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PubMed2002

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate transduction cascade in taste reception of the fleshfly, Boettcherisca peregrina.

The role of an inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3)-mediated transduction cascade in the response of taste receptor cells of the fleshfly Boettcherisca peregrina was investigated by using the following reagents: neomycin (an inhibitor of IP3 production), U73122 (an inhibitor of phospholipase C), adenophostin A (an agonist of the IP3-gated channel), IP3, ruthenium red (a blocker of the IP3-gated channel), and 2-aminoethoxydiphenylborate (2-APB; an antagonist of the IP3-gated channel). For introduction into the receptor cell, the reagents were mixed with a detergent, deoxycholate (DOC). After treatment with neomycin + DOC or U73122 + DOC, the response of the sugar receptor cell to sugars was depressed compared with responses after treatment with DOC alone. During the treatment of adenophostin A + DOC, the response of the sugar receptor cell was elicited. After treatment with IP3 + DOC, the response of the sugar receptor cell to sugars and to amino acids was apparently enhanced. When taste stimuli were administered in the presence of ruthenium red or 2-APB, the response of the sugar receptor cell to glucose were inhibited. The expression of genes for substances involved in the IP3 transduction cascade, such as G protein alpha subunit (dGqalpha), phospholipase C (norpA), and IP3 receptor (itpr), were examined in the taste receptor cell of the fruitfly Drosophila melanogaster by using the pox-neuro70 mutant (poxn70), which lacks taste receptor cells. The expressed levels of dGqalpha and itpr in the tarsus of poxn70 mutant flies were reduced compared with those of wild-type flies. These results suggest that the IP3 transduction cascade is involved in the response of the sugar receptor cell of the fly.

Adenosine↗
PubMed1997

[Pharmacological studies on alterations in contractile reactivity in aortas isolated from experimental diabetic rats].

The present study was undertaken to determine how the responses to contractile agents are altered in aortas from rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes and to explore the possible mechanisms of the altered responses in diabetes. Rats were given an intravenous injection of 45 mg/kg streptozotocin. Eight to 12 weeks after treatment, aortas were isolated and set up for measurement of isometric tension. Diabetic aortas exhibited significantly lesser contractions in response to high K+ than those from age-matched controls. Furthermore, the Ca2+ channel agonist Bay K 8644 was not able to consistently contract diabetic aortas even when they were partially depolarized by an elevation of the extracellular K+ concentration to 15 mM where the agonist produced concentration-dependent contractions in all control aortas. On the other hand, the contractile responses to norepinephrine, 5-hydroxytryptamine, endothelin-1 and U46619 were significantly enhanced in diabetic rat aortas. All of the enhanced responses of diabetic aortas were completely eliminated in the presence of the Ca2+ channel antagonist nifedipine. The contractile responses of aortas from both control and diabetic rats to these agonists were abolished or strongly inhibited by the protein kinase C inhibitor staurosporine, and no significant difference was found in the magnitude of the contractile responses of aortas between control and diabetic rats to the agonists in the presence of staurosporine. In diabetic aortas, the protein kinase C activators phorbol 12, 13-dibutyrate and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate elicited a delayed, sharply developing rise in tension following the initial, gradually developing contraction, while these agents produced only the initial, slowly developing contraction in control aortas. As a result, the contractions induced by phorbol esters were greater in diabetic aortas than in controls. The enhanced contractile responses of diabetic aortas to phorbol esters were not observed in Ca(2+)-free medium or in the presence of nifedipine. In Ca(2+)-free medium, the transient contraction induced by caffeine was significantly diminished in diabetic aortas, in contrast to the phasic contraction by norepinephrine which was similarly observed in control and diabetic aortas. These results indicate that the extracellular Ca(2+)-dependent contractions elicited by receptor activation are enhanced in aortas from diabetic rats, and this is presumably related to a greater influx of Ca2+ through transmembrane Ca2+ channels as a consequence of increased protein kinase C-activated processes. On the other hand, the contractions associated with depolarization-evoked activation of Ca2+ channels are diminished in diabetic aortas, possibly due to an alteration in activation of the channels by membrane depolarization, and Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release from intracellular stores appears to be impaired in diabetes.

15-Hydroxy-11 alpha,9 alpha-(epoxymethano)prosta-5↗
PubMed2001

Assessment of the role of the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor in the activation of transient receptor potential channels and store-operated Ca2+ entry channels.

The mechanism for coupling between Ca(2+) stores and store-operated channels (SOCs) is an important but unresolved question. Although SOCs have not been molecularly identified, transient receptor potential (TRP) channels share a number of operational parameters with SOCs. The question of whether activation of SOCs and TRP channels is mediated by the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (InsP(3)R) was examined using the permeant InsP(3)R antagonist, 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB) in both mammalian and invertebrate systems. In HEK293 cells stably transfected with human TRPC3 channels, the actions of 2-APB to block carbachol-induced InsP(3)R-mediated store release and carbachol-induced Sr(2+) entry through TRPC3 channels were both reversed at high agonist levels, suggesting InsP(3)Rs mediate TRPC3 activation. However, electroretinogram recordings of the light-induced current in Drosophila revealed that the TRP channel-mediated responses in wild-type as well as trp and trpl mutant flies were all inhibited by 2-APB. This action of 2-APB is likely InsP(3)R-independent since InsP(3)Rs are dispensable for the light response. We used triple InsP(3)R knockout DT40 chicken B-cells to further assess the role of InsP(3)Rs in SOC activation. (45)Ca(2+) flux analysis revealed that although DT40 wild-type cells retained normal InsP(3)Rs mediating 2-APB-sensitive Ca(2+) release, the DT40InsP(3)R-k/o cells were devoid of functional InsP(3)Rs. Using intact cells, all parameters of Ca(2+) store function and SOC activation were identical in DT40wt and DT40InsP(3)R-k/o cells. Moreover, in both cell lines SOC activation was completely blocked by 2-APB, and the kinetics of action of 2-APB on SOCs (time dependence and IC(50)) were identical. The results indicate that (a) the action of 2-APB on Ca(2+) entry is not mediated by the InsP(3)R and (b) the effects of 2-APB provide evidence for an important similarity in the function of invertebrate TRP channels, mammalian TRP channels, and mammalian store-operated channels.

Adenosine↗
PubMed2000

L-type Ca(2+) channel activation regulates induction of c-fos transcription by hypoxia.

In the present study we examined the intracellular pathways that link hypoxia to activation of c-fos gene expression. Experiments were performed on rat pheocromocytoma-12 (PC-12) cells. c-fos mRNA and promoter activities were analyzed by RT-PCR and reporter gene assays, respectively. BAPTA, a Ca(2+) chelator, inhibited c-fos mRNA and promoter activation by hypoxia. Nitrendipine, an L-type Ca(2+)-channel blocker, abolished, whereas BAY K 8644, an L-type channel agonist, enhanced c-fos activation by hypoxia. Ca(2+) currents were augmented reversibly by hypoxia, suggesting that Ca(2+) influx mediated by L-type Ca(2+) channels is essential for c-fos activation by hypoxia. We next determined downstream pathways activated by intracellular Ca(2+) concentration. Immunoblot analysis revealed Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) protein in PC-12 cells and revealed that hypoxia increased the enzyme activity. KN-93, a CaMK inhibitor, blocked CaMKII activation and c-fos promoter stimulation by hypoxia. Ectopic expression of an active mutant of CaMKII (pCaMKII290) stimulated c-fos promoter activity under normoxia. Hypoxia increased phosphorylation of CREB at the serine residue 133 (Ser-133), and KN-93 attenuated this effect. Point mutations at the Ca(2+)/cAMP-responsive cis-element (Ca/CRE) attenuated, whereas point mutations in the serum-responsive cis-element (SRE) abolished transcriptional activation of c-fos by hypoxia. These results demonstrate that c-fos activation by hypoxia involves CaMK activation and CREB phosphorylation at Ser-133 and requires Ca/CRE and SRE. These observations demonstrate that Ca(2+)-dependent signaling pathways play a crucial role in induction of c-fos gene expression, which may underlie long-term adaptive responses to hypoxia.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

The molecular mode of action of the Ca agonist (-) BAY K 8644 on the cardiac Ca channel.

The primary drug action of (-) BAY K 8644 on whole-cell Ca current in atrial myocytes was measured under conditions where secondary Ca-mediated changes of Ca channel activity were minimized. The most direct action of (-) BAY K 8644 is the change of gating kinetics which results in a strictly voltage-dependent increase of the peak current in the voltage range between -40 and 0 mV. Peak currents were increased dose dependently in the concentration range from 1 to 30 nM. Analysis of peak current/voltage relations revealed a linear shift of the current activation by approximately 23 mV to more negative membrane potentials, without any change in its voltage dependence and in the current reversal potential or the maximum whole-cell conductance. Measurement of Ca current activation and deactivation time constants suggests that (-) BAY K 8644 prolongs the single-channel open time without affecting the closed time. From the shift of the open time function to more negative voltages by about 50 mV the energy transferred to the gating process is calculated to be 5.4 kJ/mol (1.3 kcal/mol). The drug-induced slow component of tail current has been used to estimate the true dose/response relation for (-) BAY K 8644. A KD value of 4.3 nM and a Hill coefficient of 1.25 were determined. Flash-induced competition experiments with the Ca antagonist nifedipine allowed the measurement of binding kinetics of (-) BAY K 8644. The association rate constant is estimated to about 5 x 10(6) mol-1.s-1 and dissociation time constant is approximately 50-70 s; both are in close agreement with receptor binding studies. Results are discussed in relation to models for drug action of dihydropyridine-type compounds and to implications for the structure of the Ca channel protein.

3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethy↗
PubMed1999

Interaction of three structurally distinct Ca2+ channel activators with single L-type Ca2+ channels.

The dihydropyridine S(-)-Bay K 8644 (Bay K), the benzoylpyrrole FPL 64176 (FPL) and the benzodiazocine CGP 48506 (CGP) are structurally unrelated L-type Ca2+ channels agonists. The aim of our study was to investigate whether these three drugs interact with different binding sites and thereby modulate the behaviour of L-type Ca2+ channels in a qualitatively different manner. Single-channel recordings were performed on CHO cells stably expressing the alpha1C-b subunit of the L-type Ca2+ channel. Mean open time and open probability were determined sweep by sweep and the effects of CGP (10(-4) M), Bay K (10(-6) M) and FPL (10(-6) M) were compared. All three compounds increased mean open time and open probability when applied alone. However, the gating pattern changes induced by each drug were qualitatively and quantitatively different. We also applied binary mixtures and analysed the resulting sweeps with respect to their gating pattern. The application of mixtures did result in a gating pattern not seen with any of the single drugs. The mixture of CGP and FPL led to a prolonged mean open time compared with each single drug. The mixture of Bay K and FPL exhibited an open probability lower than with each single drug. The mixture of CGP and Bay K increased the mean open time per sweep like Bay K, but the number of openings was similar to the level seen with CGP alone. These results cannot be explained by assuming alternative binding of the drugs to a single binding site. We therefore conclude that Bay K, CGP and FPL bind to different but interacting sites on the L-type Ca2+ channel.

3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethy↗
PubMed1996

Regulation of the gravitropic response and ethylene biosynthesis in gravistimulated snapdragon spikes by calcium chelators and ethylene inhibitors.

The possible involvement of Ca2+ as a second messenger in snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus L.) shoot gravitropism, as well as the role of ethylene in this bending response, were analyzed in terms of stem curvature and gravity-induced asymmetric ethylene production rates, ethylene-related metabolites, and invertase activity across the stem. Application of Ca2+ chelators (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, trans-1,2-cyclohexane dinitro-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid, 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N',-tetraacetic acid) or a Ca2+ antagonist (LaCl3) to the spikes caused a significant loss of their gravitropic response following horizontal placement. Conversely, the Ca2+ ionophore A23187 or the agonist Bay K-8644 increased gravibending. Longitudinally halved stem sections had significantly higher amounts of ethylene, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid, and 1-(malonylamino) cyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid compared with vertical controls, with the extra production arising exclusively from the lower half of the stem. trans-1,2-cyclohexane dinitro-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid pretreatment completely abolished the gravity-induced ethylene gradient across the stem, thereby leading to a significant reduction of the curvature. Similarly, reduction of the ethylene produced in the gravistimulated with CoCl2 or inhibition of its action by silver thiosulfate or 2,5-norbornadiene significantly inhibited the subsequent gravibending. Silver thiosulfate and CoCl2 also abolished the gravity-induced gradient of invertase activity across the stem, which is associated with the asymmetric stem elongation. These results suggest that cytosolic Ca2+ may regulate auxin action in snapdragon spikes, manifested as increased ethylene production, which is, in turn, intimately correlated with stem bending. Therefore, both hormones seem to play significant roles in induction and progress of the gravibending of snapdragon spikes.

Amino Acids↗
PubMed1993

Influences of the calcium antagonists nicardipine and nifedipine, and the calcium agonist BAY-K-8644, on the pharmacokinetics of propranolol in rats.

To determine the effect of dihydropyridines on the metabolism of propranolol, we studied the effects of a single oral dose of nicardipine, nifedipine, and BAY-K-8644 on the pharmacokinetics of propranolol in male Wistar rats fitted with a catheter in the jugularis vein. Oral propranolol (15 mg/kg and 1.5 mg/kg) and intravenous propranolol (1.5 mg/kg) were administered either alone or together with oral nicardipine (2.5 mg/kg). Oral propranolol (15 mg/kg) was administered with oral nifedipine (1.5 mg/kg) and with oral BAY-K-8644 (1.5 mg/kg). Nicardipine increased significantly the AUC and Cmax of oral propranolol (1.5 mg/kg and 15 mg/kg). However, the plasma concentration time curve of intravenous propranolol (1.5 mg/kg) was unaffected. Nifedipine also significantly increased the AUC and Cmax of oral propranolol (15 mg/kg), whereas with BAY-K-8644 there was only a slight increase in the bioavailability of oral propranolol (15 mg/kg). The results indicate that the dihydropyridine calcium antagonists decrease the metabolism of propranolol as a result of a decrease in first-pass clearance. Although an interaction at the level of cytochrome P450 may also be involved, the results of the present study suggest that the inhibitory effect can be largely attributed to changes in liver blood flow.

3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethy↗
PubMed1996

Dual effects of fluoroaluminate on activation of calcium influx and inhibition of agonist-induced calcium mobilization in rat glomerulosa cells.

Results presented in this study demonstrate that, in rat glomerulosa cells, fluoroaluminate (AlF4-) alone stimulates both cAMP accumulation (maximal stimulation 10-fold, ED50, 24 mM) and total inositol phosphate accumulation (maximal stimulation 12-fold, ED50 14 mM). Despite a transient accumulation of Ins(1,4,5)P3 after AlF4- stimulation, no rapid and transient intracellular calcium mobilization was observed. In contrast to angiotensin II (Ang II) or vasopressin (AVP), AlF4- induces only a slow and sustained increase in intracellular Ca2+. We demonstrate that this increase results from a Ca2+ influx mediated by cAMP-protein kinase A (PKA) pathway since preincubation with H-89, a potent PKA inhibitor, inhibits this influx. Moreover, a short preincubation (15 min at 37 degrees C) of cells with AlF4- or ACTH prevents the initial release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores induced by Ang II, but does not affect the amount of InsPs accumulated under Ang II stimulation. This rapid inhibition of Ang II action is mediated by ACTH- or AlF4(-)-stimulated cAMP production since pretreatment with H-89 leads to a complete reversal. cAMP most likely acts at the level of Ins(1,4,5)P3 receptors since an increase in intracellular cAMP blunts the calcium response induced by addition of exogenous Ins(1,4,5)P3 to permeabilized cells. These results point out that, in rat glomerulosa cells, activation of the cAMP pathway can induce a rapid desensitization of the phospholipase C pathway by acting downstream of inositol phosphate accumulation.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗
PubMed2002

Phosphoinositide 3-kinase mediates enhanced spontaneous and agonist-induced contraction in aorta of deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt hypertensive rats.

Arteries from deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt and N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) hypertensive but not normotensive rats develop spontaneous tone. LY294002 and wortmannin, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3-kinase) inhibitors, eliminate spontaneous tone. We hypothesized that PI3-kinase protein and/or activity was increased in hypertension and contributed to the observed enhanced contractility. PI3-kinase activity assays revealed 2-fold higher activity in thoracic aorta from DOCA-salt [systolic blood pressure (SBP)=184+/-5 mm Hg] compared with sham rats (SBP=111+/-2 mm Hg). Western analyses of aortic homogenates revealed the presence of p85alpha, p110alpha, p110beta, and p110delta but not p110gamma PI3-kinase subunits; p110delta protein was elevated in aorta of hypertensive rats as compared with sham. Aortic homogenates from L-NNA rats also had elevated p110beta protein density, but neither L-NNA nor DOCA-salt had differences in p85alpha and p110alpha. Total Akt density was unaltered, but pAkt was significantly lower in homogenates from DOCA-salt rats. LY294002 (20 micromol/L) and nifedipine (50 nmol/L) abolished Ca2+-induced spontaneous tone in aorta from DOCA-salt rats. However, LY294002 did not alter BayK8644-induced contraction, indicating that LY294002 does not inhibit L-type Ca2+ channels directly. PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog) and pPTEN were expressed but not different in aorta from DOCA-salt and sham rats. LY294002 corrected the enhanced contraction to KCl and norepinephrine in aorta from DOCA-salt rats. These data support an increase in PI3-kinase activity and p110delta density in aorta from L-NNA and DOCA-salt rats. Importantly, this increase contributes to the enhanced contractility observed in two models of hypertension.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

L-type Ca2+ channels activation and contraction elicited by myricetin on vascular smooth muscles.

The effects of myricetin (3,3',4',5,5',7-hesahydroxyflavone), a natural flavonoid found in edible plants, were studied on vascular smooth muscle L-type Ca(2+) channels by comparing its mechanical, radioligand binding, and electrophysiological properties to those of the Ca(2+) channel agonist (S)-(-)-Bay K 8644. In rat aorta rings, both myricetin and (S)-(-)-Bay K 8644 induced contractile responses, which were dependent upon prior exposure to K(+). At 15 mM K(+) (K15) the pEC(50) values for myricetin and (S)-(-)-Bay K 8644 were 4.43+/-0.03 and 7.92+/-0.13, respectively. Furthermore, the maximum tension response to myricetin was not significantly different from that elicited by either (S)-(-)-Bay K 8644 or K60. The Ca(2+) channel blockers nifedipine, verapamil and diltiazem antagonised and fully reverted myricetin-, (S)-(-)-Bay K 8644- as well as K60-induced contractions. Both myricetin and (S)-(-)-Bay K 8644 potentiated rat aorta ring responses to K(+), shifting the K(+) concentration-response curve to the left. (S)-(-)-Bay K 8644, but not myricetin, inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner (+)-[(3)H]PN200-110 binding in porcine aortic membranes. Electrophysiological recordings from single rat tail artery myocytes, under amphotericin B-perforated as well as conventional methods, showed that both myricetin and (S)-(-)-Bay K 8644 increased L-type Ba(2+) current (I(Ba(L))) and shifted the maximum of the current-voltage relationship by 10 mV in the hyperpolarising direction, without, however, modifying the threshold potential. Furthermore, (S)-(-)-Bay K 8644 accelerated both activation and inactivation kinetics of I(Ba(L)) while myricetin slowed down the activation kinetics. Finally, both (S)-(-)-Bay K 8644 and myricetin slowed down deactivation kinetics of I(Ba(L)). These results suggest that myricetin induces vasoconstriction by activating L-type Ca(2+) channel with similar efficacy but a site of action different to that of (S)-(-)-Bay K 8644.

3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethy↗
PubMed1996

Effect of the Ca(2+)-channel agonist Bay K 8644 on the contractile responses in human placental veins.

1. The aim of the present study was to analyse, in segments of human placental veins, the effect of the Ca2+ channel agonist Bay K 8644 (0.1 microM) and Ca2+ channel antagonists nifedipine (0.1 microM) and diltiazem (1 microM) on vascular contractility and 45Ca2+ uptake. 2. The Ca2+ channel agonist Bay K 8644 (0.1 microM) caused small concentration dependent contractions that were increased by a moderate membrane depolarization with 7.5 mM K+. This increase was reversed by nifedipine and diltiazem. Ca2+ addition to segments previously depolarized with 75 mM K+ and exposed to a Ca(2+)-free medium caused contractile responses that were increased by 0.1 microM Bay K 8644; such an increase was blocked by 0.1 microM nifedipine and 1 microM diltiazem. 3. K+ and 5-HT induced concentration dependent contractile responses which were increased by Bay K 8644 (0.1 microM). Both 0.1 microM nifedipine and 1 microM diltiazem inhibited the increasing effect of Bay K 8644. Bay K 8644 (30 nM and 0.1 microM) caused an enhancement in 45Ca2+ accumulation over the basal value, that was increased by membrane depolarization with K+ (7.5, 15 and 30 nM) and inhibited by nifedipine (0.1 microM). K+ (15 and 30, but not 7.5 mM) and 5-HT (1 microM) induced 45Ca2+ uptake over the basal level that was increased by Bay K 8644 (0.1 microM). Such an increase was antagonized by nifedipine (0.1 microM). 4. These data indicate that: (1) a small depolarization with K+ is needed for Bay K 8644 to be able to produce consistent contractile responses, suggesting that voltage gated Ca2+ channels (VGCCs) are not activated in a basal situation in placental veins; (2) the increase of 5-HT contraction by Bay K 8644 may be produced by either the capability of this amine to depolarize the membrane of smooth muscle cells and subsequent facilitation of Ca2+ influx through VGCCs or direct activation by Bay K 8644 of receptor (5-HT) operated Ca2+ channels (ROCs), and (3) the increasing effect of Bay K 8644 appears to be due to a Ca2+ entry activation through VGCCs.

3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethy↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Bay K 8644 increases resting Ca2+ spark frequency in ferret ventricular myocytes independent of Ca influx: contrast with caffeine and ryanodine effects.

Bay K 8644, an L-type Ca2+ channel agonist, was shown previously to increase resting sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ loss and convert post-rest potentiation to decay in dog and ferret ventricular muscle. Here, the effects of Bay K 8644 on local SR Ca2+ release events (Ca2+ sparks) were measured in isolated ferret ventricular myocytes, using laser scanning confocal microscopy and the fluorescent Ca2+ indicator fluo-3. The spark frequency under control conditions was fairly constant during 20 s of rest after interruption of electrical stimulation. Bay K 8644 (100 nmol/L) increased the spark frequency by 466+/-90% of control at constant SR Ca2+ load but did not change the spatial and temporal characteristics of individual sparks. The increase in spark frequency was maintained throughout the period of rest. The increase in Ca2+ spark frequency induced by Bay K 8644 was not affected by superfusion with Ca2+-free solution (with 10 mmol/L EGTA) but was suppressed by the addition of 10 micromol/L nifedipine (which by itself did not alter resting Ca2+ spark frequency). This suggests that the effect of Bay K 8644 on Ca2+ sparks is mediated by the sarcolemmal dihydropyridine receptor but is also independent of Ca2+ influx. Low concentrations of caffeine (0.5 mmol/L) increased both the average frequency and duration of sparks. Ryanodine (50 nmol/L) increased the spark frequency and also induced long-lasting Ca2+ signals. This may indicate long-lasting openings of SR Ca2+ release channels and a lack of local SR Ca2+ depletion. In lipid bilayers, Bay K 8644 had no effect on either single-channel current amplitude or open probability of the cardiac ryanodine receptor. It is concluded that Bay K 8644 activates SR Ca2+ release at rest, independent of Ca2+ influx and perhaps through a functional linkage between the sarcolemmal dihydropyridine receptor and the SR ryanodine receptor. In contrast, caffeine and ryanodine modulate Ca2+ sparks by a direct action on the SR Ca2+ release channels.

3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethy↗
PubMed2000

Contribution of the adenine base to the activity of adenophostin A investigated using a base replacement strategy.

Syntheses of 3'-O-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-1-beta-D-ribofuranosidoimidazole 2',3'', 4''-trisphosphate (7) and 3'-O-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-9-beta-D-ribofuranosidopurine 2',3'',4''- trisphosphate (8), two analogues of the superpotent 1D-myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor agonist adenophostin A (2), are described. 5-O-Benzyl-1, 2-O-isopropylidene-alpha-D-ribofuranose was prepared by an improved route from 1,2-O-isopropylidene-alpha-D-xylofuranose and was coupled with 3,4-di-O-acetyl-2,6-di-O-benzyl-D-glucopyranosyl dimethyl phosphite to give 3',4'-di-O-acetyl-2',5, 6'-tri-O-benzyl-3-O-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-1, 2-O-isopropylidene-alpha-D-ribofuranose. Removal of the isopropylidene acetal and subsequent acetylation gave the central disaccharide 1,2,3',4'-tetra-O-acetyl-2',5, 6'-tri-O-benzyl-3-O-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-D-ribofuranose. Vorbrüggen condensation with activated imidazole or purine gave the required beta-substituted derivatives which were further elaborated to 7 and 8, respectively. Radioligand binding assays to hepatic InsP(3) receptors and functional assays of Ca(2+) release from permeabilized hepatocytes gave a rank order of potency of the ligands 2 approximately 8 > 7 approximately Ins(1,4,5)P(3) indicating that the N(6)-amino group of 2 is of little importance for activity and that a minimum of a two-fused-ring nucleobase is required for activity to exceed that of Ins(1,4,5)P(3). The role of the adenine base in the activity of the adenophostins is discussed. This general method should facilitate ready access to nucleobase-modified adenophostin analogues for SAR studies.

Adenine↗
PubMed1999

Muscarinic regulation of basal versus thyrotropin-releasing hormone-induced prolactin secretion in rat anterior pituitary cells. differential roles of nitric oxide and intracellular calcium mobilization.

Acetylcholine (ACh), synthesized in the pituitary, can act locally to modulate pituitary function. We used rat primary anterior pituitary (AP) cells to investigate how ACh affects pituitary prolactin (PRL) secretion in the presence or absence of known PRL regulators: thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) and triiodothyronine (T(3)). Cultured AP cells were prepared from ovariectomized rats and pretreated with diluent, 0.6 nM E(2), 10 nM T(3), or E(2) plus T(3) for 5 days, then challenged with various doses of ACh or muscarinic receptor agonists (oxotremorine or carbachol) and TRH (100 nM) for 20 min. Significant ACh (10(-5) M) suppression of both basal and TRH-induced PRL secretion was not evident in diluent-, E(2)- or T(3)-pretreated cells, but observed only in cells pretreated with both E(2) and T(3). Moreover, in E(2) plus T(3)-pretreated cells, oxotremorine and carbachol, like ACh (10(-7)-10(-5) M), suppressed both responses in a dose- related manner. Pertussis toxin (PTX; 100 ng/ml) as well as atropine (a muscarinic receptor antagonist; 1 mM) blocked these effects of cholinomimetics. ACh also inhibited both PRL responses elicited by drugs elevating intracellular cAMP (10 microM forskolin) or Ca(2+) (1 microM Bay K-8644) in a PTX-sensitive manner. ACh inhibition of basal PRL secretion was unaltered by intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization blockers, TMB-8 (100 microM) and thapsigargin (1 microM), but abrogated by the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor (300 microM L-NAME). ACh inhibition of TRH-induced PRL secretion was accentuated by TMB-8 and alleviated by thapsigargin or L-NAME. In summary, muscarinic inhibition of either basal or TRH-induced PRL secretion was augmented by E(2) and T(3), and involved the PTX-sensitive cAMP/Ca(2+) pathways. Furthermore, nitric oxide mediated the basal rather than TRH-induced PRL response to ACh, whereas the intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization concerned the TRH-induced rather than the basal PRL response to ACh. Thus, ACh synthesized in the AP appears to inhibit basal vs. TRH-induced PRL secretion via different mechanisms.

3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethy↗
PubMed2001

Structural determinants of adenophostin A activity at inositol trisphosphate receptors.

Adenophostin A is the most potent known agonist of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP(3)) receptors. Ca(2+) release from permeabilized hepatocytes was 9.9 +/- 1.6-fold more sensitive to adenophostin A (EC(50), 14.7 +/- 2.4 nM) than to InsP(3) (145 +/- 10 nM), consistent with the greater affinity of adenophostin A for hepatic InsP(3) receptors (K(d) = 0.48 +/- 0.06 and 3.09 +/- 0.33 nM, respectively). Here, we systematically modify the structures of the glucose, ribose, and adenine moieties of adenophostin A and use Ca(2+) release and binding assays to define their contributions to high-affinity binding. Progressive trimming of the adenine of adenophostin A reduced potency, but it fell below that of InsP(3) only after complete removal of the adenine. Even after substantial modifications of the adenine (to uracil or even unrelated aromatic rings, retaining the beta-orientation), the analogs were more potent than InsP(3). The only analog with an alpha-ribosyl linkage had massively decreased potency. The 2'-phosphate on the ribose ring of adenophostin A was essential and optimally active when present on a five-membered ring in a position stereochemically equivalent to its location in adenophostin A. Xylo-adenophostin, where xylose replaces the glucose ring of adenophostin A, was only slightly less potent than adenophostin A, whereas manno-adenophostin (mannose replacing glucose) had similar potency to InsP(3). These results are consistent with the relatively minor role of the 3-hydroxyl of InsP(3) (the equivalent is absent from xylo-adenophostin) and greater role of the equatorial 6-hydroxyl (the equivalent is axial in manno-adenophostin). This is the first comprehensive analysis of all the key structural elements of adenophostin A, and it provides a working model for the design of related high-affinity ligands of InsP(3) receptors.

Adenosine↗
PubMed1987

Effects of a phorbol ester on rat aortic contraction and calcium influx in the presence and absence of BAY k 8644.

Phorbol esters like phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate (PDB) exert potent contractile effects on rat aorta. In the present study, we determined whether phorbol esters alter contraction by augmenting calcium influx through calcium channels. Isometric tensions and calcium influx (using 45Ca) were measured in rat aortic rings exposed to PDB in the presence and absence of BAY k 8644, a calcium channel agonist. We found that PDB alone caused significant increases in isometric tension. The addition of 100 nM BAY k 8644 enhanced the PDB-induced rat aortic contraction which was inhibited as well as reversed by the calcium channel antagonist, nitrendipine. In the presence of PDB alone, calcium influx was significantly increased only after an extended time (30 min) of isometric contraction. In the presence of BAY k 8644, however, PDB caused a significant increase in calcium influx during shorter periods (10 min) of isometric contraction. We also found that the biologically inactive phorbol, 4-alpha-phorbol, did not potentiate the effects of BAY k 8644 on either contraction or calcium influx. These results indicate that PDB may induce rat aortic contraction via activation of protein kinase C which in the presence of a calcium channel agonist can potentiate the mobilization of calcium through nitrendipine-sensitive calcium channels.

3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethy↗
PubMed1996

Maitotoxin, a calcium channel activator, inhibits cell cycle progression through the G1/S and G2/M transitions and prevents CDC2 kinase activation in GH4C1 cells.

Calcium regulates progression through several checkpoints in the cell cycle, including the G1/S-phase transition, G2/M-phase transition, and exit from mitosis. In the GH4C1 rat pituitary cell line, calcium mobilizing polypeptides and calcium channel activation inhibit cell proliferation. This report examines the effects of maitotoxin (MTX), an activator of type L voltage-dependent calcium channels (L-VDCC), on calcium influx and cell cycle progression in GH4C1 cells. MTX causes both a block from G1 to S-phase and a concentration-dependent accumulation of cells in G2+M. MTX does not increase the mitotic index; thus, sustained calcium channel activation by MTX results in an accumulation of cells in G2. In order to temporally localize the MTX-induced G2 block relative to cell cycle regulatory events at the G2/M transition, we assessed the relative activity of two cell cycle regulatory protein kinases, CDC2 and CDK2, in MTX-treated cells. CDC2-specific histone kinase activity in MTX-treated cells is lower than either in cells blocked in mitosis with the microtubule destabilizing agent demecolcine or in randomly cycling cells. In contrast, the activity of CDK2 is highest in MTX-treated cells, consistent with a G2 block prior to CDC2 activation. Together, these results implicate with a G2 block prior to CDC2 activation. Together, these results implicate calcium as an intracellular signal required for progression through G2 phase of the cell cycle prior to CDC2 kinase activation.

Animals↗