Effects of the antioxidant butylated hydroxyanisole on cytosolic free calcium concentration

The effect of the antioxidant butylated hydroxyanisole on free intracellular calcium was investigated in rat cardiomyocytes, rat pituitary cells, human umbilical vein endothelial cells, granulocytes and BHK-cells. The effects of incubation time and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) concentrations were examined with respect to the extracellular calcium concentration. Butylated hydroxyanisole increased the free cytosolic calcium concentration in a dose- and time-dependent manner irrespective of the presence of extracellular calcium. Differences between all cell types were observed in the sequel of the re-uptake of the calcium ions released by BHA. Dependence on the concentration of extracellular calcium on the extent of sequestration was seen in rat pituitary cells and cardiomyocytes only.