Academic literature on the topic 'Fura2-AM'

Abstract Intracellular calcium mobilization plays a critical role in platelet signaling. Upon platelet activation, an intracellular calcium mobilization leads to the activation of various intracellular and membrane proteins, including integrins involved in both platelet shape change and aggregation. The goal of the present study was to monitor platelet calcium mobilization in vivo in an intact animal and to determine which intracellular pathways are dominant in platelet accumulation into the developing thrombus. Platelets were isolated from mice, washed, loaded with a calcium-sensitive fluorochrome, Fura2-AM and then infused into a recipient mouse. We studied Fura2-AM loaded platelet incorporation during arterial thrombus development following laser injury of the vessel wall in the cremaster microcirculation of living mice using high speed intravital widefield digital microscopy. Fura-2 loaded platelets were monitored by excitation at 380 nm; this fluorescence reports the basal calcium levels in platelets. Calcium mobilization was monitored by excitation at 340 nm where the fluorescence intensity reflects Fura2-calcium complex formation. We observed that platelets bind to the growing thrombus independent of calcium mobilization. However, the stable incorporation of platelets into the thrombus correlated with a significant intracellular calcium increase. Once the thrombus reached maximal size at about 100 seconds, the calcium mobilization also reached maximal intensity. Subsequently, platelets that did not mobilize calcium dissociated from the thrombus. We confirmed these observations by using platelets treated with the calcium chelators, BAPTA-AM or EGTA-AM. We observed a significant inhibition of platelet accumulation into the thrombus, indicating that the intracellular calcium increase is necessary in vivo for the stable accumulation of the platelets into the thrombus. We also evaluated the involvement in vivo of two platelet agonists, ADP and thromboxane A2 (TxA2), on calcium mobilization and platelet incorporation into thrombi. When platelets were treated with aspirin or with the P2Y1 antagonist A3P5P (adenosine 3′-phosphate-5′-phosphate), we observed a partial decrease in both calcium mobilization and platelet accumulation into the thrombus. These results indicate that TxA2 and ADP via the P2Y1 receptor are involved in vivo in platelet activation upon vessel wall injury in this thrombosis model. When platelets were treated with both compounds, we completely inhibited the calcium increase and the incorporation of platelets into the thrombus. Altogether, our results directly show, for the first time in vivo, the importance of the calcium mobilization on platelet accumulation into the developing thrombus. The platelet agonists TxA2 and ADP both play an important and complementary role on platelet activation by acting on the mobilization of the intracellular calcium.

To test whether KMUP-1 (7-[2-[4-(2-chlorophenyl) piperazinyl]ethyl]-1,3-dimethylxanthine) prevents myocardial ischemia-induced apoptosis, we examined KMUP-1-treated H9c2 cells culture. Recent attention has focused on the activation of nitric oxide (NO)-guanosine 3', 5'cyclic monophosphate (cGMP)-protein kinase G (PKG) signaling pathway triggered by mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family, including extracellular-signal regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 in the mechanism of cardiac protection during ischemia-induced cell-death. We propose that KMUP-1 inhibits ischemia-induced apoptosis in H9c2 cells culture through these pathways. Cell viability was assessed using MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay and apoptotic evaluation was conducted using DNA ladder assay and Hoechst 33342 staining. The level of intracellular calcium was detected using - Fura2-acetoxymethyl (Fura2-AM) staining, and mitochondrial calcium with Rhod 2-acetoxymethyl (Rhod 2-AM) staining under fluorescence microscopic observation. The expression of endothelium NO synthase (eNOS), inducible NO synthase (iNOS), soluble guanylate cyclase α1 (sGCα1), PKG, Bcl-2/Bax ratio, ERK1/2, p38, and JNK proteins were measured by Western blotting assay. KMUP-1 pretreatment improved cell viability and inhibited ischemia-induced apoptosis of H9c2 cells. Calcium overload both in the intracellular and mitochondrial sites was attenuated by KMUP-1 pretreatment. Moreover, KMUP-1 reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), increased plasma NOx (nitrite and nitrate) level, and the expression of eNOS. Otherwise, the iNOS expression was downregulated. KMUP-1 pretreatment upregulated the expression of sGCα1 and PKG protein. The ratio of Bcl-2/Bax expression was increased by the elevated level of Bcl2 and decreased level of Bax. In comparison with the ischemia group, KMUP-1 pretreatment groups reduced the expression of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinases ERK1/2, p-p38, and p-JNK as well. Therefore, KMUP-1 inhibits myocardial ischemia-induced apoptosis by restoration of cellular calcium influx through the mechanism of NO-cGMP-MAPK pathways.

Cytosolic free calcium ([Ca2+]i) and fusion of secondary granules with the phagosomal membrane (phagosome-lysosome fusion, P-L fusion) were assessed in single adherent human neutrophils during phagocytosis of C3bi-opsonized yeast particles. Neutrophils were loaded with the fluorescent dye fura2/AM and [Ca2+]i was assessed by dual excitation microfluorimetry. Discharge of lactoferrin, a secondary granule marker into the phagosome was verified by immunostaining using standard epifluorescence, confocal laser scanning and electron microscopy. In Ca2(+)-containing medium, upon contact with a yeast particle, a rapid rise in [Ca2+]i was observed, followed by one or more Ca2+ peaks (maximal value 1,586 nM and median duration 145 s): P-L fusion was detected in 80% of the cells after 5-10 min. In Ca2(+)-free medium the amplitude, frequency and duration of the [Ca2+]i transients were decreased (maximal value 368 nM, mostly one single Ca2+ peak and median duration 75 s): P-L fusion was decreased to 52%. Increasing the cytosolic Ca2+ buffering capacity by loading the cells with MAPT/AM led to a dose-dependent inhibition both of [Ca2+]i elevations and P-L fusion. Under conditions where basal [Ca2+]i was reduced to less than 20 nM and intracellular Ca2+ stores were depleted, P-L fusion was drastically inhibited while the cells ingested yeast particles normally. P-L fusion could be restored in Ca2(+)-buffered cells containing ingested particles by elevating [Ca2+]i with the Ca2(+)-ionophore ionomycin. The present findings directly indicate that although the ingestion step of phagocytosis is a Ca2(+)-independent event, [Ca2+]i transients triggered upon contact with opsonized particles are necessary to control the subsequent fusion of secondary granules with the phagosomal membrane.

Peptidylarginine deiminases (PAD) enzymes were initially characterized in uteri, but since then little research has examined their function in this tissue. PADs post-translationally convert arginine residues in target proteins to citrulline and are highly expressed in ovine caruncle epithelia and ovine uterine luminal epithelial (OLE)-derived cell line. Progesterone (P4) not only maintains the uterine epithelia but also regulates the expression of endometrial genes that code for proteins that comprise the histotroph and are critical during early pregnancy. Given this, we tested whether P4 stimulates PAD-catalyzed histone citrullination to epigenetically regulate expression of the histotroph gene insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 (IGFBP1) in OLE cells. 100 nM P4 significantly increases IGFBP1 mRNA expression; however, this increase is attenuated by pre-treating OLE cells with 100 nM progesterone receptor antagonist RU486 or 2 µM of a pan-PAD inhibitor. P4 treatment of OLE cells also stimulates citrullination of histone H3 arginine residues 2, 8, and 17 leading to enrichment of the ovine IGFBP1 gene promoter. Since PAD2 nuclear translocation and catalytic activity require calcium, we next investigated whether P4 triggers calcium influx in OLE cells. OLE cells were pre-treated with 10 nM nicardipine, an L-type calcium channel blocker, followed by stimulation with P4. Using fura2-AM imaging, we found that P4 initiates a rapid calcium influx through L-type calcium channels in OLE cells. Furthermore, this influx is necessary for PAD2 nuclear translocation and resulting citrullination of histone H3 arginine residues 2, 8, and 17. Our work suggests that P4 stimulates rapid calcium influx through L-type calcium channels initiating PAD-catalyzed histone citrullination and an increase in IGFBP1 expression.

Under resting conditions, external Ca2+ is known to enter skeletal muscle cells, whereas Ca2+ stored in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) leaks into the cytosol. The nature of the pathways involved in the sarcolemmal Ca2+ entry and in the SR Ca2+ leak is still a matter of debate, but several lines of evidence suggest that these Ca2+ fluxes are up-regulated in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. We investigated here SR calcium permeation at resting potential and in response to depolarization in voltage-controlled skeletal muscle fibers from control and mdx mice, the mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Using the cytosolic Ca2+ dye Fura2, we first demonstrated that the rate of Ca2+ increase in response to cyclopiazonic acid (CPA)–induced inhibition of SR Ca2+-ATPases at resting potential was significantly higher in mdx fibers, which suggests an elevated SR Ca2+ leak. However, removal of external Ca2+ reduced the rate of CPA-induced Ca2+ increase in mdx and increased it in control fibers, which indicates an up-regulation of sarcolemmal Ca2+ influx in mdx fibers. Fibers were then loaded with the low-affinity Ca2+ dye Fluo5N-AM to measure intraluminal SR Ca2+ changes. Trains of action potentials, chloro-m-cresol, and depolarization pulses evoked transient Fluo5N fluorescence decreases, and recovery of voltage-induced Fluo5N fluorescence changes were inhibited by CPA, demonstrating that Fluo5N actually reports intraluminal SR Ca2+ changes. Voltage dependence and magnitude of depolarization-induced SR Ca2+ depletion were found to be unchanged in mdx fibers, but the rate of the recovery phase that followed depletion was found to be faster, indicating a higher SR Ca2+ reuptake activity in mdx fibers. Overall, CPA-induced SR Ca2+ leak at −80 mV was found to be significantly higher in mdx fibers and was potentiated by removal of external Ca2+ in control fibers. The elevated passive SR Ca2+ leak may contribute to alteration of Ca2+ homeostasis in mdx muscle.

SummaryPlatelets activated by ADP become refractory to restimulation, but the mechanism of this process is not well understood. A normal platelet response to ADP requires coactivation of the P2Y1 receptor responsible for shape change and the P2cyc receptor, responsible for completion and amplification of the response. The aim of the present study was to characterize the desensitization of platelets to ADP and to determine whether or not these two receptors are desensitized simultaneously through identical pathways when platelets become refractory to ADP. It was found that full inhibition of platelet aggregation in response to restimulation by ADP required the presence of ADP in the medium or use of a high concentration (1 mM) of its non-hydrolysable analogue ADP β S. Platelets incubated for 1 h at 37° C with 1 mM ADP β S and resuspended in Tyrode’s buffer containing apyrase displayed a stable refractory state characterized by the inability to aggregate or change shape in response to ADP. ADP β S treated platelets loaded with fura2/AM showed complete blockade of the calcium signal in response to ADP, whereas the capacity of ADP to inhibit PGE1 stimulated cAMP accumulation in these platelets was only diminished. Consequently, serotonin was able to promote ADP induced aggregation through activation of the Gq coupled 5HT2A receptor while adrenaline had no such effect. These results suggested that the refractory state of ADP β S treated platelets was entirely due to desensitization of the P2Y1 receptor, the P2cyc receptor remaining functional. Binding studies were performed to determine whether the P2Y1 and/or P2cyc binding sites were modified in refractory platelets. Using selective P2Y1 and P2cyc antagonists (A3P5P and AR-C66096 respectively), we could demonstrate that the decrease in [33P]2MeSADP binding sites on refractory platelets corresponded to disappearance of the P2Y1 sites with no change in the number of P2cyc sites, suggesting internalization of the P2Y1 receptor. This was confirmed by flow cytometric analysis of Jurkat cells expressing an epitope-tagged P2Y1 receptor, where ADP β S treatment resulted in complete loss of the receptor from the cell surface. We conclude that the P2Y1 and P2cyc receptors are differently regulated during platelet activation.

Changes in intracellular calcium levels in the cumulus oocyte complex (COC) have a crucial role in oocyte maturation. In previous studies we demonstrated that the μ-opioid receptor is expressed in the bovine COC and participates in the signaling associated with oocyte maturation, by inducing an intracellular calcium increase (Dell'Aquila ME et al. 2002 Mol. Reprod. Dev. 63, 210–222). In this work we evaluated modifications of intracellular calcium induced by β-endorphin (β-end) or Naloxone (Nx) in cumulus cells of equine oocytes in relation to the time of the year and cumulus morphology at retrieval. Cumulus cells, isolated by mechanical treatment from compact (Cp, n = 120) or expanded (Exp, n = 120) COCs, recovered from the ovaries of slaughtered mares (follicles <20 mm in diameter) during anestrus, breeding season, spring transition, and autumnal transition, were cultured for 24 h and loaded with 5 μM Fura2-AM for microspectrofluorometric measurements of cytoplasmic ionized calcium (Dell'Aquila et al., 2002). The changes in β-end (30 μM)- or Nx (1mM and 10 μM)-induced calcium concentration were calculated in single cells (n = 194) and are expressed as Δ fluorescence (Fmaximal effect – Fbaseline) before and after 1-min perfusion with the drugs. The use of 1 mM Nx induced a significant increase of intracellular calcium levels in cumulus cells of oocytes recovered in all periods of the year in both Cp and Exp (P < 0.01). The addition of 10 μM Nx or 30 μM β-end significantly increased intracellular calcium only in cumulus cells from oocytes recovered in anestrus (P < 0.05). These results confirm previous observations, carried out on bovine oocytes, in which Nx behaved as a μ-receptor agonist when used at high concentration (Dell'Aquila et al. 2002). The effects of β-end and Nx may be explained in terms of a binding of the two subtances at the μ-receptor with consequent intracellular calcium increases due to extracellular calcium entry or depletion of intracellular stores. These findings could be related to differential espression and/or activation status of the μ-opioid receptor in COCs retrieved in different seasons. These substances can be used to modulate intracellular calcium in the equine COCs, and consequent effects on the stimulation/inhibition of oocyte maturation in this species need to be further investigated. This work was supported by Grant MIUR COFIN PRIN 2003.

Abstract Background: The replacement therapy with plasma-derived factor VIII (FVIII)/von Willebrand factor (VWF) concentrates is the first line treatment for the patients with type 3 von Willebrand disease (VWD). However, development of anti-VWF alloantibodies (inhibitor) is a major problem since the inhibitor neutralizes the VWF activity and may cause anaphylactic reactions. As an alternative treatment, the usage of FVIII concentrates has been reported but the mechanism of the hemostatic effects remains to be elucidated. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to address the role of FVIII in the hemostatic mechanism in the absence of VWF by in vitro and ex vivo analysis in the treatment for type 3 VWD with recombinant FVIII (rFVIII). Patient/Methods: The patient is a 55-year-old male with type 3 VWD. Blood samples were obtained before and 30 min after bolus administration. Rotating thromboelastometry (ROTEM) assay was performed to examine global interactions in hemostasis. To elucidate the effect on platelet activation, α-thrombin- and shear-induced platelet aggregation studies were performed. Further, α-thrombin-induced [Ca2+]i rise was assessed using fura2-AM loaded platelets. Results and Implications: The patient underwent two surgical procedures of multiple teeth extractions successfully with minimal bleeding by bolus administration of rFVIII (50 IU/kg) before procedure and followed by continuous infusion at rate of 10 IU/kg/h for 15 hours. FVIII:C was elevated from 1.0% to 20~30% 30 min after bolus infusion and maintained ~15% after 12 h-continuous infusion. ROTEM analysis showed that infusion of rFVIII shortened clotting time (preinfusion 2083.8±784.3 sec vs. post-infusion 1022.0±191.5 sec) and clot formation time (pre 1267.3±455.4 sec vs. post 705.8±261.8 sec) and increased α (pre 8.5±7.4 degree vs. post 23.5±4.4 degree). The α value and CFT indicate the rate of increase of elastic shear modulus. Addition of rFVIII to preinfusion blood in vitro corrected ROTEM parameters and thrombin-induced aggregation dose-dependently. Infusion of FVIII enhanced thrombin-induced platelet aggregation (% maximal aggregation: pre 26.3% vs. post 98.2%) as well as low shear-induced platelet aggregation (% maximal aggregation: pre 18% vs. post 52%). Furthermore, infusion of rFVIII meliorated thrombin-induced intracellular calcium flux of washed platelets (thrombin 10 nM, Ca flux: pre 414.0 nM vs. post 620.6 nM). Recently, the cell-based model of hemostasis provides a solid foundation for the relation between platelet and coagulation. Although coagulation initiation occurs normally via the extrinsic pathway, amplification mediated by the intrinsic pathway is seriously disturbed in type 3 VWD due to the marked decrease in FVIII. Therefore, correction of FVIII could result in the improvement of hemostasis. Our data demonstrated the effectiveness of FVIII in the surgical treatment for type 3 VWD and further suggested that FVIII molecules are incorporated into platelet phospholipids to facilitate platelet activation as well as act directly to intrinsic pathways to normalize coagulation. Conclusions: Our observations suggested that FVIII plays an essential role in hemostasis in the absence of VWF and provided the rationale for the usage of rFVIII in the hemostatic management of type 3 VWD.

Abstract Background: Moderate consumption of alcohol beverages reduces the morbidity from coronary heart disease. Previous studies describing of inhibitory activity of ethanol (EtOH) on platelet function have substantiated this observation. However, the effects of EtOH on thrombin-related platelet activation remains to be fully elucidated, though platelet activation by thrombin is essential for normal hemostasis as well as relevant to pathophysiological conditions of thrombosis. Objectives: The aim of this study is to elucidate the effect of EtOH on α-thrombin-related platelet function by measuring platelet aggregation and intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i). Materials and Methods: A dual-wavelength spectrofluorometer was used for measurement. α-thrombin, PAR1-activating peptide (AP) (10 μM) or PAR4-AP (25 μM) was added to fura2-AM loaded washed platelet preincubated with or without EtOH (40, 80, 160 and 320 mM). Results and Interpretations: First, the effects of EtOH on 0.5 nM of thrombin-induced platelet activation was assessed. The concentration 0.5 nM used is conceived to activate platelets only via PAR-1. EtOH did not affect platelet aggregation. EtOH inhibited rise of [Ca2+]i dose-dependently. [Ca2+]i peak time at which maximal rise of [Ca2+]i delayed in a dose-dependent manner. Secondly, 10 nM of thrombin was used as an agonist. Stimulation by high concentrations of thrombin (〉 5nM) results in cleavage of both PAR1 and PAR4. The changes in [Ca2+]i showed double-phase curve composed of transient spike and prolonged peak in the absence of EtOH. Although EtOH inhibited neither platelet aggregation nor the first phase of [Ca2+]i increasing, it reduced the second prolonged elevation of [Ca2+]i dose-dependently. To elucidate the inhibiting mechanism of EtOH more precisely, the effects of EtOH on PAR1-AP-induced platelet function were examined. Rise of [Ca2+]i gave a spike form and was almost unchanged even in the presence of high concentrations of EtOH, whereas platelet aggregation was reduced and dissociated in the presence of EtOH. Lastly, the effects of EtOH on PAR4-AP-induced platelet function was examined. Aggregation of PRP was quenched by high concentrations of EtOH but dissociation was not observed contrary to that observed in PAR1-AP-induced aggregation. Further, EtOH inhibited [Ca2+]i rise and delayed [Ca2+]i peak time dose-dependently. Our results provided a possible mechanism by which EtOH inhibits platelet activation. Reduction of the prolonged elevation of [Ca2+]i by high concentrations of thrombin suggested that EtOH inhibits PAR4 signaling not PAR1 since the second prolonged phase of [Ca2+]i is mediated by PAR4. Inhibition of PAR4-induced aggregation and [Ca2+]i elevation by EtOH supported the findings and EtOH might reduce Ca2+ influx through inhibition of PAR4. Furethermore, the difference between the platelet activation mechanisms of low concentrations of thrombin and PAR1-AP was suggested. PAR1-AP can aggregate platelets at least but might fail to activate phospholipase A2 required for sustaining stable aggregation since EtOH abolishes phospholipase A2 and thereby reduces thromboxane A2 generation. On the other, thrombin at low concentrations might have another pathway for activating platelet differently than PAR1-AP. Further characterization of the mechanisms involved in inhibition of platelet activation by EtOH may help develop new strategies to control thrombin-mediated platelet activation.

Increase of inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3) in the cytoplasm of mammalian oocytes is said to be responsible for [Ca2+]i oscillation observed in the oocytes immediately after sperm penetration, and the [Ca2+]i oscillation is known to be essential for the development of embryos. On the other hand, cumulus cells have been reported to play an important role in cytoplasmic maturation of oocytes and affecting the embryonic development. To obtain more information about the role of cumulus cells in cytoplasmic maturation, the effects of cumulus cells during maturation on the rise in [Ca2+]i and on the rate of activation of porcine mature oocytes induced by IP3 injection were investigated. The immature porcine oocytes were divided into three groups: COCs (intact cumulus-oocyte complexes), DOs (oocytes denuded of their cumulus cells), Co-culture (DOs attached to separated cumulus cells). These groups of immature oocytes were cultured in NCSU23 46 h for maturation. To examine the function of cumulus cells, two groups of immature oocytes were also prepared: DOs + pyruvate (DOs put into NCSU23 with pyruvate) and COCs-glucose free (COCs put into NCSU23 without glucose). The mature oocytes from each group were loaded with Ca2+ indicator fluorescent dye Fura2-AM, and then were irradiated by 340 nm and 360 nm of ultraviolet immediately after the injection of IP3. The intensities of emission light caused by the irradiation of 340 nm and 360 nm ultraviolet were recorded as E340 and E360. Since coupling of Ca2+ and the dye intensifies E340, but does not change E360, the level of [Ca2+]i was shown as R (ratio = E340/E360) in this study. Activation rate was calculated by counting the number of the oocytes that formed pronuclei by injection of IP3. ANOVA and Student's t-test were used in this study. Transient rise in [Ca2+]i was observed in the mature oocytes from every group. The peak R of the rise in [Ca2+]i of the mature oocytes derived from COCs, Dos, and Co-culture and induced by IP3 were 7.2, 4.0, and 6.9, respectively. The R of DOs was significantly lower than those of the others (P < 0.05). Also, the activation rate of the mature oocytes from DOs was significantly lower than those from COCs and Co-culture (31, 66, and 66%). The mature oocytes from DOs + pyruvate showed the same level of peak R compared with those from COCs (7.4 and 6.3), but COCs-glucose free showed a slight but significantly lower peak R compared with the mature oocytes from COCs (6.0 and 7.4, P < 0.05). In conclusion, cumulus cells appeared to support the rise in [Ca2+]i of porcine oocytes induced by IP3 during maturation and the following activation. Moreover, a function of cumulus cells supposedly produces pyruvate by metabolizing glucose and provides it to oocytes during maturation for promoting the cytoplasmic maturation. A part of this study was supported by a Grant-in-Aid for the 21st Century COE Program of the Japan MEXT, and by a grant from the Wakayama Prefecture Collaboration of Regional Entities for the Advancement of Technological Excellence of the JST.

Bacillus thuringiensis sérotype israelensis (Bti) produit quatre toxines entomocides utilisées à grande échelle pour le biocontrôle des populations de diptères nuisibles et vecteurs de maladies : Cry4Aa, Cry4Ba, Cry11Aa et Cyt1Aa. Chacune de ces toxines présente un effet létal sur différents insectes mais, lorsqu’elles sont combinées, on observe un effet synergique et l’absence de résistance. Bien que cette synergie soit bien documentée par des tests de toxicité, il existe très peu d’information sur son mécanisme aux niveaux cellulaire et moléculaire. À l’aide d’intestins isolés des larves du moustique Aedes aegypti, le principal vecteur du paludisme, et de microélectrodes, nous avons observé une dépolarisation membranaire en présence de Cyt1Aa et de Cry4Aa individuellement. Cette dépolarisation se produit cependant plus rapidement lorsque la Cyt1Aa est utilisée en même temps que la Cry4Aa. D’autre part, des expériences réalisées avec la sonde calcique Fura-2 sur une lignée cellulaire provenant d’Anopheles gambiae (Ag55), ont révélé une forte activité lytique de la Cyt1Aa, mais très peu d’effets des autres Cry, et ce même en combinaison. Nous avons dissocié les cellules de l’épithélium intestinal isolé du moustique pour des expériences de Fura2. Nos résultats, quoique préliminaires, montrent les effets variables de ces toxines lorsqu’elles sont administrées seules sur les cellules dissociées : une augmentation du calcium intracellulaire, ou une fuite de la sonde se traduisant par une perte du signal fluorescent, ou la lyse cellulaire. On observe également en présence de Cyt1Aa et de Cry4Ba, que les effets sont presque instantanés.
Bacillus thuringiensis var israelensis (Bti) produces four insecticidal toxins used around the world to control disease-borne and harmful dipterans populations: Cry4Aa, Cry4Ba, Cry11Aa and Cyt1Aa. They each present their lethal effect on different dipterans, but combined, they generate a synergistic activity and a reduced resistance is observed. Though these synergies are well documented and supported by toxicity bioassays, little is known regarding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of these synergies. Here, by using freshly isolated midguts from the mosquito Aedes aegypti, an important malaria vector, and glass microelectrodes, we measured the electrical potential of the apical membrane when exposed to these toxins alone or in combination. We observed a depolarisation when treated with Cyt1Aa and Cry4Aa. Toxin mixture assays only revealed a faster depolarisation of the membrane when the above two toxins were combined together, and a variety of responses with other toxin mixtures. Microspectrofluometry using the calcium probe Fura-2 on an immortal cell line from Anopheles gambiae (Ag55) showed massive effect of Cyt1Aa, but very little effect of the Cry toxins alone or in mixture. Microspectrofluometry experiments were also conducted on freshly dissociated cells from Aedes aegypti. Though these experiments are innovative and the results preliminary, it was observed that some cells responded differently to Cyt1Aa and Cry4Ba, showing the various ways these toxins affect cells, by inducing either intracellular calcium change, or by entirely losing the probe, or by cell lysis. The mixture of these toxins is very efficient and almost instantaneous.