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Effect of calcium antagonists on the chemosensitivity of two multidrug-resistant human tumour cell lines which do not overexpress P-glycoprotein.

We have examined the ability of eight compounds to enhance adriamycin (ADM) sensitivity of two human tumour cell lines (a small cell lung cancer cell line, NCI-H69, and a fibrosarcoma cell line, HT1080) and their multidrug-resistant variants. The resistant cell lines (H69AR and HT1080/DR4) do not overexpress P-glycoprotein. Verapamil, nicardipine, perhexiline maleate, chloroquine, tamoxifen, clomiphene, prenylamine and trifluoperazine were tested alone and in combination with ADM for their cytotoxic effects. No major differences in sensitivity between the parent and resistant cell lines were noted when these agents were tested alone, except for HT1080/DR4 cells which exhibited a slight collateral sensitivity to nicardipine and H69AR cells which showed cross-resistance to chloroquine and clomiphene. When the chemosensitisers were combined with ADM no enhanced cytotoxicity of either parent cell line was observed. In HT1080/DR4 cells, verapamil showed only a modest dose-dependent chemosensitising effect while the other compounds had no effect. Verapamil and nicardipine enhanced ADM cytotoxicity in H69AR cells slightly but these effects were not dose-dependent. These results demonstrate that the reversal of drug resistance by verapamil and other calcium antagonists in a dose-dependent fashion is not an invariable property of multidrug-resistant tumour cells.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

[(3)H]-trimetazidine mitochondrial binding sites: regulation by cations, effect of trimetazidine derivatives and other agents and interaction with an endogenous substance.

Trimetazidine, an antiischaemic drug, has been shown to restore impaired mitochondrial functions. Specific binding sites for [(3)H]-trimetazidine have been previously detected in liver mitochondria. In the present study we confirm this observation and provide additional evidence for the involvement of these sites in the pharmacological effects of the drug. Inhibition experiments using a series of trimetazidine derivatives revealed the presence of three classes of binding sites. An N-benzyl substituted analogue of trimetazidine exhibited a very high affinity (K(i)=7 nM) for one of these classes of sites. Compounds from different pharmacological classes were evaluated for their ability to inhibit [(3)H]-trimetazidine binding. Among the drugs tested pentazocine, ifenprodil, opipramol, perphenazine, haloperidol, and to a lower extent prenylamine, carbetapentane and dextromethorphan competed with high affinity, suggesting a similarity of high affinity [(3)H]-trimetazidine sites with sigma receptors. [(3)H]-Trimetazidine binding was modulated by pH. Neutral trimetazidine had about 10 fold higher affinity than protonated trimetazidine for its mitochondrial binding sites. Various cations also affected [(3)H]-trimetazidine binding. Ca(2+) was the most potent inhibitor and totally suppressed the binding of [(3)H]-trimetazidine to the sites of medium affinity. An endogenous cytosolic ligand was able to displace [(3)H]-trimetazidine from its binding sites. Its activity was not affected by boiling for 15 min, suggesting a non-protein compound. These data suggest that mitochondrial [(3)H]-trimetazidine binding sites could have a physiological relevance and be involved in the antiischaemic effects of the drug.

Algorithms↗

Effects of calcium-antagonistic drugs on the stimulation by carbamoylcholine and histamine of phosphatidylinositol turnover in longitudinal smooth muscle of guinea-pig ileum.

A number of drugs classed as calcium antagonists, spasmolytics, non-specific receptor antagonists or receptor antagonists with multiple sites of action were tested to determine whether they prevent the stimulation of phosphatidylinositol turnover caused in various tissues by the activation of receptors which increase cell-surface Ca2+ permeability. The experiments were done with fragments of longitudinal smooth muscle from guinea-pig ileum; these were incubated in vitro with 32Pi and either 100 muM-carbamoylcholine or 100 muM-histamine, in the presence of antagonistic drugs at concentrations at least sufficient to cause complete blockade of smooth-muscle contraction. The phosphatidylinositol response to carbamoylcholine was not changed by cinchocaine, papaverine, nifedipine, dibenamine, amethocaine, cinnarizine, lidoflazine, methoxyverapamil, prenylamine or two antimuscarinic alkane-bis-ammonium compounds, and the response to histamine was unaffected by the first four drugs. In contrast, phenoxybenzamine prevented the increase in phosphatidylinositol labelling caused by either carbamoylcholine or histamine. The insensitivity of the phosphatidylinositol response to most of the drugs provides further experimental support for the conclusion that the receptor-stimulated phosphatidylinositol breakdown which initiates the increase in phosphatidylinositol turnover is not caused by an increase in intracellular Ca2+. The simplest interpretation of the available information appears to be that phosphatidylinositol breakdown plays a role in the coupling between the receptor-agonist interaction and the opening of cell-surface Ca2+ gates [Michell, R. H. (1975) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 415, 81-147]. If this is correct, then phenoxybenzamine must exert its inhibitory effects on phosphatidylinositol breakdown early in this sequence of events, but the drugs must act at a stage later than phosphatidylinositol breakdown. The unexpected difference in the effects of dibenamine and phenoxybenzamine, which are chemically very similar, may provide a useful experimental tool with which to explore the way in which activated receptors provoke the opening of cell-surface Ca2+ gates.

Anesthetics, Local↗

A fluorescent calmodulin that reports the binding of hydrophobic inhibitory ligands.

Ca2+ binding to calmodulin in the pCa range 5.5-7.0 exposes hydrophobic sites that bind hydrophobic inhibitory ligands, including calmodulin antagonists, some Ca2+-antagonists and calmodulin-binding proteins. The binding of these hydrophobic ligands to calmodulin can be followed by the approx. 80% fluorescence increase they produce in dansylated (5-dimethylaminonaphthalene-1-sulphonylated) calmodulin (CDRDANS). In the presence of Ca2+, calmodulin binds the calmodulin inhibitor, R24571, with an affinity of approx. 2-3 nM and hydrophobic ligands, including trifluoperazine (TFP), W-7 [N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloronaphthalene-1-sulphonamide], fendiline, felodipine and prenylamine, with affinities in the micromolar range. This binding is strongly Ca2+-dependent and Mg2+-independent. Calmodulin shows a reasonably high degree of specificity in its binding of these ligands over other ligands tested. CDRDANS, therefore, provides a convenient and simple means of monitoring the interaction of a variety of hydrophobic ligands with the Ca2+-dependent regulatory protein, calmodulin. CDRDANS binds to phospholipid vesicles made of (dimyristoyl)phosphatidylcholine (DMPC) or (dipalmitoyl)phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and produces fluorescence increases only in the presence of Ca2+ and at temperatures above their gel-to-liquid crystalline phase transition. Although the fluorescence changes in CDRDANS accurately report phase transitions in these liposomes, its binding to these vesicles is weak. Calmodulin probably requires a high-affinity lipid-bound receptor protein for its high-affinity binding to natural membranes.

Anilino Naphthalenesulfonates↗

Autoradiographic distribution and characteristics of high- and low-affinity polyamine-sensitive [3H]ifenprodil sites in the rat brain: possible relationship to NMDAR2B receptors and calmodulin.

We have studied the regional distribution and characteristics of polyamine-sensitive [3H]ifenprodil binding sites by quantitative autoradiography in the rat brain. In forebrain areas ifenprodil displaced [3H]ifenprodil (40 nM) in a biphasic manner with IC50 values ranging from 42 to 352 nM and 401 to 974 microM. In hindbrain regions, including the cerebellum, ifenprodil displacement curves were monophasic with IC50 values in the high micromolar range. Wiping studies using forebrain slices (containing both high- and low-affinity sites) or cerebellar slices (containing only the low-affinity site) showed that high- and low-affinity ifenprodil sites are sensitive to spermine and spermidine, to the aminoglycoside antibiotics neomycin, gentamicin, and kanamycin, and to zinc. Two calmodulin antagonists, W7 and calmidazolium, also displaced [3H]ifenprodil from both sites. Other calmodulin antagonists, including trifluoperazine, prenylamine, and chlorpromazine, selectively displaced [3H]ifenprodil from its low-affinity site in hindbrain and forebrain regions. High-affinity [3H]ifenprodil sites, defined either by ifenprodil displacement curves or by [3H]ifenprodil binding in the presence of 1 mM trifluoperazine, were concentrated in the cortex, hippocampus, striatum, and thalamus with little or no labeling of hindbrain or cerebellar regions. This distribution matches that of NMDAR2B mRNA, supporting data showing that ifenprodil has a preferential action at NMDA receptors containing this subunit. Low-affinity [3H]ifenprodil sites have a more ubiquitous distribution but are especially concentrated in the molecular layer of the cerebellum. [3H]ifenprodil was found to bind to calmodulin-agarose with very low affinity (IC50 of ifenprodil = 516 microM). This binding was displaced by calmodulin antagonists and by polyamines, with a potency that matched their displacement of [3H]ifenprodil from its low-affinity site in brain sections. However, the localization of the low-affinity [3H]ifenprodil site does not strictly correspond to that of calmodulin, and its identity remains to be further characterized. The restricted localization of high-affinity [3H]ifenprodil binding sites to regions rich in NMDAR2B subunit mRNA may explain the atypical nature of this NMDA antagonist.

Animals↗

Photoaffinity labeling of the multidrug-resistance-related P-glycoprotein with photoactive analogs of verapamil.

Verapamil, a phenylalkylamine calcium channel blocker, has been shown to reverse multidrug resistance in tumor cells, possibly by increasing drug retention through interaction with an outward drug transporter of the resistant cells. In this study two photoactive radioactive analogs of verapamil, N-(p-azido[3,5-3H]benzoyl)aminomethyl verapamil and N-(p-azido[3-125I]salicyl)aminomethyl verapamil, were synthesized and used to identify the possible biochemical target(s) for verapamil in multidrug-resistant DC-3F/VCRd-5L Chinese hamster lung cells selected for resistance to vincristine. The results show that a specifically labeled 150- to 180-kDa membrane protein in resistant cells was immunoprecipitated with a monoclonal antibody specific for P-glycoprotein. Phenylalkylamine binding specificity was established by competitive blocking of specific photolabeling with the nonradioactive photoactive analogs as well as with verapamil. Photoaffinity labeling was also inhibited by 50 microM concentrations of the calcium channel blockers nimodipine, nifedipine, nicardipine, azidopine, bepridil, and diltiazem and partially by prenylamine. Bay K8644, a calcium channel agonist, also inhibited P-glycoprotein photolabeling. Moreover, P-glycoprotein labeling was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by vinblastine with half-maximal inhibition at 0.2 microM compared to that by verapamil at 8 microM. Photolabeling was also partially inhibited by two of the drugs to which these cells are cross-resistant, doxorubicin and actinomycin D, at 100 microM, but not by colchicine. These data provide direct evidence that P-glycoprotein has broad drug recognition capacity and that it serves as a molecular target for calcium channel blocker action in reversing multidrug resistance.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

S100A1 is a novel molecular chaperone and a member of the Hsp70/Hsp90 multichaperone complex.

Although calmodulin is known to be a component of the Hsp70/Hsp90 multichaperone complex, the functional role of the protein remains uncertain. In this study, we have identified S100A1, but not calmodulin or other S100 proteins, as a potent molecular chaperone and a new member of the multichaperone complex. Glutathione S-transferase pull-down assays and co-immunoprecipitation experiments indicated the formation of stable complexes between S100A1 and Hsp90, Hsp70, FKBP52, and CyP40 both in vitro and in mammalian cells. S100A1 potently protected citrate synthase, aldolase, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, and rhodanese from heat-induced aggregation and suppressed the aggregation of chemically denatured rhodanese and citrate synthase during the refolding pathway. In addition, S100A1 suppressed the heat-induced inactivation of citrate synthase activity, similar to that for Hsp90 and p23. The chaperone activity of S100A1 was antagonized by calmodulin antagonists, such as fluphenazine and prenylamine, that is, indeed an intrinsic function of the protein. The overexpression of S100A1 in COS-7 cells protected transiently expressed firefly luciferase and Escherichia coli beta-galactosidase from inactivation during heat shock. The results demonstrate a novel physiological function for S100A1 and bring us closer to a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms of the Hsp70/Hsp90 multichaperone complex.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Illegal or legitimate use? Precursor compounds to amphetamine and methamphetamine.

The interpretation of methamphetamine and amphetamine positive test results in biological samples is a challenge to clinical and forensic toxicology for several reasons. The effects of pH and dilution of urine samples and the knowledge about legitimate and illicit sources have to be taken into account. Besides a potentially legal prescription of amphetamines, many substances metabolize to methamphetamine or amphetamine in the body: amphetaminil, benzphetamine, clobenzorex, deprenyl, dimethylamphetamine, ethylamphetamine, famprofazone, fencamine, fenethylline, fenproporex, furfenorex, mefenorex, mesocarb, and prenylamine. Especially the knowledge of potential origins of methamphetamine and amphetamine turns out to be very important to prevent a misinterpretation of the surrounding circumstances and to prove illegal drug abuse. In this review, potential precursor compounds are described, including their medical use and major clinical effects and their metabolic profiles, as well as some clues which help to identify the sources.

Amphetamines↗

Effects of diet-induced hypokalaemia on the efficacy of antiarrhythmic drugs against ventricular arrhythmias evoked by coronary artery ligation in the anaesthetised rat.

The antiarrhythmic efficacies of intravenous quinidine (Q), disopyramide (D), prenylamine (P), bepridil (B), and practolol were compared in normokalaemic and dietary-induced hypokalaemic anaesthetised rats. Hypokalaemia markedly increased the severity of arrhythmias induced by coronary artery ligation and reduced the antiarrhythmic efficacy of all five drugs tested. After anaesthesia, hypokalaemia was associated with hypotension and bradycardia but not QTc prolongation. However, bradycardia was not seen in conscious hypokalaemic animals. Papillary muscles taken from hypokalaemic rats displayed a longer action potential duration but no increase in Vmax compared with tissue taken from normokalaemic animals. It is concluded that hypokalaemia in the rat causes electrophysiological disturbances which may contribute both to the observed exacerbation of ischaemia-induced arrhythmias and to the reduced efficacy of Q, D, P, and B. The reduced efficacy of practolol might be explained by other consequences of hypokalaemia.

Anesthesia↗

The interaction of felodipine with calcium-binding proteins.

Felodipine is unique among the dihydropyridine calcium antagonists in that it is the most potent in relaxing porcine coronary arteries (IC50 = 1.5 X 10(-10) M); it is not as sensitive to photoinactivation as nifedipine and nisoldipine, and it is fluorescent. The fluorescence of felodipine has allowed us to study many aspects of its interaction with various calcium-binding proteins in muscle, including calmodulin, skeletal troponin C, and cardiac troponin C. Calcium binding to the calcium-specific regulatory sites on these proteins exposes allosterically related felodipine-binding sites. The binding of other calmodulin antagonists and calcium antagonists, including prenylamine, R24571, and diltiazem, to these calcium-binding proteins abolishes the cooperativity between two felodipine-binding sites, resulting in felodipine binding to the remaining site with a 20-25-fold greater affinity. In addition, the binding of high-affinity drugs to these calcium-dependent hydrophobic sites on these calcium-binding proteins produces dramatic increases (40-50-fold) in their affinity for calcium. The affinity of felodipine for these calcium-binding proteins is 100-1,000 times lower than felodipine's IC50 for relaxing tension in coronary arteries, indicating that these calcium-binding proteins are probably not the primary receptors for felodipine. Similarities between the binding of dihydropyridines to the calcium channel and to these calcium-binding proteins have led us to suggest that a "calmodulin-like" calcium-binding protein on the calcium channel is the actual pharmacological receptor for dihydropyridine calcium channel antagonists.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Interaction of calmodulin and calcium antagonists with [3H]diltiazem and [3H]nitrendipine binding sites.

The interaction of calmodulin antagonists and hydrophobic calcium antagonists with calmodulin and calcium antagonist ( [3H]nitrendipine and [3H]diltiazem) binding sites was investigated. The classical calmodulin antagonists calmidazolium, trifluorperazine, and W-7 were active at similar concentrations in the three experimental systems. The hydrophobic calcium antagonists prenylamine and bepridil, however, interacted with [3H]diltiazem binding at concentrations up to 50 times lower than their calmodulin inhibiting concentrations. The structural requirements for binding to calmodulin and to calcium channels are thus not identical for these hydrophobic drugs, suggesting that the calcium channel interacting properties of these antagonists are not a direct consequence of their calmodulin binding properties.

Animals↗

Characterization of [125I]endothelin-1 binding sites in rat cardiac membrane fragments.

Standard binding and displacement techniques were used to identify high-affinity binding sites for [125I]-labeled endothelin-1 (ET-1) in membranes harvested from the hearts of adult female Sprague-Dawley rats. A single population of binding sites was identified, with a KD of 0.20 +/- 0.03 nM at 37 degrees C, and a Bmax of 93.5 +/- 6.4 fmol/mg protein. Bound [125I]ET-1 was displaced by ET-1 (10(-13)-10(-8) M), with a Ki of 0.08 nM. Neither (-)Bay K 8644 (10(-11)-10(-5) M), prenylamine (10(-11)-10(-5) M), (+)-cis-diltiazem (10(-10)-10(-5) M), (-)D888 (10(-10)-10(-5) M), nicardipine (10(-10)-10(-5) M), lidoflazine (10(-11)-10(-5) M), flunarizine (10(-11)-10(-5) M), omega-conotoxin (10(-13)-10(-7) M), nor prazosin (10(-10)-10(-5) M) displaced the bound ligand. Binding occurred in the absence of Ca2+ and was absent in heat-denatured membranes. These results are interpreted to mean that [125I]ET-1 binds to a single class of high-affinity binding sites that differ from those occupied by known regulators of voltage activated L- and N-type Ca2+ channels.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Toxicokinetics of amphetamines: metabolism and toxicokinetic data of designer drugs, amphetamine, methamphetamine, and their N-alkyl derivatives.

This paper reviews the toxicokinetics of amphetamines. The designer drugs MDA (methylenedioxy-amphetamine, R,S-1-(3;,4;-methylenedioxyphenyl)2-propanamine), MDMA (R,S-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), and MDE (R,S-methylenedioxyethylamphetamine), as well as BDB (benzodioxolylbutanamine; R,S-1-(1;,3;-benzodioxol-5;-yl)-2-butanamine or R,S-1-(3;,4;-methylenedioxyphenyl)-2-butanamine) and MBDB (R,S-N-methyl-benzodioxolylbutanamine), were taken into consideration, as were the following N-alkylated amphetamine derivatives: amphetaminil, benzphetamine, clobenzorex, dimethylamphetamine, ethylamphetamine, famprofazone, fencamine, fenethylline, fenproporex, furfenorex, mefenorex, mesocarb, methamphetamine, prenylamine, and selegiline. English-language publications from 1995 to 2000 were reviewed. Papers describing identification of metabolites or cytochrome P450 isoenzyme-dependent metabolism and papers containing pharmacokinetic/toxicokinetic data were considered and summarized. The implications of toxicokinetics for toxicologic assessment or for interpretation in forensic cases are discussed.

Amphetamines↗

Effect of calcium channel blockers alone and in combination with antiglaucoma medications on intraocular pressure in the primate eye.

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of representative members from six classes of calcium channel blockers on intraocular pressure in the primate eye. Other antiglaucoma medications were administered with verapamil to determine their combined effect on intraocular pressure. METHODS: Six healthy cynomolgus monkeys were anesthetized, and baseline intraocular pressure was measured. Drug-containing solution (50 microL) was instilled in one eye and intraocular pressure was measured in both eyes 90 minutes later. RESULTS: All classes of calcium channel blockers significantly lowered intraocular pressure in the treated eye. The percent reduction in intraocular pressure compared with the baseline pressure was 10% for verapamil (P < 0.002), 18% for nifedipine (P < 0.001), 15% for diltiazem (P < 0.001), 17% for flunarizine (P < 0.001), 19% for prenylamine (P < 0.001), and 6% for perhexiline (P < 0.01). In the fellow eye, a significant reduction in intraocular pressure was also seen with all calcium channel blockers except perhexiline, which suggested a crossover effect. In contrast, neither vehicle treated nor contralateral eyes showed a lowering of intraocular pressure when tested under the same conditions. In the treated eye, 0.5% timolol (P < 0.01) and 0.05% clonidine (P < 0.02) combined with 0.25% verapamil each appeared to produce an additive effect, with a significantly greater pressure-lowering effect than either agent alone. In addition, 0.005% pilocarpine (P < 0.001) and 0.00125% demecarium (P < 0.01) combined with 0.25% verapamil each appeared to produce a synergistic effect, with a significantly greater reduction in intraocular pressure than both agents combined. CONCLUSIONS: Topical calcium channel blockers and combinations of verapamil with antiglaucoma medications may provide a useful alternative for reducing intraocular pressure in patients with ocular hypertension or primary open-angle glaucoma.

Animals↗

Involvement of Calmodulin and Calmodulin-Dependent Myosin Light Chain Kinase in Blue Light-Dependent H Pumping by Guard Cell Protoplasts from Vicia faba L.

Signal transduction processes involved in blue light-dependent proton pumping were investigated using guard cell protoplasts from Vicia faba.N-[2-(Methylamino)ethyl]-5-isoquinolinesulfonamide, an inhibitor of cyclic AMP- and cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinases, had no effect. 1-(5-Isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine (H-7) and calphostin C, inhibitors of protein kinase C, produced slight inhibition of the blue light-dependent proton pumping. 1-[N, O-Bis(5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)-N-methyl-l-tyrosyl] -4-phenylpiperazine, a specific inhibitor of Ca(2+)/calmodulin (CaM)-dependent protein kinase II, did not inhibit the proton pumping, but 1-(5-iodonaphthalene-1-sulfonyl)-1H-hexahydro-1,4-diazepine and 1-(5-chloro-naphthalene-1-sulfonyl)-1H-hexahydro-1,4-diazepine (ML-9), inhibitors of Ca(2+)/CaM-dependent myosin light chain kinase, strongly suppressed the proton pumping. A CaM antagonist, N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphthalenesulfonamide (W-7), inhibited blue light-dependent proton pumping, whereas its less active structural analog, N-(6-aminohexyl)-1-naphthalenesulfonamide (W-5), had little effect on the response. Other CaM antagonists, trifluoperazine, compound 48/80, prenylamine, and 3-(2-benzothiazolyl)-4,5-dimethoxy-N-[3-(4-phenyl-piperidinyl)- propylbenzenesulfonamide inhibited the proton pumping. In accord with these results, light-induced stomatal opening in the epidermis of Commelina benghalensis ssp. was inhibited by ML-9 and W-7, but not by H-7 and W-5. Thus, it is concluded that CaM and Ca(2+)/CaM-dependent myosin light chain kinase are the components of the signal transduction process in blue light-dependent proton pumping in guard cells.

Journal Article↗

Uptake and energy-dependent extrusion of calcium in neural cells in culture.

The metabolism of Ca2+ was studied in a neuronal model system, the clonal mouse neuroblastoma x rat glioma hybrid cell line 108CC5. 1. Homogenates of the hybrid cells exhibit a specific activity of Ca2+-ATPase considerably higher than that of homogenates of the parental cells. 2. Uptake and release of 45Ca2+ by the hybrid cells display two and three distinct phases, respectively, and indicate that 40--50% of the cell-associated Ca2+ is located at the cell surface. 3. The influx of 45Ca2+ is insignificantly affected by Mg2+ or Na+, slightly diminished by Ba2+ or Sr2+, strongly inhibited by La3+, Co2+ or prenylamine, and considerably enhanced by high (i.e., depolarizing) concentrations of K+. The efflux of 45Ca2+ is reduced by La3+. 4. The hybrid cells tend to maintain Ca2+ homeostasis with an overall cellular Ca2+ concentration of 0.5--0.7 mM. At 1.8 mM Ca2+ in the medium this implies the necessity of an extrusion pump in the plasma membrane. 5. A reduction in the hybrid cells of the level of ATP is paralleled by a decline in the content of Ca2+. This can only be explained by the existence of energy-dependent intracellular Ca2+ stores that effectively compete for Ca2+ with a Ca2+ pump located in the plasma membrane. The internal stores are not identical with the mitochondria because mitochondrial inhibitors hardly change Ca2+ metabolism. 6. Micromolar concentrations of the ionophore A23187 can switch off the internal Ca2+ stores without affecting considerably the influx of Ca2+ through the plasma membrane. 7. With switched-off Ca2+ stores it is possible to increase the cellular Ca2+ content distinctly and to bring it back again to the control values in an ATP-dependent manner, i.e. to demonstrate the action of a Ca2+-extrusion pump in the plasma membrane. 8. Under some conditions active extrusion of Ca2+ depends not only on ATP but also on the presence of extracellular Na+. 9. Similar results as with hybrid cells are also obtained with rat glioma cells. The methodology of combining energy deprivation with the application of the ionophore A23187 is possibly generally applicable to obtain insight into the Ca2+ metabolism of various cell types.

Animals↗

Differentiation of the drug-binding sites of calmodulin.

Calmodulin contains several binding sites for hydrophobic compounds. The apparent specificity of various 'calmodulin antagonists' for these sites was investigated. The Ki values for the inhibition of calmodulin-activated cyclic-nucleotide phosphodiesterase and myosin light-chain kinase was determined. In addition, the Kd values of the same compounds for binding to calmodulin were measured. The compounds could be separated into four groups. Group I and II compounds inhibited competitively the activation of the phosphodiesterase and myosin light-chain kinase by calmodulin. Group I compounds inhibited the activation of the phosphodiesterase and myosin light-chain kinase at identical concentrations. In contrast, group II compounds inhibited the activation of the phosphodiesterase at 5-10-fold lower concentrations than that of myosin light-chain kinase. Group III compounds inhibited the activation of these enzymes by an uncompetitive mechanism. Group IV compounds inhibited the activation of the phosphodiesterase with Ki values above 10 microM and did not affect the activation of myosin light-chain kinase. Binding of [3H]bepridil to calmodulin under equilibrium conditions yielded one high-affinity site (apparent Kd 0.4 microM) and four low affinity sites (apparent Kd 44 microM). Group I compounds interfered with the binding of bepridil to the high and low-affinity sites in a competitive manner. Group II compounds interfered in a non-competitive manner with the high-affinity site and apparently competed only with one of the low-affinity sites. Group III compounds did not compete with any of the bepridil-binding sites. Nimodipine, a group III compound, bound to one site on calmodulin with a Kd value of 1.1 microM. Other dihydropyridines competed with [3H]nimodipine for this site. The group I and II compounds, trifluoperazine and prenylamine, did not affect the binding of [3H]nimodipine. These data show that 'calmodulin antagonists' can be differentiated into at least three distinct groups. Kinetic and binding data suggest that the three groups bind to at least three different sites on calmodulin. Selective occupation of these sites may inhibit specifically the activation of distinct enzymes.

2',3'-Cyclic-Nucleotide Phosphodiesterases↗

On the pharmacology and biochemistry of the amine-uptake mechanism in human blood platelets.

1. The uptake of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) by human blood platelets in vitro has been studied with the object of identifying the biochemical mechanisms involved.2. Drugs active in adrenergic systems are only moderate inhibitors of uptake, although prenylamine is as active as the less potent tricyclic anti-depressive drugs; phenoxybenzamine is almost inactive as a competitive inhibitor but is effective if pre-incubated with the platelets beforehand. This parallels its pharmacological pattern of action.3. Inhibitors of oxidative phosphorylation do not inhibit 5-HT uptake, but iodoacetate inhibits, if pre-incubated with the platelets; p-chloromercuribenzoate does also, when the platelets are suspended in synthetic medium, but not in plasma.4. Ouabain causes significant inhibition at 10(-7)M; by 10(-6)M it achieves its maximal effect, namely 40% inhibition; in K(+)-deficient medium, uptake falls to 30% of normal; the K(+)-dependent fraction of the uptake includes the ouabain-sensitive component. Mg(++) has no effect.5. A drug not possessing the imipramine structure, which has been tried in the treatment of depressive illness, 4-phenyl bicyclo (2,2,2) octan-1-amine, is a highly potent inhibitor of 5-HT uptake.

1-Propanol↗