Enhanced selective cellular uptake and cytotoxicity of epidermal growth factor-conjugated liposomes containing curcumin on EGFR-overexpressed pancreatic cancer cells

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most malignant cancers with a high mortality rate. Some types of pancreatic cancer cells overexpress epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which is a potential target for anticancer agents. In this study, we examined the effect of epidermal growth factor (EGF)-conjugated liposomes containing curcumin (EGF-LP-Cur) on three different EGFR-expressed human pancreatic cancer cell lines, BxPC-3, Panc-1 and Mia Paca-2. We have demonstrated that it is feasible to prepare liposomal vesicles of EGF-LP-Cur and that it is stable in the liquid vehicle at ambient conditions for three weeks. In addition, the formulation of curcumin had higher cytotoxicity on BxPC-3 than on any other cells. It is also shown that the cellular uptake of curcumin on BxPC-3, which is essential for the cytotoxicity, is associated with EGFR-mediated mechanism of action. In summary, our results have showed that targeting EGFR with EGF-conjugated curcumin liposomes enhanced the antitumor activity of curcumin against human pancreatic cancer cells.     

Enhanced in vitro cellular uptake of P-gp substrate by poloxamer-modified liposomes (PMLs) in MDR cancer cells

Poloxamer-modified liposomes (PMLs) were prepared using poloxamers (P85 and F68) by the thin-film hydration method for overcoming the multidrug resistance and thereby enhancing the intracellular uptake of specific substrates of P-gp, rhodamine 123 (R123). The prepared liposomes, plain liposomes (PLs) and PMLs, were characterized by particle size, zeta potential and drug entrapment efficiency, and assessed by in vitro cellular uptake using KB and KBV20C (P-gp over-expression cell line) cells. The transmission electron microscopy study revealed the spherical shape of the prepared liposomes. No significant difference was observed between the PMLs and liposome without poloxamer (PLs) in the particle size (～160?nm) and zeta potential (～?5?mV). The in vitro cellular uptake study showed that P85-modified liposomes (PML-P85) significantly increased the internalization of R123 in MDR tumour cells. Our results showed that PML-P85 could be an effective carrier for anticancer drugs in MDR cancer therapy.     

Recent progress in the development of docetaxel and paclitaxel analogues

Docetaxel (Taxotere^®, Sanofi-Aventis) and paclitaxel (Taxol^®, Bristol-Myers Squibb) are potent anticancer agents commonly used for the treatment of breast, ovarian and other cancers. Chemotherapy with these compounds gives undesirable side effects due to their low solubility and to the lack of selectivity for cancer cells. Studies have been performed to solve these problems and to find more potent taxoids on drug-resistant cancers. This review summarises the progress in these areas as reported in recent patent applications on docetaxel and paclitaxel analogues that have been published between January 2003 and December 2005. The review specifically focuses on new methods for the production of taxoids, new potent analogues, including taxoid conjugates with improved solubility, tumour targeting taxoids and prodrugs, combinations with new anticancer agents and taxoid formulation and delivery.     

Construction of folate-conjugated epirubicin liposomes for enhancing the cellular uptake and the co-localization with nuclei of invasive breast cancer cells

Drug resistance of anthracycline in the invasive cancer is associated with the lowered cellular drug uptake and diminished co-localization of drug with nuclei. In the present study, we aimed to construct the folate-conjugated epirubicin liposomes by incorporating a synthesized folate-lipid derivative; and to assess the effects on cellular drug uptake, co-localization of drug with nuclei and efficacy in treatment of invasive breast cancer cells. The studies were performed on invasive human breast cancer cells. The folate-PEG₂₀₀₀-DSPE conjugate was synthesized, and the constructed folate-conjugated epirubicin liposomes were approximately 100 nm in size. The in vitro studies demonstrated that the folate-conjugated epirubicin liposomes had the strongest cellular drug uptake and co-localization with nuclei of the invasive breast cancer cells. Besides, the liposomes displayed the most significant efficacy in killing the invasive cancer cells, in preventing their invasive potential, and in penetrating ability into breast cancer spheroid as well. In conclusion, the constructed folate-conjugated epirubicin liposomes were able to enhance the efficacy in treatment of invasive breast cancer by improving the cellular drug uptake and increasing the co-localization with nuclei, hence offering a new strategy for potentially eradicating the invasive breast cancer cells.     

Enhancement of methylene blue-induced cytotoxicity in human brain tumor cells by an iron chelator,deferoxamine

Previously, we have reported that methylene blue (MB) induces cytotoxicity in human brain tumor cells through the generation of free radicals. In this study the effect of deferoxamine (DFO), an iron chelator, on MB-induced cytotoxicity was investigated using SK-N-MC human neuroblastoma and U-373 MG human astrocytoma cells as model cellular systems. The cytotoxic effect of MB was potentiated by DFO. The potentiation effect of DFO was significantly blocked by either stoichiometric amounts of ferric ion, various antioxidants, hydroxyl radical scavengers or intracellular Ca²⁺ release blockers. These results suggest that hydroxyl radical DFO. These results further suggest that the combined treatment with MB and DFO may be useful for the therapeutical applications of human brain tumors.     

Attenuation of maitotoxin-induced cytotoxicity in rat aortic smooth muscle cells by inhibitors of Na/Ca exchange, and calpain activation

The highly potent marine toxin maitotoxin (MTX) evoked an increase in cytosolic Ca(2+) levels in fura-2 loaded rat aortic smooth muscle cells, which was dependent on extracellular Ca(2+). This increase was almost fully inhibited by KB-R7943, a potent selective inhibitor of the reverse mode of the Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger (NCX). Cell viability was assessed using ethidium bromide uptake and the alamarBlue cytotoxicity assay. In both assays MTX-induced toxicity was attenuated by KB-R7943, as well as by MDL 28170, a membrane permeable calpain inhibitor. Maitotoxin-evoked contractions of rat aortic strip preparations in vitro, which persist following washout of the toxin, were relaxed by subsequent addition of KB-R7943 or MDL 28170, either in the presence of, or following washout of MTX. These results suggest that MTX targets the Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger and causes it to operate in reverse mode (Na(+) efflux/Ca(2+) influx), thus leading to calpain activation, NCX cleavage, secondary Ca(2+) overload and cell death.     

Influence of eicosanoids on serotonin release in the rat brain: inhibition by prostaglandins E1 and E2

Summary Cardiac alpha- and beta-adrenoceptor sensitivities were examined after chronic pretreatment of rats with reserpine. Increases in sensitivity would indicate that the receptor is under the influence of the sympathetic innervation, removal by catecholamine depletion with reserpine of the tonic effect of neurotransmitter release would permit receptor upregulation. The positive inotropic responses of paced left atria and papillary muscles and the positive chronotropic responses of spontaneously beating right atria were recorded. A concentration-response curve to isoprenaline (beta-adrenoceptor-mediated) was followed, in the presence of beta-blockade, by one to methoxamine (alpha-adrenoceptor-mediated). Methoxamine exerted positive inotropy of left atria and papillary muscles, the maxima being 43.2 ± 2.7 and 26.8 ± 4.4% of the isoprenaline maxima. A small positive chronotropy (16.5 ± 5.6% maximum) of right atria occurred. After pretreatment with reserpine (1.0 mg kg^–1 i.p. daily) for 7 days, the three preparations displayed supersensitivity to isoprenaline, revealed as a significant displacement (P < 0.05) of the concentration-response curves to the left of those for control rats. Reserpine pretreatment, however, had no effect on the sensitivity to methoxamine. The increase in beta-adrenoceptor sensitivity to isoprenaline after reserpine pretreatment was accompanied by a significant 41.3% increase (P < 0.05) in the number of [³H]-dihydroalprenolol ([³H]-DHA) binding sites (B _max) in ventricular membranes, although the dissociation constant (_{K D}) was unaffected. There were more alpha-adrenoceptor [³H]-prazosin binding sites in ventricular than atrial membranes. However, there was no difference in K _D or B _max between reserpine-pretreated and control tissues. It is proposed that the increase in beta-adrenoceptor sensitivity and binding sites arises from the depletion-induced loss of neuronal noradrenaline release onto the beta-adrenoceptors which are therefore directly under the influence of the neurotransmitter. The failure of cardiac alpha-adrenoceptors to exhibit supersensitivity and increased numbers suggests that they are not directly affected by the sympathetic innervation. Send offprint requests to K. J. Broadley at the above address     

Inhibition of Na+-pump enhances carbachol-induced influx of 45Ca2+ and secretion of catecholamines by elevation of cellular accumulation of 22Na+ in cultured bovine adrenal medullary cells

Summary In bovine adrenal medullary cells, we reported that ²²Na⁺ influx via nicotinic receptor-associated Na⁺ channels is involved in ⁴⁵Ca²⁺ influx, a requisite for initiating the secretion of catecholamines (Wada et al. 1984, 1985b).In the present study, we investigated whether the inhibition of Na⁺-pump modulates carbachol-induced ²²Na⁺ influx, ⁴⁵Ca²⁺ influx and catecholamine secretion in cultured bovine adrenal medullary cells. We also measured ⁸⁶Rb⁺ uptake by the cells to estimate the activity of Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase. (1) Ouabain and extracellular K⁺ deprivation remarkably potentiated carbachol-induced ²²Na⁺ influx, ⁴⁵Ca²⁺ influx and catecholamine secretion; this potentiation of carbachol-induced ⁴⁵Ca²⁺ influx and catecholamine secretion was not observed in Na⁺ free medium. (2) Carbachol increased the uptake of ⁸⁶Rb⁺; this increase was inhibited by hexamethonium and d-tubocurarine. In Na⁺ free medium, carbachol failed to increase ⁸⁶Rb⁺ uptake. (3) Ouabain inhibited carbachol-induced ⁸⁶Rb⁺ uptake in a concentration-dependent manner, as it increased the accumulation of cellular ²²Na⁺. These results suggest that Na⁺ influx via nicotinic receptor-associated Na⁺ channels increases the activity of Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase and the inhibition of Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase augmented carbachol-induced Ca²⁺ influx and catecholamine secretion by potentiating cellular accumulation of Na⁺. It seems that nicotinic receptor-associated Na⁺ channels and Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase, both modulate the influx of Ca²⁺ and secretion of catecholamines by accomodating cellular concentration of Na⁺.     

The role of calcium in paracetamol (acetaminophen) cytotoxicity in PC12 cells transfected with CYP4502E1

Paracetamol-induced toxicity is mainly due to the accumulation of its CYP450-mediated N-hydroxylation product - N-acetylimidoquinone. We examined cell viability, proliferation rates and intracellular calcium in PC12 cells and in a PC12 cell line transfected with cytochrome P4502E1 exposed to paracetamol. This drug had a concentration-related effect on cell survival and a LD₅₀ which was significantly different between both cell types. A 48% decrease of PC12 cells was found following application of 5 mmol/L paracetamol for 48 h. A total 73% decrease in cell numbers was found in cells metabolizing the drug. Culture protein levels were diminished in a similar manner. Paracetamol increased intracellular calcium (by 662%) only in CYP4502E1-transfected cells. The protective role of EGTA and verapamil modulating calcium homeostasis was more evident in CYP4502E1-transfected cells. These results suggest that biotransformation of paracetamol by CYP2E1 increases its cytotoxicity and that a calcium imbalance may have a key role in the initiation of cell injury.     

Single‐walled carbon nanotube and graphene nanodelivery of gambogic acid increases its cytotoxicity in breast and pancreatic cancer cells

Graphene and single‐walled carbon nanotubes were used to deliver the natural low‐toxicity drug gambogic acid (GA) to breast and pancreatic cancer cells in vitro, and the effectiveness of this complex in suppressing cellular integrity was assessed. Cytotoxicity was assessed by measuring lactate dehydrogenase release, mitochondria dehydrogenase activity, mitochondrial membrane depolarization, DNA fragmentation, intracellular lipid content, and membrane permeability/caspase activity. The nanomaterials showed no toxicity at the concentrations used, and the antiproliferative effects of GA were significantly enhanced by nanodelivery. The results suggest that these complexes inhibit human breast and pancreatic cancer cells grown in vitro. This analysis represents a first step toward assessing their effectiveness in more complex, targeted, nanodelivery systems. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Enhancement of cellular uptake and cytotoxicity of curcumin-loaded PLGA nanoparticles by conjugation with anti-P-glycoprotein in drug resistance cancer cells

Aim:

To compare the anti-cancer activity and cellular uptake of curcumin (Cur) delivered by targeted and non-targeted drug delivery systems in multidrug-resistant cervical cancer cells.

Methods:

Cur was entrapped into poly (DL-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles (Cur-NPs) in the presence of modified-pluronic F127 stabilizer using nano-precipitation technique. On the surface of Cur-NPs, the carboxy-terminal of modified pluronic F127 was conjugated to the amino-terminal of anti-P-glycoprotein (P-gp) (Cur-NPs-APgp). The physical properties of the Cur-NPs, including particle size, zeta potential, particle morphology and Cur release kinetics, were investigated. Cellular uptake and specificity of the Cur-NPs and Cur-NPs-APgp were detected in cervical cancer cell lines KB-V1 (higher expression of P-gp) and KB-3-1 (lower expression of P-gp) using fluorescence microscope and flow cytometry, respectively. Cytotoxicity of the Cur-NPs and Cur-NPs-APgp was determined using MTT assay.

Results:

The particle size of Cur-NPs and Cur-NPs-APgp was 127 and 132 nm, respectively. The entrapment efficiency and actual loading of Cur-NPs-APgp (60% and 5 μg Cur/mg NP) were lower than those of Cur-NPs (99% and 7 μg Cur/mg NP). The specific binding of Cur-NPs-APgp to KB-V1 cells was significantly higher than that to KB-3-1 cells. Cellular uptake of Cur-NPs-APgp into KB-V1 cells was higher, as compared to KB-3-1 cells. However, the cellular uptake of Cur-NPs and Cur-NPs-IgG did not differ between the two types of cells. Besides, the cytotoxicity of Cur-NPs-APgp in KB-V1 cells was higher than those of Cur and Cur-NPs.

Conclusion:

The results demonstrate that Cur-NPs-APgp targeted to P-gp on the cell surface membrane of KB-V1 cells, thus enhancing the cellular uptake and cytotoxicity of Cur.     

Drug inhibition indicates a single-site model of the 5-HT uptake site/antidepressant binding site in rat and human brain

Drug inhibition against [³H]paroxetine binding to rat cortex and human putamen was investigated in saturation experiments. The addition of 5-HT, imipramine, citalopram and clomipramine all produced changes in apparent binding affinity (K_d) without changes in the number of binding sites (B_max). These data suggest that there is no heterogeneity of specific [³H]paroxetine binding, supporting a single site model of the 5-HT uptake site and antidepressant binding site.     

Cellular and molecular mechanisms of bromate-induced cytotoxicity in human and rat kidney cells

The mechanisms of bromate (BrO₃⁻)-induced toxicity in Normal Rat Kidney (NRK) and human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells were investigated. BrO₃⁻ (added as KBrO₃) induced concentration-dependent decreases in 3-(4, dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) staining after 48 h. BrO₃⁻-induced necrosis based on tandem increases in annexin V and PI staining. Cell cycle analysis demonstrated that BrO₃⁻ also induced G2/M arrest and nuclear fragmentation, prior to alterations in MTT staining or annexin V and PI staining. Immunoblot analysis demonstrated that the G2/M arrest correlated to induction of phosphorylated (p)-p53, p21, cyclin B1 and p-cdc2. Further, BrO₃⁻ induced time-dependent increases in the activity of the mitogen activated protein kinases p38 and ERK1/2. Treatment of cells with the p38 inhibitor SB202190, but not the ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059, partially reversed BrO₃⁻-induced G2/M arrest and decreased BrO₃⁻-induced p-p53, p21 and cyclin B1 expression. In addition, BrO₃⁻ treatment induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) based on increases in CM-H₂DCFDA fluorescence. The antioxidant ascorbic acid inhibited BrO₃⁻-induced p38 activation, G2/M arrest, p-p53, p21 and cyclin B1 expression; however, ascorbic acid had no effect on BrO₃⁻-induced formation of 8-OHdG, a marker of DNA oxidative damage, whose increases preceded cell death by 24 h. These data suggest that ROS mediated MAPK activation is involved in the molecular mechanisms of BrO₃⁻-induced cell cycle arrest, which occurs independently of 8-OH-dG production. The similar mode of action in both NRK and HEK293 cells suggests that the mechanisms of BrO₃⁻-induced renal cell death are model-independent.     

Use of advanced techniques for the extraction of phenolic compounds from Tunisian olive leaves: Phenolic composition and cytotoxicity against human breast cancer cells

A comparison among different advanced extraction techniques such as microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and pressurized liquid extraction (PLE), together with traditional solid–liquid extraction, was performed to test their efficiency towards the extraction of phenolic compounds from leaves of six Tunisian olive varieties. Extractions were carried out at the best selected conditions for each technique; the obtained extracts were chemically characterized using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to electrospray time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ESI-TOF-MS) and electrospray ion trap tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-IT-MS²). As expected, higher extraction yields were obtained for PLE while phenolic profiles were mainly influenced by the solvent used as optimum in the different extraction methods. A larger number of phenolic compounds, mostly of a polar character, were found in the extracts obtained by using MAE. Best extraction yields do not correlate with highest cytotoxic activity against breast cancer cells, indicating that cytotoxicity is highly dependent on the presence of certain compounds in the extracts, although not exclusively on a single compound. Therefore, a multifactorial behavior is proposed for the anticancer activity of olive leaf compounds.     

Differential response of MG132 cytotoxicity against small cell lung cancer cells to changes in cellular GSH contents

The effect of the depletion or oxidation of cellular GSH on cytotoxicity of MG132 was assessed. Viability loss and decrease in GSH contents in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cells treated with MG132 was attenuated by caspase inhibitors (z-IETD.fmk, z-LEHD.fmk and z-DQMD.fmk). Thiol compounds (N-acetylcysteine and N-(2-mercaptopropionyl)glycine) and free radical scavengers reduced MG132-induced cell death. Antioxidants, including N-acetylcysteine, inhibited the MG132-induced nuclear damage, loss in mitochondrial transmembrane potential, cytosolic accumulation of cytochrome c and caspase-3 activation. Depletion of GSH due to buthionine sulfoxime did not affect the cell viability loss, ROS formation and GSH depletion due to MG132 in SCLC cells. A thiol oxidant monochloramine, p-chloromercuribenzoate and N-ethylmaleiamide also did not affect cytotoxicity of MG132. The results suggest that the toxicity of MG132 on SCLC cells is mediated by activation of caspase-8, -9 and -3. Removal of free radicals and recovery of GSH contents may attenuate MG132-induced apoptotic cell death. Nevertheless, depletion or oxidation of cellular GSH may not affect toxicity of MG132.     

Effect of diallyl disulfide on Ca movement and viability in PC3 human prostate cancer cells

The effect of diallyl disulfide (DADS) on cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentrations ([Ca²⁺]_i) and viability in PC3 human prostate cancer cells is unclear. This study explored whether DADS changed [Ca²⁺]_i in PC3 cells by using fura-2. DADS at 50-1000 μM increased [Ca²⁺]_i in a concentration-dependent manner. The signal was reduced by removing Ca²⁺. DADS-induced Ca²⁺ influx was not inhibited by nifedipine, econazole, SK&F96365, and protein kinase C modulators; but was inhibited by aristolochic acid. In Ca²⁺-free medium, pretreatment with the endoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ pump inhibitors thapsigargin or 2,5-di-tert-butylhydroquinone (BHQ) nearly abolished DADS-induced [Ca²⁺]_i rise. Incubation with DADS inhibited thapsigargin or BHQ-induced [Ca²⁺]_i rise. Inhibition of phospholipase C with U73122 did not alter DADS-induced [Ca²⁺]_i rise. At 500-1000 μM, DADS killed cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The cytotoxic effect of DADS was partly reversed by prechelating cytosolic Ca²⁺ with 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA). Propidium iodide staining suggests that DADS (500 μM) induced apoptosis in a Ca²⁺-independent manner. Annexin V/PI staining further shows that 10 μM and 500 μM DADS both evoked apoptosis. DADS also increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Collectively, in PC3 cells, DADS induced [Ca²⁺]_i rise probably by causing phospholipase C-independent Ca²⁺ release from the endoplasmic reticulum and Ca²⁺ influx via phospholipase A₂-sensitive channels. DADS induced Ca²⁺-dependent cell death, ROS production, and Ca²⁺-independent apoptosis.     

Comparative studies on the uptake of 14C-bile acids and 3H-demethylphalloin in isolated rat liver cells

The inward transport of bile acids in isolated hepatocytes competes with the uptake of phallotoxins. Cholate, taurocholate and glycocholate added 30 s prior to phallotoxins reduce their uptake in a concentration dependent manner. 100 M bile acids suppress the uptake of phallotoxins completely. Several compounds known to inhibit the bile acid transport reduce the phallotoxin uptake to a similar degree. Hepatocytes exposed to reagents reacting preferentially with amino groups of proteins lose their uptake of both bile acids and phallotoxins. In hepatocytes isolated from 5 day old rats the uptake of both phallotoxins and cholate is reduced as compared to cells from adult controls. AS-30D ascites hepatoma cells, known to be insensitive to phallotoxins are unable to take up both phallotoxins and cholate. The results are consistent with our working hypothesis of a very similar mechanism for the uptake of bile acids and phallotoxins.This work was supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft     

Vitamin E protects against the mitochondrial damage caused by cyclosporin A in LLC-PK1 cells

Cyclosporin A (CsA) has nephrotoxic effects known to involve reactive oxygen species (ROS), since antioxidants prevent the kidney damage induced by this drug. Given that mitochondria are among the main sources of intracellular ROS, the aims of our study were to examine the mitochondrial effects of CsA in the porcine renal endothelial cell line LLC-PK1 and the influence of the antioxidant Vitamin E (Vit E).Following the treatment of LLC-PK1 cells with CsA, we assessed the mitochondrial synthesis of superoxide anion, permeability transition pore opening, mitochondrial membrane potential, cardiolipin peroxidation, cytochrome c release and cellular apoptosis, using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy procedures. Similar experiments were done after Vit E preincubation of cells.CsA treatment increased superoxide anion in a dose-dependent way. CsA opened the permeability transition pores, caused Bax migration to mitochondria, and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and cardiolipin content. Also CsA released cytochrome c into cytosol and provoked cellular apoptosis. Vit E pretreatment inhibited the effects that CsA induced on mitochondrial structure and function in LLC-PK1 cells and avoided apoptosis.CsA modifies mitochondrial LLC-PK1 cell physiology with loss of negative electrochemical gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane and increased lipid peroxidation. These features are related to apoptosis and can explain the cellular damage that CsA induces. As Vit E inhibited these effects, our results suggest that they were mediated by an increase in ROS production by mitochondria.     

Unaltered 5-HT- and desipramine-sensitive [3H]imipramine binding and [3H]5-HT uptake in rat brain after chronic imipramine and norzimeldine treatment

Several reports have shown heterogeneity of [³H]imipramine binding to brain membranes. Recently, a high affinity and 5-HT sensitive [³H]imipramine binding site of protein nature, that was suggested to be identical to the substrate recognition site for 5-HT uptake, was demonstrated. Since most studies on the regulation of the [³H]imipramine binding sites by antidepressants have used desipramine displaceable binding, which is heterogenous in nature and contains binding not related to 5-HT uptake sites, the present report studies the possible effects of chronic (3 weeks) administration of imipramine or norzimeldine (10 mg/kg intraperitoneally twice daily) on 5-HT sensitive [³H]imipramine binding sites. For comparison, desipramine sensitive binding was also studied, as well as the physiological correlate 5-HT uptake. There were no changes in either [³H]imipramine binding or 5-HT uptake after the antidepressant treatment.Supported by the Swedish Medical Research Council Offprint requests to: J. Marcusson at Dept. of Geriatric Medicine     

Effects of timolol on Ca2+ handling and viability in human prostate cancer cells

Timolol is a medication used widely to treat glaucoma. Regarding Ca²⁺ signaling, timolol was shown to modulate Ca²⁺-related physiology in various cell types, however, the effect of timolol on Ca²⁺ homeostasis and cell viability has not been explored in human prostate cancer cells. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of timolol on intracellular Ca²⁺ concentrations ([Ca²⁺]_i) and viability in PC3 human prostate cancer cells. Timolol at concentrations of 100–1000?μM induced [Ca²⁺]_i rises. The Ca²⁺ signal in Ca²⁺-containing medium was reduced by removal of extracellular Ca²⁺ by approximately 75%. Timolol (1000?μM) induced Mn²⁺ influx suggesting of Ca²⁺ entry. Timolol-induced Ca²⁺ entry was partially inhibited by three inhibitors of store-operated Ca²⁺ channels: nifedipine, econoazole and SKF96365, and by a protein kinase C (PKC) activator (phorbol 12-myristate 13 acetate [PMA]) or an inhibitor (GF109203X). In Ca²⁺-free medium, treatment with the endoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ pump inhibitor thapsigargin abolished timolol-evoked [Ca²⁺]_i rises. Conversely, treatment with timolol abolished thapsigargin-evoked [Ca²⁺]_i rises. Inhibition of phospholipase C (PLC) with U73122 abolished timolol-induced [Ca²⁺]_i rises. Timolol at concentrations between 200 and 600?μM killed cells in a concentration-dependent fashion. Chelation of cytosolic Ca²⁺ with 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid/AM (BAPTA/AM) did not reverse cytotoxicity of timolol. Together, in PC3 cells, timolol induced [Ca²⁺]_i rises by evoking Ca²⁺release from the endoplasmic reticulum in a PLC-dependent manner, and Ca²⁺ influx via PKC-regulated store-operated Ca²⁺ entry. Timolol also caused cell death that was not linked to preceding [Ca²⁺]_i rises.