 7.5 micrograms/kg) 5 min before PAF challenge or p.o. (ED50 = 45 micrograms/kg) 3 hr before PAF administration. SR 27417 inhibited PAF-induced death in mice with an impressive p.o. or i.v. duration of action of 30 to 48 hr. In anesthetized guinea pigs, SR 27417 inhibited i.v. and p.o. 100 ng/kg PAF-induced bronchoconstriction (ED50 = 14 and 140 micrograms/kg, respectively), hemoconcentration (ED50 = 20 and 270 micrograms/kg, respectively), thrombocytopenia (ED50 = 30 and 240 micrograms/kg, respectively) and leukopenia (ED50 = 0.1 and 1.5 mg/kg, respectively).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Antagonism of platelet activating factor receptor binding and stimulated phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C in rabbit platelets

The objective of this study was to establish whether binding of platelet activating factor (PAF) to its receptor was integral to the stimulation of phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C (PLC) in rabbit platelets. Saturation binding curves for [3H]PAF indicated that the PAF receptor has a dissociation constant (KD) of 28.72 nM. In comparison, PAF-stimulated PLC activity, as monitored by [3H]inositol triphosphate production, increased at lower concentrations and had an half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) value of 1.5 nM. Unlabeled PAF inhibited [3H]PAF binding competitively and demonstrated two binding sites, a high affinity site with an inhibitory constant (Ki) of 2.65 nM and a low affinity site with a Ki of 0.80 microM. The inhibitory effects of four PAF antagonists, CV-3988, CV-6209, SRI 63-441 and SRI 63-675 on the binding of [3H]PAF were compared to the effects of the antagonists on PAF-stimulated PLC activity. The four antagonists inhibited [3H]PAF binding almost completely whereas their ability to inhibit PAF-stimulated PLC activity varied. CV-3988, SRI 63-441 and SRI 63-675 had half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 0.28, 0.78 and 0.42 microM, respectively, whereas CV-6209 was more potent at inhibiting [3H]PAF binding (IC50 = 7.73 nM). The SRI 63-441 and SRI 63-675 inhibited PLC totally with an IC50 value of 0.78 and 1.27 microM, respectively. The CV-3988 and CV-6209 showed a maximal PLC inhibition of about 45% with "apparent IC50" values of 1.05 and 0.17 microM, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Histamine-induced intracellular free Ca++, inositol phosphates and electrical changes in murine N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells

Apparent intracellular free Ca++ concentration [(Ca++]i) was measured in differentiated N1E-115 neuroblastoma by microinjecting cells with aequorin (estimated intracellular concentration, 4 microM) and measuring light emission. Histamine produced a transient, dose-dependent increase in [Ca++]i. Pyrilamine blocked completely the response to histamine whereas cimetidine had no effect. Omitting Ca++ from the external medium reversibly blocked the response. As well as a rise in [Ca++]i, histamine caused a concomitant cell hyperpolarization that was not blocked by ouabain, low Cl-, tetraethylammonium chloride/tetradotoxin or metiamide but was blocked by apamin and pyrilamine. A secondary small depolarization caused by histamine was also blocked by apamin but not by ouabain, low Cl- or tetraethylammonium chloride/tetrodotoxin. Direct iontophoretic injection of Ca++ into cells caused only hyperpolarization. Injection of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate [IP3(1,4,5)] caused an increase in [Ca++]i and rapid hyperpolarization. Inositol 1,3,4-trisphosphate [IP3(1,3,4)] caused an increase in [Ca++]i, rapid hyperpolarization and a slower depolarization. Repeated injections of IP3(1,3,4) led to a diminished [Ca++]i response and decreased hyperpolarization but had no effect on depolarization. Inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate was without effect on [Ca++]i or on cellular membrane potential. The results suggest that histamine causes an H1 receptor-dependent increase in [Ca++]i, probably by the increased entry of extracellular Ca++, although there may be a contribution from intracellular Ca++ released by IP3(1,4,5). The increase in [Ca++]i activates K+ channels leading to cell hyperpolarization. IP3(1,3,4) formed from inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate, which is itself a product of IP3(1,4,5), causes a slower depolarization by a mechanism that does not involve Na+ channels or an increase in [Ca++]i.     

Feedback inhibition of cyclic adenosine monophosphate-stimulated Na+ transport in the rabbit cortical collecting duct via Na(+)-dependent basolateral Ca++ entry.

Arginine vasopressin (AVP) transiently stimulates Na+ transport in the rabbit cortical collecting duct (CCD). However, the sustained effect of both AVP and its putative second messenger, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), on Na+ transport in the rabbit CCD is inhibitory. Because maneuvers that increase [Ca++]i inhibit Na+ transport, the effects of AVP and cell-permeable cAMP analogues, on [Ca++]i were investigated in fura-2-loaded in vitro microperfused rabbit CCDs. Low-dose AVP (23-230 pM) selectively stimulated Ca++ influx, whereas 23 nM AVP additionally released calcium from intracellular stores. 8-chlorophenylthio-cAMP (8CPTcAMP) and 8-bromo-cAMP (8-Br-cAMP) also increased CCD [Ca++]i. The 8CPTcAMP-stimulated [Ca++]i increase was totally dependent on basolateral [Ca++]. In the absence of cAMP, peritubular Na+ removal produced a marked increase in [Ca++]i, which was also dependent on bath [Ca++], suggesting the existence of basolateral Na+/Ca++ exchange. Luminal Na+ removal in the absence of cAMP did not alter CCD [Ca++]i, but it completely blocked the cAMP-stimulated [Ca++]i increase. Thus the cAMP-dependent Ca++ increase is totally dependent on both luminal Na+ and basolateral Ca++, suggesting the [Ca++]i increase is secondary to cAMP effects on luminal Na+ entry and its coupling to basolateral Na+/Ca++ exchange. 8CPTcAMP inhibits lumen-to-bath 22Na flux [JNa(l-b)] in CCDs bathed in a normal Ca++ bath (2.4 mM). However, when bath Ca++ was lowered to 100 nM, a maneuver that also blocks the 8CPTcAMP [Ca++]i increase, 8CPTcAMP stimulated, rather than inhibited JNa(l-b). These results suggest that cAMP formation initially stimulates CCD Na+ transport, and that increased apical Na+ entry secondarily activates basolateral Ca++ entry. The cAMP-dependent [Ca++]i increase leads to inhibition Na+ transport in the rabbit CCD.     

Effect of forskolin on cytosolic Ca++ level and contraction in vascular smooth muscle

The effects of forskolin, an activator of adenylate cyclase, on cytoplasmic Ca++ level ([Ca++]cyt) measured simultaneously with muscle tension using fura-2-Ca++ fluorescence were examined in isolated smooth muscle of rat aorta. Forskolin decreased muscle tension and [Ca++]cyt in resting aorta whereas both norepinephrine and high K+ solution produced sustained increase in muscle tension and [Ca++]cyt. Addition of forskolin during the sustained contractions decreased muscle tension more strongly than [Ca++]cyt. Norepinephrine-induced contraction was more sensitive to forskolin than high K+-induced contraction. The inhibitory effect of forskolin was attenuated when the concentration of norepinephrine or K+ was increased. Cumulative addition of norepinephrine or K+ induced a concentration-dependent increase in both [Ca++]cyt and muscle tension and a positive [Ca++]cyt-tension correlation was observed. In the presence of 0.1 microM forskolin, the norepinephrine-induced increments in [Ca++]cyt and muscle tension were inhibited without changing the [Ca++]cyt-tension relationship. In the presence of a higher concentration (1 microM) of forskolin, muscle tension was inhibited more strongly with only a small additional decrease in [Ca++]cyt resulting in a shift of the [Ca++]cyt-tension relationship. Norepinephrine induced transient increments in [Ca++]cyt and muscle tension in Ca++-free solution and forskolin inhibited these changes. These results suggest that forskolin has concentration-dependent inhibitory effects on vascular contractility to decrease [Ca++]cyt at lower concentrations and to decrease the sensitivity of contractile elements to Ca++ at higher concentrations.