Ca(2+) signals mediated by bradykinin type 2 receptors in normal pancreatic stellate cells can be inhibited by specific Ca(2+) channel blockade

KEY POINTS: Bradykinin may play a role in the autodigestive disease acute pancreatitis, but little is known about its pancreatic actions. In this study, we have investigated bradykinin‐elicited Ca(2+) signal generation in normal mouse pancreatic lobules. We found complete separation of Ca(2+) signalling between pancreatic acinar (PACs) and stellate cells (PSCs). Pathophysiologically relevant bradykinin concentrations consistently evoked Ca(2+) signals, via B2 receptors, in PSCs but never in neighbouring PACs, whereas cholecystokinin, consistently evoking Ca(2+) signals in PACs, never elicited Ca(2+) signals in PSCs. The bradykinin‐elicited Ca(2+) signals were due to initial Ca(2+) release from inositol trisphosphate‐sensitive stores followed by Ca(2+) entry through Ca(2+) release‐activated channels (CRACs). The Ca(2+) entry phase was effectively inhibited by a CRAC blocker. B2 receptor blockade reduced the extent of PAC necrosis evoked by pancreatitis‐promoting agents and we therefore conclude that bradykinin plays a role in acute pancreatitis via specific actions on PSCs. ABSTRACT: Normal pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) are regarded as quiescent, only to become activated in chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. However, we now report that these cells in their normal microenvironment are far from quiescent, but are capable of generating substantial Ca(2+) signals. We have compared Ca(2+) signalling in PSCs and their better studied neighbouring acinar cells (PACs) and found complete separation of Ca(2+) signalling in even closely neighbouring PACs and PSCs. Bradykinin (BK), at concentrations corresponding to the slightly elevated plasma BK levels that have been shown to occur in the auto‐digestive disease acute pancreatitis in vivo, consistently elicited substantial Ca(2+) signals in PSCs, but never in neighbouring PACs, whereas the physiological PAC stimulant cholecystokinin failed to evoke Ca(2+) signals in PSCs. The BK‐induced Ca(2+) signals were mediated by B2 receptors and B2 receptor blockade protected against PAC necrosis evoked by agents causing acute pancreatitis. The initial Ca(2+) rise in PSCs was due to inositol trisphosphate receptor‐mediated release from internal stores, whereas the sustained phase depended on external Ca(2+) entry through Ca(2+) release‐activated Ca(2+) (CRAC) channels. CRAC channel inhibitors, which have been shown to protect PACs against damage caused by agents inducing pancreatitis, therefore also inhibit Ca(2+) signal generation in PSCs and this may be helpful in treating acute pancreatitis.