Evidence for kappa- and mu-opioid receptor expression in C6 glioma cells

The astrocytoma cell line rat C6 glioma has been used as a model system to study the mechanism of various opioid actions. Nevertheless, the type of opioid receptor(s) involved has not been established. Here we demonstrate the presence of high-affinity U69,593, endomorphin-1, morphine, and beta-endorphin binding in desipramine (DMI)-treated C6 cell membranes by performing homologous and heterologous binding assays with [3H]U69,593, [3H]morphine, or 125I-beta-endorphin. Naive C6 cell membranes displayed U69,593 but neither endomorphin-1, morphine, nor beta-endorphin binding. Cross-linking of 125I-beta-endorphin to C6 membranes gave labeled bands characteristic of opioid receptors. Moreover, RT-PCR analysis of opioid receptor expression in control and DMI-treated C6 cells indicate that both kappa- and mu-opioid receptors are expressed. There does not appear to be a significant difference in the level of mu nor kappa receptor expression in naive versus C6 cells treated with DMI over a 20-h period. Collectively, the data indicate that kappa- and mu-opioid receptors are present in C6 glioma cells.

Opioid modulation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase activity is ras-dependent and involves Gbetagamma subunits

Although it is well-established that G protein-coupled receptor signaling systems can network with those of tyrosine kinase receptors by several mechanisms, the point(s) of convergence of the two pathways remains largely undelineated, particularly for opioids. Here we demonstrate that opioid agonists modulate the activity of the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) in African green monkey kidney COS-7 cells transiently cotransfected with mu-, delta-, or kappa-opioid receptors and ERK1- or ERK2-containing plasmids. Recombinant proteins in transfected cells were characterized by binding assay or immunoblotting. On treatment with corresponding mu- ([D-Ala2,Me-Phe4,Gly-ol5]enkephalin)-, delta- ([D-Pen2,D-Pen5]enkephalin)-, or kappa- (U69593)-selective opioid agonists, a dose-dependent, rapid stimulation of ERK1 and ERK2 activity was observed. This activation was inhibited by specific antagonists, suggesting the involvement of opioid receptors. Pretreatment of cells with pertussis toxin abolished ERK1 and ERK2 activation by agonists. Cotransfection of cells with dominant negative mutant N17-Ras or with a betagamma scavenger, CD8- beta-adrenergic receptor kinase-C, suppressed opioid stimulation of ERK1 and ERK2. When epidermal growth factor was used to activate ERK1, chronic (>2-h) opioid agonist treatment resulted in attenuation of the stimulation by the growth factor. This inhibition was blocked by the corresponding antagonists and CD8- beta-adrenergic receptor kinase-C cotransfection. These results suggest a mechanism involving Ras and betagamma subunits of Gi/o proteins in opioid agonist activation of ERK1 and ERK2, as well as opioid modulation of epidermal growth factor-induced ERK activity.

Immunoblot analyses of the elicited Sanguinaria canadensis enzyme, dihydrobenzophenanthridine oxidase: evidence for resolution from a polyphenol oxidase isozyme

In our initial purification of dihydrobenzophenanthridine oxidase from Sanguinaria canadensis plant cell cultures, we reported that our most purified preparations contained a major band at 77 kDa and minor lower Mr bands. Here we present evidence on highly purified dihydrobenzophenanthridine oxidase from elicited S. canadensis cultures to indicate that this enzyme is the 77-kDa protein and that lower Mr bands include an isozyme(s) of the polyphenol oxidase family that copurifies with it. An antibody raised against the 77-kDa protein and an anti-polyphenol oxidase antibody that recognizes a 70-kDa band were used to monitor chromatographic fractions by immunoblot analysis of the oxidases. Oxidase-containing eluates from DEAE-Sephadex, CM, and HiTrap blue were compared to corresponding flow-through fractions. Bands at 77 and 88 kDa were detected with anti-dihydrobenzophenanthridine oxidase antibody in eluates displaying high dihydrobenzophenanthridine oxidase activity. Polyphenol oxidase specific activity and immunoreactivity partitioned both in flow-through and eluate fractions of the CM and HiTrap columns. Estimation of the dihydrobenzophenanthridine oxidase and polyphenol oxidase specific activities for each step showed increasing enrichment of alkaloidal enzyme accompanied by variable dihydrobenzophenanthridine oxidase/polyphenol oxidase activity ratios. Taken together these observations indicate that the dihydrobenzophenanthridine and polyphenol oxidases have Mr values of 77 and 70 kDa, respectively, and the two enzymes are different entities.

Opioid regulation of AP-1 DNA-binding activity in NG108-15 cells under conditions of opioid-receptor adaptation

Opioid-receptor adaptation may lead to changes in transcriptional regulation by sequence-specific DNA-binding proteins. Gel-shift assays of nuclear extracts from NG108-15 cells revealed that an increase of AP-1 DNA-binding activity ensues under conditions previously established to induce down- or up-regulation of delta-opioid receptors.

Elicitation of dihydrobenzophenanthridine oxidase in Sanguinaria canadensis cell cultures

Dihydrobenzophenanthridine (DHBP) oxidase catalyses the last step in the biogenesis of the benzo[c]phenanthridine alkaloid sanguinarine. Addition of autoclaved fungal preparations or putative plant defence signalling intermediates (jasmonic acid (JA), methyl jasmonate (MeJ), acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)) to Sanguinaria canadensis cell suspension cultures elicited an increase in the activity of DHBP oxidase. MeJ and ASA were better inducers of oxidase activity than were the fungal elicitor and JA. Enzyme-specific activity could be induced in a dose- and time-dependent manner up to 4- to 14-fold, respectively, when cells were treated with MeJ or with ASA. A change in total enzyme activity in cultured cells was observed only at the highest concentration of MeJ and not at any level of ASA tested. The results suggest that MeJ and ASA may play a role in the S. canadensis defence against pathogens by eliciting the enzymes involved in the synthesis of the phytoalexin benzophenanthridine alkaloids.

Agonist-induced desensitization and down-regulation of delta opioid receptors alter the levels of their 125I-beta-endorphin cross-linked products in subcellular fractions from NG108-15 cells

The delta opioid binding sites in subcellular fractions from NG108-15 cells were characterized with respect to their relative molecular size and levels under conditions of receptor adaptation. 125I-beta-Endorphin was cross-linked to preparations enriched in plasma membranes (P20), nuclear membranes or nuclear matrices. Five cross-linked bands appear in all subcellular fractions. The largest molecular size reaction product in nuclear matrix preparations (approximately 72 kDa) differed from that in the other two fractions-(approximately 83 kDa). Immunoblot analyses with an antibody to the delta opioid receptor gave a P20 band pattern similar to that for the corresponding cross-linked products. To determine which cross-linked products in P20 are glycoproteins, labeled membranes were solubilized and purified by wheat germ agglutinin chromatography. The absence of a approximately 36 kDa band after purification suggests that this product is not a glycoprotein. The remaining four bands were present in N-acetyl-D-glucosamine eluates, although their % distribution changes in favor of the largest molecular size band (approximately 83 kDa). Immunoblotting of the eluate gave a single diffuse band at approximately 73 kDa, suggesting the native glycoprotein has a molecular size in the 70-80 kDa range. Etorphine-induced desensitization of cell surface receptors increased the amount of some cross-linked products associated with nuclear membranes. The same treatment did not affect the relative density of the four larger molecular size bands in P20, but increased the density of the approximately 26 kDa product two fold. Etorphine-induced down-regulation evoked an elevation of cross-linked products in nuclear matrix preparations, while all band densities of P20 were diminished. These results suggest that nuclear matrix associated opioid binding sites represent internalized, truncated forms of the glycosylated delta opioid receptor found in P20.

Buprenorphine differentially alters opioid receptor adaptation in rat brain regions

Previous in vivo studies revealed that the mixed agonist-antagonist buprenorphine can down-regulate mu and up-regulate delta 2 and kappa 1 opioid receptors in rat brain. In this report brain regional differences in opioid receptor adaptation were addressed. Rats received i.p. injections with buprenorphine (0.5-2.5 mg/kg) and were killed 20 h later. Membranes from 7 brain regions were analyzed for mu (3H-[D-Ala2,N-mephe4,Gly-ol5] enkephalin), kappa 1 (3H-U-69593), delta 1 (3H-[D-Pen2, D-Pen5] enkephalin) and delta 2 (3H-deltorphin II) receptor binding parameters. Buprenorphine induced down-regulation of mu receptors in frontal cortex, occipital cortex, thalamus, hippocampus, striatum and brain stem. Kd values for 3H-[D-Ala2,N-mephe4,Gly-ol5] enkephalin were unchanged from controls. Up-regulation of kappa 1 receptors was observed in frontal, parietal, occipital cortexes and striatum. Binding to delta 2 sites was elevated in frontal and parietal cortexes. Buprenorphine did not alter delta 1 binding in any of the regions examined. Changes in opioid receptor adaptation induced by buprenorphine were further supported by data from cross-linking of 125I-beta-endorphin to cortical membrane preparations. A reduction in a 60- to 65-kDa band was detected in frontal and occipital cortices in which binding assays revealed down-regulation of mu receptors. In parietal cortex neither the 60- to 65-kDa product nor Bmax changes were observed. These results indicate that buprenorphine is a useful tool to study brain opioid receptor adaptation in vivo and the information accrued may be relevant to the mode of action of this drug in the treatment of heroin and cocaine abuse.

Dynorphins modulate DNA synthesis in fetal brain cell aggregates

Previously, opioid peptide analogues, beta-endorphin, and synthetic opiates were found to inhibit DNA synthesis in 7-day fetal rat brain cell aggregates via kappa- and mu-opioid receptors. Here dynorphins and other endogenous opioid peptides were investigated for their effect on DNA synthesis in rat and guinea pig brain cell aggregates. At 1 microM, all dynorphins tested and beta-endorphin inhibited [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA by 20-38% in 7-day rat brain cell aggregates. The putative epsilon-antagonist beta-endorphin (1-27) did not prevent the effect of beta-endorphin, suggesting that the epsilon-receptor is not involved in opioid inhibition of DNA synthesis. The kappa-selective antagonist norbinaltorphimine blocked dynorphin A or B inhibition of DNA synthesis, implicating a kappa-opioid receptor. In dose-dependency studies, dynorphin B was three orders of magnitude more potent than dynorphin A in the attenuation of thymidine incorporation, indicative of the mediation of its action by a discrete kappa-receptor subtype. The IC50 value of 0.1 nM estimated for dynorphin B is in the physiological range for dynorphins in developing brain. In guinea pig brain cell aggregates, the kappa-receptor agonists U50488, U69593, and dynorphin B reduced thymidine incorporation by 40%. When 21-day aggregates were treated with dynorphins, a 33-86% enhancement of thymidine incorporation was observed. Because both 7- and 21-day aggregates correspond to stages in development when glial cell proliferation is prevalent and glia preferentially express kappa-receptors in rat brain, these findings support the hypothesis that dynorphins modulate glial DNA synthesis during brain ontogeny.

Modulation of opioid binding associated with nuclear matrix and nuclear membranes of NG108-15 cells

Opioid binding sites were found in nuclear matrix preparations from NG108-15 neurohybrid cells. Binding parameters of delta-specific radioligands indicated that high-affinity binding sites discovered in purified nuclei were present in nuclear membranes and nuclear matrix fractions. Agonists bind with low affinity, if at all, to nuclear matrix preparations. Neither sensitivity of agonist binding to the GTP analog 5-guanylylimidodiphosphate nor adenylyl cyclase activity were detected in this fraction, suggesting the presence of guanine nucleotide binding regulatory protein/effector uncoupled sites. Opioid inhibition of basal and forskolin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity was found in nuclear membrane preparations. Cycloheximide treatment of cells inhibited opioid binding to nuclear membrane fractions to a greater extent than that associated with membranes sedimenting at 20,000 x g (P20) or nuclear matrix. Colchicine, a microtubule disrupter and inhibitor of receptor internalization, caused up-regulation of nuclear membrane and P20 opioid receptors and a loss in nuclear matrix associated sites. Taxol, a microtubule stabilizing agent, prevented the effect of colchicine. Etorphine-elicited down-regulation increased nuclear matrix associated binding while diminishing that in nuclear membranes and P20 fractions. Agonist-induced desensitization completely abolished nuclear matrix binding. In vitro preincubation of nuclear matrix preparations with protein kinase A catalytic subunit mimicked the desensitization effect. Forskolin treatment of cells potentiated nuclear matrix and P20 binding. These data suggest that nuclear membrane opioid receptors represent newly synthesized molecules en route to the cell surface, whereas nuclear matrix contains internalized delta sites.

Opioids inhibit endothelin-mediated DNA synthesis, phosphoinositide turnover, and Ca2+ mobilization in rat C6 glioma cells

Opioid agonists inhibit DNA synthesis in C6 rat glioma cells that express opioid receptors, induced by desipramine (DMI). This inhibition was not observed in cells that were not treated with DMI, and thus did not express opioid-binding sites. Endothelin, a known mitogen, increased thymidine incorporation dose dependently (up to 1.7-fold) in DMI-treated C6 cells. This increase was reversed by an anti-idiotypic antibody to opioid receptors, Ab2AOR, which has opioid agonist properties. The opioid antagonist naltrexone blocked the inhibition caused by Ab2AOR. Endothelin also stimulated phosphoinositide (PI) turnover and this effect was inhibited by morphine (50%) or by Ab2AOR (72%) in DMI-treated but not in DMI-untreated C6 cells. These actions of morphine and Ab2AOR were reversed by naltrexone. The inhibition of PI turnover and of thymidine incorporation by Ab2AOR or morphine was insensitive to pertussis toxin (PTX). Since PI turnover is known to induce Ca2+ mobilization, it was of interest to examine the effects of the applied opioids on intracellular Ca2+ concentrations. Endothelin increased the concentration of cytosolic free Ca2+ in the cells while Ab2AOR, morphine, and beta-endorphin reversed the endothelin-induced Ca2+ mobilization in DMI-treated but not in DMI-untreated C6 cells. The effect of these agonists was also blocked by naltrexone. The results indicate that glial cells can be a target of an opioid receptor-mediated antimitogenic action and that an abatement in PI turnover and Ca2+ mobilization may be associated with this mechanism.

Transient down-regulation of neonatal rat brain mu-opioid receptors upon in utero exposure to buprenorphine

Gestational actions of the mixed agonist-antagonist buprenorphine on mu- and kappa 1-opioid binding in neonatal and maternal rat brain were investigated. Upon exposure of pregnant rats to 0.5 mg/kg buprenorphine for 7 days prior to birth, postnatal day-one (P1) and P7 offspring brain mu-binding parameters (Kd and Bmax) were assessed with 3H-labeled [D-Ala2,Mephe4,Gly-ol5] enkephalin (DAMAGE). DAMAGE binding was attenuated by 64% in P1 membranes, whereas P7 preparations showed no changes. The same buprenorphine regimen resulted in diminished DAMGE Bmax values in mothers' brains, 2 but not 7 days after cessation of drug administration. Receptor density changes were not accompanied by alteration of mu-binding affinities. Although the postnatal developmental profile of kappa 1 opioid receptors in rat brain measured with [3H]U69593 revealed the presence of an ample number of sites for detection, their binding parameters in P1, P7 pups and mothers were unaffected by 0.5 mg/kg buprenorphine. In summary, buprenorphine administration to pregnant rats transiently down-regulates mu opioid receptors in neonatal and maternal brain.

A monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibody to opioid receptors labels desipramine-induced opioid binding sites on rat C6 glioma cells and attenuates thymidine incorporation into DNA

Treatment of rat C6 glioma cells with the tricyclic antidepressant desipramine induces opioid binding. Here the distribution of these opioid-binding sites on C6 cell membranes and a functional property were investigated. Immunohistochemical examination of C6 cells was performed using a monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibody to opioid receptors (Ab2AOR). Ab2AOR uniformly labeled > 97% of the cells exposed to desipramine over their entire surface. The opioid-receptor antagonist naltrexone completely blocked Ab2AOR binding. Ab2AOR, which has opioid agonist properties, also inhibited DNA synthesis in desipramine-treated but not in naive C6 cells. Similarly, morphine blocked C6 cell proliferation only after desipramine treatment. The antineurotrophic action of Ab2AOR was reversed by naltrexone and was insensitive to pertussis toxin. These findings demonstrate that Ab2AOR suppresses the proliferation of C6 glioma cells by binding to desipramine-induced opioid receptors.

Naltrexone induces down- and upregulation of delta opioid receptors in rat brain regions

Opioid antagonists such as naltrexone, naloxone, and ICI174864 induce a transient downregulation of delta opioid receptors prior to upregulation in NG108-15 cells. Here we show that naltrexone can also elicit a transient downregulation of delta 2 opioid receptors preceding upregulation in brain. A 1 h treatment of rats with naltrexone (IP, 10 mg/kg) resulted in lowered 3H-[D-Ser2,L-Leu5]enkephalyl-Thr Bmax values in hindbrain, but not in striatum, hippocampus, or cortex. The decrease in hindbrain delta 2 receptor density was not accompanied by changes in Kd values, indicating that downregulation rather than receptor blockade occurred. Longer naltrexone treatment (48 h), caused twofold upregulation of delta opioid binding in all four regions. These data suggest that the process of upregulation of delta opioid receptors by antagonists in vivo can entail an initial, transient downregulation.

Opioid receptor density changes in Alzheimer amygdala and putamen

Since opioids can influence the release of acetylcholine, substance P and a number of other neurotransmitters that have been implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), it is of interest to assess opioid receptor levels in AD. We have examined mu, delta and kappa opioid receptor binding parameters, binding sensitivity to a GTP analog and distribution in amygdala, frontal cortex and putamen of AD brain. Control brains were matched according to age, sex, post-mortem interval and storage time. Kd values and GTP analog binding sensitivity did not differ in AD and control brains. Bmax values for mu ([3H]DAMGE) sites also appeared unaffected by in vitro binding assays. In contrast, kappa ([3H]U69593) and delta ([3H]DSLET) opioid receptor levels, were significantly changed. In AD amygdala kappa Bmax values increased from control levels of 123 +/- 12 to 168 +/- 13 fmol/mg protein, whereas densities of kappa and delta sites were decreased from 94 +/- 8 to 48 +/- 8 and 102 +/- 3.6 to 69 +/- 8.5 fmol/mg protein, respectively, in putamen. Autoradiography revealed corresponding differences in the distribution of kappa opioid receptors. The findings indicate that the kappa binding site, which is quantitatively the major opioid receptor class in human brain, undergoes marked changes in AD amygdala and putamen.

Differential enhancement of benzophenanthridine alkaloid content in cell suspension cultures of Sanguinaria canadensis under conditions of combined hormonal deprivation and fungal elicitation

An elicitation protocol, resulting in the accumulation of sanguinarine in suspension cultures of Papaver bracteatum, was assessed for induction of the same alkaloid in Sanguinaria canadensis. Although only a trace constituent of P. bracteatum plants, sanguinarine is a major alkaloid (1-3% dry wt) of S. canadensis rhizomes. By combining hormonal deprivation for various intervals and a 3-day fungal (Verticillium dahliae) elicitation, benzophenanthridine alkaloid accumulation was induced in S. canadensis cell suspensions. Chelirubine content increased (0.1-1.3% dry wt) consistently in elicited cell cultures while chelerythrine (0.01-0.10% dry wt) and sanguinarine (0-0.02% dry wt) levels were considerably less. Alkaloid accumulation always occurred upon removal of hormone but only at certain time intervals in the log phase upon fungal elicitation. Levels of dopamine, a precursor of the alkaloids, fluctuated over the incubation period, but displayed a 2- to 6-fold increase in cell suspensions grown without hormone. In some experiments dopamine accumulated to levels > 20% dry wt, and these increases were enhanced by the addition of fungal elicitor. Although the same fungal elicitor induces benzophenanthridines in taxonomically related S. canadensis and P. bracteatum, it did not elicit the accumulation of the same alkaloid in the two different plant cultures.

Differential down- and up-regulation of rat brain opioid receptor types and subtypes by buprenorphine

The induction of opioid receptor adaptation by mixed agonist-antagonists such as buprenorphine has not been investigated. To this end, neonatal rats were given injections of buprenorphine (0.1-2.5 mg/kg/day) and mu binding (Kd and Bmax) to brain membranes was measured with [3H][D-Ala2,MePhe4,Gly-ol5]enkephalin. At doses of buprenorphine of > or = 0.5 mg/kg, mu sites were reduced 47-75%, without changes in affinity. Chronic administration of the structurally related partial agonist diprenorphine (2.5-75 mg/kg) failed to alter mu binding. Apparent loss of sites due to receptor blockade by residual buprenorphine was ruled out by several lines of evidence. Bmax values for delta ([3H][D-Ser2,L-Leu5]enkephalyl-Thr) and kappa ([3H]U69593) binding were elevated 1.9-4.2-fold by buprenorphine treatment. In adult rats buprenorphine (0.5-2.5 mg/kg) reduced mu-opioid binding to forebrain membranes dose dependently, by 25-77%. [3H][D-Ser2,L-Leu5] Enkephalyl-Thr-labeled delta subtype receptors and kappa sites in adult forebrain membranes were up-regulated 2-3-fold. The delta subtype receptors that bind [3H][D-Pen2,D-Pen5]enkephalin in neonatal or adult brain membranes were unaffected by 0.5-2.5 mg/kg buprenorphine treatment. Down-regulation (70-74%) of mu sites and up-regulation (1.9-6.7 fold) of delta and kappa receptors were also observed in synaptic plasma membrane-enriched and microsomal fractions from buprenorphine-treated adult rat brain. Because agonist-induced opioid receptor down-regulation is difficult to elicit in adult mammalian brain, these data indicate that buprenorphine is a useful tool to study brain opioid receptor adaptation in vivo.

kappa-Opioid agonist modulation of [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA: evidence for the involvement of pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein-coupled phosphoinositide turnover

A body of evidence has indicated that mu-opioid agonists can inhibit DNA synthesis in developing brain. We now report that kappa-selective opioid agonists (U69593 and U50488) modulate [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA in fetal rat brain cell aggregates in a dose- and developmental stage-dependent manner, kappa agonists decreased thymidine incorporation by 35% in cultures grown for 7 days, and this process was reversed by the kappa-selective antagonist, norbinaltorphimine, whereas in 21-day brain cell aggregates a 3.5-fold increase was evident. Cell labeling by [3H]thymidine was also inhibited by the kappa-opioid agonist as shown by autoradiography. In addition, U69593 reduced basal rates of phosphoinositide formation in 7-day cultures and elevated it in 21-day cultures. Control levels were restored by norbinaltorphimine. Pertussis toxin blocked U69593-mediated inhibition of DNA synthesis. The action of kappa agonists on thymidine incorporation in the presence of chelerythrine, a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, or in combination with LiCl, a noncompetitive inhibitor of inositol phosphatase, was attenuated in both 7- and 21-day cultures. These results suggest that kappa agonists may inhibit DNA synthesis via the phosphoinositide system with a pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein as transducer. In mixed glial cell aggregates, U50488 increased thymidine incorporation into DNA 3.1-fold, and this stimulation was reversed by the opioid antagonist naltrexone.

Beta-endorphin is a potent inhibitor of thymidine incorporation into DNA via mu- and kappa-opioid receptors in fetal rat brain cell aggregates in culture

Thymidine incorporation into DNA was inhibited dose-dependently by beta-endorphin in rat fetal brain cell aggregate cultures. The inhibition was reversed partially by mu (cyclic D-Phe-Cys-Tyr-D-Trp-Orn-Thr- Pen-Thr amide) or kappa (norbinaltorphimine) antagonists. Complete blockade of the beta-endorphin inhibitory effect was achieved only on concomitant exposure to both antagonists. Eadie-Hofstee analysis revealed that beta-endorphin inhibited thymidine incorporation noncompetitively. In the presence of protease inhibitors, beta-endorphin decreased thymidine incorporation with an IC50 of 0.7 nM. Truncated and N-acetylated beta-endorphin derivatives, which bind with low affinity to opioid receptors, did not affect thymidine incorporation. These findings indicate that beta-endorphin at physiological concentrations can regulate thymidine incorporation in cultured brain cells.

Purification and characterization of dihydrobenzophenanthridine oxidase from elicited Sanguinaria canadensis cell cultures

Upon treatment of Papaveracea cells with fungal elicitors, the biosynthesis of benzo[c]phenanthridine alkaloids is induced. Dihydrobenzophenanthridine oxidase, which catalyzes a later step in the biogenesis of these alkaloids, is one of the enzymes whose activity is elevated in the process. Here we report the 211-fold purification of the oxidase from elicited Sanguinaria canadensis by a combination of ammonium sulfate fractionation, DEAE-Sephadex, CM-Sephadex, Sephadex G-200, and either phenyl Superose or gel filtration chromatography. The purified enzyme utilized molecular oxygen to oxidize dihydrosanguinarine to sanguinarine with concomitant formation of hydrogen peroxide. A pH optimum of 7.0, Vmax of 27 nkat/mg protein, and apparent Km of 6.0 microM for dihydrosanguinarine were determined. Dihydrochelerythrine was also found to be a substrate for the purified enzyme, displaying an apparent Km of 10 microM. However, neither dihydronorsanguinarine nor the indole alkaloid ajmalicine was oxidized, indicating that the enzyme has some substrate specificity. Apparent molecular weight estimates by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed that the most purified enzyme preparation obtained contained a major component of 77 kDa and two minor components between 59 and 67 kDa that can be associated with oxidase activity. Purified enzyme preparations possessed activity that was inhibited by sodium diethyldithiocarbamate, sodium azide, potassium cyanide, 1,4-DL-dithiothreitol, and mercaptoethanol.

Evidence for the implication of phosphoinositol signal transduction in mu-opioid inhibition of DNA synthesis

An opioid receptor agonist, [D-Ala2,Me-Phe4,Glyol5]enkephalin (DAMGE), decreased [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA of fetal rat brain cell aggregates. This action proved to depend on the dose of this enkephalin analog and the interval the aggregates were maintained in culture. The opioid antagonist naltrexone and the mu-specific antagonist cyclic D-Phe-Cys-Tyr-D-Trp-Orn-Thr-Pen-Thr amide (CTOP) reversed the DAMGE effect, arguing for a receptor-mediated mechanism. The mu-opioid nature of this receptor was further established by inhibiting DNA synthesis with the highly mu-selective agonist morphiceptin and blocking its action with CTOP. Several other opioids, pertussis toxin, and LiCl also diminished DNA synthesis, whereas cholera toxin elicited a modest increase. Naltrexone completely reversed the inhibition elicited by the combination of DAMGE and low doses of LiCl but not by that of high levels of LiCl alone. The enkephalin analog also reduced basal [3H]inositol trisphosphate and glutamate-stimulated [3H]inositol monophosphate and [3H]inositol bisphosphate accumulation in the aggregates. These DAMGE effects were reversed by naltrexone and were temporally correlated with the inhibition of DNA synthesis. A selective protein kinase C inhibitor, chelerythrine, also inhibited thymidine incorporation dose-dependently. The effect of DAMGE was not additive in the presence of chelerythrine but appeared to be consistent with their actions being mediated via a common signaling pathway. These results suggest the involvement of the phosphoinositol signal transduction system in the modulation of thymidine incorporation into DNA by DAMGE.

Antagonist-induced transient down-regulation of delta-opioid receptors in NG108-15 cells

According to current concepts, agonists can effect the down-regulation of cell surface receptors, whereas antagonists can cause their up-regulation. We have discovered that the opioid antagonists naltrexone, naloxone, and ICI174864 induce a transient down-regulation of delta-opioid receptors before up-regulation, in NG108-15 cells. The possibility of an apparent loss of sites due to blockade by residual antagonist was ruled out by several lines of evidence. The reduction in delta receptors was time, temperature, and antagonist concentration dependent. This down-regulation could not be induced by either the highly mu-selective opioid antagonist cyclic D-Phe-Cys-Try-D-Trp-Arg-Thr-Pen-Thr-amide or the muscarinic antagonist atropine. In the same neurohybrid cells, the opioid agonist [D-Ala2,D-Leu5]enkephalin (0.1 microM, 60 min) effected a greater down-regulation of delta-opioid receptors. Similar qualitative changes in opioid binding of subcellular fractions were elicited with [D-Ala2,D-Leu5]enkephalin and naltrexone. However, the agonist was 2-fold more effective in reducing the heavy membrane population of receptors and 4-fold more potent in increasing the light membrane sites. Because heavy membranes are enriched in plasma membrane, whereas light membranes contain intracellular sites, these findings indicate that internalization occurs in both instances. Naltrexone and the delta-specific antagonists ICI174864 and naltrindole also diminished specific activities of two lysosomal enzymes, whereas opioid agonist-induced down-regulation was accompanied by an increase in their specific activities. Pretreatment of cell cultures with concanavalin A blocked both down-regulation and alterations in the lysosomal enzyme activities elicited by agonists and antagonists, suggesting that the latter is an opioid receptor-mediated process. The up-regulation of delta-opioid receptors by antagonists appears, then, to entail down-regulation that differs from that of agonists.

Differential development of beta-endorphin and mu opioid binding sites in mouse brain

Mouse brains of various ages from embryonal day 14 (E14) to adult were analyzed for opioid receptor binding using the enkephalin analog Tyr-D-Ala-Gly-NMe-Phe-Gly-ol (DAMGE) and the opiate alkaloid dihydromorphine (DHM) as mu-selective radioligands. Binding parameters were estimated from homologous and heterologous competition binding curves. During the postnatal period, Kd values for [3H]DAMGE did not change but Bmax values (fmol/mg protein) increased 2.7 fold from postnatal day 3 (P3) to P7. Minor receptor density fluctuations were evident from P7 to adult. Similar results were obtained with [3H]DHM. In contrast, estimation of total mu binding sites (fmol/brain) revealed a continuous rise from P3 to the adult. The postnatal developmental profile of total mu binding sites was comparable to the weight gain of mouse brain and the increase in protein content. In contrast, during the same period beta-endorphin immunoreactivity (IR) levels undergo an increase that is inversely proportional to mu opioid receptor Bmax values. [3H]DAMGE binding to E14 membrane preparations was inhibited to a greater extent by Gpp(NH)p than that to P1 or adult. Additional characterization of mu receptors was accomplished by heterologous competition binding assays. IC50 values for beta-endorphin in competition with [3H]DHM and [3H]DAMGE were age dependent and differed for the two radioligands. These results suggest that mu receptor selectivity for mu-specific peptide and alkaloid ligands changes as a function of age.

Differential coupling of opioid binding sites to guanosine triphosphate binding regulatory proteins in subcellular fractions of rat brain

In this study, we present evidence for the occurrence of mu, delta, and kappa opioid binding sites in synaptic plasma membranes (SPM) and microsomes of rat brain. Binding to all three opioid classes was inhibited by 5'-guanylylimidodiphosphate (Gpp[NH]p) in SPM, while microsomal sites proved to be insensitive to this GTP analog. Sensitivity was restored upon solubilization of microsomes with digitonin, suggesting that opioid receptors are physically separated from G proteins in this fraction. Modulation of microsomal binding by Na+ and Mn++ was greater than that of SPM. Pertussis toxin-catalyzed adenosine diphosphate (ADP) ribosylation revealed the presence of G proteins with alpha-subunit molecular weights of 40 kDa in both subcellular fractions. Basal low Km GTPase activity in SPM was greater than in microsomes. Etorphine elicited a concentration-dependent stimulation of guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) activity in SPMs but not in microsomes, indicating functional coupling of opioid receptors to G protein in the former and an uncoupling in the latter. Microsomes from 3-day-old rat brain contained more mu opioid sites and they were more sensitive to Gpp(NH)p inhibition than those in adults. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that opioid binding sites in adult microsomes are internalized and G protein uncoupled, while those in neonates are newly synthesized, coupled receptors.

Overexpression of sigma receptors in nonneural human tumors

Previous data indicated that opioid receptors occur in both neural and nonneural human tumors. However, it has recently been shown that some of the putative opioid binding may be attributable to sigma sites. In this study the occurrence of sigma and opioid receptors in nonneural human tumors was assessed. The neoplasms included renal and colon carcinomas and a sarcoma. [3H]1,3-di-o-tolylguanidine was used to assay sigma receptors by homologous competition binding assays, which when analyzed provided dissociation constant and receptor density values. Opioid binding was measured with [3H]-(-)-ethylketocyclazocine, a ligand which interacts with mu, delta, and kappa subtypes. Fresh surgical specimens were obtained from 9 human neoplasms, selected for their large size, and compared with nonmalignant tissues. All 9 tumors contained sigma sites, and dissociation constant values were within the range of 27-83 nM. Occasionally, two-site fit the data better than one-site binding, suggesting the presence of multiple sigma sites. Opioid binding was not detected. Intratumoral variability was evaluated by sampling several locations on the periphery of the mass and one in the center. Each of the samples was bisected, with a portion reserved for histological examination to correlate morphological features with receptor data. Changes in sigma binding were not associated with the extent of fibrosis, viability, or necrosis. Receptor density values displayed moderate intra- and intertumoral variation (coefficients of variation, 8-39 and 27-49%, respectively). More important, sigma binding in tumors was found to be greater than or equal to 2-fold higher than that of control nonmalignant tissue.

Distribution and metabolism of doxorubicin in rats undergoing testicular circulatory isolation

Several hundred thousand men receive chemotherapy each year; many are sterilized by this treatment. Temporary testicular circulatory isolation (TCI), a regional drug delivery approach to circumvent this, decreases doxorubicin-induced testicular injury in the rat and provides partial protection from doxorubicin-related infertility. We evaluated the distribution of doxorubicin and its metabolites (doxorubicinol and doxorubicin aglycone) in rats treated with TCI. In each of 56 male Sprague-Dawley rats, the left spermatic cord and gubernaculum were mechanically clamped for 45 minutes. Immediately after clamp application, these rats received doxorubicin (6 mg/kg, intravenous bolus) and were killed at seven time points after doxorubicin administration, ranging from 30 minutes to 48 hours. Twenty-one control rats were treated identically but did not receive TCI. Doxorubicin and its metabolites were extracted from tissue (left testis, right testis, left kidney, heart, left lung, liver) and serum and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. In the TCI group, the distribution of the parent drug and doxorubicinol in tissue and serum closely approximated levels from doxorubicin-treated controls not receiving TCI in all organs except left testis. No anthracycline was detected at any time point in the left testis of the TCI group. These results indicate that TCI completely protects the testis from doxorubicin exposure in this model and that TCI does not affect distribution of doxorubicin in other organs.