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Z S Agus

Publications and source records attributed to Z S Agus.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Cardiovascular actions of magnesium.

Intracellular magnesium is an important modulator of calcium and potassium channels in cardiac myocytes. Hypomagnesemia is common in hospitalized patients and may contribute significantly to cardiac morbidity and mortality, particularly in states associated with myocardial ischemia. Therefore, it is important to maintain the plasma magnesium concentration within the normal range in asymptomatic patients and in patients with cardiac disease as prophylaxis against the occurrence of significant arrhythmias.

Animals↗

Hypomagnesemia.

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Cardiopulmonary Bypass↗

Hypomagnesemia: renal magnesium handling.

Magnesium is an important constituent of the intracellular space that affects a number of intracellular and whole body functions. Magnesium balance depends on intake and renal excretion, which is regulated mainly in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle. The complex hormonal modulation that responds to changes in plasma concentration of other ions such as calcium and potassium is lacking for magnesium. As a result, negative magnesium balance results in a prompt decrease in plasma magnesium concentration, and hypermagnesemia accompanies renal failure with magnesium accumulation. Hypomagnesemia may result from gastrointestinal losses or renal losses, the latter due to primary renal magnesium wasting or in association with sodium loss. Hypomagnesemia may arise together with and contribute to the persistence of hypokalemia and hypocalcemia. The major direct toxicity of hypomagnesemia is cardiovascular. When urgent correction of hypomagnesemia is required, as with myocardial ischemia, post cardiopulmonary bypass, and torsades de pointes, intravenous or intramuscular magnesium sulfate should be used. Oral magnesium preparations are available for chronic use.

Animals↗

Effects of intracellular magnesium on calcium, potassium and chloride channels.

Intracellular free magnesium activity approximates 0.6-0.8 mM. Variations in concentration around this physiologic range profoundly affect current flow through calcium, potassium and chloride channels. These effects are exerted on both inwardly and outwardly directed currents and appear to be independent of the state of phosphorylation of the channel. In the heart, these effects are manifested in changes in action potential duration, which may help to explain postulated links between hypomagnesemia and arrhythmias. In the kidney, effects of magnesium on ion channels may subserve a protective role and may explain how potassium balance is altered in magnesium depletion syndromes.

Animals↗

Divalent cations modulate the transient outward current in rat ventricular myocytes.

The modulation of the transient outward K+ current (Ito) by divalent cations was studied in enzymatically isolated rat ventricular myocytes with the whole cell patch-clamp technique. At holding potentials negative to -70 mV, 1 mM Cd2+ suppressed Ito, whereas, at potentials positive to -50 mV, the current was augmented. These effects were caused by shifts in the voltage dependence of both activation and inactivation of Ito toward more positive potentials. Cd2+ also slowed the activation kinetics of Ito by shifting the voltage dependence of its rate of activation, but the rate of inactivation was unaffected. Other divalent cations produced similar shifts but at markedly different concentrations. Thus, in the millimolar range, a rightward shift of approximately 20 mV was produced by 3 Co2+, 5 Ni2+, and 10 Ca2+, whereas 10 microM concentrations of Cu2+ and Zn2+ produced equivalent shifts. Similar effects were seen in hippocampal neurons with micromolar concentrations of Zn2+. Thus divalent cations have marked and specific effects on the kinetics and voltage dependence of Ito and may serve as a regulatory mechanism in its activation, particularly in cells with resting potentials positive to -60 mV.

Animals↗

Cytosolic magnesium modulates calcium channel activity in mammalian ventricular cells.

The effect of cytosolic free Mg2+ concentration on the regulation of myocardial function was studied by dialyzing isolated guinea pig ventricular myocytes with different internal Mg2+ concentrations [( Mg2+]i). We found that elevation of [Mg2+]i shortened the action potential and suppressed the Ca2+ current. Mean values recorded for action potential duration in cells dialyzed with solutions containing 0, 1.3, and 9.4 mM Mg2+ were 620 +/- 40, 400 +/- 25, and 60 +/- 10, respectively. The suppressive effect of [Mg2+]i on the action potential duration correlated significantly with the suppressive effects of [Mg2+]i on the Ca2+ current. In cells dialyzed with nominally zero Mg2+, calcium current was prominent (3.5 +/- 0.58 nA). At [Mg2+]i of 1.4 mM, calcium current was significantly smaller than in zero [Mg2+]i and was almost completely inhibited by dialysis of the cell with 9.4 mM Mg2+. The Mg2+-induced block of the Ca2+ current was due to steady-state inactivation of the high threshold calcium channel. The block was observed in the presence or absence of adenosine 3',5'-cylic monophosphate and was not reversed by elevation of external Ca2+ concentration, addition of adrenaline, or large negative potentials. These data suggest that cytosolic Mg2+ regulates Ca2+ channel activity by a novel mechanism, unrelated to its effect as a blocking particle of the open channel.

Action Potentials↗

Benzodiazepines stimulate sodium ion transport in frog skin epithelium.

Benzodiazepine binding sites are present in a variety of non-neuronal tissues including the kidney where they are localized to distal nephron segments. It is postulated that renal binding sites are involved in modulating ion transport. This study examined the effects of two benzodiazepines on sodium transport in frog skin epithelium, a model system for sodium transport in renal collecting duct. Treatment of short-circuited frog skin with diazepam (a non-selective benzodiazepine agonist) stimulated amiloride-sensitive short-circuit current, reflecting stimulation of active sodium transport. The diazepam response was equally effective with either serosal or mucosal application of the drug. Maximal stimulation of the current (42 +/- 8%) was achieved with 10 microM diazepam (serosal). Short-circuit current was similarly augmented by serosal or mucosal addition of Ro5-4864, a benzodiazepine agonist with selective activity at peripheral (non-neuronal) receptors. The natriferic response to diazepam was additive to that of vasopressin or cyclic AMP suggesting that the mode of action of benzodiazepines is probably distinct from the cyclic AMP pathway. Thus, frog skin appears to be a useful model to examine the epithelial effects of benzodiazepines. Whether stimulation of sodium transport, however, involves peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptors in this tissue requires further studies.

Animals↗

Benzodiazepines inhibit transport-related oxygen consumption in thick ascending limb.

Specific binding sites for benzodiazepines (BZD) have been identified in several nonneuronal tissues including the kidney where they are localized predominantly to the tubular epithelium of the thick ascending limb of Henle's loop (TALH). The physiological function of these nonneuronal (peripheral) BZD-binding sites is undefined, but it has been suggested that they may represent receptors for putative endogenous ligands that may modulate cell function. In the current study, we examined the in vitro effects of diazepam and Ro5-4864, a specific peripheral BZD-receptor agonist, on the oxygen consumption of medullary TALH tubule suspensions of rabbit kidney. Maximal inhibition of total oxygen consumption was achieved at a dose of 5 X 10(-4) M of either agent. On average, diazepam and Ro5-4864 reduced total oxygen consumption by 41 and 44%, respectively. The predominant inhibition was in the ouabain-sensitive component of oxygen consumption, which suggests that BZDs inhibit active sodium-chloride transport in the TALH. To assess whether this inhibition depends on sodium uptake, TALH tubules were pretreated with amphotericin B (2 X 10(-6) M) to enhance sodium uptake and stimulate basal oxygen consumption; subsequent addition of Ro5-4864 (5 X 10(-4) M) still reduced oxygen consumption to a residual value that was not different from that in TALH tubules treated with Ro5-4864 but without pretreatment with amphotericin B. This suggests that BZD inhibition of transport-related oxygen consumption is not caused by diminution of sodium uptake into cells and thus appears to be distinct from the effect of furosemide.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Role of calcium in chloride-secreting epithelia.

There are a number of well-characterized chloride-secreting epithelia. The role of cyclic AMP in mediating chloride secretion in these tissues is well established. The role of calcium is less well established, although a substantial body of evidence points to a significant mediator role of calcium in the modulation of chloride secretion. In some of these tissues, a rise in cytosolic calcium activity in response to secretagogues may potentiate cyclic AMP effects on chloride conductance by the activation of serosally located potassium channels. In addition, in many instances, the effect of a rise in cytosolic calcium may itself be mediated by stimulation of cyclooxygenase products that themselves are known to be chloride secretagogues. Sustained chloride secretion may reflect a synergism between cyclic AMP, calcium, and prostaglandins although such a mechanism is apparent in only some but not all chloride-secreting epithelia. It is hoped that with the application of newer techniques to measure cytosolic calcium concentration and to monitor individual channel activities, we will better understand the exact role of calcium in modulating chloride transport.

Animals↗

Thiazides stimulate calcium absorption in urinary bladder of winter flounder.

Thiazides inhibit voltage-independent NaCl absorption in the urinary bladder of the winter flounder presumably by blocking an electroneutral mucosal Na/Cl co-transporter. As thiazides stimulate calcium absorption in mammalian distal convoluted tubule while inhibiting NaCl absorption, we studied the effects of hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) on unidirectional 45Ca fluxes and intracellular electrical potential in short-circuited bladders to examine possible mechanisms of HCTZ effects on calcium transport. Basal secretory calcium flux was, on average, slightly larger than absorptive flux, reflecting small net calcium secretion. Mucosal addition of HCTZ (10(-4) M) stimulated absorptive calcium flux by 46% while the secretory flux was unaltered. Thus, HCTZ tended to induce net calcium absorption. Pre-treatment with serosal ouabain (10(-4) M) attenuated the HCTZ-induced increase in absorptive calcium flux. Moreover, HCTZ hyperpolarized the mucosal membrane potential by 18% as measured by conventional open-tip microelectrodes. These effects of HCTZ are consistent with the hypothesis that HCTZ indirectly stimulates Na/Ca exchange located at the serosal membrane. In conclusion, HCTZ in flounder urinary bladder, as in mammalian distal convoluted tubule, simultaneously inhibits NaCl absorption and stimulates calcium absorption. This study expands on the functional similarities between the flounder urinary bladder and the mammalian distal convoluted tubule.

Animals↗

Relationships between calcium and chloride transport in frog skin glands.

Frog skin gland, a furosemide-sensitive Cl(-)-secreting epithelium, exhibits Cl(-)-dependent Ca2+ secretion in response to stimulation by beta-adrenergic agonists. In this study, we further explored the relationships between Cl- and Ca2+ secretion in frog skin using 45Ca fluxes and short-circulating technique. On addition of isoproterenol (ISO) or 8-(p-chlorophenylthio)-cAMP, a significant positive correlation was demonstrated between Ca2+ secretion and Cl- secretion. Because Cl- transport in other Cl(-)-transporting epithelia may be modulated by prostaglandins or by changes in cytosolic Ca2+ activity, in addition to modulation by cAMP, we also examined the effects of prostaglandins (PG)E2 and F2 alpha, indomethacin (INDO), and the calcium ionophore A23187. Treatment with PGE2, PGF2 alpha, or A23187 at a dose of 10(-5) M resulted in marked stimulation in the amiloride-resistant short-circuit current, a reflection of Cl- secretion. This current was inhibited by furosemide addition or removal of Cl- from the bathing medium. However, and in contrast to stimulation with ISO or cAMP, PGE2, PGF2 alpha, and A23187 failed to induce Ca2+ secretion. In addition, the stimulation of Cl- secretion by A23187 was abolished by INDO (10(-6) M) pretreatment. Thus frog skin glands secrete Cl- via two mechanisms: one mediated by beta-adrenergic-cAMP stimulation and the other by activation of prostaglandin metabolism induced by changes in cytosolic Ca2+. Only the former pathway is associated with Ca2+ secretion. Furthermore, to account for the Cl- dependence of Ca2+ secretion, we postulate the existence of a Ca2+-Cl- cotransport system stimulated by cAMP.

Animals↗

The uricosuric effect of oxaprozin in humans.

The effects of oxaprozin, a new investigational propionic acid analogue, and indomethacin on uric acid metabolism were compared in 12 healthy volunteers receiving either agent, first as a single dose and then daily for seven days. While indomethacin did not alter either serum or urinary uric acid values, oxaprozin caused a fall in serum uric acid levels from 5.8 +/- 0.2 mg/dL to 4.8 +/- 0.4 mg/dL (P less than 0.01). Urinary uric acid excretion rose from a baseline of 673 +/- 47 mg to 825 +/- 66 mg/24 h by day 7 of treatment (P less than 0.01). Since oxaprozin was associated with no change in glomerular filtration rate in these studies, the hypouricemic effect of oxaprozin is most likely a result of its direct uricosuric action. Because indomethacin and oxaprozin both are inhibitors of urinary prostaglandin E2 excretion, the data suggest that prostaglandin inhibition per se is not associated with changes in uric acid excretion.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents↗

Intracellular calcium activity in split frog skin epithelium: effect of cAMP.

Measurement of intracellular calcium activity (acCa) by ion-selective microelectrodes has previously been technically limited to relatively large cells (greater than or equal to 20 micron). We now report results obtained with this technique in the small epithelial cells (less than or equal to 10 micron) of split frog skin using microelectrodes having an outer tip diameter of less than 0.2 micron. The basolateral membrane potential was measured with Ca2+-selective microelectrodes (EscCa) and with reference micropipettes (psi sc) either sequentially or simultaneously in 15 successful experiments. Under baseline conditions, acCa was measured to be 215 +/- 39 nM (mean +/- SE), in close agreement with the mean values estimated from published data obtained with Necturus proximal tubule. Stimulation of Na+ transport across six skins with 1 mM serosal 8 p-chlorophenylthio-3,5' cyclic AMP (CPTcAMP) increased acCa by a factor of 2.6 +/- 0.6. The increase in acCa preceded the CPTcAMP-induced increase in Isc. The results of the present study indicate that electrometric determination of intracellular calcium activity is now feasible in a much wider range of cell systems than heretofore possible. CPT cAMP elevates intracellular Ca2+ activity; this phenomenon is an early event, preceding the natriferic effect of CPTcAMP.

Animals↗

cAMP- and beta-adrenergic-stimulated chloride-dependent Ca2+ secretion in frog skin.

This study examined the possible existence and nature of Ca2+ transport in frog skin using 45Ca fluxes and short-circuiting technique. Following the addition to full-thickness frog skin (FTFS) of 8-[p-chlorophenylthio]cAMP (8-CPT-cAMP), forskolin, or 1-methyl-3-isobutylxanthine, the secretory Ca2+ flux increased severalfold, inducing net Ca2+ secretion. The absorptive flux was unchanged. Isoproterenol (10(-6)M) reproduced the effects of cAMP on Ca2+ secretion (-3.76 +/- 0.80 nmol X cm-2 X h-1 vs. +0.04 +/- 0.05 in control) while vasopressin and parathyroid hormone did not alter Ca2+ fluxes. Because FTFS contains subepidermal glands capable of Cl- secretion in response to beta-adrenergic stimulation, split-thickness frog skin (STFS) consisting of the gland-free Na-absorbing surface epithelium was used to localize the anatomic site of Ca2+ secretion. In STFS, addition of 8-CPT-cAMP or isoproterenol failed to induce Ca2+ secretion, suggesting that this transport in FTFS is localized in skin glands. Additional studies explored the relationship between Ca2+ and Cl- transport in FTFS. Furosemide prevented the stimulation of both Ca2+ and Cl- secretion. Removal of Cl- from the bathing medium abolished Ca2+ secretion. Thus, FTFS exhibits a beta-adrenergic, cAMP-stimulated net Ca2+ secretion that is Cl- dependent. As this effect is not observed in STFS, the pathway of Ca2+ secretion in frog skin is probably localized in the subepidermal glandular epithelium in association with Cl- secretion. Frog skin glands may represent a useful model for the study of Ca2+ transport in Cl--transporting epithelia.

1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine↗