Mechanisms of reduced contractility in an animal model of hypertensive heart failure

1. Alterations in intracellular Ca²⁺ homeostasis have frequently been implicated as underlying the contractile dysfunction of failing hearts. Contraction in cardiac muscle is due to a balance between sarcolemmal (SL) and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca²⁺ transport, which has been studied in single cells and small tissue samples. However, many studies have not used physiological temperatures and pacing rates, and this could be problematic given different temperature dependencies and kinetics for transport processes. 2. Spontaneously‐hypertensive rats (SHR) and their age‐matched Wistar Kyoto controls (WKY) provide an animal model of hypertensive failure with many features in common to heart failure in humans. Steady‐state measurements of Ca²⁺ and force showed that peak stress was reduced in trabeculae from failing SHR hearts in comparison to WKY, although the Ca²⁺ transients were bigger and decayed more slowly. 3. Dynamic Ca²⁺ cycling was investigated by determining the recirculation fraction (RF) of activator Ca²⁺ through the SR between beats during recovery from experimental protocols that potentiated twitch force. No difference in RF between rat strains was found, although the RF was dependent on the potentiation protocol used. 4. Superfusion with 10 mmol/L caffeine and 0 mmol/L [Ca²⁺]_o was used to measure SL Ca²⁺ extrusion. The caffeine‐induced [Ca²⁺]_i transient decayed more slowly in SHR trabeculae, suggesting that SL Ca²⁺ extrusion was slower in SHR. 5. An ultrastructural immunohistochemical analysis of left ventricular free wall sections using confocal microscopy showed that t‐tubule organization was disrupted in myocytes from SHR, with reduced labelling of the SR Ca²⁺‐ATPase and Na⁺–Ca²⁺ exchanger in comparison to WKY, with the latter possibly related to a lower fraction of t‐tubules per unit cell volume. 6. We suggest that although Ca²⁺ transport is altered in the progression to heart failure, force development is not limited by the amplitude of the Ca²⁺ transient. Despite slower SR Ca²⁺ transport, the recirculation fraction and dynamic response to a change of inotropic state minimally altered changes in the SHR model because there was a similar slowing in Ca²⁺ extrusion across the surface membrane.     

Distinct effects of ω-toxins and various groups of Ca-entry inhibitors on nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and Ca channels of chromaffin cells

The effects of ω-toxins and various Ca²⁺ antagonist subtypes on the ⁴⁵Ca²⁺ entry into bovine adrenal medullary chromaffin cells stimulated via nicotinic acetylcholine receptors or via direct depolarization with K⁺, have been compared. The conditions selected to stimulate the ⁴⁵Ca²⁺ entry consisted of a 60-s period of exposure of cells to 100 μM of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist dimethylphenylpiperazinium or to 70 mM K⁺. The N-type voltage-dependent Ca²⁺ channel blockers ω-conotoxin GVIA and MVIIA (1 μM) inhibited ⁴⁵Ca²⁺ entry stimulated by dimethylphenylpiperazinium or K⁺ by around 25–30%. The P-type Ca²⁺ channel blocker ω-agatoxin IVA (10 nM) did not affect the dimethylphenylpiperazinium nor the K⁺ responses; 1 μM (Q-channel blockade) inhibited both responses by around 50%. The N/P/Q-type Ca²⁺ channel blocker ω-conotoxin MVIIC (1 μM) inhibited the K⁺ evoked ⁴⁵Ca²⁺ entry by 70%, while dimethylphenylpiperazinium was blocked by 50% (P<0.001). The L-type Ca²⁺ channel blockers nifedipine, furnidipine, diltiazem or verapamil (3 μM each) inhibited much more the dimethylphenylpiperazinium than the K⁺ response. The dimethylphenylpiperazinium signal was blocked 71, 88, 89, and 53%, respectively, by nifedipine, furnidipine, diltiazem and verapamil, and the K⁺ response by 38, 29, 22, and 10%. Combined ω-conotoxin MVIIC (1 μM) and furnidipine (3 μM) blocked 100% of the K⁺ evoked ⁴⁵Ca²⁺ entry. However, combined ω-conotoxin GVIA (1 μM), and furnidipine left unblocked 50% of the K⁺ response. The ‘wide spectrum' Ca²⁺ channel antagonists flunarizine or dotarizine (3 μM each) blocked the dimethylphenylpiperazinium and the K⁺ responses to a similar extent (50%); cinnarizine (3 μM) inhibited more the dimethylphenylpiperazinium (82%) than the K⁺ response (21%). At 3 μM, the highly lipophilic β-adrenoceptor antagonist (±)-propranolol, reduced by 68% the dimethylphenylpiperazinium signal and by 23% the K⁺ signal. Other high lipophilic β-adrenoceptor antagonists such as metoprolol and labetalol, reduced little the dimethylphenylpiperazinium and the K⁺ responses. The highly lipophilic agent penfluridol blocked the dimethylphenylpiperazinium response by 30% and the K⁺ response by 50%. One of the least lipophilic compounds tested, (+)-lubeluzole, blocked by 40% the dimethylphenylpiperazinium and the K⁺ responses. These data are compatible with the idea that the various ω-toxin peptides used to separate pharmacologically the different voltage-dependent Ca²⁺ channels expressed by neurones, do not block the neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor ion channel. In contrast the L-type Ca²⁺ channel blockers do block the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor ionophore. Lipophilicity of the compounds is not a requirement for Ca²⁺ channel or nicotinic acetylcholine receptor blockade.     

The properties of spontaneous transient inward currents of interstitial cells in rabbit portal vein

The present study was designed to investigate the properties of spontaneous transient inward currents generated by interstitial cells (ICs) in the rabbit portal vein. Single ICs were freshly isolated from smooth muscle of the rabbit portal vein enzymetically. Using whole-cell patch clamp techniques, the spontaneous transient inward currents (STICs) were recorded at −60 mV of holding potential in freshly dispersed ICs. Both gadolinium, a non-selective cation channel inhibitor, and niflumic acid, a calcium-activated chloride channel blocker, abolished the inward currents. Replacement of external Na⁺ with N-methyl-d-glucamine (NMDG⁺) also blocked the inward currents. The inward currents were abolished by caffeine, carbonyl cyanide p-(trifluoromethoxy) phenylhydrazone (FCCP), thapsigargin and ryanodine, but were partly inhibited by 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB). W-7, a calmodulin inhibitor, increased the amplitude of the inward currents. These results suggest that non-selective cation channels are involved in the generation of the spontaneous transient inward currents recorded from ICs. The currents are regulated by intracellular calcium and calmodulin. But in the present study, the involvement of the calcium-activated chloride channels in the generation of the currents cannot be excluded.     

High-affinity inhibition of glutamate release from corticostriatal synapses by ω-agatoxin TK

To know which Ca²⁺ channel type is the most important for neurotransmitter release at corticostriatal synapses of the rat, we tested Ca²⁺ channel antagonists on the paired pulse ratio. ω-Agatoxin TK was the most effective Ca²⁺ channel antagonist (IC₅₀=127 nM; maximal EFFECT=211% (with >1 μM) and Hill COEFFICIENT=1.2), suggesting a single site of action and a Q-type channel profile. Corresponding parameters for Cd²⁺ were 13 μM, 178% and 1.2. The block of L-type Ca²⁺ channels had little impact on transmission, but we also tested facilitation of L-type Ca²⁺ channels. The L-type Ca²⁺ channel agonist, s-(−)-1,4 dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-5-nitro-4-[2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-3-pyridine carboxylic acid methyl ester (Bay K 8644 (5 μM)), produced a 45% reduction of the paired pulse ratio, suggesting that even if L-type channels do not participate in the release process, they may participate in its modulation.     

Mechanisms mediating serotonin-induced contraction of colonic myocytes

1. 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) has an important role in the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome. To investigate the effects of 5-HT on the contractile activity of myocytes of the guinea-pig proximal colon, cell imaging before and after contraction was undertaken and images were analysed using image-analysis software. Ion currents and membrane potentials were measured. Cytoplasmic free Ca(2+) was recorded using a confocal microscope following loading of the cells with the fluorescent probe Fura-2AM. 2. 5-Hydroxytryptamine reduced cell length in a dose-dependent manner (EC(50) = 0.189 micromol/L). Under current clamp, 10 micromol/L 5-HT reduced action potential amplitude (measured as peak height) and decreased action potential duration, as well as depolarizing the resting potential from -68.4 +/- 3.6 to -22.96 +/- 4.65 mV. Iberiotoxin (1 micromol/L) blocked the effects of 5-HT in reducing the time to repolarization (T(90)) and nicardipine (5 micromol/L) blocked the effects of 5-HT in reducing action potential amplitude. 3. In the whole-cell mode, 5-HT enhanced L-type Ca(2+) currents, large conductance K(+) channel (BK(Ca)) currents and spontaneous transient outward currents (STOC). In addition, 5-HT increased intracellular Ca(2+) levels. Ondansetron (10 micromol/L) blocked the effects of 5-HT in enhancing L-type Ca(2+) currents, BK(Ca) currents and STOC. 4. In conclusion, 5-HT induces contraction of colonic myocytes, mostly as a result of Ca(2+) release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) following activation of 5-HT(3) receptors and the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate pathway. In addition, the effect of 5-HT in decreasing action potential amplitude is mediated by the release of Ca(2+) from the SR, as well as by enhanced L-type Ca(2+) current. 5-Hydroxytryptamine decreased action potential duration by enhancing BK(Ca) current.     

广枣总黄酮对大鼠心室肌细胞IC_a、I_(to)和细胞[Ca~(2+)]_i的影响

目的　观察广枣总黄酮对大鼠心室肌细胞L 型钙通道电流 (ICa)和瞬时外向钾通道电流 (Ito)以及对心肌细胞内游离钙浓度 ([Ca2 + ]i)的影响 ,探讨其抗心律失常作用机制。方法　全细胞膜片钳记录大鼠心室肌细胞ICa、Ito,激光共聚焦显微镜观察细胞 [Ca2 + ]i 的变化。结果　在钳制电压- 4 0mV ,实验电压 - 4 0～ +5 0mV时 ,广枣总黄酮 10 0mg·L-1对心室肌细胞ICa无显著影响 ;在钳制电压 - 6 0mV ,实验电压 - 4 0～ +5 0mV时显著抑制瞬时外向钾通道Ito(P <0 0 5 ) ;而激光共聚焦显微镜结果显示广枣总黄酮在 5 0、10 0、2 0 0mg·L-1却降低缺氧复氧心肌细胞收缩期和静息期[Ca2 + ]i 的浓度。结论　广枣总黄酮对心肌细胞ICa无显著影响 ,可显著抑制瞬时外向钾通道Ito,并可明显降低心肌细胞收缩期和静息期细胞 [Ca2 + ]i 浓度。这可能是其抗心律失常和保护缺血心肌的主要作用机制。     

Force-frequency relationship in intact mammalian ventricular myocardium: physiological and pathophysiological relevance

The force–frequency relationship (FFR) is an important intrinsic regulatory mechanism of cardiac contractility. The FFR in most mammalian ventricular myocardium is positive; that is, an increase in contractile force in association with an increase in the amplitude of Ca²⁺ transients is induced by elevation of the stimulation frequency, which reflects the cardiac contractile reserve. The relationship is different depending on the range of frequency and species of animal. In some species, including rat and mouse, a ‘primary-phase’ negative FFR is induced over the low-frequency range up to approximately 0.5–1 Hz (rat) and 1–2 Hz (mouse). Even in these species, the FFR over the frequency range close to the physiological heart rate is positive and qualitatively similar to that in larger mammalian species, although the positive FFR is less prominent. The integrated dynamic balance of the intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i) is the primary cellular mechanism responsible for the FFR and is determined by sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca²⁺ load and Ca²⁺ flux through the sarcolemma via L-type Ca²⁺ channels and the Na⁺-Ca²⁺ exchanger. Intracellular Na⁺ concentration is also an important factor in [Ca²⁺]_i regulation. In isolated rabbit papillary muscle, over a lower frequency range (<0.5 Hz), an increase in duration rather than amplitude of Ca²⁺ transients appears to be responsible for the increase in contractile force, while over an intermediate frequency range (0.5–2.0 Hz), the amplitude of Ca²⁺ transients correlates well with the increase in contractile force. Over a higher frequency range (>2.5 Hz), the contractile force is dissociated from the amplitude of Ca²⁺ transients probably due to complex cellular mechanisms, including oxygen limitation in the central fibers of isolated muscle preparations, while the amplitude of Ca²⁺ transients increases further with increasing frequency (‘secondary-phase’ negative FFR). Calmodulin (CaM) may contribute to a positive FFR and the frequency-dependent acceleration of relaxation, although the role of calmodulin has not yet been established unequivocally. In failing ventricular myocardium, the positive FFR disappears or is inverted and becomes negative. The activation and overexpression of cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ ATPase (SERCA2a) is able to reverse these abnormalities. Frequency-dependent alterations of systolic and diastolic force in association with those of Ca²⁺ transients and diastolic [Ca²⁺]_i levels are excellent indicators for analysis of cardiac excitation-contraction coupling, and for evaluating the severity of cardiac contractile dysfunction, cardiac reserve capacity and the effectiveness of therapeutic agents in congestive heart failure.     

Effects of nitric oxide on large‐conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ currents in human cardiac fibroblasts through PKA and PKG‐related pathways

The human cardiac fibroblast (HCF) is the most abundant cell type in the myocardium, and HCFs play critical roles in maintaining normal cardiac function. However, unlike cardiomyocytes, the electrophysiology of HCFs is not well established. In the cardiovascular system, Ca²⁺‐activated K⁺ (KCa) channels have distinct physiological and pathological functions, and nitric oxide (NO) plays a key role. In this study, we investigated the potential effects of NO on KCa channels in HCFs. We recorded strong oscillating, well‐maintained outward K⁺ currents without marked inactivation throughout the test pulse period and detected outward rectification in the I‐V curve; these are all characteristics that are typical of KCa currents. These currents were blocked with iberiotoxin (IBTX, a BKCa blocker) but not with TRAM‐34 (an IKCa blocker). The amplitudes of the currents were increased with SNAP (an NO donor), and these increases were inhibited with IBTX. The SNAP‐stimulating effect on the BKCa currents was blocked by pretreatment with KT5823 (a protein kinase G [PKG] inhibitor) or 1 H‐[1,‐2, ‐4] oxadiazolo‐[4,‐3‐a] quinoxalin‐1‐one (ODQ; a soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor). Additionally, 8‐bromo‐cyclic guanosine 3’,5’‐monophosphate (8‐Br‐cGMP) stimulated the BKCa currents, and pretreatment with KT5720 (a protein kinase A [PKA] inhibitor) and SQ22536 (an adenylyl cyclase inhibitor) blocked the NO‐stimulating effect on the BKCa currents. Furthermore, 8‐bromo‐cyclic adenosine 3’,5’‐monophosphate (8‐Br‐cAMP) activated the BKCa currents. These data suggest that BKCa current is the main subtype of the KCa current in HCFs and that NO enhances these currents through the PKG and PKA pathways.     

Spontaneous oscillatory contractions in aortas of rats with arterial pressure lability caused by sinoaortic denervation

1. The spontaneous variation of blood pressure is defined as arterial pressure lability. Sinoaortic denervation (SAD) is characterized by arterial pressure lability without sustained hypertension. 2. The phenomenon of spontaneous oscillatory contractions (SOCs) occurs more frequently in the vascular beds of hypertensive animals. In large arteries, such as the aorta, SOCs occur only occasionally or they can be initiated by application of chemical stimuli. 3. In the present study, we investigated whether the arterial pressure lability evoked by SAD could be related to the emergence of SOCs in the aorta of rats submitted to SAD compared with sham-operated rats (SO). Three days after surgery (SAD or SO), aortic rings were placed in an organ chamber and the incidence (percentage of rats presenting SOCs), frequency (number of SOCs in 10 min) and amplitude (mN) of SOCs were measured. The participation of external Ca(2+) and K(+) channels in the maintenance of SOCs was also verified. 4. The incidence and frequency of SOCs were higher in endothelium-denuded aortas from SAD rats (82% and 38 +/- 4 SOCs/10 min, respectively) than in aortas from SO rats (40% and 14 +/- 2 SOCs/10 min, respectively). In aortas from SAD rats, verapamil (0.2 micromol/L), pinacidil (0.3 micromol/L) and tetraethylammonium (TEA; 5 mmol/L) totally inhibited SOCs, whereas increasing the CaCl(2) concentration to 2.0 and 2.5 mmol/L increased the frequency of SOCs. Interestingly, increasing the concentration of CaCl(2) to 3.5 mmol/L inhibited these contractions in aortas from SAD rats. 5. These results show that although SAD rats did not become hypertensive, their aortas were capable of initiating SOCs without the application of any chemical stimuli. The SOCs seem to be dependent on Ca(2+) influx sensitive to verapamil and also involve K(+) channels sensitive to pinacidil and TEA.     

ON THE ANTIARRHYTHMIC ACTIONS OF MAGNESIUM IN SINGLE GUINEA-PIG VENTRICULAR MYOCYTES

1. The hypotheses that magnesium quickly abolishes arrhythmias by acting as a calcium antagonist or by increasing outward potassium currents were tested in guinea-pig isolated ventricular myocytes by recording membrane potentials and currents by means of a single microelectrode discontinuous voltage clamp method. 2. High [Mg²⁺]₀ (4-16 mmol/L) slightly increased the amplitude and duration of the action potential (AP) in some myocytes, but overall the changes were not significant. 3. High [Mg²⁺]₀ did not decrease the slow inward current (Ic_a) and had little effect on voltage- and time-dependent outward potassium currents whether or not Ic_a was allowed to flow. 4. Zero [Mg²⁺]₀ decreased the duration, but not amplitude, of the AP. Zero [Mg²⁺]₀ had little effect on Ic_a and on outward currents except for a small increase in outward current in the region of the negative slope of the inward rectifier currentvoltage relationship. 5. In our myocytes, in contrast to [Mg²⁺]₀ high [Ca²⁺]₀ significantly increased the amplitude and decreased the duration of the AP; at the same time, high [Ca²⁺]₀ increases Ic₂. and the outward potassium current. 6. High [Mg²⁺]₀ decreased the amplitude of the oscillatory potentials (V_os) induced by various Ca₂₊-over1oading procedures (high [Ca²⁺]₀, noradrenaline, strophanthidin and barium). 7. It is concluded that the mechanisms by which high [Mg²⁺]₀ quickly suppresses cardiac arrhythmias are related to an extracellular action of Mg²⁺ and do not include a block of I_Ca, or an increase in outward current. Mg²⁺ can be antiarrhythmic by decreasing V_os amplitude and possibly by screening the fixed negative charges at the external surface of the sarcolemma.     

Adenosine A2 receptor activation facilitates Ca uptake by rat brain synaptosomes

Adenosine has been shown to increase the release of neurotransmitters by stimulation of adenosine A₂ receptors. This effect probably depends on Ca²⁺ entry into presynaptic nerve terminals. In the present work the ability of the mixed adenosine A₁/A₂ agonist, 2-chloroadenosine, to stimulate Ca²⁺ uptake into rat brain synaptosomes was investigated. ⁴⁵Ca²⁺ uptake was induced by 20 μM veratridine. In the absence of other drugs, 2-chloroadenosine (1 μM) decreased ⁴⁵Ca²⁺ uptake into synaptosomes. Blocking the adenosine A₁ receptor with 100 nM of 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX), 2-chloroadenosine (1 μM) increased rather than decreased the uptake of ⁴⁵Ca²⁺ into synaptosomes. The excitatory effect of 2-chloroadenosine observed in the presence of DPCPX was reversed by 200 nM of ω-agatoxin-IVA, a specific P-type Ca²⁺ channel antagonist, but not by L-type (nifedipine, 100 nM to 1 μM; methoxyverapamil 1-10 μM) or N-type (ω-conotoxin GVIA, 500 nM) Ca²⁺ channel antagonists. The adenosine A_2A selective agonist, 2-p-(2-carboxyethyl)-phenethylamino-5′-N-ethyl-carboxamido-adenosine (CGS 21680), did not significantly modify Ca²⁺ uptake induced by veratridine. In contrast, the selective adenosine A₂ receptor agonist, N⁶-(2-(3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-(2-methylphenyl)ethyl)-adenosine (DPMA), in concentrations ranging from 10 nM to 1 μM increased Ca²⁺ uptake induced by veratridine. The selective adenosine A₂ receptor antagonist 3,7-dimethyl-1-propargylxanthine (DPMX) at a concentration of 10 μM antagonized the stimulatory effect of DPMA (0.1 μM) on ⁴⁵Ca²⁺ uptake. In conclusion, activation of adenosine A₂ receptors increases Ca²⁺ uptake by synaptosomes depolarized by veratridine, which could explain the increase of neurotransmitter release observed when A₂ receptors are activated.     

人参皂苷Rg_2对培养心肌细胞内游离Ca~(2+)含量的影响

众所周知 ,Ca2 + 在心肌的舒缩过程中具有调控作用 ,文献[1] 曾研究了人参皂苷Rg2 对休克动物心功能的改善作用 ,该作用是否与Ca2 + 有关 ,故观察了Rg2 对体外培养心肌细胞内游离Ca2 + 含量的影响。1　材料与方法　　药物 :人参皂苷Rg2 (Rg2 )由吉林省中医中药研究院制备 ,纯度为 98 5 % ,Fura 2 /AM和DME/F12培养基购自Sigma公司。动物 :新生 4d的Wistar大鼠乳鼠 ,由中山医科大学实验动物中心提供。心肌细胞培养参照文献[2 ] 进行 ,取乳鼠心肌 ,用胰蛋白酶反复消化 ,制成单细胞悬液。用DME/F12培养液调细胞浓度 ,接种培养皿 ,形成…     

川芎嗪对心肌细胞核钙转运功能异常的保护

目的 :观察异丙肾上腺素 (ISO)致大鼠心肌缺血损伤时心肌细胞核钙转运功能的变化及川芎嗪对其影响。方法 :Wistar大鼠皮下注射 5mg·kg- 1ISO液 ,造成心肌缺血损伤模型。超速离心分离纯化心肌细胞核。酶学方法鉴定核纯度和测定核膜Ca2 + ATP酶活性 ,同位素法观测核钙的摄取。结果 :与正常对照组比较 ,心肌缺血组 (实验组 )心肌细胞核膜Ca2 + 依赖性ATP酶活性降低 18.1%(P <0 .0 5 ) ,4 5Ca2 + 摄取效率也显著降低 ,其最大反应速度(Vmax)降低 5 4 .6 %,细胞核Ca2 + 依赖性ATP酶的最大反应速度 (Vmax)降低 33.0 %(P <0 .0 5 ) ,平衡常数 (Km)降低 4 2 .8%(P <0 .0 1) ;川芎嗪保护组心肌细胞核Ca2 + ATP酶活性及核4 5Ca2 + 摄取与正常对照组比较均未见显著性改变。结论 :川芎嗪对ISO致大鼠心肌缺血损伤时心肌细胞核钙转运功能降低有保护作用。     

Non-NMDAR neuronal Ca2+–permeable channels in delayed neuronal death and as potential therapeutic targets for ischemic brain damage

Introduction: Transient cerebral ischemia represents the most common cause of complex chronic disability in adults due to delayed neuronal death as a result of aberrant post-ischemic increases in the [Ca²⁺]_c and [Zn²⁺]_c. A number of Ca²⁺-permeable channels are engaged in transient ischemia-induced neuronal death.

Areas covered: In this review, the authors discuss the GluA2-lacking AMPARs, acid-sensing ion channel 1a, melastatin-related transient receptor potential 2 (TRPM2), TRPM7 and store-operated Ca²⁺ channels expressed in ischemia-vulnerable neurons, and focus on the studies using in vitro and in vivo models of transient ischemia that supports a significant role for these channels in inducing increases in the [Ca²⁺]_c and/or [Zn²⁺]_c and delayed neuronal death, and their potential as therapeutic targets.

Expert opinion: Non-NMDAR Ca²⁺-permeable channels are important mechanisms mediating delayed neuronal death and cognitive dysfunctions after transient ischemia. Identification of such Ca²⁺-permeable channels significantly improves our understanding of the molecular events leading to ischemic brain damage and provides promising novel targets for post-ischemic therapeutics treating ischemic brain damage.     

Fendiline mobilizes intracellular Ca2+ in Chang liver cells

1. The effects of the antianginal drug fendiline (N-[3,3-diphenylpropyl]-alpha-methyl-benzylamine) on intracellular free Ca2+ levels ([Ca2+](i)) in Chang liver cells were evaluated using fura-2 as a fluorescent Ca2+ indicator. 2. Fendiline (1-100 micromol/L) increased [Ca2+](i) in a concentration-dependent manner, with an EC50 of 25 micromol/L. 3. The [Ca2+](i) response was composed of an initial rise and a slow decay to a sustained phase. Removal of extracellular Ca2+ partly reduced the [Ca2+](i) signals. 4. Fendiline (10 micromol/L)-induced release of intracellular Ca2+ was reduced by 65% following pretreatment with 1 micromol/L thapsigargin (an endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor) to deplete Ca2+ stored in the endoplasmic reticulum. 5. After pretreatment with 10 micromol/L fendiline in Ca2+-free medium for several minutes, addition of 3 mmol/L Ca2+ induced an increase in [Ca2+](i) of a magnitude four-fold greater than control. This increase in [Ca2+](i) was not reduced by 10 micromol/L SKF96365, econazole, nifedipine or verapamil. 6. Fendiline (10 micromol/L)-induced release of intracellular Ca2+ was not altered by inhibition of phospholipase C with 2 micromol/L 1-(6-((17beta-3-methoxyestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-yl)amino) hexyl)-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione (U73122). 7. The results of the present study show that fendiline induces an increase in [Ca2+](i) in Chang liver cells by releasing stored Ca2+ in an inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-independent manner and by causing extracellular Ca2+ influx.     

Capacitative Ca2+ entry associated with α1-adrenoceptors in rat aorta

In rat aorta, depletion of internal Ca²⁺ stores by addition of noradrenaline (1μM) induces a biphasic response (an initial phasic response and a tonic one) mediated by two different intracellular Ca²⁺ pools. This response cannot be repeated, suggesting a depletion of internal Ca²⁺ stores sensitive to noradrenaline. In absence of the agonist, this depletion is the signal for the entry of extracellular Ca²⁺, not only to refill the stores but also, under our experimental conditions, to activate the contractile proteins thus inducing an increase in the resting tone (IRT) that constitutes functional evidence of this Ca²⁺ entry. The ionic channels involved in the mechanism of the IRT have been studied in the present work. The fact that the addition of nimodipine (10^–15– 10^–11M) selectively inhibits the IRT suggests that this mechanical response is mediated by Ca²⁺ influx through dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca²⁺ channels. Moreover, the inhibitory action of nimodipine is attenuated by glibenclamide (10μM). Cromakalim (10^–10–10^–6M) also inhibits the IRT concentration dependently, and this inhibition is antagonized by glibenclamide (10μM). These results relate the ATP-dependent K⁺ channels to the mechanism of the IRT. The refilling of the two internal Ca²⁺ compartments sensitive to noradrenaline was, like the IRT, altered in presence of the compounds tested, since the subsequent contractile response to noradrenaline was decreased. The present results suggest that nimodipine treatment inhibits the refilling of the Ca²⁺ compartment responsible for the tonic contraction induced by noradrenaline in Ca²⁺-free medium, whereas the refilling of the Ca²⁺ pool responsible for the phasic response to noradrenaline remained unaltered. Both the phasic and tonic responses to noradrenaline in Ca²⁺-free medium decreased after treatment with cromakalim. We can therefore assume that the refilling of both Ca²⁺ compartments sensitive to noradrenaline was inhibited. In conclusion, these results are consistent with the contraction of the rat aorta in response to noradrenaline in Ca²⁺-free medium consisting of an initial phasic response and a tonic one. The former is due to the release of internal Ca²⁺ from a compartment refilled through a special channel that is cromakalim but not dihydropyridine sensitive. The tonic response is due to Ca²⁺ release from another compartment refilled through a cromakalim- and dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca²⁺ channel. The Ca²⁺ entry through this latter channel intervenes in the IRT observed during the refilling of these stores previously depleted by noradrenaline, and the opening state of this channel is also modulated by ATP-dependent K²⁺ channels. Received: 7 May 1996 / Accepted: 30 January 1997     

川芎与天麻的不同配伍对体外培养大鼠皮层神经元正常和缺氧状态下[Ca2+]i的影响

目的遵循传统医学的药物配伍理论,研究川芎与天麻不同配伍对正常及缺氧情况下神经元胞浆[Ca2+]i的影响,寻找中药配伍和创新中药的理论基础.方法采用体外培养4～6 d的大鼠皮层神经元,分为生理盐水空白对照,95%乙醇本底对照, 尼莫地平阳性对照,实验组(1～5号药对,川芎与天麻的比例分别为4∶1、1∶4、4∶0、0∶4、1∶1,各药对分别配制成50、100、150 μg*ml-1 3个浓度),再分为两部分,一部分持续通入94.5%N2和5.5%CO2的混合气体4 h制备缺氧模型,一部分在正常状态下孵育4 h,以特异性荧光探针Fluo-3为胞浆内Ca2+指示剂负载神经元,用激光扫描共聚焦显微镜动态监测药对对神经元胞浆[Ca2+]的影响.结果缺氧4 h后神经元胞浆内[Ca2+]较缺氧前明显增加,川芎的醇提部分、川芎与天麻以1∶4配伍作用时,较小剂量(50 μg*ml-1)对正常及缺氧时的神经元均有降低胞浆[Ca2+]的作用(P＜0.05),川芎的醇提部分100 μg*ml-1作用明显减轻缺氧神经元钙超载的同时不影响正常情况下神经元胞浆内外的钙离子平衡,与此同时其它川芎与天麻的配伍或只降低正常情况下的胞浆[Ca2+],或无作用,或在大剂量时出现反转作用.结论川芎醇提物以及川芎与天麻以一定比例配伍时具有拮抗神经元胞浆[Ca2+]增加的作用,与剂量相关,支持中药配伍理论,为创新中药的发展提供细胞学基础.     

川芎嗪对大鼠缺血心肌细胞核钙转运异常的影响

目的 :观察大鼠缺血心肌细胞核钙转运功能的变化及川芎嗪的作用。方法 :将Wistar大鼠随机分成对照组、缺血组和川芎嗪保护组。采用皮下注射异丙肾上腺素 (ISP,5mg·kg- 1 ) ,2 4h后再注射相同剂量一次 ,造成心肌缺血模型。超速离心纯化细胞核 ,酶学法鉴定核纯度和测定核膜Ca2 + ATPase活性 ,同位素法观测核钙的摄取。结果 :缺血组心肌细胞核膜Ca2 + ATPase活性较对照组下降 2 1 .4% (P<0 .0 1 ) ,4 5Ca2 + 摄取率也呈显著性降低 ,其最大反应速度 (Vmax)降低 48.5 % ,细胞核膜Ca2 + 依赖性ATP酶的Vmax 降低 3 4.1 % ,Km 值降低 42 .2 % (P <0 .0 1 ) ,川芎嗪保护组心肌细胞核Ca2 + ATP酶活性及核4 5Ca2 + 摄取率较缺血组均有显著性升高 ,且有剂量依赖关系。结论 :川芎嗪对ISP所致的缺血心肌细胞核钙转运功能下降有拮抗作用     

Effect of calmidazolium on Ca(+2) movement and proliferation in human osteosarcoma cells

In human MG63 osteosarcoma cells, the effect of calmidazolium on [Ca(2+)](i) and proliferation was explored using fura-2 and ELISA, respectively. Calmidazolium, at concentrations greater than 0.1 micromol/L, caused a rapid increase in [Ca(2+)](i) in a concentration-dependent manner (EC(50) = 0.5 micromol/L). The calmidazolium-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increase was reduced by 66% by removal of extracellular Ca(2+). In Ca(2+)-free medium, thapsigargin, an inhibitor of the endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase, caused a monophasic increase in [Ca(2+)](i), after which the effect of calmidazolium to increase [Ca(2+)](i) was completely inhibited. U73122, an inhibitor of phospholipase C (PLC), abolished histamine (but not calmidazolium)-induced increases in [Ca(2+)](i). Pretreatment with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate to activate protein kinase C inhibited the calmidazolium-induced increase in [Ca(2+)](i) in Ca(2+)-containing medium by 47%. Separately, it was found that overnight treatment with 2-10 micromol/L calmidazolium inhibited cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner. These results suggest that calmidazolium increases [Ca(2+)](i) by stimulating extracellular Ca(2+) influx and also by causing release of intracellular Ca(2+) from the endoplasmic reticulum in a PLC-independent manner. Calmidazolium may be cytotoxic to osteosarcoma cells.