Modulation of dihydropyridine-sensitive calcium channels: a role for G proteins

The present study investigates the effect of G protein activation on dihydropyridine recognition sites in PC12 cell membranes. The addition of a stable analogue of GTP, GMP-PNP, increases the displacement of tritiated PN 200-110 produced by Bay K 8644 without modifying the one produced by nitrendipine. This effect is prevented by Pertussis toxin treatment. Functional studies based on the measurement of intracellular calcium concentrations by means of the fura 2 technique show that Pertussis toxin reduces the ability of Bay K8644 to potentiate the increase of cytosolic calcium elicited by 80 mM K+. The results support the hypothesis that a G protein may modulate the activity of voltage-dependent, dihydropyridine-sensitive calcium channels.