2-APB and capsazepine-induced Ca2+ influx stimulates clathrin-dependent endocytosis in alveolar epithelial cells.

Calcium as a second messenger influences many cellular and physiological processes. In lung, alveolar type II (ATII) cells sense mechanical stress and respond by Ca(2+) dependent release of surfactant, which is essential for respiratory function. Nevertheless, Ca(2+) signaling mechanisms in these cells--in particular Ca(2+) entry pathways are still poorly understood. Herein, we investigated pharmacological properties of non-voltage-gated Ca(2+) channel modulators in ATII and NCI-H441 cells and demonstrate that 2-Aminoethoxydiphenyl-borinate (2-APB) and capsazepine (CPZ) activate Ca(2+) entry with pharmacologically distinguishable components. Surprisingly, 2-APB and CPZ activated clathrin dependent endocytosis in ATII and NCI-H441 cells, which was dependent on Ca(2+) entry. The internalized material accumulated in non-acidic granules distinct from surfactant containing lamellar bodies (LB). LB exocytosis was not observed under these conditions. Our study demonstrates that 2-APB/CPZ induces Ca(2+) entry which unlike ATP- or stretch-induced Ca(2+) entry in ATII cells does not activate exocytosis but an opposing endocytotic mechanism.