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Involvement of cyclic GMP in nitric-oxide-induced gastric relaxation Comparison of the actions of cyclic GMP and cyclic AMP.

BACKGROUND: Smooth muscle relaxation induced by various agents that increase the cellular levels of cyclic nucleotides (cAMP and cGMP) is accompanied by a decrease in intracellular Ca2+ concentration. However, little is known about the differences between the inhibitory effects of cAMP and cGMP on the contraction of smooth muscle. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects and underlying mechanisms of cAMP and cGMP on the inhibition of gastric smooth muscle contraction, cyclic nucleotide promoting agents, as well as cell membrane permeable cyclic nucleotides were used. METHODS: Isometric contraction was measured from circular muscle strips prepared from the fundus of cat stomach in a cylinder-shaped chamber filled with Krebs-Ringer solution (pH 7.4, temperature 36 degrees C) bubbled with 5% CO2 in O2. The level of inositol phosphates (IPs) was measured. RESULTS: Forskolin and sodium nitroprusside significantly inhibited acetylcholine (ACh)-induced gastric smooth muscle contraction and increased the cellular levels of cAMP and cGMP, respectively. Direct application of 8-Br-cAMP and 8-Br-cGMP also significantly inhibited ACh-induced contraction. Both verapamil and TMB-8 inhibited ACh-induced contraction. The combined inhibitory effect of verapamil and TMB-8 was significantly greater than the effect of either one, separately. Forskolin or sodium nitroprusside similarly augmented the effect of verapamil. However, the inhibitory effect of TMB-8 was augmented only by 8-Br-cGMP or sodium nitroprusside but not by 8-BrcAMP or forskolin. Forskolin and 8-Br-cAMP significantly inhibited the formation of inositol phosphates stimulated by ACh. CONCLUSIONS: cAMP inhibits the contraction mechanism associated with intracellular Ca2+ mobilization as well as extracellular Ca2+ influx, while cGMP inhibits contraction by inhibiting the mechanism associated with extracellular Ca2+ influx.

Acetylcholine↗

Transient monocular blindness.

An attack of abrupt loss of vision in one eye that recovers completely after a short period is called "transient monocular blindness" (TMB) or amaurosis fugax. The most common cause of TMB is atherothromboembolism from the origin of the internal carotid artery (ICA), whereas atrial fibrillation is quite uncommon. TMB also can be caused by anterior optic nerve ischemia, that is usually caused by thrombosis in the posterior ciliary artery. Thrombosis in the central retinal vein may be another cause. Dissection of the ICA, vascular malformations, or fibromuscular dysplasia are other potential etiologies. Blurring of vision as compared with blackened vision or positive phenomena such as flashing is probably associated with a higher risk of future cardiovascular events, whereas involvement of the partial monocular field is associated with a relative benign prognosis. In patients with atherosclerosis, antiplatelet therapy is indicated and treatment of vascular risk factors should have high priority. Carotid endarterectomy should be performed only in case of an ICA stenosis of more than 70% in the presence of at least one other risk factor for stroke.

Amaurosis Fugax↗

The action of v-src on gap junctional permeability is modulated by pH.

The product of the viral src gene (v-src) is the protein tyrosine kinase pp60v-src. Among the known consequences of pp60v-src activity is the reduction in permeability of gap junctions, an effect that is counteracted by the calcium antagonist TMB-8 (8-N,N-[diethylamino]octyl-3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate). We show here that a decrease in intracellular pH (pHi) also counteracts the v-src effect: junctional permeability of cells containing active v-src kinase rose with decreasing pHi in the range 7.15 to 6.75, whereas junctional permeability of cells containing inactive v-src kinase or no v-src at all was insensitive to pH in that range. Low pH also counteracted the known action of diacylglycerol on junction, but only when pp60v-src kinase was inactive. Immunoblots of whole-cell lysates using an antibody against phosphotyrosine show that phosphorylation on tyrosine of at least one cellular protein, specific for pp60v-src kinase activity, was reduced by low pH but not by TMB-8. These results suggest that TMB-8 does not inhibit v-src action on junctional permeability by interfering with tyrosine phosphorylation of a protein crucial for closure of gap junction channels, but that the inhibition by low pH may be via this mechanism.

Animals↗

Predictive Biomarkers for Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Efficacy: Challenges, Innovations, and a Pathway to Precision Medicine in the Era of Cancer Immunotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have transformed oncology practice. However, treatment response remains heterogeneous, rendering predictive biomarkers critical for optimal patient care. The 3 established biomarkers, programmed death-ligand 1, tumor mutational burden (TMB), and microsatellite instability-high/deficient mismatch repair, are approved and clinically validated but are modest predictors of benefit. As a result, multiple novel predictive biomarkers remain under investigation. CONTENT: This review highlights established and investigational predictive ICI efficacy biomarkers. For established biomarkers, we describe biology, assay modalities, approved companion diagnostics, landmark studies, and notable limitations. Due to the multisystem nature of antitumor immune effects, investigational biomarkers span multiple domains, including tumor genomic biomarkers (e.g., mutational signatures, TMB, neoantigen clonality), tumor microenvironment (e.g., tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes [TILs], tertiary lymphoid structures), systemic immune biomarkers (e.g., cytokines, autoantibodies, glycoproteins, peripheral blood mononuclear cells), and the microbiome (e.g., gastrointestinal microbial diversity, responder-enriched taxa). SUMMARY: The established biomarkers PD-L1, TMB, and microsatellite instability-high/deficient mismatch repair inform ICI use in clinical practice but have important limitations. Multiple investigational biomarkers show promise in refining patient selection and optimizing therapy. Moving forward, increased assay harmonization, prospective validation, and standardized parameters may improve performance. Composite models integrating complementary signals across domains may further individualize treatment and lead to an era of personalized cancer immunotherapy.

Humans↗

Paired genomic profiling of primary tumor and lymph-node metastases identifies candidate prognostic features in penile squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Penile squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC) is a rare malignancy with limited genomic data in Asian populations. Lymph node metastasis heavily dictates prognosis, yet molecular determinants of progression remain poorly understood. We aimed to characterize the genomic landscape and explore candidate prognostic genomic features using paired primary and metastatic PSCC tumors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Targeted next-generation sequencing (437 cancer-related genes) was performed on primary tumors and matched lymph node metastases from 20 Chinese patients. Somatic alterations, intralesional heterogeneity, and tumor mutation burden (TMB) were analyzed and correlated with disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: The most frequent primary tumor mutations included TP53 (45%) and TERT (40%). Notably, CCND1/FGF19 co-amplification (20% of cases) was associated with inferior DFS (P = .027) and showed a trend toward shorter OS (P = .050). Conversely, T-cell receptor (TCR) pathway alterations correlated with markedly improved survival. Comparing paired lesions revealed 59.8% shared alterations. Elevated TMB in metastases relative to matched primary tumors was significantly associated with poorer DFS (P = .008), while higher intralesional heterogeneity showed a trend toward worse OS. CONCLUSION: Paired profiling revealed broadly conserved genomic features together with lesion-specific divergence in PSCC. Recurrent CCND1/FGF19-containing 11q13 amplification, TCR pathway alterations, and elevated metastatic TMB warrant evaluation as potential prognostic features in larger, independently validated cohorts with integrated HPV and immune profiling.

Humans↗

Spontaneous induction of superoxide release and degranulation of neutrophils in isotonic potassium medium: the role of intracellular calcium.

When guinea pig peritoneal neutrophils were suspended in the isotonic medium of potassium, rubidium, and cesium ions at 37 degrees C, the cells released superoxide, while low activity was observed in the isotonic medium of sodium and lithium ions. The activity induced in the potassium medium was enhanced by potassium-ionophores, valinomycin, and gramicidin, and decreased by a potassium channel blocker, 4-aminopyridine. The superoxide-releasing activity was not affected by the presence or absence of extracellular calcium but was inhibited by an intracellular calcium antagonist-8-(N,N-diethylamino)-octyl-3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate(TMB-8) with the half-inhibition concentration of 50 microM. The release of granular enzymes, lysozyme and beta-glucuronidase, was also induced in the isotonic potassium medium in the absence of extracellular calcium and inhibited by TMB-8. A remarkable elevation of the intracellular free calcium concentration in neutrophils, which was monitored by quin-2 fluorescence, was found when the cells were added to the potassium medium without calcium. The elevation was inhibited by the addition of TMB-8. These observations suggest that calcium mobilization from intracellular storage sites, not an influx of calcium from the extracellular medium, causes the release of superoxide and the granular enzymes in isotonic potassium medium.

Animals↗

Effect of calcium withdrawal and agents affecting calcium translocation on agonist-induced contractions of the rabbit ovarian artery.

The effect of extracellular calcium ion (Ca2+) depletion, diltiazem, D-600 and TMB-8 on potassium (K+), norepinephrine-(NE) and histamine-induced contractions of the rabbit isolated ovarian artery was studied. K+-induced contractions, which were biphasic, were rapidly lost (congruent to 5 min) when calcium was removed from the physiological saline solution (O-Ca2+ PSS). NE and histamine-induced contractions also declined rapidly under nominal O-Ca2+ conditions without any evidence of a depletion resistant component. However, after 1 h under these conditions there was a partial restoration of their responses. EGTA (10(-3) mol/l) abolished these contractions to NE and histamine but not those in normal PSS. Diltiazem and D-600 were more effective against K+-induced than NE- and histamine-induced contractions while the intracellular Ca2+ antagonist TMB-8 was equally effective against all three responses. Histamine could still evoke contraction of the K+-contracted ovarian artery after this had been completely abolished with diltiazem or D-600 but not TMB-8. These results are interpreted to suggest that K+, NE and histamine probably release intracellular Ca2+ to evoke contractions of the ovarian artery. They differ, however, in the mechanisms they employ to facilitate entry of extracellular calcium, which in turn leads to intracellular calcium release.

Animals↗

Influence of alcohol on cognitive performance during mild hypoglycaemia; implications for Type 1 diabetes.

AIMS: Alcohol and hypoglycaemia independently affect cognitive function. This may be relevant for insulin-treated diabetic patients who drive motor vehicles. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of mild hypoglycaemia (2.8 mmol/l) with modest alcohol intoxication (levels below UK driving limits) on intellectual performance in patients with Type 1 diabetes. METHODS: A hyperinsulinaemic glucose clamp (60 mU/m2) was used to study 17 subjects [age 35 +/- 8 years, HbA1c 8.1 +/- 1.4% (mean +/- sd)] on four occasions: (A) euglycaemia (4.5 mmol/l) with placebo, (B) euglycaemia with alcohol, (C) hypoglycaemia (2.8 mmol/l) with placebo, and (D) hypoglycaemia with alcohol. Cognitive performance was assessed using four-choice reaction time (4CRT, primary outcome), measurements of general intellectual skills [trail making B (TMB) and digit symbol substitution (DSST)], and visual information processing [visual change detection (VCD)]. A test related to driving performance (hazard perception) was also used. RESULTS: In experiments B and D the average blood alcohol level was 43 mg/dl. This was associated with deterioration in 4CRT [+ 35 ms [95% confidence interval (CI) 20, 50]] and TMB, whereas hypoglycaemia without alcohol increased 4CRT only [+ 39 ms (95% CI 5, 73)]. However, when alcohol was combined with hypoglycaemia, there was marked deterioration in all the cognitive function tests [4CRT 74 ms (95% CI 35, 113), TMB, DSST and VCD]. Hazard perception was not affected. The effect of alcohol was no different in euglycaemia than in hypoglycaemia, i.e. there was no interaction. Whereas hypoglycaemia did not reduce the likelihood that the subjects would drive, alcohol did. CONCLUSIONS: The cumulative effect of alcohol and hypoglycaemia on cognitive function together has implications for driving in patients with Type 1 diabetes. Both independently impair cognitive function and together the effects are additive. Patients with Type 1 diabetes should be educated about hypoglycaemia and driving and should avoid alcohol completely if planning to drive.

Adult↗

Bisquaternary pyridinium oximes as presynaptic agonists and postsynaptic antagonists of muscarinic receptors.

A study of the effects of bisquaternary pyridinium oximes on calcium-dependent potassium-evoked [3H]acetylcholine release from rat brain slices revealed that at presynaptic autoreceptors these drugs function like muscarinic agonists, as they mimic the effects of acetylcholine in their inhibition of the evoked [3H]-acetylcholine release in an atropine-sensitive and dose-dependent manner. Since the bisquaternary pyridinium oximes are mild muscarinic antagonists at postsynaptic muscarinic receptors, they constitute a category of muscarinic ligands that are characterized by inverse dual activity at pre- and postsynaptic muscarinic receptors. These drugs may have dual function on cholinergic transmission by acting as presynaptic agonists and as postsynaptic antagonists. The most potent inhibitor of the evoked [3H]acetylcholine release was 1,1'-(4-hydroxyiminopyridinium)trimethylene (TMB-4) (I50 = 8 microM) and the weakest were 1-(2-hydroxyiminoethylpyridinium) 1-(3-cyclohexylcarboxypyridinium) dimethylether (HGG-42) and 1-(2-hydroxyiminoethylpyridinium) 1-(3-phenylcarboxypyridinium) dimethylether (HGG-12) (I50 = 150 microM). As postsynaptic antagonists, the latter drugs are more potent (K1 = 1.3-3.3 microM) than TMB-4 (K1 = 50 microM). Combined therapy with two drugs such as TMB-4 and HGG-12 might be effective in blocking severe hyperactivity of the cholinergic system.

Acetylcholine↗

Visual assessment of hemolysis in red blood cell units and segments can be deceptive.

BACKGROUND: Blood components that appear hemolyzed are discarded. However, visual inspection is subjective and criteria for excessive hemolysis are poorly defined. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Packed RBCs (10 CPDA-1, 10 Adsol) were collected. Half of each unit was leukoreduced. Plasma Hb was measured and compared in segments and units by three methods: 1) a HemoCue Plasma/Low Hb Photometer system; 2) a tetramethyl-benzidine (TMB) chemical method, and 3) a free Hb visual comparator. RESULTS: Visual assessment tended to overestimate hemolysis. Chemical methods were comparable (r(2)= 0.894; HemoCue = 0.043 +[0.770]x TMB; n = 400; range, 0.01-0.5 g/dL), although the mean plasma Hb (g/dL) for the HemoCue method was higher than that of the TMB method (0.12 vs. 0.10 g/dL, respectively; p < 0.001). No units would have been discarded based on a hemolysis level of at least 0.6 g/dL (approx. 1%) if measured by a chemical method. However, 50 percent of CPDA-1 and 10 percent of Adsol units would have been discarded if only visual criteria were used. Leukoreduction did not increase plasma Hb levels. Discrepancies in plasma Hb levels were noted between units and their corresponding segments. CONCLUSION: Visual assessment of hemolysis can result in unnecessary wastage of blood components. HemoCue offers an alternative, objective method to assess plasma Hb in the setting of blood collection and processing facilities for routine quality control and process validation, and may aid in the development of objective criteria for excessive hemolysis in blood components.

Anticoagulants↗

Evaluation of antibiotic therapies for eradication of Helicobacter hepaticus.

The newly recognized murine pathogen Helicobacter hepaticus is known to colonize the ceca and colons of several strains of mice from a variety of commercial suppliers. Additionally, the organism persistently infects mice, causes a chronic hepatitis, and is linked to hepatic tumors in the A/JCr inbred mouse strain. For this reason, eradication of the organism from infected mouse colonies is desirable. Treatment modalities for eradication of H. hepaticus from the gastrointestinal system consisted of oral administration of various antibiotic combinations previously evaluated for eradication of experimental H. felis gastric infection in mice. A/JCr mice (8 to 10 weeks old) naturally infected with H. hepaticus were divided into six treatment groups of 10 animals each. Animals received monotherapy of amoxicillin, metronidazole, or tetracycline or triple therapy of amoxicillin-metronidazole-bismuth (AMB) or tetracycline-metronidazole-bismuth (TMB). All medications were administered by oral gavage three times daily for 2 weeks. One month after the final treatment, mice were euthanatized and livers, ceca, and colons were cultured for H. hepaticus. All untreated control animals had H. hepaticus isolated from the cecum and/or colon. H. hepaticus was not recovered from the livers, ceca, or colons of the AMB or TMB treatment groups. All animals receiving the various antibiotic monotherapies had H. hepaticus isolated from the cecum and colon. We conclude that at the doses and the route evaluated, AMB and TMB triple therapies are effective for eradication of H. hepaticus in 8- to 10-week old A/JCr mice.

Amoxicillin↗

The release of slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis from guinea pig lung: effects of calcium antagonists.

The effects of three calcium antagonists, verapamil, lanthanum, and 8-(N,N-diethylamino)octyl-3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate (TMB-8) were studied on the release of slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRS-A) from ovalbumin-sensitized chopped guinea pig lung parenchyma in calcium-containing and calcium-free media. The SRS-A levels (mean +/- SEM) obtained from tissues incubated in normal and calcium-free Krebs-bicarbonate buffer were 51 +/- 8 (N = 19) and 21 +/- 4 (N = 14) U/mL, respectively. TMB-8 (0.1-10 microM), a reported intracellular calcium antagonist, reduced antigen-stimulated SRS-A release from lung tissue incubated in calcium-containing, but not calcium-free, medium; A23187-induced SRS-A release from normal guinea pig lung was not significantly altered by TMB-8 at concentrations up to 10 microM. Verapamil and lanthanum consistently reduced SRS-A release only at high concentrations (100 microM and 1mM, respectively). The quantities of SRS-A released from lung tissue incubated in the presence of verapamil in normal medium were similar to those obtained in calcium-free medium. Tissues incubated in the presence of potassium chloride (60 and 100 mM) did not release significant quantities of SRS-A, and release which did occur was not blocked by verapamil, suggesting that antigen-induced SRS-A release is not dependent on membrane depolarization and that verapamil was not exerting inhibition via blockade of voltage-dependent calcium channels. These data suggest that although intracellular calcium is important for the regulation of SRS-A secretion from guinea pig lung tissue, extracellular calcium is necessary for optimal release of SRS-A.

Animals↗

Pharmacological studies of excitation-contraction coupling in skeletal muscle.

The use of drugs in the study of excitation-contraction (E-C) coupling in skeletal muscle during the 25-30 years and the role of these studies in the development of the "trigger-calcium" hypothesis was reviewed. In early studies, caffeine was used as a tool to test the function of the intracellular contraction apparatus when the twitch or depolarization contracture was eliminated by a procedure that was thought to block the coupling part of the E-C coupling process. Later it was shown that caffeine produced contractures by releasing Ca2+ ions from intracellular binding sites and then that caffeine produced this effect by sensitizing the sarcoplasmic reticulum to Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release. More recently, organic calcium channel blocking drugs (verapamil, D-600, and nitrendipine) were used to confirm earlier results showing that depolarization contractures but not twitches require the entrance into the cells via the slow Ca2+ channels of extracellular calcium ions for E-C coupling. Most recently, we have investigated the effects of TMB-8 (8-(diethylamino)-octyl-3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate) on E-C coupling in frog skeletal muscle. This compound was shown by other workers to act in several tissues by stabilizing Ca2+ bound at intracellular sites. It was found that at the appropriate concentration TMB-8 blocked twitches but neither high K+ nor caffeine induced contractures. These results suggest that TMB-8 blocks twitches by preventing the release of Ca2+ ions bound to the intracellular surface of the t-tubular membrane, which is often called the store of "trigger-calcium" ions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Depressing effects of calcium antagonists on oxygen consumption in isolated skeletal muscle during potassium depolarization.

The effects of two Ca2+-antagonizing drugs, dantrolene sodium (DAN) and TMB-8, on subcontracture, K+-induced increased oxygen consumption were studied in isolated frog sartorius muscles. Incubation in Ringer's solution +18 mM KCl caused a marked increase in averaged resting oxygen uptake (52.8 +/- 4.1 to 278.2 +/- 20.0 mm3.g-1.h-1). Incubation in Ringer's +18 mM KCl containing either 0.116 mM TMB-8 or 0.035 mM DAN resulted in a significant reduction in the averaged metabolic response (264.4 +/- 30.8 (control) vs. 142.3 +/- 19.0 (TMB-8) vs. 72.2 +/- 3.4 (DAN]. The results suggest that the enhanced metabolic rate observed upon elevating extracellular [K+] to just below contracture levels is due to increased intracellular Ca2+ release.

Animals↗

Disorganization by calcium antagonists of actin microfilament in aortic smooth muscle cells.

To assess the physiological role of intracellular Ca2+ in the organization of actin microfilaments in smooth muscle cells, we employed several types of Ca2+ antagonists. The rabbit aortic smooth muscle cells treated with the putative intracellular Ca2+ antagonist 8-(N,N-diethylamino)-octyl-3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate (TMB 8) at 5-100 microM showed a loss or a decrease in size and length of the actin-containing microfilament structure in a dose-dependent manner. Similar disorganization of actin structure was observed in the smooth muscle cells treated with 1-(5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)-homopiperazine (HA 1077) at 5-100 microM, which is a new type of Ca2+ antagonist different from Ca2+ entry blocker. In contrast, 100 microM verapamil and diltiazem induced no reorganization of the actin microfilament structure. Antimycin A decreased the ATP levels in smooth muscle cells and disorganized the actin-containing structure. Unlike antimycin A, TMB 8 and HA 1077 did not lower the ATP level below the threshold needed to maintain the actin filament structure. Both TMB 8 and HA 1077 directly interacted with neither the actin monomer nor F-actin in a viscometrical assay system. Thus these reagents may induce the disorganization of actin microfilament structure in smooth muscle cells through the indirect reaction(s) with the actin, suggesting that an appropriate level of ATP and Ca2+ and/or its involving reactions may be essential for maintenance of the actin structure.

Actin Cytoskeleton↗

Calcium and chloride channel activation by angiotensin II-AT1 receptors in preglomerular vascular smooth muscle cells.

The pathways responsible for the rapid and sustained increases in [Ca(2+)](i) following activation of ANG II receptors (AT(1)) in renal vascular smooth muscle cells were evaluated using fluorescence microscopy. Resting intracellular calcium concentration [Ca(2+)](i) averaged 75 +/- 9 nM. The response to ANG II (100 nM) was characterized by a rapid initial increase of [Ca(2+)](i) by 74 +/- 6 nM (n = 35) followed by a decrease to a sustained level of 12 +/- 2 nM above baseline. The average time from peak to 50% reduction from the peak value (50% time point) was 32 +/- 4 s. AT(1) receptor blockade with 1 microM candesartan (n = 5) prevented the responses to ANG II. In nominally calcium-free conditions (n = 8), the peak increase in [Ca(2+)](i) averaged 42 +/- 7 nM but the sustained phase was absent and the 50% time point was reduced to 11 +/- 4 s. L-type calcium channel blockade with diltiazem reduced the peak [Ca(2+)](i) to 24 +/- 8 nM and the sustained level to 4 +/- 2 nM (n = 10). In cells preincubated in low Cl(-) (3.0 mM), the peak response to ANG II was suppressed as was the sustained response. Blockade of chloride channels with DIDS eliminated both the peak and sustained responses (n = 11); chloride channel blockade with DPC (n = 17) suppressed the peak increase in [Ca(2+)](i) to 18 +/- 5 and also prevented the sustained response. IP3 receptor blockade by 10 microM TMB-8 (n = 6) reduced the peak to 22 +/- 8 and prevented the sustained response. Exposure to 10 microM TMB-8 in the presence of Ca(2+)-free medium prevented the ANG II response (n = 9). In the presence of 100 microM DPC and 10 microM TMB-8 (n = 7), the ANG II response was also prevented. Thus the rapid initial increase in [Ca(2+)](i) is due not only to release from intracellular stores, but also to Ca(2+) influx from the extracellular fluid. Although Ca(2+) entry via L-type calcium channels is responsible for the major portion of the sustained response, other entry pathways participate. The finding that chloride channel blockers markedly attenuate both rapid and sustained responses indicates that chloride channel activation contributes to, rather than being the consequence of, the initial rapid response.

4,4'-Diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-Disulfonic Acid↗

Involvement and source of calcium in volume regulatory decrease of collapsed proximal convoluted tubule.

We examined the role of Ca2+ in the volume regulatory decrease (VRD) of rabbit collapsed proximal tubules. Reduction of bath osmolality by 125 mosmol/kgH2O led to an initial cell swelling of 62.3 +/- 7.5% followed by a partial regulatory phase bringing cell volume to a value of 13.3 +/- 2.9% above control (n = 5). This swelling was accompanied by a transient intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) increase from 174 +/- 33 to 306 +/- 67 nM (P < 0.05, n = 8). In the same condition, but in absence of extracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]e) [1 mM ethylene glycol-bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA)], VRD following hypotonic shock was identical to that observed in presence of [Ca2+]e (n = 5), and [Ca2+]i increased transiently from 136 +/- 29 to 161 +/- 31 nM (P < 0.05, n = 5). Addition of 100 microM 8-(N,N-dimethylamino)octyl 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate hydrochloride (TMB-8), an agent known to inhibit Ca2+ release from intracellular stores, did not affect the initial cell swelling (63.4 +/- 4.2%), and VRD occurred to the same extent (25.0 +/- 7.1%, n = 4), although at a lower rate. In these conditions, [Ca2+]i, which was 113 +/- 30 nM in the isotonic solution, decreased progressively to 81 +/- 20 nM over the 5-min hypotonic period (n = 5). Mere preincubation with 100 microM TMB-8 before hypotonic shock led to a VRD identical to that observed in presence of Ca2+ and absence of TMB-8 while still blocking the Ca2+ release, with cell Ca2+ decreasing progressively from 179 +/- 32 to 87 +/- 21 nM (n = 7).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Calcium entry and mobilization signaling pathways in ANG II-induced renal vasoconstriction in vivo.

The purpose of this study was to determine the relative importance of calcium signaling pathways in angiotensin II (ANG II)-induced renal vasoconstriction in vivo. Nifedipine was used to antagonize dihydropyridine-sensitive voltage-dependent calcium channels; BAY K 8644 was employed to activate these calcium channels. Intracellular calcium mobilization was evaluated using TMB-8 or heparin to inhibit calcium release from sarcoplasmic reticulum. Renal blood flow was measured by electromagnetic flowmetry in anesthetized euvolemic Wistar-Kyoto rats. The animals were pretreated with indomethacin to avoid interactions with prostaglandins. ANG II (2 ng) or BAY K 8644 (1 microgram) was injected into the renal artery to produce a transient 30-50% decrease in renal blood flow without affecting arterial pressure. Coadministration of nifedipine with BAY K 8644 produced dose-dependent inhibition of the maximum renal vasoconstriction elicited by BAY K 8644. The calcium-channel antagonist had similar effects on ANG II-induced renal vasoconstriction. Nifedipine exerted maximum inhibition by blocking 50% of the peak ANG II response. To evaluate intracellular calcium mobilization, TMB-8 or heparin was coadministered with ANG II. Each agent produced dose-dependent inhibition of up to 50% of the maximum renal vasoconstriction produced by ANG II. The inhibitory effects of nifedipine and TMB-8 were additive; neither agent had an effect when ANG II AT1 receptors were antagonized with losartan. These observations indicate that one-half of the ANG II-induced constriction of renal resistance vessels is mediated by voltage-dependent L-type calcium channels responsive to the dihydropyridine nifedipine. The remaining 50% of the renal vasoconstriction elicited by ANG II is mediated by inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-mediated calcium mobilization from intracellular sources. The additive nature of the inhibitory effects indicates distinct mechanisms involving calcium mobilization and calcium entry signaling pathways that are of equal importance in ANG II activation of AT1 receptors to trigger constriction of renal resistance vessels under basal conditions.

Angiotensin II↗