• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
• /
• 제7권6호
• /
• pp.375-379
• /
• 2003

$Ca^{2+}$ influx appears to be important for triggering myoblast fusion. It remains, however, unclear how $Ca^{2+}$ influx rises prior to myoblast fusion. Recently, several studies suggested that NMDA receptors may be involved in $Ca^{2+}$ mobilization of muscle, and that $Ca^{2+}$ influx is mediated by NMDA receptors in C2C12 myoblasts. Here, we report that other types of ionotropic glutamate receptors, non-NMDA receptors (AMPA and KA receptors), are also involved in $Ca^{2+}$ influx in myoblasts. To explore which subtypes of non-NMDA receptors are expressed in C2C12 myogenic cells, RT-PCR was performed, and the results revealed that KA receptor subunits were expressed in both myoblasts and myotubes. However, AMPA receptor was not detected in myoblasts but expressed in myotubes. Using a $Ca^{2+}$ imaging system, $Ca^{2+}$ influx mediated by these receptors was directly measured in a single myoblast cell. Intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ level was increased by KA, but not by AMPA. These results were consistent with RT-PCR data. In addition, KA-induced intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ increase was completely suppressed by treatment of nifedifine, a L-type $Ca^{2+}$ channel blocker. Furthermore, KA stimulated myoblast fusion in a dose-dependent manner. CNQX inhibited not only KA-induced myoblast fusion but also spontaneous myoblast fusion. Therefore, these results suggest that KA receptors are involved in intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ increase in myoblasts and then may play an important role in myoblast fusion.

• 동의생리병리학회지
• /
• 제18권5호
• /
• pp.1382-1386
• /
• 2004

This study was performed for the investigation of vasodilatory efficacy and its underlying mechanisms of Samhwangsasim-tang(SST), herbal remedy. SST relaxed vascular strips precontracted with phenylephrine or KCI(51 mM), but the magnitude of relaxation was greater in phenylephrine(PE) induced contraction. The relaxation effects of SST was endothelium-independent. L-NAME, iNOS inhibitor, and methyl en blue(MB), cGMP inhibitor, did not attenuate the relaxation responses of SST. In the absence of extracellular Ca2+, pre-incubation of the aortic rings with SST significantly reduced the contraction by PE, suggesting that the relaxant action of the SST includes inhibition of Ca/sup 2+/ influx and release of Ca/sup 2+/ from intracellular stores (SR). In addition, the cell death was induced by SST in human aortic smooth muscle cells but not that of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. We conclude that in rat thoracic aorta, SST may induce in part vasodilation through inhibition of Ca/sup 2+/ influx and release of Ca/sup 2+/ from intracellular stores.

• Molecules and Cells
• /
• 제27권5호
• /
• pp.525-531
• /
• 2009

We studied the effect of carbachol on pacemaker currents in cultured interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) from the mouse small intestine by muscarinic stimulation using a whole cell patch clamp technique and $Ca^{2+}$-imaging. ICC generated periodic pacemaker potentials in the current-clamp mode and generated spontaneous inward pacemaker currents at a holding potential of -70 mV. Exposure to carbachol depolarized the membrane and produced tonic inward pacemaker currents with a decrease in the frequency and amplitude of the pacemaker currents. The effects of carbachol were blocked by 1-dimethyl-4-diphenylacetoxypiperidinium, a muscarinic $M_3$ receptor antagonist, but not by methotramine, a muscarinic $M_2$ receptor antagonist. Intracellular $GDP-{\beta}-S$ suppressed the carbachol-induced effects. Carbachol-induced effects were blocked by external $Na^+$-free solution and by flufenamic acid, a non-selective cation channel blocker, and in the presence of thapsigargin, a $Ca^{2+}$-ATPase inhibitor in the endoplasmic reticulum. However, carbachol still produced tonic inward pacemaker currents with the removal of external $Ca^{2+}$. In recording of intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ concentrations using fluo 3-AM dye, carbachol increased intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ concentrations with increasing of $Ca^{2+}$ oscillations. These results suggest that carbachol modulates the pacemaker activity of ICC through the activation of non-selective cation channels via muscarinic $M_3$ receptors by a G-protein dependent intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ release mechanism.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology
• /
• 제22권1호
• /
• pp.1-12
• /
• 1988

The changes in membrane potential and intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ activities along with adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and creatine phosphate (CP) contents of guinea pig hearts were studied during the cardioplegia and recovery phase. The results obtained were summarized as follows: 1) A low concentration of $Ca^{2+}$ in the cardioplegic solution caused significant changes in membrane potential during the cardioplegia and action potential configurations of the first beat after cardioplegia. 2) Intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ activities were decreased significantly during cardioplegia and increased when the cardiac tissue was reperfused with the normal Tyrode solution. The magnitude of increase in intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ activities was larger in the 0.1 mM $Ca^{2+}-cardioplegic$ solution than the 1.8 mM $Ca^{2+}-solution$. 3) ATP and CP contents of cardiac ventricular tissue were decreased during the cardioplegia, regardless of $Ca^{2+}$ concentration in the cardioplegic solutions, and CP contents were recovered with the reperfusion of normal Tyrode solution faster than those of ATP. And, there were no significant differences in the recovery of CP contents with different concentrations of $Ca^{2+}$ in the cardioplegic solutions tested, while the recovery of ATP contents was faster with $15mM\;K^{+},\;0.1mM\;Ca^{2+}$ cardioplegic solution. These results suggest that the $Ca^{2+}$ concentration in the cardioplegic solution is one of major factors influencing the recovery of cardiac tissue from the cardioplegia.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
• /
• 제19권3호
• /
• pp.291-297
• /
• 2015

An oral environment is constantly exposed to environmental factors and microorganisms. The periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblasts within this environment are subject to bacterial infection and allergic reaction. However, how these condition affect PDL fibroblasts has yet to be elucidated. PDL fibroblasts were isolated from healthy donors. We examined using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and measuring the intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ concentration ($[Ca^{2+}]_i$). This study investigated the receptors activated by exogenous bacterial pathogens (Lipopolysaccharide and peptidoglycan) and allergens (German cockroach extract and house dust mite) as well as these pathogenic mediators-induced effects on the intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ signaling in human PDL fibroblasts. Moreover, we evaluated the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin (IL)-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, and IL-8) and bone remodeling mediators (receptor activator of NF-${\kappa}B$ ligand and osteoprotegerin) and intracellular $Ca^{2+}$-involved effect. Bacterial pathogens and allergic mediators induced increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and these results are dependent on intracellular $Ca^{2+}$. However, bacterial pathogens and allergic mediators did not lead to increased expression of bone remodeling mediators, except lipopolysaccharide-induced effect on receptor activator of NF-${\kappa}B$ ligand expression. These experiments provide evidence that a pathogens and allergens-induced increase in $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ affects the inflammatory response in human PDL fibroblasts.

• Journal of Korean Dental Science
• /
• 제10권2호
• /
• pp.45-52
• /
• 2017

Calcium has versatile roles in diverse physiological functions. Among these functions, intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ plays a key role during the secretion of salivary glands. In this review, we introduce the diverse cellular components involved in the saliva secretion and related dynamic intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ signals. Calcium acts as a critical second messenger for channel activation, protein translocation, and volume regulation, which are essential events for achieving the salivary secretion. In the secretory process, $Ca^{2+}$ activates $K^+$ and $Cl^-$ channels to transport water and electrolyte constituting whole saliva. We also focus on the $Ca^{2+}$ signals from intracellular stores with discussion about detailed molecular mechanism underlying the generation of characteristic $Ca^{2+}$ patterns. In particular, inositol triphosphate signal is a main trigger for inducing $Ca^{2+}$ signals required for the salivary gland functions. The biphasic response of inositol triphosphate receptor and $Ca^{2+}$ pumps generate a self-limiting pattern of $Ca^{2+}$ efflux, resulting in $Ca^{2+}$ oscillations. The regenerative $Ca^{2+}$ oscillations have been detected in salivary gland cells, but the exact mechanism and function of the signals need to be elucidated. In future, we expect that further investigations will be performed toward better understanding of the spatiotemporal role of $Ca^{2+}$ signals in regulating salivary secretion.

• 대한의생명과학회지
• /
• 제25권2호
• /
• pp.123-130
• /
• 2019

Platelet aggregation is essential for hemostatic process in case of blood vessels damages. However, excessive platelet aggregation can cause cardiovascular disorders including atherosclerosis, thrombosis and myocardial infarction. Scopoletin is usually found in the roots of genus Scopolia or Artemisia, and is known to have anticoagulant and anti-malarial effects. This study investigated the effect of scopoletin on human platelet aggregation induced by U46619, an analogue of thromboxane $A_2(TXA_2)$. Scopoletin had anti-platelet effects by down-regulating $TXA_2$ and intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ mobilization ($[Ca^{2+}]_i$), the aggregation-inducing molecules generated in activated platelets. On the other hand, scopoletin increased the levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), which are known to be intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ antagonists. This resulted in inhibition of fibrinogen binding to ${\alpha}IIb/{\beta}_3$ in U46619-induced human platelet aggregation. In addition, scopoletin inhibited the release of adenosine trisphosphate (ATP) in dose-dependent manner. This result means that the aggregation amplification activity through the granule secretion in platelets was suppressed by scopoletin. Therefore, we demonstrated that scopoletin has a potent antiplatelet effect and is highly likely to prevent platelet-derived vascular disease.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
• /
• 제19권4호
• /
• pp.1-14
• /
• 2007

Background: It is generally accepted that skeletal muscle contraction is triggered by nerve impulse and intracellular $Ca^{2+}\;([Ca^{2+}]_i)$ released from intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ stores such as sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). Specifically, this process, called excitation-contraction (E-C) coupling, takes place at intracellular junctions between the plasma membrane, the transverse (T) tubule L-type $Ca^{2+}$ channel (dihydropyridine-sensitive L-rype $Ca^{2+}$ channel, DHPR, also called tetrads), and the SR $Ca^{2+}$ release channel (ryanodine-sensitive $Ca^{2+}$ release channel, RyR, also called feet) of internal $Ca^{2+}$ stores in skeletal muscle cells. Furthermore, it has been reported that the $Ca^{2+-}$ dependent and -independent contraction determine the expression of skeletal muscle genes, thus providing a mechanism for tightly coupling the extent of muscle contraction to regulation of muscle plasticity-related excitation-transcription (E-T) coupling. Purpose: Expression and activity of plasticity-associated enzymes in gastrocnemius muscle strips have not been well studied, however. Methods: Therefore, in this study the expression and phosphorylation of E-C and E-T coupling-related mediators such as protein kinases, ROS(reactive oxygen species)- and apoptosis-related substances, and others in gastrocnemius muscles from rats was examined. Results: I found that expression and activity of MAPKs (mitogen-activated protein kinases, ERK1/2, p38MAPK, and SAPK/JNK), apoptotic proteins (cleaved caspase-3, cytochrome c, Ref-1, Bad), small GTP-binding proteins (RhoA and Cdc42), actin-binding protein (cofilin), PKC (protein kinase C) and $Ca^{2+}$ channel (transient receptor potential channel 6, TRPC6) was observed in rat gastrocnemius muscle strips. Conclusion: These results suggest that MAPKs, ROS- and apoptosis-related enzymes, cytoskeleton-regulated proteins, and $Ca^{2+}$ channel may in part functionally import in E-C and E-T coupling from rat skeletal muscles.

• BMB Reports
• /
• 제40권4호
• /
• pp.467-474
• /
• 2007

Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) is one of the important genetic disorders in pediatric practice. Mutation of the polycystic kidney and hepatic disease gene 1 (PKHD1) was identified as the cause of ARPKD. The gene encodes a 67-exon transcript for a large protein of 4074 amino acids termed fibrocystin, but its function remains unknown. The neoplastic-like in cystic epithelial proliferation and the epidermal growth factor/epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF/EGFR) axis overactivity are known as the most important characteristics of ARPKD. Since the misregulation of $Ca^{2+}$ signaling may lead to aberrant structure and function of the collecting ducts in kidney of rat with ARPKD, present study aimed to investigate the further mechanisms of abnormal proliferation of cystic cells by inhibition of PKHD1 expression. For this, a stable PKHD1-silenced HEK-293T cell line was established. Then cell proliferation rates, intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ concentration and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) activity were assessed after treatment with EGF, a calcium channel blocker and agonist, verapamil and Bay K8644. It was found that PKHD1-silenced HEK-293T cell lines were hyperproliferative to EGF stimulation. Also PKHD1-silencing lowered the intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ and caused EGF-induced ERK1/2 overactivation in the cells. An increase of intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ in PKHD1-silenced cells repressed the EGF-dependent ERK1/2 activation and the hyperproliferative response to EGF stimulation. Thus, inhibition of PKHD1 can cause EGF-induced excessive proliferation through decreasing intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ resulting in EGF-induced ERK1/2 activation. Our results suggest that the loss of fibrocystin may lead to abnormal proliferation in kidney epithelial cells and cyst formation in ARPKD by modulation of intracellular $Ca^{2+}$.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
• /
• 제42권4호
• /
• pp.185-193
• /
• 2004

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite, which invades a wide range of hosts including humans. The exact mechanisms involved in its invasion are not fully understood. This study focused on the roles of $Ca^{2+}$ in host cell invasion and in T. gondii replication. We examined the invasion and replication of T. gondii pretreated with several calcium modulators, the conoid extrusion of tachyzoites. Calmodulin localization in T. gondii were observed using the immunogold method, and $Ca^{2+}$ levels in tachyzoites by confocal microscopy. In light microscopic observation, tachyzoites co-treated with A23187 and EGTA showed that host cell invasion and intracellular replication were decreased. The invasion of tachyzoites was slightly inhibited by the $Ca^{2+}$ channel blockers, bepridil and verapamil, and by the calmodulin antagonist, calmidazolium. We observed that calcium saline containing A23187 induced the extrusion of tachyzoite conoid. By immunoelectron microscopy, gold particles bound to anti-calmodulin or anti-actin mAb, were found to be localized on the anterior portion of tachyzoites. Remarkably reduced intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ was observed in tachyzoites treated with BAPTA/AM by confocal microscopy. These results suggest that host cell invasion and the intracellular replication of T. gondii tachyzoites are inhibited by the calcium ionophore, A23187, and by the extracellular calcium chelator, EGTA.