David V. Gallacher

Local and global cytosolic Ca2+ oscillations in exocrine cells evoked by agonists and inositol trisphosphate

Submaximal stimulation with agonists generating inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) evokes cytosolic Ca2+ oscillations in many different cell types. In general, each Ca2+ rise is initiated from a specific region near the plasma membrane and then spreads as a wave throughout the cell. We now demonstrate that low (physiological) agonist concentrations evoke local cytosolic Ca2+ spikes in the secretory pole of single mouse pancreatic acinar cells that are particularly sensitive to blockade by the IP3 receptor antagonist heparin. These spikes can occur alone or repetitively or can precede longer lasting Ca2+ signals that spread throughout the cell. Intracellular IP3 application mimics these agonist actions. The short-lasting local Ca2+ spikes provide an economical signaling mechanism and are of physiological significance since they activate Ca(2+)-dependent Cl- and cation currents important for control of fluid secretion.

Cytoplasmic Ca2+ oscillations evoked by receptor stimulation, G-protein activation, internal application of inositol trisphosphate or Ca2+: simultaneous microfluorimetry and Ca2+ dependent Cl- current recording in single pancreatic acinar cells.

The effects of acetylcholine (ACh), cholecystokinin (CCK), internally applied GTP‐gamma‐S, inositol trisphosphate [Ins (1,4,5) P3] or Ca2+ on the cytoplasmic free Ca2+ concentration [( Ca2+]i) were assessed by simultaneous microfluorimetry (fura‐2) and measurement of the Ca2(+)‐dependent Cl‐ current (patch‐clamp whole‐cell recording) in single internally perfused mouse pancreatic acinar cells. ACh (0.1‐0.2 microM) evoked an oscillating increase in [Ca2+]i measured in the cell as a whole (microfluorimetry) which was synchronous with oscillations in the Ca2(+)‐dependent Cl‐ current reporting [Ca2+]i close to the cell membrane. In the same cells a lower ACh concentration (0.05 microM) evoked shorter repetitive Cl‐ current pulses that were not accompanied by similar spikes in the microfluorimetric recording. When cells did not respond to 0.1 microM ACh, caffeine (1 mM) added on top of the sustained ACh stimulus resulted in [Ca2+]i oscillations seen synchronously in both types of recording. CCK (10 nM) also evoked [Ca2+]i oscillations, but with much longer intervals between slightly broader Ca2+ pulses. Internal perfusion with 100 microM GTP‐gamma‐S evoked [Ca2+]i oscillations with a similar pattern. Ins (1,4,5) P3 (10 microM) evoked repetitive shortlasting spikes in [Ca2+]i that were only seen in the Cl‐ current traces, except in one small cell where these spikes were also observed synchronously in the microfluorimetric recording. Caffeine (1 mM) broadened these Ca2+ pulses. [Ca2+]i was also directly changed, bypassing the normal signalling process, by infusion of a low or high Ca2+ solution into the pipette.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Spatial and temporal distribution of agonist-evoked cytoplasmic Ca2+ signals in exocrine acinar cells analysed by digital image microscopy.

High resolution digital video imaging has been employed to monitor the spatial and temporal development of agonist‐induced cytosolic Ca2+ signals in fura 2‐loaded exocrine acinar cells. Enzymatically isolated mouse pancreatic and lacrimal acinar cells or small acinar cell clusters were used. These retain their morphological polarity so that the secretory granules in individual cells are located at one pole, the secretory pole. In acinar cell clusters the granules are located centrally, oriented to surround what would be in situ referred to as the lumen. In pancreatic and lacrimal acinar cells inositol‐1,4,5‐triphosphate‐generating agonists [acetylcholine (ACh) and cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK) for the pancreas and ACh in the lacrimal gland] give rise to a rapidly spreading Ca2+ signal that is initiated at the secretory pole of the cells. The initial increase in [Ca2+]i in the luminal pole is independent of extracellular Ca2+ indicating that the earliest detectable intracellular Ca2+ release is specifically located at the secretory pole. In lacrimal acinar cells ATP acts as an extracellular agonist, independent of phosphoinositide metabolism to activate a receptor‐operated calcium influx pathway which, as for ACh, gives rise firstly to an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration in the secretory pole. We propose that this polar rise in intracellular Ca2+ concentration is due to Ca(2+)‐induced Ca2+ release. By contrast, when Ca2+ release and Ca2+ influx are induced in the absence of receptor activation by thapsigargin and ionomycin, the Ca2+ signal develops diffusely and slowly with no localization to the secretory pole.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate is essential for sustained activation of the Ca2+-dependent K+ current in single internally perfused mouse lacrimal acinar cells

SummaryWe have examined the effects of various inositol polyphosphates, alone and in combination, on the Ca2+-activated K+ current in internally perfused, single mouse lacrimal acinar cells. We used the patch-clamp technique for whole-cell current recording with a set-up allowing exchange of the pipette solution during individual experiments so that control and test periods could be directly compared in individual cells. Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (Ins 1,4,5 P3) (10–100 μm) evoked a transient increase in the Ca2+-sensitive K+ current that was independent of the presence of Ca2+ in the external solution. The transient nature of the Ins 1,4,5 P3 effect was not due to rapid metabolic breakdown, as similar responses were obtained in the presence of 5mm 2,3-diphosphoglyceric acid, that blocks the hydrolysis of Ins 1,4,5 P3, as well as with the stable analoguedl-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphorothioate (Ins 1,4,5 P(S)3) (100 μm). Ins 1,3,4 P3 (50 μm) had no effect, whereas 50 μm Ins 2,4,5 P3 evoked responses similar to those obtained by 10 μm Ins 1,4,5 P3. A sustained increase in Ca2+-dependent K+ current was only observed when inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate (Ins 1,3,4,5 P4) (10 μm) was added to the Ins 1,4,5 P3 (10 μm)-containing solution and this effect could be terminated by removal of external Ca2+. The effect of Ins 1,3,4,5 P4 was specifically dependent on the presence of Ins 1,4,5 P3 as it was not found when 10 μm concentrations of Ins 1,3,4 P3 or Ins 2,4,5 P3 were used. Ins 2,4,5 P3 (but not Ins 1,3,4 P3) at the higher concentration of 50 μm did, however, support the Ins 1,3,4,5 P4-evoked sustained current activation. Ins 1,3,4 P3 could not evoke sustained responses in combination with Ins 1,4,5 P3 excluding the possibility that the action of Ins 1,3,4,5 P4 could be mediated by its breakdown product Ins 1,3,4 P3. Ins 1,3,4,5 P4 also evoked a sustained response when added to an Ins 1,4,5 P(S)3-containing solution. Ins 1,3,4,5,6 P5 (50 μm) did not evoke any effect when administered on top of Ins 1,4,5 P3. In the absence of external Ca2+, addition of Ins 1,3,4,5 P4 to an Ins 1,4,5 P3-containing internal solution evoked a second transient K+ current activation. Readmitting external Ca2+ in the continued presence internally of Ins 1,4,5 P3 and Ins 1,3,4,5 P4 made the response reappear. We conclude that both Ins 1,4,5 P3 and Ins 1,3,4,5 P4 play crucial and specific roles in controlling intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis.

Acetylcholine and cholecystokinin induce different patterns of oscillating calcium signals in pancreatic acinar cells

Receptor-activated cytoplasmic calcium (Ca2+) oscillations have been investigated in single pancreatic acinar cells by microfluorimetry (Fura-2 as indicator). At submaximal concentrations of the agonists acetylcholine (ACh) and cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8), both give rise to oscillatory changes in the cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i). The patterns of oscillations are markedly and consistently different for each of these two agonists. The ACh induced oscillations are superimposed upon a median elevation in background [Ca2+]i. The CCK-8 induced oscillations are of longer duration with [Ca2+]i returning to prestimulus levels between the discrete spikes. The ACh induced oscillations are rapidly abolished upon removal of extracellular Ca2+ while the CCK-8 induced oscillations persist for many minutes in the absence of external Ca2+. The CCK-8, but not the ACh, induced oscillations are increased in duration by the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor staurosporine and abolished by the PKC activating phorbol ester PMA. It is clear that CCK-8 and ACh do not activate receptor transduction mechanisms in an identical manner to generate oscillating [Ca2+]i signals.

Extracellular ATP activates receptor‐operated cation channels in mouse lacrimal acinar cells to promote calcium influx in the absence of phosphoinositide metabolism

In exocrine acinar cells a variety of neurotransmitters (e.g. acetylcholine) stimulate phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate hydrolysis elevating intracellular calcium to activate calcium‐dependent membrane currents (outward K+ and inward Cl−). This study shows that in lacrimal acinar cells extracellular application of ATP is also associated with outward and inward current responses; these, however, are not the result of phosphoinositide metabolism. ATP directly activates receptor‐operated cation channels which permit influx of Na+ and Ca+ (the inward current). The elevation in [Ca2+], which results is sufficient to activate the outward K+ current. ATP thus promotes Ca+ influx in the absence of phosphoinositide metabolism.

Cytosolic Ca2+ spikes evoked by the thiol reagent thimerosal in both intact and internally perfused single pancreatic acinar cells

Cytosolic calcium signals evoked by the sulphydryl-group-oxidising agent, thimerosal, have been investigated in acutely isolated pancreatic acinar cells. Two techniques were employed for the assessment of the cytosolic free-calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i): measurement of calcium-dependent chloride and non-specific cation currents (whole-cell patch-clamp recording) and microfluorimetry (fura-2). Thimerosal (0.5–100 μM) evoked repetitive spikes in both chloride and cation currents as seen by patch-clamp recording, and in [Ca2+]i as seen by microfluorimetry, with a latency of 1–3 min. The response increased in magnitude over time and was not reversed on removal of thimerosal. The thimerosal-induced spikes were reversibly blocked by 2 mM dithiothreitol and by 20 mM caffeine. Inclusion of heparin (200 μg/ml) in the pipette solution blocked the thimerosal-induced spikes. The calcium spikes continued after the removal of extracellular calcium; however, low concentrations of thimerosal (0.5–5 μM) were unable to initiate a current response in the absence of external calcium. High concentrations of thimerosal (50–100 μM) could initiate spikes without extracellular calcium. Thimerosal, at concentrations that failed to produce an independent effect, potentiated the acetylcholine-evoked oscillations in [Ca2+]i. We conclude that thimerosal is able to mobilise calcium from an intracellular store; the blockade by heparin may indicate that thimerosal exerts an action on the inositol trisphosphate pathway. The dependence on extracellular calcium for initiation, but not for continuation of the thimerosal-induced calcium spikes suggests that thimerosal may have the additional effect of inhibiting the plasma membrane calcium ATPase.

Patch-clamp study of rubidium and potassium conductances in single cation channels from mammalian exocrine acini

Single-channel current recordings were carried out on excised inside-out patches of baso-lateral plasma membrane from exocrine acinar cells. The mouse pancreas and submandibular gland as well as the pig pancreas were investigated.In the mouse pancreas the voltage-insensitive Ca2+-activated cation channel was studied. Single-channel current-voltage (i/v) relationships were studied in symmetrical Rb+-rich solutions and in asymmetrical Rb+/Na+ and Na+/Rb+ solutions. In all cases the i/v relations were linear and had the same slope representing a single-channel conductance of about 33 pS which is identical to that previously obtained with symmetrical Na+ solutions or asymmetrical Na+/K+ solutions.In the mouse submandibular gland and the pig pancreas the voltage and Ca2+-activated K+ channel was studied. The outward currents observed after depolarization in the presence of quasi-physiological Na+/K+ gradients were immediately abolished when all the K+ in the bath fluid was replaced by Rb+ (bath fluid in contact with inside of plasma membrane). This effect was immediately and fully reversible upon return to the high K+ solution.The voltage and Ca2+-activated K+ channel was also studied in asymmetrical K+/Rb+ and Rb+/K+ solutions. In the first case inward (K+) currents could be observed but not outward (Rb+) currents, while in the other case inward (Rb+) currents could not be seen whereas outward (K+) currents were measured. The current-voltage relationships were approximately linear and the null potential was close to 0 mV in both situations. In contrast the null potential for current through the K+ channel in the presence of asymmetrical Na+/K+ or Li+/K+ solutions was about −70 mV and with reversed gradients about +60 mV.Outward K+ currents of reduced size (through the voltage and Ca2+-activated K+ channel) could be observed when the bath fluid contained 75 mM K+ and 75 mM Rb+, but not (in the same membrane patches) when 150 mM Rb+ and no K+ was present.It is concluded that the large voltage- and Ca2+-activated K+ channel has an extremely low Rb+ conductance. It is possible, however, that the permeability for Rb+ may be about the same as for K+. The voltage-insensitive Ca2+-activated cation channel does not discriminate between K+ and Rb+.

Inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate act by different mechanisms when controlling C2+ in mouse lacrimal acinar cells

In internally perfused single lacrimal acinar cells the competitive inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate (Ins 1,4,5‐P3)‐antagonist heparin inhibits the ACh‐evoked K+ current response mediated by internal Ca2+ and also blocks both the Ins 1,4,5‐P3‐evoked transient as well as the sustained K+ current increase evoked by combined stimulation with internal Ins 1,4,5‐P3 and inositol 1,3,4,5‐tetrakisphosphate (Ins 1,3,4,5‐P4). When, during sustained stimulation with both Ins 1,4,5‐P3 and Ins 1,3,4,5‐P4, one of the inositol polyphosphates is removed, the K+ current declines; whereas removal of Ins 1,4,5‐P3 results in an immediate termination of the response, removal of Ins 1,3,4,5‐P4 only causes a very gradual and slow reduction in the current. Ins 1,3,4,5‐P4 is therefore not an acute controller of Ca2+ release from stores into the cytosol, but modulates the release of Ca2+ induced by Ins 1,4,5,P3 by an unknown mechanism, perhaps by linking Ins 1,4,5 P3‐sensitive and insensitive Ca2+ stores.

Ca2+ oscillations in pancreatic acinar cells : spatiotemporal relationships and functional implications

The pancreatic acinar cells are of particular interest for the study of cytosolic Ca2+ signals, since they are morphologically polarized and generate agonist-specific Ca2+ oscillation patterns. Recent data obtained by combining digital video imaging of Fura-2 fluorescence with patch-clamp whole-cell current recording have provided new information on the spatiotemporal relationships of the cytosolic Ca2+ signals and the Ca(2+)-activated ionic currents. Low agonist concentrations evoke repetitive short-lasting local Ca2+ spikes in the secretory pole region that activate shortlasting current spikes. In the case of acetylcholine stimulation the spikes are confined to this region. When cholecystokinin is used the shortlasting local spikes precede longer Ca2+ transients that spread to the whole of the cell. Infusion of non-metabolizable inositol trisphosphate analogues can mimic these responses. The shortlasting local Ca2+ spikes are particularly sensitive to blockade by the inositol trisphosphate receptor antagonist heparin. These results show that the secretory pole region has a particularly high sensitivity to inositol trisphosphate probably due to clustering of high affinity receptors.