We have cloned the squid neuronal Na+-Ca2+ exchanger, NCX-SQ1, expressed it in Xenopus oocytes, and characterized its regulatory and ion transport properties in giant excised membrane patches. The squid exchanger shows 58% identity with the canine Na+-Ca2+ exchanger (NCX1.1). Regions determined to be of functional importance in NCX1 are well conserved. Unique among exchanger sequences to date, ...

BACKGROUND The Na(+)-Ca(2+) exchanger (NCX) may contribute to Ca(2+) overload and injury in ischemic cardiomyocytes. Recently, NCX overexpression was reported to increase ischemia/reperfusion injury in male and oophorectomized female but not in female mice. We therefore measured the effects of gender and estrogen on [Ca(2+)](i) and [Na(+)](i) during metabolic inhibition (MI) in myocytes from wi...

BACKGROUND The Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchange (NCX) extrudes Ca(2+) from cardiac myocytes, but it can also mediate Ca(2+) influx, load the sarcoplasmic reticulum with Ca(2+), and trigger Ca(2+) release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum. In ischemia/reperfusion or digitalis toxicity, increased levels of intracellular [Na(+)] ([Na(+)](i)) may raise levels of intracellular [Ca(2+)] ([Ca(2+)](i)) via NCX, lea...

Background—The Na-Ca exchanger (NCX) may contribute to Ca overload and injury in ischemic cardiomyocytes. Recently, NCX overexpression was reported to increase ischemia/reperfusion injury in male and oophorectomized female but not in female mice. We therefore measured the effects of gender and estrogen on [Ca]i and [Na ]i during metabolic inhibition (MI) in myocytes from wild-type (WT) and tran...

The Na(+)-Ca(2+) exchanger in mammalian heart muscle (NCX1) is the central transporter protein that regulates extrusion of Ca(2+) from the heart cell. However, the functional biochemistry and physiology of NCX1 have been severely hampered by the absence of any specific high-affinity inhibitor. Here we describe advanced procedures for purifying a candidate inhibitor, previously called endogenous...

It is known that glutamate (Glu), the major excitatory amino acid in the central nervous system, can be an essential source for cell energy metabolism. Here we investigated the role of the plasma membrane Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger (NCX) and the excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) in Glu uptake and recycling mechanisms leading to ATP synthesis. We used different cell lines, such as SH-SY5Y n...

Given the potential clinical benefit of inhibiting Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) activity during myocardial ischemia reperfusion (I/R), pharmacological approaches have been pursued to both inhibit and clarify the importance of this exchanger. SEA0400 was reported to have a potent NCX selectivity. Thus, we examined the effect of SEA0400 on NCX currents and I/R induced intracellular Ca2+ overload in m...

Statins present many beneficial effects in chronic liver disease, but concerns about safety exist. We evaluated the hepatic effects of a nitric oxide-releasing atorvastatin (NCX 6560) compared to conventional statins. Simvastatin, atorvastatin and NCX 6560 were evaluated in four-week bile duct-ligated rats (BDL) simulating decompensated cirrhosis and in thirteen-week carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)...