Biomedical subjects

U Seedorf

Publications and source records attributed to U Seedorf.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Association of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta +294T/C with body mass index and interaction with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha L162V.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of a polymorphism at position 294 (+294T/C) in the Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor delta (PPARdelta) with body mass index (BMI) and the additional role of a gene-to-gene interaction between PPARdelta, PPARalpha and PPARgamma. DESIGN: An association between genetic variations in PPARdelta, PPARalpha and PPARgamma and indices of obesity and metabolism. SUBJECTS: A group of 462 moderately obese (mean BMI 28.9+/-7.7) and dyslipidemic, middle-aged (mean age 43.9+/-13.7), Caucasion men and women. MEASUREMENTS: The three most frequent single-nucleotide-polymorphisms (snp) in PPARdelta (+294T/C), PPARalpha (L162V) and PPARgamma (P12A) were genotyped and associated with clinical parameters. RESULTS: The C allele in PPARdelta was significantly associated with a lower body mass index. Moreover an interaction between the polymorphisms in PPARalpha and PPARdelta on body weight could be demonstrated. CONCLUSION: Our data provide further evidence for an involvement of PPARdelta in the regulation of BMI.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

A polymorphism in the apolipoprotein A5 gene is associated with weight loss after short-term diet.

Apolipoprotein A5 is a recently discovered apolipoprotein involved primarily in triglyceride metabolism. Several single-nucleotide polymorphisms have been investigated since the initial report. The -1131T>C polymorphism has been associated with higher triglyceride levels and a decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol as well as with susceptibility to coronary heart disease. However, no study has so far emphasized on the association of a dietary intervention with apolipoprotein A5 polymorphisms. In a group of 606 hyperlipaemic and overweight men, we investigated how a short-term fat restriction affects lipid traits and body mass index (BMI) in wildtype and carriers of the -1131T>C polymorphism. Our result was that the reduction of BMI was significantly higher in C allele carriers (p=0.0021). Since the -1131T>C polymorphism predisposes to coronary heart disease, a restriction diet is an important therapeutic approach in -1131T>C carriers.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Polymorphisms in the apolipoprotein A5 (APOA5) gene and type III hyperlipidemia.

The great majority of patients with type III hyperlipidemia (type III HLP) are homozygous for the epsilon2 allele of the APOE gene. However, only about 10% of epsilon2 homozygotes develop type III HLP, and it has been proposed that additional genetic factors are required for the development of the condition. The frequency of two polymorphisms in the APOA5 gene, -1131T>C and S19W, has been determined in 72 hyperlipidemic patients with APOE2/2 genotype attending a lipid clinic. The frequency of both polymorphisms was significantly higher in APOE2/2 patients than in the normal population. Fifty-three percent of APOE2/2 patients were carriers of one of the polymorphisms compared to 19.7% of controls. Thus, genetic variation in the APOA5 gene is an important cofactor in the development of type III HLP.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Disruption of the sterol carrier protein 2 gene in mice impairs biliary lipid and hepatic cholesterol metabolism.

Hepatic up-regulation of sterol carrier protein 2 (Scp2) in mice promotes hypersecretion of cholesterol into bile and gallstone formation in response to a lithogenic diet. We hypothesized that Scp2 deficiency may alter biliary lipid secretion and hepatic cholesterol metabolism. Male gallstone-susceptible C57BL/6 and C57BL/6(Scp2(-/-)) knockout mice were fed a standard chow or lithogenic diet. Hepatic biles were collected to determine biliary lipid secretion rates, bile flow, and bile salt pool size. Plasma lipoprotein distribution was investigated, and gene expression of cytosolic lipid-binding proteins, lipoprotein receptors, hepatic regulatory enzymes, and intestinal cholesterol absorption was measured. Compared with chow-fed wild-type animals, C57BL/6(Scp2(-/-)) mice had higher bile flow and lower bile salt secretion rates, decreased hepatic apolipoprotein expression, increased hepatic cholesterol synthesis, and up-regulation of liver fatty acid-binding protein. In addition, the bile salt pool size was reduced and intestinal cholesterol absorption was unaltered in C57BL/6(Scp2(-/-)) mice. When C57BL/6(Scp2(-/-)) mice were challenged with a lithogenic diet, a smaller increase of hepatic free cholesterol failed to suppress cholesterol synthesis and biliary cholesterol secretion increased to a much smaller extent than phospholipid and bile salt secretion. Scp2 deficiency did not prevent gallstone formation and may be compensated in part by hepatic up-regulation of liver fatty acid-binding protein. These results support a role of Scp2 in hepatic cholesterol metabolism, biliary lipid secretion, and intracellular cholesterol distribution.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Suppression of endothelial cell apoptosis by high density lipoproteins (HDL) and HDL-associated lysosphingolipids.

Apoptotic cell death following injury of vascular endothelium is assumed to play an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. In this report, we demonstrate that high density lipoproteins (HDL), a major anti-atherogenic lipoprotein fraction, protect endothelial cells against growth factor deprivation-induced apoptosis. HDL blocked the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis by inhibiting dissipation of mitochondrial potential (Deltapsi(m)), generation of reactive oxygen species, and release of cytochrome c into the cytoplasm. As a consequence, HDL prevented activation of caspases 9 and 3 and apoptotic alterations of the plasma membrane such as increase of permeability and translocation of phosphatidylserine. Treatment of endothelial cells with HDL induced activation of the protein kinase Akt, an ubiquitous transducer of anti-apoptotic signals, and led to phosphorylation of BAD, a major Akt substrate. Suppression of Akt activity both by wortmannin and LY-294002 or by a dominant negative Akt mutant abolished the anti-apoptotic effect of HDL. Two bioactive lysosphingolipids present in HDL particles, sphingosylphosphorylcholine and lysosulfatide, fully mimicked the survival effect of HDL by blocking the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis and potently activating Akt. In conclusion, the present study identifies HDL as a carrier of endogenous endothelial survival factors and suggests that inhibition of endothelial apoptosis by HDL-associated lysosphingolipids may represent an important and novel aspect of the anti-atherogenic activity of HDL.

Apoptosis↗

PubMed2001

Frequency gradients of DHCR7 mutations in patients with Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome in Europe: evidence for different origins of common mutations.

Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome/RSH (SLOS) is a multiple congenital anomaly syndrome caused by mutations in the gene for Delta7-sterol reductase (DHCR7) which catalyses the last step in the biosynthesis of cholesterol. SLOS is among the common recessive disorders in Europeans but almost absent in most other populations. More than 40 mutations in the DHCR7 gene some of which are frequent have been described in SLOS patients of various origins. Here we report mutation analysis of the DHCR7 gene in SLOS patients from Poland (n = 15), Germany/Austria (n = 22) and Great Britain (n = 22). Altogether 35 different mutations were identified and the two null mutations IVS8-1G > C and W151X were the most frequent in the total sample. In all three populations three mutations accounted for >0.5 of SLOS chromosomes. The mutational spectra were, however, significantly different across these populations with each of the common mutations showing an east-west gradient (W151X, V326L) or vice versa (IVS8-1G > C). W151X is the most frequent (0.33) mutation in Polish SLOS patients. It has an intermediate frequency in German/Austrian patients (0.18) and is rare among British patients (0.02). V326L shows the same distribution pattern (Poland 0.23, Germany/Austria 0.18, Britain 0.02). In contrast IVS8-1G > C is most frequent in Britain (0.34) intermediate in Germany/Austria (0.20) and rare in Poland (0.03). All analysed IVS8-1G > C and V326L alleles shared the same DHCR7 haplotype, whereas the W151X mutation occurred on different haplotypes. There is evidence for both recurrent mutations and founder effects. Together this suggests that the common SLOS mutations in Europe have different geographic and historic origins and spread across the continent in opposite directions.

Alleles↗

PubMed2001

High density lipoproteins induce cell cycle entry in vascular smooth muscle cells via mitogen activated protein kinase-dependent pathway.

In this study we found that HDL acts as a potent and specific mitogen in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) by stimulating entry into S-phase and DNA synthesis in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, induction of cyclins D1, E, and A, as well as activation of cyclin D-dependent kinases as inferred from phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma protein (pRb). Moreover, HDL induced activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway including Raf-, MEK-1, and ERK1/2, as well as the expression of proto-oncogen c-fos, which is controlled by ERK1/2. PD98059, an inhibitor of MEK-1 blocked the mitogenic activity of HDL and cyclin D1 expression. HDL-induced VSMC proliferation, cell cycle progression, cyclin D1 expression, and activation of the Raf-1/MEK-1/ERK1/2 cascade were blocked by preincubation of cells with pertussis toxin indicating involvement of trimeric G-protein. By contrast, none of these responses was inhibited by the protein kinase C inhibitor, GF109203X. The mitogenic effects of native HDL were not mimicked by apo A-I, reconstituted HDL containing apo A-I, or cholesterol-containing liposomes. In conclusion, HDL possesses an intrinsic property to induce G-protein- and MAP-kinase-dependent proliferation and cell cycle progression in VSMC. The strong and specific mitogenic effect of HDL should be taken into account, when therapeutic strategies to elevate the plasma level of these lipoproteins are developed.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

The role of PPAR alpha in obesity.

Obesity is a rapidly increasing health problem in all developed countries. Overweight rarely occurs in isolation but as part of a complex pattern of metabolic abnormalities ("metabolic syndrome" or "syndrome X") consisting of hyperlipidemia, hypoalphalipoproteinemia, type II diabetes and atherosclerosis. The disorder is considerably influenced by genetic, behavioural and nutritional factors. Recent data indicate that a group of closely related nuclear receptors, the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), may be involved in the metabolic changes ultimately leading to obesity. This review summarises the latest developments in the PPAR field, with particular emphasis being placed on the physiological function of PPAR alpha during various nutritional states, and the possible role of PPAR alpha in obesity.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Activation of phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C by HDL-associated lysosphingolipid. Involvement in mitogenesis but not in cholesterol efflux.

Our earlier studies demonstrated that high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) stimulate multiple signaling pathways, including activation of phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipases C and D (PC-PLs) and phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC). However, only activation of PC-PLs was linked to the HDL-induced cholesterol efflux. In the study presented here, the role of HDL-induced PI-PLC activation was studied. In human skin fibroblasts, HDL potently induced PI-PLC as inferred from enhanced phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate (PtdInsP(2)) turnover and Ca(2+) mobilization. The major protein component of HDL, apo A-I, did not induce PtdInsP(2) turnover or Ca(2+) mobilization in these cells. Both HDL and apo A-I promoted cellular cholesterol efflux, whereas only HDL induced fibroblast proliferation. Inhibition of PI-PLC with U73122 or blocking intracellular Ca(2+) elevation with Ni(2+) or EGTA markedly reduced the extent of HDL-induced cell proliferation but had no effect on cholesterol efflux. In fibroblasts from patients with Tangier disease which are characterized by defective cholesterol efflux, neither HDL-induced PtdInsP(2) breakdown and Ca(2+) mobilization nor cell proliferation was impaired. HDL-induced fibroblast proliferation, PtdInsP(2) turnover, and Ca(2+) mobilization were fully mimicked by the lipid fraction isolated from HDL. Analysis of this fraction with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy (TOF-SIMS) revealed that the PI-PLC-inducing activity is identical with two bioactive lysosphingolipids, namely, lysosulfatide (LSF) and sphingosylphosphorylcholine (SPC). Like native HDL, LSF and SPC induced PtdInsP(2) turnover, Ca(2+) mobilization, and fibroblast proliferation. However, both compounds did not promote cholesterol efflux. In conclusion, two agonist activities are carried by HDL. Apo A-I stimulates phosphatidylcholine breakdown and thereby facilitates cholesterol efflux, whereas LSF and SPC trigger PI-PLC activation and thereby stimulate cell proliferation.

Apolipoprotein A-I↗

PubMed2000

Sterol carrier protein-2.

The compartmentalization of cholesterol metabolism implies target-specific cholesterol trafficking between the endoplasmic reticulum, plasma membrane, lysosomes, mitochondria and peroxisomes. One hypothesis has been that sterol carrier protein-2 (SCP2, also known as the non-specific lipid transfer protein) acts in cholesterol transport through the cytoplasm. Recent studies employing gene targeting in mice showed, however, that mice lacking SCP2 and the related putative sterol carrier known as SCPx, develop a defect in peroxisomal beta-oxidation. In addition, diminished peroxisomal alpha-oxidation of phytanic acid (3,7,11, 15-tetramethylhexadecanoic acid) in these null mice was attributed to the absence of SCP2 which has a number of properties supporting a function as carrier for fatty acyl-CoAs rather than for sterols.

Acetyl-CoA C-Acetyltransferase↗

PubMed2000

Phospholipase A(2) is involved in thapsigargin-induced sodium influx in human lymphocytes.

Previously, we reported that emptying of intracellular Ca(2+) pools with endoplasmatic Ca(2+)-ATP-ase inhibitor thapsigargin leads to the Na(+) influx in human lymphocytes (M. Tepel et al., 1994, J. Biol. Chem. 269, 26239-26242). In the present study we examined the mechanism underlying the thapsigargin-induced Na(+) entry. We found that the thapsigargin-induced increase in Na(+) concentration was effectively inhibited by three structurally unrelated phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) inhibitors, p-bromophenacyl bromide, 3-(4-octadecyl)-benzoylacrylic acid (OBAA), and bromoenol lactone (BEL). The thapsigargin-induced Na(+) influx could be mimicked by PLA(2) exogenously added to the lymphocyte suspension. In addition, thapsigargin stimulated formation of arachidonic acid (AA), the physiological PLA(2) product. AA induced Na(+) entry in a time- and concentration-dependent fashion. Both, thapsigargin-induced Na(+) influx and AA liberation were completely inhibited in the presence of tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein but not in the absence of extracellular Ca(2+). Collectively, these data show that thapsigargin-induced Na(+) entry is associated with tyrosine kinase-dependent stimulation of PLA(2).

Acetophenones↗

PubMed2000

NMR structure of the sterol carrier protein-2: implications for the biological role.

The determination of the NMR structure of the sterol carrier protein-2 (SCP2), analysis of backbone (15)N spin relaxation parameters and NMR studies of nitroxide spin-labeled substrate binding are presented as a new basis for investigations of the mode of action of SCP2. The SCP2 fold is formed by a five-stranded beta-sheet and four alpha-helices. Fatty acid binding to a hydrophobic surface area formed by amino acid residues of the first and third helices, and the beta-sheet, which are all located in the polypeptide segment 8-102, was identified with the use of the spin-labeled substrate 16-doxylstearic acid. In the free protein, the lipid-binding site is covered by the C-terminal segment 105-123, suggesting that this polypeptide segment, which carries the peroxisomal targeting signal (PTS1), might be involved in the regulation of ligand binding.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

D609-phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C inhibitor attenuates thapsigargin-induced sodium influx in human lymphocytes.

Previously, we reported that the phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C (PC-PLC) inhibitor tricyclodecan-9-yl xanthogenate (D609) potentiates thapsigargin-induced Ca(2+) influx in human lymphocytes. In the present study we examined the effect of D609 on the thapsigargin-induced Na(+) entry. We found that the early phase of the thapsigargin-induced increase in the intracellular Na(+) concentration (approx. 1-2 min after stimulation) was attenuated after preincubation of lymphocytes with D609. By contrast, thapsigargin-induced Na(+) influx was not affected in the presence butan-1-ol, which inhibits phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase D (PC-PLD). The thapsigargin-induced Na(+) influx could be mimicked by PC-PLC exogenously added to the lymphocyte suspension, whereas addition of PC-PLD had no effect. In addition, thapsigargin stimulated formation of the physiological PC-PLC products, diacylglycerol. Cell-permeable diacylglycerol analogue, dioctanoyl-glycerol (DOG), produced time- and concentration-dependent increase in the intracellular Na(+) concentration. Both thapsigargin- and DOG-induced Na(+) increases were not affected in the presence of Na(+)/H(+) antiport inhibitor, HOE609, or Na(+)/Ca(2+) antiport inhibitor, dimethylthiourea, as well as in the presence of Co(2+) and Ni(2+), which block store-operated Ca(2+) entry. By contrast, markedly reduced thapsigargin- and DOG-induced Na(+) influx were noted in the presence of flufenamic acid, which blocks the non-selective cation current (I(CRANC)). In conclusion, our results suggest that diacylglycerol released due to the PC-PLC activation contributes to the thapsigargin-induced Na(+) entry.

Biological Transport↗

PubMed2000

Mutational spectrum in the Delta7-sterol reductase gene and genotype-phenotype correlation in 84 patients with Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome.

Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS), an autosomal recessive malformation syndrome, ranges in clinical severity from mild dysmorphism and moderate mental retardation to severe congenital malformation and intrauterine lethality. Mutations in the gene for Delta7-sterol reductase (DHCR7), which catalyzes the final step in cholesterol biosynthesis in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), cause SLOS. We have determined, in 84 patients with clinically and biochemically characterized SLOS (detection rate 96%), the mutational spectrum in the DHCR7 gene. Forty different SLOS mutations, some frequent, were identified. On the basis of mutation type and expression studies in the HEK293-derived cell line tsA-201, we grouped mutations into four classes: nonsense and splice-site mutations resulting in putative null alleles, missense mutations in the transmembrane domains (TM), mutations in the 4th cytoplasmic loop (4L), and mutations in the C-terminal ER domain (CT). All but one of the tested missense mutations reduced protein stability. Concentrations of the cholesterol precursor 7-dehydrocholesterol and clinical severity scores correlated with mutation classes. The mildest clinical phenotypes were associated with TM and CT mutations, and the most severe types were associated with 0 and 4L mutations. Most homozygotes for null alleles had severe SLOS; one patient had a moderate phenotype. Homozygosity for 0 mutations in DHCR7 appears compatible with life, suggesting that cholesterol may be synthesized in the absence of this enzyme or that exogenous sources of cholesterol can be used.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Aberrant oxidation of the cholesterol side chain in bile acid synthesis of sterol carrier protein-2/sterol carrier protein-x knockout mice.

Peroxisomal beta-oxidation plays an important role in the metabolism of a wide range of substrates, including various fatty acids and the steroid side chain in bile acid synthesis. Two distinct thiolases have been implicated to function in peroxisomal beta-oxidation: the long known 41-kDa beta-ketothiolase identified by Hashimoto and co-workers (Hijikata, M., Ishii, N., Kagamiyama, H., Osumi, T., and Hashimoto, T. (1987) J. Biol. Chem. 262, 8151-8158) and the recently discovered 60-kDa SCPx thiolase, that consists of an N-terminal domain with beta-ketothiolase activity and a C-terminal moiety of sterol carrier protein-2 (SCP2, a lipid carrier or transfer protein). Recently, gene targeting of the SCP2/SCPx gene has shown in mice that the SCPx beta-ketothiolase is involved in peroxisomal beta-oxidation of 2-methyl-branched chain fatty acids like pristanic acid. In our present work we have investigated bile acid synthesis in the SCP2/SCPx knockout mice. Specific inhibition of beta-oxidation at the thiolytic cleavage step in bile acid synthesis is supported by our finding of pronounced accumulation in bile and serum from the knockout mice of 3alpha,7alpha, 12alpha-trihydroxy-27-nor-5beta-cholestane-24-one (which is a known bile alcohol derivative of the cholic acid synthetic intermediate 3alpha,7alpha,12alpha-trihydroxy-24-keto-cholestano yl-coenzyme A). Moreover, these mice have elevated concentrations of bile acids with shortened side chains (i.e. 23-norcholic acid and 23-norchenodeoxycholic acid), which may be produced via alpha- rather than beta-oxidation. Our results demonstrate that the SCPx thiolase is critical for beta-oxidation of the steroid side chain in conversion of cholesterol into bile acids.

Acetyl-CoA C-Acetyltransferase↗

PubMed1999

Stability and binding properties of wild-type and c17s mutated human sterol carrier protein 2.

The temperature- and solvent-induced denaturation of both the SCP2 wild-type and the mutated protein c71s were studied by CD measurements at 222 nm. The temperature-induced transition curves were deconvoluted according to a two-state mechanism resulting in a transition temperature of 70.5 degrees C and 59.9 degrees C for the wild-type and the c71s, respectively, with corresponding values of the van't Hoff enthalpies of 183 and 164 kJ/mol. Stability parameters characterizing the guanidine hydrochloride denaturation curves were also calculated on the basis of a two-state transition. The transitions of the wild-type occurs at 0.82 M GdnHCl and that of the c71s mutant at 0.55 M GdnHCl. These differences in the half denaturation concentration of GdnHCl reflect already the significant stability differences between the two proteins. A quantitative measure are the Gibbs energies DeltaG(0)(D)(buffer) at 25 degrees C of 15.5 kJ/mol for the wild-type and 8.0 kJ/mol for the mutant. We characterized also the alkyl chain binding properties of the two proteins by measuring the interaction parameters for the complex formation with 1-O-Decanyl-beta-D-glucoside using isothermal titration microcalorimetry. The dissociation constants, K(d), for wild-type SCP2 are 335 microM at 25 degrees C and 1.3 mM at 35 degrees C. The corresponding binding enthalpies, DeltaH(b), are -21. 5 kJ/mol at 25 degrees C and 72.2 kJ/mol at 35 degrees C. The parameters for the c71s mutant at 25 degrees C are K(d)=413 microM and DeltaH(b)=16.6 kJ/mol. These results suggest that both SCP2 wild-type and the c71s mutant bind the hydrophobic compound with moderate affinity.

Calorimetry↗

PubMed1999

Phytanic acid activates the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha) in sterol carrier protein 2-/ sterol carrier protein x-deficient mice.

We showed recently that a targeted null mutation in the murine sterol carrier protein 2-/sterol carrier protein x-gene (Scp2) leads to defective peroxisomal catabolism of 3,7,11, 15-tetramethylhexadecanoic acid (phytanic acid), peroxisome proliferation, hypolipidemia, and enhanced hepatic expression of several genes that have been demonstrated to be transcriptionally regulated by the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha). As a broad range of fatty acids activates PPARalpha in vitro, we examined whether the latter effects could be because of phytanic acid-induced activation of this transcription factor. Dietary phytol supplementation was used to modulate the concentration of phytanic acid in C57Bl/6 and Scp2 (-/-) mice. We found that the serum concentrations of phytanic acid correlated well with the expression of genes encoding peroxisomal beta-oxidation enzymes and liver fatty acid-binding protein, which have all been demonstrated to contain functionally active peroxisome proliferator response elements in their promoter regions. In accordance with these findings, a stimulating effect on acyl-CoA oxidase gene expression was also observed after incubation of the rat hepatoma cell line MH1C1 with phytanic acid. Moreover, reporter gene studies revealed that phytanic acid induces the expression of a peroxisome proliferator response element-driven chloramphenicol transferase reporter gene comparable with strong peroxisome proliferators. In addition, the ability of phytanic acid to act as an inductor of PPARalpha-dependent gene expression corresponded with high affinity binding of this dietary branched chain fatty acid to recombinant PPARalpha. We conclude that phytanic acid can be considered as a bona fide physiological ligand of murine PPARalpha.

Acyl-CoA Oxidase↗

PubMed1999

Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchange inhibitors modulate thapsigargin-induced Ca(2+) and Na(+) influx in human lymphocytes.

Thapsigargin has been shown the elevate intracellular Na(+) concentration in human lymphocytes, but mechanisms underlying thapsigargin-induced Na(+) entry are little understood. In the present study we investigated thapsigargin-induced changes in cytosolic free Na(+) and Ca(2+) concentration in human lymphocytes after inhibition of the Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchange with two structurally unrelated compounds, dimethylthiourea ad bepridil. The intracellular Na(+) increase induced by 5 microM thapsigargin was significantly enhanced in the presence of 5 mM dimethylthiourea or 40 microM bepridil. In contrast, both compounds significantly decreased the thapsigargin-induced intracellular Ca(2+) elevation. No effect of dimethylthiourea or bepridil on thapsigargin-induced Ca(2+) influx was observed in the absence of extracellular Na(+). These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that thapsigargin stimulates Na(+)/Ca(2+ )exchange in human lymphocytes. However, Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchange does not mediate Na(+) influx in human lymphocytes.

Bepridil↗