Dopamine D2 receptor isoforms expressed in AtT20 cells differentially couple to G proteins to acutely inhibit high voltage-activated calcium channels

The dopamine D2 receptor belongs to the serpentine superfamily of receptors, which have seven transmembrane segments and activate G proteins. D2 receptors are known to be linked, through Galpha(o)- and Galpha(i)-containing G proteins, to several signaling pathways in neuronal and secretory cells, including inhibition of adenylyl cyclase and high voltage-activated Ca2+ channels (HVA-CCs). The dopamine D2 receptor exists in two alternatively spliced isoforms, "long" and "short" (D2L, and D2S, respectively), which have identical ligand binding sites but differ by 29 amino acids in the third intracellular loop, the proposed site for G protein interaction. This has led to the speculation that the two isoforms may interact with different G proteins. We have transfected the AtT20 cell line with either D2L (KCL line) or D2S (KCS line) to facilitate experimentation on the individual isoforms. Both lines show dopamine agonist-dependent inhibition of Q-type HVA-CCs. We combined G protein antisense knock-down studies with multiwavelength fluorescence video microscopy to measure changes in HVA-CC inhibition to investigate the possibility of differential G protein coupling to this inhibition. The initial, rapid, K+ depolarization-induced increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration is due to influx through HVA-CCs. Our studies reveal that both D2 isoforms couple to Galpha(o) to partially inhibit this influx. However, D2L also couples to Galpha(i)3, whereas D2S couples to Galpha(i)2. These data support the hypothesis of differential coupling of D2 receptor isoforms to G proteins.

Differential sorting of nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in hippocampal neurons

Nerve growth factor (NGF) is released through the constitutive secretory pathway from cells in peripheral tissues and nerves where it can act as a target-derived survival factor. In contrast, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) appears to be processed in the regulated secretory pathway of brain neurons and secreted in an activity-dependent manner to play a role in synaptic plasticity. To determine whether sorting differences are intrinsic to the neurotrophins or reflect differences between cell types, we compared NGF and BDNF processing in cultured hippocampal neurons using a Vaccinia virus expression system. Three independent criteria (retention or release from cells after pulse-chase labeling, depolarization-dependent release, and immunocytochemical localization) suggest that the bulk of newly synthesized NGF is sorted into the constitutive pathway, whereas BDNF is primarily sorted into the regulated secretory pathway. Similar results occurred with AtT 20 cells, including those transfected with cDNAs encoding neurotrophin precursor-green fluorescent protein fusions. The NGF precursor, but not the BDNF precursor, is efficiently cleaved by the endoprotease furin in the trans-Golgi network (TGN). Blocking furin activity in AtT 20 cells with alpha1-PDX as well as increasing the expression of NGF precursor partially directed NGF into the regulated secretory pathway. Therefore, neurotrophins can be sorted into either the constitutive or regulated secretory pathways, and sorting may be regulated by the efficiency of furin cleavage in the TGN. This mechanism may explain how neuron-generated neurotrophins can act both as survival factors and as neuropeptides.

Dopamine D2-receptor isoforms expressed in AtT20 cells inhibit Q-type high-voltage-activated Ca2+ channels via a membrane-delimited pathway

Dopamine D2 receptors both acutely and chronically inhibit high-voltage-activated Ca2+ channels (HVA-CCs). Two alternatively spliced isoforms, D2L (long) and D2S (short), are expressed at high levels in rat pituitary intermediate lobe melanotropes but are lacking in anterior lobe corticotropes. We stably transfected D2L and D2S into corticotrope-derived AtT20 cells. Both isoforms coupled to inhibition of Q-type calcium channels through pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins. Thus, we have created a model system in which to study the kinetics of D2-receptor regulation of Ca2+ channels. Rapid inhibition of HVA-CCs was characterized using a novel fluorescence video imaging technique for the measurement of millisecond kinetic events. We measured the time elapsed (lag time) between the arrival of depolarizing isotonic 66 mM K+, sensed by fluorescence from included carboxy-X-rhodamine (CXR), and the beginning of increased intracellular Ca2+ levels (sensed by changes in indo 1 fluorescence ratio). The lag time averaged 350-550 ms, with no significant differences among cell types. Addition of the D2-agonist quinpirole (250 microM) to the K+/CXR solution significantly increased the lag times for D2-expressing cells but did not alter the lag time for AtT20 controls. The increased lag times for D2L- and D2S-transfected cells suggest that at least a fraction of the Ca2+ channels was inhibited within the initial 350-550 ms. As this inhibition time is too fast for a multistep second messenger pathway, we conclude that inhibition occurs via a membrane-delimited diffusion mechanism.

The influenza haemagglutinin-induced fusion cascade: effects of target membrane permeability changes

To define the stages in influenza haemagglutinin (HA)-mediated fusion the kinetics of fusion between cell pairs consisting of single influenza HA-expressing cells and single erythrocytes (RBC) which had been labelled with both a fluorescent lipid (Dil) in the membrane and a fluorescent solute (calcein) in the aqueous space have been monitored. It is shown that release of solute from the target cell occurs, following the formation of the hemi-fusion diaphragm. These results are discussed in terms of a model in which fusion peptide insertion into the target membrane induces lipid stalks, which results in the formation of a hemifusion diaphragm and a fusion pore. Bilayer expansion due to overproduction of these stalks can give rise to collateral damage of target membranes.

Role of neuraminidase in influenza virus-induced apoptosis

The virulent influenza virus clone 7a produced a greater level of apoptosis in MDCK cells compared with the attenuated strain A/Fiji. In both cases, apoptosis could be partially blocked by treatment with three anti-neuraminidase compounds [4-amino-(GR121158A) and 4-guanidino- (GG167; Zanamivir) 2,3-dehydro-N-acetylneuraminic acid and 2,3-dehydro-2-deoxy-N-acetylneuraminic acid (DANA)] when they were given to cells during the virus attachment/entry phase, but not subsequent to this phase. In contrast, GG167, which does not enter cells, did not affect the numbers of infected cells and, in addition, acted late in the infection cycle to inhibit virus yields. Clone 7a neuraminidase was more active than A/Fiji neuraminidase when fetuin was used as the substrate. Similar differences in activity between the two viruses were seen when alpha-2,6 sialyl lactose was used as a substrate, but not with alpha-2,3 sialyl lactose. No sequence differences in the enzyme active site of the two neuraminidases were observed, indicating that differences in neuraminidase specificity and activity may be dictated by other residues. These results suggest that neuraminidase plays some role in the induction of apoptosis and that it acts prior to or during virus entry. However, apoptosis was considerably reduced when UV-irradiated virus, which retains >75% of its neuraminidase activity, was used. In addition, ammonium chloride, used to prevent virus entry, reduced virus-induced apoptosis. Amantadine, which inhibits virus uncoating, also inhibited apoptosis induced by the amantadine-sensitive strain A/Udorn/307/72 (H3N2), but not the amantadine-resistant clone 7a. Hence, one or more intracellular processes are also involved in influenza virus-induced apoptosis.

A putative alpha-helical G beta gamma-coupling domain in the second intracellular loop of the 5-HT1A receptor

We have identified a conserved threonine residue in the second intracellular (i2) loop of the 5-HT1A receptor that when mutated to alanine prevents coupling to G beta gamma-mediated signaling, while preserving G alpha i-induced actions. In this review, we investigate the characteristics and potential role of the i2 domain in the coupling of the 5-HT1A receptor and other receptors to G proteins. The i2 domain, as well as portions of the i3 domain, is predicted to form an amphipathic alpha-helix with a positively charged face and a hydrophobic face. Mutagenesis experiments support a model in which the hydrophobic faces of these alpha-helical domains form an intracellular binding "pocket" for interaction with G proteins. Embedded in the hydrophobic face, Thr 149 is crucial for signaling through G beta gamma subunits, perhaps via interaction with its hydroxyl side-chain. Mutation of other residues of the i2 domain of Gi-coupled receptors is required to substantiate the importance of the alpha-helical i2 domain in receptor-G beta gamma signaling. If confirmed in other receptors, these results support a general model in which activated receptor and G beta gamma subunits remain associated to interact with effectors in a receptor-specific manner.

Endogenous serotonin-2A and -2C receptors in Balb/c-3T3 cells revealed in serotonin-free medium: desensitization and down-regulation by serotonin

We studied the endogenous expression of the serotonin-2A (5-hydroxytryptamine2A, 5-HT2A) 5-HT2C, and a splice-variant of the 5-HT2C receptor in murine Balb/c-3T3 fibroblast cells that is revealed when these cells are maintained in medium containing 5-HT-free serum. RNA editing of the 5-HT2C receptor was exclusively at a single brain-specific site. Addition of 5-HT (EC50 = 23 +/- 2.9 nM) induced an immediate release of calcium from an ionomycin-sensitive intracellular store by coupling to a pertussis toxin-insensitive pathway. The 5-HT-induced calcium mobilization displayed a 5-HT-2-like pharmacology, and ligand binding analyses indicated the presence of specific binding sites (27.5 +/- 2 fmol/mg protein) with a 5-HT2A-like pharmacology. Although the 5-HT2A receptor site was predominant, the smaller component of 5-HT2C receptors alone was sufficient to mediate a maximal calcium response. The 5-HT-induced increase in [Ca2+]i was reversibly inhibited by >75% following a 12-hr pretreatment (T1/2 = 2 hr) with 5-HT (EC50 = 400 nM). Extended treatment (24-96 hr) with 5-HT induced a complete functional desensitization that was associated with a partial (60%) reduction in 5-HT2 receptor number, implicating both receptor down-regulation and post-receptor mechanisms in 5-HT-induced desensitization. Long-term (hours to days) treatment with 5-HT did not modulate DNA synthesis, cell proliferation, or transformation in Balb/c-3T3 cells. These results demonstrate that Balb/c-3T3 cells express endogenous 5-HT2 receptors that are desensitized by the 5-HT present in normal serum, illustrating the importance of growth conditions in the identification of receptor responsiveness. The lack of proliferative response to 5-HT in Balb/c-3T3 suggests a putative role of desensitization as a "safety valve" to prevent abnormal cell growth during sustained 5-HT2 receptor activation.

GABA(B)R1a/R1b-type receptor antisense deoxynucleotide treatment of melanotropes blocks chronic GABA(B) receptor inhibition of high voltage-activated Ca2+ channels

GABA(B) and dopamine D2 receptors, both of which acutely inhibit adenylyl cyclase and high voltage-activated Ca2+ channels (HVA-CCs), are found in high levels in the melanotrope cells of the pituitary intermediate lobe. Chronic D2 receptor agonist application in vitro has been reported to result in inhibition of HVA-CC activity by down-regulation. Here we report that chronic GABA(B), but not GABA(A), agonist treatment also resulted in HVA-CC inhibition. Two GABA(B) receptor variants have been cloned and shown to inhibit adenylyl cyclase in HEK-293 cells. We have constructed an antisense deoxynucleotide knockdown-type probe that is complementary to 18 bp from the point at which the two sequences first become homologous. Chronic coincubation with baclofen and GABA(B) antisense nucleotide completely eliminated the inhibition of the channels by baclofen alone but had no reversing effect on HVA-CC inhibition by the D2 agonist quinpirole. A scrambled, missense nucleotide also had no reversing effect. Incubation with a D2 antisense knockdown probe eliminated the ability of a D2 agonist to inhibit the channels but had no effect on baclofen blockade. These results show the existence an R1a/R1b type of GABA(B) receptor, which, like the D2 receptor, is coupled to chronic HVA-CC inhibition in melanotropes.

Study of prediagnostic selenium level in toenails and the risk of advanced prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

In a recent randomized intervention trial, the risk of prostate cancer for men receiving a daily supplement of 200 microg selenium was one third of that for men receiving placebo. By use of a nested case-control design within a prospective study, i.e., the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study, we investigated the association between risk of prostate cancer and prediagnostic level of selenium in toenails, a measure of long-term selenium intake.

METHODS

In 1986, 51,529 male health professionals aged 40-75 years responded to a mailed questionnaire to form the prospective study. In 1987, 33,737 cohort members provided toenail clippings. In 1988, 1990, 1992, and 1994, follow-up questionnaires were mailed. From 1989 through 1994, 181 new cases of advanced prostate cancer were reported. Case and control subjects were matched by age, smoking status, and month of toenail return. Selenium levels were determined by neutron activation. All P values are two-sided.

RESULTS

The selenium level in toenails varied substantially among men, with quintile medians ranging from 0.66 to 1.14 microg/g for control subjects. When matched case-control data were analyzed, higher selenium levels were associated with a reduced risk of advanced prostate cancer (odds ratio [OR] for comparison of highest to lowest quintile = 0.49; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.25-0.96; P for trend = .11). After additionally controlling for family history of prostate cancer, body mass index, calcium intake, lycopene intake, saturated fat intake, vasectomy, and geographical region, the OR was 0.35 (95% CI = 0.16-0.78; P for trend = .03).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results support earlier findings that higher selenium intakes may reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Further prospective studies and randomized trials of this relationship should be conducted.

Amyloid beta-peptide(25-35) changes [Ca2+] in hippocampal neurons

Insoluble aggregates of the amyloid beta-peptide (A beta) is a major constituent of senile plaques found in brains of Alzheimer disease (AD) patients. The detrimental effects of aggregated A beta is associated with an increased intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). We examined the effects of A beta(25-35) on [Ca2+]i and intracellular H+ concentration ([H+]i) in single hippocampal neurons by real time fluorescence imaging using the Ca(2+)- and H(+)-specific ratio dyes, indo-1 and SNARF-1. Incubation of these cultures with A beta(25-35) for 3-12 days in vitro increased [Ca2+]i and [H+]i in large, NMDA-responsive neurons.

Differential innervation of individual melanotropes suggests a role for nonsynaptic inhibitory regulation of the developing and adult rat pituitary intermediate lobe

Dopamine and GABA were detected in intermediate lobe axons around birth, and early axons were closely apposed to glial cells and processes, possibly using them for guidance. In the adult, axons containing colocalized dopamine and GABA were distributed in a distinct pattern within the lobe, with plexuses located dorsally and ventrally. Axons preferentially followed glial processes in interlobular septa, yet were also interspersed between melanotropes. Individual melanotropes were contacted by varying numbers of axon terminals, with some devoid of contacts. Boutons contained both small clear vesicles and large dense-cored vesicles; membrane specializations were not well-developed. From these findings we concluded that in addition to direct synaptic inhibition, dopamine and GABA could stimulate their receptors by mechanisms similar to "parasynaptic" [Schmitt (1984) Neuroscience, 13:991-1001] or "volume" [Agnati et al. (1995) Neuroscience, 69:711-726] transmission as proposed for the CNS. Humoral agents passing into the intermediate lobe from portal vessels, thus acting as classical hormones, further regulate the melanotropes. Moreover, approximately 50% of the axonal elements were closely apposed to glia, suggesting that glia could have regulatory roles. Previous studies from our laboratory [Chronwall et al. (1987) Endocrinology, 120:1201-1211; Chronwall et al. (1988) Endocrinology, 123:1992:1202] demonstrated heterogeneity in proopiomelanocortin (POMC) biosynthesis among individual melanotropes, prompting the hypothesis that the degree of innervation could govern the expression of certain molecules. We combined immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization histochemistry to evaluate whether melanotrope molecular heterogenity is spatially correlated with axons and terminals. Tentatively, melanotropes expressing low levels of POMC and alpha1A subunit P/Q type Ca2+ channel mRNAs often were apposed to axons, whereas those with low levels of D2L receptor mRNA rarely were contacted by axons, suggesting that innervation could be one of the factors inducing and maintaining heterogeneity.

Heterogeneity in POMC expression among explanted melanotropes decreases with time in culture and bromocriptine treatment

The biosynthetic activity of rat intermediate lobe melanotropes in vivo is inhibited by stimulation of dopamine D2 receptors. Individual melanotropes are innervated differentially by dopaminergic axons and vary in their levels of pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) mRNA. We tested the hypothesis that placement of the lobe in primary culture, which removes the inhibitory innervation, would increase POMC mRNA levels and abolish the heterogeneity in POMC expression. POMC mRNA levels increased successively in untreated melanotropes when tested on culture Days 10, 16, and 20; however, some heterogeneity in POMC expression persisted. If treated with a D2 receptor agonist (1 microM bromocriptine) from culture Day 1, POMC mRNA levels were decreased significantly throughout the testing period when compared to untreated cells with the same time in culture. Although some melanotropes still expressed high POMC levels, preparations appeared more homogeneous by Day 20. Melanotrope responses were reversible, since POMC mRNA levels were down-regulated by application and up-regulated by withdrawal of a D2 receptor agonist. A short agonist treatment resulted in subpopulations that responded differently to the agonist, possibly representing a mechanism for fine-tuning peptide hormone release.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in the treatment of bile leaks and bile duct strictures after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

We reviewed our experience over 3 years with 11 patients who had bile leaks (Group 1) and 8 patients who had bile duct strictures after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) and were treated with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) (Group 2). In Group 1, bile leaks were at the level of the cystic duct in 10 patients and from a duct of Luschka in 1 patient; 10 patients had sphincterotomy and 11 patients received barbed stents. All patients had resolution of bile leak and stents were removed after an average of 5 weeks. In Group 2, stenoses were at the level of the common bile duct (CBD) in 7 patients and of the CBD-common hepatic duct in 1 patient. Six patients had a sphincterotomy and 7 patients were successfully treated with pneumatic polyethylene balloon dilatation and stent placement. One patient had unsatisfactory dilatation and was referred to surgery. Two patients had permanent resolution of stenosis at 3 and 4 years of follow-up, 5 patients had recurrence, and a total of 6 patients eventually needed surgery. We conclude that ERCP is effective in resolving isolated bile leaks, but iatrogenic strictures after LC more often require surgical treatment after ERCP.

A conserved threonine residue in the second intracellular loop of the 5-hydroxytryptamine 1A receptor directs signaling specificity

Productive interaction between receptors and G proteins involves multiple intracellular receptor domains, but the role of individual receptor amino acids in directing the selection of specific signaling pathways has not yet been identified. Sequence alignment of several G protein-coupled receptors identified a highly conserved threonine residue in the i2 loop of the 5-hydroxytryptamine 1A (5-HT1A) receptor that is a putative protein kinase C phosphorylation consensus site and is located in a predicted amphipathic alpha-helical domain. To examine the role of this conserved threonine residue in 5-HT1A receptor coupling to Gi/Go proteins, this residue was mutated to alanine (T149A mutant). Wild-type and mutant 5-HT1A receptors were stably transfected into both Ltk- and GH4C1 cells to investigate receptor coupling to multiple signaling pathways. In both cell lines, the T149A mutant displayed similar agonist affinities as the wild-type receptor. In Ltk- cells, the T149A 5-HT1A receptor inhibited cAMP accumulation by 30% compared with wild-type (83%). A 2.6-fold increase in intracellular calcium (due to phospholipase C-mediated calcium mobilization) was observed for the wild-type receptor upon the addition of 100 nM 5-HT; whereas the T149A 5-HT1A receptor failed to mediate a calcium mobilization response at equivalent receptor levels to wild-type. When transfected in GH4C1 cells, the T149A receptor mutant fully inhibited basal cAMP and partially inhibited Gs-stimulated cAMP accumulation compared with wild-type receptor (57 +/- 14% versus 86 +/- 2%). In contrast, the T149A 5-HT1A receptor mutant failed to block the influx of calcium induced by calcium channel agonist (+/-)-Bay K8644, whereas the wild-type 5-HT1A receptor inhibited the calcium influx by 40%. Thus, the Thr149 residue is directly involved in G protein coupling to calcium mobilization (mediated by betagamma subunits of Gi2) and to inhibition of calcium channel activation (mediated by betagamma subunits of Go) but plays a minor role in coupling to alpha1-mediated inhibition of cAMP accumulation. The conserved i2 loop threonine may serve as a G protein contact site to direct the signaling specificity of multiple receptors.

Dopamine D2 receptor stimulation alters G-protein expression in rat pituitary intermediate lobe melanotropes

Stimulation of dopamine D2 receptors inhibits melanotrope pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) biosynthesis and alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) secretion. These effects are mediated by G-protein alpha i- and alpha o-subunits and are reversed by stimulating receptors linked to activation of G alpha s protein. Melanotrope activity is increased by haloperidol, a D2 receptor antagonist, and decreased by bromocriptine, a D2 receptor agonist. Both the short and long isoforms of the D2 receptor mRNA and protein increase following chronic haloperidol treatment. After chronic bromocriptine treatment the short isoform is downregulated, whereas the long isoform is upregulated. Our hypothesis is that specific G protein alpha- subunits alter in pattern of expression similarly to the receptor isoforms. Using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization, this study examined changes in G alpha i, G alpha o, and G alpha s protein and mRNA expression following chronic treatments with bromocriptine or haloperidol. G alpha i3 and G alpha o immunoreactivities increased following bromocriptine treatment, whereas G alpha s and G alpha i1/2 did not change. Gs immunoreactivity increased after haloperidol treatment, whereas G alpha i1/2, G alpha i3, and G alpha o did not change. G alpha i and G alpha o mRNA increased following bromocriptine and decreased following haloperidol treatments, whereas the inverse results were observed with G alpha s mRNA. These results suggest D2 receptor activation can specifically increase G alpha i3 and G alpha o expression, and D2 receptor blockade increases G alpha s expression.

Skin blood flow responses to the iontophoresis of acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside in man: possible mechanisms

1. The mechanisms involved in the human skin blood flow responses to iontophoretic application of acetylcholine (ACH; delivered using an anodal charge) or sodium nitroprusside (SNP; administered with a cathodal charge) are unclear. The aims of this study were to investigate possible contributions of prostaglandin production to the increase in skin blood flow induced following the iontophoresis of ACh and to investigate possible contributions from local sensory nerves to the perfusion responses induced by ACh, SNP and their vehicles. 2. The contribution of prostaglandins to the ACh response was determined in a randomized double-blind study of eight healthy subjects, who were studied on two occasions. Basal responses to ACh were measured before the oral administration of 600 mg soluble aspirin in diluted orange juice (1 occasion or orange juice (1 occasion) and again 30 min after the drink. The contribution of local sensory nerve activation to the responses to ACh and ACh vehicle (8 subjects) and to SNP and SNP vehicle (7 subjects) was assessed. EMLA (5%) (a eutectic mixture of lignocaine and prilocaine) and placebo cream were applied to two separate areas on the forearm in a double-blind randomized manner 2 h before drug responses were measured. In all studies the skin microcirculation responses to iontophoretically applied drug vehicle (1 site) and drug (2 sites) were recorded by laser Doppler perfusion imaging. 3. The increase in forearm skin perfusion (P < 0.001) in response to the iontophoresis of ACh minus the response to ACh vehicle was not significantly different following placebo or aspirin administration. The increase in forearm skin red blood cell flux (P < 0.001) in response to the iontophoresis of ACh minus the response to ACh vehicle was not significantly different at the placebo-compared with the EMLA-treated site. THe small increase in perfusion (P < 0.001) in response to the iontophoresis of ACh vehicle was significantly inhibited at the EMLA-compared with the placebo-treated site (P < 0.05). The marked increase in perfusion (P < 0.001) in response to the iontophoresis of SNP vehicle was significantly inhibited at the EMLA-compared with the placebo-treated site (P < 0.01). 4. These data suggest that in healthy volunteers: (1) mechanisms other than prostaglandin production and local sensory nerve activation may be involved in the increase in skin perfusion observed following the iontophoretic application of ACh; and (2) stimulation of local sensory nerves may be responsible for the increase in tissue perfusion observed following the iontophoretic application of either ACh vehicle or SNP vehicle.

Dilation of the influenza hemagglutinin fusion pore revealed by the kinetics of individual cell-cell fusion events

We have monitored kinetics of fusion between cell pairs consisting of a single influenza hemaglutinin (HA)-expressing cell and a single erythrocyte (RBC) that had been labeled with both a fluorescent lipid (Dil) in the membrane and a fluorescent solute (calcein) in the aqueous space. Initial fusion pore opening between the RBC and HA-expressing cell produced a change in RBC membrane potential (delta psi) that was monitored by a decrease in Dil fluorescence. This event was followed by two distinct stages of fusion pore dilation: the flux of fluorescent lipid (phi L) and the flux of a large aqueous fluorescent dye (phi s). We have analyzed the kinetics of events that occur as a result of transitions between a fusion pore (FP) and a solute permissive fusion pore (FPs). Our data are consistent with a fusion pore comprising six HA trimers.

Types and activities of voltage-operated calcium channels change during development of rat pituitary neurointermediate lobe

Cultures of pituitary neurointermediate lobe cells were established from rats aged 1, 12, and 42 days to identify the types and assess the activities of Ca2+ channels present in melanotropes, glial-like cells, and fibroblasts during development. Day 12 represents the time at which dopaminergic axons have become distributed throughout the lobe, glial cells begin to lose their radial orientation, and melanotropes robustly express the short isoform of the dopamine D2 receptor. Thus, we studied Ca2+ channels in relation to the event of innervation of melanotropes. Real-time fluorescence video microscopy, in the presence of pharmacological agents, which block L-, N-, P-, and T-type channels, was used as an indirect measurement of channel activity. Assessment of cell type was verified by triple-label fluorescence immunohistochemistry. In melanotropes, extracellular Ca2+ addition caused Ca2+ influx through omega-conotoxin GVIA-sensitive, N-type channels on days 1 and 12 but not on day 42. The K+ depolarization induced an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration in all age-groups. This effect was decreased by nifedipine, an L-type channel blocker, at all ages, and by omega-agatoxin IVa, a P-type blocker, only on day 42. These results demonstrate that the predominance of N- or P-type channels on melanotropes is age-dependent and can be correlated with other developmental changes. The T-type blocker, NiSO4, had no effect. In glial-like cells of all ages, extracellular Ca2+ addition resulted in an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration, which was inhibited only by NiSO4. The percentage of responsive glial-like cells was equally high in days 1 and 12 cultures, then declined by day 42. The K+ depolarization had no effect on glial-like cells. Fibroblasts did not respond significantly to extracellular Ca2+ or K+ depolarization, indicating little detectable activity by this methodology from functional voltage-operated Ca2+ channels.

The effect of acetylcholine on finger capillary pressure and capillary flow in healthy volunteers

1. Constitutive nitric oxide (NO) synthase has been demonstrated in human skin microvascular endothelial cells; however, the physiological significance of this finding is not known. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of acetylcholine (ACh), which stimulates the release of NO from endothelial cells, on skin capillary pressure, capillary pulse pressure amplitude (CPPA) and capillary red blood cell velocity (CBV) in healthy volunteers. 2. Finger nailfold capillary pressure was measured in five healthy volunteers. CBV was measured in capillaries of the dorsal middle phalangeal area of the finger in six subjects using a recently developed capillary anemometer. In each case the responses to ionophoretically applied ACh and vehicle were measured on two separate fingers on the left hand. 3. Application of vehicle did not significantly change either capillary pressure, CPPA or CBV. ACh significantly increased capillary pressure (from 15.8 +/- 2.2 mmHg under basal conditions to 27.7 +/- 3.8 mmHg at the plateau of the ACh response; P < 0.008), CPPA (from 2.4 +/- 2.4 mmHg at baseline to 8.4 +/- 2.4 mmHg at the plateau of the drug response; P < 0.013) and CBV (from 0.54 +/- 0.22 mm s-1 at baseline to 2.46 +/- 1.12 mm s-1 after ACh; P < 0.008). 4. The increases in capillary pressure, CPPA and CBV following the application of ACh suggest that the overall effect of ACh was to induce a reduction in the pre- to postcapillary resistance ratio.

Microvascular functional abnormalities in diabetes: the role of the endothelium

The development of techniques for measuring microvascular pressure, flow and permeability in man has allowed the construct of a pathophysiological framework for the development of diabetic microangiopathy. In insulin dependent disease the abnormalities observed conform to the haemodynamic hypothesis with early elevation of capillary pressure playing a primary role. In non insulin dependent diabetes differences are apparent, supporting the concept that changes in microvascular vasodilatory mechanisms may antedate the emergence of diabetes. Given the crucial role played by the endothelium in the regulation of local microvascular haemodynamics it is not surprising that disturbance of this tissue has been implicated in the pathogenetic process, an assertion supported by mounting experimental evidence suggesting that the nitric oxide pathway is crucially involved.

Heat-resistant factors in human erythrocyte membranes mediate CD4-dependent fusion with cells expressing HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins

It has been shown that human CD4 expressed in nonhuman cells does not support HIV-1 entry into those cells and that components from human cells in addition to CD4 are required to overcome the block. We have used human red blood cells (huRBC) as a source for the accessory components since their membrane composition is less complex than that of nucleated cells and they are well characterized. Components were transferred by fusion of huRBC to nonhuman CD4(+) cells mediated by influenza hemagglutinin or polyethylene glycol. The RBC-modified nonhuman CD4(+) cells were labeled with fluorescent markers and incubated with gp 120-gp41-expressing cells labeled with a different fluorescent probe. Fusion between RBC- modified nonhuman CD4(+) cells and gp 120--gp41-expressing cells was quantified by fluorescence video microscopy. Human erythrocyte components transferred to nonhuman CD4+ cells conferred HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein-mediated fusion susceptibility to those cells. The fusion was enhanced by pretreatment of the erythrocytes for 10 min at 56 degrees. No gp 120--gp41-mediated fusion was observed when components from nonhuman RBC were transferred to nonhuman CD4+ cells. Human cell lines with pre-RBC characteristics (K562-CD4) also supported HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein-mediated fusion.

Responses of the skin microcirculation to acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside in patients with NIDDM

The mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of microangiopathy occurring in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) are unclear. In the present study, blood flow responses to the vasodilators acetylcholine (which acts via the endothelium) and sodium nitroprusside (a smooth muscle relaxant) were evaluated in this patient group. In 14 male patients with NIDDM, treated with either diet alone (n = 6) or diet plus insulin, (mean age 59 years) and 14 age-pair-matched control subjects, forearm skin perfusion following multiple doses of iontophoretically applied 1% acetylcholine and 0.01% sodium nitroprusside was recorded by laser Doppler perfusion imaging. Basal skin blood flow was not significantly different in the diabetic group compared with the control group. The following results are expressed as drug-minus-vehicle response. Acetylcholine significantly increased forearm skin perfusion (p < 0.001, analysis of variance) in all subjects, but the vasodilatation was attenuated in the patient group compared with control subjects (0.86 +/- 0.09 vs 1.36 +/- 0.14 arbitrary units of volts (V) respectively, at the fifth measurement point, mean +/- SEM, p < 0.01). Skin perfusion significantly increased following sodium nitroprusside (p < 0.001) but was lower in patients than control subjects (0.12 +/- 0.05 vs 0.45 +/- 0.11 V, respectively, at the fifth measurement point, p < 0.01). These data suggest that endothelial and/or smooth muscle function may be impaired in the skin microcirculation of patients with NIDDM.