Effect of Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) on Ca2+ Signal Transduction and Cell Viability in a Model of Renal Tubular Cells

Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) is a compound purified from herb. Its effect on Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+ ]i ) in renal cells is unclear. This study examined whether TMP altered Ca2+ signaling in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. TMP at 100-800 μM induced [Ca2+ ]i rises, which were reduced by Ca2+ removal. TMP induced Mn2+ influx implicating Ca2+ entry. TMP-induced Ca2+ entry was inhibited by 30% by modulators of protein kinase C (PKC) and store-operated Ca2+ channels. Treatment with the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor 2,5-di-tert-butylhydroquinone (BHQ) inhibited 93% of TMP-evoked [Ca2+ ]i rises. Treatment with TMP abolished BHQ-evoked [Ca2+ ]i rises. Inhibition of phospholipase C (PLC) abolished TMP-induced responses. TMP at 200-1000 μM decreased viability, which was not reversed by pretreatment with the Ca2+  chelator 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid-acetoxymethyl ester. Together, in MDCK cells, TMP induced [Ca2+ ]i rises by evoking PLC-dependent Ca2+ release from endoplasmic reticulum and Ca2+ entry via PKC-sensitive store-operated Ca2+ entry. TMP also caused Ca2+ -independent cell death.