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Concentrations of ouabain that prevent intercellular communication do not affect free calcium levels in cultured fibroblasts
Author(s) -
Ledbetter Mary Lee S.,
Gatto Cheryl L.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
cell biochemistry and function
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.933
H-Index - 61
eISSN - 1099-0844
pISSN - 0263-6484
DOI - 10.1002/cbf.1036
Subject(s) - ouabain , calcium , intracellular , calcium in biology , gap junction , biophysics , sodium , cell , cytosol , chemistry , microbiology and biotechnology , 3t3 cells , cell culture , endocrinology , medicine , biochemistry , biology , enzyme , transfection , genetics , organic chemistry , gene
To better understand inhibition of gap‐junction‐mediated cell communication among cultured fibroblasts treated with the sodium pump inhibitor ouabain, we tested whether such cells have higher calcium levels than normal. Using the calcium indicator dye fura‐2 with fluorescence spectroscopy and digital imaging microscopy, we determined cell calcium levels during exposure of cells to ouabain. The concentration of ouabain was high enough to achieve maximum alterations of steady‐state sodium and potassium content and cell communication. We found no consistent change in calcium levels in human fibroblasts as a result of this treatment. In mouse 3T3 fibroblasts, concentrations of ouabain that inhibit cell communication were associated with a significant reduction of cell calcium. It appears, therefore, that the inhibition of communication by ouabain cannot be attributed to elevated cytosolic free calcium in the treated cultures. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.