B lymphocytes that recognize soluble self-Ags are routinely found in normal individuals in a functionally inactive or anergic state. Current models indicate that this tolerant state is maintained by interactions with self-Ags that uncouple the BCR from downstream signaling pathways and increase levels of free calcium. Contrary to this expectation, B cells that harbor anti-insulin Ig transgenes ...

Using polymorphonuclear leucocyte-erythrocyte ghost hybrids entrapping the calcium-activated photoprotein obelin, we have demonstrated that sublytic amounts of the complement membrane attack complex induce a rapid but transient increase in intracellular free calcium ion concentration ([Ca2+]i). This increase in [Ca2+]i occurs prior to, and is required for, rapid removal of membrane attack compl...

The adaptive immune response is orchestrated by T helper cells and their function is dependent upon interactions between the T cell receptor (TCR), peptide MHC (pMHC) and co-receptors. TCR-pMHC interactions initiate calcium signaling cascades which determine T cell activation, survival, proliferation and differentiation. CD5 is a co-receptor that plays an important role in regulating T cell sig...

The ability of angiotensin peptides to stimulate prostaglandin release and raise intracellular calcium levels by activating a phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C was assessed in three human astrocytoma cell lines (CRTG3, STTG1, and WITG2). The addition of angiotensin II to CRTG3 cells resulted in a dose-dependent release of prostaglandin E2 and prostacyclin, the production of inositol 1,4...

In the U937 histiocytic cell line, we investigated the effect of calcium-mobilizing agents with or without tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) on the regulation of the synthesis of plasminogen activator inhibitor-type 1 (PAI-1). Cultured U937 cells were stimulated with ionophore A23187 and thapsigargin with or without TNF. The response was analyzed in terms of cytosolic calcium mobilization, PAI-...

Bradykinin receptors on vascular smooth muscle may play an important role in regulating the endogenous effects of the vascular kallikrein-kinin system. The present study examined the effect of cyclic nucleotides on bradykinin-stimulated responses in cultured arterial smooth muscle cells. Short term stimulation (1 min) with cyclic AMP produced a variable inhibition of bradykinin-stimulated calci...

We have previously shown that the hepoxilins are capable of increasing the intracellular free concentration of calcium ([Ca2+]i) in human neutrophils through a pertussis toxin-sensitive, extracellular calcium-independent pathway involving the mobilization of calcium from internal stores. A subsequent hepoxilin-induced and extracellular calcium-dependent influx of calcium is observed. In an effo...

Stimulation of B-cell antigen receptor (BCR) induces a rapid increase in cytoplasmic free calcium due to its release from intracellular stores and influx from the extracellular environment. Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP3Rs) are ligand-gated channels that release intracellular calcium stores in response to the second messenger, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate. Most hematopoietic cells,...

The neuropeptide S (NPS) system was discovered as a novel neurotransmitter system a decade ago and has since been identified as a key player in the modulation of fear and anxiety. Genetic variations of the human NPS receptor (NPSR1) have been associated with pathologies like panic disorders. However, details on the molecular fundamentals of NPSR1 activity in neurons remained elusive. We express...