Inhibition of a dihydropyridine, ω-conotoxin insensitive Ca2+ channel in rat synaptosomes by venom of the spider Hololena curta

Inhibition of the N and L type Ca²⁺ channels with omega conotoxin GVIA (ω-CgTx) together with the dihydropyridine (−)-202–791 products slight reduction (≅ 25%) of K⁺-evoked Ca²⁺ influx in mammalian synaptosomes. These results and others suggest the existence of a third high threshold voltage sensitive calcaium channel (VSCC) responsible for the majority of influx. Venom from the funnel web spider Hololena curta potently and persistently inhibited Ca²⁺ influx in rat cortical synaptosomes (IC₅₀ 1: 10,000 or 4.21 μg/venom protein/ml of synaptosomes). Also Ca²⁺ influx in cerebellar synaptosomes was inhibited in a similar manner. K⁺-evoked tritium release from synaptosomes labeled with [³H]noradrenaline was inhibited by Hololena venom (≅ 60% reduction at 10 μg/venom protein). Inhibition of Ca²⁺ influx by venom was unaffected by combined ω-CgTx and (−)-202–791 pretreatment (both 1 μM). Hololena venom and its active constituent should provide useful tools to investigate the role of this novel Ca²⁺ channel in neuronal function.     

Muscarinic (M1) receptor-mediated inhibition of K(+)-evoked [3H]-noradrenaline release from human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells via inhibition of L- and N-type Ca2+ channels.

1. Human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells were preincubated with [3H]-noradrenaline ([3H]-NA) in the presence of 0.2 mM pargyline to examine the modulation of K(+)-evoked [3H]-NA release by muscarinic agonists. 2. Release of [3H]-NA evoked by 4 min exposure to 100 mM K+ could be partially inhibited by 5 microM nifedipine and partially inhibited by 100 nM omega-conotoxin GVIA (omega-CgTx). When nifedipine and omega-CgTx were added together, evoked release was inhibited by approximately 93%. 3. K(+)-evoked [3H]-NA release was inhibited by > 90% by pretreatment of cells for 2 min with muscarine, carbachol or oxotremorine methiodide (each at 300 microM). For muscarine, inhibition of evoked release was both time- and concentration-dependent and was reversible. Muscarine also inhibited [3H]-NA release evoked by veratridine (28 microM) and replacement of extracellular Ca2+ with Ba2+, but not that evoked by the Ca2+ ionophore, A23187 (19 microM). 4. Residual K(+)-evoked [3H]-NA release measured in the presence of either nifedipine (5 microM) or omega-CgTx (100 nM) was inhibited by muscarine with a similar potency as release evoked in the absence of either Ca2+ channel blocker. Pretreatment of cells for 16-24 h with pertussis toxin (200 ng ml-1) did not affect K(+)-evoked release per se or the ability of muscarine to inhibit such release. 5. Muscarinic inhibition of K(+)-evoked [3H]-NA release was potently antagonized by pirenzepine (pA2 8.14) and by hexahydrosiladiphenidol (pA2 9.03), suggesting the involvement of an M1 receptor.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Stereospecific regulation of [3H]inositol monophosphate accumulation by calcium channel drugs from all three main chemical classes

Depolarization of [3H]inositol-prelabelled rat cortical slices through the elevation of extracellular K+ levels leads to increased accumulation of [3H]inositol phosphates. In the presence of 18 mM K+, Ca2+ channel activators selectively stimulated the formation of [3H]inositol monophosphate ([3H]IP1) whereas Ca2+ channel blockers were inhibitory. Blockade of the Na+ channel by 1 microM tetrodotoxin had no effect but chelation of extracellular Ca2+ abolished the response. The enantiomers of the benzoxadiazol 1,4-dihydropyridine 202-791 showed opposite stereospecific regulation of [3H]IP1 formation: (+)-(S)-202-791 stimulated (252%; ED50: 88 nM), whereas (-)-(R)-202-791 inhibited (65% inhibition, ED50: 602 nM). The (-) enantiomer of Bay K 8644 was a potent [3H]IP1 stimulator (258%; ED50: 82 nM). While (+)-Bay K 8644 was inactive in the presence of 18 mM K+, it completely inhibited the (-)-Bay K 8644-induced stimulation with a Ki of 103 nM. Representatives of the other two main classes of Ca2+ channel blockers (phenylalkylamines and benzothiazepines) inhibited K+ depolarization-induced and (-)-Bay K 8644 enhanced [3H]IP1 formation in a dose-dependent, stereospecific manner. The results show that Ca2+ channel blockers are efficient modulators of depolarization-induced and Ca2+ channel activator-induced [3H]inositol monophosphate formation in brain, and demonstrate the functional coupling of three distinct drug receptor sites on neuronal Ca2+ channels.     

Modulation of [3H]serotonin release by dihydropyridines in spinal cord synaptosomes.

The release of [3H]monoamines from preloaded synaptosomes from spinal cord is K(+)-dependent and can be modulated by L-type Ca2+ channel agonists such as the 1,4-dihydropyridine (1,4-DHP), Bay K 8644. Whereas the basal release of [3H]monoamines was not altered by Bay K 8644, K(+)-stimulated release of [3H]norepinephrine was enhanced 35% and [3H]serotonin 50%. Modulation of release by Bay K 8644 was dependent on the K+ concentration in the medium, being present only at submaximal depolarization with 15 mM K+. Enhanced release in the presence of Bay K 8644 was concentration-dependent and Ca2(+)-dependent. Ca2(+)-independent release induced by fenfluramine was not enhanced by Bay K 8644. Both nimodipine and nitrendipine, 1,4-DHP antagonists, produced a concentration-dependent block of the Bay K 8644-induced monoamine release and had no independent effect on basal or K(+)-stimulated release. omega-Conotoxin GVIA (omega-CgTx) produced a concentration dependent decrease of K(+)-stimulated serotonin release, which antagonized the stimulatory effect of low concentrations of Bay K 8644. However, omega-CgTx did not alter the enhancement of K(+)-stimulated release at higher concentrations of Bay K 8644. The data from the present work establish the conditions for modulation of K(+)-evoked monoamine release in spinal cord by 1,4-DHP agonists and suggest a role for the L-type voltage dependent Ca2+ channel in this process.     

Characterization of a novel, hydrophilic dihydropyridine, NKY-722, as a Ca2+ antagonist in bovine cultured adrenal chromaffin cells.

1. To characterize NKY-722, a novel hydrophilic dihydropyridine derivative, as a Ca2+ antagonist, we examined its effects on 45Ca2+ influx, intracellular free Ca2+ concentrations [( Ca2+]i), and release of noradrenaline and adrenaline in bovine cultured adrenal chromaffin cells. 2. NKY-722 had little effect on basal 45Ca2+ influx into the resting cells, but inhibited high K+ (35.9 mM)-evoked 45Ca2+ influx in a concentration-dependent manner with an IC50 value of 5.2 nM. 3. NKY-722 inhibited high K(+)-evoked increases in [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner without effect on the resting [Ca2+]i. 4. NKY-722 had little effect on basal release of noradrenaline and adrenaline but inhibited high K(+)-evoked release of noradrenaline and adrenaline in a concentration-dependent manner with IC50 values of 5.0 nM and 4.8 nM, respectively. 5. Nicardipine, a prototype of NKY-722, also inhibited high K(+)-evoked 45Ca2+ influx and release of noradrenaline and adrenaline in a concentration-dependent manner: the IC50 value for high K(+)-evoked 45Ca2+ influx was 51 nM, and the values for high K(+)-evoked release of noradrenaline and adrenaline were 52 nM and 50 nM, respectively. 6. These results show that NKY-722 is a hydrophilic Ca2+ antagonist ten times more potent than nicardipine.     

The effect of neuropeptide Y on voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) (50-1000 nM) failed to modify basal or K(+)-stimulated Ca2+ influx in cortical or hippocampal synaptosomes from rat brain, whereas the voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channel (VSCC) blocker Cd2+ (50 microM) caused major inhibition. In cortical synaptosomes from chicken brain NPY (1.0 microM) failed to modify, whereas omega-conotoxin GV1A (0.1 microM) markedly inhibited Ca2+ influx. NPY does not appear to modify synaptosomal Ca2+ influx, however it may still affect VSCCs spatially distinct or 'upstream' from the nerve terminals.     

Pharmacological evidence for an omega-conotoxin, dihydropyridine-insensitive neuronal Ca2+ channel.

Inactivation of N-type voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels (VSCC) with omega-conotoxin (omega-CgTx) in tissue obtained from chicken brain produces a concentration dependent (0.01-0.1 microM) inhibition of K(+)-stimulated Ca2+ influx (delta K+), the rise in [Ca2+]i and acetylcholine (ACh) release. In identical preparations from rat brain, Ca2+ influx and the rise in [Ca2+]i were only marginally affected by much higher (1-10 microM) concentrations of omega-CgTx. The release of ACh, however, was inhibited to the same degree with similar amounts of omega-CgTx as those used in chicken brain. An L-type VSCC inhibitor failed to affect any of these parameters alone, or to augment the effect of omega-CgTx. The results suggest that almost all the VSCC in chicken brain are of the N type and that these channels regulate neurotransmitter release. In rat brain, on the other hand, Ca2+ channels resistant to N- or L-type blockers account for almost 75% of the measurable Ca2+ influx and rise in [Ca2+]i. The conspicuous dissociation between the regulation of Ca2+ influx and ACh release demonstrated in rat brain by using omega-CgTx, suggest that neurotransmitter release is governed by only a small proportion of strategically located N-type, omega-CgTx sensitive, VSCC in the presynaptic terminal.     

Protein kinase C modulates the release of [3H]5-hydroxytryptamine in the spinal cord of the rat: the role of L-type voltage-dependent calcium channels.

The present studies examined the relationship between protein kinase C (PKC) and L-type voltage-dependent calcium channels in modulating the release of neurotransmitter from K(+)-depolarized rat spinal cord synaptosomes. Activators of PKC, such as phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), mezerein and oleoyl acetylglycerol produced a concentration-dependent potentiation of K(+)-induced release of [3H]5-hydroxytryptamine ([3H]5-HT). Enhanced release was dependent on the concentration of both Ca2+ and K+ in the superfusion medium. Calcium-independent release of [3H]5-HT or release induced by the Ca2+ ionophore were unaffected by PKC activators. Calcium-dependent release of [3H]5-HT, evoked by K+, was enhanced under similar conditions by the L-type Ca2+ channel agonists Bay K 8644 and (+)-SDZ 202-791. Nimodipine, an L-type Ca2+ channel antagonist, while having no independent effect on K(+)-induced release of [3H]5-HT, abolished the potentiative effects of Bay K 8644 and PMA. Similarly, the PKC inhibitors, polymyxin B and staurosporine, blocked effects of both PMA and Bay K 8644 on K(+)-stimulated release of [3H]5-HT. Neither PMA nor Bay K 8644 altered the uptake of [3H]5-HT. These results suggest that PKC-dependent mechanisms utilize calcium influx, via the L-type calcium channel, to modulate release of neurotransmitter and indicate a possible functional link between PKC and L-type voltage-dependent calcium channels in the spinal cord.     

Inhibition of neuronal Ca(2+) influx by gabapentin and subsequent reduction of neurotransmitter release from rat neocortical slices

Cytosolic calcium ion concentrations ([Ca(2+)](i)) were measured in rat neocortical synaptosomes using fura-2, and depolarization of synaptosomal membranes was induced by K(+) (30 mM). The release of the endogenous excitatory amino acids glutamate and aspartate was evoked by K(+) (50 mM) and determined by HPLC. The release of [(3)H]-noradrenaline from rat neocortical synaptosomes or slices was evoked by K(+) (15 and 25 mM) and measured by liquid scintillation counting. Gabapentin produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of the K(+)-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increase in synaptosomes (IC(50)=14 microM; maximal inhibition by 36%). The inhibitory effect of gabapentin was abolished in the presence of the P/Q-type Ca(2+) channel blocker omega-agatoxin IVA, but not by the N-type Ca(2+) channel antagonist omega-conotoxin GVIA. Gabapentin (100 microM) decreased the K(+)-evoked release of endogenous aspartate and glutamate in neocortical slices by 16 and 18%, respectively. Gabapentin reduced the K(+)-evoked [(3)H]-noradrenaline release in neocortical slices (IC(50)=48 microM; maximal inhibition of 46%) but not from synaptosomes. In the presence of the AMPA receptor antagonists 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX) and 2, 3-dioxo-6-nitro-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro[f]quinoxaline-7-sulphonamide (NBQX), gabapentin did not reduce [(3)H]-noradrenaline release. Gabapentin did, however, cause inhibition in the presence of the NMDA receptor antagonist DL-(E)-2-amino-4-methyl-5-phosphono-3-pentanoic acid (CGP 37849). Gabapentin is concluded to reduce the depolarization-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increase in excitatory amino acid nerve terminals by inhibiting P/Q-type Ca(2+) channels; this decreased Ca(2+) influx subsequently attenuates K(+)-evoked excitatory amino acid release. The latter effect leads to a reduced activation of AMPA receptors which contribute to K(+)-evoked noradrenaline release from noradrenergic varicosities, resulting in an indirect inhibition of noradrenaline release.     

Effect of an homologous series of aliphatic alcohols on neuronal and smooth muscle voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels.

The acute inhibitory actions of alcohol on K(+)-stimulated 45Ca2+ uptake into synaptosomes shows regional variation in sensitivity throughout the brain, suggesting the possibility of a selective action on a specific Ca2+ channel subtype. This was examined by comparing the effects of a homologous series of aliphatic alcohols on synaptosomal Ca2+ channels with their actions on K(+)-stimulated Ca2+ channels in guinea-pig intestinal longitudinal muscle, which have been demonstrated to be of the L-type. K(+)-stimulated contraction of and [3H]nitrendipine binding to smooth muscle were both inhibited by the alcohols at similar concentrations, with the potency increasing with chain length. In synaptosomes, however, K(+)-stimulated 45Ca2+ uptake was 5-30 times more sensitive to the inhibitory actions of alcohol than were [3H]nitrendipine and [125I]omega-conotoxin binding. These observations suggest that K(+)-stimulated 45Ca2+ uptake is mediated by a non-L non-N type channel which is more sensitive to the acute effects of alcohols. This is supported by the observation that K(+)-stimulated 45Ca2+ uptake which is insensitive to L- and N-channel antagonists was inhibited by funnel web spider venom.     

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.     

Inhibition of neuronal Ca(2+) influx by gabapentin and pregabalin in the human neocortex.

Gabapentin and pregabalin (S-(+)-3-isobutylgaba) produced concentration-dependent inhibitions of the K(+)-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increase in fura-2-loaded human neocortical synaptosomes (IC(50)=17 microM for both compounds; respective maximal inhibitions of 37 and 35%). The weaker enantiomer of pregabalin, R-(-)-3-isobutylgaba, was inactive. These findings were consistent with the potency of these drugs to inhibit [(3)H]-gabapentin binding to human neocortical membranes. The inhibitory effect of gabapentin on the K(+)-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increase was prevented by the P/Q-type voltage-gated Ca(2+) channel blocker omega-agatoxin IVA. The alpha 2 delta-1, alpha 2 delta-2, and alpha 2 delta-3 subunits of voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels, presumed sites of gabapentin and pregabalin action, were detected with immunoblots of human neocortical synaptosomes. The K(+)-evoked release of [(3)H]-noradrenaline from human neocortical slices was inhibited by gabapentin (maximal inhibition of 31%); this effect was prevented by the AMPA receptor antagonist NBQX (2,3-dioxo-6-nitro-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro[f]quinoxaline-7-sulphonamide). Gabapentin and pregabalin may bind to the Ca(2+) channel alpha 2 delta subunit to selectively attenuate depolarization-induced Ca(2+) influx of presynaptic P/Q-type Ca(2+) channels; this results in decreased glutamate/aspartate release from excitatory amino acid nerve terminals leading to a reduced activation of AMPA heteroreceptors on noradrenergic nerve terminals.     

The calcium channel ligand FPL 64176 enhances L-type but inhibits N-type neuronal calcium currents

One strategy for isolating neuronal L-type calcium (Ca(2+)) currents, which typically comprise a minority of the whole cell current in neurons, has been to use pharmacological agents that increase channel activity. This study examines the effects of the benzoyl pyrrole FPL 64176 (FPL) on L-type Ca(2+) currents and compares them to those of the dihydropyridine (+)-202-791. At micromolar concentrations, both agonists increased whole cell current amplitude in PC12 cells. However, FPL also significantly slowed the rate of activation and elicited a longer-lasting slow component of the tail current compared to (+)-202-791. In single channel cell-attached patch recordings, FPL increased open probability, first latency, mean closed time and mean open time more than (+)-202-791, with no difference in unitary conductance. These gating differences suggest that, compared to (+)-202-791, FPL decreases transition rates between open and closed conformations. Where examined, the actions of FPL and (+)-202-791 on whole cell L-type currents in sympathetic neurons appeared similar to those in PC12 cells. In contrast to its effects on L-type current, 10 microM FPL inhibited the majority of the whole cell current in HEK cells expressing a recombinant N-type Ca(2+) channel, raising caution concerning the use of FPL as a selective L-type Ca(2+) channel agonist in neurons.     

omega-Conotoxin exerts functionally distinct low and high affinity effects in the neuronal cell line NG108-15

The Ca2+ channel blockade produced by omega-conotoxin GVIA (omega-CgTx) was studied in single, forskolin-differentiated, NG108-15 cells, using dual-emission microfluorimetry and the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Whole-cell currents through Ca2+ channels were measured with 5 mM Ba2+ as the charge carrier. Application of 1 microM nitrendipine inhibited by 90% the currents evoked by stepping from -30 mV to 0 mV. Omega-CgTx (1 microM) inhibited these currents by 28%. These data suggest the possibility that NG108-15 cells express two types of dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca2+ channel, one sensitive and the other insensitive to blockade by omega-CgTx. The nature of the Ca2+ channel blockade produced by these agents was studied further, using depolarization-induced intracellular free Ca2+ concentration [( Ca2+]i) transients recorded with the Ca2+ indicator indo-1 and a dual-emission microfluorimeter. A 30-sec superfusion with 50 mM K+ increased the [Ca2+]i from a basal level of 142 +/- 10 nM to a peak level of 1655 +/- 287 nM. This [Ca2+]i transient was blocked completely and reversibly by nitrendipine, in a concentration-dependent manner (IC50 = 1.9 nM). In contrast, omega-CgTx produced a maximal inhibition of the depolarization-induced rise in [Ca2+]i of only 52% in the presence of physiological concentrations of divalent metals. The block was irreversible. This inhibition was concentration dependent until the point of maximal inhibition, at which point the channel block reversed in a graded manner. This entire U-shaped dose-response curve could be shifted in a parallel fashion by modulation of the extracellular divalent metal concentration, without changes in the maximal inhibition. Repeated applications of or prolonged incubations with omega-CgTx failed to increase the maximal block. Treatment with a high (1 microM) concentration of omega-CgTx, which produced a modest (10%) inhibition of Ca2+ influx, protected the cell from a second exposure to a normally effective concentration of omega-CgTx (10 nM). Depolarization-induced [Ca2+]i transients in cells treated with 10 nM toxin were inhibited by 45%, and this inhibition could not be reversed by subsequent exposure to a high concentration of omega-CgTx. We conclude that there are two omega-CgTx binding sites on these cells, one to which omega-CgTx binds with high affinity, producing an irreversible Ca2+ channel blockade, and a second to which omega-CgTx binds with lower affinity. Binding to this second site is irreversible and does not block the channel but does prevent access to the high affinity site.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Intrasynaptosomal free calcium concentration is increased by phorbol esters via a 1,4-dihydropyridine-sensitive (L-type) Ca2+ channel

Incubation of non-depolarised fura-2-loaded rat cortical synaptosomes with 12-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-monoacetate (TPA) results in a dose-dependent increase in calcium concentration (to a maximum of 140%). It is dependent on extrasynaptosomal Ca2+, is partially blocked by 1 microM verapamil and effectively blocked by 100 microM verapamil (greater than or equal to 90%). Nifedipine (1 microM), nicardipine (1 microM) and omega-conotoxin fraction GVIA from Conus geographus (50 nM) (omega-CgTx) also cause blockade (greater than or equal to 90%) of the increase. The sensitivity of the TPA-induced increase in calcium concentration to omega-CgTx, nicardipine and nifedipine, but not to low concentrations of verapamil (1 microM), suggests that the TPA-induced rise in calcium concentration is mediated by increased Ca2+ influx through 1,4-dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca2+ channels. Incubation of synaptosomes with the inactive phorbol ester phorbol-13-monoacetate (TMA) does not result in any significant dose-dependent increase in calcium concentration. The data which are presented are consistent with (i) the proposal that phorbol ester-induced increases in calcium concentration are the result of Ca2+ influx through an L-type Ca2+ channel and (ii) the existence of functioning L-type Ca2+ channels on rat brain synaptosomes.     

Characterization of interactions of methylmercury with Ca2+ channels in synaptosomes and pheochromocytoma cells: radiotracer flux and binding studies

The interaction of methylmercury (MeHg) with neuronal Ca2+ channels in rat forebrain synaptosomes and dihydropyridine (DHP)-sensitive Ca2+ channels in rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells was examined using radiotracer flux assays and radioligand binding analyses. In synaptosomes, the influx of 45Ca2+ was used to examine the voltage and state dependence of block of Ca2+ channels by MeHg, as well as the effects of MeHg on apparent inactivation of 45Ca2+ influx. In addition, the differential influx of 45Ca2+, 85Sr2+, and 133Ba2+ was used to examine the effect of MeHg on the ionic selectivity of synaptosomal Ca2+ channels. The ability of MeHg to block 45Ca2+ influx via a DHP-sensitive Ca2+ channel was examined in PC12 cells. Effects of MeHg on binding of [3H]nitrendipine in synaptosomes and 125I-omega-conotoxin GVIA (CgTx) in synaptosomes and PC12 cells were measured. In synaptosomes, MeHg blocked 45Ca2+ influx in a voltage-dependent manner, inasmuch as increasing the extracellular K+ concentration increased the magnitude of block by 100 microM MeHg. When synaptosomes were incubated for 10 sec in either a nondepolarizing or a depolarizing solution before measurement of 1 sec of depolarization-induced 45Ca2+ influx, the potency and efficacy of the block of 45Ca2+ influx by MeHg were similar. Thus, block of Ca2+ channels by MeHg does not appear to be state dependent. To determine the kinetics of apparent inactivation of 45Ca2+ influx, synaptosomes were predepolarized in Ca2(+)-free high [K+] solution, for intervals varying from 1 to 10 sec, before measurement of 1 sec of K(+)-induced 45Ca2+ influx. When compared with control, MeHg (100 microM) altered the rate constant for apparent inactivation and decreased the fraction of 45Ca2+ influx that does not inactivate. Influx of 45Ca2+, 85Sr2+, and 133Ba2+ during 1 sec of depolarization was blocked in a dose-dependent manner by MeHg, with estimated IC50 values of 125, 150, and greater than 150 microM for 45Ca2+, 85Sr2+, and 133Ba2+, respectively. In triple-label experiments, the relative flux of radiolabeled Ca2+:Sr2+:Ba2+ was altered from approximately 6:2:3 to 6:1:3 in the presence of 100 microM MeHg. In undifferentiated and nerve growth factor-differentiated PC12 cells, K(+)-induced 45Ca2+ influx was blocked by the DHP nifedipine, with an approximate IC50 value of 5 nM. MeHg reduced 45Ca2+ influx in PC12 cells with an estimated IC50 value of 50 microM, and 125 microM MeHg reduced uptake by greater than 90%. [3H]Nitrendipine bound to synaptosomes with high affinity in normal and elevated [K+] solutions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

The use of Xenopus oocytes to evaluate drugs affecting brain Ca2+ channels: effects of bifemelane and several nootropic agents

Effects of nootropic or cerebroprotective drugs on voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels (VSCC) in the mammalian brain were evaluated comparatively by depolarization-evoked Ca2+ channel currents in Xenopus oocytes injected with brain mRNA and by a high K(+)-stimulated 45Ca uptake into synaptosomes. It was found that several anti-amnesic agents (bifemelane, idebenone and vinpocetine) inhibited these VSCC-related responses with stronger potency than phenytoin and flurazepam. On the inhibiting potency of various compounds, there was a significant but weak correlation between the results from synaptosomes and those from the injected oocytes, since nifedipine, verapamil and diltiazem at 100 microM did not reduce 45Ca influx in synaptosomes but partly inhibited VSCCs in the oocytes. The blockade of neuronal L- and N-type VSCCs may participate in the anti-ischemic/hypoxic actions of nootropic drugs.     

Pharmacological discrimination between effects of carbamazepine on hippocampal basal, Ca(2+)- and K(+)-evoked serotonin release

To elucidate mechanisms of hippocampal serotonin release and possible mechanisms of clinical action of carbamazepine (CBZ), we determined interaction between antagonists of N-type (omega-conotoxin GVIA:GVIA), P-type (omega-agatoxin IVA:IVA) Ca(2+) channels, Na(+) channel (tetrodotoxin: TTX) and CBZ on hippocampal basal, Ca(2+)- and K(+)-evoked serotonin releases, using microdialysis in freely moving rats. Basal release was reduced by TTX, GVIA and IVA (GVIA>IVA). Ca(2+)-evoked release was reduced by GVIA but unaffected by TTX and IVA. K(+)-evoked release was reduced by TTX, GVIA and IVA (GVIA相似文献   

Inhibition of neuronal Ca2+ channel currents by the funnel web spider toxin omega-Aga-IA

Ca2+ channel currents were recorded from cultured rat dorsal root ganglion neurons and cerebellar granule cells using the whole-cell recording variant of the patch clamp technique. omega-Aga-IA, a toxin purified from the venom of the American funnel web spider, Agelenopsis aperta, markedly inhibited high threshold barium currents (lBa) when applied at 10 nM concentration. The low threshold T-type current activated at Vc = -30 mV and the outward (Ca2+ channel) current activated at +120 mV were significantly less sensitive to omega-Aga-IA, omega-Conotoxin GVIA (1 microM) inhibited IBa irreversibly. In contrast, the action of omega-Aga-IA was partially reversed 5 min after its removal. The voltage-activated calcium current (ICa) was inhibited by omega-Aga-IA in a manner different from IBa. ICa measured at the end of a 100-msec voltage step command was reduced to a greater extent than the peak current. The residual ICa following application of omega-Aga-IA was a fast transient current. omega-Aga-IA did not inhibit voltage-activated sodium currents from dorsal root ganglion neurons in the absence of tetrodotoxin. omega-Aga-IA abolished the dihydropyridine (+)-202-791-sensitive L-type current component of IBa. We conclude that omega-Aga-IA is a very potent inhibitor of neuronal voltage-activated Ca2+ channel currents and that it may prove to be a useful tool in the characterization and isolation of Ca2+ channels.     

Cannabinoid receptor agonists inhibit Ca(2+) influx to synaptosomes from rat brain

We examined the effects of cannabinoid receptor agonists on (45)Ca(2+) uptake in rat brain synaptosomes. A cannabinoid receptor agonist, (R)-(+)-[2,3-dihydro-5-methyl-3-[(4-merpholino)methyl]pyrrolo-[1,2,3-de]-1,4-benzoxazin-6-yl](1-naphthyl)methanone (WIN 55212-2) dose-dependently inhibited (45)Ca(2+) uptake in rat synaptosomes. Only an endogenous cannabinoid receptor agonist, anandamide, dose-dependently inhibited (45)Ca(2+) uptake in rat synaptosomes, but not an endogenous cannabinoid receptor agonist, palmitoylethanolamide. Only a cannabinoid CB1 antagonist, [N-(piperidin-1-yl)-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-methyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamidehydrochloride] (SR 141716A), reversed the inhibitory effect of these WIN 55212-2 and anandamide on (45)Ca(2+) uptake in rat synaptosomes, but not a cannabinoid CB2 receptor antagonist, [N-[(1S)-endo-1,3,3-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl]-5-(4-chloro-3-methylphenyl)-1-(4-methylbenzyl)pyrazole-3-carboxamide] (SR 144528). The inhibitory effects of WIN 55212-2 and anandamide on (45)Ca(2+) uptake in rat synaptosomes were reversed by the pretreatment of a voltage-sensitive A-type K(+) channel blocker, dendrotoxin, but no other type of K(+) channel blockers, i.e. iberiotoxin, charybdotoxin or glibenclamide. These findings suggest that cannabinoid receptors inhibit Ca(2+) influx into rat brain nerves via the activation of CB1 receptors and the opening of voltage-sensitive A-type K(+) channels.