Cardioprotective effects of pharmacological blockade of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury

Abstract Purpose To evaluate whether the attenuation of mitochondrial Ca2+ overload produced by pharmacological blockade of mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter (MCU) protects the myocardium against injuries caused by cardiac ischemia and reperfusion (CIR). Methods CIR was induced in adult male Wistar rats (300-350 g) by occlusion of the left anterior descendent coronary artery (10 min), followed by reperfusion (120 min). Rats were treated with different doses of MCU blocker ruthenium red (RuR), administered 5 min before ischemia or reperfusion. Results In untreated rats, the incidences of ventricular arrhythmias (VA), atrioventricular block (AVB) and the lethality (LET) induced by CIR were 85%, 79% and 70%, respectively. In rats treated with RuR before ischemia, the incidences of VA, AVB and LET were significantly reduced to 62%, 25% and 25%, respectively. In rats treated with RuR after ischemia, the incidences of VA, AVB and LET were significantly reduced to 50%, 25% and 25%, respectively. Conclusion The significant reduction of the incidence of CIR-induced VA, AVB and LET produced by the treatment with RuR indicates that the attenuation of mitochondrial Ca2+ overload produced by pharmacological blockade of MCU can protect the myocardium against injuries caused by CIR.

Resveratrol reduces store-operated Ca2+ entry and enhances the apoptosis of fibroblast-like synoviocytes in adjuvant arthritis rats model via targeting ORAI1-STIM1 complex

BACKGROUND: Resveratrol was reported to trigger the apoptosis of fibroblast-like synoviocytes In adjuvant arthritis rats but the subcellular mechanism remains unclear. Since ER stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress were involved in the effects of resveratrol with imbalance of calcium bio-transmission, store operated calcium entry (SOCE), a novel intracellular calcium regulatory pathway, may also participate in this process. RESULTS: In the present study, Resveratrol was found to suppress ORAI1 expression of a dose dependent manner while have no evident effects on STIM1 expressive level. Besides, resveratrol had no effects on ATP or TG induced calcium depletion but present partly dose-dependent suppression of SOCE. On the one hand, microinjection of ORAI1 overexpressed vector in sick toe partly counteracted the therapeutic effects of resveratrol on adjuvant arthritis and serum inflammatory cytokine including IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and TNF-α. On the other hand, ORAI1 SiRNA injection provided slight relief to adjuvant arthritis in rats. In addition, ORAI1 overexpression partly diminished the alleviation of hemogram abnormality induced by adjuvant arthritis after resveratrol treatment while ORAI1 knockdown presented mild resveratrol-like effect on hemogram in rats model. CONCLUSION: These results indicated that resveratrol reduced store-operated Ca2+ entry and enhanced the apoptosis of fibroblast-like synoviocytes in adjuvant arthritis rats model via targeting ORAI1-STIM1 complex, providing a theoretical basis for ORAI1 targeted therapy in future treatment with resveratrol on rheumatoid arthritis.

Involvement of K+ATP and Ca2+ channels in hydrogen sulfide-suppressed ageing of porcine oocytes

BACKGROUND: Hydrogen sulfide has been shown to improve the quality of oocytes destined for in vitro fertilization. Although hydrogen sulfide is capable of modulating ion channel activity in somatic cells, the role of hydrogen sulfide in gametes and embryos remains unknown. Our observations confirmed the hypothesis that the KATP and L-type Ca2+ ion channels play roles in porcine oocyte ageing and revealed a plausible contribution of hydrogen sulfide to the modulation of ion channel activity. RESULTS: We confirmed the benefits of the activation and suppression of the KATP and L-type Ca2+ ion channels, respectively, for the preservation of oocyte quality. CONCLUSIONS: Our experiments identified hydrogen sulfide as promoting the desired ion channel activity, with the capacity to protect porcine oocytes against cell death. Further experiments are needed to determine the exact mechanism of hydrogen sulfide in gametes and embryos.

Rimonabant improves metabolic parameters partially attributed to restoration of high voltage-activated Ca2+ channels in skeletal muscle in HFD-fed mice

Cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1R) inhibition tends to be one of the promising strategies for the treatment of obesity and other related metabolic disorders. Although CB1R inhibition may cause adverse psychiatric effects including depression and anxiety, the investigation of the role of peripheral CB1R on weight loss and related metabolic parameters are urgently needed. We first explored the effect of rimonabant, a selective CB1R antagonist/inverse agonist, on some metabolic parameters in high fat-diet (HFD)-induced obesity in mice. Then, real-time PCR and electrophysiology were used to explore the contribution of high voltage-activated Ca2+ channels (HVACCs), especially Cav1.1, on rimonabant's effect in skeletal muscle (SM) in HFD-induced obesity. Five-week HFD feeding caused body weight gain, and decreased glucose/insulin tolerance in mice compared to those in the regular diet group (P<0.05), which was restored by rimonabant treatment compared to the HFD group (P<0.05). Interestingly, HVACCs and Cav1.1 were decreased in soleus muscle cells in the HFD group compared to the control group. Daily treatment with rimonabant for 5 weeks was shown to counter such decrease (P<0.05). Collectively, our findings provided a novel understanding for peripheral CB1R's role in the modulation of body weight and glucose homeostasis and highlight peripheral CB1R as well as Cav1.1 in the SM as potential targets for obesity treatment.

Possible mechanisms involved in the vasorelaxant effect produced by clobenzorex in aortic segments of rats

Clobenzorex is a metabolic precursor of amphetamine indicated for the treatment of obesity. Amphetamines have been involved with cardiovascular side effects such as hypertension and pulmonary arterial hypertension. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the direct application of 10-9-10-5 M clobenzorex on isolated phenylephrine-precontracted rat aortic rings produces vascular effects, and if so, what mechanisms may be involved. Clobenzorex produced an immediate concentration-dependent vasorelaxant effect at the higher concentrations (10-7.5-10-5 M). The present outcome was not modified by 10-6 M atropine (an antagonist of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors), 3.1×10-7 M glibenclamide (an ATP-sensitive K+ channel blocker), 10-3 M 4-aminopyridine (4-AP; a voltage-activated K+ channel blocker), 10-5 M indomethacin (a prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor), 10-5 M clotrimazole (a cytochrome P450 inhibitor) or 10-5 M cycloheximide (a general protein synthesis inhibitor). Contrarily, the clobenzorex-induced vasorelaxation was significantly attenuated (P<0.05) by 10-5 M L-NAME (a direct inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase), 10-7 M ODQ (an inhibitor of nitric oxide-sensitive guanylyl cyclase), 10-6 M KT 5823 (an inhibitor of protein kinase G), 10-2 M TEA (a Ca2+-activated K+ channel blocker and non-specific voltage-activated K+ channel blocker) and 10-7 M apamin plus 10-7 M charybdotoxin (blockers of small- and large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels, respectively), and was blocked by 8×10-2 M potassium (a high concentration) and removal of the vascular endothelium. These results suggest that the direct vasorelaxant effect by clobenzorex on phenylephrine-precontracted rat aortic rings involved stimulation of the NO/cGMP/PKG/Ca2+-activated K+ channel pathway.

Jabuticaba-Induced Endothelium-Independent Vasodilating Effect on Isolated Arteries / Efeito Vasodilatador Independente do Endotélio Induzido pela Jabuticaba (M. cauliflora) em Artérias Isoladas

Abstract Background: Despite the important biological effects of jabuticaba, its actions on the cardiovascular system have not been clarified. Objectives: To determine the effects of jabuticaba hydroalcoholic extract (JHE) on vascular smooth muscle (VSM) of isolated arteries. Methods: Endothelium-denuded aortic rings of rats were mounted in isolated organ bath to record isometric tension. The relaxant effect of JHE and the influence of K+ channels and Ca2+ intra- and extracellular sources on JHE-stimulated response were assessed. Results: Arteries pre-contracted with phenylephrine showed concentration-dependent relaxation (0.380 to 1.92 mg/mL). Treatment with K+ channel blockers (tetraethyl-ammonium, glibenclamide, 4-aminopyridine) hindered relaxation due to JHE. In addition, phenylephrine-stimulated contraction was hindered by previous treatment with JHE. Inhibition of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase did not change relaxation due to JHE. In addition, JHE inhibited the contraction caused by Ca2+ influx stimulated by phenylephrine and KCl (75 mM). Conclusion: JHE induces endothelium-independent vasodilation. Activation of K+ channels and inhibition of Ca2+ influx through the membrane are involved in the JHE relaxant effect.

Resumo Fundamentos: Embora a jabuticaba apresente importantes efeitos biológicos, suas ações sobre o sistema cardiovascular ainda não foram esclarecidas. Objetivos: Determinar os efeitos do extrato de jabuticaba (EHJ) sobre o músculo liso vascular (MLV) em artérias isoladas. Métodos: Aortas (sem endotélio) de ratos foram montadas em banho de órgãos isolados para registro de tensão isométrica. Foram verificados o efeito relaxante, a influência dos canais de K+ e das fontes de Ca2+ intra- e extracelular sob a resposta estimulada pelo EHJ. Resultados: Artérias pré-contraídas com fenilefrina apresentaram relaxamento concentração-dependente (0,380 a 1,92 mg/mL). O tratamento com bloqueadores de canais de K+ (tetraetilamônio, glibenclamida, 4-aminopiridina) prejudicaram o relaxamento pelo EHJ. A contração estimulada com fenilefrina também foi prejudicada pelo tratamento prévio com EHJ. A inibição da Ca2+ATPase do reticulo sarcoplasmático não alterou o relaxamento pelo EHJ. Além disso, o EHJ inibiu a contração causada pelo influxo de Ca2+ estimulado por fenilefrina e KCl (75 mM). Conclusão: O EHJ induz vasodilatação independente do endotélio. Ativação dos canais de K+ e inibição do influxo de Ca2+ através da membrana estão envolvidas no efeito relaxante do EHJ.

Mechanisms involved in the vasorelaxant effects produced by the acute application of amfepramone in vitro to rat aortic rings

Amfepramone (diethylpropion) is an appetite-suppressant drug used for the treatment of overweight and obesity. It has been suggested that the systemic and central activity of amfepramone produces cardiovascular effects such as transient ischemic attacks and primary pulmonary hypertension. However, it is not known whether amfepramone produces immediate vascular effects when applied in vitro to rat aortic rings and, if so, what mechanisms may be involved. We analyzed the effect of amfepramone on phenylephrine-precontracted rat aortic rings with or without endothelium and the influence of inhibitors or blockers on this effect. Amfepramone produced a concentration-dependent vasorelaxation in phenylephrine-precontracted rat aortic rings that was not affected by the vehicle, atropine, 4-AP, glibenclamide, indomethacin, clotrimazole, or cycloheximide. The vasorelaxant effect of amfepramone was significantly attenuated by NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and tetraethylammonium (TEA), and was blocked by removal of the vascular endothelium. These results suggest that amfepramone had a direct vasorelaxant effect on phenylephrine-precontracted rat aortic rings, and that inhibition of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and the opening of Ca2+-activated K+ channels were involved in this effect.

Antidiabetic activity of a triterpenoid saponin isolated from Momordica cymbalaria Fenzl.

Glucose uptake by isolated diaphragms of both diabetic, following streptozotocin administration, and non-diabetic animals increased in presence of an oleanane-type triterpenoid saponin isolated from the roots of M. cymbalaria. Insulin release was augmented by the presence of the saponin of M. cymbalaria (1 mg/mL) in rat insulinoma cell line (RIN-5F) pre-exposed to adrenaline (5 µM) and nifedipine (50 µM). Pancreatic histology also indicated considerable quantitative increase in β-cells (75%) when treated with the saponin. The results suggest that the saponin of M. cymbalaria possesses potential antidiabetic activity with respect to insulin secretion, which may be attributed to modulation of calcium channel, and β-cell rejuvenation.

Physiological and biochemical characterization of egg extract of black widow spiders to uncover molecular basis of egg toxicity

BACKGROUND: Black widow spider (L. tredecimguttatus) has toxic components not only in the venomous glands, but also in other parts of the body and its eggs. It is biologically important to investigate the molecular basis of the egg toxicity. RESULTS: In the present work, an aqueous extract was prepared from the eggs of the spider and characterized using multiple physiological and biochemical strategies. Gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry demonstrated that the eggs are rich in high-molecular-mass proteins and the peptides below 5 kDa. The lyophilized extract of the eggs had a protein content of 34.22% and was shown to have a strong toxicity towards mammals and insects. When applied at a concentration of 0.25 mg/mL, the extract could completely block the neuromuscular transmission in mouse isolated phrenic nerve-hemidiaphragm preparations within 12.0 ± 1.5 min. Using whole-cell patch-clamp technique, the egg extract was demonstrated to be able to inhibit the voltage-activated Na+, K+and Ca2+ currents in rat DRG neurons. In addition, the extract displayed activities of multiple hydrolases. Finally, the molecular basis of the egg toxicity was discussed. CONCLUSIONS: The eggs of black widow spiders are rich in proteinous compounds particularly the high-molecular-mass proteins with different types of biological activity The neurotoxic and other active compounds in the eggs are believed to play important roles in the eggs' toxic actions.

Antihypertensive and vasorelaxant effects of ethanol extract of stem barks from Zanthoxylum rhoifolium Lam in rats.

Administration of ethanol extract of stem bark from Z. rhoifolium (EEtOH-ZR) induced hypotension associated with a dual effect in heart rate in normotensive rats. This response was highlighted in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). In rat superior mesenteric artery rings, the cumulative addition of EEtOH-ZR (0.1–750 µg/mL) on a phenylephrine-induced pre-contraction (10-5 M) promoted a vasorelaxant effect by a concentration-dependent manner and independent of vascular endothelium. A similar effect was obtained on KCl-induced pre-contractions (80 mM). EEtOH-ZR attenuated contractions induced by cumulative addition of CaCl2 (10-6–3 × 10-2 M) in depolarizing medium without Ca2+ only at 500 or 750 µg/mL. Likewise, on S-(–)-Bay K 8644-induced pre-contractions (10-7 M), the EEtOH-ZR-induced vasorelaxant effect was attenuated. EEtOH-ZR (27, 81, 243 or 500 µg/mL) inhibited contractions induced by cumulative addition of phenylephrine (10-9 - 10-5 M) in endothelium-denuded preparations or by a single concentration (10-5 M) in a Ca2+-free medium. The involvement of K+ channels was evaluated by tetraethylammonium (3 mM); the EEtOH-ZR-induced vasorelaxation was not attenuated. Thus, calcium influx blockade through voltage-operated calcium channels (CaVL) and inhibition of calcium release from intracellular stores are probably underlying EEtOH-ZR-induced cardiovascular effects.

Sildenafil decreases rat tracheal hyperresponsiveness to carbachol and changes canonical transient receptor potential gene expression after antigen challenge

Inhibition of type-5 phosphodiesterase by sildenafil decreases capacitative Ca2+ entry mediated by transient receptor potential proteins (TRPs) in the pulmonary artery. These families of channels, especially the canonical TRP (TRPC) subfamily, may be involved in the development of bronchial hyperresponsiveness, a hallmark of asthma. In the present study, we evaluated i) the effects of sildenafil on tracheal rings of rats subjected to antigen challenge, ii) whether the extent of TRPC gene expression may be modified by antigen challenge, and iii) whether inhibition of type-5 phosphodiesterase (PDE5) may alter TRPC gene expression after antigen challenge. Sildenafil (0.1 µM to 0.6 mM) fully relaxed carbachol-induced contractions in isolated tracheal rings prepared from naive male Wistar rats (250-300 g) by activating the NO-cGMP-K+ channel pathway. Rats sensitized to antigen by intraperitoneal injections of ovalbumin were subjected to antigen challenge by ovalbumin inhalation, and their tracheal rings were used to study the effects of sildenafil, which more effectively inhibited contractions induced by either carbachol (10 µM) or extracellular Ca2+ restoration after thapsigargin (1 µM) treatment. Antigen challenge increased the expression of the TRPC1 and TRPC4 genes but not the expression of the TRPC5 and TRPC6 genes. Applied before the antigen challenge, sildenafil increased the gene expression, which was evaluated by RT-PCR, of TRPC1 and TRPC6, decreased TRPC5 expression, and was inert against TRPC4. Thus, we conclude that PDE5 inhibition is involved in the development of an airway hyperresponsive phenotype in rats after antigen challenge by altering TRPC gene expression.

Spasmogenic and spasmolytic activities Onosma griffithii Vatke

Methanolic extract of Onosma grifflthii and its fractions were evaluated for possible effects on rabbits' jejunum preparations. Rabbits of either sex [weight 1.5-2.0 kg] were used in experiments. Studies were carried out on rabbits' jejunum preparations. Crude methanolic extract of Onosma griffithii [Meth.OG] was tried in concentrations of 0.01, 0.03, 0.1, 0.3, 1.0, 3.0, 5.0 and 10.0 mg/ml on rabbits' jejunum preparations. Meth.OG was also tried on KCl-induced contractions to explain its possible mode of actions in the presence and absence of atropine [0.03 microM]. Fractions of Meth.OG were tried in similar manner. Calcium chloride curves were constructed for Meth.OG treated tissues that were compared with curves constructed for verapamil in same fashion. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the plant was also performed. Meth.OG increased the amplitude of spontaneous activity of rabbits' jejunum preparations at concentrations of 0.1, 0.3 and 1.0 mg/ml. However, spasmolytic effects were observed at higher concentrations 3.0, 5.0 and 10.0 mg/ml. Mean EC[50] values [mg/ml], respectively, in absence and presence of atropine were 7.5 +/- 0.25 [6.9-8.4, n=6] and 3.0 +/- 0.17 [2.3-3.5, n=6, P<0.05]. Mean EC[50] values, respectively, for effects on spontaneous and KCl-induced contractions were 7.5 +/- 0.25 [6.9-8.4, n=6] and 7.3 +/- 0.35 [6.25-8.2, n=6, p<0.05]. rc-Hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions showed their respective EC[50] values [mg/ml] 9.7 +/- 0.25 [8.6-10.2, n=6], 4.0 +/- 0.2 [3.5-4.6, n=6] and 1.07 +/- 0.093 [0.78-1.5, n=6]. EC[50] values for calcium chloride curves in presence of 0.3 mg/ml Meth.OG were - 2.27 +/- 0.038 [- 2.4 to - 2.10, n=6] vs. control - 2.78 +/- 0.04 [-2.9 to - 2.6, n=6,P<0.05] Log [Ca[++]]M. Comparing with curves of calcium chloride constructed in presence of 0.1 juM verapamil, the EC[50] [log [Ca[++]] M] values were - 1.82 +/- 0.087 [- 2.0 to - 1.65, n=6] vs. control - 2.64 +/- 0.089 [- 2.9 to - 2.4, n=6] demonstrated a right shift [p<0.05]. Meth.OG tested positive for terpenes, saponins, sterols, flavonoids and carbohydrates. We concluded that the relaxant effect of Meth.OG is exerted through blocking of calcium channels. However,

butanolic and aqueous fractions produced spasmogenic effects that require further work for isolation of pharmacologically active substances

New nitric oxide donors based on ruthenium complexes

Nitric oxide (NO) donors produce NO-related activity when applied to biological systems. Among its diverse functions, NO has been implicated in vascular smooth muscle relaxation. Despite the great importance of NO in biological systems, its pharmacological and physiological studies have been limited due to its high reactivity and short half-life. In this review we will focus on our recent investigations of nitrosyl ruthenium complexes as NO-delivery agents and their effects on vascular smooth muscle cell relaxation. The high affinity of ruthenium for NO is a marked feature of its chemistry. The main signaling pathway responsible for the vascular relaxation induced by NO involves the activation of soluble guanylyl-cyclase, with subsequent accumulation of cGMP and activation of cGMP-dependent protein kinase. This in turn can activate several proteins such as K+ channels as well as induce vasodilatation by a decrease in cytosolic Ca2+. Oxidative stress and associated oxidative damage are mediators of vascular damage in several cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension. The increased production of the superoxide anion (O2-) by the vascular wall has been observed in different animal models of hypertension. Vascular relaxation to the endogenous NO-related response or to NO released from NO deliverers is impaired in vessels from renal hypertensive (2K-1C) rats. A growing amount of evidence supports the possibility that increased NO inactivation by excess O2- may account for the decreased NO bioavailability and vascular dysfunction in hypertension.

Nicotine-evoked cytosolic Ca2+ increase and cell depolarization in capillary endothelial cells of the bovine adrenal medulla

Endothelial cells are directly involved in many functions of the cardiovascular system by regulating blood flow and blood pressure through Ca2+ dependent exocitosis of vasoactive compounds. Using the Ca2+ indicator Fluo-3 and the patch-clamp technique, we show that bovine adrenal medulla capillary endothelial cells (B AMCECs) respond to acetylcholine (ACh) with a cytosolic Ca2+ increase and depolarization of the membrane potential (20.3±0.9 mV; n=23). The increase in cytosolic Ca2+ induced by 10µM ACh was mimicked by the same concentration of nicotine but not by muscarine and was blocked by 100 µM of hexamethonium. On the other hand, the increase in cytosolic Ca2+ could be depressed by nifedipine (0.01 -100 µM) or withdrawal of extracellular Ca2+. Taken together, these results give evidence for functional nicotinic receptors (nAChRs) in capillary endothelial cells of the adrenal medulla. It suggests that nAChRs in B AMCECs may be involved in the regulation of the adrenal gland's microcirculation by depolarizing the membrane potential, leading to the opening of voltage-activated Ca2+ channels, influx of external Ca2+ and liberation of vasoactive compounds.

Methacholine and PDGF activate store-operated calcium entry in neuronal precursor cells via distinct calcium entry channels

Neurons are a diverse cell type exhibiting hugely different morphologies and neurotransmitter specifications. Their distinctive phenotypes are established during differentiation from pluripotent precursor cells. The signalling pathways that specify the lineage down which neuronal precursor cells differentiate remain to be fully elucidated. Among the many signáis that impinge on the differentiation of neuronal cells, cytosolic calcium (Ca2+) has an important role. However, little is known about the nature of the Ca2+ signáis involved in fate choice in neuronal precursor cells, or their sources. In this study, we show that activation of either muscarinic or platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptors induces a biphasic increase in cytosolic Ca2+ that consists of reléase from intracellular stores followed by sustained entry across the plasma membrane. For both agonists, the prolonged Ca2+ entry occurred via a store-operated pathway that was pharmacologically indistinguishable from Ca2+ entry initiated by thapsigargin. However, muscarinic receptor-activated Ca2+ entry was inhibited by siRNA-mediated knockdown of TRPC6, whereas Ca2+ entry evoked by PDGF was not. These data provide evidence for agonist-specific activation of molecularly distinct store-operated Ca2+ entry pathways, and raise the possibility of privileged communication between these Ca2+ entry pathways and downstream processes.

[Highlighting the expression of a nifedipine resistant l type calcium current in human atrial cardiomyocytes]

In the heart, two types of calcium currents were described, the L-and T-type. In addition to these two types, a dihydropyridine-resistant Ca[2+] component has been described to be up-regulated in rat ventricular cardiomyocytes during their differentiation-dedifferentiation process. The aim of our study is to examine if such calcium current component is present in human cardiomyocytes. The patch clamp technique was used to record Ca[2+] current in atrial cells. In the presence of 2 micro M nifedipine, residual current was activated [-2.7 +/- 0.7 pA/pF, n=6] in the same voltage range as the L-type, nifedipine-sensitive Ca[2+] current [-2.1 +/- 0.4 pA/pF, n=6], but its steady-state inactivation was negatively shifted by 10 mV. This nifedipine-resistant Ca[2+] current was completely blocked by 500 micro M cadmium chloride and significantly enhanced by 1 micro M isoproterenol [-7.5 +/- 0.5 pA/pF, n=6; p <0.01]. These results give evidence that a nifedipine-resistant Ca[2+] current, similar to the one which has been shown to be developmentally expressed in rat ventricular cardiomyocytes, is observed in human atrial cells. Its molecular identity, its expression level as well as its role in pathophysiologic conditions remain to be studied

Effects of Polyamines on Contractility of Guinea-Pig Gastric Smooth Muscle

This study was designed to investigate the effects of polyamines on mechanical contraction and voltage-dependent calcium current (VDCC) of guinea-pig gastric smooth muscle. Mechanical contraction and calcium channel current (I(Ba)) were recorded by isometric tension recording and whole-cell patch clamp technique. Spermine, spermidine and putrescine inhibited spontaneous contraction of the gastric smooth muscle in a concentration-dependent manner. Spermine (2 mM) reduced high K+ (50 mM)-induced contraction to 16+/-6.4% of the control (n=9), and significantly inhibited I(Ba) in a reversible manner (p<0.05; IC50=0.8 mM). Pre- and post-treatment of tissue with spermine (2-5 mM, n=10) also inhibited acetylcholine (10 micrometer)-induced phasic contraction to 5+/-6.4% of the control. Inhibitory effect of spermine on I(Ba) was observed at a wide range of test potentials of current/voltage (I/V) relationship (p<0.05), and steady-state activation of I(Ba) was shifted to the right by spermine (p<0.05). Spermidine and putrescine (1 mM each) also inhibited I(Ba) to 51+/-5.7% and 81+/-5.3% of the control, respectively. And putrescine (1 mM) inhibited I(Ba) at whole tested potentials (p<0.05) without significant change of kinetics (p<0.05). Finally, 5 mM putrescine also inhibited high K+ -induced contraction to 53+/-7.1% of the control (n=4). These findings suggest that polyamines inhibit contractions of guinea-pig gastric smooth muscle via inhibition of VDCC.

Initiation Site of Ca2+ Entry Evoked by Endoplasmic Reticulum Ca2+ Depletion in Mouse Parotid and Pancreatic Acinar Cells

PURPOSE: In non-excitable cells, which include parotid and pancreatic acinar cells, Ca(2+) entry is triggered via a mechanism known as capacitative Ca(2+) entry, or store-operated Ca(2+) entry. This process is initiated by the perception of the filling state of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the depletion of internal Ca(2+) stores, which acts as an important factor triggering Ca(2+) entry. However, both the mechanism of store-mediated Ca(2+) entry and the molecular identity of store-operated Ca(2+) channel (SOCC) remain uncertain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present study we investigated the Ca(2+) entry initiation site evoked by depletion of ER to identify the localization of SOCC in mouse parotid and pancreatic acinar cells with microfluorometeric imaging system. RESULTS: Treatment with thapsigargin (Tg), an inhibitor of sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase, in an extracellular Ca(2+) free state, and subsequent exposure to a high external calcium state evoked Ca(2+) entry, while treatment with lanthanum, a non-specific blocker of plasma Ca(2+) channel, completely blocked Tg-induced Ca(2+) entry. Microfluorometric imaging showed that Tg-induced Ca(2+) entry started at a basal membrane, not a apical membrane. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that Ca2+ entry by depletion of the ER initiates at the basal pole in polarized exocrine cells and may help to characterize the nature of SOCC.

Ion channels: new targets for the next generation of tocolytics agents.

Ion channels are interesting molecules since they mediate not only uterine contraction but also uterine relaxation. We have examined the expression, function, and correlation between the large conductance calcium-activated potassium (BKCa) channel, beta2 adrenoceptor (AR), and long-lasting (L) type calcium (Ca2+) channel. These are the main channels and receptor that are involved in the uterine contraction/ relaxation process. Our evidence has shown that BKCa channel is closely correlated with beta2 AR in mediating uterine relaxation. Both proteins are situated in close proximity on the plasma membrane of human myometrium and are downregulated approximately 50% after the onset of labor. Interestingly, L type Ca2+ channel, which involves in the contraction pathway, seems to be in the same compartmentation as BKCa channel/ beta2 AR macromolecular complex. Further studies are now being conducted to identify the signaling complex components that could potentially be a target for new tocolytic agents.