Mechanism of norepinephrine release elicited by Na+-K+ adenosine triphosphatase inhibition in the isolated rat kidney: involvement of voltage-dependent Ca++ channels

The mechanism by which ouabain and Na+ depletion enhance the release of norepinephrine (NE) was investigated in the isolated rat kidney prelabeled with [3H]NE by examining the efflux of tritium elicited by these stimuli during 1) Ca++ depletion and 2) administration of tetrodotoxin, amiloride and Ca++ channel blockers. In kidneys perfused with Tyrode's solution containing low K+ solution (0.54 mM), ouabain (10(-4) M) enhanced tritium efflux markedly by about 20-fold at 30 min. Depletion of Na+ from the perfusion medium also produced an increase in tritium overflow which peaked at 20 min. Administration of tetrodotoxin (0.3 microM) inhibited the effect of ouabain, but not that of Na+ depletion, to increase tritium efflux and perfusion pressure. In contrast, amiloride (180 microM) enhanced the overflow of tritium elicited by ouabain but failed to alter that elicited by Na+ depletion. The rise in perfusion pressure caused by both stimuli was attenuated by amiloride. Omission of Ca++ (1.8 mM) from the perfusion medium inhibited the increase in tritium efflux and perfusion pressure elicited by ouabain and Na+ depletion by 80 and 65%, respectively. The Ca++ channel blockers omega-conotoxin (50 nM), diltiazem (60 microM) and flunarizine (2 microM), but not nifedipine (1.4 microM), inhibited tritium overflow elicited by ouabain. However, nifedipine, diltiazem and flunarizine, but not omega-conotoxin attenuated the tritium overflow elicited by Na+ depletion. The rise in perfusion pressure elicited by ouabain in low K+ and Na+ depletion was inhibited by these Ca++ channel blockers.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Influence of protein kinase C activators on vascular tone and adrenergic neuroeffector events in the isolated rat kidney

To investigate if protein kinase C (PKC) activation is involved in mediating or modulating adrenergic transmission, we have investigated the effect of phorbol esters, PKC activators, on the release of adrenergic transmitter elicited by periarterial renal nerve stimulation (RNS) in the isolated rat kidney perfused with Tyrode's solution and prelabeled with [3H]norepinephrine. Infusion of 12-o-tetra-decanoyl-phorbol 13-acetate (TPA) at 5 x 10(-7) mM produced renal vasoconstriction and a rise in basal perfusion pressure without any consistent effect on the rise in tritium efflux or the perfusion pressure elicited by RNS. Higher concentrations of TPA (5 x 10(-6) to 5 x 10(-5) mM) increased both the basal as well as RNS-induced efflux of tritium; the basal perfusion pressure was increased so dramatically that the effect of RNS to raise perfusion pressure was reduced compared to that observed in the vehicle group. Infusion of phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate at 6 x 10(-6) mM reduced the basal but increased the RNS-induced efflux of tritium; the basal as well as the rise in perfusion pressure caused by RNS was increased. Phorbol-13-monoacetate that does not activate PKC failed to alter the basal or the increase in tritium efflux and perfusion pressure elicited by RNS. The rise in perfusion pressure produced by TPA or phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate was reduced by nifedipine (1.4 x 10(-6) mM) but it was abolished by omission of Ca++ from the perfusion medium. These data suggest that PKC activation with phorbol esters produces renal vasoconstriction by promoting influx of extracellular Ca++.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

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)     

Neuropeptide Y stimulates renal prostaglandin synthesis in the isolated rat kidney: contribution of Ca++ and calmodulin

We have investigated the effects of neuropeptide Y (NPY) on vascular tone and renal output of prostaglandins (PGs) and the mechanism underlying these actions by examining the effects of Ca++ depletion, Ca++ channel blockers and calmodulin inhibitors in the isolated Tyrode's perfused rat kidney. Administration of NPY (0.23-2.3 nmol) into the kidney produced a dose-related renal vasoconstriction and an increase in the output of PGE2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, the stable hydrolysis product of PGI2. Omission of Ca++ (1.8 mM) or addition of Ca++ channel blockers, diltiazem (60 microM) or nifedipine (1.4 microM), to the perfusion fluid abolished the effects of NPY to promote renal vasoconstriction and PG synthesis. Infusion of calmodulin inhibitors, trifluoperazine (2 microM), W-7 [N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphthalene sulfonamide] (20 microM) or calmidazolium (0.2 microM), attenuated the renal vasoconstriction and the increase in PG output produced by NPY (0.7 nmol). In kidneys perfused with normal Tyrode's solution, infusion of NPY, in a concentration (1.7 X 10(-8) M) that produced only a small transient increase in renal vascular tone and failed to alter the renal output of PGs, enhanced the rise in PGE2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha elicited by norepinephrine (0.25 nmol) but not by arginine vasopressin (0.004 nmol) or angiotensin II (0.09 nmol). The renal vasoconstriction elicited by norepinephrine and arginine vasopressin as well as by angiotensin II was enhanced by NPY.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Contribution of Ca++ and calmodulin to the action of norepinephrine on renal prostaglandin synthesis and vascular tone

We have investigated the contribution of Ca++ and calmodulin to the action of norepinephrine (NE) on prostaglandin (PG) synthesis and vascular tone in the Tyrode's perfused rat kidney. Lowering the Ca++ concentration (0.6 mM) reduced and raising the Ca++ concentration (5.4 mM) enhanced the renal vasoconstriction and PG output elicited by NE. Calcium channel blockers diltiazem or nimodipine inhibited the vasoconstriction and PG output caused by NE. Ca++-free Tyrode's solution containing ethylene glycol bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N'-tetraacetic acid abolished NE-induced vasoconstriction and reduced PG output by 25 to 38%. Addition of intracellular Ca++ antagonists 8-(diethylamino) octyl 3,4,5 trimethoxybenzoate, dantrolene or ryanodine to Ca++-free Tyrode's solution inhibited NE-induced PG output. Calmodulin inhibitors trifluoperazine, N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphthalene sulfonamide or calmidazolium diminished PG output and the renal vasoconstriction elicited by NE in the presence and absence of Ca++. Mepacrine and indomethacin inhibited NE-induced renal vasoconstriction and PG output. Arachidonic acid-induced PG output was abolished by indomethacin but was unaltered by mepacrine, Ca++ antagonists or calmodulin inhibitors. We conclude that NE produces renal vasoconstriction by a mechanism that depends primarily on extracellular Ca++ and calmodulin, whereas NE-induced PG output depends on both extra- and intracellular Ca++ and calmodulin.     

Norepinephrine and adenosine triphosphate release in different ratio from guinea pig vas deferens by high potassium chloride, ouabain and monensin

Release of norepinephrine (NE) and ATP from the guinea pig vas deferens evoked by ouabain in combination with monensin or by high KCl was measured by a high-pressure liquid chromatography-ECD and luciferin-luciferase assay, respectively. Ouabain (10-100 microM) induced a concentration-dependent liberation of NE, which was enhanced by 10 microM monensin, a Na+-ionophore. The marked NE release elicited by the combined administration of both the drugs was unaffected by Ca++-removal but was reduced by lowering Na+ from the medium. This NE release in the Ca++-free medium was diminished markedly after treatment with 6-hydroxydopamine or reserpine and in low-temperature (25 degrees C) medium. This release was also decreased by ruthenium red (10-30 microM), an uptake inhibitor of Ca++ to mitochondria, and carbonyl cyanide-m-chlorophenyl hydrazone (10 microM), a metabolic inhibitor. On the other hand, 100 mM KCl caused a moderate, extracellular Ca++-dependent release of NE. ATP-outflow from the tissue evoked by 100 microM ouabain plus 10 microM monensin was almost unaltered by Ca++-removal but was inhibited by 6-hydroxydopamine or prazosin (0.3 microM), whereas release induced by high KCl was reduced by 6-hydroxydopamine and Ca++-free medium but was unaffected by prazosin. ATP/NE ratios at respective maximum effluxes evoked by 100 mM KCl and ouabain plus monensin were 6.59 and 0.22, respectively. These findings suggest that there may be more than one site of corelease for NE and ATP. Ouabain plus monensin seems to produce an extracellular Ca++-independent neuronal release of NE and ATP from the cytoplasmic and vesicular storage sites which predominantly release NE.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effect of protein kinase C inhibitors on the actions of phorbol esters on vascular tone and adrenergic transmission in the isolated rat kidney

The effect of protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors 1-(5-isoquinoline-sulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine (H-7), polymyxin B (PMB), D-sphingosine (SPH), sangivamycin (SNG) and staurosporin (ST) on the action of PKC activators phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu) and 12-o-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), on adrenergic neuroeffector events was investigated to determine the contribution of PKC in adrenergic transmission in the rat kidney. Infusion of TPA (5 x 10(-6) mM) or PDBu (6 x 10(-6) mM) produced renal vasoconstriction and enhanced the overflow of tritium elicited by periarterial renal nerve stimulation (RNS) (2 Hz) in the isolated rat kidney perfused with Tyrode's solution and prelabeled with [3H]norepinephrine. H-7 (2.7 x 10(-3) mM) and ST (2 x 10(-5) mM) did not alter RNS-induced overflow of tritium but attenuated the vasoconstrictor response to RNS and exogenous NE. PMB (1 x 10(-8) mM) and SPH (3.3 x 10(-4) mM) but not SNG (3.3 x 10(-3) mM) attenuated the RNS-induced overflow of tritium but increased the basal renal vascular tone and enhanced the vasoconstrictor response to RNS and exogenous NE. H-7, PMB, SPH, SNG or ST failed to alter the effects of PDBu to increase basal vascular tone and the overflow of tritium and the increase in renal vasoconstriction to RNS. PMB at 1 x 10(-9) mM but not at 1 x 10(-8) mM and SPH (3.3 x 10(-4) mM) but not H-7, SNG or ST inhibited the effect of TPA to increase the overflow of tritium. The effect of TPA on the vasoconstrictor response to RNS or to increase basal vascular tone was not altered by PKC inhibitors. These data suggest that in the rat kidney, PKC is either resistant to the actions of H-7, PMB, SPH, SNG and ST, or PDBu and TPA produce renal vasoconstriction and facilitate adrenergic transmission by a mechanism unrelated to PKC activation.     

Block of 45Ca uptake into synaptosomes by methylmercury: Ca++- and Na+-dependence

Block of Ca++ influx into isolated nerve terminals by the neurotoxicant methylmercury (MeHg) was studied for its dependence on extracellular Ca++ and Na+. Depolarization-independent entry of 45Ca++ was determined in rat forebrain synaptosomes incubated in 5 mM K+ solution. 45Ca++ uptake was similarly measured after 1 ("fast" phase) or 10 sec ("total") of elevated K+ (41.25 mM)-induced depolarization or after 10 sec of elevated K+-induced depolarization after synaptosomes had been predepolarized for 10 sec in Ca++- and MeHg-free solutions ("slow" phase). In 5 mM K+ solutions, MeHg concentrations of 125 microM and greater significantly reduced synaptosomal 45Ca++ uptake measured during 1 or 10 sec of incubation. In K+-depolarized synaptosomes, the estimated IC50 for block of total, fast and slow 45Ca++ uptake by MeHg is 75 microM; 250 microM MeHg reduced uptake by approximately 90%. The reversibility of block by extracellular Ca++ was tested by increasing the extracellular Ca++ concentration from 0.01 to 1.15 mM. When compared to control, 50 microM MeHg reduced total uptake of 45Ca++ by greater than or equal to 70% and reduced fast uptake by 20 to 60% at all concentrations of extracellular Ca++ tested. At Ca++ concentrations of 0.01 to 0.15 mM, MeHg (50 microM) reduced slow uptake by 75 to 90%, but did not affect slow uptake at higher Ca++ concentrations (greater than or equal to 0.30 mM). When the dependence of block of 45Ca++ uptake on extracellular Na+ was tested, equivalent levels of inhibition were caused by MeHg (25 microM) for fast uptake by synaptosomes in Na+-containing and Na+-free solutions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Beta adrenergic receptor-stimulated prostaglandin synthesis in the isolated rabbit heart: relationship to extra- and intracellular calcium

We have investigated the contribution of extra- and intracellular Ca++ and calmodulin to beta adrenergic receptor-stimulated prostaglandin synthesis in the isolated rabbit heart perfused with Krebs-Henseleit buffer. Administration of isoproterenol (100 ng) increased the output of immunoreactive 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha and prostaglandin E2 as well as heart rate and developed tension; the coronary perfusion pressure was reduced. Isoproterenol-induced output of prostaglandins was positively correlated with the extracellular Ca++ concentration (0-5 mM). Infusion of the Ca++ channel blockers diltiazem (22 microM) or nifedipine (0.27 microM) inhibited isoproterenol-stimulated output of prostaglandins and the positive inotropic but not the positive chronotropic effect of the amine. Administration of the intracellular Ca++ antagonists 8-(diethylamino)octyl-3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate hydrochloride (23 microM) or ryanodine (1.6 microM) reduced the outflow of prostaglandins and the positive chronotropic and inotropic effect elicited by isoproterenol. The calmodulin inhibitors trifluoperazine (50 microM) or calmidazolium (1 microM) failed to alter isoproterenol-induced output of prostaglandins; trifluoperazine but not calmidazolium reduced the developed tension and coronary perfusion pressure without altering heart rate. The prostaglandin synthesis elicited by arachidonic acid (3 micrograms) was inhibited by indomethacin but not by alterations in extracellular Ca++, Ca++ channel blockers, intracellular Ca++ antagonists or calmodulin inhibitors. These data suggest that activation of beta adrenergic receptors promotes cardiac prostaglandin synthesis and myocardial contractility by increasing the trans-sarcolemmal flux of Ca++, which releases intracellular Ca++.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Neurotoxic action of veratridine in rat brain neuronal cultures: mechanism of neuroprotection by Ca++ antagonists nonselective for slow Ca++ channels

The effect of various Ca++ antagonists and local anesthetics on neuronal cell degeneration induced by veratridine was studied in primary rat brain neuronal cultures. Cell death was quantified by measuring lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) released in the culture medium. The neuronal cell degeneration was Ca+(+)-dependent because, in the absence of extracellular Ca++, 16 hr of exposure to 30 microM veratridine failed to produce release of LDH. Ca++ antagonists, nonselective for slow Ca++ channels (flunarizine, cinnarizine, lidoflazine, prenylamine and bepridil) inhibited veratridine-induced release of LDH with IC50 values between 0.11 and 0.47 microM. Ca++ antagonists selective for slow Ca++ channels were less potent and inhibited veratridine-induced release of LDH at concentrations in the following order of potency: nicardipine greater than gallopamil and verapamil greater than niludipine greater than nitrendipine greater than nifedipine greater than nimodipine greater than diltiazem. Tested local anesthetics were incomplete inhibitors of veratridine-induced release of LDH. A good correlation was found between the potency of the drugs to inhibit released LDH induced by 30 microM veratridine in neuronal cultures and their binding affinity for the batrachotoxin binding site of Na+ channels in rat cortex synaptosomal preparation. It is concluded that protection against veratridine-induced neurotoxicity can be mediated by blocking a veratridine-sensitive Na+ channel. It is a property of certain nonselective Ca++ antagonists. There is apparently no direct relationship with Ca++ antagonistic activity. The effect is unrelated to local anesthetic activity.     

Mechanism of action of vasopressin on prostaglandin synthesis and vascular function in the isolated rat kidney: effect of calcium antagonists and calmodulin inhibitors

We have investigated the mechanism of action of arginine vasopressin (AVP) on vascular tone and renal output of prostaglandins (PGs) by examining the effect of Ca++ depletion, Ca++ antagonists and calmodulin inhibitors in the isolated Tyrode perfused rat kidney. Administration of AVP (0.027-0.27 nmol) into the kidney produced a dose-related renal vasoconstriction and an increase in the output of PGE2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, the stable hydrolysis product of PGI2. Omission of Ca++ (1.8 mM) or addition of Ca++ channel blockers, diltiazem (6.0 X 10(-5) M) or nimodipine (4.7 X 10(-5) M), to the perfusion fluid attenuated the renal vasoconstriction, but not the output of PGs elicited by AVP. Infusion of intracellular Ca++ antagonists, Dantrium (3.1 X 10(-5) M), TMB-8 (2.3 X 10(-6) M) or ryanodine (2 X 10(-6) M) or calmodulin inhibitors, trifluoperazine (2 X 10(-6) M) or W-7 (2 X 10(-6) M), abolished the rise in renal output of PGs produced by AVP during Ca++ depletion. Calmodulin inhibitors, which inhibited the AVP-induced release of PGs in the presence of Ca++, failed to alter the renal vasoconstrictor effect of the peptide. Administration of d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)AVP, a selective antagonist of pressor actions of AVP, abolished the renal vasoconstrictor response and release of PGs elicited by AVP. In contrast, d(CH2)5-D-ValVAVP, an antagonist of antidiuretic and to a lesser extent of pressor actions of AVP, failed to alter the renal vasoconstrictor response but attenuated the output of PGs produced by AVP. AVP antagonists did not alter the effect of angiotensin II (0.096 nmol) to cause renal vasoconstriction and enhance PG output.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

SR 33557, a novel calcium entry blocker. I. In vitro isolated tissue studies.

The effects of SR 33557 on isolated cardiovascular preparations were compared to those of nifedipine, verapamil and diltiazem. In rat aortic strips, SR 33557, like nifedipine, verapamil and diltiazem, caused a significant and simultaneous inhibition of potassium-induced 45Ca++ influx and contractile responses (nifedipine greater than SR 33557 greater than verapamil greater than diltiazem). SR 33557 also antagonized Ca(++)-induced contractions in K(+)-depolarized aorta preparations (pA2:9.08 +/- 0.03) and is the first calcium channel antagonist, structurally not related to 1,4-dihydropyridines, to inhibit competitively contractions induced by BAY K8644. In spike-generating vascular smooth muscle (rat portal vein), contractures evoked by noradrenaline (4 microM) or KCl (100 mM) were reduced by all four antagonists, the pharmacological potency being nifedipine greater than SR 33557 greater than verapamil greater than diltiazem. Unlike SR 33557, nifedipine, verapamil and diltiazem showed a parallel enhancement of frequency of spontaneous contractions in rat portal vein in spite of a concentration-related reduction in amplitude. By using rabbit atrial preparations, spontaneous right atrial rate and electrically stimulated (120/min) basal contractions of left atria were used as indices of chronotropy and inotropy. The potency series for negative chronotropic effects was nifedipine greater than SR 33557 greater than verapamil greater than diltiazem. For negative inotropic effects the potency order was verapamil greater than nifedipine greater than SR 33557 greater than diltiazem, respectively. Thus, SR 33557 should depress heart rate to a greater extent than ventricular contractility. These results suggest that SR 33557 is a potent calcium entry blocker that (unlike verapamil and diltiazem) is particularly selective for vascular smooth muscle and devoid of any potent negative inotropic actions.     

Membrane events and ionic processes involved in dopamine release from tuberoinfundibular neurons. II. Effect of the inhibition of the Na+-Ca++ exchange by amiloride

In the present study we investigated the effect of amiloride, a rather specific inhibitor of the membrane Na+-Ca++ exchange system, on the release of endogenous dopamine (DA) and "previously taken-up" [3H]DA from tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic neurons. Amiloride (300 microM) stimulated either endogenous DA or [3H]DA release. Amiloride-induced stimulation of [3H]DA release was prevented in a Ca++-free plus ethylene glycol bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N'-tetraacetic acid medium. Amiloride, at the same concentration, reinforced both high K+- and electrically-induced stimulation of [3H]DA release. These results are explained on the basis of the ability of amiloride in blocking the Na+-Ca++ exchange system, therefore causing an elevation of intracellular Ca++ levels in resting conditions, and a further accumulation of Ca++ ions after high K+- or electrically elicited opening of voltage-operated channels specific for Ca++ ions. The enhanced intracellular Ca++ availability may trigger the stimulation of neurotransmitter release. In addition, amiloride was able to block in a dose-dependent manner (70-300 microM) the ouabain-induced [3H]DA release, suggesting that, when intracellular concentrations of Na+ are increased by the blockade of Na+,K+-adenosine triphosphatase the Na+-Ca+;+ exchange carrier reverses its resting mode of operation, mediating the influx of extracellular Ca++ ions. Amiloride, by blocking the Na+-Ca++ exchange mechanism, prevents the ouabain-elicited entrance of extracellular Ca++ ions, therefore inhibiting [3H]DA release stimulated by the cardioactive glycoside. Collectively, the results of the present study seem to be compatible with the idea that the Na+-Ca++ exchange mechanism is involved in the regulation of [3H]DA release from tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic neurons, through the regulation of Ca++ movements across the plasma membrane.     

Membrane events and ionic processes involved in dopamine release from tuberoinfundibular neurons. I. Effect of the inhibition of the Na+,K+-adenosine triphosphatase pump by ouabain

In the present study we investigated the membrane events and the ionic processes which mediate the stimulatory effect of ouabain on the release of endogenous dopamine (DA) and "previously taken-up" [3H]DA release from rat hypothalamic tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic (TIDA) neurons. Ouabain (0.1-1 mM) dose-dependently stimulated endogenous DA and "newly taken-up" [3H]DA release. This effect was counteracted partially by nomifensine (10 microM). Removal of Ca++ ions from the extracellular space in the presence of the Ca++-chelator ethylene glycol bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N'-tetraacetic acid prevented completely ouabain-elicited [3H]DA release. Lanthanum (1 mM) and cobalt (2 mM), two inorganic Ca++-entry blockers, were able to inhibit this stimulatory effect, whereas verapamil (10 microM) and nitrendipine (50 microM), two organic antagonists of the voltage-operated channel for Ca++ ions, failed to affect ouabain-induced [3H]DA release. By contrast, adriamycin (100-300 microM), a putative inhibitor of cardiac Na+-Ca++ antiporter, dose-dependently prevented ouabain-induced [3H]DA release from TIDA neurons. Finally, tetrodotoxin reduced digitalis-stimulated [3H]DA release. In conclusion, these results seem to be compatible with the idea that the inhibition of Na+,K+-adenosine triphosphatase by ouabain stimulates the release of [3H]DA from a central neuronal system like the TIDA tract and that this effect is critically dependent on the entrance of Ca++ ions into the nerve terminals of these neurons. In addition the Na+-Ca++ exchange antiporter appears to be the membrane system which transports Ca++ ions into the neuronal cytoplasm during Na+,K+-adenosine triphosphatase inhibition. The enhanced intracellular Ca++ availability triggers DA release which could occur partially through a carrier-dependent process.     

Alpha adrenoceptor activation and postreceptor contractile mechanisms in the human digital artery

In order to compare postreceptor mechanisms of different alpha adrenoceptors, polyphosphoinositide hydrolysis and extracellular calcium entry stimulated by alpha-1 and alpha-2 adrenoceptor activation has been evaluated in the human digital artery, a tissue which contains both receptors. [3H]Inositol-I-PO4 accumulation during a 60-min exposure to an alpha-1 or alpha-2 agonist in the presence of 5 mM LiCl was used as an index of phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate hydrolysis. Norepinephrine (1-30 microM) produced a concentration-related increase in [3H]inositol phosphate formation with an EC50 of 2.3 microM. Equieffective contractile concentrations of TL-99 (1 microM) and methoxamine (100 microM) produced similar increases in [3H]inositol-I-PO4 formation (1.41- and 1.70-fold increases over control, respectively). Norepinephrine EC50 values of 0.54, 1.7 and 1.0 microM were obtained for contractile responses in 1.25 mM Ca++, 0 mM Ca++ and 0 mM Ca++ + 0.1 mM ethylene glycol bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N'-tetraacetic acid, respectively. Calcium omission (no ethylene glycol bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N'-tetraacetic acid) produced similar inhibition of alpha-2 and alpha-1 adrenoceptor-mediated responses, assessed as inhibition of the area under the concentration-effect curve. Calcium omission generally produced a slightly greater inhibition of TL-99- or methoxamine-induced contractile responses than did nifedipine (0.1 or 1 microM), but the combination of calcium-omission and nifedipine practically abolished the contractile responses. However, the combination of a calcium omission and nifedipine did not prevent the accumulation of inositol monophosphate stimulated by TL-99 or methoxamine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Taurine modulation of calcium binding to cardiac sarcolemma

A sarcolemma-enriched membrane fraction (SL) was prepared from the hearts of Sprague-Dawley rats and its ability to bind Ca++ was measured by equilibrium dialysis. We found that the effect of taurine on SL Ca++ binding varied with the buffer and with Na+ concentration. In Tris, in the presence of Na+ (140 mM), taurine (10 mM) increased the affinity but decreased the maximal binding of Ca++ (0.5-7 mM). In the absence of Na+, taurine decreased the affinity without altering the maximal binding. These effects on Ca++ binding were absent in bicarbonate or Krebs-Henseleit buffers. However, incubations with A23187, a Ca++ ionophore, and lanthanum, a Ca++ antagonist, indicated that SL membranes incubated in Tris, but not in buffers containing bicarbonate, were sealed vesicles with internal environments low in Ca++. High-affinity binding of Ca++ (10(-6)-10(-4) M) was measured in modified Krebs-Henseleit buffers. Taurine decreased Ca++ binding in a high-Na+ (145 mM), low-K+ (4.7 mM) buffer. Taurine increased Ca++ binding in both 4.7 mM Na+-145 mM K+ and 25 mM Na+-4.7 mM K+ buffers. Taurine also increased Ca++ binding in the presence of ATP. Thus, taurine increased high-affinity Ca++ binding in "intracellular" buffers, but it did not affect low-affinity Ca++ binding in "extracellular" buffers. These results suggest taurine may exert its cardiotonic actions through modulation of the high-affinity Ca++ binding sites on the internal aspect of the SL.     

Ca++ utilization in the constriction of rat aorta to stimulation of protein kinase C by phorbol dibutyrate

To determine the role of activated protein kinase C in vascular smooth muscle contraction, phorbol dibutyrate was used to stimulate this enzyme in order to evaluate the source(s) of Ca++ (10(-8) to 3 X 10(-6) M) elicited a concentration-dependent sustained contraction which was slow in onset but progressive in developed tension. The maximal contractile response induced by phorbol dibutyrate was only partly dependent on influx of extracellular Ca++ as shown by similar reductions (40%) produced by Ca++-free buffer, LaCl3 (1 mM) or nifedipine (10(-6) M). These data suggest that phorbol dibutyrate is able to open Ca++ channels which are sensitive to nifedipine blockade. However, unlike norepinephrine or K+-depolarization, phorbol dibutyrate evoked a slow 45Ca++ influx which occurred only after extended contact time. Pretreatment with nifedipine again abolished this response. In contrast to norepinephrine, phorbol dibutyrate did not cause 45Ca++ efflux indicating that intracellular Ca++ was not mobilized. It is concluded that the residual 60% contraction to phorbol dibutyrate most likely occurs via a mechanism independent of the Ca-calmodulin pathway.     

Phorbol dibutyrate contractions in rabbit aorta: calcium dependence and sensitivity to nitrovasodilators and 8-BR-cyclic GMP

Phorbol esters activate protein kinase C and induce contraction in vascular smooth muscle. The role of Ca and the sensitivity of this response to nitrovasodilators were evaluated in rabbit aortic rings. Phorbol dibutyrate (PDB) (0.01-10 microM) elicited a concentration-dependent contraction of rabbit aortic rings. Responses to PDB in a salt solution (SS) containing 2.54 mM CaCl2 were not significantly different from those in SS containing 0 Ca and 2 mM ethylene glycol bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N'-tetraacetic acid. Contractions to PDB (1 microM) in zero Ca SS were not reduced by depletion of the norepinephrine-sensitive pool of intracellular Ca. The Ca entry blockers verapamil (100 microM) and nifedipine (100 microM) did not affect PDB (1 microM) responses. Nitroprusside (0.1-10 microM) and nitroglycerin (0.1-10 microM) inhibited PDB contractions in both normal SS and Ca-free SS. 8-Br-cyclic GMP (100 microM) also inhibited PDB responses. Effects of PDB on 45Ca fluxes were evaluated in separate experiments. PDB (1 and 10 microM) elicited contraction, but no change in 45Ca uptake or efflux. In contrast KCl (80 mM) and norepinephrine (10 microM) elicited an increase in both influx and efflux, reflecting a rise in cytosolic Ca. The data suggest that PDB-induced contractions in rabbit aorta are independent of extracellular Ca and are not associated with a rise in cytosolic Ca as detected by calcium flux studies.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Mechanism of vascular actions of prostacyclin in the rat isolated perfused mesenteric arteries

Prostacyclin (PGI2) did not alter the basal perfusion pressure in the isolated rat mesenteric arteries perfused with Krebs' solution, but produced a biphasic effect in arteries preconstricted with norepinephrine or arginine vasopressin: constriction, then prolonged dilation. Both these components of PGI2 effect were diminished in arteries denuded of their endothelia by a 10 min perfusion with distilled water or p-bromophenacyl bromide (10 microM). The present study elucidates the mechanism of these PGI2 actions. Indomethacin (0.28 microM) SQ 29548 (1 microM, thromboxane A2 receptor antagonist), saralasin (1 microM, angiotensin II receptor antagonist) or the free radical scavengers, superoxide dismutase (60 U/ml) and catalase (40 U/ml) did not inhibit the initial vasoconstriction, suggesting it was not mediated through endothelially generated thromboxane A2, angiotensin II or oxygen-derived free radicals. However, ethylene glycol bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N'-tetraacetic acid (50 microM; Ca++ chelating agent), 8-(diethyl-amino)octyl 3,4,5-trimethoxy benzoate (10 microM; intracellular Ca++ antagonist), or neomycin (5 mM; phospholipase-C inhibitor) abolished the vasoconstriction. Ouabain (0.5 mM) did not affect the vasodilation, but perfusion with excess (50 mM) or 0 K+ Krebs' solution abolished it, suggesting this PGI2 action involves changes in membrane K+ conductance via a mechanism independent of Na+/K+ adenosine triphosphatase. Vasodilation evoked by BRL 34915 (K+ channel activator) was similarly attenuated under these conditions, but not by ouabain. Furthermore, procaine (1 mM; nonspecific K+ channel inhibitor), but not apamin (0.5 microM) or tetraethylammonium (10 mM) blocked PGI2- and BRL 34915-induced vasodilation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effect of calcium antagonists on leukotriene D4-induced contractions of the guinea-pig trachea and lung parenchyma

The directly mediated contractile activity of leukotriene (LT) D4 on isolated guinea-pig trachea and lung parenchyma was dependent upon the presence of calcium in the bathing buffer. Whereas 8-(N,N-diethylamino)-octyl-3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate (TMB-8), a calcium antagonist believed to act intracellularly, completely antagonized the LTD4-induced contraction, the calcium channel entry blockers, nifedipine and verapamil, only partially inhibited LTD4 contractile activity; diltiazem was inactive. TMB-8, nifedipine and verapamil were more effective in blocking the contraction of the trachea elicited by KCl-induced membrane depolarization than the contraction induced by LTD4. Of the channel entry blockers, only nifedipine appeared capable of partially relaxing an established LTD4-contracted trachea, whereas TMB-8 almost completely reversed the LTD4 contraction. On the lung parenchyma, the LTD4-induced contraction was suppressed, but not abolished in Ca++-free buffer; this contraction was antagonized by meclofenamic acid, thus suggesting it could be due in part to the indirect thromboxane (Tx) A2-mediated pathway of LT action. In Ca++-free buffer, LTD4 was still capable of generating TxB2, although lower amounts were found when compared to Ca++-containing buffer. Incremental addition of calcium to the parenchyma in Ca++-free buffer containing LTD4 elicited greater than control LTD4-induced contraction and TxB2 generation. Neither the contraction of the parenchyma nor the generation of TxB2 was antagonized by nifedipine; conversely, TMB-8 blocked both completely. Thus, based upon the use of pharmacological antagonists of calcium, these results suggest that LTD4 contractile activity in the respiratory system is dependent upon calcium, with calcium of intracellular origin potentially of significance.