Crocin, a carotenoid component of Crocus cativus, exerts inhibitory effects on L-type Ca2+ current, Ca2+ transient, and contractility in rat ventricular myocytes

2016 ◽  
Vol 94 (3) ◽  
pp. 302-308 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tao Liu ◽  
Xi Chu ◽  
Hua Wang ◽  
Xuan Zhang ◽  
Yuanyuan Zhang ◽  
...  

Crocin, a carotenoid component of Crocus sativus L. belonging to the Iridaceae family, has demonstrated cardioprotective effects. To investigate the cellular mechanisms of these cardioprotective effects, here we studied the influence of crocin on L-type Ca2+current (ICa-L), intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i), and contraction of isolated rat cardiomyocytes by using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique and video-based edge detection and dual excitation fluorescence photomultiplier systems. Crocin inhibited ICa-L in a concentration-dependent manner with the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 45 μmol/L and the maximal inhibitory effect of 72.195% ± 1.54%. Neither current–voltage relationship of ICa-L, reversal potential of ICa-L, nor the activation/inactivation of ICa-L was significantly changed. Crocin at 1 μmol/L reduced cell shortening by 44.64% ± 2.12% and the peak value of the Ca2+ transient by 23.66% ± 4.52%. Crocin significantly reduced amplitudes of myocyte shortening and [Ca2+]i with an increase in the time to reach 10% of the peak (Tp) and a decrease in the time to 10% of the baseline (Tr). Thus, the cardioprotective effects of crocin may be attributed to the attenuation of [Ca2+]i through the inhibition of ICa-L in rat cardiomyocytes and negative inotropic effects on myocardial contractility.

1993 ◽  
Vol 264 (3) ◽  
pp. C702-C708 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. Qu ◽  
H. M. Himmel ◽  
D. L. Campbell ◽  
H. C. Strauss

The effects of extracellular ATP on the voltage-activated "L-type" Ca current (ICa), action potential, resting and transient intracellular Ca2+ levels, and cell contraction were examined in enzymatically isolated myocytes from the right ventricles of ferrets. With the use of the whole cell patch-clamp technique, extracellular ATP (10(-7) to 10(-3) M) inhibited ICa in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. ATP decreased the peak amplitude of ICa without altering the residual current at the end of 500-ms clamp steps. The concentration-response relationship for ATP inhibition of ICa was well described by a conventional Michaelis-Menten relationship with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 1 microM and a maximal effect of 50%. Consistent with its inhibitory effect on ICa, ATP hyperpolarized the plateau phase and shortened the action potential duration. In fura-2-loaded myocytes, extracellular ATP did not change the resting myoplasmic Ca2+ levels; however, when current was elicited under voltage-clamp conditions, ATP both decreased the myoplasmic intracellular Ca2+ transient and inhibited the degree of cell shortening. Our results suggest that ATP could be a genuine and potent extracellular modulator of cardiac function in ferret ventricular myocardium.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pinya Li ◽  
Qiongtao Song ◽  
Tao Liu ◽  
Zhonglin Wu ◽  
Xi Chu ◽  
...  

Cinobufagin (CBG), a major bioactive ingredient of the bufanolide steroid compounds of Chan Su, has been widely used to treat coronary heart disease. At present, the effect of CBG on the L-type Ca2+current (ICa-L) of ventricular myocytes remains undefined. The aim of the present study was to characterize the effect of CBG on intracellular Ca2+([Ca2+]i) handling and cell contractility in rat ventricular myocytes. CBG was investigated by determining its influence onICa-L, Ca2+transient, and contractility in rat ventricular myocytes using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique and video-based edge-detection and dual-excitation fluorescence photomultiplier systems. The dose of CBG (10−8 M) decreased the maximal inhibition of CBG by 47.93%. CBG reducedICa-Lin a concentration-dependent manner with an IC50of 4 × 10−10 M, upshifted the current-voltage curve ofICa-L, and shifted the activation and inactivation curves ofICa-Lleftward. Moreover, CBG diminished the amplitude of the cell shortening and Ca2+transients with a decrease in the time to peak (Tp) and the time to 50% of the baseline (Tr). CBG inhibited L-type Ca2+channels, and reduced[Ca2+]iand contractility in adult rat ventricular myocytes. These findings contribute to the understanding of the cardioprotective efficacy of CBG.


1992 ◽  
Vol 67 (4) ◽  
pp. 812-819 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Furukawa ◽  
N. Akaike ◽  
H. Onodera ◽  
K. Kogure

1. To determine the functional development of neurons, we applied nerve growth factor (NGF) or 8-bromo-cyclic-adenosine monophosphate (8-Br-cAMP) to PC12 cells and recorded the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)-induced response by the use of a patch-clamp technique. 2. Cultured PC12 cells expressed 5-HT-sensitive receptors, which are almost absent in untreated cells, in the continuous presence of NGF or 8-Br-cAMP for a period of 10 days. 3. Activation of the receptors by 5-HT produced a transient inward current. In a K(+)-free solution, the reversal potential (E5-HT) of I5-HT was +10.3 mV, and the current-voltage (I-V) relation showed inward rectification at positive potentials. 4. The permeability ratio for monovalent cations was Na+:Li+:K+:Rb+:Cs+ = 1:1.19:0.89:0.94:0.91, indicating that a 5-HT-induced current is passing through the ligand-gated large cation channel. 5. 2-Methyl-5-HT, a specific 5-HT3 agonist, induced a similar inward current, even though the current amplitude was smaller and the activation and inactivation kinetics were slower than those of 5-HT. 6. ICS-205-930, a specific 5-HT3 antagonist, inhibited the 5-HT-induced current in a concentration-dependent manner with a noncompetitive inhibition profile. Spiperone, a 5-HT1 and 5-HT2 families antagonist, and ketanserine, 5-HT2 family antagonist, did not affect the 5-HT-induced response. 7. The time to peak (tp) as well as fast and slow time constants (tau if and tau is) decreased with increasing 5-HT concentration.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Author(s):  
Justyna Gąsiorowska ◽  
Andrzej Teisseyre ◽  
Anna Uryga ◽  
Krystyna Michalak

AbstractUsing the whole-cell patch-clamp technique, we investigated the influence of 8-prenylnaringenin on the activity of the voltage-gated Kv1.3 potassium channels in the human leukemic T lymphocyte cell line Jurkat. 8-prenylnaringenin is a potent plant-derived phytoestrogen that has been found to inhibit cancer cell proliferation. The results show that it inhibited the Kv1.3 channels in a concentration-dependent manner. Complete inhibition occurred at concentrations higher than 10 μM. The inhibitory effect of 8-prenylnaringenin was reversible. It was accompanied by a significant acceleration of channel inactivation without any pronounced change in the activation rate. Of the naringenin derivatives tested to date, 8-prenylnaringenin is the most potent inhibitor of the Kv1.3 channels. The potency of the inhibition may be due to the presence of a prenyl group in the molecule of this flavonoid. The inhibition of the Kv1.3 channels might be involved in the antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of 8-prenylnaringenin that have been observed in cancer cell lines expressing these channels.


Plants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1311
Author(s):  
Magdalena Chmur ◽  
Andrzej Bajguz

Brassinolide (BL) represents brassinosteroids (BRs)—a group of phytohormones that are essential for plant growth and development. Brassinazole (Brz) is as a synthetic inhibitor of BRs’ biosynthesis. In the present study, the responses of Wolffia arrhiza to the treatment with BL, Brz, and the combination of BL with Brz were analyzed. The analysis of BRs and Brz was performed using LC-MS/MS. The photosynthetic pigments (chlorophylls, carotenes, and xanthophylls) levels were determined using HPLC, but protein and monosaccharides level using spectrophotometric methods. The obtained results indicated that BL and Brz influence W. arrhiza cultures in a concentration-dependent manner. The most stimulatory effects on the growth, level of BRs (BL, 24-epibrassinolide, 28-homobrassinolide, 28-norbrassinolide, catasterone, castasterone, 24-epicastasterone, typhasterol, and 6-deoxytyphasterol), and the content of pigments, protein, and monosaccharides, were observed in plants treated with 0.1 µM BL. Whereas the application of 1 µM and 10 µM Brz caused a significant decrease in duckweed weight and level of targeted compounds. Application of BL caused the mitigation of the Brz inhibitory effect and enhanced the BR level in duckweed treated with Brz. The level of BRs was reported for the first time in duckweed treated with BL and/or Brz.


2005 ◽  
Vol 90 (7) ◽  
pp. 4191-4197 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bo Liu ◽  
Stephen J. Hill ◽  
Raheela N. Khan

Abstract Context: Little is known about the crosstalk between the decidua and myometrium in relation to human labor. The hormone oxytocin (OT) is considered to be a key mediator of uterine contractility during parturition, exerting some of its effects through calcium channels. Objective: The objective was to characterize the effect of OT on the T-type calcium channel in human decidual stromal cells before and after the onset of labor. Design: The nystatin-perforated patch-clamp technique was used to record inward T-type calcium current (ICa(T)) from acutely dispersed decidual stromal cells obtained from women at either elective cesarean section [CS (nonlabor)] or after normal spontaneous vaginal delivery [SVD (labor)]. Setting: These studies took place at the University of Nottingham Medical School. Results: I Ca(T) of both SVD and CS cells were blocked by nickel (IC50 of 5.6 μm) and cobalt chloride (1 mm) but unaffected by nifedipine (10 μm). OT (1 nm to 3.5 μm) inhibited ICa(T) of SVD cells in a concentration-dependent manner, with a maximal inhibition of 79.0% compared with 26.2% in decidual cells of the CS group. OT-evoked reduction of ICa(T) was prevented by preincubation with the OT antagonist L371,257 in the SVD but not CS group. OT, in a concentration-dependent manner, displaced the steady-state inactivation curve for ICa(T) to the left in the SVD group with no significant effect on curves of the CS group. Conclusion: Inhibition of ICa(T) by OT in decidual cells obtained during labor may signify important functional remodeling of uterine signaling during this period.


1994 ◽  
Vol 266 (5) ◽  
pp. F791-F796 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. M. Edwards ◽  
W. S. Spielman

We examined the effects of adenosine and adenosine analogues on arginine vasopressin (AVP)-induced increases in osmotic water permeability (Pf; micron/s) and adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) accumulation in rat inner medullary collecting ducts (IMCDs). When added to the bath, the A1 receptor agonist N6-cyclohexyladenosine (CHA) produced a rapid and reversible inhibition of AVP-stimulated (10 pM) Pf (1,781 +/- 195 to 314 +/- 85 microns/s at 0.3 microM CHA; n = 9). The inhibitory effect of CHA was concentration dependent, with a 50% inhibitory concentration of 10 nM. The effect of CHA was inhibited by prior exposure of IMCDs to the A1 receptor antagonist 1,3-dipropylxanthine-8-cyclopentylxanthine (DP-CPX; 1 microM) or by preincubation with pertussis toxin. CHA had no effect on cAMP-induced increases in Pf. In addition to CHA, adenosine and the nonselective agonist 5'-(N-ethylcarboxamido)-adenosine (NECA) inhibited AVP-dependent Pf by > or = 70%, whereas the A2 receptor agonist CGS-21680 had no effect. Luminal adenosine (0.1 mM) had no effect on basal or AVP-stimulated Pf. CHA, NECA, and adenosine but not CGS-21680 inhibited AVP-stimulated cAMP accumulation in a concentration-dependent manner (50% inhibitory concentrations 0.1–300 nM). The inhibitory effect of CHA on AVP-stimulated cAMP accumulation was attenuated by DPCPX. We conclude that adenosine, acting at the basolateral membrane, inhibits AVP action in the IMCD via interaction with A1 receptors. The inhibition occurs proximal to cAMP generation and likely involves an inhibitory G protein.


Blood ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 97 (9) ◽  
pp. 2648-2656 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan A. Rosado ◽  
Else M. Y. Meijer ◽  
Karly Hamulyak ◽  
Irena Novakova ◽  
Johan W. M. Heemskerk ◽  
...  

Abstract Effects of the occupation of integrin αIIbβ3 by fibrinogen on Ca++signaling in fura-2–loaded human platelets were investigated. Adding fibrinogen to washed platelet suspensions inhibited increases in cytosolic [Ca++] concentrations ([Ca++]i) evoked by adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and thrombin in a concentration-dependent manner in the presence of external Ca++ but not in the absence of external Ca++ or in the presence of the nonselective cation channel blocker SKF96365, indicating selective inhibition of Ca++entry. Fibrinogen also inhibited store-mediated Ca++ entry (SMCE) activated after Ca++ store depletion using thapsigargin. The inhibitory effect of fibrinogen was reversed if fibrinogen binding to αIIbβ3 was blocked using RDGS or abciximab and was absent in platelets from patients homozygous for Glanzmann thrombasthenia. Fibrinogen was without effect on SMCE once activated. Activation of SMCE in platelets occurs through conformational coupling between the intracellular stores and the plasma membrane and requires remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton. Fibrinogen inhibited actin polymerization evoked by ADP or thapsigargin in control cells and in cells loaded with the Ca++ chelator dimethyl BAPTA. It also inhibited the translocation of the tyrosine kinase p60src to the cytoskeleton. These results indicate that the binding of fibrinogen to integrin αIIbβ3 inhibits the activation of SMCE in platelets by a mechanism that may involve modulation of the reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton and the cytoskeletal association of p60src. This action may be important in intrinsic negative feedback to prevent the further activation of platelets subjected to low-level stimuli in vivo.


2004 ◽  
Vol 91 (03) ◽  
pp. 473-479 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Guimarães ◽  
Dingeman Rijken

SummaryTAFIa was shown to attenuate fibrinolysis. In our in vitro study, we investigated how the inhibitory effect of TAFIa depended on the type and concentration of the plasminogen activator (PA). We measured PA-mediated lysis times of plasma clots under conditions of maximal TAFI activation by thrombin-thrombomodulin in the absence and presence of potato carboxypeptidase inhibitor. Seven different PAs were compared comprising both tPA-related (tPA, TNK-tPA, DSPA), bacterial PA-related (staphylokinase and APSAC) and urokinase-related (tcu-PA and k2tu-PA) PAs. The lysis times and the retardation factor were plotted against the PA concentration. The retardation factor plots were bell-shaped. At low PA concentrations, the retardation factor was low, probably due to the limited stability of TAFIa. At intermediate PA concentrations the retardation factor was maximal (3-6 depending on the PA), with TNK-tPA, APSAC and DSPA exhibiting the strongest effect. At high PA concentrations, the retardation factor was again low, possibly due to inactivation of TAFIa by plasmin or to a complete conversion of glu-plasminogen into lys-plasminogen. Using individual plasmas with a reduced plasmin inhibitor activity (plasmin inhibitor Enschede) the bell-shaped curve of the retardation factor shifted towards lower tPA and DSPA concentrations, but the height did not decrease. In conclusion, TAFIa delays the lysis of plasma clots mediated by all the plasminogen activators tested. This delay is dependent on the type and concentration of the plasminogen activator, but not on the fibrin specificity of the plasminogen activator. Furthermore, plasmin inhibitor does not play a significant role in the inhibition of plasma clot lysis by TAFI.


1992 ◽  
Vol 67 (5) ◽  
pp. 1367-1374 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Itabashi ◽  
K. Aibara ◽  
H. Sasaki ◽  
N. Akaike

1. The pharmacologic properties of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-induced Cl- current (ICl) were studied in the paratracheal ganglion cells freshly dissociated from 7- to 10-day-old rat trachea in a whole-cell recording mode by the use of a conventional patch-clamp technique. 2. GABA- and muscimol-induced currents increased sigmoidally in a concentration-dependent manner, and both currents reversed at approximately -3 mV, which was close to the Cl- equilibrium potential (ECl). 3. Strychnine (STR) at low concentration and bicuculline (BIC) inhibited GABA response competitively, whereas STR at the higher concentrations, benzylpenicillin (PCG), or picrotoxin (PTX) inhibited noncompetitively. Inhibition of GABA response by PCG but not other antagonists was voltage dependent, indicating that PCG acts as a Cl- channel blocker. 4. The concentration-response curve of pentobarbital sodium (PB)-induced ICl was bell shaped. At concentrations higher than 10(-3) M, both the peak and plateau currents decreased, and a transient "hump" current appeared immediately after washing out PB. In the presence of PB, the concentration-response curve of GABA shifted toward left without changing the maximum response. 5. Although diazepam (DZP) at concentration used did not induce a response, it potentiated the GABA response in a concentration-dependent manner between 10(-8) and 10(-6) M. DZP also caused a parallel shift toward left in the concentration-response curve of GABA. 6. PB or DZP further enhanced the GABA response in the presence of the other agent. 7. It is concluded that the properties of GABAA receptors in the paratracheal ganglion cells are essentially similar to those reported in other preparations.


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