• Animal cells and systems
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• 제3권1호
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• pp.53-58
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• 1999

The immunocytochemical method was used to identify the existence of voltage-dependent $Ca^{2＋}$-channels in mouse follicular oocytes. Three types of voltage-dependent $Ca^{2＋}$-channels were shown to exist in the follicular oocytes for the first time, the P/Q-type $Ca^{2＋}$-channel, the N-type $Ca^{2＋}$-channel, and the L-type $Ca^{2＋}$-channel. Among proven $Ca^{2＋}$-channels distributions of the P/Q-type $Ca^{2＋}$-channel and L-type $Ca^{2＋}$-channel showed localized staining (clustered pattern) on the oolemma. The distribution of the P/Q-type $Ca^{2＋}$-channel showed all localized staining, and the range of localized staining was from 1 to 8 in staining intensity. As the staining intensity increased from 1 to 8, the number of localized staining decreased. The L-type $Ca^{2＋}$-channel are homogeneously stained (29.4%-54.2%), while some of them (around 28.7%-44.1%) showed localized staining on the oolemma. However, the rest of them showed no staining at all (17.1%- 26.5%). On the contrary, the N-type $Ca^{2＋}$-channel showed mostly homogeneous staining, while nonstaining oocytes were around 33.8%. The rest showed localized staining (10%). However, staining intensity was much weaker than those of the P/Q-type and L-type $Ca^{2＋}$-channel. In fact, the N-type $Ca^{2＋}$-channel has been known to exist only in neurons (from ectoderm origin), but it is unknown how the N-type $Ca^{2＋}$-channel exists in the follicular oocytes (from mesoderm origin). Further studies are needed to examine the expression of $Ca^{2＋}$-channels during the developmental stages of the oocytes.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제16권1호
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• pp.25-30
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• 2012

Under some pathological conditions as bile flow obstruction or liver diseases with the enterohepatic circulation being disrupted, regurgitation of bile acids into the systemic circulation occurs and the plasma level of bile acids increases. Bile acids in circulation may affect the nervous system. We examined this possibility by studying the effects of bile acids on gating of neuronal (N)-type $Ca^{2+}$ channel that is essential for neurotransmitter release at synapses of the peripheral and central nervous system. N-type $Ca^{2+}$ channel currents were recorded from bullfrog sympathetic neuron under a cell-attached mode using 100 mM $Ba^{2+}$ as a charge carrier. Cholic acid (CA, $10^{-6}M$) that is relatively hydrophilic thus less cytotoxic was included in the pipette solution. CA suppressed the open probability of N-type $Ca^{2+}$ channel, which appeared to be due to an increase in (no activity) sweeps. For example, the proportion of sweep in the presence of CA was ~40% at +40 mV as compared with ~8% in the control recorded without CA. Other single channel properties including slope conductance, single channel current amplitude, open and shut times were not significantly affected by CA being present. The results suggest that CA could modulate N-type $Ca^{2+}$ channel gating at a concentration as low as $10^{-6}M$. Bile acids have been shown to activate nonselective cation conductance and depolarize the cell membrane. Under pathological conditions with increased circulating bile acids, CA suppression of N-type $Ca^{2+}$ channel function may be beneficial against overexcitation of the synapses.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제28권1호
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• pp.13-24
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• 2001

Objective: In muscle and neuronal cells, calcium channels have been classified by electrophysiological and pharmacological properties into (1) voltage-dependent $Ca^{2+}$-channel (1) P/Q-type $Ca^{2+}$-channel (2) N-type $Ca^{2+}$-channel (3) L-type $Ca^{2+}$-channel (4) T-type $Ca^{2+}$-channel (5) R-type $Ca^{2+}$-channel. The present study was done in order to investigate whether there is any difference in $Ca^{2+}$-channel distribution between activated and normally fertilized embryos. Methods: The immunocytochemical method was used to identify the existence of voltage-dependent $Ca^{2+}$-channels in parthenogenetically activated 2-cell embryos by ethanol and $SrCl_2$ treatment. These 2-cell embryos were obtained by exposure to 6% ethanol for 6 min and to 10 mM $SrCl_2$ for 2h. Results: P/Q-type $Ca^{2+}$-channels and L-type $Ca^{2+}$-channels have been identified. Whereas, three type of $Ca^{2+}$-channel P/Q-type, N-type, L-type have been identified in 2-cell embryos fertilized in vivo. Conclusion: Activation by ethanol was faster than those by $SrCl_2$. However, there was difference in DAB staining of the embryos between ethanol and $SrCl_2$ treatment (87.7% and 54.1 %). Intensity of staining was also different between ethanol- and $SrCl_2$-treated group. However, it has not been known why there was some difference in DAB staining and staining intensity in the present study.

• 한국발생생물학회지:발생과생식
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• 제24권4호
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• pp.297-306
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• 2020

Repetitive changes in the intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca²⁺]i) triggers egg activation, including cortical granule exocytosis, resumption of second meiosis, block to polyspermy, and initiating embryonic development. [Ca²⁺]i oscillations that continue for several hours, are required for the early events of egg activation and possibly connected to further development to the blastocyst stage. The sources of Ca²⁺ ion elevation during [Ca²⁺]i oscillations are Ca²⁺ release from endoplasmic reticulum through inositol 1,4,5 tri-phosphate receptor and Ca²⁺ ion influx through Ca²⁺ channel on the plasma membrane. Ca²⁺ channels have been characterized into voltage-dependent Ca²⁺ channels (VDCCs), ligand-gated Ca²⁺ channel, and leak-channel. VDCCs expressed on muscle cell or neuron is specified into L, T, N, P, Q, and R type VDCs by their activation threshold or their sensitivity to peptide toxins isolated from cone snails and spiders. The present study was aimed to investigate the localization pattern of N and P/Q type voltage-dependent calcium channels in mouse eggs and the role in fertilization. [Ca²⁺]i oscillation was observed in a Ca²⁺ contained medium with sperm factor or adenophostin A injection but disappeared in Ca²⁺ free medium. Ca²⁺ influx was decreased by Lat A. N-VDCC specific inhibitor, ω-Conotoxin CVIIA induced abnormal [Ca²⁺]i oscillation profiles in SrCl₂ treatment. N or P/Q type VDC were distributed on the plasma membrane in cortical cluster form, not in the cytoplasm. Ca²⁺ influx is essential for [Ca²⁺]i oscillation during mammalian fertilization. This Ca²⁺ influx might be controlled through the N or P/Q type VDCCs. Abnormal VDCCs expression of eggs could be tested in fertilization failure or low fertilization eggs in subfertility women.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제24권1호
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• pp.18-22
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• 2000

앞의 연구에서 우리는 진세노사이드가 신경세포에 존재하는 high-threshold voltage-dependent $Ca^{2+}$ channel을 억제한다는 것을 발표하였다. 그러나, 이러한 연구는 진세노사이드가 여러 칼슘 채널subtypes중 어느 특정 칼슘 채널만을 선택적으로 조절한다는 것을 보여주지는 않았다. 따라서 이 연구에서 우리는 여러 칼슘 채널subtypes에 선택적으로 작용하는 약물 혹은 toxins을 이용하여 진세노사이드가 어느 종류의 칼슘 채널 subtypes를 억제하는가를 bovine chromaffin cell을 이용하여 연구하였다. 사용한 물질은nimodipine(L-type 칼슘 채널 길항제), $\omega$-conotoxin GVIA (N-type $Ca^{2+}$ channel 길항제), $\omega$-agatoxin IVA(P-type 칼슘 채널 길항제)이었다. 연구 결과 진세노사이드는 bovine chromaffin 세포에 존재하는 high-threshold 칼슘 current을 투여 농도별로 억제하였다. $IC_{50}$/은 약 120 $\mu$g/ml인 것으로 나타났다. nimodipine은 진세노사이드에 의한 칼슘 currents억제 작용에 영향을 미치지 않은 것으로 나타났다. 그러나, $\omega$-conotoxin GVIA, $\omega$-agatoxin IVA 및 nimodipine+$\omega$-conotoxin GVIA+$\omega$-agatoxin IVA을 처리한 세포에서는 진세노사이드에 의한 칼슘 currents억제 작용이 현저하게 줄어 들었다. 이러한 연구 결과들은 진세노사이드가 L-type 칼슘 채널은 억제하지 않고, 주로 N-, p-, 및 Q-type칼슘 채널을 억제한다는 것을 보여주고 있다

• Molecules and Cells
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• 제37권11호
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• pp.804-811
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• 2014

The protease-activated receptor (PAR)-2 is highly expressed in endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells. It plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure via the modulation of peripheral vascular tone. Although several mechanisms have been suggested to explain PAR-2-induced hypotension, the precise mechanism remains to be elucidated. To investigate this possibility, we investigated the effects of PAR-2 activation on N-type $Ca^{2+}$ currents ($I_{Ca-N}$) in isolated neurons of the celiac ganglion (CG), which is involved in the sympathetic regulation of mesenteric artery vascular tone. PAR-2 agonists irreversibly diminished voltage-gated $Ca^{2+}$ currents ($I_{Ca}$), measured using the patch-clamp method, in rat CG neurons, whereas thrombin had little effect on $I_{Ca}$. This PAR-2-induced inhibition was almost completely prevented by ${\omega}$-CgTx, a potent N-type $Ca^{2+}$ channel blocker, suggesting the involvement of N-type $Ca^{2+}$ channels in PAR-2-induced inhibition. In addition, PAR-2 agonists inhibited $I_{Ca-N}$ in a voltage-independent manner in rat CG neurons. Moreover, PAR-2 agonists reduced action potential (AP) firing frequency as measured using the current-clamp method in rat CG neurons. This inhibition of AP firing induced by PAR-2 agonists was almost completely prevented by ${\omega}$-CgTx, indicating that PAR-2 activation may regulate the membrane excitability of peripheral sympathetic neurons through modulation of N-type $Ca^{2+}$ channels. In conclusion, the present findings demonstrate that the activation of PAR-2 suppresses peripheral sympathetic outflow by modulating N-type $Ca^{2+}$ channel activity, which appears to be involved in PAR-2-induced hypotension, in peripheral sympathetic nerve terminals.

• 한국의학물리학회지:의학물리
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• 제12권1호
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• pp.59-70
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• 2001

부신수질 크로마핀세포는 아세틸콜린에 반응하여 카테콜아민을 분비한다. 카테콜아민이 분비되기 위하여는 세포외 칼슘이 절대적으로 필요한데 이는 막전압 의존성 칼슘통로를 통하여 칼슘이 세포 속으로 유입되어야 분비기전이 시작됨을 시사한다. 부신수질 크로마핀 세포를 단일세포로 분리한 후 패치클람프 테크닉을 적용하여 여러 종류의 칼슘통로가 존재한다는 것이 알려져 있으나 아직 종이 달라짐에 따라 다른 칼슘통로가 존재하는 지 여부가 확실하지 않다. 그러므로 본 연구에서는 흰쥐 부신수질 크로마핀 세포를 대상으로 하여 단일 세포 패치클람프 테크닉을 적용하여 이 세포에 존재하는 다양한 칼슘통로의 존재를 확인하고자 하였다. L형 칼슘통로 억제제인 nicardipine, N형 칼슘통로 억제제인 $\omega$-CgTx GVIA, P형 칼슘통로 억제제인 $\omega$-AgaTx IVA를 사용하여 L형, N형, P형 칼슘통로가 흰쥐 부신수질 세포에 존재함을 확인하였고 개개의 칼슘통로가 전체 칼슘전류에 기여하는 정도는 L형 >N형> P형이었다.

• 한국의학물리학회지:의학물리
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• 제8권1호
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• pp.3-15
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• 1997

Adrenal chromaffin cells secrete catecholamine in response to acetylcholine. The secretory response has absolute requirement for extracellular calcium, indication that $Ca^{2+}$ influx through voltage dependent $Ca^{2+}$ channel (VDCC) is the primary trigger of the secretion cascade. Although the existence of various types of $Ca^{2+}$ channels has been explored using patch clamp technique in adrenal chromaffin cells, the contribution of different types of $Ca^{2+}$ channels to catecholamine secretion remains to be established. To investigate the quantative contribution of different types of $Ca^{2+}$ channels to cate-cholamine secretion, $Ca^{2+}$ current($I_{Ca}$) and the resultant membrane capacitance increment($\Delta{C}_{m}$) were simultaneoulsy measured. Software based phasor detector technique was used to monitor $\Delta{C}_{m}$. After blockade of L type VDCC with nicardipine (1$\mu$M), $I_{ca}$ was blocked to 43.85$\pm$6.72%(mean$\pm$SEM) of control and the resultant ㅿC$_{m}$ was reduced ot 30.10$\pm$16.44% of control. In the presence of nicardipine and $\omega$-conotoxin in GVIA(l$\mu$M), an N type VDCC antagonist, $I_{ca}$ was blocked to 11.62$\pm$2.96% of control and the resultant $\Delta{C}_{m}$ was reduced to 26.13$\pm$8.25% of control. Finally, in the presence of L, N, and P type $Ca^{2\pm}$ channel antagonists(nicardipine, $\omega$-Conotoxin GVIA, and $\omega$-agatoxin IVA, respectively), $I_{ca}$ and resultant $\Delta{C}_{m}$ were almost completely blocked. From the observation of parallel effects of $Ca^{2+}$ channel antagonists on $I_{ca}$ and $\Delta{C}_{m}$, it was concluded that L, N, and also P type $Ca^{2+}$ channels served and $Ca^{2+}$ source for exocytosis and no difference was observed in their efficiency to evoke exocytosis amost L, N, and P type $Ca^{2+}$ channels.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology
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• 제27권1호
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• pp.107-114
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• 1993

Most of voltage operated $Ca^{2+}$ channels can be divided into three types (T-, N-, and L-type), according to the electrical and pharmacological properties. Their distribution is closely related to cell specific functions. Properties of the voltage activated $Ca^{2+}$ current in mouse eggs were examined to classify channel types and to deduce the function by using whole cell voltage clamp technique. $Ca^{2+}$ currents appeared below -40 mV and reached a maximum at -15 mV (half maximum was -31 mV), then decayed rapidly (inactivation time constant ${\tau}=28.2{\pm}9.59$ ms at -10 mV within 50 ms after the onset of step depolarization. Activation and inactivation of the $Ca^{2+}$ channel was steeply dependent on voltage, in a relatively low range of $-70\;mV{\sim}-10 mV,$ half maximum of activation was -31 mV and that of inactivation was -39 mV, respectively. This current was not decreased significantly by nifedipine, a specific dihydropyridine $Ca^{2+}$ channel blocker in the range of $1\;{\mu}M\;to\;100{\mu}M.$ The inhibitory effect of $Ni^{2+}\;on\;Ca^{2+}$ current was greater than that of $Cd^{2+}.$ The conductance of $Ba^{2+}$ through the channel was equal to or lower than that of $Ca^{2+}$ These results implied that $Ca^{2+}$ current activated at a lower voltage in the mouse egg is carried via a $Ca^{2+}$ channel with similar properties that of the T-type channel.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제39권3호
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• pp.215-220
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• 2006

Objective : Tyrosine kinase inhibitors may be useful in the management of cerebral vasospasm. It has not yet been reported whether L-type $Ca^{2+}$ channels playa role in tyrosine kinase inhibitors-induced vascular relaxation of cerebral artery. This study was undertaken to clarify the role of L-type $Ca^{2+}$ channels in tyrosine kinase inhibitors-induced vascular relaxation, and to investigate the effect of tyrosine kinase inhibitors on L-type $Ca^{2+}$ channels currents in freshly isolated smooth muscle cells from rat basilar artery. Methods : The isolation of rat basilar smooth muscle cells was performed by special techniques. The whole cell currents were recorded by whole cell patch clamp technique in freshly isolated smooth muscle cells from rat basilar artery. Results : Patch clamp studies revealed a whole-cell current which resembles the L-type $Ca^{2+}$ current reported by others. The amplitude of this current was decreased by nimodipine and increased by Bay K 8644. Genistein[n=5], tyrphostin A-23[n=3]. A-25[n=6] $30{\mu}M$ reduced the amplitude of the L -type $Ca^{2+}$ channel current in whole cell mode. In contrast, diadzein $30{\mu}M$ [n=3]. inactive analogue of genistein, did not decrease the amplitude of the L-type $Ca^{2+}$ channels current. Conclusion : These results suggest that tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as genistein, tyrphostin A-23, A-25 may relax cerebral vessel through decreasing level of intracellular calcium, [$Ca^{2+}$]i, by inhibition of L-type $Ca^{2+}$ channel.