The effect of deoxycholic acid on calcium ions in the cytoplasm of gastric mucosal cells in rabbits.

Lack of decrease in the level of calcium ions in the cytoplasm after incubation of cell suspension with deoxycholic acid (DC) may be an early sign of cellular damage. The purpose of the study was to find out whether an increase in free calcium level in the cytoplasm preceded other signs of damage and whether calcium channel blockade may inhibit calcium increase in the cytoplasm. The cell suspension from the gastric mucosa in rabbits was incubated with DC in various concentrations. The calcium level was measured by means of spectrofluorimetry after prior incubation with FURA 2/AM. The viability of cells was determined by measuring oxygen consumption and using trypan blue test. Deoxycholic acid in the concentration of 0.2 mM produced an increase in [Ca2+]i from 177 +/- 5 to 285 +/- 24 nM. Incubation of the cell suspension with 0,5 mM DC also produced an abrupt increase in [Ca2+]i from 177 +/- 5 nM to 639 +/- 49 nM. In addition, the studies showed that 0,2 mM DC despite increasing free calcium level in the cytoplasm did not reduce the cell viability. It was revealed on the basis of oxygen consumption and trypan blue test. The studies showed that an increased intracellular [Ca2+]i may be a very early sign of their damage.