Using FluoZin-3 and fura-2 to monitor acute accumulation of free intracellular Cd2+ in a pancreatic beta cell line

The understanding of cellular Cd²⁺ accumulation and toxicity is hampered by a lack of fluorescent indicators selective for intracellular free Cd²⁺ ([Cd²⁺]_i). In this study, we used depolarized MIN6 mouse pancreatic beta cells as a model for evaluating [Cd²⁺]_i detection with commercially available fluorescent probes, most of which have been traditionally used to visualize [Ca²⁺]_i and [Zn²⁺]_i. We trialed a panel of 12 probes including fura-2, FluoZin-3, Leadmium Green, Rhod-5N, indo-1, Fluo-5N, and others. We found that the [Zn²⁺]_i probe FluoZin-3 and the traditional [Ca²⁺]_i probe fura-2 responded most consistently and robustly to [Cd²⁺]_i accumulation mediated by voltage-gated calcium channels. While selective detection of [Cd²⁺]_i by fura-2 required the omission of Ca²⁺ from extracellular buffers, FluoZin-3 responded to [Cd²⁺]_i similarly in the presence or absence of extracellular Ca²⁺. Furthermore, we showed that FluoZin-3 and fura-2 can be used together for simultaneous monitoring of [Ca²⁺]_i and [Cd²⁺]_i in the same cells. None of the other fluorophores tested were effective [Cd²⁺]_i detectors in this model.

Direct measurements of SR free Ca reveal the mechanism underlying the transient effects of RyR potentiation under physiological conditions

AIMS

Most of the calcium that activates contraction is released from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) through the ryanodine receptor (RyR). It is controversial whether activators of the RyR produce a maintained increase in the amplitude of the systolic Ca transient. We therefore aimed to examine the effects of activation of the RyR in large animals under conditions designed to be as physiological as possible while simultaneously measuring SR and cytoplasmic Ca.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Experiments were performed on ventricular myocytes from canine and ovine hearts. Cytoplasmic Ca was measured with fluo-3 and SR Ca with mag-fura-2. Application of caffeine resulted in a brief increase in the amplitude of the systolic Ca transient accompanied by an increase of action potential duration. These effects disappeared with a rate constant of ∼3 s(-1). Similar effects were seen in cells taken from sheep in which heart failure had been induced by rapid pacing. The decrease of Ca transient amplitude was accompanied by a decrease of SR Ca content. During this phase, the maximum (end-diastolic) SR Ca content fell while the minimum systolic increased.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that, under conditions designed to be as physiological as possible, potentiation of RyR opening has no maintained effect on the systolic Ca transient. This result makes it unlikely that potentiation of the RyR has a maintained role in positive inotropy.

Effects of equinatoxin II on isolated guinea pig taenia caeci muscle contractility and intracellular Ca2+

Equinatoxin II (EqT II) is a approximately 20kDa cytotoxic and cytolytic protein isolated from the sea anemone Actinia equina. When injected intravenously to rats the toxin has been reported to produce a rapid cardiorespiratory arrest. In the present study, we show that EqT II increases the tension of spontaneous contractions and induces long-lasting contracture of guinea pig taenia caeci muscle. In taenia caeci, dissociated smooth muscle cells, microspectrofluorometric measurements, using the Ca(2+) indicator fura-2/AM, revealed that the toxin causes a marked increase in intracellular calcium, provided Ca(2+) is present in the external medium. The increase in intracellular Ca(2+) by EqT II was not blocked or diminished by the calcium channel blocker verapamil. Furthermore, pre-treatment of smooth muscle cells with Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitor thapsigargin, or exposure of the cells to a high K(+) (75 mM) medium did not prevent EqT II-induced intracellular Ca(2+) increases. Replacement of external sodium by sucrose markedly modified the time course of Ca(2+) signals suggesting the involvement of the Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger in EqT II action. Our results strongly suggest that EqT II-induced increase in intracellular Ca(2+) and muscle tension are both dependent on the ability of EqT II to insert into the membrane and form pores allowing Ca(2+) influx into the cells. To our knowledge this is the first report showing that EqT II causes contraction and contracture of taenia caeci muscles and increases intracellular Ca(2+) in smooth muscle cells.

Role of reverse mode Na+/Ca2+ exchanger in the cardioprotection of metabolic inhibition preconditioning in rat ventricular myocytes

This study determined the role of the reverse mode Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger (NCX) in cardioprotection of metabolic inhibition preconditioning in isolated ventricular myocyctes. Activity of the reverse mode NCX was assessed by changes of [Ca(2+)](i) upon withdrawal of extracellular Na(+). [Ca(2+)](i) was measured by spectrofluorometry, using Fura-2 as Ca(2+) indicator. The amplitude of contraction and exclusion of trypan blue by myocytes served as indices of contractile function and viability, respectively. Firstly, NCX activity significantly decreased during simulated reperfusion after severe metabolic inhibition (index ischaemia) in myocytes subjected to metabolic inhibition preconditioning. This inhibitory effect on NCX activity correlated with the enhancing effect of metabolic inhibition preconditioning on cell viability following ischaemic insult. Treatment myocytes with E4031, an activator of reverse mode NCX, during index ischaemia and reperfusion attenuated the enhancing effects of metabolic inhibition preconditioning on cell contraction and viability. Secondly, NCX activity was significantly higher at the end of metabolic inhibition preconditioning. More importantly, E4031 pretreatment mimicked the beneficial effects of metabolic inhibition preconditioning in myocytes and ischaemic preconditioning in the isolated perfused heart, respectively, and these effects were abolished by KB-R7943, an inhibitor of reverse mode NCX. The results indicate that increased reverse mode NCX activity during preconditioning triggered cardioprotection, and reduced reverse mode NCX activity during reperfusion after index ischaemia conferred cardioprotection.

Dopamine-induced graded intracellular Ca2+ elevation via the Na+Ca2+ exchanger operating in the Ca2+-entry mode in cockroach salivary ducts

Stimulation with the neurotransmitter dopamine causes an amplitude-modulated increase in the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) in epithelial cells of the ducts of cockroach salivary glands. This is completely attributable to a Ca(2+) influx from the extracellular space. Additionally, dopamine induces a massive [Na(+)](i) elevation via the Na(+)K(+)2Cl(-) cotransporter (NKCC). We have reasoned that Ca(2+)-entry is mediated by the Na(+)Ca(2+) exchanger (NCE) operating in the Ca(2+)-entry mode. To test this hypothesis, [Ca(2+)](i) and [Na(+)](i) were measured by using the fluorescent dyes Fura-2, Fluo-3, and SBFI. Inhibition of Na(+)-entry from the extracellular space by removal of extracellular Na(+) or inhibition of the NKCC by 10 microM bumetanide did not influence resting [Ca(2+)](i) but completely abolished the dopamine-induced [Ca(2+)](i) elevation. Simultaneous recordings of [Ca(2+)](i) and [Na(+)](i) revealed that the dopamine-induced [Na(+)](i) elevation preceded the [Ca(2+)](i) elevation. During dopamine stimulation, the generation of an outward Na(+) concentration gradient by removal of extracellular Na(+) boosted the [Ca(2+)](i) elevation. Furthermore, prolonging the dopamine-induced [Na(+)](i) rise by blocking the Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase reduced the recovery from [Ca(2+)](i) elevation. These results indicate that dopamine induces a massive NKCC-mediated elevation in [Na(+)](i), which reverses the NCE activity into the reverse mode causing a graded [Ca(2+)](i) elevation in the duct cells.

A remarkable increase in the pHi sensitivity of voltage-dependent calcium channels occurs in human sperm incubated in capacitating conditions

Human sperm are endowed with voltage-dependent calcium channels (VDCC) that produce increases in [Ca2+]i in response to depolarization with KCl. These channels are stimulated during "capacitation", a complex biochemical process, accompanied by a slight pHi alkalization, that sperm must accomplish to acquire the ability to fertilize the egg. The stimulation can be explained in part by the fact that in non-capacitated sperm, calcium influx through VDCC is stimulated by pHi alkalization in the range of pHi observed during capacitation. In this work, we explored the effect of pHi on VDCC in capacitated sperm loaded with fura ff. Strikingly, the pHi sensitivity of VDCC increased approximately 7-fold when sperm was capacitated, as compared with non-capacitated sperm. This finding suggests that the pHi sensitivity of VDCC can be modulated during capacitation so that a combined effect of pHi alkalization and biochemical regulation enhances calcium influx through these channels.

Evidence for capacitative and non-capacitative Ca2+ entry pathways coexist in A10 vascular smooth muscle cells

It is generally thought that receptor-operated Ca2+ entry is related to store-operated or capacitative Ca2+ entry mechanism. Recent evidence suggests that non-capacitative Ca2+ entry pathways are also involved in receptor activated Ca2+ influx in many different kinds of cells. In this study, we studied whether alpha1-adrenoreceptor (alpha1-AR)-activated Ca2+ entry is coupled to both capacitative and non-capacitative pathways in A10 vascular smooth muscle cells by fura-2 fluorescence probe and conventional whole-cell patch clamp techniques. We found that both thapsigargin (TG) and phenylephrine (Phe) induced transient increase in cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in Ca2+-free medium, and subsequent addition of Ca2+ evoked a sustained [Ca2+]i rise. When the membrane potential was held at -60 mV, both TG and Phe activated inward currents, which were inhibited by GdCl3(Gd3+), 0Na+/0Ca2+ solution and 1-{beta[3-(4-mehtoxyphenyl)propoxy]-4-methoxypheneth-yl}-1H- imidazole hydro-chloride (SK&F96365), but not by nifedipine. When Ca2+ store was depleted by TG in Ca2+-free solution, Phe failed to further evoke [Ca2+]i rise. However, when capacitative Ca2+ entry was activated by TG in the medium containing Ca2+, 10 microM Phe further increased [Ca2+]i. At the same concentration, TG activated an inward cation current, subsequent addition of Phe also further induced an inward cation current. Furthermore, the amplitudes of [Ca2+]i increase and current density induced by Phe in the presence of TG were less than that induced by Phe alone. Our results suggest that both capacitative and non-capacitative Ca2+ entry pathways are involved in Ca2+ influx induced by activation of alpha1-AR in A10 vascular smooth muscle cells.

Protective effects of sarpogrelate, a 5-HT2A antagonist, against postischemic myocardial dysfunction in guinea-pig hearts

The protective effects of sarpogrelate (SG), a 5-HT2A antagonist, were investigated in perfused guinea-pig Langendorff hearts subjected to ischemia and reperfusion. Changes in cellular levels of high phosphorous energy, NO and Ca2+ in the heart together with simultaneous recordings of left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) were monitored using an nitric oxide (NO) electrode, fluorometry and 31P-NMR. The recovery of LVDP from ischemia by reperfusion was 30.1% in the control, while the treatment with SG (5 x 10(-7) M) in pre- and post-ischemia hearts produced a gradual increase to 73.1 and 53.6%, respectively. At the final stage of ischemia, the intracellular concentration of Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) and release of NO increased with no twitching and remained at a high steady level. The addition of SG increased the transient NO signal (TNO) level at the end of ischemia compared with the control, but [Ca2+]i during ischemia decreased. Meanwhile, mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake on acidification or Ca2+ content changes of the perfusate was suppressed by pre-treatment with SG or the KATP channel opener diazoxide, but not the KATP channel blocker 5-HD. The myocardial NO elevated with 5-HT in normal Langendorff hearts was suppressed by the treatment with SG. Therefore, the existence of the 5HT2A receptor in a Langendorff heart was anticipated. By in vitro EPR, SG was found to directly quench the hydroxy radical. Thus, these findings suggested that the 5-HT2A receptor induced in ischemia-reperfusion plays an important role in the mitochondrial KATP channel of hearts in close relation with NO and active oxygen radicals.

Abnormal spectra alteration observed in Triton calibration method for measuring [Ca2+]i with fluorescence indicator, fura-2

We compared two commonly used calibration methods for measuring the concentration of intracellular free calcium ([Ca2+]i) by ratiometric fluorescence dye, fura-2 in mouse neuroblastoma-rat glioma hybrid cells (NG108-15). One calibration method, the Triton method, employs detergent Triton X-100, while the other, the Ionomycin method, uses a calcium-specific ionophore, Ionomycin. In the Triton method, we observed that at excitation 380 nm, the fura-2 fluorescence intensity of steady-state cells abnormally situated beyond the limiting intensity for calibration. By excitation scan, we demonstrated that this abnormality was caused by the change of fura-2 isosbestic points, which in turn was due to cell lysis after the addition of Triton X-100. This problem was resolved in the Ionomycin method by avoidance of cell lysis. Our results showed the correlation between inconsistent isosbestic points and cell lysis. As the basis for [Ca2+]i calibration, the proportionality between the fluorescence intensity and the concentration of dye species was impaired because of inconsistent isosbestic points. This inconsistency can be eliminated by a preliminary experiment of excitation scan to test the feasibility of different calibration methods.

Sodium-calcium exchange influences the response to endothelin-1 in lens epithelium

Studies were conducted to examine the possible involvement of Na+-Ca2+ exchanger in determining the magnitude of the endothelin-1 (ET-1)-receptor-mediated calcium signal in porcine lens epithelial cells. Cytoplasmic calcium concentration was measured in primary cultured cells loaded with Fura-2. ET-1 (100 nM) caused cytoplasmic calcium to increase transiently to approximately 250 nM from a baseline of approximately 65 nM. The calcium increase decayed to a sustained plateau 35-45 nM above the baseline. Both the peak and plateau component of the ET-1 calcium response were abolished by PD145065, an ET receptor antagonist, and by cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) (10 microM). In calcium-free bathing solution, only the plateau was abolished. In the presence of ouabain, low-sodium bathing solution or bepridil, a sodium-calcium exchange inhibitor, peak height more than doubled. Bepridil also increased the peak height of the calcium response to ATP. The half-time for decay of the ET-1 and ATP calcium peak was increased several folds by bepridil, ouabain and low-sodium conditions. Measurements of ionomycin-releasable calcium suggested calcium store size was not increased in bepridil-treated cells. Taken together findings suggest inhibition of sodium-calcium exchange increases the magnitude of the receptor-initiated store-release phase of the ET-1 calcium signaling response as the result of impaired calcium clearance from the cytoplasm.

Nitric oxide inhibits adenosine 5'-triphosphate-induced Ca2+ response in inner hair cells of the guinea pig cochlea

To investigate the interaction between Ca(2+) and nitric oxide (NO) in inner hair cells of the guinea pig cochlea (IHCs), the extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP)-induced NO production and the effects of NO on ATP-induced increase of intracellular Ca(2+) concentrations ([Ca(2+)](i)) were investigated in IHCs using the NO-sensitive dye DAF-2 and the Ca(2+)-sensitive dye Fura-2. Extracellular ATP induced an increase in DAF-2 fluorescence, which thus indicates NO production in IHCs. The ATP-induced NO production was mainly due to Ca(2+) influx through the activation of P2 receptor. L-N(G)-nitroarginine methyl ester, a NO synthesis inhibitor, enhanced the ATP-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increase in IHCs while S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine, a NO donor, inhibited it. We conclude that NO inhibits the ATP-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increase in IHCs by a negative-feedback mechanism.

Intracellular calibration of the fluorescent Mg2+ indicator furaptra in rat ventricular myocytes

Single ventricular myocytes enzymatically isolated from rat hearts were loaded with the Mg2+ indicator furaptra, and the relationship between the fluorescence ratio signal (R) and the intracellular free concentration of Mg2+ ([Mg2+]i) was studied in situ at 25 degrees C. After the application of ionophores (ionomycin, monensin, nigericin and valinomycin), an immediate change in furaptra R was noted, followed by a slow change in R that reached a steady level in 2-4 h. The direction of the early change in R that accompanied rigor contraction was independent of the extracellular Mg2+ concentration ([Mg2+]o), and was consistent with the breakdown of ATP and release of bound Mg2+. The intracellular calibration curve was constructed from the steady levels of R obtained at various [Mg2+]o between 0 and 47 mM. The dissociation constant of intracellular furaptra was estimated to be 5.3 mM, which was 44% higher than that determined in salt solutions (3.7 mM). The basal [Mg2+]i of rat ventricular myocytes calculated with the intracellular curve averaged 0.91 mM.

Functional expression and characterization of odorant receptors using the Semliki Forest virus system

The human olfactory system can recognize and discriminate a large number of different odorant molecules. The detection of chemically distinct odorants starts with the binding of an odorant ligand to a specific receptor protein on the olfactory neuron cell surface. To address the problem of olfactory perception at a molecular level, we have expressed and characterized different olfactory receptors with several expression systems. Here we provide the first documentation of functional expression of odorant receptors using the Semliki Forest virus system. The human odorant OR 17-40 receptor and the rat 17 receptor were functionally expressed in vertebrate kidney cells (HEK293) using recombinant Semliki Forest viruses. Receptors were expressed as a fusion protein with the N-terminal membrane import sequence of the guinea pig serotonin receptor. Experiments employing the Ca2+-sensitive dye fura-2 revealed a fast, transient increase in the [Ca2+]i after application of the specific agonists helional and octanal to HEK293 cells infected with viruses containing RNA for the human odorant OR 17-40 receptor and the rat 17 receptor, respectively.

Characteristics of collagen-induced Ca2+ mobilization in bovine platelets

We characterized the collagen-induced increase in cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) of bovine platelets loaded with the Ca2+ indicator Fura-PE3/AM. Collagen (10 micrograms/ml)-induced increase in [Ca2+]i was only partially inhibited by aspirin, a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, or adenosine 3'-phosphate 5'-phosphosulfate (A3P5PS, a P2Y1 receptor antagonist), while in human platelets it was almost completely suppressed by aspirin. Collagen-induced increase in [Ca2+]i of bovine platelets was inhibited by U73122 (0.3-5 microM), a phospholipase C inhibitor. Collagen (10 micrograms/ml) increased production of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate, which was prevented by pretreatment with U73122 (5 microM). Collagen (10 micrograms/ml) accelerated Mn2+ entry, since the rate of Fura-PE3 quenching by Mn2+ was enhanced by 13-fold following stimulation with collagen. U73122 inhibited the acceleration of Mn2+ entry induced by collagen. PGE1 (2.5 microM) partially inhibited the collagen (50 micrograms/ml)-induced increase in [Ca2+]i in bovine platelets but not in human platelets. The data suggest that collagen-induced Ca2+ mobilization in bovine platelets is mediated by phospholipase C. The Ca2+ mobilization in bovine platelets is different from that in human ones as to the dependency on arachidonic acid metabolites and sensitivity to PGE1.

Calcium signals in prostate cancer cells: specific activation by bone-matrix proteins

Cancer of the prostate commonly metastasizes to bony sites where cells acquire an aggressive, rapidly proliferating, androgen-independent phenotype. The interaction between bone and prostate, thus, becomes a key factor in disease progression. Fluctuations in intracellular ionized Ca2+ [Ca2+]i are rapid, regulated signal transduction events often associated with cell proliferation. Hence, Ca2+ signals provide a convenient measure of early events in cancer cell growth. This study developed single cell fluorescent imaging techniques to visualize Ca2+ signals in Fura-2 loaded prostatic cancer cell lines of various metastatic phenotypes. Solubilized bone fractions containing extracellular matrix and associated proteins were tested for the ability to trigger Ca2+ signals in prostate cancer cell lines. Fractions representing the complete repertoire of non-collagenous proteins present in mineralized bone were tested. Results demonstrated that two bone fractions termed D3b- and D4a-triggered Ca2+ signals in prostate cancer cells derived from bone (PC-3), but not brain (DU-145) metastases of prostate cancer. Lymph-node derived LNCaP cells also did not produce a Ca2+ signal in response to addition of soluble bone matrix. No other bone fractions produced a Ca2+ signal in PC-3 cells. It is of interest that bone fractions D3b and D4a contain a number of non-collagenous matrix proteins including osteonectin (SPARC) and osteopontin (OPN), as well as prothrombin. Moreover, antibody LM609 that recognizes the alpha v beta 3 integrin, blocks the ability of OPN to trigger a Ca2+ transient in PC-3 cells. These studies support a conclusion that bone-matrix proteins play a role in the growth and progression of metastatic prostate cancer, and that prior growth in bone may be associated with development of a bone-matrix-responsive phenotype.

Effects of hypochlorite-modified low-density and high-density lipoproteins on intracellular Ca2+ and plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase activity of human platelets

The presence of hypochlorite-modified lipoproteins in atherosclerotic lesions suggests that HOCl, a naturally occurring oxidant formed by the myeloperoxidase-catalyzed reaction of H2O2 and Cl-, is a candidate for generation of modified lipoproteins in vivo. We have previously demonstrated that Cu(2+)-oxidized LDL inhibits platelet plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase (PMCA) in isolated membranes and causes an increase in cytosolic Ca2+ in resting whole platelets. However, Cu(2+)-oxidized LDL may not be identical in structure and function to the physiologically modified lipoprotein. Since platelet function may be affected by native and modified lipoproteins, the effect of HOCl-modified LDL and HDL3 on platelet PMCA and on the free intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) of whole platelets has been investigated. We demonstrate that in contrast to Cu(2+)-oxidized LDL, HOCl-modified LDL and HDL3 stimulate platelet PMCA activity in isolated membranes and that this effect results in a decrease of [Ca2+]i in vivo. Thus, HOCl-oxidation produces modified lipoproteins with the potential for altering platelet function and with properties different from those of the Cu(2+)-oxidized counterparts.

Tight coupling between the rate of rise of Ca2+ transient and peak twitch contraction in guinea-pig papillary muscle

We evaluated the relationship between cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and force in guinea-pig papillary muscles loaded with a fluorescent Ca2+ indicator, fura-PE3. In the absence of ryanodine, [Ca2+]i transient and force were altered by changing extracellular Ca2+ concentration and stimulation frequency, and also by adding methyl-1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-3-nitro-4-(2-trifluoromethylphenyl)-pyri dine-5-carboxylate (Bay K 8644) or ouabain. Under these conditions, the peak force correlated linearly with the maximal rate of rise of [Ca2+]i (gamma = 0.948) more than the peak [Ca2+]i transient (gamma = 0.737). Ryanodine inhibited the increase in the maximal rate of rise of [Ca2+]i resulting in abolishment of the correlation between force and the maximal rate of rise of [Ca2+]i. These results suggest that the maximal rate of rise of [Ca2+]i reflects Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, and this fraction of [Ca2+]i is crucial for determining the amplitude of twitch contractions when the sarcoplasmic reticulum is intact in guinea-pig papillary muscle.

Rapid actions of calcitriol and its side chain analogues CB1093 and GS1500 on intracellular calcium levels in skeletal muscle cells: a comparative study

1. The ability of synthetic analogues of the secosteroid hormone 1alpha,25-dihydroxy-vitamin-D3 [calcitriol, CT; 1,25(OH)2D3] to exert non-genomic (rapid) effects on target cells has been scarcely studied. To evaluate the pharmacological potential of the CT side-chain analogues CB1093 and GS1500, we compared their fast effects on intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in chick skeletal muscle cells with those elicited by the natural hormone. 2. Both analogues, similarly to CT, specifically induced rapid (30-60 s) and sustained rises in [Ca2+]i levels. CB1093 and GS1500 were more potent than the natural hormone at concentrations as low as 10(-13) M (4.5 fold stimulation) and 10(-12) M (2.5 fold), respectively, whereas higher concentrations (10(-9)- 10(-8) M) of CT were more effective than the analogues in elevating [Ca2+]i. Cyclic AMP was markedly increased by both analogues pointing for a role of this messenger in the fast actions of the synthetic compounds. 3. In Ca2+ free medium CT and analogues elicited a transient elevation in [Ca2+]i. The PLC inhibitors U73122 (2 microM) and neomycin (0.5 mM), as well as depletion of intracellular stores with thapsigargin (1 microM), completely prevented CB1093/GS1500-dependent changes in [Ca2+]i suggesting that, similarly to CT, these analogues mobilized Ca2+ from an IP3/thapsigargin-sensitive store. 4. The voltage-dependent calcium channel (VDCC) blocker nifedipine (2 microM) reduced by 50-60% the influx phase of the [Ca2+]i response to CB1093 and GS1500, indicating that VDCC contributed partially to Ca2+ entry. The Ca2+ readdition protocol suggested that analogue-dependent activation of a SOC entry pathway accounted, to the same extent as for CT, for the remaining non-VDCC mediated Ca2+ influx.

Interplay between Ca2+ release and Ca2+ influx underlies localized hyperpolarization-induced [Ca2+]i waves in prostatic cells

Calcium seems to be a major second messenger involved in the regulation of prostatic cell functions, but the mechanisms underlying its control are poorly understood. We investigated spatiotemporal aspects of Ca2+ signals in the LNCaP cell line, a model of androgen-dependent prostatic cells, by using non-invasive external electric field pulses that hyperpolarize the anode facing membrane and depolarize the membrane facing the cathode. Using high-speed fluo-3 confocal imaging, we found that an electric field pulse (10-15 V/cm, 1-5 mA, 5 ms) initiated rapidly, at the hyperpolarized end of the cell, a propagated [Ca2+]i wave which spread through the cell with a constant amplitude and an average velocity of about 20 microns/s. As evidenced by the total wave inhibition either by the block of Ca2+ entry or the depletion of Ca2+ stores by thapsigargin, a specific Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitor, the [Ca2+]i wave initiation may imply a localized Ca2+ influx linked to a focal auto-regenerative process of Ca2+ release. Using different external Ca2+ and Ca2+ entry blockers concentrations, Mn2+ quenching of fluo-3 and fura-2 fluorescence and inhibitors of InsP3 production, we found evidence that the [Ca2+]i wave progression required, in the presence of basal levels of InsP3, an interplay between Ca2+ release from InsP3-sensitive Ca2+ stores and Ca2+ influx through channels possibly activated by the [Ca2+]i rise.

Ca2+ sensitivity of phospholipid scrambling in human red cell ghosts

The phospholipids in plasma membranes of erythrocytes, as well as platelets, lymphocytes and other cells are asymmetrically distributed, with sphingomyelin and phosphatidylcholine residing predominantly in the outer leaflet of the bilayer, and phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylethanolamine in the inner leaflet. It is known that Ca2+ can disrupt the phospholipid asymmetry by activation of a protein known as phospholipid scramblase, which affects bidirectional phospholipid movement in a largely non-selective manner. As Ca2+ also inhibits aminophospholipid translocase, whose Mg(2+)-ATPase activity is responsible for active translocation of aminophospholipids from the outer to the inner leaflet, it is important to accurately determine the sensitivity of scramblase to intracellular free Ca2+. In the present study we have utilized the favourable Kd of Mag-fura-2 for calcium in the high micromolar range to determine free Ca2+ levels associated with lipid scrambling in resealed human red cell ghosts. The Ca2+ sensitivity was measured in parallel to the translocation of a fluorescent-labelled lipid incorporated into the ghost bilayer. The phospholipid scrambling was found to be half-maximally activated at 63-88 microM free intracellular Ca2+. The wider applicability of the method and the physiological implications of the calcium sensitivity determined is discussed.

Contractile function and myoplasmic free Ca2+ (Cam) in coronary and mesenteric arteries of endotoxemic guinea pigs

Endotoxin-induced vascular hyporesponsiveness could potentially involve alterations of vascular smooth muscle (VSM) myoplasmic free calcium (Ca(m)) mobilization mechanisms. Contractile function and Ca(m)(fura-2 microfluorometry) regulation were evaluated in vitro using coronary (COR) and mesenteric (MES) artery preparations (100-250 microm inner diameter) isolated from guinea pigs 16 h after intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of either saline (control; CON) or Escherichia coli endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 4 mg/kg). Concentration-response relationships to K+ (5-100 mM) were significantly enhanced in both COR and MES arteries isolated from LPS-treated animals. In contrast, contractile responses to prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha; 1-100 microM) were markedly impaired in COR and MES arteries from LPS-treated animals, while endothelin-1 (ET; 1-100 nM)-mediated contractile responses of these arteries were enhanced at the maximal dose (100 nM). In COR arteries, PGF2alpha (1-100 microM) and ET (1-100 nM) produced biphasic increases in Ca(m) in both CON and LPS groups. No significant differences were observed in either the initial transient peak or secondary sustained Ca(m) responses between groups, suggesting a lack of effect of LPS upon intracellular Ca2+ release or Ca2+ influx mechanisms in COR arteries. Exposure of MES arteries to PGF2alpha and ET produced concentration-dependent increases in Ca(m) in both groups. However, Ca(m) responses of MES arteries lacked initial peak responses, suggesting potential differences in Ca(m) mobilization between COR and MES arteries. Ca(m) responses to K+ (80 mM) and PGF2alpha (1-100 microM) were similar in MES arteries from both groups; however, ET-mediated increases in Ca(m) were significantly blunted in LPS compared with CON MES arteries. Thus, endotoxemia produced differential effects upon depolarization (K4) and receptor (PGF2alpha, ET)-mediated contractile responses in both COR and MES arteries. Reductions in VSM Ca(m) mobilization appear unlikely as a mechanism for LPS-induced impairment of contractile function of COR and MES arteries; other mechanisms (i.e., decreased Ca2+ sensitivity of contractile proteins) may be involved in effects of LPS upon VSM function of COR and MES arteries.

Postsynaptic Ca2+ influx mediated by three different pathways during synaptic transmission at a calyx-type synapse

Whole-cell recordings and Ca2+ flux measurements were made at a giant calyx-type synapse in rat brainstem slices to determine the contribution of glutamate receptor (GluR) channels and voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels (VDCCs) to postsynaptic Ca2+ influx during synaptic transmission. A single presynaptic action potential (AP) evoked an EPSP, followed by a single AP. The EPSP-AP sequence caused a postsynaptic Ca2+ influx of approximately 3.0 pC, primarily through VDCCs ( approximately 70%) and NMDA-type (up to 30%) channels but also through AMPA-type (<5%) GluR channels. At -80 mV, the fractional Ca2+ current (Pf) mediated by AMPA receptor (AMPAR) and NMDA receptor (NMDAR) channels was 1.3 and 11-12%, respectively. Simulations of the time course of Ca2+ influx through GluR channels suggested that the small contribution of AMPAR channels occurred only during the first few milliseconds of an EPSP, whereas influx through NMDAR channels dominated later. The NMDAR-mediated Ca2+ influx was localized in regions covered by the presynaptic terminal, whereas the Ca2+ influx mediated by VDCCs was more homogeneously distributed. Because of the temporal and spatial differences, calcium ions entering through the three different pathways are likely to activate different intracellular targets in the postsynaptic cell.

Developmentally regulated spontaneous activity in the embryonic chick retina

Even before birth and the onset of sensory experience, neural activity plays an important role in shaping the vertebrate nervous system. In the embryonic chick visual system, activity in the retina before vision has been implicated in the refinement of retinotopic maps, the elimination of transient projections, and the survival of a full complement of neurons. In this study, we report the detection of a physiological substrate for these phenomena: waves of spontaneous activity in the ganglion cell layer of the embryonic chick retina. The activity is robust and highly patterned, taking the form of large amplitude, rhythmic, and wide-ranging waves of excitation that propagate across the retina. Activity waves are most prominent and organized between embryonic days 13-18, coinciding with the developmental period during which retinal axons refine their connections in their targets. The spatial and temporal features of the patterns observed are consistent with the role of activity patterns in shaping eye-specific projections and retinotopic maps but inconsistent with the hypothesis that they specify lamina-specific projections in the tectum. Antagonists of glutamatergic and glycinergic transmission and of gap junctional communication suppress spontaneous activity, whereas antagonists to GABAergic transmission potentiate it. Based on these results, we propose that spontaneous activity in the ganglion cells is regulated by chemical inputs from both bipolar and amacrine cells and by gap junctional coupling involving ganglion cells.

Burn trauma and tumor necrosis factor alpha alter calcium handling by cardiomyocytes

It is well recognized that burn trauma induces an inflammatory cascade and the release of cytokines including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha. The negative inotropic effects of TNF-alpha on the heart are well recognized, but the cellular mechanisms remain unclear. To examine one aspect of cellular function, we exposed cardiac myocytes isolated from NZW rabbits (collagenase digestion) to either TNF-alpha (200, 400, or 1000 U/mL) or sham or burn plasma (10% by volume) for 3 to 4 h and measured calcium transient ratios in the isolated, contracting myocytes using the fluorescent indicator Fura-2-acetoxymethyl (1.2 microM); myocytes treated with media alone served as controls. Cells were placed in a perfusion chamber on the stage of an inverted Nikon microscope and superfused with buffer at 37 degrees C and stimulated at 1 Hz. A Tracor Northern Fluoroplex 1000 microspectrofluorometer and camera system, set to provide excitation of 340 and 380 nm with emission at 450-580 nm, was used to measure Ca2+ transients during systole-diastole. [Ca2+]i was reported as a fluorescence ratio (F340/F380) to minimize effects of different cell thickness and motion artifacts. After recording diastolic/systolic [Ca2+]i, cells were stimulated with isoproterenol, and [Ca2+]i was again measured. TNF-alpha produced diastolic and systolic [Ca2+]i values (1.067 +/- .023/1.301 +/- .017) that were similar to values seen after myocyte exposure to burn plasma (1.099 +/- .024/1.307 +/- .028) and significantly greater than values measured in controls (.857 +/- .017/1.077 +/- .015, p < .05). Our data confirm that burn trauma and TNF-alpha alter calcium handling by cardiomyocytes. The possible contribution of altered intracellular calcium dynamics to cardiac contractile abnormalities after burn trauma and TNF-alpha administration warrants further study.

Estimation of myofibrillar responsiveness to Ca2+ in isolated rat ventricular myocytes

To estimate myofibrillar responsiveness to Ca2+, we used the relation between cell length and intracellular [Ca2+] ([Ca2+]i) during tetanic contractions of isolated ventricular myocytes. Enzymatically isolated rat ventricular myocytes were loaded with fura-2 AM (4 microM for 10 min) and excited alternately at 340 nm and 380 nm. The ratio (R) of fura-2 fluorescence at these wavelengths [F(340)/F(380), an index of [Ca2+]i] and cell length (L) were measured simultaneously. Following treatment with thapsigargin (0.2 microM), myocytes were stimulated at 10 Hz for 10 s to produce a tetanic contraction every min and an instantaneous plot of R vs L (R-L trajectory) was constructed. The R-L trajectory followed the same path during cell shortening and re-lengthening, suggesting that dynamic equilibrium between R and L was achieved during tetanus. Increasing the extracellular [Ca2+] from 1 to 8 mM extended the R-L trajectory without a substantial shift of the relation. The Ca2+-sensitizing thiadiazinone derivative, EMD57033 (1 microM), shifted the R-L trajectory to the left (sensitization of the myofibrils to Ca2+), whereas the non-selective phosphodiesterase inhibitor, 3-isobutyl-1-methylxantine (200 microM), shifted the R-L trajectory to the right (desensitization of the myofibrils to Ca2+), in agreement with previous results obtained using skinned preparations. We conclude that the R-L trajectory is useful for estimating the myofibrillar responsiveness to Ca2+ in isolated myocytes and may be beneficial for the evaluation of inotropic agents.

Calibration of intracellular Ca transients of isolated adult heart cells labelled with fura-2 by acetoxymethyl ester loading

A procedure for calibration of fluorescence signals from adult rat heart cells loaded with the -AM ester of fura-2 is described. Calibration is complicated by dye compartmentation and potentially incomplete dye hydrolysis. These problems were overcome by subtracting from fluorescence transients the non-cytosolic (mitochondrial) component of fura-2 fluorescence plus any Ca-insensitive component of dye fluorescence, after selectively and sequentially quenching cytosolic and non-cytosolic dye with Mn. The Kd of fura-2 in cells loaded by the -AM ester, in cells depleted of ATP and equilibrated with Ca buffers, was found to be 371 +/- 39 nM at 37 degrees C. We found that calibration values for RMAX and RMIN derived from previously measured cells were of general validity, removing the need to measure RMAX and RMIN on every cell. Once these calibration values are determined, the calibration procedure to measure cytosolic Ca on any cell is a five minute procedure to determine compartmentation, using just one non-toxic and inexpensive solution. Finally, we have calculated how the errors intrinsic to the measurements translate into errors of the calculated Ca concentration and transient peak heights. These calculations allow reasonable parameters for data acquisition to be set.

Neuronal free calcium measurement using BTC/AM, a low affinity calcium indicator

BTC is a low affinity calcium indicator (Kd approximately 7-26 microM) featuring many desirable properties for cellular calcium imaging, including long excitation wavelengths (400/485 nm), low sensitivity to Mg2+, and accuracy of ratiometric measurement [Iatridou H., Foukaraki E., Kuhn M.A., Marcus E.M., Haugland R.P., Katerinopoulos H.E. The development of a new family of intracellular calcium probes. Cell Calcium 1994; 15: 190-198]. To assess the usefulness of this indicator in cultured neurons, we examined properties of BTC and its acetoxymethyl ester, BTC/AM. BTC/AM had substantial calcium-independent fluorescence at all excitation wavelengths. BTC/AM was readily loaded into neurons and was rapidly hydrolysed. There was little dye compartmentalization, as assessed by digitonin lysis, Co2+ quenching of BTC fluorescence and by confocal microscopy. Despite adequate loading, BTC gradually became unresponsive to [Ca2+]i when cultures were examined under routine imaging conditions. This effect was a function of the cumulative fluorescence illumination and could be minimized by attenuating light intensity or duration. Ratio imaging after exposure of neuronal cultures to 1-50 microM ionomycin revealed distinct sensitivity ranges for BTC and Fura-2. BTC reported graded neuronal [Ca2+]i responses to glutamate receptor stimulation with N-methyl-D-aspartate in the range 10-50 microM, whereas Fura-2 did not distinguish between these stimuli. Under appropriate loading and illumination conditions, bath-loaded BTC/AM may be well suited for measurement of moderate to high calcium concentrations in cultured neurons.

Serotonin increases cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration in PC12h cells: effect of tachykinin peptides

We report here that serotonin (5-hydroxytriptamine, 5-HT) induces an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in rat pheochromocytoma PC12h cells, a subclone of PC12 cells, which was detected by using Ca2+ sensitive indicator dye fura-2. The [Ca2+]i increase completely disappeared when extracellular Ca2+ was chelated with excess EGTA and potently suppressed in Na+-free buffer. Nifedipine, a voltage-dependent L-type calcium channel blocker, significantly blocked the 5-HT response. Addition of another 4 mM Ca2+ to the cell suspension attenuated the [Ca2+]i increase induced by 5-HT, whereas the nicotinic action was remarkably potentiated. Furthermore, metoclopramide, a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, inhibited the 5-HT response in a dose dependent manner. These findings suggest that the 5-HT-induced [Ca2+]i increase involves the mediation of a voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel, evoked by membrane depolarization via the activation of cation channel-type receptors, 5-HT3 receptors. We also noted the inhibitory action of tachykinin peptides on the 5-HT response, suggesting that the cell line is useful to investigate these neuromodulatory actions in the nervous system.

Repetitive mitochondrial Ca2+ signals synchronize with cytosolic Ca2+ oscillations in the pancreatic beta-cell line, MIN6

We examined the relationship between cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]c) and mitochondrial matrix Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]m) in the pancreatic beta-cell line, MIN6. [Ca2+]c was monitored in a single or a group (30 cells) of fura-2-loaded MIN6 cells, and [Ca2+]m was measured in a group (1 x 10[6] cells) of MIN6 cells stably transfected with aequorin targeted at the mitochondria. Exogenous ATP (0.25 mmol/l) produced a single transient increase in [Ca2+]c whereas 22 mmol/l KCl produced a sustained plateau increase. ATP and KCl evoked transient increases in [Ca2+]m but with distinct time courses of [Ca2+]m decline: the [Ca2+]m increase induced by ATP decreased more rapidly than that induced by KCl. Nitrendipine (3 micromol/l), a blocker of L-type Ca2+ channels, inhibited both [Ca2+]c and [Ca2+]m signals in response to KCl and tolbutamide, but not those to ATP. Peak levels of [Ca2+]m increase (around 2 micromol/ l) exceeded those of [Ca2+]c increase (around 500 nmol/l). A rise in glucose concentration from 3 to 30 mmol/l induced oscillations of [Ca2+]c that overlay the sustained increases in [Ca2+]c in single cells. An oscillatory increase in [Ca2+]m was similarly observed in response to glucose. Addition of 10 mmol/l 2-ketoisocaproic acid at 20 mmol/l glucose further increased the plateau level of [Ca2+]c and the frequency of [Ca2+]c oscillations, which were correlated with a further increase in [Ca2+]m. In response to pulsatile exposure to KCl, [Ca2+]c and [Ca2+]m increased synchronously. These data suggest that an oscillatory increase in [Ca2+]m in beta cells, the signal which is thought to be necessary for continuous stimulation of mitochondrial metabolism, is produced synchronously with the [Ca2+]c oscillations.

Adrenoceptor-induced changes of intracellular K+ and Ca2+ in astrocytes and neurons in rat cortical primary cultures

The calcium- and potassium sensitive fluorescent dyes fura-2 and K+-binding benzofuran isophtalate (PBFI) were used to detect changes in [Ca2+]i and [K+]i in type 1 astrocytes and neurons in mixed astroglial/neuronal rat cortical primary cultures after adrenoceptor stimulation. Noradrenalin (NA), phenylephrine (phe; alpha1-agonist), clonidine (clon; alpha2-agonist) and isoproterenol (iso; beta-agonist) were used. All agonists were able to increase [Ca2+]i and decrease [K+]i in the astrocytes with the exception of clon, which could not induce potassium responses. In the neurons, NA and phe evoked calcium transients while clon and iso did not. NA and clon were able to elicit reductions in [K+]i but no responses were seen after phe or iso stimulation. In neurons, the NA-evoked reductions in [K+]i always appeared immediately and gradually (after 30-50 s) returned to baseline even in the presence of the agonists. On the other hand, in the astrocytes, the NA-induced reductions in [K+]i appeared with some latency and always persisted at the lower level in the presence of the agonists. In addition, external tetraethylammonium (TEA) could severely reduce the NA-induced K+ responses in the astrocytes. The results indicate a clear heterogeneity regarding both adrenoceptor expression and response characteristics between astroglial cells and neurons.

Intracellular concentrations of fura-2 and fura-2/am in vascular smooth muscle cells following perfusion loading of fura-2/am in arterial segments

A new method for the determination of tissue concentrations of Fura-2 and Fura-2/AM was developed based upon acetonitrile extraction followed by RP-HPLC separation (using tetrahexylammonium as counter-ion), post-column alkaline hydrolysis of Fura-2/AM, and fluorimetric detection. The detection limit was 1.2 nM and 1 nM for Fura-2 and Fura-2/AM, respectively. When this technique was applied to perfusion-loaded segments of the rat tail artery, intracellular concentrations of Fura-2 determined by tissue disruption were 10 times those obtained by comparing the increase in fluorescence at the isoemissive point (following loading), with a calibration curve for Fura-2. Loading conditions of 90 min at [Fura-2/AM]e = 5 microM were optimal in terms of [Fura-2]i which attained a concentration not significantly different from [Fura-2/AM]e. Under such conditions, however, Fura-2/AM also accumulated in the arterial wall. Although incompletely de-esterified, Fura-2/AM metabolites produced by in vitro incubation of Fura-2/AM with pig liver esterases could be easily detected, fluorescent forms of Fura-2 with a different sensitivity for calcium were not detected in arterial extracts.

Fura 2 determination of [Ca2+]i in isolated perfused heart using R wave-gated electromechanical shutters

We describe a novel and relatively inexpensive spectrofluorescence system that supplies rapidly alternating wavelengths to either a standard cuvette or an isolated perfused heart. Its use is illustrated by determining changes in cytosolic intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) by using the Ca(2+)-sensitive fluorescent dye fura 2 in a rabbit heart preparation. The system uses two precision electromechanical shutters (capable of gating with respect to the electrocardiographic R wave for signal averaging) allowing alternate fura 2 excitation wavelengths (340 and 380 nm) without moving optical components and uses a fiber optic for conducting excitation and collecting epifluorescence. Sample recordings tracing the [Ca2+]i transient in an entire cardiac cycle and in capturing specific isolated regions (diastole and systole) of the cycle are presented. Limitations of this low-cost but easily implemented system are discussed.

The distribution of intracellular calcium chelator (fura-2) in a population of intact human red cells

Using quantitative fluorescence microscopy of red cells loaded non-disruptively with 1-2.5 mmol/l cells of fura-2, we examined the distribution of the incorporated free chelator among and within individual cells. Cytoplasmic hemoglobin quenched the effective fluorescence yield of fura-2 by a factor of about 100. All red cells were found to fluoresce upon excitation at 380 nm, and the fluorescence intensities they emitted at 510 nm were approximately +/- 20% about the mean intensity, indicating a fairly uniform distribution of incorporated chelator among the cells. Red cells loaded with these high levels of fura-2 retained their biconcave shape, and a comparison between their transmission images at 415 nm and their fura-2 fluorescence images suggests that the concentration of fura-2 was also uniform throughout the cytosol. These results validate assumptions made in earlier experiments with non-fluorescent incorporated Ca2+ chelators, and demonstrate the feasibility of fura-2 and Ca2+ imaging of intact red cells, despite considerable quenching of probe fluorescence by hemoglobin.

Ca(2+)-independent contraction of uterine smooth muscle induced by vanadate and its inhibition by Ca2+

Vanadate, 30 microM, contracts uterine smooth muscle of estrogen-dominated non-pregnant rats in Ca(2+)-free medium after preincubation with 3 mM EGTA. In spite of the phosphorylation of the myosin light chain during this contraction, studies with fura-2 suggested that this contraction was not accompanied by an increase in the cytosolic Ca2+ level. Inhibitors of the myosin light chain kinase and protein kinase C partly inhibited this contraction. Vanadate seems to enter the cell through anion channels to inhibit phosphatases, resulting in phosphorylation via basal activities of the myosin light chain kinase and protein kinase C. An increase in the cytosolic free Ca2+ level resulted in relaxation of the contracting muscle in the same manner as in the oxytocin-induced Ca(2+)-free contraction.

Tetrahydroaminoacridine and related compounds interfere with fura-2 and indo-1

In earlier experiments, using a fluorimetric method (fura-2), we found what seemed to be a decreased cytoplasmic [Ca2+] in neuroblastoma cells when 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-9-aminoacridine (THA) was added, but discovered by repeating our work under cell-free conditions, that THA affected the Ca(2+)-fura-2 signal. The present study aimed at investigating the previously observed interference of THA with fura-2. 1 mM THA completely inhibits fluorescence of fura-2 and another Ca(2+)-indicator, indo-1, 1 microM each (apparent IC50 = 40 microM), presumably by absorbing excitation light.

Spectra of intracellular Fura-2

In the theory of measurement of calcium ion activity by determination of Fura-2 fluorescence at two excitation wavelengths, the accuracy of the result depends upon the accuracy both of the sample measurements and of the calibration measurements which are made on calcium-bound and free dye. Two factors underlie adequate calibration and accuracy. The first is the elimination of systematic error due to spectral shifts arising from the intracellular environment felt by the dye. To this end, detailed comparisons between complete spectra of both calcium-bound and calcium-free Fura-2 can be used to help separate spectral effects due to light absorption by cellular constituents versus polarity and viscosity of the intracellular milieu. The second major factor which determines accuracy is the experimental uncertainty (in both sample and calibration measurements). For samples in which the ratio of bound to free dye is large, the uncertainty in the ratio is also large, even when it is expressed as a percentage of the ratio itself. The errors in calibration measurements impact on the accuracy of the method primarily through the measurements made at wavelengths which are off the spectral peaks of the bound or free dye, since these are the least accurate. In order to obtain a guide to the choice of wavelengths and estimation of the reliability of results, a mathematical expression is derived for the dependence of the accuracy of the method on the accuracy of both sample and calibration measurements.