PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

K Törnquist

Publications and source records attributed to K Törnquist.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Modulatory effect of protein kinase C on thapsigargin-induced calcium entry in thyroid FRTL-5 cells.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the regulation of calcium influx in thyroid FRTL-5 cells. Stimulating Fura 2-loaded cells with thapsigargin rapidly increased the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), which then stabilized at a new elevated plateau level. The initial increase in [Ca2+]i consisted mainly of the release of sequestered Ca2+. The plateau phase was totally dependent on extracellular Ca2+. The influx of Ca2+ was blocked by Ni2+ and was decreased in depolarized cells. The importance of protein kinase C in regulating influx of Ca2+ was then evaluated. Addition of the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate prior to thapsigargin significantly decreased the influx of extracellular Ca2+. Studies with bisoxonol to measure membrane potential showed that TPA depolarized the plasma membrane in FRTL-5 cells. In cells where protein kinase C was downregulated or was inhibited by staurosporine, the thapsigargin-induced influx of Ca2+ was enhanced. The results indicate that emptying intracellular Ca2+ pools is sufficient to induce influx of Ca2+ in FRTL-5 cells, and that protein kinase C has a modulatory effect on this process.

Biological Transport↗

The calmodulin antagonist W-7 depletes intracellular calcium stores in FRTL-5 thyroid cells.

Incubating Fura 2 loaded thyroid FRTL-5 cells with the calmodulin inhibitor W-7 decreased the ATP-evoked increase in intracellular free calcium. In addition, pretreatment of the cells with W-7 decreased both the thapsigargin-evoked release of sequestered calcium and the entry of extracellular calcium. Studies with 45Ca2+ showed that W-7 decreased the amount of sequestered calcium in the cells. Furthermore, after stimulating with ATP, the ability to sequester calcium was decreased in cells treated with W-7 compared with control cells. The results suggest that calmodulin is necessary for the signal-transduction system in FRTL-5 cells, and may be especially important in maintaining functional intracellular calcium stores in the cells.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Intracellular free sodium concentrations in GH4C1 cells.

In the present investigation, intracellular sodium ([Na+]i) levels were determined in GH4C1 cells using the fluorescent probe SBFI. Fluorescence was determined by excitation at 340 nm and 385 nm, and emission was measured at 500 nm. Intracellular free sodium ([Na+]i) was determined by comparing the ratio 340/385 to a calibration curve. The ratio was linear between 10 and 60 mM Na+. Resting [Na+]i in GH4C1 cells was 26 +/- 6.2 mM (mean +/- SD). In cells incubated in Na(+)-free buffer [Na+]i decreased to 3 +/- 3.6 mM. If Na+/K+ ATPase was inhibited by incubating the cells with 1 mM ouabain, [Na+]i increased to 47 +/- 12.8 mM in 15 min. Stimulating the cells with TRH, phorbol myristyl acetate, or thapsigargin had no effect on [Na+]i. Incubating the cells in Ca(2+)-free buffer rapidly increased [Na+]i. The increase was not inhibited by tetrodotoxin. Addition of extracellular Ca2+, nimodipine, or Ni2+ to these cells immediately decreased [Na+]i, whereas Bay K 8644 enhanced the influx of Na+. In cells where [Na+]i was increased the TRH-induced increase in intracellular free calcium ([Ca2+]i) was decreased compared with control cells. Our results suggest that Na+ enters the cells via Ca2+ channels, and [Na+]i may attenuate TRH-induced changes in [Ca2+]i in GH4C1 cells.

Animals↗

Modulatory effect of cyclic AMP on calcium fluxes in FRTL-5 cells.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of cAMP on calcium fluxes in Fura 2 loaded thyroid FRTL-5 cells. Preincubating the cells with the phosphodiesterase inhibitor Ro-201724 decreased the ATP-stimulated entry of calcium, while having no effect on the release of sequestered calcium. Pretreatment with forskolin decreased both the release of sequestered calcium and the entry of calcium in response to ATP. We then incubated the cells with phenylisopropyl adenosine (PIA), a P2i-receptor agonist earlier shown to decrease cAMP in FRTL-5 cells. Although we did not observe a decrease in cellular cAMP after PIA, the ATP-evoked calcium response was enhanced. Forskolin decreased calcium entry induced by thapsigargin, a Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitor, but forskolin had no effect on the thapsigargin-evoked release of sequestered calcium. Addition of calcium to cells stimulated with ATP in a calcium-free buffered resulted in a rapid influx of calcium. This response in [Ca2+]i was decreased in cells pretreated with forskolin. In cells stimulated with thapsigargin, the increase in [Ca2+]i after addition of calcium was inhibited in part by forskolin and enhanced by PIA. The results suggest that cAMP may regulate calcium fluxes in FRTL-5 cells. Furthermore, PIA increased agonist-induced calcium entry through a presently unknown mechanism.

4-(3-Butoxy-4-methoxybenzyl)-2-imidazolidinone↗

Activation of calcium entry by cyclopiazonic acid in thyroid FRTL-5 cells.

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitor cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) could empty intracellular Ca2+ stores and activate Ca2+ influx in thyroid FRTL-5 cells. Addition of CPA to Fura-2 loaded cells rapidly increased intracellular free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) which then stabilized at a new elevated steady state level. The initial increase was mainly dependent on the release of sequestered Ca2+, but was decreased in Ca(2+)-free buffer and in depolarized cells. The plateau phase was totally dependent on extracellular Ca2+. Addition of Ca2+ to cells exposed to CPA in Ca(2+)-free buffer rapidly increased [Ca2+]i. This influx was decreased in depolarized cells and inhibited by SKF 96365. Addition of CPA to cells prior to stimulating the cells with ATP totally abolished the ATP-induced increase in [Ca2+]i. In Ca(2+)-free buffer, addition of ATP prior to CPA decreased the response in [Ca2+]i evoked by CPA. The results show that emptying intracellular Ca2+ stores with CPA rapidly activates influx of Ca2+ in FRTL-5 cells. Furthermore, ATP and CPA appear to release Ca2+, at least in part, from the same intracellular Ca2+ store in these cells.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

ATP-induced entry of calcium in thyroid FRTL-5 cells. Studies with phorbol myristate acetate and thapsigargin.

Receptor-mediated Ca2+ entry was investigated in fura-2-loaded thyroid FRTL-5 cells. Activation of protein kinase C (PKC) by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) attenuated the ATP-induced increase in intracellular free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i). In PKC down-regulated cells, the ATP-induced increase in [Ca2+]i was increased compared with control cells. This enhanced increase in [Ca2+]i was apparently dependent on extracellular Ca2+, as no difference was observed between control cells and PKC down-regulated cells in Ca(2+)-free buffer. Addition of Ca2+ to cells stimulated with ATP in Ca(2+)-free buffer rapidly increased [Ca2+]i. The increase was blocked by PMA. However, PKC down-regulation had no effect on the [Ca2+]i response. Stimulating FRTL-5 cells with thapsigargin increased [Ca2+]i. Addition of ATP after thapsigargin had almost no effect on [Ca2+]i. In PKC down-regulated cells, addition of ATP after thapsigargin evoked a substantial increase in [Ca2+]i which was dependent on extracellular Ca2+. The results indicate that PKC has a modulatory effect on the ATP-induced entry of Ca2+ in FRTL-5 cells.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Characterization of the TRH-induced activation of Na+/H(+)-exchange in pituitary GH4C1 cells.

In the present study in GH4C1 cells, the dependence of TRH-induced activation of Na+/H(+)-exchange on extracellular Na+ and Ca2+ was examined. Furthermore, the effects of both extracellular and intracellular H+ on Na+/H(+)-exchange were investigated. The buffering capacity was 63 +/- 11.8 mM (pH unit)-1 at basal intracellular pH (pHi) of 7.02 +/- 0.02. The initial rate of alkalinization in cells acidified with nigericin increased with increasing concentrations of extracellular Na+ according to simple Michaelis-Menten kinetics. The apparent Km-value for Na+ was 53 +/- 17.5 mM and the Vmax value was 28 +/- 4.5 mM H+/min. Addition of Na+ together with TRH increased Vmax to 56 +/- 6.4 mM H+/min (P < 0.05), while no difference was observed in Km. Decreasing extracellular pH (pHo) decreased the rate of alkalinization of acid-loaded cells, despite a large inward Na+ gradient. Furthermore, a decrease in pHi was necessary to obtain activation of Na+/H+ exchange. At pHi-values close to basal pHi no activation of Na+/H(+)-exchange was obtained. In addition, the results showed that extracellular Ca2+ was necessary for TRH-induced activation of Na+/H+ exchange. Blocking influx of extracellular Ca2+ with Ni2+ abolished the effect of TRH, suggesting that the TRH-induced activation of Na+/H(+)-exchange in GH4C1 cells is dependent on influx of extracellular Ca2+.

Amiloride↗

Characterization of Na+/H+ exchange in FRTL-5 thyroid cells. Evidence for dependence on activation of protein kinase C.

Na+/H+ exchange activity was investigated in cultured rat thyroid follicular FRTL-5 cells using the pH sensitive dye 2',7'-bis(carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF). Basal intracellular pH (pHi) was 7.13 +/- 0.10 in cells incubated in Hepes-buffered saline solution. The intracellular buffering capacity beta i was determined using the NH4Cl-pulse method, yielding a beta i value of 85 +/- 12 mM/pH unit. The relationship between extracellular Na+ and the initial rate of alkalinization of acid-loaded cells showed simple saturation kinetics, with an apparent Km value of 44 +/- 26 mM, and an Vmax value of 0.3 +/- 0.01 pH unit/min. The agonist-induced activation of Na+/H+ exchange was investigated in cells acidified with nigericin. Addition of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) or ATP induced rapid cytosolic alkalinization in acid-loaded cells. The action of both TPA and ATP was abolished by preincubating the cells with 100 microM amiloride, by substituting extracellular Na+ with equimolar concentrations of choline+, and by pretreating the cells with TPA for 24 h. Chelating extracellular Ca2+, or depleating intracellular Ca2+ pools did not affect the ATP-induced alkalinization. The results indicate, that FRTL-5 cells have a functional Na+/H+ exchange mechanism. Furthermore, stimulation of protein kinase C activity is of importance in activating the antiport.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Evidence for receptor-mediated calcium entry and refilling of intracellular calcium stores in FRTL-5 rat thyroid cells.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between agonist-induced changes in intracellular free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) and the refilling of intracellular Ca2+ stores in Fura 2-loaded thyroid FRTL-5 cells. Stimulating the cells with ATP induced a dose-dependent increase in ([Ca2+]i). The ATP-induced increase in [Ca2+]i was dependent on both release of sequestered intracellular Ca2+ as well as influx of extracellular Ca2+. Addition of Ni2+ prior to ATP blunted the component of the ATP-induced increase in [Ca2+]i dependent on influx of Ca2+. In cells stimulated with ATP in a Ca(2+)-free buffer, readdition of Ca2+ induced a rapid increase in [Ca2+]i; this increase was inhibited by Ni2+. In addition, the ATP-induced influx of 45Ca2+ was blocked by Ni2+. Stimulating the cells with noradrenaline (NA) also induced release of sequestered Ca2+ and an influx of extracellular Ca2+. When cells were stimulated first with NA, a subsequent addition of ATP induced a blunted increase in [Ca2+]i. If the action of NA was terminated by addition of prazosin, and ATP was then added, the increase in [Ca2+]i was restored to control levels. Addition of Ni2+ prior to prazosin inhibited the restoration of the ATP response. In the presence of extracellular Mn2+, ATP stimulated quenching of Fura 2 fluorescence. The quenching was probably due to influx of Mn2+, as it was blocked by Ni2+. The results thus suggested that stimulating release of sequestered Ca2+ in FRTL-5 cells was followed by influx of extracellular Ca2+ and rapid refilling of intracellular Ca2+ stores.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Regulatory effect of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol on calcium fluxes in thyroid FRTL-5 cells.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25(OH)2-D3) on the regulation of calcium fluxes in rat thyroid FRTL-5 cells. The ATP-induced uptake of 45Ca2+ was decreased in cells pretreated with 1,25(OH)2D3 for 48 h. No effect was seen on basal uptake of 45Ca2+. At least a 24 h incubation period was required for the effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 to be expressed. Pretreatment with 1,25(OH)2D3 for 48 h did not change resting intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) in fura-2-loaded FRTL-5 cells. However, the ATP-induced increase in [Ca2+]i was significantly enhanced in cells preincubated with 1,25(OH)2D3. The effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 was abolished in Ca(2+)-free buffer. No difference in the ionomycin-induced increase in [Ca2+]i was observed between control cells and cells pretreated with 1,25(OH)2D3. However, in Ca(2+)-free buffer the ionomycin response was decreased in cells incubated with 1,25(OH)2D3. The ATP-induced change in [Ca2+]i was decreased when ATP was added after ionomycin to cells treated with 1,25(OH)2D3. The results suggest that 1,25(OH)2D3 has a regulatory effect on Ca2+ fluxes in FRTL-5 cells, possibly by acting on Ca2+ sequestration.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Choice of solvent in the extraction of Angelica archangelica roots with reference to calcium blocking activity.

Twenty solvents were tested in the extraction of compounds from the roots of Angelica archangelica L. (Apiaceae), and the calcium-antagonistic activity of the extracts was investigated. Special attention was paid to the physical and chemical properties of the solvents and their extraction abilities. The calcium antagonistic effect of the extracts was investigated by measuring the inhibition of depolarization-induced Ca2+ uptake in rat pituitary GH4C1 cells. The criteria used in determining the best solvents for the extraction were the yield and the biological activity of the extract, as well as the amount of nonpolar compounds in the extract. The final criterion used in selecting the solvent was its usability with reference to boiling point, chemical interactions (e.g. methylation), etc. Chloroform was found to be the best solvent for the extraction of nonpolar, biologically active compounds from the roots of A. archangelica.

Animals↗

Calcium fluxes in rat thyroid FRTL-5 cells. Evidence for a functional Na+/Ca2+ exchange mechanism.

The effect of extracellular Na+ on cytosolic free Ca2+ and on influx and efflux of Ca2+ was investigated in FRTL-5 thyroid cells. Stimulating the cells with the purinergic agonist ATP induced a rapid efflux of 45Ca2+ from cells loaded with 45Ca2+. Replacement of extracellular Na+ with choline+, significantly decreased the adenosine triphosphate-induced efflux of 45Ca2+. Furthermore, adenosine triphosphate-induced uptake of 45Ca2+ was increased when extracellular Na+ was replaced with choline+, compared with the uptake seen in Na+ buffer. Replacing extracellular Na+ with choline+, increased resting levels of cytosolic free Ca2+ from 50 +/- 2 nM (mean +/- SE) to 81 +/- 3 nM (P less than 0.05) in Fura 2 loaded cells. In cells preincubated with 1 mM ouabain for 30 min, resting cytosolic free Ca2+ increased to 73 +/- 3 nM (P less than 0.05). In a Na+ buffer, the adenosine triphosphate-induced transient increase in cytosolic free Ca2+ was 872 +/- 59 nM, compared with 1070 +/- 63 nM in choline+ buffer (P less than 0.05). The plateau level of cytosolic free Ca2+ in response to adenosine triphosphate was 130 +/- 16 nM in Na+ buffer, compared with 209 +/- 9 nM in choline+ buffer (P less than 0.05). Readdition of Na+ to the plateau phase decreased cytosolic free Ca2+ to 152 +/- 5 nM. Stimulating the cells with 10 microM of the Na(+)-selective monovalent ionophore monensin increased cytosolic free Ca2+ from 53 +/- 9 nM to 124 +/- 16 nM (P less than 0.05). This increase in cytosolic free Ca2+ was dependent on both extracellular Na+ and extracellular Ca2+.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

pH homeostasis in pituitary GH4C1 cells: basal intracellular pH is regulated by cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration.

In GH4C1 cells, membrane depolarization induces a rapid and sustained increase in the cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i). In the present study we have investigated the role of [Ca2+]i in the regulation of basal intracellular pH (pHi). Depolarizing GH4C1 cells in buffer containing 0.4 mM extracellular Ca2+ decreased basal pHi from 7.02 +/- 0.04 to 6.85 +/- 0.03 (P less than 0.05). If the depolarization-induced influx of Ca2+ was inhibited by chelating extracellular Ca2+ or blocking influx through voltage-operated Ca2+ channels with nimodipine, no acidification was observed. Addition of TRH induced a rapid activation of Na+/H+ exchange in acidified cells, increasing pHi by 0.14 +/- 0.03 U. The action of TRH was blunted if extracellular Ca2+ was chelated; however, if influx of Ca2+ via voltage-operated channels was blocked by nimodipine, TRH still increased pHi. To deplete ATP, we incubated cells with 2-deoxy-D-glucose for 15-20 min and observed a decrease in basal pHi to 6.75 +/- 0.03 (P less than 0.05). No additional acidification was obtained when 2-deoxy-D-glucose-treated cells were depolarized, and no TRH-induced activation of Na+/H+ exchange was observed. Addition of ionomycin or 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate separately to acidified cells had only modest effects on pHi; however, addition of 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate and ionomycin together increased pHi markedly. We conclude that in GH4C1 cells, increasing [Ca2+]i reduces basal pHi through a mechanism dependent on influx of extracellular Ca2+ and independent of Na+/H+ exchange. In addition, elevation of [Ca2+]i and activation of protein kinase C act synergistically to enhance Na+/H+ exchange and increase pHi in acidified cells. Finally, normal cellular ATP is necessary for the activation of Na+/H+ exchange.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Pretreatment with 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol enhances thyrotropin-releasing hormone- and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-induced release of sequestered Ca2+ in permeabilized GH4C1 pituitary cells.

In GH4C1 cells 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol [1,25-(OH)2D3] has been shown to enhance the TRH- and bombesin-induced increase in intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i). The aim of the present study was to investigate whether this increase in [Ca2+]i could be due to enhanced release of sequestered Ca2+ in cells pretreated with 1,25-(OH)2D3. In digitonin-permeabilized cells, the addition of 10 microM inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) rapidly increased free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]) to 50 +/- 10 nM (mean +/- SE) in cells pretreated with 1 nM 1,25-(OH)2D3 for 24 h, compared with 25 +/- 5 in control cells (P < 0.05). Furthermore, stimulating permeabilized cells with TRH increased [Ca2+]. The increase in control cells was 20 +/- 2, compared with 55 +/- 11 in cells pretreated with 1,25-(OH)2D3 (P < 0.05). Repeated additions of IP3 resulted in an attenuation of the response of [Ca2+] in both control cells and cells pretreated with 1,25-(OH)2D3. However, only the first addition of IP3 resulted in an enhanced increase in [Ca2+] in cells pretreated with 1,25-(OH)2D3 compared with control cells. If the cells were stimulated first with TRH and then with IP3, no difference in the [Ca2+] response was observed between control cells and cells pretreated with 1,25-(OH)2D3. Furthermore, if cells were stimulated with IP3 and then with TRH, no difference in the [Ca2+] response was observed between control cells and cells pretreated with 1,25-(OH)2D3. Stimulating the permeabilized cells with thapsigargin resulted in an increase in [Ca2+]. However, no difference in the response was observed between control cells and cells pretreated with 1,25-(OH)2D3. Addition of GTP or the nonhydrolyzable GTP analog guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) had no effect on [Ca2+]. The results suggest that 1,25-(OH)2D3 has a modulatory effect on an IP3-sensitive intracellular Ca2+ pool in GH4C1 cells.

Animals↗

Evidence for TRH-induced influx of extracellular Ca2+ in pituitary GH4C1 cells.

The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH)-induced changes in intracellular free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i), and influx of extracellular Ca2+ in Fura 2 loaded pituitary GH4C1 cells. Stimulating the cells with TRH in a Ca(2+)-containing buffer induced a biphasic change in [Ca2+]i. First, a transient increase in [Ca2+]i, followed by a sustained phase. In cells stimulated with TRH in a Ca(2+)-free buffer, the transient increase in [Ca(2+)]i was decreased (p less than 0.05), and the sustained phase was totally abolished. Addition of Ni2+ prior to TRH blunted the component of the TRH-induced transient increase in [Ca2+]i dependent on influx of Ca2+. In the presence of extracellular Mn2+, TRH stimulated quenching of Fura 2 fluorescence. This quenching was blocked by Ni2+. The results indicate that both the TRH-induced transient increase in [Ca2+]i as well as the sustained phase in [Ca2+]i in GH4C1 cells is dependent on influx of extracellular Ca2+.

Animals↗

Depolarization of the membrane potential decreases the ATP-induced influx of extracellular Ca2+ and the refilling of intracellular Ca2+ stores in rat thyroid FRTL-5 cells.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of membrane depolarization on ATP-induced changes in intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) and the refilling of intracellular Ca2+ stores in thyroid follicular FRTL-5 cells. Depolarizing the cells with 50 mM K+, an amount sufficient to almost totally depolarize the cells as determined by bisoxonal, significantly reduced the ATP-induced uptake of 45Ca2+. This effect was not dependent on an enhanced efflux of Ca2+, as no difference in the ATP-induced efflux of 45Ca2+ was obtained between control cells and depolarized cells. The ATP-induced transient increase in [Ca2+]i in Fura-2 loaded cells was not altered by depolarization, whereas the ATP-induced plateau in [Ca2+]i was decreased compared with control cells. Furthermore, in cells stimulated with ATP in a Ca(2+)-free buffer, readdition of Ca2+ after the termination of the ATP response induced a decreased response in [Ca2+]i in depolarized cells. Refilling of intracellular Ca2+ stores was investigated by first stimulating the cells with noradrenaline (NA). The effect of NA was then terminated with prazosin, and the cells restimulated with ATP. In cells depolarized with high K+, the response to ATP was decreased compared with that seen in control cells. The results thus suggest that both the ATP-induced influx of extracellular Ca2+ and the refilling of intracellular Ca2+ stores is decreased in depolarized FRTL-5 cells.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Calcium fluxes in rat thyroid FRTL-5 cells. Evidence for Ca2+ entry after stimulation with ATP.

The relationship between ATP-induced uptake of 45Ca2+ and the ATP-induced changes in [Ca2+]i was investigated in rat FRTL-5 thyroid cells. Addition of 1 microCi 45Ca2+/ml together with ATP induced a time- and dose-dependent increase in uptake of 45Ca2+, the uptake being still significantly above control after 30 min. Resting intracellular free Ca2+ levels ([Ca2+]i), measured using Fura-2, was determined to be 60 +/- 14.3 nM (mean +/- SE). ATP induced a rapid, transient increase in [Ca2+]i (785 +/- 56.2 nM) followed by a plateau phase (127 +/- 34.3 nM). In a Ca(2+)-free buffer, the ATP-induced transient was significantly decreased (357 +/- 57.4 nM, p less than 0.05), and the plateau phase was abolished. The results suggested that stimulating FRTL-5 cells with ATP induced an influx of Ca2+, possibly by a mechanism dependent on a transient increase in [Ca2+]i. To further test this possibility, the intracellular Ca2+ chelator 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA) was tested. In cells loaded with BAPTA, the ATP-induced uptake of 45Ca2+ was greatly enhanced, while the ATP-induced transient increase in [Ca2+]i was almost totally abolished. In cells stimulated with ATP in a Ca(2+)-free buffer, readdition of Ca2+ after termination of the ATP response induced a rapid increase in [Ca2+]i. Furthermore, addition of Mn2+ to cells stimulated with ATP induced a more rapid quenching of Fura-2, compared to that seen in control cells. The results indicate that stimulating FRTL-5 cells with ATP induces a rapid release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores, followed immediately by an increase in plasma membrane conductance and influx of extracellular Ca2+. The ATP-induced change in [Ca2+]i may function as a signal enhancing influx of extracellular Ca2+, although some other unknown mechanism(s) is also needed.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Importance of transients in cytosolic free calcium concentrations on activation of Na+/H+ exchange in GH4C1 pituitary cells.

In GH4C1 cells, TRH and the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA), have been shown to activate Na+/H+ exchange, probably via stimulation of protein kinase C. In the present study, the dependence of changes in intracellular pH (pHi) on transients in the cytosolic free calcium concentration [( Ca2+]i) was investigated using BCECF and fura-2, respectively. In buffer containing 0.4 mM extracellular Ca2+, both TRH and ionomycin induced rapid cytosolic alkalinization in GH4C1 cells acid loaded with nigericin. The action of ionomycin on pHi was abolished by preincubating the cells with 100 microM amiloride or by replacing extracellular Na+ with choline+, indicating that the change in pHi was probably due to activation of Na+/H+ exchange. The actions of both TRH and ionomycin on pHi were blunted in Ca2(+)-free buffer. When acid-loaded cells were stimulated first with ionomycin, to deplete intracellular Ca2+ stores, and then incubated with TRH, the TRH-induced alkalinization was blunted; thus, an increase in [Ca2+]i is needed for full activation of Na+/H+ exchange. To study further the importance of agonist-induced changes in [Ca2+]i on the activation of Na+/H+ exchange, acid-loaded cells were incubated first with TPA, and then with either TRH or ionomycin. TPA induced a rise in pHi, which was further enhanced by TRH, but not ionomycin. The actions of both TRH and ionomycin on Na+/H+ exchange were attenuated, but not abolished, in cells pretreated with TPA for 36 h. Acidification of the cytosol with nigericin increased the resting [Ca2+]i level from 125 +/- 29 to 200 +/- 25 nM (P less than 0.01). The increase in [Ca2+]i was greatly attenuated when extracellular Ca2+ was chelated with EGTA before the addition of nigericin. Both the TRH- and ionomycin-induced increases in [Ca2+]i were blunted in acid-loaded cells. We conclude that in GH4C1 cells, a transient increase in [Ca2+]i can enhance Na+/H+ exchange and cause a rise in pHi, but that to obtain full activation of exchange, protein kinase C activity must also be stimulated. Furthermore, pHi is important in maintaining an adequate store of sequestered intracellular Ca2+ and in the release of Ca2+ from that store in response to TRH and ionomycin.

Animals↗