Agonist-induced elevation of the platelet intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2−]i), as monitored using quin2, is not electrically mediated and is attenuated by removal of extracellular Ca2− and by lanthanides (e.g Gd3−).Collectively these data suggest that elevation of [Ca2−]i in platelets derives in part via influx of external Ca2−presumably through a receptor-operated Ca2− channel (ROC). Hal lam & Rink (FEBS Lett. 186: 175: 1985) showed that Mn2−also enters platelets via these ROC. To investigate the possible regulatory mechanisms that govern ROC status, we utilized quin2-labelled human platelets suspended in a Ca2+-free Hepes buffered Tyrodes solution, and monitored agonist-induced Mn2+-mediated quenching of quin2 fluorescence as an index of ROC opening.Thrombin (Th, 0.01-1 U/ml), Vasopressin (VP, 10-1000 nM) and the TxA2-mitnetic, EP171 (1-100 nM) all induced ROC opening which occurred rapidly (<30s), was maximal within 30-60s and thereafter declined. Gd3+ (≤2 mM) markedly impaired this Mn2ࢤ-mediated quenching of quin2 fluorescence induced by all 3 agonists. The adenylate cyclase stimulant PGD2 (3-3000 nM) and the guanylate cyclase stimulant sodium nitroprusside (0.01-10 μM) impaired ROC opening induced by Th (0.5 U/ml), VP (100 nM) and EP171 (25 nM) whether added to platelets ≤120sbefore or 30s after the agonists. In contrast, agents that selectively antagonize, at the receptor level, the effects of VP (e.g. d(CH2)5Tyr Me AVP, 10 ¼H) or EP171 (e.g.EP092, 250nM), or that inhibit the action of Th(e.g. Hirudin 1 U/ml)only impaired ROC opening when added to platelets simultaneously with or before the agonist.These results indicate that, although initiated by agonist-receptor interaction, maintenance of the open state of ROC in human platelets does not require continued receptor occupancy or activation by agonist. Moreover, besides acting to impair the transduction processes initiated following occupancy by agonist of platelet Vi, TP and Thrombin receptors, cAMP-and cGMP-dependent reactions also can terminate or otherwise limit opening of ROC.
Cytochemical localization of adenylate cyclase and guanylate cyclase in the parietal cell of guinea pig gastric gland.
