calcimycin and Glioma

Mutant isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) is common in gliomas, and produces D-2-hydroxyglutarate (D-2-HG). The full effects of IDH1 mutations on glioma biology and tumor microenvironment are unknown. We analyzed a discovery cohort of 169 World Health Organization (WHO) grade II-IV gliomas, followed by a validation cohort of 148 cases, for IDH1 mutations, intratumoral microthrombi, and venous thromboemboli (VTE). 430 gliomas from The Cancer Genome Atlas were analyzed for mRNAs associated with coagulation, and 95 gliomas in a tissue microarray were assessed for tissue factor (TF) protein. In vitro and in vivo assays evaluated platelet aggregation and clotting time in the presence of mutant IDH1 or D-2-HG. VTE occurred in 26-30 % of patients with wild-type IDH1 gliomas, but not in patients with mutant IDH1 gliomas (0 %). IDH1 mutation status was the most powerful predictive marker for VTE, independent of variables such as GBM diagnosis and prolonged hospital stay. Microthrombi were far less common within mutant IDH1 gliomas regardless of WHO grade (85-90 % in wild-type versus 2-6 % in mutant), and were an independent predictor of IDH1 wild-type status. Among all 35 coagulation-associated genes, F3 mRNA, encoding TF, showed the strongest inverse relationship with IDH1 mutations. Mutant IDH1 gliomas had F3 gene promoter hypermethylation, with lower TF protein expression. D-2-HG rapidly inhibited platelet aggregation and blood clotting via a novel calcium-dependent, methylation-independent mechanism. Mutant IDH1 glioma engraftment in mice significantly prolonged bleeding time. Our data suggest that mutant IDH1 has potent antithrombotic activity within gliomas and throughout the peripheral circulation. These findings have implications for the pathologic evaluation of gliomas, the effect of altered isocitrate metabolism on tumor microenvironment, and risk assessment of glioma patients for VTE.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Alcohol Oxidoreductases; Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Blood Platelets; Brain Neoplasms; Calcimycin; Calcium Ionophores; Cohort Studies; Female; Glioma; Humans; Isocitrate Dehydrogenase; Male; Mice; Middle Aged; Mutation; Thrombin; Thromboplastin; Thrombosis

Connexin hemichannels have a low open probability under normal conditions but open in response to various stimuli, forming a release pathway for small paracrine messengers. We investigated hemichannel-mediated ATP responses triggered by changes of intracellular Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)) in Cx43 expressing glioma cells and primary glial cells. The involvement of hemichannels was confirmed with gja1 gene-silencing and exclusion of other release mechanisms. Hemichannel responses were triggered when [Ca(2+)](i) was in the 500nM range but the responses disappeared with larger [Ca(2+)](i) transients. Ca(2+)-triggered responses induced by A23187 and glutamate activated a signaling cascade that involved calmodulin (CaM), CaM-dependent kinase II, p38 mitogen activated kinase, phospholipase A2, arachidonic acid (AA), lipoxygenases, cyclo-oxygenases, reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide and depolarization. Hemichannel responses were also triggered by activation of CaM with a Ca(2+)-like peptide or exogenous application of AA, and the cascade was furthermore operational in primary glial cells isolated from rat cortex. In addition, several positive feed-back loops contributed to amplify the responses. We conclude that an elevation of [Ca(2+)](i) triggers hemichannel opening, not by a direct action of Ca(2+) on hemichannels but via multiple intermediate signaling steps that are adjoined by distinct signaling mechanisms activated by high [Ca(2+)](i) and acting to restrain cellular ATP loss.

Topics: Adenosine Triphosphate; Animals; Animals, Newborn; Calcimycin; Calcium; Calcium Signaling; Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase Type 2; Calmodulin; Cells, Cultured; Connexin 43; Glioma; HeLa Cells; Humans; Neuroglia; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; RNA, Small Interfering; Signal Transduction

In the course of our survey of natural compounds inhibiting prostaglandin E2 release and/or lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced transcriptional stimulation via NF-kappaB, a central regulator of inflammatory genes, from natural resources, we found garcinone B, a xanthone from callus tissue culture of Hypericum patulum, as a compound with such pharmacological activities, that is a derivative of gamma-mangostin which potently inhibits COX-1 and COX-2 activities to reduce PGE2 release from C6 rat glioma cells, and inhibits IKK activity to prevent NF-kappaB-dependent COX-2 gene transcription. Garcinone B, to a lesser extent, reduced A23187-induced increase in prostaglandin E2 release than gamma-mangostin and its structurally related compound, patulone, in C6 cells. This compound also prevented LPS-induced stimulation of NF-kappaB-dependent transcription. These results suggest that garcinone B becomes a unique pharmacological tool to investigate intracellular signaling pathways involved in inflammation.

Topics: Animals; Brain Neoplasms; Calcimycin; Cell Line, Tumor; Cyclooxygenase 1; Dinoprostone; Glioma; Hypericum; Inflammation Mediators; Lipopolysaccharides; NF-kappa B; Prostaglandin Antagonists; Rats; Transcription, Genetic; Xanthines; Xanthones

Early deterioration and death after brain injury is often the result of oedema in the injured and peri-lesional tissue. So far, no pharmacotherapy is available that exhibits significant brain oedema-reducing efficacy in patients. We selected two low molecular weight compounds from different chemical classes, a triazole (1-[(2-chlorophenyl)diphenylmethyl]-1,2,3-triazole) and a cyclohexadiene (methyl 4-[4-chloro-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-6-methyl-3-oxo-1,4,7-tetrahydroisobenzofuran-5-carboxylate) to characterize their pharmacological properties on KCNN4 channels (intermediate/small conductance calcium-activated potassium channel, subfamily N, member 4) in vitro as well as in vivo. In vitro we replaced potassium by rubidium (Rb+) and determined Rb+ fluxes evoked by 10 micro m of the calcium ionophore A23187 on C6BU1 rat glioma cells. Compared with known KCNN4 blockers, such as clotrimazole (IC50=360 +/- 12 nm) and charybdotoxin (IC50=3.3 +/- 1.9 nm), the triazole and cyclohexadiene were considerably more potent than clotrimazole and displayed similar potencies (IC50=12.1 +/- 8.8 and 13.3 +/- 4.7 nm, respectively). In the rat acute subdural haematoma model, both the triazole and cyclohexadiene displayed reduction of brain water content (-26% at 0.3 mg/kg and -24% at 0.01 mg/kg) and reduction of the intracranial pressure (-46% at 0.1 mg/kg and -60% at 0.003 mg/kg) after 24 h when administered as a 4-h infusion immediately after brain injury. When infarct volumes were determined after 7 days, the triazole as well as the cyclohexadiene displayed strong neuroprotective efficacy (-52% infarct volume reduction at 1.2 mg/kg and -43% at 0.04 mg/kg, respectively). It is concluded that blockade of KCNN4 channels is a new pharmacological approach to attenuate acute brain damage caused by traumatic brain injury.

Topics: Animals; Brain Chemistry; Brain Edema; Brain Injuries; Calcimycin; Cell Line, Tumor; Cerebral Infarction; Charybdotoxin; Clotrimazole; DNA Primers; Erythrocytes; Glioma; Hematoma, Subdural; Humans; Intermediate-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels; Potassium Channel Blockers; Potassium Channels, Calcium-Activated; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; Rubidium; Water

Zinc ions are essential, but at elevated concentrations, they also have toxic effects on mammalian cells. Zinc plays a crucial role in cell proliferation and differentiation and it even protects cells against apoptosis caused by various reagents. On the other hand, zinc at high concentrations causes cell death that was characterized as apoptotic by internucleosomal DNA fragmentation, formation of apoptotic bodies, and breakdown of the mitochondrial membrane potential. In the present work, a clone of rat C6 glioma cells that was resistant to toxic effects of ZnCl2 up to 250 microM was employed to study the effect of the ionophore A23187 on zinc-induced apoptosis. Neither 150 microM Zn2+ nor 100 nM A23187 alone caused apoptosis as measured by internucleosomal DNA fragmentation. However, combined exposure of C6 cells to 100 nM A23187 and 150 microM Zn2+ for 48 h was effective in inducing apoptosis. Because the so-called calcium ionophore A23187 is not specific for Ca2+ ions but also transports Zn2+ with high selectivity over Ca2+, we investigated whether this substance promoted the uptake of Zn2+ ions into C6 cells. Employing the zinc-specific fluorescence probe Zinquin, we observed that the very low concentration of 1.9 nM A23187 significantly and rapidly raised the intracellular mobile Zn2+ content. Analysis by atomic absorption spectroscopy revealed that incubation with 1.9 nM A23187 caused a doubling of the total intracellular zinc level within 60 min. We conclude that the apoptosis evoked by the combined action of Zn2+ and A23187 was the result of enhanced Zn2+ influx evoked by the ionophore, resulting in higher intracellular zinc levels.

Topics: Animals; Apoptosis; Calcimycin; Calcium; Cell Line, Tumor; Extracellular Fluid; Glioma; Hydrogen Peroxide; Intracellular Fluid; Ionophores; Microscopy, Fluorescence; Rats; Spectrophotometry, Atomic; Zinc

The fruit hull of mangosteen, Garcinia mangostana L., has been used for many years as a medicine for treatment of skin infection, wounds, and diarrhea in Southeast Asia. In the present study, we examined the effect of gamma-mangostin, a tetraoxygenated diprenylated xanthone contained in mangosteen, on arachidonic acid (AA) cascade in C6 rat glioma cells. gamma-Mangostin had a potent inhibitory activity of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) release induced by A23187, a Ca2+ ionophore. The inhibition was concentration-dependent, with the IC50 value of about 5 microM. gamma-Mangostin had no inhibitory effect on A23187-induced phosphorylation of p42/p44 extracellular signal regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase or on the liberation of [14C]-AA from the cells labeled with [14C]-AA. However, gamma-mangostin concentration-dependently inhibited the conversion of AA to PGE2 in microsomal preparations, showing its possible inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX). In enzyme assay in vitro, gamma-mangostin inhibited the activities of both constitutive COX (COX-1) and inducible COX (COX-2) in a concentration-dependent manner, with the IC50 values of about 0.8 and 2 microM, respectively. Lineweaver-Burk plot analysis indicated that gamma-mangostin competitively inhibited the activities of both COX-1 and -2. This study is a first demonstration that gamma-mangostin, a xanthone derivative, directly inhibits COX activity.

Topics: Animals; Arachidonic Acid; Calcimycin; Cyclooxygenase 1; Cyclooxygenase 2; Dinoprostone; Drug Interactions; Garcinia mangostana; Glioma; HIV Protease Inhibitors; Isoenzymes; Membrane Proteins; Microsomes; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; Phosphorylation; Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases; Protein Synthesis Inhibitors; Rats; Tumor Cells, Cultured; Xanthenes; Xanthones

Intracellular calcium ([Ca2+](i)), cell volume, membrane potential and currents were measured in neuroblastomaxglioma hybrid cells to gain insight into how [Ca2+](i) controls cell volume. [Ca2+](i) was increased by fluid shear stress, mechanical stimulation of the cells, the Ca2+ ionophore A23187, caffeine and thapsigargin. The increase in [Ca2+](i) induced by mechanical stimulation was decreased by about 50% by caffeine and abolished after incubation of the cells in a Ca2+-free solution. Mechanical stimulation by stirring the cell suspension induced cell shrinkage that was abolished by caffeine, but induced cell swelling in Ca2+-free solution. In the presence of caffeine, A23187 induced cell shrinkage whereas thapsigargin induced cell swelling. Both cell volume changes were inhibited by the Cl- channel blocker 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino) benzoic acid. The cells were hyperpolarized by fluid shear stress and A23187 and depolarized by caffeine, thapsigargin and intracellular EGTA. Under all these conditions, the membrane input resistance was decreased. Voltage-clamp experiments suggested that, in addition to an increased anionic current, fluid shear stress and A23187 increased a K+ current, whereas caffeine and intracellular Ca2+ chelation increased a non-selective cation current and thapsigargin increased both a K+ and a non-selective cation current. Taken together, these results suggest that, if cell volume is closely dependent on [Ca2+](i) and the activity of Cl- channels, its relative value is dependent on the ionic selectivity of co-activated channels and the membrane potential.

Topics: Brain Neoplasms; Caffeine; Calcimycin; Calcium; Cell Size; Chloride Channels; Electric Stimulation; Electrophysiology; Glioma; Humans; Hybrid Cells; Ion Channels; Ionophores; Membrane Potentials; Neuroblastoma; Nitrobenzoates; Patch-Clamp Techniques; Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; Physical Stimulation; Thapsigargin; Tumor Cells, Cultured

Cyclooxygenases-1 and -2 are both expressed in neuronal cells in vivo. In the neuroblastoma cell lines NG108 and N2a, however, only cyclooxygenase-1 was detectable. Differentiation of the cells with retinoic acid increased cyclooxygenase-1 mRNA and protein expression within 24 and 48 h, respectively. A further increase was observed when the cells were concomitantly treated with the glucocorticoid dexamethasone (a 2-3-fold increase compared with retinoic acid alone). In the absence of retinoic acid, dexamethasone only slightly up-regulated cyclooxygenase-1 expression. The inhibitor of protein synthesis cycloheximide abrogated the effect of dexamethasone, indicating the involvement of newly synthesised proteins. Retinoic acid increased the transcription of cyclooxygenase-1 mRNA, determined with a luciferase-coupled promoter construct. Dexamethasone only slightly augmented cyclooxygenase-1-promoter activity but increased cyclooxygenase-1 mRNA stability. Other corticosteroids, hydrocortisone and aldosterone, also up-regulated cyclooxygenase-1 whereas neurosteroids or oestrogen were ineffective. Up-regulation was mediated primarily by the glucocorticoid receptor, because the receptor antagonist RU486 strongly reduced the effects of all corticosteroids. This indicated that in NG108 cells, the mineralocorticoid aldosterone may bind to the glucocorticoid receptor. Treatment of NG108 or N2a cells with corticosteroids did not alter the morphological phenotype obtained during differentiation. We thus show that corticosteroids, which down-regulate cyclooxygenase expression in most cell types, up-regulate cyclooxygenase-1 during neuronal differentiation.

Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Aldosterone; Animals; Benzimidazoles; Bucladesine; Calcimycin; Cell Differentiation; Cycloheximide; Cyclooxygenase 1; Cyclooxygenase 2; Dehydroepiandrosterone; Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate; Dexamethasone; Dinoprostone; Drug Synergism; Enzyme Induction; Estradiol; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Genes, Reporter; Glioma; Hybrid Cells; Hydrocortisone; Ionophores; Isoenzymes; Luciferases; Membrane Proteins; Mice; Mifepristone; Neoplasm Proteins; Nerve Tissue Proteins; Neuroblastoma; Promoter Regions, Genetic; Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases; Protein Synthesis Inhibitors; Receptors, Glucocorticoid; Recombinant Fusion Proteins; RNA, Messenger; RNA, Neoplasm; Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate; Transfection; Tretinoin; Tumor Cells, Cultured

Comparative analyses were conducted to determine the effects of Na(+) (monensin, MON), K(+) (nigericin, NIG) and Ca(2+) (A23187) selective carboxylic ionophores on differentiated NG108-15 (neuroblastoma X glioma hybrid) cells. Alterations in membrane potential (V(m)), input resistance (Rin) and electrically induced action potential generation were measured using intracellular microelectrode techniques in cells treated with 0.1-30 microM MON and NIG and 0.1-10 microM A23187. Responses to the ionophores were similar in that membrane hyperpolarization and unchanged R(in) predominated with all three compounds. However, significant differences between the ionophores were also detected. MON- and A23187-induced hyperpolarization was generally maintained throughout the 24-min superfusion whereas that produced by NIG diminished with time or was replaced by depolarization. In addition, action potential generation was blocked by NIG, whereas MON had no effect and action potential alterations were evident only with the highest A23187 concentration (10 microM). This study represents the initial comprehensive analysis of the effects of carboxylic ionophores on membrane electrical characteristics of an intact cell system and forms the basis for subsequent work using NG108-15 cells as a model system to evaluate potential therapeutic treatments against the carboxylic ionophores.

Topics: Calcimycin; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Glioma; Ionophores; Membrane Potentials; Monensin; Neuroblastoma; Neurons; Nigericin; Tumor Cells, Cultured

While glucocorticoids have been shown to exacerbate calcium-induced neuronal damage, little is known about the effects of these hormones on calcium-induced damage to glial cells. Here we examine the effect of synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone on calcium ionophore A23187 and serum deprivation-induced damage to rat C6 glioma cells. Treatment of the glioma cells with A23187 reduced cell viability, similar in extent to that observed with serum deprivation. Both A23187 and serum deprivation caused cell damage without degradation of the genomic DNA into nucleosomic fragments. In addition, the reduction in cell viability caused by A23187 was not significantly altered by DEX at concentrations enhancing serum deprivation-induced cell death. These results suggest that the cytotoxic effect of A23187 on glial cells may be mediated through a mechanism different from that underlying serum deprivation-induced cell death, and that, in contrast to calcium-induced neuronal damage, calcium-induced damage to glial cells is likely to be insensitive to glucocorticoids.

Topics: Animals; Blood; Calcimycin; Calcium; Cell Survival; Culture Media; Culture Media, Serum-Free; Dexamethasone; DNA Fragmentation; Glioma; Glucocorticoids; Ionophores; Neuroglia; Rats; Tumor Cells, Cultured

Calpain, a Ca2+-activated cysteine protease, has been implicated in apoptosis of immune cells. Since central nervous system (CNS) is abundant in calpain, the possible involvement of calpain in apoptosis of CNS cells needs to be investigated. We studied calpain expression in rat C6 glioma cells exposed to reactive hydroxyl radical (.OH) [formed via the Fenton reaction (Fe2++H2O2+H+-->Fe3++H2O+.OH)], interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), and calcium ionophore (A23187). Cell death, cell cycle, calpain expression, and calpain activity were examined. Diverse stimuli induced apoptosis in C6 cells morphologically (chromatin condensation as detected by light microscopy) and biochemically [DNA fragmentation as detected by TdT-mediated dUTP Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) assay]. Oxidative stress arrested a population of C6 cells at the G2/M phase of cell cycle. The levels of mRNA expression of six genes were analyzed by the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Diverse stimuli did not alter beta-actin (internal control) expression, but increased calpain expression, and the upregulated bax (pro-apoptotic)/bcl-2 (anti-apoptotic) ratio. There was no significant increase in expression of calpastatin (endogenous calpain inhibitor). Western blot analysis showed an increase in calpain content and degradation of myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG), a calpain substrate. Pretreatment of C6 cells with calpeptin (a cell-permeable calpain inhibitor) blocked calpain overexpression, MAG degradation, and DNA fragmentation. We conclude that calpain overexpression due to.OH stress, IFN-gamma stimulation, or Ca2+ influx is involved in C6 cell death, which is attenuated by a calpain-specific inhibitor.

Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Apoptosis; Calcimycin; Calpain; Cysteine Proteinase Inhibitors; Dipeptides; Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Glioma; Hydroxyl Radical; Interferon-gamma; Ionophores; Rats; Tumor Cells, Cultured

1. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of maitotoxin on nerve growth factor production and the Ca2+ influx in clonal rat glioma cells (C6-BU-1). 2. Maitotoxin (1 - 10 ng ml-1) induced a profound increase in 45Ca2+ influx in an extracellular Ca2+-dependent manner. However, high KCl had no effect at all. These effects were supported by the results from the analysis of intracellular Ca2+ concentration using fura 2. 3. The maitotoxin-induced 45Ca2+ influx was inhibited by inorganic Ca2+ antagonists, such as Mg2+, Mn2+ and Co2+. The inhibitory effect of Co2+ was antagonized by increasing the extracellular Ca2+ concentrations. 4. Maitotoxin (3 ng ml-1) as well as A-23187 (1microM) and dibutyryl cyclic AMP (0.5 mM) caused an acceleration of nerve growth factor (NGF) production in C6-BU-1 cells, as determined by NGF enzyme immunoassay. 5. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT - PCR) analysis showed that maitotoxin (10 ng ml-1) enhanced the expression of NGF mRNA, which was abolished by the removal of extracellular Ca2+. A-23187 also accelerated its expression. 6. These results suggest that maitotoxin activates a voltage-insensitive Ca2+ channel and accelerates NGF production mediated through a Ca2+ signalling pathway in C6-BU-1 glioma cells.

Topics: Animals; Brain Neoplasms; Bucladesine; Calcimycin; Calcium Channel Agonists; Calcium Channels; Cell Line; Fluorescent Dyes; Fura-2; Glioma; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Marine Toxins; Neoplasm Proteins; Nerve Growth Factors; Oxocins; Rats; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; RNA, Messenger; Stimulation, Chemical; Tumor Cells, Cultured

Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) is a family of serine/threonine kinase that appears to be a component common to signalling pathway initiated by a wide range of factors including hormones, differentiation factors and mitogens. Baicalein is a flavonoid derived from the root of Scutellaria baicaleins. From searching the inhibitors of prostaglandin synthesis in C6 rat glioma cells, we found that baicalein had a potent inhibitory activity of prostaglandin synthesis induced by either histamine or A23187, a Ca2+ ionophore. Baicalein inhibited histamine- and A23187-induced phosphorylation of MAPK in the cells, which was known to cause the phosphorylation of cytosolic phospholipase A2. Baicalein also inhibited the phosphorylation of MAPK kinase (MEK) induced by histamine or A23187 in the cells. In vitro kinase assay, baicalein inhibited the activities of raf but not MEK. These results imply that baicalein is a specific inhibitor of MAPK cascade, acting on phosphorylation of MEK by raf.

Topics: Animals; Calcimycin; Flavanones; Flavonoids; Free Radical Scavengers; Glioma; Histamine; Ionophores; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; Phosphorylation; Prostaglandin Antagonists; Rats; Tumor Cells, Cultured

Inhibitory mechanism of the water extract of Scutellariae Radix on prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) release was examined in C6 rat glioma cells. Scutellariae Radix reduced a Ca2+ ionophore A23187-induced PGE2 release by inhibition of arachidonic acid (AA) liberation. Sho-saiko-to and San'o-shashin-to, which contain Scutellariae Radix, also inhibited PGE2 release. A23187 caused phosphorylation of mitrogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), resulting in activation of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2). Scutellariae Radix and baicalein inhibited the phosphorylation of MAPK. Baicalein, but not baicalin, inhibited A23187-induced PGE2 release. These results suggest that baicalein in Scutellariae Radix reduces AA liberation through the inhibition of the MAPK-cPLA2 pathway.

Topics: Amino Acid Sequence; Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Arachidonic Acid; Calcimycin; Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinases; Dinoprostone; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Enzyme Inhibitors; Flavanones; Flavonoids; Glioma; Ionophores; Molecular Sequence Data; Phosphorylation; Prostaglandin Antagonists; Rats; Tumor Cells, Cultured

We expressed the gamma-subspecies of protein kinase C (gamma-PKC) fused with green fluorescent protein (GFP) in various cell lines and observed the movement of this fusion protein in living cells under a confocal laser scanning fluorescent microscope. gamma-PKC-GFP fusion protein had enzymological properties very similar to that of native gamma-PKC. The fluorescence of gamma-PKC- GFP was observed throughout the cytoplasm in transiently transfected COS-7 cells. Stimulation by an active phorbol ester (12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate [TPA]) but not by an inactive phorbol ester (4alpha-phorbol 12, 13-didecanoate) induced a significant translocation of gamma-PKC-GFP from cytoplasm to the plasma membrane. A23187, a Ca2+ ionophore, induced a more rapid translocation of gamma-PKC-GFP than TPA. The A23187-induced translocation was abolished by elimination of extracellular and intracellular Ca2+. TPA- induced translocation of gamma-PKC-GFP was unidirected, while Ca2+ ionophore-induced translocation was reversible; that is, gamma-PKC-GFP translocated to the membrane returned to the cytosol and finally accumulated as patchy dots on the plasma membrane. To investigate the significance of C1 and C2 domains of gamma-PKC in translocation, we expressed mutant gamma-PKC-GFP fusion protein in which the two cysteine rich regions in the C1 region were disrupted (designated as BS 238) or the C2 region was deleted (BS 239). BS 238 mutant was translocated by Ca2+ ionophore but not by TPA. In contrast, BS 239 mutant was translocated by TPA but not by Ca2+ ionophore. To examine the translocation of gamma-PKC-GFP under physiological conditions, we expressed it in NG-108 cells, N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-transfected COS-7 cells, or CHO cells expressing metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 (CHO/mGluR1 cells). In NG-108 cells , K+ depolarization induced rapid translocation of gamma-PKC-GFP. In NMDA receptor-transfected COS-7 cells, application of NMDA plus glycine also translocated gamma-PKC-GFP. Furthermore, rapid translocation and sequential retranslocation of gamma-PKC-GFP were observed in CHO/ mGluR1 cells on stimulation with the receptor. Neither cytochalasin D nor colchicine affected the translocation of gamma-PKC-GFP, indicating that translocation of gamma-PKC was independent of actin and microtubule. gamma-PKC-GFP fusion protein is a useful tool for investigating the molecular mechanism of gamma-PKC translocation and the role of gamma-PKC in the central nervous sys

Topics: 3T3 Cells; Amino Acid Sequence; Animals; Calcimycin; Calcium; CHO Cells; COS Cells; Cricetinae; Cytochalasin D; Glioma; Green Fluorescent Proteins; Hybrid Cells; Isoenzymes; Kinetics; Luminescent Proteins; Mice; Microscopy, Confocal; Molecular Sequence Data; Neuroblastoma; Protein Kinase C; Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate; Recombinant Fusion Proteins; Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate; Transfection

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has potent trophic and protective actions on CNS neurons, including mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons, ventral forebrain cholinergic neurons and spinal motor neurons. To evaluate the effects of calcium and other second messengers on BDNF gene transcription, C6 glioma cells were treated for 4 h with the calcium ionophore A23187, forskolin + isobutyl-methyl-xanthine (IBMX), or the phorbol ester, 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed that A23187 treatment increased BDNF transcripts containing the protein coding exon by 4.4-6.4-fold. Alternate BDNF transcripts were elevated to varying degrees after treatment with this ionophore and a subset of these transcripts was elevated following forskolin + IBMX treatment. When co-incubated with the RNA polymerase inhibitor, actinomycin D, A23187-induced increases were reduced or abolished, suggesting that calcium-mediated regulation of BDNF mRNA expression occurs at transcriptional as well as post-transcriptional levels. Transient transfection experiments employing reporter constructs containing serial 5' deletions of alternate BDNF promoters suggested that A23187-induced elevations in BDNF exon 1b, 1d and 1e containing transcripts are mediated by putative calcium-responsive regions flanking all three of these exons.

Topics: Animals; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; Calcimycin; Calcium; Dactinomycin; Genes, Reporter; Glioma; Ionophores; Peptidylprolyl Isomerase; Promoter Regions, Genetic; Rats; Second Messenger Systems; Signal Transduction; Tumor Cells, Cultured

C6 glioma cells were used as a model system to study the regulation of EAAC1-mediated Na(+)-dependent L-[3H]glutamate transport. Although a 30-min preincubation with forskolin had no effect on transport activity, preincubation with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) increased transport activity two- to threefold. PMA caused a time-dependent and concentration-dependent increase in EAAC1-mediated L-[3H]glutamate transport activity. A 2-min preincubation with PMA was sufficient to cause more than a twofold increase in transport activity and the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide had no effect on the increase. These data suggest that this increase is independent of protein synthesis. The EC50 value of PMA for stimulation of transport activity was 80 nM. Kinetic analyses demonstrated that the increase in transport activity was due to a 2.5-fold increase in Vmax with no change in Km. PMA also increased the transport of the nonmetabolizable analogue, D-[3H] aspartate to the same extent. In parallel assays, PMA did not, however, increase Na(+)-dependent glycine transport activity in C6 glioma. The inactive phorbol ester alpha-phorbol 12,13- didecanoate, did not stimulate L-[3H]glutamate transport activity, and the protein kinase C inhibitor chelerythrine blocked the stimulation caused by PMA. Okadaic acid and cyclosporin A, which are phosphatase inhibitors, had no effect on the stimulation of transport activity caused by PMA. The Ca2+ ionophore A23187 did not act synergistically to increase PMA stimulation. In previous studies, PMA caused a rapid increase in amiloride-sensitive Na(+)/H+ transport activity in C6 glioma. In the present study, pre- and coincubation with amiloride had no effect on the stimulation of transport activity caused by PMA. These studies suggest that activation of protein kinase C causes a rapid increase in EAAC1-mediated transport activity. This rapid increase in Na(+)-dependent L-[3H]-glutamate transport activity may provide a novel mechanism for protection against acute insults to the CNS.

Topics: Adenylyl Cyclases; Amiloride; Amino Acid Transport System X-AG; Animals; Aspartic Acid; ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters; Calcimycin; Carrier Proteins; Colforsin; Enzyme Inhibitors; Ethers, Cyclic; Excitatory Amino Acid Transporter 3; Glioma; Glutamate Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins; Glutamates; Glycine; Kinetics; Okadaic Acid; Phosphoric Monoester Hydrolases; Protein Kinase C; Rats; Sodium; Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase; Symporters; Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate; Tumor Cells, Cultured

Endothelin-1 (Et-1) but not a range of other receptor agonists stimulated the release of arachidonic acid (AA) in C6 glioma. Et-1 activation was concentration dependent and was inhibited by chelation of extracellular calcium. The calcium ionophores A23187 and ionomycin could also stimulate release of AA. Et-1 caused an early increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) followed by a sustained but lower plateau level. The sensitivity of the response to quinacrine, its dependence on Ca2+, and the demonstration of an increase in phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity that was insensitive to dithiothreitol suggested that the release of AA was due to activation of cytosolic PLA2 in the cells. Staurosporine, a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, had no effect on Et-1-induced AA release but abolished that by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, demonstrating that the Et-1 response was PKC independent. Raised levels of extracellular KCl inhibited both AA release and the increase in [Ca2+]i triggered by Et-1, whereas valinomycin, which causes K+ efflux, not only caused a rapid rise in [Ca2+]i but also caused AA mobilisation. The results therefore suggest that Et-1 activation of PLA2 in this cell type requires calcium influx dependent on K+ efflux.

Topics: Animals; Arachidonic Acid; Calcimycin; Calcium; Endothelins; Enzyme Activation; Glioma; Ion Channel Gating; Ionophores; Phospholipases A; Phospholipases A2; Potassium; Rats; Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate; Tumor Cells, Cultured; Valinomycin

A significant fraction of the beta-amyloid precursor protein is proteolytically processed to yield large secreted forms (sAPP). These proteins have pleiotropic effects which potentially involve control of gene expression. We have investigated the influence of sAPP on the class of transcription factors which bind kappa B enhancer sequences. Transcription dependent on a kappa B element was enhanced by sAPP in several cell lines, as measured by expression of a transfected chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene. Secreted APP also induced an increase in kappa B DNA-binding activity in hippocampal neurons treated with sAPP. Both effects were mimicked by an analog of cyclic GMP and inhibited by an antagonist of cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase. Such activation of kappa B-dependent transcription was correlated in two ways with the ability of sAPP to protect neuronal cells against calcium-mediated damage: (1) tumor necrosis factor beta also protected against calcium-mediated insults and induced kappa B-dependent transcription; (2) antisense oligonucleotide-mediated reduction of an endogenous inhibitor of NF-kappa B activated kappa B-binding activity and attenuated calcium-mediated toxicity in both a neuronal cell line and in primary neurons. These findings suggest that a kappa B-binding transcription factor can act as a coordinator of neuroprotective gene expression in response to cytokines.

Topics: Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor; Base Sequence; Calcimycin; Calcium; Cell Line; Cell Survival; Chloramphenicol O-Acetyltransferase; Cyclic GMP; Cyclic GMP-Dependent Protein Kinases; DNA-Binding Proteins; Enhancer Elements, Genetic; Glioma; Humans; I-kappa B Proteins; Kidney; Kinetics; Neuroblastoma; Neurons; NF-kappa B; NF-KappaB Inhibitor alpha; Oligonucleotides, Antisense; Recombinant Fusion Proteins; Thionucleotides; Transcription, Genetic; Transfection; Tumor Cells, Cultured

Brain microvascular endothelial cells play an important role in regulation of ion and fluid movement between the blood and the brain interstitium. Astrocytes have been shown to induce blood-brain barrier properties in the endothelial cells, including formation of tight junctions and increased expression and asymmetric distribution of enzymes and ion transport systems. Previous studies have demonstrated that endothelial cells of bovine aorta possess a highly active Na-K-Cl cotransport system that participates in intracellular volume regulation. The present study was conducted to evaluate Na-K-Cl cotransport activity of cerebral microvascular endothelial cells and to determine whether astrocyte-conditioned medium (CM) influences Na-K-Cl cotransport activity of these cells. We found the brain microvascular endothelial cells to exhibit a robust Na-K-Cl cotransport activity, comprising 50% of the total K influx. Activity of the cotransporter was stimulated by agents that elevate intracellular Ca and by hypertonicity and was inhibited by agents that elevate adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate, guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate, or activate protein kinase C. Exposure of the cells to primary astrocyte- or C6 glial cell-CM but not A7r5 or A10 vascular smooth muscle cell-CM also increased cotransport activity. However, this effect required > 1 h of exposure to CM, was additive with the effects of vasopressin, calcium ionophore, and hypertonicity, and was blocked by the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Topics: Animals; Aorta; Astrocytes; Brain; Bumetanide; Calcimycin; Carrier Proteins; Cattle; Culture Media, Conditioned; Cycloheximide; Endothelium, Vascular; Glioma; Kinetics; Microcirculation; Ouabain; Potassium; Rats; Sodium-Potassium-Chloride Symporters; Tumor Cells, Cultured; Vasopressins

To investigate the role of calmodulin (CaM)-dependent pathways in agonist-induced phosphoinositide (PI) turnover, the influence of several CaM antagonists on PI-phospholipase C (PLC) activation in intact and permeabilized C6 glioma cells was examined. The extent of PI turnover was assessed by measuring the accumulation of inositol phosphates (IPs) in the presence of LiCl in C6 glioma cells prelabelled with myo-[3H]inositol. Trifluoperazine, N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1- naphthalenesulphonamide (W-7), fendiline and calmidazolium themselves had no effect on basal IP formation, but concentration-dependently (1-30 microM) potentiated ATP-, NaF- and A23187-stimulated IP formation. The maximal response to ATP (1 mM) was increased by up to 50%, while the concentration for half-maximal effect (EC50, 60 microM) was unaffected by trifluoperazine. In digitonin-permeabilized C6 glioma cells, the concentration-dependent increase of PI-PLC activation elicited by free Ca2+ was potentiated by the GTP analogue, guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate (GTP gamma S), with an EC50 of 6 microM. Trifluoperazine (1-30 microM) enhanced the Ca(2+)-stimulated IP formation concentration dependently and this potentiation was counteracted by the addition of CaM. In the combined presence of each CaM antagonist studied and GTP gamma S, an additive increase in IP formation was observed. The results indicate that CaM antagonists enhance stimulus-induced IP formation in C6 glioma cells primarily by increasing the Ca(2+)-dependent activation of PI-PLC.

Topics: Adenosine Triphosphate; Calcimycin; Calmodulin; Digitonin; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Enzyme Activation; Glioma; Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate); Hydrolysis; Phosphatidylinositols; Signal Transduction; Sodium Fluoride; Trifluoperazine; Tumor Cells, Cultured; Type C Phospholipases

A procedure is described to fill up cells in culture with ACh and study its calcium dependent release, by-passing the synthesis steps. Whether differentiated or not with dbc-AMP, the NG108-15 cells efficiently released ACh when stimulated with calcium and ionophore A23187. The release was also studied in the parent C6-BU-1 and N18TG2 cells. It was found that C6-BU-1 released ACh much better that N18TG2 in spite of their glial origin. The internalization by NG108-15 cells of an antisense oligonucleotide probe hybridizing the 16 kDa proteolipid messenger common to mediatophore and to the V-ATPase reduced ACh release indicated a role of this proteolipid in ACh translocation. This characteristic protein was found in the membrane extract of NG108-15 cells and also in the C6-BU-1 cells, but its amount was strongly reduced in the N18TG2 cell line and in the NG108-15 cells having internalized the antisense probe.

Topics: Acetylcholine; Adenosine Triphosphatases; Animals; Bucladesine; Calcimycin; Calcium; Cell Differentiation; Glioma; Hybrid Cells; Membrane Proteins; Mice; Molecular Weight; Neuroblastoma; Oligonucleotide Probes; Oligonucleotides, Antisense; Rats; Transfection; Tumor Cells, Cultured

Intact and permeabilized glioma C6 cells were incubated with [14C]serine in media containing low (100 nM) or high (2 mM) [Ca2+] and serine incorporation into phosphatidylserine was examined. In all cases thapsigargin, a blocker of the endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase, diminished this process, whereas the action of the ionophore A23187 was dependent on the external calcium concentration and time of incubation. In permeabilized cells incubated at 100 nM Ca2+, serine incorporation into phosphatidylserine was diminished when the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ levels were lowered by the ionophore. In intact cells incubated at 2 mM CaCl2, addition of A23187 had no effect for the first 30 min and later decreased [14C]serine incorporation. This result seems to be not connected with the degradation of already formed phosphatidylserine, or with an enhanced metabolic conversion of this phospholipid, but with the decrease of its synthesis. The mechanism of this last process appears to be involved in the ionophore-induced perturbation of cellular Ca2+ homeostasis. Our results indicate that phosphatidylserine synthesis is a Ca(2+)-regulated process.

Topics: Animals; Calcimycin; Calcium; Calcium-Transporting ATPases; Cell Membrane Permeability; Glioma; Phosphatidylserines; Serine; Terpenes; Thapsigargin; Tumor Cells, Cultured

Endothelin-1 (ET) and ATP mobilize Ca2+ in rat C6 glioma cells by stimulating phosphoinositide turnover. Both agents also inhibit adenylyl cyclase (AC) activity in C6 glioma cells. The goal of this study was to characterize the molecular mechanisms responsible for the inhibition of AC activity. The administration of either ET, ATP, A23187, or thapsigargin to cells simultaneously with isoproterenol for 5 min inhibited isoproterenol-stimulated cAMP synthesis by a maximum of 60%, 91%, 65%, and 68%, respectively. Pretreatment of cells with pertussis toxin (PTX) did not alter the inhibitory effects of A23187 or thapsigargin, whereas the inhibitory effects of ET or ATP were completely eliminated. Removal of extracellular Ca2+ and 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'- tetraacetic acid acetoxymethyl ester treatment failed to affect the inhibition caused by ET or ATP, whereas the inhibition caused by A23187 or thapsigargin was completely eliminated in Ca(2+)-free medium and was attenuated by 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid acetoxymethyl ester treatment. The inhibition by both receptor agonists in the earlier phase (30 sec) of the AC reaction was, however, reduced by using either Ca(2+)-free medium or PTX pretreatment. The administration of 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine or Ro 20-1724 suggested that the inhibitory effects of A23187 and thapsigargin were partially due to Ca(2+)-dependent stimulation of PDE activity. Short term treatment with phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) had no effect on isoproterenol-stimulated AC activity. However, the inhibition of cAMP induced by ET or ATP, but not by A23187 or thapsigargin, was diminished by PMA, suggesting that the receptor signal via Gi was blocked by PMA treatment. The antagonistic effect of PMA was blocked by staurosporine. All four agents still inhibited AC activity in cells that had been treated with PMA for 24 hr to deplete protein kinase C. ET produced an additional decrease in AC activity in cells that had been treated with a maximally effective concentration of A23187 or thapsigargin. The ET- or ATP-induced decrease in cAMP levels showed homologous desensitization. These results demonstrate that ETZ receptors and ATP receptors in C6 glioma cells inhibit AC activity primarily by interaction with a PTX-sensitive G(i) and partially by elevation of [Ca(2+)]. Protein kinase C activation is not responsible for agonist-induced inhibition of AC but appears to uncouple the G(i)/AC system activa

Topics: Adenosine Triphosphate; Adenylate Cyclase Toxin; Adenylyl Cyclase Inhibitors; Animals; Calcimycin; Calcium; Drug Interactions; Endothelins; Glioma; GTP-Binding Proteins; Isoproterenol; Pertussis Toxin; Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; Protein Kinase C; Rats; Terpenes; Thapsigargin; Tumor Cells, Cultured; Virulence Factors, Bordetella

Okadaic acid (OA), a potent inhibitor of protein phosphatases 1 and 2A, has been widely used as a tool for unravelling the regulation of cellular metabolic processes involving protein phosphorylation/dephosphorylation. It has recently been found that OA can induce reversible hyperphosphorylation of vimentin and reorganization of intermediate filaments [Lee et al., J. Cell. Biochem. 49: 378-393, 1992]. We report here that OA specifically induced the synthesis of a 78-kDa protein, which was identified as the 78-kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78) by two-dimensional sodium dodecylsulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and peptide mapping. The induction of GRP78 by OA was dose-dependent and reversible. For 7 h treatments, GRP78 synthesis was initially enhanced under 50 nM OA and became the highest (about 6-fold) under 200 nM OA. Meanwhile, under 200 nM OA, GRP78 synthesis was initially enhanced after 4 h and reached its maximal level (about 8-fold) after 15 h of treatment. Subsequently, upon removal of OA, the level of OA-induced GRP78 was reduced to basal level after 12 h of recovery. Induction of GRP78 synthesis by OA was abolished in cells pretreated with actinomycin D and cycloheximide, indicating that it was regulated at the transcriptional level and its induction required de novo protein synthesis. Furthermore, OA suppressed protein glycosylation, and the result lent support to the hypothesis that suppression of protein glycosylation may correlate with induction of GRP78 synthesis.

Topics: Animals; Brain Neoplasms; Calcimycin; Carrier Proteins; Cycloheximide; Dactinomycin; Endoplasmic Reticulum Chaperone BiP; Ethers, Cyclic; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Glioma; Glycosylation; Heat-Shock Proteins; Molecular Chaperones; Neoplasm Proteins; Okadaic Acid; Phosphoprotein Phosphatases; Protein Processing, Post-Translational; Rats; Tumor Cells, Cultured

In rat glioma C6 cells, extracellular ATP stimulated phosphoinositide (PI) hydrolysis in concentration- and time-dependent manners with a median effective dose value of 60 microM. The maximal response was attained at 300 microM ATP. Of adenine nucleotides, ATP and adenosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) were most effective, while adenosine, AMP and beta,gamma-methylene ATP were ineffective. Similar results were obtained in cultured rat astrocytes. The stimulatory effects of ATP and ADP were negated by removal of external Ca++ in C6 cells. ATP at 300 microM induced an elevation of intracellular Ca++ concentration in 1-[2-(5-carboxyoxazol-2-yl)-6-amino-benzofuran-5-oxy]-2-(2'-amino- 5'- methylphenoxy)-ethane-N,N,N',N' acid-loaded C6 cells. This response was not blocked by nifedipine (10 microM) and verapamil (10 microM). A Ca++ ionophore A23187 (10 microM) stimulated PI hydrolysis in C6 cells. The responses to ATP (300 microM) and A23187 (10 microM) were additive. In digitonin-permeabilized C6 cells, Ca++ at the concentration of 100 microM evoked PI hydrolysis, and ATP alone did not affect the Ca++ dependence. GTP gamma S (100 microM) stimulated the PI hydrolysis at a range of 0.1 to 10 microM Ca++, and ATP enhanced the GTP gamma S response in the permeabilized cells. These results suggest that activation of P2-purinergic receptors by ATP causes phospholipase C to be activated by subthreshold concentrations of Ca++ via GTP-binding proteins, resulting in an activation of the enzyme in response to stimulated Ca++ influx.

Topics: Adenosine Triphosphate; Animals; Astrocytes; Calcimycin; Calcium; Cells, Cultured; Glioma; Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate); Hydrolysis; Phosphatidylinositols; Rats; Tumor Cells, Cultured

Interactions between endothelin-1 (ET)-induced phosphoinositide (PI) hydrolysis and agents that increase Ca2+ influx (i.e. A23187 and ionomycin) or induce depolarization (i.e. KCl) were investigated using C6 glioma. A23187 dose-dependently potentiated ET (30 nM)- and ATP (100 microM)-induced [3H]inositol phosphate (IP) accumulation. This potentiation was associated with an increase in the maximal stimulation elicited by both ET and ATP but their EC50 values were unchanged. This effect of A23187 occurred at concentrations that did not affect basal PI turnover; i.e. 10 nM-3 microM. Ionomycin within the range of 1 nM-1 microM also significantly enhanced ET-induced PI breakdown and this effect was associated with an increase of [Ca2+]i. KCl in a concentration-dependent manner (14.7-54.7 mM) markedly inhibited PI breakdown elicited by ET and ATP, but had much less inhibition on basal activity and no effect on A23187- and ionomycin-induced responses. In parallel, KCl added before or after ET, sharply attenuated the increase of ET-induced [Ca2+]i but did not affect basal level or ionomycin-induced [Ca2+]i response. Neither the potentiation by A23187 nor the inhibition by KCl of ET-induced PI turnover was observed in cultured cerebellar astrocytes. Our results suggest that the cell type-specific regulation by Ca2+ ionophores and KCl on ET-induced PI metabolism is closely related to perturbation of [Ca2+]i.

Topics: Adenosine Diphosphate; Adenosine Triphosphate; Animals; Calcimycin; Calcium; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Endothelins; Glioma; Inositol; Inositol Phosphates; Ionomycin; Kinetics; Phosphatidylinositols; Potassium Chloride; Time Factors; Tumor Cells, Cultured

Phosphatidylserine synthesis was studied in glioma C6 cells with [14C]serine and in the presence or absence of agents which increase the level of [Ca2+]i. It was found that glutamate and acetylcholine inhibited this synthesis by up to 40%, whereas thapsigargin and the ionophore A23187 inhibited by up to 70%. The inhibitory effect of thapsigargin and the A23187 was observed in Ca(2+)-free medium. The data show that the inhibition of this synthesis is caused by the Ca(2+)-depletion from endoplasmic reticulum, suggesting that the synthesis of phosphatidylserine occurs on the luminal side of these structures and can be regulated by transmembrane signaling systems.

Topics: Acetylcholine; Animals; Calcimycin; Calcium; Calcium Chloride; Calcium-Transporting ATPases; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Edetic Acid; Fura-2; Glioma; Glutamates; Glutamic Acid; Kinetics; Phosphatidylserines; Terpenes; Thapsigargin; Tumor Cells, Cultured

Angiotensin II (AII) can release arachidonic acid metabolites such as prostacyclin (PGI2) and PGE2 from cells in cultures. It has recently been reported that the AT1 selective nonpeptide AII receptor antagonist losartan had similar effects. The present study was undertaken to further evaluate the effects of AII and losartan on cells which synthesize prostaglandins, including vascular smooth muscle, endothelial, and glial cells. Inhibition of specific [125I]AII binding was demonstrated in porcine smooth muscle cell (PSMC) suspensions with unlabeled AII and losartan. The IC50 values were 1.3 x 10(-9) mol/L and 7.7 x 10(-9) mol/L, respectively. PD123177 (an AT2 selective antagonist) had no effect on binding. AII produced a concentration-related increase in calcium mobilization (fura-2 fluorescence) which was blocked by losartan (IC50 = 8.4 x 10(-8) mol/L) but not by PD123177 (10(-6) mol/L). AII (10(-7) to 10(-5) mol/L) stimulated the basal release of PGI2 by 100%. This response was blocked by losartan (10(-6) to 10(-5) mol/L) but not by PD123177 (10(-6) to 10(-5) mol/L) and neither agent stimulated basal release in PSMC. Similar effects of AII and antagonists were observed upon receptor binding and PGE2 release in primary rat astrocyte (RA) cultures. AII did not release PGI2 from porcine endothelial cells, bovine pulmonary arterial endothelial cells, or rat C6 glioma cells. Losartan had no significant effect at 10(-5) mol/L. By contrast, bradykinin or the calcium ionophore A23187 dramatically increased PGI2 release in each of these cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Topics: Angiotensin II; Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists; Animals; Arachidonic Acids; Astrocytes; Biphenyl Compounds; Calcimycin; Cattle; Cells, Cultured; Dinoprost; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Endothelium, Vascular; Epoprostenol; Glioma; Imidazoles; Iodine Radioisotopes; Losartan; Macrophages; Male; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; Prostaglandins; Pyridines; Radioimmunoassay; Radioligand Assay; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Receptors, Angiotensin; Swine; Tetrazoles; Thromboxanes; Tumor Cells, Cultured

C6-2B rat glioma cells were stably transfected with substance K receptor cDNA and used to study interactions between cAMP and Ca2+ signaling pathways. Activation of the newly expressed receptors by substance K increased the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration, as monitored by single-cell fura-2 imaging, and markedly inhibited agonist-stimulated cAMP accumulation. Blockade of intracellular Ca2+ mobilization abolished the substance K receptor-mediated inhibition of isoproterenol-induced cAMP production. Phosphodiesterase inhibitors, down-regulation or inhibition of protein kinase C, and pertussis toxin failed to prevent substance K-induced inhibition of agonist-stimulated cAMP accumulation. An increased intracellular Ca2+ concentration caused by either calcium ionophores or activation of endogenous bradykinin receptors was found to markedly reduce cAMP production in wild-type cells. These results demonstrate that elevated intracellular Ca2+ concentration can negatively modulate agonist-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in C6-2B glioma cells.

Topics: 1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine; 4-(3-Butoxy-4-methoxybenzyl)-2-imidazolidinone; Adenylyl Cyclases; Animals; Bradykinin; Calcimycin; Calcium; Cattle; Cell Line; Cholera Toxin; Cyclic AMP; DNA; Glioma; Isoproterenol; Kinetics; Neurokinin A; Rats; Receptors, Neurokinin-2; Receptors, Neurotransmitter; RNA, Messenger; Signal Transduction; Transfection

Freshly isolated human CD4+ T cells can not respond to recombinant interleukin 2 (rIL-2) because of their lack of p75 IL-2 receptor expression. However, we succeeded in inducing a marked proliferation of purified CD4+ T cells by activation with rIL-2 plus anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody (mAb) cross-linked to a plastic plate. The proliferated CD4+ T cells produced a significant amount of IL-2 upon stimulation with phorbol ester plus A23187. Interestingly, CD4+ T cells activated with anti-CD3 mAb plus rIL-2 revealed a strong cytotoxic activity against Fc receptor (FcR)-positive tumor cells in the presence of anti-CD3 mAb. Moreover, the CD4+ T cells could lyse FcR-negative glioma cells by targeting with bispecific mAb containing anti-CD3 mAb and anti-glioma mAb. Thus, we demonstrated that rIL-2 and immobilized anti-CD3 mAb allowed the rapid generation of human CD4+ helper/killer T cells, which may be useful for the development of a new adoptive tumor immunotherapy.

Topics: Antibodies, Monoclonal; Antigens, CD; Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte; Calcimycin; CD3 Complex; CD4 Antigens; Cell Line; Cells, Cultured; Cytotoxicity, Immunologic; DNA Replication; Glioma; Humans; Interleukin-2; Killer Cells, Natural; Kinetics; Lymphocyte Activation; Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell; Recombinant Proteins; T-Lymphocyte Subsets; T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer; Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate; Thymidine

Transport pathways for spermidine (Spd) were characterized in mammalian cells in culture of different origin, i.e. L 1210, P 388, C 6, U 251, Balb/c 3T3 normal and transformed by virus SV40 (SV40/3T3). The kinetic constants (Km and Vmax) for 14C-Spd uptake were found to be different in these cells. Spd uptake was inhibited by spermine and putrescine in all cells. Preloading of these cells with system A and other amino acids, including ornithine, usually did not affect Spd uptake, except in L 1210 and C 6 cells, where Spd uptake was accelerated by 2-aminoisobutyric acid, demonstrating that in these two cell lines the polyamines share the system A pathway. Iso-osmotic replacement of Na+ by choline chloride in the assay medium resulted in a decrease in Spd uptake which suggests that Spd uptake is Na+ activated. In all cells, Spd uptake was inhibited by gramicidin and the Ca2+ ionophore A 23187. The degree of inhibition varied among the cells. Valinomycin (K+ ionophore) inhibited Spd uptake by C 6, P 388, Balb/c 3T3 and SV40/3T3 but not by L 1210 and U 251 cells. Treatment with N-ethylmaleimide or p-L 1210, C 6, Balb/c 3T3 and SV40/3T3 cells did not affect appreciably the uptake process. Some newly synthesized polyamine analogues inhibited the Spd uptake of all cells.

Topics: Amino Acids; Animals; Biological Transport; Calcimycin; Fibroblasts; Glioma; Gramicidin; Humans; Leukemia L1210; Leukemia P388; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Polyamines; Sodium; Spermidine; Sulfhydryl Reagents; Tumor Cells, Cultured; Valinomycin

The intracellular nonmitochondrial calcium pools of saponin-permeabilized NG108-15 cells were characterized using inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) and GTP. IP3 or GTP alone induced release of 47 and 68%, respectively, of the calcium that was releasable by A23187. GTP induced release of a further 24% of the calcium after IP3 treatment, whereas IP3 induced release of a further 11% of the calcium after GTP treatment. Guanosine 5'-O-(3-thio)triphosphate had little effect on IP3-induced calcium release but completely inhibited GTP-induced calcium release. In contrast, heparin inhibited the action of IP3 but not that of GTP. The results imply the existence of at least three nonmitochondrial pools: (a) 31% is releasable by IP3 and GTP, (b) 11% is releasable by IP3 alone, and (c) 24% is releasable by GTP alone. GTP enhanced calcium uptake in the presence of oxalate with an EC50 of 0.6 microM and stimulated calcium release in the absence of oxalate with an EC50 of 0.32 microM. The similar EC50 values for these dual effects of GTP on calcium movement suggest that GTP exerts its dual action by the same mechanism.

Topics: Adenosine Triphosphate; Animals; Biological Transport, Active; Calcimycin; Calcium; Calcium-Transporting ATPases; Carbonyl Cyanide m-Chlorophenyl Hydrazone; Cell Line; Cell Membrane Permeability; Glioma; Guanosine Triphosphate; Hybrid Cells; Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate; Kinetics; Mice; Neuroblastoma; Oligomycins; Rats

We examined the signal transduction mechanism responsible for the IFN-gamma-induced HLA class II molecule expressions on glioblastoma cell lines, T98G and A172. A series of experiments demonstrated that the activation of protein kinase C (PKC) is involved in the DR and DP molecule expressions on T98G cells. In addition to the activation of PKC, calcium influx appeared to be involved in the DR and DP molecule expressions on T98G. Northern blot analyses with actinomycin D or cycloheximide revealed that these second messengers induce the transcription of DRA and B and DPA and B genes without de novo protein synthesis. Furthermore, we examined the region of the DPB gene that is responsible for IFN-gamma-induced gene transcription by gene transfer of a series of 5' and 3' deletion mutants in which the upstream region of the DPB was linked to a reporter gene, chloramphenicol acetyltransferase. By using these deletion mutants, it appeared that the region between -152 and -126 bp contains a critical IFN-gamma-responsive element. Taken together, these results suggest that IFN-gamma activates PKC and stimulates calcium influx, resulting in the induction of transcription of DRA and B and DPA and B genes without de novo protein synthesis. In DPB gene, we speculate that preexiting protein(s) phosphorylated by PKC in the presence of Ca2+ might directly bind or indirectly interact with the region between -152 and -126 bp of the upstream sequence, leading to the induction of the transcription (possibly in concert with other nuclear protein(s) bound to the promoter sequences).

Topics: Biological Transport; Blotting, Northern; Calcimycin; Calcium; Cell Compartmentation; Enzyme Activation; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Glioma; HLA-D Antigens; HLA-DP Antigens; HLA-DR Antigens; Humans; In Vitro Techniques; Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate; Promoter Regions, Genetic; Protein Kinase C; RNA, Messenger; RNA, Neoplasm; Signal Transduction; Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate; Transcription, Genetic; Tumor Cells, Cultured

Ca2+-activated K+ channels in rat glioma C6 cells were investigated using monolayers of these cells in petri dishes. The ion flux through the channels was studied with 86Rb+ after addition of a Ca2+-ionophore to the incubation medium. Both the influx and efflux of 86Rb+ through these Ca2+-activated K+ channels were inhibited by the general anesthetic halothane (at clinical concentrations). Other volatile anesthetics such as isoflurane, enflurane and methoxyflurane also inhibited the Ca2+-activated K+ channels at clinical concentrations. Inhibition of these channels by general anesthetics could have profound effects on signal transmission in the brain.

Topics: Anesthetics; Animals; Calcimycin; Calcium; Cell Line; Ethers; Glioma; Halothane; Ionomycin; Potassium Channels; Rats; Rubidium Radioisotopes; Tumor Cells, Cultured

The effect of GTP on Ca2+ uptake and release was studied in a microsomal fraction isolated from neuroblastoma x glioma hybrid NG108-15 cells. GTP did not alter the ATP-dependent initial uptake of Ca2+ but markedly enhanced the efflux of Ca2+ from microsomes. GTP-dependent Ca2+ release requires the presence of millimolar concentration of Mg2+. The effect of GTP was not mimicked by other nucleotides and was competitively blocked by the thiophosphate analogue of GTP, GTP gamma S but not by the non-hydrolyzable nucleotide GMP-PNP. Addition of an inhibiting concentration of GTP gamma S after completion of GTP-induced calcium release did not result in a re-uptake of Ca2+, showing the irreversibility of the releasing effect of GTP. Our data are consistent with the hypothesis of Ca2+-dependent GTP-induced opening of a channel responsible for vectorial transport of Ca2+ ions from one intracellular compartment to another. A model is proposed suggesting that the GTP-binding protein is a GTP-specific diacylglycerol kinase.

Topics: Animals; Calcimycin; Calcium; Cell Line; Glioma; Guanosine Triphosphate; Hybrid Cells; Intracellular Membranes; Kinetics; Magnesium; Mice; Microsomes; Neuroblastoma; Oxalates; Rats

Previously, we have shown that rat oligodendrocytes release phospholipid and generate arachidonic acid (AA) and leukotriene B4 in response to sublytic C5b-9 formation. In the present study, we investigated the biochemical pathways by which C5b-9 generates AA from clone ROC-1, a fusion product of rat oligodendrocytes and C6 glioma. Cells were incubated for 24 h in the presence of [3H]AA or [3H]myoinositol. They were then sensitized with antibody against hybrid cell stroma and treated for 1 h with C9-depleted human serum (C9D-HS) or C9D-HS reconstituted with C9. Alternatively, cells were treated with C8,C9D-HS or C8,C9D-HS reconstituted with C8 or C8 plus C9 for 1 h. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the released [3H]AA and [3H]myoinositol radiolabeled products were performed by thin layer chromatography/autoradiography and anion exchange chromatography, respectively. The major [3H]AA radiolabeled products after C5b-9 stimulation comigrated with intact phospholipid and AA standards, and the major [3H]myoinositol radiolabeled product was inositol-1-phosphate. Treatment of cells with phospholipase A2 inhibitors, mepacrine and bromophenacyl bromide, abolished AA release by C5b-9. In the absence of extracellular Ca2+, C5b-9 also failed to induce the release of AA. Interestingly, 1-(5-isoquinolinsulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine (H-7), a potent inhibitor of protein kinases, inhibited AA release by C5b-9, whereas AA release stimulated by the calcium ionophore A23187 was not blocked by H-7. The results suggest that AA generation by C5b-9 from the ROC-1 clone involves activation of Ca2+-dependent phospholipase A2 which is regulated by protein kinase-dependent mechanisms.

Topics: 1-(5-Isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-Methylpiperazine; Acetophenones; Animals; Arachidonic Acid; Arachidonic Acids; Calcimycin; Calcium; Clone Cells; Complement Membrane Attack Complex; Complement System Proteins; Glioma; Humans; Hybrid Cells; Isoquinolines; Neuroglia; Oligodendroglia; Phosphatidylinositols; Piperazines; Protein Kinase C; Quinacrine; Rats

A study was made of the 86Rb+ influx and efflux through Ca2+-activated K+ channels of intact rat glioma C6 cells after addition of a Ca2+ ionophore to the incubation medium. Half-maximal activation of the channels was obtained at a cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration of approximately 400 nM. The 86Rb+ ion flux through the Ca2+-activated K+ channels was insensitive to apamin, but was inhibited by low concentrations of charybdotoxin (IC50 = 1.6 nM). This is the first evidence for the presence of charybdotoxin-sensitive Ca2+-activated K+ channels in glial cells.

Topics: Animals; Calcimycin; Calcium; Charybdotoxin; Ethers; Glioma; Ionomycin; Potassium Channels; Rubidium; Rubidium Radioisotopes; Scorpion Venoms; Tumor Cells, Cultured

Experiments were performed on tissue culture of astrocytomas obtained at surgery. Dispersed cell cultures were used in this study growing directly on glass slides. In the course of experiments calcium ions (Ca2+) were added to extracellular fluid in the following concentrations: 3mg/ml--7.5 x 10(-2)M, 6mg--1.5 x 10(-1)M, and 12 mg--3.5 x 10(-1)M. No significant changes were observed in cells cultivated with two concentrations of calcium; 3 mg/ml and 6 mg/ml, only at the concentration of 12 mg/ml a disaggregation of microfilaments was revealed with the Coommassie blue R 250 staining. Introduction into the incubation medium of the ionophore A 23187 introduces dearrangement of microfilaments at all concentration of calcium used in the experiment. Additionally at the highest concentration of calcium that is at 12 mg/ml, the enhancement of staining density and thickness of glial ectoplasm could be observed and the aggregation microfilaments to thick boundles paralleled by the retraction of cell processes. It is concluded that glial cells show similar changes at elevated calcium ion concentrations with the ionophore added as observed in other cell types.

Topics: Actin Cytoskeleton; Calcimycin; Calcium; Cytoskeleton; Glioma; Humans; Tumor Cells, Cultured

Atriopeptin III and related atrial natriuretic peptide hormones strongly elevate the level of cyclic GMP in three neural tumor cell lines. At peptide concentrations of 1 microM clear-cut plateaus of the dose-response curves are not yet reached. Atriopeptin III increases the intracellular concentration of cyclic GMP to a maximum in the course of 30-40 min. The effect of atriopeptin III on the cellular cyclic GMP level is independent of the concentration of extracellular Ca2+ and is not affected by the Ca2+ ionophore A23187. These results suggest (1) that atrial natriuretic hormones may play an important role in the nervous system, and (2) that cultured neural cells may be useful tools in the elucidation of the mechanisms of action of these hormones.

Topics: 1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine; Animals; Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Calcimycin; Calcium; Cell Line; Cyclic GMP; Glioma; Hybrid Cells; Kinetics; Neuroblastoma; Rats

Glioma C62B cells were incubated for 18 h with [1-14C]arachidonic acid. Most (80%) of the added [1-14C] arachidonic acid was taken into the intracellular pool; less than 1% of the intracellular [1-14C]arachidonic acid remained unesterified; the rest was present in glycerophospholipids. Acetylcholine stimulation of the prelabeled cells resulted in the rapid accumulation of free [1-14C]arachidonic acid, presumably liberated by hydrolysis from phospholipids. Labeled unesterified [1-14C]arachidonic acid peaked by 90 s and returned to basal levels by 5 min. Paralleling the transient increase of unesterified [1-14C]arachidonic acid were increases in level of radioactivity in an unidentified lipoxygenase metabolite of arachidonic acid and of radioactive phosphatidic acid. The release of arachidonic acid induced by acetylcholine or carbachol was blocked by muscarinic but not nicotinic receptor antagonists; adrenergic or histaminergic receptor agonists were ineffective at stimulating arachidonic acid liberation. In contrast to the transient effects of stimulation with cholinergic agonists, stimulation with the divalent cation ionophore A23187 resulted in a linear increase in the accumulation of liberated arachidonic acid for at least 1 h. Furthermore, the pattern of metabolites synthesized from arachidonic acid in response to ionophore stimulation was more complex than that observed following cholinergic stimulation and included also several metabolites derived from cyclooxygenase activity. We conclude that muscarinic receptor agonists rapidly induce specific changes in arachidonic acid and phosphatidic acid metabolism in a glioma cell line and suggest that similar responses may occur in glial cells and play a physiologically significant role in neural metabolism.

Topics: Acetylcholine; Animals; Arachidonic Acid; Arachidonic Acids; Atropine; Calcimycin; Carbachol; Cell Line; Glioma; Oxotremorine; Parasympathomimetics; Phosphatidic Acids; Pilocarpine; Rats; Time Factors; Tubocurarine

The cellular cGMP content increased in response to a variety of receptor agonists, which activate [e.g., prostaglandin (PG) E1, E2, and F2 alpha] or inhibit (e.g., alpha-adrenergic, muscarinic, and opiate agonists) adenylate cyclase in neuroblastoma X glioma hybrid NG108-15 cells. The responses were additive when PGF2 alpha and enkephalin were mixed. The inhibitory guanine nucleotide regulatory protein (Ni) is involved in adenylate cyclase inhibition; this function of Ni is lost when it is ADP-ribosylated by islet-activating protein (IAP), pertussis toxin [H. Kurose, T. Katada, T. Amano, and M. Ui (1983) J. Biol. Chem. 258, 4870-4875]. The cGMP rise induced by stimulation of the receptors linked to adenylate cyclase inhibition was also diminished by IAP; the time course and dose response for the IAP-induced diminution were the same between adenylate cyclase inhibition and cGMP generation. Ni thus appears to mediate guanylate cyclase activation as well as adenylate cyclase inhibition initiated via the same receptors. Melittin also increased cGMP. No additivity was shown when enkephalin and melittin were combined, suggesting that phospholipase A2 might play a role in Ni-mediated guanylate cyclase activation. On the other hand, the PGF2 alpha-induced cGMP rise was associated with increased incorporation of 32Pi into phosphatidylinositol; was not affected by cholera toxin, IAP or forskolin; and showed no additivity when combined with A23187, which increased cGMP by itself. PGs would occupy receptors linked to phosphatidylinositol breakdown, thereby increasing the availability of intracellular Ca2+, which is responsible for guanylate cyclase activation. Thus, dual pathways are proposed for a receptor-mediated cGMP rise in NG108-15 cells.

Topics: Adenylate Cyclase Toxin; Animals; Bacterial Toxins; Calcimycin; Cyclic AMP; Cyclic GMP; Dinoprost; Enkephalins; Glioma; Hybrid Cells; Melitten; Mice; Neuroblastoma; Pertussis Toxin; Phospholipids; Prostaglandins F; Rats; Receptors, Cell Surface; Virulence Factors, Bordetella

We have studied the induction of an amiloride-sensitive sodium influx into C6 glioma, NIE, and NB2A neuroblastoma cell lines. In late log phase, cells grown continuously in the presence of 10% fetal calf serum showed Na+ influxes of approximately 25-30 nmol/mg protein min; less than 5% of this flux was inhibited by amiloride. Removal of serum for 24 h caused a decrease in the total Na+ influx to 15-20 nmol/mg protein/min. Upon readdition of serum to the incubation medium, there was an increase in total Na+ influx, depending on the cell type, of 20-400% within 2 min. This increment in Na+ influx represented an increase in amiloride-sensitive Na+ transport with an apparent K'1 of 0.4 mM. By adding serum back at various times after serum deprivation, it was determined that 4 h was required to observe a detectable increase in the amiloride-sensitive Na+ flux. Thus, serum removal results in the induction of the amiloride transport system which, however, remains latent until the reintroduction of serum to the medium. Addition of 5 micrograms/ml of cycloheximide blocked the increase in Na+ transport, indicating that de novo protein synthesis mediated this serum deprivation-induced increase in Na+ transport. Moreover, inhibition of de novo lipid synthesis by 0.1 mM fenfluramine also blocked the induction of this transport activity, suggesting that a coordinated synthesis of lipid and protein is required for the expression of this sodium transport site. We have also found that this serum stimulated Na+ influx did not saturate with Na+ concentration, up to 140 mM. Also, among commonly used inhibitors of passive Na+ entry into epithelial tissues, only amiloride was capable of inhibiting this transport system in these neural cell lines.

Topics: Amiloride; Animals; Biological Transport; Blood; Calcimycin; Cell Division; Cell Line; Cycloheximide; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Fenfluramine; Glioma; Kinetics; Mice; Neuroblastoma; Neurons; Pyrazines; Rats; Sodium

Topics: 1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine; 4-(3-Butoxy-4-methoxybenzyl)-2-imidazolidinone; Animals; Antipsychotic Agents; Calcimycin; Calcium; Calcium-Binding Proteins; Calmodulin; Cells, Cultured; Cyclic AMP; Enzyme Activation; Glioma; Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; Phosphorylases; Rats