Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 12, 2026

Two-photon Imaging of Intracellular Ca2+ Handling and Nitric Oxide Production in Endothelial and Smooth Muscle Cells of an Isolated Rat Aorta
Published on: June 10, 2015
Regulation of cytoplasmic calcium levels by two nitric oxide receptors
1Buffalo Institute for Medical Research, Veterans Administration Medical Center, Buffalo, New York 14215-1129, USA. bowman@acsu.buffalo.edu
Abstract:
We examined the effects of dissolved nitric oxide (NO) gas on cytoplasmic calcium levels ([Ca(2+)](i)) in C6 glioma cells under anoxic conditions. The maximum elevation (27 +/- 3 nM) of [Ca(2+)](i) was reached at 10 microM NO. A second application of NO was ineffective if the first was >0.5 microM. The NO donor diethylamine/NO mimicked the effects of NO. Acute exposure of the cells to low calcium levels was without effect on the NO-evoked response. Thapsigargin (TG) increased [Ca(2+)](i) and was less effective if cells were pretreated with NO. Hemoglobin inhibited the effects of NO at a molar ratio of 10:1. 8-Bromo-cGMP was without effect on the NO-evoked response. If cells were pretreated with TG or exposed chronically to nominal amounts of calcium, NO decreased [Ca(2+)](i). The results suggest that C6 glioma cells have two receptors for NO. One receptor (NO(A)) elevates [Ca(2+)](i) and resides on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The other receptor (NO(B)) decreases [Ca(2+)](i) and resides on the plasmalemma or the ER. The latter receptor dominates when the level of calcium within intracellular stores is diminished.
More Related Videos
08:32Application of Genetically Encoded Fluorescent Nitric Oxide (NO•) Probes, the geNOps, for Real-time Imaging of NO• Signals in Single Cells
Published on: March 16, 2017
07:15Measurement of Cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate (cGMP) in Solid Tissues using Competitive Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)
Published on: July 3, 2025
Related Concept Videos
Amplifying Signals via Second Messengers
IP3/DAG Signaling Pathway
Feedback Regulation of Calcium Concentration
Various transmembrane receptors, such as G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), elicit a response to extracellular signals by increasing cytosolic calcium. Activated GPCRs...
Calmodulin-dependent Signaling
The Ca2+-CaM complex does not have enzymatic activity by itself. Instead, the complex binds downstream target proteins, including membrane proteins or enzymes,...
Nitric Oxide Signaling Pathway
Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism