Lysophospholipids elevate [Ca2+]i and trigger exocytosis in bovine chromaffin cells

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) are responsible for many physiological functions, including angiogenesis, neuronal survival, and immunity. However, little is known about their effects in modulating the stimulus-secretion coupling in bovine chromaffin cells. The result of PCR showed that at least two receptors (S1P(3) and LPA(1)) were expressed in bovine chromaffin cells. The elevation of [Ca(2+)](i) by S1P was fast and sustaining; but the elevation by LPA was slow and transient. The EC(50) for S1P and LPA in elevating the [Ca(2+)](i) were 0.55+/-0.01 and 0.54+/-0.40microM, respectively. This elevation could be totally blocked by thapsigargin, 2-APB, and U73122. Pertussis toxin pretreatment inhibited about half of the elevation in [Ca(2+)](i) suggesting the involvement of G(i) and other G-proteins. Repetitive [Ca(2+)](i) elevations elicited by S1P, but not LPA, were inhibited by ryanodine. S1P was more effective than LPA in triggering exocytosis as measured by the changes in membrane capacitance. The whole-cell Ca(2+) current was inhibited by both lysophospholipids but Na(+) current was inhibited by S1P only. These results suggest the differential effects of LPA and S1P in releasing Ca(2+) from the intracellular Ca(2+) stores and modulating the stimulus-secretion coupling in bovine chromaffin cells.     

Vasopressin-evoked [Ca2+]i responses in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes.

The presence of arginine vasopressin (AVP) V1 receptors on neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCs) linked to processes capable of elevating intracellular free calcium ([Ca2+]i) is now firmly established. This study examined the sources and signaling involved in [Ca2+]i elevations evoked by AVP in NRCs. AVP promoted increases in both [Ca2+]i and 1,4,5-inositoltrisphosphate (IP3) levels in NRCs. The degree of [Ca2+]i elevation was less than that of angiotensin II, but greater than that of endothelin-1. Extracellular Mg2+ depletion led to diminution of the maximal [Ca2+]i response, with a rightward shift in the concentration-response curves to AVP. The phospholipase C inhibitors, D-609, NCDC, or U73122, and the IP3 receptor blocker, heparin, abolished the [Ca2+]i response to AVP. Neither cyclooxygenase inhibition with indomethacin nor PKC inhibition with staurosporine had any effect. Neither ryanodine nor caffeine, which deplete sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ stores, nor ruthenium red, which inhibits both SR and mitochondrial Ca2+ stores, affected [Ca2+]i responses to AVP. The SR Ca2+ pump inhibitor, cyclopiazonic acid, abolished, and removal of extracellular Ca2+ attenuated, the response to AVP. These data indicate that activation of cardiac V1 receptors by AVP results in mobilization of Ca2+ from a distinct, non-SR, nonmitochondrial, intracellular Ca2+ pool that is Ca2+ pump replenished and IP3 sensitive. This process occurs secondary to phospholipase C (PLC)-mediated generation of IP3, requires the presence of Mg2+ and extracellular Ca2+, and occurs in a manner independent of PKC and cyclooxygenase activation. Such mechanisms of Ca2+ mobilization might indicate a distinct role for AVP in cardiac physiology and disease.     

Differential modulation of ATP-induced calcium signalling by A1 and A2 adenosine receptors in cultured cortical astrocytes

1. Despite the accumulating evidence that under various pathological conditions the extracellular elevation of adenine-based nucleotides and nucleosides plays a key role in the control of astroglial reactivity, how these signalling molecules interact in the regulation of astrocyte function is still largely elusive. 2. The action of the nucleoside adenosine in the modulation of the intracellular calcium signalling ([Ca(2+)](i)) elicited by adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP)-induced activation of P2 purinoceptors was investigated on neocortical type-1 astrocytes in primary culture by using single-cell microfluorimetry. 3. Astrocyte challenge with ATP (1-10 microm) elicited biphasic [Ca(2+)](i) responses consisting of an initial peak followed by a sustained elevation. The stable adenosine analogue 2-chloroadenosine (2-ClA) potentiated the transient [Ca(2+)](i) rise induced by activation of metabotropic P2Y receptors. Among the various P1 receptor agonists tested, the nonselective agonist 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA) mimicked the 2-ClA action, whereas the selective A1 R(-) N6-(2-phenylisopropyl)-adenosine (R-PIA), the A2A 2-[4-(2-carboxyethyl)phenethylamino]-5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (CGS-21680) and A3 1-deoxy-1-(6-[([3-lodophenyl]methyl)-amino]-9H-purin-9-yl)-N-methyl-beta-d-ribofuranuronamide (IB-MECA) agonists were ineffective. 4. Application of R-PIA>NECA>or=2-ClA depressed the [Ca(2+)](i) plateau reversibly. Moreover, in the presence of R-PIA or 2-ClA, the prolonged [Ca(2+)](i) signal was maintained by application of the A1 antagonist 1,3-diethyl-8-phenylxanthine (DPX). Finally, preincubation of the astrocytes with pertussis toxin abrogated the 2-ClA inhibition of the ATP-elicited sustained [Ca(2+)](i) rise without affecting the transient [Ca(2+)](i) potentiation. 5. Taken together, these findings indicate that stimulation of A1 and A2 adenosine receptors mediates a differential modulation of [Ca(2+)](i) signalling elicited by P2 purinoceptors. Since variations in [Ca(2+)](i) dynamics also affect cell proliferation and differentiation, our data suggest that tuning of the extracellular levels of adenosine may be relevant for the control of astrogliosis mediated by adenine nucleotides.     

Statins rise cytoplasmic calcium level [Ca2+]i in cultured endothelial cells

Recently, we have shown that some HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) induce immediate pleiotropic effects in vascular endothelium both in vivo and in vitro, to mention only PGI2-mediated thrombolysis in rats and NO-mediated endothelium-dependent vasodilation in guinea pig coronary circulation. Here we look whether immediate endothelial effect of statins is associated with mobilization of intracellular calcium ions [Ca2+]i in cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC). We analyzed the effects of various statins (atorvastatin, cerivastatin, simvastatin, lovastatin and pravastatin at concentration of 10-30 microM) on [Ca2+]i in BAEC in comparison to responses induced by bradykinin (Bk) (10 nM), adenosine diphosphate (1 microM), acetylcholine (100 nM), adrenaline (10 microM), serotonin (10 microM) or calcium ionophore A 23187 (0.1 microM) using FURA-2 according to fluorimetric method of Grynkiewicz et al. Basal [Ca2+]i level in BAEC was between 60 and 100 nM. Bk was the most potent to induce [Ca2+]i response. Delta[Ca2+]i induced by Bk was 331.9 +/- 19.49 nM (n = 36). Delta[Ca2+]i induced by statins (30 microM), i.e. atorvastatin, cerivastatin, simvastatin, lovastatin and pravastatin were 66.4 +/- 7.38% (n = 6), 54.8 +/- 10.12% (n = 5), 58.8 +/- 13.9% (n = 8), 27.7 +/- 7.19% (n = 5) and 0% (n = 5) of the response induced by Bk (10 nM), respectively. In summary, all statins tested, except pravastatin, induce immediate increase in [Ca2+]i in endothelium. This pleiotropic activity of statins in endothelium, most likely not related to the inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase, may represent an intracellular correlate for the immediate release of NO and PGI2 by these drugs that was reported by us previously.     

Effect of APGW-amide on [Ca2+]i in rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells

In order to determine whether Ala-Pro-Gly-Try-NH2 (APGW-amide) could affect mammalian excitable cells, we investigated the effect of APGW-amide in PC12 cells. APGW-amide caused a rapid [Ca2+]i elevation, which was completely prevented by elimination of extracellular Ca2+ with EGTA and inhibited by two L-type Ca2+ channel blockers. [Ca2+]i elevation was also blocked by a specific PKC inhibitor and prolonged pretreatment of cells with PMA. These results indicate that APGW-amide elevates [Ca2+]i in PC12 cells, possibly by Ca2+ influx via L-type Ca2+ channel activated by PKC.     

P2X2 characteristics of the ATP receptor coupled to [Ca2+]i increases in cultured Purkinje neurons from neonatal rat cerebellum.

P2X receptors present in cerebellar Purkinje cells have been studied by recording ATP-elicited [Ca2+]i signals from immuno-identified (calbindin+) cells in culture using fura-2 microfluorescence. The [Ca2+]i increases evoked by ATP were mimicked by 2MeSATP but not by alpha, beta-meATP and other purinoceptor agonists. The selective P2X1 antagonist diinosine pentaphosphate failed to inhibit ATP-elicited [Ca2+]i transients, but suramin and PPADS rapidly and reversibly blocked the [Ca2+]i responses to ATP and 2MeSATP. The IC50 values for suramin and PPADS inhibition were 48.7 +/- 4.4 and 5.9 +/- 0.3 microM, respectively. Both antagonists blocked completely the signal elicited by ATP, revealing that there was not a separate antagonist-insensitive P2X receptor population in Purkinje cells. The effect of ATP was potentiated by Zn2+ and H+ ions. A one unit acidification from pH 7.4 to 6.4 enhanced by 172% the [Ca2+]i transient elicited by an intermediate concentration of ATP. Conversely, alkalinization of the medium to pH 8.4 reduced the ATP response by 88%. This combination of pharmacological and modulatory properties indicates that endogenous P2X receptors present in Purkinje neurons are formed by P2X2 subunits, rather than the more abundantly expressed P2X4 purinoceptor subunits.     

Effects of berbamine on ATP-induced [Ca2+]i mobilization in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells and cardiomyocytes.

AIM: To study the effects of berbamine (Ber) on [Ca2+]i homeostasis induced by adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) of rabbits and cardiomyocytes of rats. METHODS: Both cell types were cultured and loaded with Fura 3-AM. [Ca2+]i was measured by fluorescent intensity (FI) in each cell with confocal microscopy. RESULTS: (1) ATP 30 mumol.L-1 elevated [Ca2+]i in VSMC and cardiomyocytes, FI values reached 660 +/- 258 and 1058 +/- 252 from 250 +/- 84 and 218 +/- 76 at 19 s +/- 5 s and 11.8 s +/- 2.4 s, but FI in nucleus was not changed in VSMC. (2) Ber 30 mumol.L-1 did not affect the resting FI in both cell types, but prolonged the time to peak (P < 0.01) and reduced the FI elevated by ATP (P < 0.01), but not completely inhibited even at 100 mumol.L-1. (3) In D-Hanks' solution or in the presence of egtazic acid (EGTA) 3 mmol.L-1, the inhibitory effect of Ber was not seen (P > 0.05). (4) All effects of Ber on ATP-induced [Ca2+]i mobilization were similar to those of Ver 10 mumol.L-1. CONCLUSION: In VSMC and cardiomyocytes, ATP-induced CA2+ influx was inhibited by Ber and Ver, while the Ca2+ release was not.     

DA-6034 Induces [Ca2+]i Increase in Epithelial Cells

DA-6034, a eupatilin derivative of flavonoid, has shown potent effects on the protection of gastric mucosa and induced the increases in fluid and glycoprotein secretion in human and rat corneal and conjunctival cells, suggesting that it might be considered as a drug for the treatment of dry eye. However, whether DA-6034 induces Ca²⁺ signaling and its underlying mechanism in epithelial cells are not known. In the present study, we investigated the mechanism for actions of DA-6034 in Ca²⁺ signaling pathways of the epithelial cells (conjunctival and corneal cells) from human donor eyes and mouse salivary gland epithelial cells. DA-6034 activated Ca²⁺-activated Cl^- channels (CaCCs) and increased intracellular calcium concentrations ([Ca²⁺]_i) in primary cultured human conjunctival cells. DA-6034 also increased [Ca²⁺]_i in mouse salivary gland cells and human corneal epithelial cells. [Ca²⁺]_i increase of DA-6034 was dependent on the Ca²⁺ entry from extracellular and Ca²⁺ release from internal Ca²⁺ stores. Interestingly, these effects of DA-6034 were related to ryanodine receptors (RyRs) but not phospholipase C/inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP₃) pathway and lysosomal Ca²⁺ stores. These results suggest that DA-6034 induces Ca²⁺ signaling via extracellular Ca²⁺ entry and RyRs-sensitive Ca²⁺ release from internal Ca²⁺ stores in epithelial cells.     

The inhibition of release by mGlu7 receptors is independent of the Ca2+ channel type but associated to GABAB and adenosine A1 receptors

Neurotransmitter release is inhibited by G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) through signalling pathways that are negatively coupled to Ca(2+) channels and adenylyl cyclase. Through Ca(2+) imaging and immunocytochemistry, we have recently shown that adenosine A(1), GABA(B) and the metabotropic glutamate type 7 receptors coexist in a subset of cerebrocortical nerve terminals. As these receptors inhibit glutamate release through common intracellular signalling pathways, their co-activation occluded each other responses. Here we have addressed whether the occlusion of receptor responses is restricted to the glutamate release mediated by N-type Ca(2+) channels by analysing this process in nerve terminals from mice lacking the alpha(1B) subunit (Ca(v) 2.2) of these channels. We found that glutamate release from cerebrocortical nerve terminals without these channels, in which release relies exclusively on P/Q type Ca(2+) channels, is not modulated by mGlu7 receptors. Furthermore, there is no occlusion of the release inhibition by GABA(B) and adenosine A(1). Hence, in the cerebrocortical preparation, these three receptors only appear to coexist in N-type channel containing nerve terminals. In contrast, in hippocampal nerve terminals lacking this subunit, where mGlu7 receptors modulate glutamate release via P/Q type channels, the occlusion of inhibitory responses by co-stimulation of adenosine A(1), GABA(B) and mGlu7 receptors was observed. Thus, occlusion of the responses by the three GPCRs is independent of the Ca(2+) channel type but rather, it is associated to functional mGlu7 receptors.     

甲状旁腺素对大鼠心肌细胞内游离钙和细胞凋亡的影响

目的　研究甲状旁腺素 (PTH)对心肌细胞内游离钙以及细胞肥大和凋亡的影响。方法　利用培养的新生大鼠心肌细胞 ,以Fluo 3/AM负载 ,通过激光共聚焦显微镜(LSCM)测定细胞内游离钙浓度 ([Ca2 + ] i) ;以细胞面积和细胞蛋白含量作为心肌细胞肥大指标 ;采用电镜和流式细胞术观察细胞凋亡的变化。结果　PTH1～ 34 0 0 1和 0 1 μmol·L- 1 刺激 7d后 ,心肌细胞内钙荧光强度以及心肌细胞面积和蛋白含量、细胞凋亡率较对照组显著增加。而 0 1 μmol·L- 1 PTH1～ 34 刺激的同时分别加入 1、1 0 μmol·L- 1 硝苯地平 ,上述指标改善 ,但未能达正常。结论　PTH1～ 34 可显著增加心肌细胞 [Ca2 + ] i,诱导细胞肥大和凋亡 ,并呈浓度依赖性 ,电压依赖性钙通道开放引起的细胞外钙内流增加为其机制之一     

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.     

Comparison of the effects of caffeine and other methylxanthines on [Ca2+]i in rat ventricular myocytes.

1. The effects of caffeine and other methylxanthines were investigated on intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) and contraction in rat isolated ventricular myocytes. The use of the fluorescent indicator, Indo-1, allowed simultaneous measurement of [Ca2+]i and the intracellular concentration of the methylxanthines. 2. Rapid application of caffeine (10 mM) produced a transient rise of [Ca2+]i which decayed to resting levels. This was accompanied by a transient contraction which decayed to a level above baseline. The addition of theophylline also produced a transient increase of [Ca2+]i. However, following the initial transient, contraction decayed before redeveloping to a maintained level. 3. Direct measurements showed that [caffeine]i rose more quickly than did [theophylline]i. The slower rise of [theophylline]i was associated with a delay in the increase of [Ca2+]i. At lower concentrations of the methylxanthines, theophylline was less effective than caffeine at initiating Ca release. The rate of entry of theobromine was similar to that of theophylline. 4. Isocaffeine did not produce a rise of [Ca2+]i. The rate of rise of [isocaffeine]i was much slower than that of either caffeine or theophylline. 5. Measurements of the oil:water partition coefficient showed that the order of relative partitioning into oil was: caffeine > theophylline > theobromine > isocaffeine. This is similar to the order of rate of entry into the cell. 6. We conclude that many of the differences in the effects of these methylxanthines can be attributed to differences in membrane permeability due to differences in oil:water partition.     

Effect of Ca2+ antagonists on high-K+ evoked increase in [Ca2+]i in rat cerebral synaptosomes and hippocampal neurons.

By fura-2 fluorometry, we investigated the direct effects of Ca2+ antagonists including a new benzothiazepine, clentiazem, on the high-K(+)-evoked increase in the concentration of cytosolic free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) in rat cerebral synaptosomes and cultured hippocampal neurons. In both preparations, metal ions inhibited the high-K(+)-induced increase in [Ca2+]i, in the following order: La3+ greater than Cd2+ much greater than Ni2+. Although flunarizine and nicardipine inhibited the K(+)-induced increase in [Ca2+]i in synaptosomes, other Ca2+ antagonists, including clentiazem and nitrendipine, had little effect at 10 microM. In hippocampal neurons, clentiazem inhibited the K(+)-induced increase in [Ca2+]i at 10 microM, as did flunarizine and nicardipine. However, nifedipine and nitrendipine had little effect in either cultured neurons or in synaptosomes.     

Opioid receptor antagonists increase [Ca^2＋]i in rat arterial smooth muscle cells in hemorrhagic shock

INTRODUCTION Circulation hypotension induced by hemorrhagicshock is one of the main causes of death after severewounds or trauma. When the hemorrhagic shock hasdeveloped to a decompensatory stage, it is difficult toreverse the hypotension using usual vasoconstrictor,such as norepinephrine. One of the explanations ofhypotension is due to the hyposensitivity of arterialsmooth muscle cells (SMC) to vascular constrictorstimuli[1,2]. Previous studies showed that the vascularhyporesponse was r…     

尿皮质素诱导心肌细胞内钙离子升高与兰尼碱受体活化的关系研究

目的 探讨尿皮质素(urocortin)诱导乳大鼠心肌细胞内钙离子浓度[Ca2+]i升高与兰尼碱受体(RyR)之间的关系.方法 采用体外培养的乳大鼠心肌细胞进行指标测定.采用Till阳离子测定系统,以Fura-2/AM为荧光探针,观察心肌细胞[Ca2+]i瞬间变化.结果 urocortin使心肌细胞内钙离子浓度升高;兰尼碱受体抑制剂Ryanodine和IP3受体抑制剂Xestospongin C能够部分抑制urocortin诱导的心肌细胞内钙离子浓度升高,差别有统计学意义(P<0.01).结论 urocortin能够诱导心肌细胞内钙离子浓度[Ca2+]i升高,其作用可能与活化RyR和IP3受体使心肌细胞肌质网内钙离子释放有关.     

Effects of ovariectomy and 17 beta-oestradiol replacement on [Ca2+]i in female rat cardiac myocytes

1. The present study investigated the effects of ovariectomy (OVX) and 17beta-oestradiol replacement on [Ca2+]i in rat freshly isolated cardiac myocytes. 2. Myocytes were isolated from the hearts of sham, OVX and OVX + 17beta-oestradiol-replaced female rats by enzymatic digestion with collagenase. Changes in [Ca2+]i in response to varied extracellular [Ca2+] were measured using the Ca2+-sensitive dye fura-2, with the contractile responses of each cell measured as cell shortening. 3. Increasing extracellular [Ca2+] resulted in increased [Ca2+]i in all three groups. Peak [Ca2+]i and the amplitude of the Ca2+ transient were significantly greater (P < 0.01) in cells from OVX animals compared with cells from both sham and 17beta-oestradiol-replaced OVX animals. 4. The time-course of decay of the Ca2+ transient was significantly faster (P < 0.02) in OVX cells compared with both sham and 17beta-oestradiol-replaced cells. In addition, time to 50% relaxation was significantly faster (P < 0.04) and extent of shortening significantly greater (P < 0.01) in OVX cells than in either sham or 17beta-oestradiol cells. 5. These data demonstrate clear differences in peak [Ca2+]i and the amplitude of the Ca2+ transient between OVX female rat cardiac myocytes compared with intact and 17beta-oestradiol-replaced OVX female rat cardiac myocytes. This suggests that oestrogen may play a long-term role in limiting Ca2+ entry into the cardiac myocyte.     

Interleukin-6 enhances expression of adenosine A(1) receptor mRNA and signaling in cultured rat cortical astrocytes and brain slices.

The inhibitory neuromodulator adenosine is released in the brain in high concentrations under conditions of exaggerated neuronal activity such as ischemia and seizures, or electroconvulsive treatment. By inhibiting neural overactivity, adenosine counteracts seizure activity and promotes neuronal survival. Since stimulation of adenosine A(2b) receptors on astrocytes induces increased synthesis and release of interleukin-6, which also exerts neuroprotective effects, we hypothesized that the effects of interleukin-6 and of adenosine might be related. We report here that stimulation with interleukin-6 of cultured astrocytes, of cultured organotypic brain slices from newborn rat cortex, and of freshly prepared brain slices from rat cortex induces a concentration- and time-dependent upregulation of adenosine A(1) receptor mRNA. This increased adenosine A(1) receptor mRNA expression is accompanied in astrocytes by an increase in adenosine A(1) receptor-mediated signaling via the phosphoinositide-dependent pathway. Since upregulation of adenosine A(1) receptors leads to increased neuroprotective effects of adenosine, we suggest that the neuroprotective actions of interleukin-6 and adenosine are related and might be mediated at least in part through upregulation of adenosine A(1) receptors. These results may be of relevance for a better understanding of neuroprotection in brain damage but also point to a potential impact of neuroprotection in the mechanisms of the antidepressive effects of chronic carbamazepine, electroconvulsive therapy, and sleep deprivation, which are all accompanied by adenosine A(1) receptor upregulation.     

Effect of capsazepine on [Ca2+]i in MDCK renal tubular cells

The current study explored whether capsazepine changed basal cytosolic free Ca²⁺ concentrations ([Ca²⁺]_i) levels in suspended Madin Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells cells by using fura‐2 as a Ca²⁺‐selective fluorescent dye. At concentrations of 10–200 µM, capsazepine increased [Ca²⁺]_i in a concentration‐dependent manner. The Ca²⁺ signal was partially reduced by 40% by removing extracellular Ca²⁺. Capsazepine induced Mn²⁺ quench of fura‐2 fluorescence, indirectly implicating Ca²⁺ entry. Capsazepine‐induced Ca²⁺ influx was unchanged by L‐type Ca²⁺ entry inhibitors and protein kinase C modulators [phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA) and GF109203X]. In Ca²⁺‐free medium, 100 µM capsazepine‐induced Ca²⁺ release was substantially suppressed by pretreatment with thapsigargin (an endoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ pump inhibitor). Pretreatment with capsazepine nearly abolished thapsigargin‐induced Ca²⁺ release. Inhibition of phospholipase C with U73122 did not change capsazepine‐induced [Ca²⁺]_i rises. Collectively, in MDCK cells, capsazepine induced [Ca²⁺]_i rises by causing phospholipase C‐independent Ca²⁺ release from the endoplasmic reticulum and Ca²⁺ influx via non‐L‐type Ca²⁺ channels. Drug Dev Res 72: 323–329, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Agonist-induced changes in [Ca2+]i in N1E-115 cells: differential effects of bradykinin and carbachol.

The addition of bradykinin to populations of fura-2 loaded N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells produced an increase in intracellular calcium which rapidly reached a peak and returned to baseline within 60 s. The response was concentration dependent and unaffected by removal of extracellular calcium or addition of the inorganic channel blocker Ni2+. Similar transient responses were seen with histamine and angiotensin II and experiments monitoring manganese entry suggest that agonist responses in this cell line involve mainly release of calcium from intracellular stores. However, unlike bradykinin, the response to carbachol, at all concentrations, failed to return completely to baseline suggesting a small secondary influx component and highlighting possible differences between the mechanisms of calcium elevation by these two agonists.