• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.404-409
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• 1999

The inhibitory effects of the constituents of Gastrodia elata Bl. (GE) on glutamate-induced apoptosis in human neuronal cells were investigated using IMR32 human neuroblastoma cells. Glutamate (GLU) induced DNA fragmentation, a hallmark of apoptosis, in a dose-dependent manner. GLU also induced a slow and sustained increase in intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ concentration. Treatment with EGTA, an extracellular $Ca^{2+}$ chelator, in a nominal $Ca^{2+}$ -free buffer solution abolished the GLU-induced intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ increase, indicating that GLU stimulated Ca2+ influx pathway in the IMR32 cells. BAPTA, an intracellualr $Ca^{2+}$ chelator, significantly inhibited the GLU-induced apoptosis assessed by the flow cytometry measuring hypodiploid DNA content indicative of apoptosis, implying that intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ rise may mediate the apoptotic action of GLU. Vanillin (VAN) and p-hydroxybenzaldehyde(p-HB), known constituents of GE, significantly inhibited both intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ rise and apoptosis induced by GLU. These results suggest that the apoptosis-inhibitory actions of the constituents of GE may account, at least in part, for the basis of their antiepileptic activities. These results further suggest that intracelluarl $Ca^{2+}$ signaling pathway may be a molecular target of the constituents of GE.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.59 no.4
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• pp.177-183
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• 2015

The mechanism of melanogenesis induced by cyclosporin A (CsA) was investigated in B16 melanoma cells. CsA stimulated the production of melanin in a dose-dependent manner in the cells. In addition, CsA increased intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ concentration in a dose-related fashion. Treatment with BAPTA/AM, an intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ chelator significantly inhibited the CsA-induced intracellular melanin synthesis. CsA profoundly induced $Cl^-$ efflux, which was significantly blocked by niflumic acid (NFA) and flufenamic acid (FFA), specific and nonspecific inhibitors of $Ca^{2+}$-activated $Cl^-$ channels (CaCCs), respectively. Furthermore, these inhibitors of CaCCs significantly inhibited the CsA-induced stimulation of melanin synthesis. Taken together, these results suggest that the activation of CaCCs may play an important role in the CsA-induced stimulation of melanin synthesis in B16 cells. These results further suggest that CaCCs may be a good target for the management of hyperpigmentation of the skin reported in the patients treated with CsA.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.347-355
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• 1992

The precise mechanism of the Excitation-Contraction Coupling is still uncertain. But the concept that Ca2+ induced Ca2+ release [CICR] from the Ryanodine receptor in the sarcoplasmic reticulum [foot structure] may play a major role in E-C coupling has been widely accepted since 1970`s. It is believed that increased cytosolic Ca2+ followed by CICR is main contributor for E-C coupling of striated muscle. Resulting phenomena of ischemic /post-reperfusion myocyte is increased cytosolic Ca2+, even to the absence of Ca2+ in reperfusate. So intracellular inhibitor to CICR might prevent the ischemic and reperfusion damage of myocardial cells. The relatively purified foot protein, especially heavy sarcoplasmic reticulum rich, of the skeletal muscle was incorporated into the black lipid bilayer [Phosphatidyl ethanolamine: Phosphatidyl serine=l: 1]. Under the steady state of membrane potential [+20 mV], ionic current through Ryanodine receptor was measured with Cs+ as charge carrier. In the cis chamber [Cytoplasmic side], Mg2+ strongly inhibited CICR of Ryanodine receptor[Kd=6.2 nM]. In conclusion, naturally existing intracellular free Mg2+ can inhibit CICR from intracellular Ca2+ reservior [heavy SR]. So post-ischemic or post-reperfusing myocardium could be preserved using additional free Mg2+ in cardioplegic solution or reperfusate, otherwise the optimal concentration is undetermined.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.15 no.7
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• pp.949-956
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• 2002

There are several physiological and pharmacological evidences indicating that opening of voltage dependent $Ca^{2+}$ channels play a critical role in induction of acrosome reaction in mammalian sperm. We determined the intracellular free $Ca^{2+}$ concentration in ejaculated goat sperm using a fluorescent, $Ca^{2+}$-specific probe, Fura2/AM, after the suspension of sperm in KRB medium, capable of sustaining capacitation and the acrosome reaction. We used nifedipine, D-600 and diltiazem, the $Ca^{2+}$ channel antagonists belonging to the classes of dihydropyridines, phenylalkylamines and benzothiazepines, to investigate the possibility that L-type voltage gated $Ca^{2+}$ channels play a role in the progesterone-stimulated exocytotic response. Progesterone promoted a rise in intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ in goat sperm and addition of nifedipine (100 nM) just prior to progesterone induction, significantly inhibited both intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ rise and exocytosis suggesting that $Ca^{2+}$ channels are involved in the process. However, the intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ increase during the process of capacitation was not affected with the addition of nifedipine suggesting a role of focal channel for $Ca^{2+}$ during capacitation. Studies using monensin and nigericin, two monovalent cation ionophores showed that an influx of $Na^+$ also may play a role in the opening of $Ca^{2+}$ channels. These results strongly suggests that the entry of $Ca^{2+}$ channels with characteristics similar to those of L-type, voltage-sensitive $Ca^{2+}$ channels found in cardiac and skeletal muscle, is a crucial step in the sequence of events leading to progesterone induced acrosome reaction in goat sperm.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.177-184
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• 2011

Potassium cyanate (KOCN) is an inorganic compound and induces the carbamylation of proteins with cytotoxic effects on human cells. Although there is a potential cytotoxic molecule, the role of KOCN on the apoptosis of cancer cell is not well understood. The present study investigated the effects of KOCN on the human colorectal cancer cell line, HCT 116 cells. To understand the anti-cancer effect of KOCN on HCT 116 cells, we examined alteration of apoptosis, the intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ concentration, the intracellular signaling pathway and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in these cells treated with KOCN. The apoptosis of HCT 116 cells was induced by KOCN in a dose-dependent manner at 24 hours and 48 hours, respectively. The apoptosis was processed via the cleavage of poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) and activation of caspase 3 in HCT 116 cells. KOCN induced the elevation of intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ concentration and changed the expressions of Bcl-2 family proteins. The pro-apoptotic Bax was continuously up-regulated, and the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 was down-regulated by KOCN. KOCN also induced the hyperpolarization of mitochondria and the generation of ROS in HCT 116 cells. Taken together, these results indicate that KOCN induces the apoptosis of HCT 116 cells by disruption of $Ca^{2+}$ homeostasis and via mitochondrial pathway. This study provides the compound that may be used as a potent agent for the treatment of colorectal cancer.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.6 no.4
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• pp.187-191
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• 2002

Tamoxifen, an antiestrogen, has previously been shown to induce apoptosis in HepG2 human hepatoblastoma cells through activation of the pathways independent of estrogen receptors, i.e., intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ increase and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the mechanism of tamoxifen to link increased intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ to ROS generation is currently unknown. Thus, in this study we investigated the possible involvement of calmodulin, a $Ca^{2+}$ activated protein, and $Ca^{2+}$/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II in the above tamoxifen-induced events. Treatment with calmodulin antagonists (calmidazolium and trifluoroperazine) or specific inhibitors of $Ca^{2+}$/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (KN-93 and KN-62) inhibited the tamoxifen-induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, these agents blocked the tamoxifen-induced ROS generation in a concentration-dependent fashion, which was completely suppressed by intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ chelation. These results demonstrate for the first time that, despite of its well-known direct calmodulin-inhibitory activity, tamoxifen may generate ROS and induce apoptosis through indirect activation of calmodulin and $Ca^{2+}$/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II in HepG2 cells.

• Proceedings of the Korean Biophysical Society Conference
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• 1997.07a
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• pp.33-33
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• 1997

In HL-60 cells, extracellular A TP increases intracellular $Ca^{2＋}$ ([Ca$^{2＋}$]$_{i}$) in a concentration-dependent manner with the maximal response occurring around 10 $\mu$M. However, above the maximal responsive concentration ATP elicits different patterns of $Ca^{2＋}$ signaling.(omitted)d)

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.277-286
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• 2020

Polycystic kidney disease 2-like-1 (PKD2L1), also known as polycystin-L or TRPP3, is a non-selective cation channel that regulates intracellular calcium concentration. Calmodulin (CaM) is a calcium binding protein, consisting of N-lobe and C-lobe with two calcium binding EF-hands in each lobe. In previous study, we confirmed that CaM is associated with desensitization of PKD2L1 and that CaM N-lobe and PKD2L1 EF-hand specifically are involved. However, the CaM-binding domain (CaMBD) and its inhibitory mechanism of PKD2L1 have not been identified. In order to identify CaM-binding anchor residue of PKD2L1, single mutants of putative CaMBD and EF-hand deletion mutants were generated. The current changes of the mutants were recorded with whole-cell patch clamp. The calmidazolium (CMZ), a calmodulin inhibitor, was used under different concentrations of intracellular. Among the mutants that showed similar or higher basal currents with that of the PKD2L1 wild type, L593A showed little change in current induced by CMZ. Co-expression of L593A with CaM attenuated the inhibitory effect of PKD2L1 by CaM. In the previous study it was inferred that CaM C-lobe inhibits channels by binding to PKD2L1 at 16 nM calcium concentration and CaM N-lobe at 100 nM. Based on the results at 16 nM calcium concentration condition, this study suggests that CaM C-lobe binds to Leu-593, which can be a CaM C-lobe anchor residue, to regulate channel activity. Taken together, our results provide a model for the regulation of PKD2L1 channel activity by CaM.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.53-57
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• 2003

The glutamate receptors (GluRs) are key receptors for modulatory synaptic events in the central nervous system. It has been reported that glutamate increases the intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ concentration ($[Ca^{2+}]_i$) and induces cytotoxicity. In the present study, we investigated whether the glutamate-induced $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ increase was associated with the activation of ionotropic (iGluR) and metabotropic GluRs (mGluR) in substantia gelatinosa neurons, using spinal cord slice of juvenile rats (10${\sim}21 day). $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ was measured using conventional imaging techniques, which was combined with whole-cell patch clamp recording by incorporating fura-2 in the patch pipette. At physiological concentration of extracellular $Ca^{2+}$, the inward current and $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ increase were induced by membrane depolarization and application of glutamate. Dose-response relationship with glutamate was observed in both $Ca^{2+}$ signal and inward current. The glutamate-induced $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ increase at holding potential of -70 mV was blocked by CNQX, an AMPA receptor blocker, but not by AP-5, a NMDA receptor blocker. The glutamate-induced $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ increase in $Ca^{2+}$ free condition was not affected by iGluR blockers. A selective mGluR (group I) agonist, RS-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG), induced $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ increase at holding potential of -70 mV in SG neurons. These findings suggest that the glutamate-induced $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ increase is associated with AMPA-sensitive iGluR and group I mGluR in SG neurons of rats.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.21-28
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• 2010

Phenolic compounds affect intracellular free $Ca^{2+}$ concentration ($[Ca^{2+}]_i$) signaling. The study examined whether the simple phenolic compound octyl gallate affects ATP-induced $Ca^{2+}$ signaling in PC12 cells using fura-2-based digital $Ca^{2+}$ imaging and whole-cell patch clamping. Treatment with ATP ($100\;{\mu}M$) for 90 s induced increases in $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ in PC12 cells. Pretreatment with octyl gallate (100 nM to $20\;{\mu}M$) for 10 min inhibited the ATP-induced $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ response in a concentration-dependent manner ($IC_{50}=2.84\;{\mu}M$). Treatment with octyl gallate ($3\;{\mu}M$) for 10 min significantly inhibited the ATP-induced response following the removal of extracellular $Ca^{2+}$ with nominally $Ca^{2+}$-free HEPES HBSS or depletion of intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ stores with thapsigargin ($1\;{\mu}M$). Treatment for 10 min with the L-type $Ca^{2+}$ channel antagonist nimodipine ($1\;{\mu}M$) significantly inhibited the ATP-induced $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ increase, and treatment with octyl gallate further inhibited the ATP-induced response. Treatment with octyl gallate significantly inhibited the $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ increase induced by 50 mM KCI. Pretreatment with protein kinase C inhibitors staurosporin (100 nM) and GF109203X (300 nM), or the tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein ($50\;{\mu}M$) did not significantly affect the inhibitory effects of octyl gallate on the ATP-induced response. Treatment with octyl gallate markedly inhibited the ATP-induced currents. Therefore, we conclude that octyl gallate inhibits ATP-induced $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ increase in PC12 cells by inhibiting both non-selective P2X receptor-mediated influx of $Ca^{2+}$ from extracellular space and P2Y receptor-induced release of $Ca^{2+}$ from intracellular stores in protein kinase-independent manner. In addition, octyl gallate inhibits the ATP-induced $Ca^{2+}$ responses by inhibiting the secondary activation of voltage-gated $Ca^{2+}$ channels.