Inhibition of store-operated Ca(2+) influx by acidic extracellular pH in cultured human microglia

Store-Operated Calcium Channels in Physiological and Pathological States of the Nervous System

Store-operated calcium channels (SOCs) are widely expressed in excitatory and non-excitatory cells where they mediate significant store-operated calcium entry (SOCE), an important pathway for calcium signaling throughout the body. While the activity of SOCs has been well studied in non-excitable cells, attention has turned to their role in neurons and glia in recent years. In particular, the role of SOCs in the nervous system has been extensively investigated, with links to their dysregulation found in a wide variety of neurological diseases from Alzheimer’s disease (AD) to pain. In this review, we provide an overview of their molecular components, expression, and physiological role in the nervous system and describe how the dysregulation of those roles could potentially lead to various neurological disorders. Although further studies are still needed to understand how SOCs are activated under physiological conditions and how they are linked to pathological states, growing evidence indicates that SOCs are important players in neurological disorders and could be potential new targets for therapies. While the role of SOCE in the nervous system continues to be multifaceted and controversial, the study of SOCs provides a potentially fruitful avenue into better understanding the nervous system and its pathologies.

The protective role of proton-sensing TDAG8 in the brain injury in a mouse ischemia reperfusion model

Extracellular acidification in the brain has been observed in ischemia; however, the physiological and pathophysiological implications of the pH reduction remain largely unknown. Here, we analyzed the roles of proton-sensing G protein-coupled receptors, including T-cell death-associated gene 8 (TDAG8), ovarian cancer G protein-coupled receptor 1 (OGR1), and G protein-coupled receptor 4 (GPR4) in a mouse ischemia reperfusion model. Cerebral infarction and dysfunctional behavior with transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) and subsequent reperfusion were exacerbated by the deficiency of TDAG8, whereas no significant effect was observed with the deficiency of OGR1 or GPR4. We confirmed that the pH of the predicted infarction region was 6.5. TDAG8 mRNA was observed in Iba1-positive microglia in the mouse brain. The tMCAO increased the mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor-α in the ipsilateral cerebral hemisphere and evoked morphological changes in microglia in an evolving cerebral injury. These tMCAO-induced actions were significantly enhanced by the TDAG8 deficiency. Administration of minocycline, which is known to inhibit microglial activation, improved the cerebral infarction and dysfunctional behavior induced by tMCAO in the TDAG8-deficient mouse. Thus, acidic pH/TDAG8 protects against cerebral infarction caused by tMCAO, at least due to the mechanism involving the inhibition of microglial functions.

Glucosamine suppresses platelet-activating factor-induced activation of microglia through inhibition of store-operated calcium influx

Microglia activation and subsequent release of inflammatory mediators are implicated in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases. Platelet-activating factor (PAF), a potent lipid mediator synthesized by microglia, is known to stimulate microglia functional responses. In this study, we determined that endogenous PAF exert autocrine effects on microglia activation, as well as the underlying mechanism involved. We also investigated the effect of D-glucosamine (GlcN) on PAF-induced cellular activation in human HMO6 microglial cells. PAF induced sustained intracellular Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)]i) increase through store-operated Ca(2+) channels (SOC) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. PAF also induced pro-inflammatory markers through NFκB/COX-2 signaling. GlcN significantly inhibited PAF-induced Ca(2+) influx and ROS generation without significant cytotoxicity. GlcN downregulated excessive expression of pro-inflammatory markers and promoted filopodia formation through NFκB/COX-2 inhibition in PAF-stimulated HMO6 cells. Taken together, these data suggest that GlcN may offer substantial therapeutic potential for treating inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases accompanied by microglial activation.

Regulation of endogenous and heterologous Ca²⁺ release-activated Ca²⁺ currents by pH

Deviations from physiological pH (∼pH 7.2) as well as altered Ca(2+) signaling play important roles in immune disease and cancer. One of the most ubiquitous pathways for cellular Ca(2+) influx is the store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE) or Ca(2+) release-activated Ca(2+) current (ICRAC), which is activated upon depletion of intracellular Ca(2+) stores. We here show that extracellular and intracellular changes in pH regulate both endogenous ICRAC in Jurkat T lymphocytes and RBL2H3 cells, and heterologous ICRAC in HEK293 cells expressing the molecular components STIM1/2 and Orai1/2/3 (CRACM1/2/3). We find that external acidification suppresses, and alkalization facilitates IP3-induced ICRAC. In the absence of IP3, external alkalization did not elicit endogenous ICRAC but was able to activate heterologous ICRAC in HEK293 cells expressing Orai1/2/3 and STIM1 or STIM2. Similarly, internal acidification reduced IP3-induced activation of endogenous and heterologous ICRAC, while alkalization accelerated its activation kinetics without affecting overall current amplitudes. Mutation of two aspartate residues to uncharged alanine amino acids (D110/112A) in the first extracellular loop of Orai1 significantly attenuated both the inhibition of ICRAC by external acidic pH as well as its facilitation by alkaline conditions. We conclude that intra- and extracellular pH differentially regulates ICRAC. While intracellular pH might affect aggregation and/or binding of STIM to Orai, external pH seems to modulate ICRAC through its channel pore, which in Orai1 is partially mediated by residues D110 and D112.

Inhibition of interleukin-1β production by extracellular acidification through the TDAG8/cAMP pathway in mouse microglia

Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) is released from activated microglia and involved in the neurodegeneration of acute and chronic brain disorders, such as stroke and Alzheimer's disease, in which extracellular acidification has been shown to occur. Here, we examined the extracellular acidic pH regulation of IL-1β production, especially focusing on TDAG8, a major proton-sensing G-protein-coupled receptor, in mouse microglia. Extracellular acidification inhibited lipopolysaccharide -induced IL-1β production, which was associated with the inhibition of IL-1β cytoplasmic precursor and mRNA expression. The IL-1β mRNA and protein responses were significantly, though not completely, attenuated in microglia derived from TDAG8-deficient mice compared with those from wild-type mice. The acidic pH also stimulated cellular cAMP accumulation, which was completely inhibited by TDAG8 deficiency. Forskolin and a cAMP derivative, which specifically stimulates protein kinase A (PKA), mimicked the proton actions, and PKA inhibitors reversed the acidic pH-induced IL-1β mRNA expression. The acidic pH-induced inhibitory IL-1β responses were accompanied by the inhibition of extracellular signal-related kinase and c-Jun N-terminal kinase activities. The inhibitory enzyme activities in response to acidic pH were reversed by the PKA inhibitor and TDAG8 deficiency. We conclude that extracellular acidic pH inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced IL-1β production, at least partly, through the TDAG8/cAMP/PKA pathway, by inhibiting extracellular signal-related kinase and c-Jun N-terminal kinase activities, in mouse microglia.

Calcium ion influx in microglial cells: physiological and therapeutic significance

Microglial cells, the immunocompetent cells of the central nervous system (CNS), exhibit a resting phenotype under healthy conditions. In response to injury, however, they transform into an activated state, which is a hallmark feature of many CNS diseases. Factors or agents released from the neurons, blood vessels, and/or astrocytes could activate these cells, leading to their functional and structural modifications. Microglial cells are well equipped to sense environmental changes within the brain under both physiological and pathological conditions. Entry of calcium ions (Ca(2+)) plays a critical role in the process of microglial transformation; several channels and receptors have been identified on the surface of microglial cells. These include store-operated channel, Orai1, and its sensor protein, stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1), in microglial cells, and their functions are modulated under pathological stimulations. Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels and voltage- and ligand-gated channels (ionotropic and metabotropic receptors) are also responsible for Ca(2+) influx into the microglial cells. An elevation of intracellular Ca(2+) concentration subsequently regulates microglial cell functions by activating a diverse array of Ca(2+)-sensitive signaling cascades. Perturbed Ca(2+) homeostasis contributes to the progression of a number of CNS disorders. Thus, regulation of Ca(2+) entry into microglial cells could be a pharmacological target for several CNS-related pathological conditions. This Review addresses the recent insights into microglial cell Ca(2+) influx mechanisms, their roles in the regulation of functions, and alterations of Ca(2+) entry in specific CNS disorders.

Physiology of microglia

Microglial cells are the resident macrophages in the central nervous system. These cells of mesodermal/mesenchymal origin migrate into all regions of the central nervous system, disseminate through the brain parenchyma, and acquire a specific ramified morphological phenotype termed "resting microglia." Recent studies indicate that even in the normal brain, microglia have highly motile processes by which they scan their territorial domains. By a large number of signaling pathways they can communicate with macroglial cells and neurons and with cells of the immune system. Likewise, microglial cells express receptors classically described for brain-specific communication such as neurotransmitter receptors and those first discovered as immune cell-specific such as for cytokines. Microglial cells are considered the most susceptible sensors of brain pathology. Upon any detection of signs for brain lesions or nervous system dysfunction, microglial cells undergo a complex, multistage activation process that converts them into the "activated microglial cell." This cell form has the capacity to release a large number of substances that can act detrimental or beneficial for the surrounding cells. Activated microglial cells can migrate to the site of injury, proliferate, and phagocytose cells and cellular compartments.

Peripheral osmotic stimulation inhibits the brain's innate immune response to microdialysis of acidic perfusion fluid adjacent to supraoptic nucleus

During the brain's innate immune response microglia, astroglia and ependymal cells resolve/repair damaged tissue and control infection. Released interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) reaching cerebroventricles stimulates circumventricular organs (CVOs; subfornical organ, SFO; organum vasculosum lamina terminalis, OVLT), the median preoptic nucleus (MePO), and magnocellular and parvocellular neurons in the supraoptic (SON) and paraventricular (PVN) nuclei. Hypertonic saline (HS) also activates these osmosensory CVOs and neuroendocrine systems, but, in contrast to IL-1beta, inhibits the peripheral immune response. To examine whether the brain's innate immune response is attenuated by osmotic stimulation, sterile acidic perfusion fluid was microdialyzed (2 microl/min) in the SON area of conscious rats for 6 h with sterile HS (1.5 M NaCl) injected subcutaneously (15 ml/kg) at 5 h. Immunohistochemistry identified cytokine sources (IL-1beta(+); OX-42(+) microglia) and targets (IL-1R(+); inducible cyclooxygenase, COX-2(+); c-Fos(+)) near the probe, in CVOs, MePO, ependymal cells, periventricular hypothalamus, SON, and PVN. Inserting the probe stimulated magnocellular neurons (c-Fos(+); SON; PVN) via the MePO (c-Fos(+)), a response enhanced by HS. Microdialysis activated microglia (OX-42(+); amoeboid/hypertrophied; IL-1beta(+)) in the adjacent SON and bilaterally in perivascular areas of the PVN, periventricular hypothalamus and ependyma, coincident with c-Fos expression in ependymal cells and COX-2 in the vasculature. These microglial responses were attenuated by HS, coincident with activating parvocellular and magnocellular neuroendocrine systems and elevating circulating IL-1beta, oxytocin, and vasopressin. Acidosis-induced cellular injury from microdialysis activated the brain's innate immune response by a mechanism inhibited by peripheral osmotic stimulation.

Platelet-activating factor-induced chloride channel activation is associated with intracellular acidosis and apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a phospholipid inter- and intracellular mediator implicated in intestinal injury primarily via induction of an inflammatory cascade. We find that PAF also has direct pathological effects on intestinal epithelial cells (IEC). PAF induces Cl(-) channel activation, which is associated with intracellular acidosis and apoptosis. Using the rat small IEC line IEC-6, electrophysiological experiments demonstrated that PAF induces Cl(-) channel activation. This PAF-activated Cl(-) current was inhibited by Ca(2+) chelation and a calcium calmodulin kinase II inhibitor, suggesting PAF activation of a Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) channel. To determine the pathological consequences of Cl(-) channel activation, microfluorimetry experiments were performed, which revealed PAF-induced intracellular acidosis, which is also inhibited by the Cl(-) channel inhibitor 4,4'diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'disulfonic acid and Ca(2+) chelation. PAF-induced intracellular acidosis is associated with caspase 3 activation and DNA fragmentation. PAF-induced caspase activation was abolished in cells transfected with a pH compensatory Na/H exchanger construct to enhance H(+) extruding ability and prevent intracellular acidosis. As ClC-3 is a known intestinal Cl(-) channel dependent on both Ca(2+) and calcium calmodulin kinase II phosphorylation, we generated ClC-3 knockdown cells using short hairpin RNA. PAF induced Cl(-) current; acidosis and apoptosis were all significantly decreased in ClC-3 knockdown cells. Our data suggest a novel mechanism of PAF-induced injury by which PAF induces intracellular acidosis via activation of the Ca(2+)-dependent Cl(-) channel ClC-3, resulting in apoptosis of IEC.

Alpha2delta1 dihydropyridine receptor subunit is a critical element for excitation-coupled calcium entry but not for formation of tetrads in skeletal myotubes

It has been shown that small interfering RNA (siRNA) partial knockdown of the alpha(2)delta(1) dihydropyridine receptor subunits cause a significant increase in the rate of activation of the L-type Ca(2+) current in myotubes but have little or no effect on skeletal excitation-contraction coupling. This study used permanent siRNA knockdown of alpha(2)delta(1) to address two important unaddressed questions. First, does the alpha(2)delta(1) subunit contribute to the size and/or spacing of tetradic particles? Second, is the alpha(2)delta(1) subunit important for excitation-coupled calcium entry? We found that the size and spacing of tetradic particles is unaffected by siRNA knockdown of alpha(2)delta(1), indicating that the visible particle represents the alpha(1s) subunit. Strikingly, >97% knockdown of alpha(2)delta(1) leads to a complete loss of excitation-coupled calcium entry during KCl depolarization and a more rapid decay of Ca(2+) transients during bouts of repetitive electrical stimulation like those occurring during normal muscle activation in vivo. Thus, we conclude that the alpha(2)delta(1) dihydropyridine receptor subunit is physiologically necessary for sustaining Ca(2+) transients in response to prolonged depolarization or repeated trains of action potentials.

Lipopolysaccharide-induced down-regulation of Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ currents (I CRAC) but not Ca2+-activated TRPM4-like currents (I CAN) in cultured mouse microglial cells

Microglia are the main immunocompetent cells of the mammalian central nervous system (CNS). Activation of cultured microglial cells and subsequent release of nitric oxide and cytokines critically depends on intracellular calcium levels. Since microglia undergo dramatic morphological, biochemical and electrophysiological changes in response to pathological events in the CNS, we investigated temporal changes in expression levels of ion channels involved in cellular calcium homeostasis in mouse cortical microglial cells in culture. Specifically, we assessed the inward and delayed outward rectifier potassium currents (I IRK and I DRK), calcium (Ca2+) release-activated Ca2+ currents (I CRAC) and Ca2+-activated TRPM4-like currents (I CAN) in non-activated microglia and cells that were activated by exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) between 3 and 48 h. Unstimulated microglial cells, subcultured from an astrocyte coculture, typically exhibited a ramified, rod-shaped morphology. During the first 3 days of culture cell size and shape were maintained, but the percentage of cells showing prominent I IRK went up and those expressing I DRK went down. Cells retaining I DRK exhibited smaller amplitudes, whereas those of I IRK and I CRAC were not affected. However, after 24 h of exposure to 1 microg ml(-1) LPS, most cells showed an amoeboid ('fried egg'-shaped) morphology with a 62% increase in cell capacitance. At that point in time, only 14% of the cells revealed I IRK and 3% had I DRK exclusively, whereas the majority of cells expressed both currents. The amplitudes of I CRAC and I IRK progressively decreased after stimulation, whereas I DRK transiently reached a maximum after 6 h of LPS exposure and then returned to pre-stimulation expression levels. Cultured microglia also revealed TRPM4-like, Ca2+-activated non-selective currents (I CAN) with an EC50 of 1.2 microm [Ca2+]i. The expression levels of this current did not change significantly during and after 24 h of LPS exposure. We propose that LPS-induced down-regulation of I IRK and I CRAC will reduce the cell's capacity to produce significant calcium influx upon receptor activation and result in decreased sensitivity to exogenous stimulation. In this scenario, I CAN expression would remain constant, although its activity would automatically be reduced due to the diminished calcium influx capacity of the cell.

Modulation of the purinergic P2X7 receptor attenuates lipopolysaccharide-mediated microglial activation and neuronal damage in inflamed brain

We investigated the involvement and roles of the ionotropic purinergic receptor P2X(7)R in microglia in mediating lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory responses and neuronal damage in rat striatum. A detailed in vivo study showed that LPS injection into striatum markedly increased the expression of P2X(7)R in microglia compared with control (saline)-injected animals. Additionally, LPS injection upregulated a broad spectrum of proinflammatory mediators, including inducible nitric oxide synthase (nitric oxide production marker), 3-nitrotyrosine (peroxynitrite-mediated nitration marker), 4-hydroxynonenal (lipid peroxidation marker), and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (oxidative DNA damage marker), and reduced neuronal viability. The P2X(7)R antagonist oxidized ATP (oxATP) was effective in attenuating expressions of all inflammatory mediators and in addition inhibited LPS-induced activation of the cellular signaling factors p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and transcriptional factor nuclear factor kappaB. Most importantly, in vivo, oxATP blockade of P2X(7)R also reduced numbers of caspase-3-positive neurons and increased neuronal survival in LPS-injected brain. In vitro, LPS stimulation of cultured human microglia enhanced cellular expressions of a host of proinflammatory factors, including cyclooxygenase-2, interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), IL-6, IL-12, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha; all factors were inhibited by oxATP. A novel finding was that LPS potentiated intracellular [Ca(2+)](i) mobilization induced by the P2X(7)R ligand 2',3'-O-(4-benzoyl-benzoyl) ATP, which could serve as a mechanistic link for P2X(7)R amplification of inflammatory responses. Our results suggest critical roles for P2X(7)R in mediating inflammation and inhibition of this subtype purinergic receptor as a novel therapeutic approach to reduce microglial activation and confer neuroprotection in inflamed and diseased brain.

Broad-spectrum effects of 4-aminopyridine to modulate amyloid beta1-42-induced cell signaling and functional responses in human microglia

We investigated the modulating actions of the nonselective K(+) channel blocker 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) on amyloid beta (Abeta(1-42))-induced human microglial signaling pathways and functional processes. Whole-cell patch-clamp studies showed acute application of Abeta(1-42) (5 mum) to human microglia led to rapid expression of a 4-AP-sensitive, non-inactivating outwardly rectifying K(+) current (I(K)). Intracellular application of the nonhydrolyzable analog of GTP, GTPgammaS, induced an outward K(+) current with similar properties to the Abeta(1-42)-induced I(K) including sensitivity to 4-AP (IC(50) = 5 mm). Reverse transcriptase-PCR showed a rapid expression of a delayed rectifier Kv3.1 channel in Abeta(1-42)-treated microglia. Abeta(1-42) peptide also caused a slow, progressive increase in levels of [Ca(2+)](i) (intracellular calcium) that was partially blocked by 4-AP. Chronic exposure of human microglia to Abeta(1-42) led to enhanced p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor kappaB expression with factors inhibited by 4-AP. Abeta(1-42) also induced the expression and production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, the chemokine IL-8, and the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2; 4-AP was effective in reducing all of these pro-inflammatory mediators. Additionally, toxicity of supernatant from Abeta(1-42)-treated microglia on cultured rat hippocampal neurons was reduced if 4-AP was included with peptide. In vivo, injection of Abeta(1-42) into rat hippocampus induced neuronal damage and increased microglial activation. Daily administration of 1 mg/kg 4-AP was found to suppress microglial activation and exhibited neuroprotection. The overall results suggest that 4-AP modulation of an Abeta(1-42)-induced I(K) (candidate channel Kv3.1) and intracellular signaling pathways in human microglia could serve as a therapeutic strategy for neuroprotection in Alzheimer's disease pathology.

Functional role of calcium signals for microglial function

In this review we summarize mechanisms of Ca(2+) signaling in microglial cells and the impact of Ca(2+) signaling and Ca(2+) levels on microglial function. So far, Ca(2+) signaling has been only characterized in cultured microglia and thus these data refer rather to activated microglia as observed in pathology when compared with the resting form found under physiological conditions. Purinergic receptors are the most prominently expressed ligand-gated Ca(2+)-permeable channels in microglia and control several microglial functions such as cytokine release in a Ca(2+)-dependent fashion. A large variety of metabotropic receptors are linked to Ca(2+) release from intracellular stores. Depletion of these intracellular stores triggers a capacitative Ca(2+) entry. While microglia are already in an activated state in culture, they can be further activated, for example, by exposure to bacterial endotoxin. This activation leads to a chronic increase of [Ca(2+)](i) and this Ca(2+) increase is a prerequisite for the release of nitric oxide and cytokines. Moreover, several factors (TNFalpha, IL-1beta, and IFN-gamma) regulate resting [Ca(2+)](i) levels.

Neuronal differentiation of PC12 cells abolishes the expression of membrane androgen receptors

Sex steroids affect adrenal chromaffin cell function. In the present work, we have examined the expression and functional significance of membrane androgen receptor sites in normal rat adrenal chromaffin cells and in the PC12 rat pheochromocytoma cell line which can differentiate to either a neuronal or to an epithelial phenotype and expresses membrane estrogen receptor sites. Our data are as follows: (a) no cytosolic androgen receptors were found in both normal chromaffin and PC12 cells; (b) both types of chromaffin cells expressed high affinity membrane testosterone binding sites; (c) activation of these sites increased cytosolic Ca(2+), decreased catecholamine secretion and induced apoptosis; (d) NGF-induced neuronal differentiation of PC12 cells resulted in the suppression of the number of membrane testosterone sites. In conclusion, our data provide evidence for the existence of specific membrane testosterone receptors on adrenal chromaffin cells via which androgens, (some of them originating in the cortex) modulate their function. Neuronal differentiation of chromaffin cells results in a significant attenuation of these effects, via suppression of the expression of membrane androgen receptors suggesting, that the latter are specific for epithelioid chromaffin cells.

Mitochondrial ligand inhibits store-operated calcium influx and COX-2 production in human microglia

We used calcium sensitive fluorescence microscopy to investigate the actions of PK11195, a ligand for the mitochondrial peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR), to modulate Ca2+ influx through store-operated channels (SOC) in human microglia. PK11195 effectively blocked SOC-mediated Ca2+ influx induced by platelet-activating factor (PAF) in a dose-dependent manner (IC50 of 9 microM). A prolonged SOC-mediated Ca2+ entry was also induced using the sarcoplasmic endoreticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) inhibitor cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) to deplete intracellular endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stores; a single concentration of PK11195 (at 20 microM) reduced SOC-mediated Ca2+ influx by 78%. RT-PCR and immunocytochemical analysis results showed PK11195 also inhibited the expression and production of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) triggered by PAF stimulation. These results suggest that activation of the PBR in mitochondria is linked to reduced entry of Ca2+ through plasmalemmal SOC and subsequent modulation of cellular functions in human microglia.

Purinergic mediated changes in Ca2+ mobilization and functional responses in microglia: effects of low levels of ATP

Microglia, the immune effector cells of the brain, are stimulated by a diversity of agents to transiently increase levels of intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i). Changes in [Ca2+]i induced by compounds such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP) serve important roles in cellular signal transduction linking stimuli with cellular functional responses. Purinergic responses in microglia, like that in other cells, are mediated by two families of receptors classified as P2Y and P2X. Activation of metabotropic receptors (P2YR) leads to increased [Ca2+]i due to depletion of intracellular stores, a process that can trigger activation of Ca2+ entry through plasmalemmal store-operated channels (SOC). Activation of ionotropic receptors (P2XR) is associated with influx of Na+ and Ca2+ and efflux of K+ through nonselective cationic channels, leading to cellular depolarization. An intriguing property of purinergic stimulation of microglia is the dependence of cellular responses on agonist concentration. As one example, activation of the subtype P2X7R by higher levels of ATP (millimolar range), leads to a marked enhancement in microglial secretion of inflammatory mediators. Other members of the ionotropic P2XR family sensitive to lower levels of ATP, however, are also important in mediating microglial inflammatory responses in brain. At lower concentrations of ATP (100 microM), activation of SOC in human microglia is not only coupled to P2YR-dependent depletion of internal stores, but is also modulated by ATP binding to a P2XR (not P2X7R). The modulation is consistent with a P2XR-mediated influx of Na+ and inhibition of SOC by depolarization. In this review, a primary focus is placed on the effects of low concentrations of ATP (< or =100 microM) to induce changes in [Ca2+]i and modify functional processes in microglia. In essence, responses mediated by purinergic receptors other than P2X7R are considered.

Investigations with cultured human microglia on pathogenic mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases

Inflammation-mediated mechanisms for human neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) have evolved from being on the fringe of medical hypotheses to mainstream thinking. Pioneering immunopathology studies with human brain tissues identified microglia associated with neuropathologic hallmarks of these diseases. As activated macrophages were known to produce many potential toxic products, this gave rise to the hypothesis that activated microglia (brain resident macrophages) could be contributing to the degeneration of key target neurons in these diseases, as well as potential vascular dysfunction. Studies with microglia derived from different sources, including human brains, have confirmed that activated microglia can mediate neuronal cell death. Based on these theories, a number of human clinical trials with antiinflammatory agents have been carried out on AD patients. Results to date have indicated a lack of effectiveness at slowing disease progression and have begun to cast doubt on the significance of inflammation in AD. It has been shown recently that activating microglia through immunization of amyloid plaque-developing mice with amyloid beta peptide (Abeta) has promise as a therapeutic strategy and despite some setbacks, has potential as a treatment for AD patients. This article will consider experimental data with microglia to determine whether the additional targets need to be investigated. The use of human microglia cultures, in particular those derived from elderly diseased human brains, offers an experimental system that can closely model the cell type activated in human neurodegenerative diseases. Experimental data produced by our laboratory and others is reviewed to determine the contribution of this unique experimental model to understanding disease mechanisms and possibly discovering new therapeutic targets.

Arachidonic acid inhibits capacitative Ca2+ entry and activates non-capacitative Ca2+ entry in cultured astrocytes

Arachidonic acid (AA) plays important physiological or pathophysiological roles. Here, we show in cultured rat astrocytes that: (i) endothelin-1 or thapsigargin (Tg) induces store-depleted activated Ca(2+) entry (CCE), which is inhibited by 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borane (2-APB) or La(3+); (ii) AA (10 microM) and other unsaturated fatty acids (8,11,14-eicosatrienoic acid and gamma-linoleic acid) have an initial inhibitory effect on the CCE, due to AA- or fatty acid-induced internal acid load; (iii) after full activation of CCE, AA induces a further Ca(2+) influx, which is not inhibited by 2-APB or La(3+), indicating that AA activates a second Ca(2+) entry pathway, which coexists with CCE; and (iv) Tg or AA activates two independent and co-existing non-selective cation channels and the Tg-induced currents are initially inhibited by addition of AA or weak acids. A possible pathophysiological effect of the AA-induced [Ca](i) overload is to cause delayed cell death in astrocytes.

ATP induces a rapid and pronounced increase in 2-arachidonoylglycerol production by astrocytes, a response limited by monoacylglycerol lipase

The cytoplasm of neural cells contain millimolar amounts of ATP, which flood the extracellular space after injury, activating purinergic receptors expressed by glial cells and increasing gliotransmitter production. These gliotransmitters, which are thought to orchestrate neuroinflammation, remain widely uncharacterized. Recently, we showed that microglial cells produce 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), an endocannabinoid known to prevent the propagation of harmful neuroinflammation, and that ATP increases this production by threefold at 2.5 min (Witting et al., 2004). Here we show that ATP increases 2-AG production from mouse astrocytes in culture, a response that is more rapid (i.e., significant within 10 sec) and pronounced (i.e., 60-fold increase at 2.5 min) than any stimulus-induced increase in endocannabinoid production reported thus far. Increased 2-AG production from astrocytes requires millimolar amounts of ATP, activation of purinergic P2X7 receptors, sustained rise in intracellular calcium, and diacylglycerol lipase activity. Furthermore, we show that astrocytes express monoacylglycerol lipase (MGL), the main hydrolyzing enzyme of 2-AG, the pharmacological inhibition of which potentiates the ATP-induced 2-AG production (up to 113-fold of basal 2-AG production at 2.5 min). Our results show that ATP greatly increases, and MGL limits, 2-AG production from astrocytes. We propose that 2-AG may function as a gliotransmitter, with MGL inhibitors potentiating this production and possibly restraining the propagation of harmful neuroinflammation.

Platelet-activating factor enhancement of calcium influx and interleukin-6 expression, but not production, in human microglia

Calcium-sensitive fluorescence microscopy and molecular biology analysis have been used to study the effects of platelet-activating factor (PAF) on intracellular calcium [Ca²⁺]_i and IL-6 expression in human microglia. PAF (applied acutely at 100 nM) elicited a biphasic response in [Ca²⁺]_i consisting of an initial rapid increase of [Ca²⁺]_i due to release from internal stores, followed by a sustained influx. The latter phase of the [Ca²⁺]_i increase was blocked by SKF96365, a non-selective store-operated channel (SOC) inhibitor. RT-PCR analysis showed PAF treatment of microglia induced expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 in a time-dependent manner which was blocked in the presence of SKF96365. However, ELISA assay showed no production of IL-6 was elicited at any time point (1–24 h) for microglial exposures to PAF. These findings suggest that PAF stimulation of human microglia induces expression, but not production, of IL-6 and that SOC-mediated [Ca²⁺]_i influx contributes to the enhanced expression of the cytokine.

P2X7 receptors control 2-arachidonoylglycerol production by microglial cells

Endogenous cannabinoid ligands (endocannabinoids) produced by neurons, astrocytes, and microglial cells activate cannabinoid receptors, the molecular target for marijuana's bioactive ingredient Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol. The molecular mechanism underlying the production of the most abundant endocannabinoid, 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), is unclear. A prevalent hypothesis proposes that activation of metabotropic receptors coupled to the phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C and diacylglycerol (DG) lipase pathway will systematically lead to increases in 2-AG production. Here, we show that ATP increases 2-AG production by cultured microglial cells in a phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C and DG lipase-dependent manner. However, efficacious activation of metabotropic P2Y purinergic receptors coupled to phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C does not increase 2-AG production. This suggests that ionotropic, and not metabotropic, purinergic receptors control 2-AG production at an unexpected enzymatic step of its metabolic pathway. We show that activation of P2X(7) ionotropic receptors, which are highly permeable to calcium, is necessary and sufficient to increase 2-AG production in microglial cells. We also show that the sustained rise in intracellular calcium induced by activation of P2X(7) receptors directly increases DG lipase activity while inhibiting the activity of monoacylglycerol lipase, the enzyme that degrades 2-AG. This inverse sensitivity of DG lipase and monoacylglycerol lipase to calcium constitutes an original and efficient modality for sustained accumulation of 2-AG. Because prolonged increases in 2-AG amounts in brain parenchyma are thought to orchestrate neuroinflammation, the enzymatic steps involved in 2-AG synthesis and degradation by microglial cells constitute appealing targets for therapy aimed at controlling exacerbated neuroinflammation.

Differential activation of subtype purinergic receptors modulates Ca(2+) mobilization and COX-2 in human microglia

We have studied modulation of purinergic receptors (P(2Y) and P(2X) subtypes) on changes in intracellular Ca(2+) [Ca(2+)](i) and expression and production of COX-2 in human microglia. Measurements using Ca(2+)-sensitive spectrofluorometry showed adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to cause rapid transient increases in [Ca(2+)](i). Application of ATP plus the P(2X) antagonist, pyridoxal-phosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulfonic acid (PPADS), or treatment with adenosine diphosphate-beta-S (ADP-beta-S), a selective P(2Y) agonist, led to a considerable prolongation in [Ca(2+)](i) responses compared with ATP. The prolonged time courses were consistent with sustained activation of store-operated channels (SOC) since SKF96365, an inhibitor of SOC, blocked this component of the response. RT-PCR data showed that microglia expressed no COX-2 either constitutively or following treatment of cells with ATP (100 microM for 8 h). However, treatment using ATP plus PPADS or with ADP-beta-S led to marked expression of COX-2. The enhanced COX-2 with ATP plus PPADS treatment was absent in the presence of SKF96365 or using Ca(2+)-free solution. Immunocytochemistry, using a specific anti-COX-2 antibody, also revealed a pattern of purinergic modulation whereby lack of P(2X) activation enhanced the production of COX-2 protein. These results suggest that modulation of subtypes of purinergic receptors regulates COX-2 in human microglia with a link involving SOC-mediated influx of Ca(2+).

Calcium signaling in microglial cells

Receptor-mediated Ca(2+) signals are a common signal transduction mechanism in all living cells, including microglia. Recent years have brought major advances in our understanding of microglial Ca(2+) signaling. More than 20 receptor/ligand interactions leading to Ca(2+) signals in microglia have been described so far, and it seems that this is just the beginning. The literature has grown rapidly during the past few years, especially in regard to chemokine and ATP/UTP receptor signaling. This article presents a brief overview of the basics of Ca(2+) signaling, reviews the current literature on microglial Ca(2+) signaling, and discusses the current challenges and possible future directions of this emerging field.

Inhibition of lipopolysaccharide-induced cyclooxygenase-2, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and [Ca2+]i responses in human microglia by the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor ligand PK11195

The anti-inflammatory actions of the mitochondrial peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) agonist PK11195 [1-(2-chloro- phenyl)-N-methyl-N-(1-methylpropyl)-3-isoquinoline-carboxamide] were investigated in human microglia. Application of the microglial inflammatory stimulus lipopolysaccharide (LPS, at 100 ng/mL for 3 h), induced enhancement of the expressions of the inducible enzyme, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and the pro-inflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). PK11195 (at 50 microm) significantly inhibited the LPS-induced up-regulation of both inflammatory factors; at a lower concentration of PK11195 (2 microm) expression of TNF-alpha, but not COX-2, was reduced. Production of both factors, using immunocytochemistry for COX-2 and ELISA for TNF-alpha, was markedly reduced with 50 microm of PK11195 added to LPS solution. Acute application of LPS induced a transient increase in intracellular Ca2+[Ca2+]i exhibiting both a slow development and recovery in kinetic behavior. This increase in [Ca2+]i consisted primarily of a Ca2+ influx component accompanied by a smaller mobilization from intracellular Ca2+ stores. In the presence of PK11195, the amplitude of the [Ca2+]i response induced by LPS was reduced by 54%. Another mitochondrial agent cyclosporin A (CsA), which also acts at the permeability transition pore (PTP) of mitochondrial membrane but at a site different from the PBR, was ineffective in reducing either the LPS-induced expression of COX-2 and TNF-alpha or the endotoxin increase in [Ca2+]i. These results indicate that the mitochondrial effector PK11195 is a specific and effective agent for inhibiting LPS-induced microglial expressions of COX-2 and TNF-alpha and that modulation of Ca2+-mediated signaling pathways could be involved in the anti-inflammatory actions.

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide induces a sustained increase in intracellular free Ca(2+) concentration and catechol amine release by activating Ca(2+) influx via receptor-stimulated Ca(2+) entry, independent of store-operated Ca(2+) channels, and voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels in bovine adrenal medullary chromaffin cells

Characteristics of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP)-induced increase of Ca(2+) entry and catecholamine (CA) release were studied in bovine adrenal medullary chromaffin cells. PACAP induced intracellular free Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)), showing an initial transient [Ca(2+)](i) rise followed by a sustained rise and CA release, which were not blocked by the blocking agents for nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) channel, the voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channel (VOC), or the Na(+) channel. The sarcoendoplasmic Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitors thapsigargin and cyclopiazonic acid did not affect the PACAP-induced sustained rise of [Ca(2+)](i), but did inhibit the initial [Ca(2+)](i) rise. In cells pretreated with cyclopiazonic acid or membrane-permeable, low-affinity Ca(2+) chelator N',N',N',N'-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine, PACAP further stimulated the entry of Ca(2+) or Mn(2+), whereas these treatments masked [Ca(2+)](i) dynamics induced by bradykinin. PACAP-induced sustained [Ca(2+)](i) rise and Mn(2+) entry were enhanced by acidic extracellular solution and reduced by alkalinization, whereas thapsigargin-induced Mn(2+) entry was regulated by the opposite. PACAP-induced [Ca(2+)](i) rise and Mn(2+) entry were not affected by blockers of cAMP-dependent protein kinase, phospholipase C, or protein kinase C. All store-operated Ca(2+) channel (SOC) blocking agents tested inhibited thapsigargin-induced Mn(2+) entry. 1(beta-[3-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-propoxy]-4-methoxyphenylethyl)-1H-imidazole hydrochloride (SK&F 96365), (R,S)-(3,4-dihydro-6,7-dimethoxy-isoquinoline-1-yl)-2-phenyl-N,N-di-[2-(2,3,4-trimethoxyphenyl)ethyl]-acetamide, and econazole inhibited PACAP-induced Ca(2+) or Mn(2+) entry, whereas GdCl(3), 7,8-benzoflavone, nor-dihydroguaiaretic acid, 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)benzoic acid, fulfenamic acid, and niflumic acid did not. SK&F 96365 and econazole but not GdCl(3) inhibited PACAP-induced CA release. These results suggest that PACAP activates a novel Ca(2+) entry pathway associated with sustained CA release independent of the nAChR channel, VOC and SOC, activated by acid pH, with different sensitivity to blockers of SOC. This pathway may provide a useful model for the study of receptor-operated Ca(2+) entry.