Effect of bisphenol A on Ca²⁺fluxes and viability in Madin-Darby canine renal tubular cells

Abstract

The effect of the environmental contaminant, bisphenol A, on cytosolic free Ca(2+) concentrations ([Ca(2+)](i)) in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells is unclear. This study explored whether bisphenol A changed basal [Ca(2+)](i) levels in suspended MDCK cells by using fura-2 as a Ca(2+)-sensitive fluorescent dye. Bisphenol A, at concentrations between 50 and 300 µM, increased [Ca(2+)](i) in a concentration-dependent manner. The Ca(2+) signal was reduced, partly, by removing extracellular Ca(2+). Bisphenol A induced Mn(2+) influx, leading to quenching of fura-2 fluorescence, suggesting Ca(2+) influx. This Ca(2+) influx was inhibited by phospholipase A2 inhibitor aristolochic acid, store-operated Ca(2+) channel blockers nifedipine and SK&F96365, and protein kinase C inhibitor GF109203X. In Ca(2+)-free medium, pretreatment with the mitochondrial uncoupler, carbonylcyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP), and the endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) pump inhibitors, thapsigargin or 2,5-di-tert-butylhydroquinone (BHQ), inhibited bisphenol A-induced Ca(2+) release. Conversely, pretreatment with bisphenol A abolished thapsigargin (or BHQ)- and CCCP-induced [Ca(2+)](i) rise. Inhibition of phospholipase C with U73122 abolished bisphenol-induced [Ca(2+)](i) rise. Bisphenol A caused a concentration-dependent decrease in cell viability via apoptosis in a Ca(2+)-independent manner. Collectively, in MDCK cells, bisphenol A induced [Ca(2+)](i) rises by causing phospholipase C-dependent Ca(2+) release from the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria and Ca(2+) influx via phospholipase A2-, protein kinase C-sensitive, store-operated Ca(2+) channels.