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Several matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and psychological stress are associated with poor cancer prognosis. The current work goal was to determine MMPs’ and stress hormones’ blood concentrations from lung adenocarcinoma (LAC) patients. Patients were divided into the following groups: tobacco smokers (TS), wood smoke-exposed (W), passive smokers (PS), TS exposed to wood smoke (TW), and patients with no recognizable risk factor (N). MMPs, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), adrenaline, noradrenaline, and cortisol blood concentrations were measured by ELISA. Zymography and Western blot assays were performed to determine MMP-2 and MMP-9 active and latent forms. MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9, and TIMP-1 blood concentrations, and MMP-9 gelatinase activity were augmented, while MMP-12, MMP-14, and TIMP-2 were diminished in LAC patients. Cortisol was increased in LAC samples. Adrenaline concentrations were higher in W, TS, and TW, and noradrenaline was increased in W and N groups. Positive correlations were observed among cortisol and TIMP-1 ( r s = 0.392 ) and TIMP-2 ( r s = 0.409 ) in the W group and between noradrenaline and MMP-2 ( r s = 0.391 ) in the N group. MMPs’ blood concentration increments can be considered as lung cancer progression markers. Although stress hormones were also augmented, only weak correlations were observed between them and MMPs and TIMPs.

To preserve ionic homeostasis (primarily Ca2+, K+, Na+, and Cl−), in the airway smooth muscle (ASM) numerous transporters (channels, exchangers, and pumps) regulate the influx and efflux of these ions. Many of intracellular processes depend on continuous ionic permeation, including exocytosis, contraction, metabolism, transcription, fecundation, proliferation, and apoptosis. These mechanisms are precisely regulated, for instance, through hormonal activity. The lipophilic nature of steroidal hormones allows their free transit into the cell where, in most cases, they occupy their cognate receptor to generate genomic actions. In the sense, estrogens can stimulate development, proliferation, migration, and survival of target cells, including in lung physiology. Non-genomic actions on the other hand do not imply estrogen’s intracellular receptor occupation, nor do they initiate transcription and are mostly immediate to the stimulus. Among estrogen’s non genomic responses regulation of calcium homeostasis and contraction and relaxation processes play paramount roles in ASM. On the other hand, disruption of calcium homeostasis has been closely associated with some ASM pathological mechanism. Thus, this paper intends to summarize the effects of estrogen on ionic handling proteins in ASM. The considerable diversity, range and power of estrogens regulates ionic homeostasis through genomic and non-genomic mechanisms.

Worldwide, over 7 million people have been infected due to the pandemic of COVID-19. The comorbidities associated to this disease are: hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiovascular disease, chronic renal failure, smoking, immunosuppression, and hypertension. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the functional receptor for SARS-CoV-2. This virus has an S protein that recognizes ACE2 as its receptor to enter the cell. ACE2 is a plasmatic protein expressed in alveolar cells type I, II, fibroblasts, endothelial cells and macrophages. Treatment with inhibitors of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACEi) or the receptor antagonist for angiotensin II (ARBs) notably increase the expression of ACE2. Therefore, in patients with these pathologies and treated with these medicines, the risk of developing the COVID-19 in a severe and fatal way could be increased. In Mexico, the major mortality due to COVID-19 is related to hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity and being over 65 years of age. Therefore, we suggest that during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, patients with hypertension treated with ACEi or ARBs, should receive alternative treatments such as L-type Ca2+ channel blockers (amlodipine) that have not been associated with ACE2 until now. Key words: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; captopril; losartan hypertension."

The health scourge imposed on humanity by the COVID-19 pandemic seems not to recede. This fact warrants refined and novel ideas analyzing different aspects of the illness. One such aspect is related to the observation that most COVID-19 casualties were older males, a tendency also noticed in the epidemics of SARS-CoV in 2003 and the Middle East respiratory syndrome in 2012. This gender-related difference in the COVID-19 death toll might be directly involved with testosterone (TEST) and its plasmatic concentration in men. TEST has been demonstrated to provide men with anti-inflammatory and immunological advantages. As the plasmatic concentration of this androgen decreases with age, the health benefit it confers also diminishes. Low plasmatic levels of TEST can be determinant in the infection’s outcome and might be related to a dysfunctional cell Ca2+ homeostasis. Not only does TEST modulate the activity of diverse proteins that regulate cellular calcium concentrations, but these proteins have also been proven to be necessary for the replication of many viruses. Therefore, we discuss herein how TEST regulates different Ca2+-handling proteins in healthy tissues and propose how low TEST concentrations might facilitate the replication of the SARS-CoV-2 virus through the lack of modulation of the mechanisms that regulate intracellular Ca2+ concentrations.

Currently, the global healthcare system is facing a crisis caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), with a significant number of patients requiring supportive care, particularly to fulfill their respiratory requirements. The current oxygen delivery systems may fail to meet the needs of certain patients or are associated with the appearance of sequelae following their use, such as in cases receiving invasive mechanical ventilation. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) poses an attractive alternative to the current oxygen delivery systems available for patients with COVID-19. HBOT has been previously used in various types of infectious diseases, providing inflammatory relief and facilitating the reversal of hypoxemia, qualities that may also prove beneficial to patients with COVID-19. At present, a significant propor- tion of the population worldwide is overweight or obese, and these comorbidities are considered to increase the severity of COVID-19 symptoms. The present study aimed to investigate whether HBOT may benefit a representative sample of this aforementioned population (n=36 patients). After the first HBOT session, 7 patients were immediately relieved from shortness of breath, while in 22 patients, this symptom was markedly alleviated after 7.57±0.63 days of HBOT. Moreover, the remaining patients (n=7) had a slow breath recovery after performing activity, suggesting that they should continue HBOT. On the whole, the present study demonstrates that daily HBOT for 7.57±0.63 days improved COVID-19 symptoms in over half of the enrolled patients, indicating that it may be a useful alternative in the treatment of this illness. © 2020 Penn State University Press. All rights reserved.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a devastating disease characterized by increased activation of fibroblasts/myofibroblasts. Previous reports have shown that IPF fibroblasts are resistant to apoptosis, but the mechanisms remain unclear. Since inhibition of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) has been implicated in the resistance to apoptosis, in this study, we analyzed the role of mitochondrial function and the mPTP on the apoptosis resistance of IPF fibroblasts under basal conditions and after mitomycin C-induced apoptosis. We measured the release of cytochrome c, mPTP opening, mitochondrial calcium release, oxygen consumption, mitochondrial membrane potential, ADP/ATP ratio, ATP concentration, and mitochondrial morphology. We found that IPF fibroblasts were resistant to mitomycin C-induced apoptosis and that calcium, a well-established activator of mPTP, is decreased as well as the release of pro-apoptotic proteins such as cytochrome c. Likewise, IPF fibroblasts showed decreased mitochondrial function, while mPTP was less sensitive to ionomycin-induced opening. Although IPF fibroblasts did not present changes in the mitochondrial membrane potential, we found a fragmented mitochondrial network with scarce, thinned, and disordered mitochondria with reduced ATP levels. Our findings demonstrate that IPF fibroblasts are resistant to mitomycin C-induced apoptosis and that altered mPTP opening contributes to this resistance. In addition, IPF fibroblasts show mitochondrial dysfunction evidenced by a decrease in respiratory parameters.

Theophylline (3-methyxanthine) is a historically prominent drug used to treat respiratory diseases, alone or in combination with other drugs. The rapid onset of the COVID-19 pandemic urged the development of effective pharmacological treatments to directly attack the development of new variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and possess a therapeutical battery of compounds that could improve the current management of the disease worldwide. In this context, theophylline, through bronchodilatory, immunomodulatory, and potentially antiviral mechanisms, is an interesting proposal as an adjuvant in the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Nevertheless, it is essential to understand how this compound could behave against such a disease, not only at a pharmacodynamic but also at a pharmacokinetic level. In this sense, the quickest approach in drug discovery is through different computational methods, either from network pharmacology or from quantitative systems pharmacology approaches. In the present review, we explore the possibility of using theophylline in the treatment of COVID-19 patients since it seems to be a relevant candidate by aiming at several immunological targets involved in the pathophysiology of the disease. Theophylline down-regulates the inflammatory processes activated by SARS-CoV-2 through various mechanisms, and herein, they are discussed by reviewing computational simulation studies and their different applications and effects.

A decrease in bronchial diameter is designated as bronchoconstriction (BC) and impedes the flow of air through the airway. Asthma is characterized by inflammation of the airways, reversible BC and nonspecific hyperreactivity. These last two symptoms are dependent on airway smooth muscle. Stimuli that trigger contraction can be characterized as chemical (neurotransmitters, cytokines and terpenoids) and physical (volume inspired, air pressure). Both stimuli activate signaling pathways by acting on membrane proteins and facilitating the passage of ions through the membrane, generating a voltage change and a subsequent depolarization. Na+ plays an important role in preserving the resting membrane potential; this ion is extracted from the cells by the Na+/K+ ATPase (NKA) or introduced into the cytoplasm by the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX). During depolarization, Na+ appears to accumulate in specific regions beneath the plasma membrane, generating local concentration gradients which determine the handling of Ca2+. At rest, the smooth muscle has a basal tone that is preserved by the continuous adjustment of intracytoplasmic concentrations of Ca2+ and Na+. At homeostasis, the Na+ concentration is primarily dependent on three structures: the NKA, the NCX and non-specific cation channels (NSCC). These three structures, their functions and the available evidence of the probable role of Na+ in asthma are described in the present review.

Testosterone (TES), other androgens and female sex steroids induce non-genomic rapid relaxing effects in airway smooth muscle (ASM). In guinea pig ASM, basal tension was relaxed by dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and TES; 17β-estradiol (E2) had a small effect. Blockers of L-type voltage dependent Ca2+ channel (L-VDCC, D-600) and store operated Ca2+ channel (SOC, 2-APB) also relaxed the basal tone. In tracheal myocytes, DHEA and TES diminished intracellular basal Ca2+ concentrations (b[Ca2+]i) as D-600+2-APB but to a higher extend. TES after D-600+2APB or Pyr3, a blocker of canonical transient receptor potential 3 (TRPC3), further decreased b[Ca2+]i rendering this response equal to TES alone. With indomethacin, the b[Ca2+]i decrease induced by the blockade of L-VDCC and TRPC3 was not changed by the addition of TES. PGE2 or forskolin addition after D600+2-APB, decreased b[Ca2+]i resembling TES response. An adenylate cyclase inhibitor followed by D-600+2-APB lowered b[Ca2+]i, TES showed no further effect. Carbachol-induced [Ca2+]i increment was reduced by TES or DHEA. 17β-estradiol diminished KCl-induced contraction and, in tracheal myocytes, the voltage-dependent inward Ca2+ current. Conclusion: DHEA and TES diminish ASM tone and b[Ca2+]i by blocking L-VDCC and probably a constitutively active TRPC3, and by PGE2 synthesis. E2 lowers ASM basal tone by blocking only L-VDCC.

Androgens in asthmatic men may be linked to asthma severity, acting via nongenomic and genomic effects. This ailment affects boys more than girls during infancy, and this proportion reverses in puberty. Plasmatic androgen concentration in young men increases at this age and might be related to lower asthma symptoms. Nongenomic actions occur in a brief period and are independent of the androgen receptor (AR), while genomic effects depend on AR, take hours-days and are modified by transcription or protein synthesis inhibitors. Guinea pig tracheas chronic incubation with testosterone (TES, 40 nM, 48 h) potentiates salbutamol-induced relaxation, an effect that was reversed by flutamide, not observed when tissues were pre-incubated with TES-bovine serum albumin (TES-BSA) nor when tissues were preincubated with TES for 15-60 min. In tracheal myocytes, TES chronic incubation increases salbutamol-induced K

Steroid sex hormones play an important role in airway ailments such as asthma. This illness affects boys rather than girls during infancy and this proportion radically reverses in puberty. Conceivably, plasmatic androgen concentration in young men increases at this age and might be related to lower airway hyperresponsiveness. Meanwhile, androgens´ addition to pre-contracted airway smooth muscle (ASM) in vitro, concentration-dependently relaxes them. We therefore hypothesized that androgens might exert their concentration dependent effects on ASM through different cellular mechanisms. To study physiological testosterone (TES) concentrations (10 nM) effects on ASM, we tested its effects on carbachol (CCh)-induced intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) increment and found that CCh Ca2+ response was abolished. In turn, ATP-induced [Ca2+]i increment was partially blocked by TES. We confirmed that only P2Y (metabotropic) receptors were altered by TES; while this androgen showed no effect on histamine [Ca2+]i increase. These results indicated that the PLC-IP3 signaling pathway is involved. Studies using photolysis of caged-IP3 confirmed this hypothesis. At supraphysiological concentrations (µM), TES concentration-dependently (10, 32, 100, and 178 μM) relaxed CCh pre-contracted ASM in vitro by blocking L-type voltage dependent Ca2+channels (VDCC) and store operated Ca2+ channels (SOCC). A role for PGE2 in this TES-induced relaxation was also established. In conclusion, μM TES concentrations decrease ASM [Ca2+]i by blocking VDCC and SOCC and stimulating PGE2 synthesis; while nM concentrations reduce [Ca2+]i increases induced by CCh and ATP, by hindering IP3 receptor functioning.

Background Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is an age-related, progressive and lethal disease, whose pathogenesis is associated with fibroblasts/myofibroblasts foci that produce excessive extracellular matrix accumulation in lung parenchyma. Hypoxia has been described as a determinant factor in its development and progression. However, the role of distinct members of this pathway is not completely described. Methods By western blot, quantitative PCR, Immunohistochemistry and Immunocitochemistry were evaluated, the expression HIF alpha subunit isoforms 1, 2 & 3 as well, as their role in myofibroblast differentiation in lung tissue and fibroblast cell lines derived from IPF patients. Results Hypoxia signaling pathway was found very active in lungs and fibroblasts from IPF patients, as demonstrated by the abundance of alpha subunits 1 and 2, which further correlated with the increased expression of myofibroblast marker αSMA. In contrast, HIF-3α showed reduced expression associated with its promoter hypermethylation. Conclusions This study lends further support to the involvement of hypoxia in the pathogenesis of IPF, and poses HIF-3α expression as a potential negative regulator of these phenomena.

Extracellular ATP and trophic factors released by exocytosis modulatein vivoproliferation, migration, and differentiation in multipotent stem cells (MpSC); however, the purinoceptors mediating this signaling remain uncharacterized in stem cells derived from the human olfactory epithelium (hOE). Our aim was to determine the purinergic pathway in isolated human olfactory neuronal precursor cells (hONPC) that exhibit MpSC features. Cloning by limiting dilution from a hOE heterogeneous primary culture was performed to obtain a culture predominantly constituted by hONPC. Effectiveness of cloning to isolate MpSC-like precursors was corroborated through immunodetection of specific protein markers and by functional criteria such as self-renewal, proliferation capability, and excitability of differentiated progeny. P2 receptor expression in hONPC was determined by Western blot, and the role of these purinoceptors in the ATP-induced exocytosis and changes in cytosolic Ca2+([Ca2+]i) were evaluated using the fluorescent indicators FM1-43 and Fura-2 AM, respectively. The clonal culture was enriched with SOX2 and OCT3/4 transcription factors; additionally, the proportion of nestin-immunopositive cells, the proliferation capability, and functionality of differentiated progeny remained unaltered through the long-term clonal culture. hONPC expressed P2X receptor subtypes 1, 3-5, and 7, as well as P2Y2, 4, 6, and 11; ATP induced both exocytosis and a transient [Ca2+]iincrease predominantly by activation of metabotropic P2Y receptors. Results demonstrated for the first time that ex vivo-expressed functional P2 receptors in MpSC-like hONPC regulate exocytosis and Ca2+signaling. This purinergic-triggered release of biochemical messengers to the extracellular milieu might be involved in the paracrine signaling among hOE cells.

Androgens in asthmatic men may be linked to asthma severity, acting via nongenomic and genomic effects. This ailment affects boys more than girls during infancy, and this proportion reverses in puberty. Plasmatic androgen concentration in young men increases at this age and might be related to lower asthma symptoms. Nongenomic actions occur in a brief period and are independent of the androgen receptor (AR), while genomic effects depend on AR, take hours-days and are modified by transcription or protein synthesis inhibitors. Guinea pig tracheas chronic incubation with testosterone (TES, 40 nM, 48 h) potentiates salbutamol-induced relaxation, an effect that was reversed by flutamide, not observed when tissues were pre-incubated with TES-bovine serum albumin (TES-BSA) nor when tissues were preincubated with TES for 15–60 min. In tracheal myocytes, TES chronic incubation increases salbutamol-induced K+ currents (IK+), an effect that was also reversed by flutamide, actinomycin D and cycloheximide and not seen with TES-BSA. The increment in IK+ was blocked by 4-aminopyridine and iberiotoxin, indicating that delayed rectifier K+ and high-conductance Ca2+ activated K+ channels were involved in the TES potentiation effect. Immunofluorescence studies showed that chronic TES augmented the β2 adrenergic receptor (β2-AR) expression in ASM and this finding was corroborated by q-PCR and Western blot assays. β2-AR affinity for salbutamol after TES incubation was increased. In conclusion, chronic exposure to physiological TES concentration of the guinea pig ASM promotes β2-AR upregulation favoring β2 adrenergic responses and probably limiting the severity of the asthmatic exacerbations in teenage boys and men.

Changes in plasma androgen levels in asthmatic men may be linked to asthma severity, seemingly acting through nongenomic and genomic effects. Nongenomic effects include rapid relaxation of carbachol or antigenic challenge pre-contracted guinea pig airway smooth muscle (ASM) in vitro: testosterone (TES) blocks l-type voltage dependent Ca2+ channels, stored operated Ca2+ channels, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors and promotes prostaglandin E2 biosynthesis. In ASM at rest, TES lowers basal intracellular Ca2+ concentration and tension, maintaining a proper airway patency keeping steady smooth muscle tension and basal intracellular Ca2+ concentration at rest. Moreover, the bronchospasm in sensitized guinea-pigs was ablated by dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a precursor of steroids, TES and its metabolites 5α- and 5β-dihydrotestosterone (DHT). On the other hand, genomic effects related to androgens' anti-inflammatory properties in asthma have been recently studied. Briefly, TES negatively regulates type 2 immune response sustained by CD4+ Th2 and group 2 innate lymphoid cells, diminishing allergic airway inflammation in males. Also, novel findings establish that TES decreases interleukin (IL)-17A protein expression produced by CD4+ Th17 cells and therefore neutrophilic airway inflammation. Clearly, DHEA, TES or its 5β-reduced metabolite that possesses minimal androgenic effect, might have potential therapeutic capacities in the treatment of severe asthma via mechanisms distinct from corticosteroid treatment.

Mammea-type coumarins are a particular type of secondary metabolites biosynthesized by the tropical rainforest tree Calophyllum Brasiliense, which is distributed from South America to Mexico. Particularly, mammea A/BA and A/BB (alone or as a mixture) possess biological properties such as cytotoxic and antitumoral activities, however, most of its molecular targets remain unknown. In this context, novel bioinformatic approaches, such as network pharmacology analysis, have been successfully used in herbal medicine to accelerate research in this field, and the support of experimental validations has been shown to be quite robust. In the present study, we performed a network pharmacology analysis to assess the possible molecular biological networks that interact with mammea A/BA and A/BB. Moreover, we validated the most relevant networks experimentally in vitro on K562 cancer cells. The results of the network pharmacology analysis indicate that mammea A/BA and A/BB interacts with cell death, PI3K/AKT, MAPK, Ras, and cancer pathways. The in vitro model shows that mammea A/BA and A/BB induce apoptosis through the overexpression of the proapoptotic proteins Bax and Bak, disrupt the autophagic flux as seen by the cytosolic accumulation of LC3-II and p62, disrupting the mitochondria ultrastructure and concomitantly increase the intracellular calcium concentration. Additionally, docking analysis predicted a possible interaction with a rapamycin-binding domain of mTOR. In conclusion, we validated network pharmacology analysis and report, for the first time, that mammea A/BA and A/BB coumarins induce apoptosis through the inhibition of the autophagic flux, possibly interacting with mTOR.

Melatonin (MEL) is an ancient molecule, broadly distributed in nature from unicellular to multicellular species. MEL is an indoleamine that acts on a wide variety of cellular targets regulating different physiological functions. This review is focused on the role played by this molecule in the regulation of the circadian rhythms in crayfish. In these species, information about internal and external time progression might be transmitted by the periodical release of MEL and other endocrine signals acting through the pacemaker. We describe documented and original evidence in support of this hypothesis that also suggests that the rhythmic release of MEL contributes to the reinforcement of the temporal organization of nocturnal or diurnal circadian oscillators. Finally, we discuss how MEL might coordinate functions that converge in the performance of complex behaviors, such as the agonistic responses to establish social dominance status in Procambarus clarkii and the burrowing behavior in the secondary digging crayfish P. acanthophorus.

In airway smooth muscle, the intracellular basal Ca2+ concentration [b(Ca2+)i] must be tightly regulated by several mechanisms in order to maintain a proper airway patency. The b[Ca2+]i is efficiently regulated by sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+‑ATPase 2b, plasma membrane Ca2+‑ATPase 1 or 4 and by the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger. Membranal Ca2+ channels, including the L‑type voltage dependent Ca2+ channel (L‑VDCC), T‑type voltage dependent Ca2+ channel (T‑VDCC) and transient receptor potential canonical 3 (TRPC3), appear to be constitutively active under basal conditions via the action of different signaling pathways, and are responsible for Ca2+ influx to maintain b[Ca2+]i. The two types of voltage‑dependent Ca2+ channels (L‑ and T‑type) are modulated by phosphorylation processes mediated by mitogen‑activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) and extracellular‑signal‑regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2). The MEK/ERK signaling pathway can be activated by G‑protein‑coupled receptors through the αq subunit when the endogenous ligand (i.e., acetylcholine, histamine, leukotrienes, etc.) is present under basal conditions. It may also be stimulated when receptor tyrosine kinases are occupied by the appropriate ligand (cytokines, growth factors, etc.). ERK1/2 phosphorylates L‑VDCC on Ser496 of the β2 subunit and Ser1928 of the α1 subunit, decreasing or increasing the channel activity, respectively, and enabling it to switch between an open and closed state. T‑VDCC is also probably phosphorylated by ERK1/2, although further research is required to identify the phosphorylation sites. TRPC3 is directly activated by diacylglycerol produced by phospholipase C (PLCβ or γ). Constitutive inositol 1,4,5‑trisphosphate production induces the release of Ca2+ from the sarcoplasmic reticulum through inositol triphosphate receptor 1. This ion induces Ca2+‑induced Ca2+ release through the ryanodine receptor 2 (designated as Ca2+ 'sparks'). Therefore, several Ca2+ handling mechanisms are finely tuned to regulate basal intracellular Ca2+ concentrations. It is conceivable that alterations in any of these processes may render airway smooth muscle susceptible to develop hyperresponsiveness that is observed in ailments such as asthma.

Asthma symptoms have been associated with sex steroids. During childhood, this illness seems more frequent in boys than in girls and this tendency reverts in puberty when it is more severe in women. Testosterone (TES), at supraphysiological concentrations, relaxed pre-contracted airway smooth muscle, but its effects at physiological concentrations have not been thoroughly studied. We explored this possibility in guinea pig tracheal smooth muscle. In myocytes TES (10 nM) abolished carbachol (CCh)-induced intracellular Ca

Melatonin (MEL) is a conserved molecule with respect to its synthesis pathway and functions. In crayfish, MEL content in eyestalks (Ey) increases at night under the photoperiod, and this indoleamine synchronizes the circadian rhythm of electroretinogram amplitude, which is expressed by retinas and controlled by the cerebroid ganglion (CG). The aim of this study was to determine whether MEL content in eyestalks and CG or circulating MEL in hemolymph (He) follows a circadian rhythm under a free-running condition; in addition, it was tested whether MEL might directly influence the spontaneous electrical activity of the CG. Crayfish were maintained under constant darkness and temperature, a condition suitable for studying the intrinsic properties of circadian systems. MEL was quantified in samples obtained from He, Ey, and CG by means of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the effect of exogenous MEL on CG spontaneous activity was evaluated by electrophysiological recording. Variation of MEL content in He, Ey, and CG followed a circadian rhythm that peaked at the same circadian time (CT). In addition, a single dose of MEL injected into the crayfish at different CTs reduced the level of spontaneous electrical activity in the CG. Results suggest that the circadian increase in MEL content directly affects the CG, reducing its spontaneous electrical activity, and that MEL might act as a periodical signal to reinforce the organization of the circadian system in crayfish.

Prolactin (PRL) is a peptidic hormone that displays pleiotropic functions in the organism including different actions in the brain. PRL exerts a neuroprotective effect against excitotoxicity produced by glutamate (Glu) or kainic acid in both in vitro and in vivo models. It is well known that Glu excitotoxicity causes cell death through apoptotic or necrotic pathways due to intracellular calcium ([Ca2+] i) overload. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess the molecular mechanisms by which PRL maintains cellular viability of primary cultures of rat hippocampal neurons exposed to Glu excitotoxicity. We determined cell viability by monitoring mitochondrial activity and using fluorescent markers for viable and dead cells. The intracellular calcium level was determined by a fluorometric assay and proteins involved in the apoptotic pathway were determined by immunoblot. Our results demonstrated that PRL afforded neuroprotection against Glu excitotoxicity, as evidenced by a decrease in propidium iodide staining and by the decrease of the LDH activity. In addition, the MTT assay shows that PRL maintains normal mitochondrial activity even in neurons exposed to Glu. Furthermore, the Glu-induced intracellular [Ca2+]i overload was attenuated by PRL. These data correlate with the reduction found in the level of active caspase-3 and the pro-apoptotic ratio (Bax/Bcl-2). Concomitantly, PRL elicited the nuclear translocation of the transcriptional factor NF-κB, which was detected by immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy. To our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating that PRL prevents Glu excitotoxicity by a mechanism involving the restoration of the intracellular calcium homeostasis and mitochondrial activity, as well as an anti-apoptotic action possibly mediated by the activity of NF-κB. Overall, the current results suggest that PRL could be of potential therapeutic advantage in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

In vascular smooth muscle, it has been described that testosterone (TES) produces relaxation by blocking L-type Ca(2+) channels. Recently, we found that L-type Ca(2+) and store-operated Ca(2+) (SOC) channels are the main membranal structures that provide extracellular Ca(2+) for carbachol (CCh)-induced contraction in airway smooth muscle (ASM). We studied the possible interactions between L-type and SOC channels in TES-induced relaxation in guinea pig ASM. TES (10, 32, 100, and 178 μM) induced a complete relaxation of CCh-precontracted tracheal smooth muscle, and indomethacin partially inhibited this response. In single myocytes, the KCl-induced intracellular Ca(2+) increase ([Ca(2+)]i) was decreased by 32 and completely blocked by 100 nM TES. This androgen (32 and 100 μM) significantly diminished (~25 and 49 %, respectively) the capacitative Ca(2+) entry. Myocytes stimulated with CCh produced a transient Ca(2+) peak followed by a sustained plateau. D-600 was added during the plateau phase, and a partial diminution (~35 %) was observed. A greater decrease (~78 %) was seen when 2-aminoethyl diphenylborinate (2-APB, SOC antagonist) was used. The combination of both drugs completely abolished the Ca(2+) plateau induced by CCh. TES (100 μM) also completely abolished the CCh-induced Ca(2+) plateau. Indomethacin significantly diminished this effect of TES. PGE2 and butaprost proportionally decreased the Ca(2+) plateau as indomethacin blocked it. Sarcoplasmic reticulum refilling was partially, dependently, and significantly diminished by TES. We concluded that TES-induced relaxation involves blockade of L-type Ca(2+) channels at nanomolar and SOC channels at micromolar concentration and PGE2 seems to be also involved in this phenomenon.

Sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) refilling (SRREF) is crucial to sustain the agonists induced airway smooth muscle contraction. Nevertheless, its mechanisms have not been clearly described yet, although L-type voltage dependent, store operated, receptor operated channels and the Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger in its reverse mode (NCXREV) have been proposed as Ca(2+) handling proteins participating in this process. We found that in guinea pig and bovine tracheal smooth muscle, SRREF induced by caffeine was completely abolished by thapsigargin, even in the presence of Bay K8644, an activator of the L-type Ca(2+) channel. Activation of NCXREV in guinea pig tracheal myocytes increased SRREF in ~70%, while opening of the L-type Ca(2+) channels with Bay K8644 and favoring the capacitative Ca(2+) entry with 2-APB (32 μM) also augmented the SRREF by ~170% and ~71%, respectively. Methoxyverapamil (D-600, an L-type Ca(2+) channel blocker), 2-APB (100 µM, antagonist of the capacitative Ca(2+) entry) and PPADS (NCXREV blocker) diminished the SRREF by ~63%, ~72% and ~31%, respectively. The simultaneous addition of D-600 and 2-APB annulled SRREF. These last results were also seen when carbachol was used instead of caffeine. In tracheal rings, 2-APB and nifedipine abolished the carbachol-induced contraction. We concluded that the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) pump is the only mechanism involved in the SRREF and that L-type Ca(2+) voltage dependent and store operated Ca(2+) channels are the principal membranal Ca(2+) handling proteins that provide extracellular Ca(2+) for SRREF and carbachol-induced contraction in the guinea pig airway smooth muscle; NCXREV seems to play a minor role.

Testosterone (TES), other androgens and female sex steroids induce non-genomic rapid relaxing effects in airway smooth muscle (ASM). In guinea pig ASM, basal tension was relaxed by dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and TES; 17β-estradiol (E2) had a small effect. Blockers of L-type voltage dependent CaDHEA and TES diminish ASM tone and

In adulthood, differentiation of precursor cells into neurons continues in several brain structures as well as in the olfactory neuroepithelium. Isolated precursors allow the study of the neurodevelopmental process in vitro. The aim of this work was to determine whether the expression of functional Voltage-Activated Ca(2+) Channels (VACC) is dependent on the neurodevelopmental stage in neuronal cells obtained from the human olfactory epithelium of a single healthy donor. The presence of channel-forming proteins in Olfactory Sensory Neurons (OSN) was demonstrated by immunofluorescent labeling, and VACC functioning was assessed by microfluorometry and the patch-clamp technique. VACC were immunodetected only in OSN. Mature neurons responded to forskolin with a five-fold increase in Ca(2+). By contrast, in precursor cells, a subtle response was observed. The involvement of VACC in the precursors' response was discarded for the absence of transmembrane inward Ca(2+) movement evoked by step depolarizations. Data suggest differential expression of VACC in neuronal cells depending on their developmental stage and also that the expression of these channels is acquired by OSN during maturation, to enable specialized functions such as ion movement triggered by membrane depolarization. The results support that VACC in OSN could be considered as a functional marker to study neurodevelopment.

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is a potent proinflammatory cytokine that plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of asthma by inducing hyperresponsiveness and airway remodeling. TNF-αdiminishes the L-type voltage dependent Ca2+channel (L-VDCC) current in cardiac myocytes, an observation that seems paradoxical. In guinea pig sensitized tracheas KCl responses were lower than in control tissues. Serum from sensitized animals (Ser-S) induced the same phenomenon. In tracheal myocytes from nonsensitized (NS) and sensitized (S) guinea pigs, an L-VDCC current (ICa) was observed and diminished by Ser-S. The same decrease was detected in NS myocytes incubated with TNF-α, pointing out that this cytokine might be present in Ser-S. We observed that a small-molecule inhibitor of TNF-α(SMI-TNF) and a TNF-αreceptor 1 (TNFR1) antagonist (WP9QY) reversed ICa decrease induced by Ser-S in NS myocytes, confirming the former hypothesis. U0126 (a blocker of ERK 1/2 kinase) also reverted the decrease in ICa. Neither cycloheximide (a protein synthesis inhibitor) nor actinomycin D (a transcription inhibitor) showed any effect on the TNF-α-induced ICa reduction. We found thatCaV1.2andCaV1.3mRNA and proteins were expressed in tracheal myocytes and that sensitization did not modify them. In cardiac myocytes, ERK 1/2 phosphorylates two sites of the L-VDCC, augmenting or decreasing ICa; we postulate that, in guinea pig tracheal smooth muscle, TNF-αdiminishes ICa probably by phosphorylating the L-VDCC site that reduces its activity through the ERK1/2 MAP kinase pathway.

The Na(+)/Ca(2+)exchanger (NCX) principal function is taking 1 Ca(2+) out of the cytoplasm and introducing 3 Na(+). The increase of cytoplasmic Na(+) concentration induces the NCX reverse mode (NCX(REV)), favoring Ca(2+) influx. NCX(REV) can be inhibited by: KB-R7943 a non-specific compound that blocks voltage-dependent and store-operated Ca(2+) channels; SEA0400 that appears to be selective for NCX(REV), but difficult to obtain and SN-6, which efficacy has been shown only in cardiomyocytes. We found that PPADS, a P2X receptor antagonist, acts as a NCX(REV) inhibitor in guinea pig tracheal myocytes. In these cells, we characterized the NCX(REV) by substituting NaCl and NaHCO(3) with LiCl, resulting in the increase of the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]i) using fura 2-AM. We analyzed 5 consecutive responses of the NCX(REV) every 10 min, finding no differences among them. To evaluate the effect of different NCX(REV) blockers, concentration response curves to KB-R7943 (1, 3.2 and 10 μM), and SN-6 (3.2, 10 and 30 μM) were constructed, whereas PPADS effect was characterized as time- and concentration-dependent (1, 3.2, 10 and 30 μM). PPADS had similar potency and efficacy as KB-R7943, whereas SN-6 was the least effective. Furthermore, KCl-induced contraction, sensitive to D600 and nifedipine, was blocked by KB-R7943, but not by PPADS. KCl-induced [Ca(2+)]i increment in myocytes was also significantly decreased by KBR-7943 (10 μM). Our results demonstrate that PPADS can be used as a reliable pharmacological tool to inhibit NCX(REV), with the advantage that it is more specific than KB-R7943 because it does not affect L-type Ca(2+) channels.

In airway smooth muscle (ASM), adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) induces a relaxation associated with prostaglandin production. We explored the role of K+ currents (I K) in this relaxation. ATP relaxed the ASM, and this effect was abolished by indomethacin. Removal of airway epithelium slightly diminished the ATP-induced relaxation at lower concentration without modifying the responses to ATP at higher concentrations. ATPγS and UTP induced a concentration-dependent relaxation similar to ATP; α,β-methylene-ATP was inactive from 1 to 100 μM. Suramin or reactive blue 2 (RB2), P2Y receptor antagonists, did not modify the relaxation, but their combination significantly reduced this effect of ATP. The relaxation was also inhibited by N-ethylmaleimide (NEM; which uncouples G proteins). In myocytes, the ATP-induced I K increment was not modified by suramin or RB2 but the combination of both drugs abolished it. This increment in the I K was also completely nullified by NEM and SQ 22,536. 4-Amynopyridine or iberiotoxin diminished the ATP-induced I K increment, and the combination of both substances diminished ATP-induced relaxation. The presence of P2Y2 and P2Y4 receptors in smooth muscle was corroborated by Western blot and confocal images. In conclusion, ATP: (1) produces relaxation by inducing the production of bronchodilator prostaglandins in airway smooth muscle, most likely by acting on P2Y4 and P2Y2 receptors; (2) induces I K increment through activation of the delayed rectifier K+ channels and the high-conductance Ca2+-dependent K+ channels, therefore both channels are implicated in the ATP-induced relaxation; and (3) this I K increment is mediated by prostaglandin production which in turns increase cAMP signaling pathway.

In airway smooth muscle (ASM), ATP induces a contraction associated with the increase of [Ca(2+)](i). Cytosolic Ca(2+) is extruded to the extracellular space by the Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger (NCX) in its normal mode. Some agonists activate the reverse mode of the NCX (NCX(REV)), inducing Ca(2+) entry. We investigated whether ATP, via P2X receptors, activates the NCX(REV) and whether the increment in [Ca(2+)](i) is used for contraction or for the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) refilling in guinea pig ASM. ATP contracted the ASM and this effect was blocked by indomethacin. Suramin and RB2 diminished the contraction induced by ATP; PPADS did not modify this response. In myocytes, ATP produces an increase in [Ca(2+)](i) not modified by indomethacin. In tracheal strips, using simultaneous measurements, ATP induced a biphasic change in [Ca(2+)](i), (a Ca(2+) peak followed by a plateau) accompanied by a contraction. Indomethacin or epithelium removal abolished this contraction, but not the Ca(2+) peak, whereas the plateau was decreased by indomethacin. In myocytes, the ATP-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increment was inhibited by suramin (~96%), PPADS (~40%), and RB2 (~57%). ATP augmented the NCX(REV) and this effect was abolished by SKF 96365 and TNP-ATP (P2X(1) and P2X(3) receptors antagonist). P2X(1) and P2X(3) receptors were corroborated by immunoblotting of ASM. NCX(REV) activation and ATP in the presence of RB2 favor the SR Ca(2+) refilling. In tracheal rings, successive ATP stimulations were reduced with KB-R7943. Therefore, ATP: (1) indirectly promotes muscle contraction via epithelial P2Y receptors and prostaglandins release; (2) increases the [Ca(2+)](i) through a prostaglandin-independent manner by activating P2X and P2Y receptors in smooth muscle; and (3) activates P2X(1) and P2X(3) receptors and the NCX(REV) which refills the SR.

Aims Although 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) contracts airway smooth muscle in many mammalian species, in guinea pig and human airways 5-HT causes a contraction followed by relaxation. This study explored potential mechanisms involved in the relaxation induced by 5-HT. Main methods Using organ baths, patch clamp, and intracellular Ca 2+ measurement techniques, the effect of 5-HT on guinea pig airway smooth muscle was studied. Key findings A wide range of 5-HT concentrations caused a biphasic response of tracheal rings. Response to 32 μM 5-HT was notably reduced by either tropisetron or methiothepin, and almost abolished by their combination. Incubation with 10 nM ketanserin significantly prevented the relaxing phase. Likewise, incubation with 100 nM charybdotoxin or 320 nM iberiotoxin and at less extent with 10 μM ouabain caused a significant reduction of the relaxing phase induced by 5-HT. Propranolol, L-NAME and 5-HT 1A , 5-HT 1B /5-HT 1D and 5-HT 2B receptors antagonist did not modify this relaxation. Tracheas from sensitized animals displayed reduced relaxation as compared with controls. In tracheas precontracted with histamine, a concentration response curve to 5-HT (32, 100 and 320 μM) induced relaxation and this effect was abolished by charybdotoxin, iberiotoxin or ketanserin. In single myocytes, 5-HT in the presence of 3 mM 4-AP notably increased the K + currents ( I K(Ca) ), and they were completely abolished by charybdotoxin, iberiotoxin or ketanserin. Significance During the relaxation induced by 5-HT two major mechanisms seem to be involved: stimulation of the Na + /K + -ATPase pump, and increasing activity of the high-conductance Ca 2+ -activated K + channels, probably via 5-HT 2A receptors.

Membrane depolarization of airway smooth muscle (ASM) opens L-type voltage dependent Ca(2+) channels (L-VDCC) allowing Ca(2+) entrance to produce contraction. In Ca(2+) free conditions Na(+) permeates through L-VDCC in excitable and non-excitable cells and this phenomenon is annulled at µM Ca(2+) concentrations. Membrane depolarization also induces activation of Gq proteins and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) release. In bovine ASM, KCl induced a transient contraction sensitive to nifedipine in Ca(2+)free medium, indicating an additional mechanism to the SR-Ca(2+) release. It is possible that Na(+) could permeate through L-VDCC in bovine ASM. KCl induced a transient contraction in Ca(2+) free medium with a fast intracellular Ca(2+) increment, reduced by TMB-8. This contraction was abolished by caffeine and CPA, diminished with nifedipine and augmented by Bay K8644. Increasing extracellular Na(+) concentration in tracheal myocytes, proportionally augmented the SBFI fluorescence ratio, suggesting an increment in the intracellular Na(+) concentration ([Na(+)]i). 50mM Na(+) with and without Ca(2+) induced a [Na(+)]i increment, enhanced by Bay K8644 and inhibited with D-600. In Ca(2+) free medium, KCl increased [Na(+)]i. Ba(2+) currents corresponding to L-VDCC were observed in myocytes and Na(+) permeated in the presence and absence of Ca(2+). SBFI-loaded myocytes in Na(+) and Ca(2+) containing Krebs stimulated with carbachol showed a Na(+) increment with a plateau. D-600 and 2-APB almost abolished the carbachol-induced Na(+) increment. RT-PCR demonstrated that CaV1.2 is the only L-VDCC subunit present in ASM.under physiological conditions, Na(+) permeates through L-VDCC in bovine ASM, probably contributing to sustain membrane depolarization during agonist stimulation.

Plants from the Gnaphalium genus have been used in the Mexican traditional medicine for digestive and respiratory complaints. In the present study, the effect of methanolic extract from Gnaphalium conoideum HBK on the responses to contractile agonists was assessed in guinea pig tracheas, and the possible role of L-type Ca2+ channels was explored in tracheal guinea pig isolated myocytes. Cumulative concentration-response curves to carbachol or histamine, as well as contractile responses to 60 mM KCl were evaluated with or without 30 min preincubation with 20 or 100 microg ml(-1) Gnaphalium conoideum. Likewise, intracellular Ca2+ concentrations were measured by microfluorometric method (fura-2 AM) in isolated tracheal myocytes with or without preincubation with 0.1, 0.31 or 1 microg ml(-1)Gnaphalium conoideum. We found that methanolic extract from Gnaphalium conoideum significantly diminished the contractile responses to histamine, but not to carbachol or KCl. In isolated myocytes, Gnaphalium conoideum significantly reduced the intracellular Ca2+ rise induced by 60 mM KCl. Because histamine contractile responses are largely dependent on extracellular Ca2+, and KCl responses are mainly mediated through L-type Ca2+ channels, our results suggested that methanolic extract from Gnaphalium conoideum might be acting as a partial blocker of these Ca2+ channels.

Caffeine has been widely used as a pharmacological tool to evaluate Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum in isolated smooth muscle cells. However, in nervous tissue this drug also causes neurotransmitters release, which might cause additional effects when smooth muscle strips are evaluated. To assess this last possibility, simultaneous measurements of contraction and cytosolic Ca2+ concentration (using Fura–2/AM) were carried out in bovine airway smooth muscle strips during caffeine stimulation. A first stimulation (S1, n=11) with caffeine (10 mM) induced a biphasic change in cytosolic Ca2+, which consisted of a transient Ca2+ peak (254±40 nM, X±SEM) followed by a plateau (92±13 nM), and a transient contraction (204.72±31.56 mg tension mg tissue−1). A second caffeine stimulation (S2) produced a similar response but these parameters had a different magnitude. The S2/S1 ratios for these parameters were 0.69±0.02, 0.83±0.06 and 1.01±0.03, respectively. Addition of ω-conotoxin GVIA (1 μM) and tetrodotoxin (3.1 μM) before S2 significantly diminished these S2/S1 ratios (0.26±0.05, 0.26±0.09 and 0.64±0.11, respectively, n=5, P

Therapy with estrogens is frequently used in menopausal women and as hormonal contraception. Because of its thrombotic effects, long term estrogen administration used in hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) and contraception could represent a health hazard. In this regard, 17β-aminoestrogens such as aminoestrol, butolame and pentolame have shown promising HRT potential, because they have a weak agonist estrogenic action and antithrombotic activity. Additionally, estrogens play a protective role in airway smooth muscle, but the effect of 17β-aminoestrogens on the airway smooth muscle has not been tested yet. In guinea pig tracheal smooth muscle pentolame and butolame induced hyperresponsiveness to histamine (His), carbachol (Cch) and KCl. Interestingly, aminoestrol did not show this effect at the highest concentration studied, it even lowered the contraction induced by Cch. The hyperresponsiveness induced by pentolame to His was abolished by nifedipine. In single tracheal myocytes, KCl induced an increment in the intracellular Ca 2+ concentration [Ca 2+ ] i , pentolame also showed an increase in [Ca 2+ ] i and the addition of KCl in the plateau of this rise further significantly augmented the [Ca 2+ ] i response. Additionally, in patch clamp experiments pentolame increased the L-type Ca 2+ currents. Thus, 17β-aminoestrogens such as pentolame and butolame, but not aminoestrol, activate L-type Ca 2+ channel to induced hyperresponsiveness to Cch, His and KCl in guinea pig tracheal smooth muscle. Due to its lack of effect on airways and to its anticoagulant characteristics, aminoestrol seems to be the best alternative in the HRT among the 17β-aminoestrogens studied.