Protein kinases in neutrophils: a review

In chemotactic factor-stimulated neutrophils, rapid increases of intracellular levels of cyclic AMP, calcium, and diacylglycerol have been observed and may be linked to protein kinase activation. The study of the physiological role and regulation of protein kinases in the neutrophil and the identification of their substrates has provided valuable information on the molecular mechanism of neutrophil activation. The focus of this review is on those aspects of protein kinases that are relevant to neutrophil activation and on the substrate proteins for these protein kinases. The possible role of protein phosphorylation in neutrophil function is also discussed.

Diacylglycerol kinase inhibitor R59022 and stimulated neutrophil responses

The generation of phosphatidic acid in neutrophils stimulated by the chemotactic factor formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMet-Leu-Phe) is inhibited by the diacylglycerol kinase inhibitor R59022. Superoxide generation produced by fMet-Leu-Phe, leukotriene B4, platelet-activating factor, or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate can be greatly increased in neutrophils pretreated with R59022. The potentiation occurs in the presence or absence of cytochalasin B and is evident in the absence of extracellular calcium. In addition, where the superoxide generated by fMet-Leu-Phe is not inhibited by the protein kinase C inhibitor 1-(5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine (H-7), the increase by R59022 is diminished by this compound. Unlike cytochalasin B, R59022 does not affect the increase in cytoskeletal actin produced by fMet-Leu-Phe or platelet-activating factor nor does it decrease the basal level. Furthermore, the basal intracellular concentration of free calcium, but not the rise produced by fMet-Leu-Phe or platelet-activating factor, is elevated by R59022. The data presented here suggest that the potentiation by R59022 of the oxidative burst is most likely mediated through protein kinase C.

Stimulation of a histone H4 protein kinase in Triton X-100 lysates of rabbit peritoneal neutrophils pretreated with chemotactic factors. Effect of fMet-Leu-Phe and partial characterization of the protein kinase

Rabbit peritoneal neutrophils were stimulated with either the chemotactic factor, fMet-Leu-Phe (10(-8) M, 10 s) or the protein kinase C activator, phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA), (0.1 microgram/ml, 3 min) at 37 degrees C, lysed with Triton X-100 at the indicated times and the histone H4 kinase activity of the lysate measured. The histone H4 protein kinase activity was increased severalfold by fMet-Leu-Phe but not PMA. The inclusion of the potent protein kinase C inhibitor, 1-(5-isoquinoline-sulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine (50 microM) inhibited little if any of the histone H4 protein kinase activity. The effect of fMet-Leu-Phe was transient, maximum stimulation occurring within 10 s and decaying thereafter. The soluble fraction (extract) of the Triton X-100 lysates from control and fMet-Leu-Phe-treated cells was found to contain both histone H4 protein kinase and calcium-phospholipid-activated protein kinase (protein kinase C) activities. The histone H4 protein kinase activity obtained after fMet-Leu-Phe treatment was very little affected by calcium, phospholipid, and PMA and preferred histone H4 but not H1 or H2A as its substrate. In contrast, the calcium-phospholipid-activated protein kinase activity of the extract preferred histones H1 or H2A as substrates and was strongly inhibited by 1-(5-isoquinoline-sulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine. The histone H4 protein kinase was partially separated from kinase C by DEAE-cellulose and phenyl-Sepharose 4B chromatography. It phosphorylated mostly serine in histone H4. The results indicate that the chemotactic factor, fMet-Leu-Phe, stimulates a protein kinase with substrate specificity and biochemical properties distinct from calcium-phospholipid-activated protein kinase C.

Biochemical discrimination of the predominant pertussis toxin substrate of rabbit neutrophils from brain Gi and Go: isoelectric focusing improves resolution of pertussis toxin substrates

In the present study, the predominant pertussis toxin substrate in rabbit neutrophils, Gn, was biochemically compared to Gi and Go purified from brain, after being [32P]ADP-ribosylated by activated pertussis toxin and [32P]NAD. On SDS-polyacrylamide gels, a poorly resolved doublet from neutrophil membranes was observed; the upper band, corresponding to approximately equal to 25% labeling, comigrated with Gi-alpha and the predominant lower band, Gn, migrated intermediately between Gi-alpha and Go-alpha. Peptide maps generated by limited-digestion of the labeled Gn, Gi and Go with S. aureus V8 protease were slightly, but definitively and reproducibly different. Isoelectric focusing clearly distinguished Gn from the other two pertussis toxin substrates. The pI value of Gn, 5.60, was distinctly different from those of Gi, 5.75 and 5.80. Although the pI values for Go and Gn were similar (5.60), the patterns of the two proteins were qualitatively different, with Go being resolved into an equal doublet (pI = 5.55 and 5.60) while Gn appeared predominantly as a single band. Thus, Gn is biochemically distinguishable from Gi and Go of brain and these structural differences are most clearly evident following isoelectric focusing.

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Chemotactic factor induced tyrosine phosphorylation of membrane associated proteins in rabbit peritoneal neutrophils

Protein tyrosine phosphorylation in rabbit peritoneal neutrophils was examined by immunoblotting with antibodies specific for phosphotyrosine. Two tyrosine phosphorylated proteins were found with apparent molecular weights of 62,000 (p62) and 125,000. Both were enriched in the membrane fraction. Stimulation of the neutrophils with chemotactic factor fMet-Leu-Phe (10(-8)M, 20 sec) but not phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate (0.1 microgram/ml, 10 min) caused rapid increase in tyrosine phosphorylation. The effect of fMet-Leu-Phe was inhibited by the pretreatment of neutrophils with pertussis toxin. The p62 protein was also recognized by antibody raised against a synthetic fragment commonly found in the tyrosine kinases of the src gene family. The results indicate that stimulation of the tyrosine phosphorylation of membrane associated proteins is one of the early events occurring in activated neutrophil and this stimulation of tyrosine phosphorylation may be regulated by a GTP-binding protein.

Vimentin, a cytoskeletal substrate of protein kinase C

Evidence is shown that vimentin, the intermediate filament protein, is a substrate for protein kinase C: (a) Purified vimentin from Chinese hamster ovary cells can be phosphorylated by protein kinase C prepared from rabbit peritoneal neutrophils. Tryptic peptic analysis reveals multiple sites of phosphorylation distinct from those phosphorylated by cAMP-dependent protein kinase. (b) phosphorylation of membrane associated vimentin is stimulated in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate treated neutrophil membranes, suggesting that vimentin can be a substrate for membrane associated protein kinase C and (c) phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate also stimulates the phosphorylation of vimentin in 32P-labeled intact neutrophils.

Dissociation of the 47-kilodalton protein phosphorylation from degranulation and superoxide production in neutrophils

The aim for the present studies is to examine the relationship between the phosphorylation of the 47-kDa protein and some neutrophil responses such as degranulation, the synergistic effect of PMA on calcium ionophore-induced degranulation, superoxide generation, and the priming of the oxidative burst produced by the chemotactic factor fMet-Leu-Phe and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). Incubation of neutrophils with the protein kinase inhibitor 1-(5-isoquinoline-sulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine (H-7) inhibits the phosphorylation of the 47-kDa protein produced by PMA and fMet-Leu-Phe but does not affect lysozyme release induced by the same stimuli or fMet-Leu-Phe-induced N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase release. Furthermore, the synergistic effect of PMA on the A23187-induced degranulation is not inhibited by H-7. Also, pretreatment of the cells with H-7 inhibits superoxide production produced by PMA but not by fMet-Leu-Phe. The inhibitory effect of H-7 is more pronounced on the rate than on the extent of PMA-induced superoxide release. On the other hand, N-(2-guanidinoethyl)-5-isoquinolinesulfonamide hydrochloride, HA-1004, a less potent protein kinase inhibitor, has no inhibitory effect on superoxide generation produced by fMet-Leu-Phe or PMA. In the case of superoxide production, the addition of low concentrations of PMA to rabbit neutrophils primes these cells to the subsequent stimulation by fMet-Leu-Phe, dramatically increasing the effect. Conversely, low concentrations of fMet-Leu-Phe prime the cells to PMA stimulation. The stimulation by PMA of cells primed with fMet-Leu-Phe is inhibited by H-7. Moreover, the priming effect by PMA is also inhibited by H-7. This inhibition is less pronounced at a low concentration of PMA. On the other hand, in the case of human neutrophils, the priming effect of PMA is not inhibited by H-7. These results suggest several points. First, phosphorylation of the protein identified on two-dimensional gel electrophoresis as having a molecular weight of 47 kDa and PI of 4.9 is not necessary for degranulation produced by either PMA or fMet-Leu-Phe. Second, the phosphorylation of the 47-kDa protein is not necessary for superoxide generation, at least in the case of fMet-Leu-Phe and possibly for other stimuli. Third, in rabbit neutrophils, both the priming and stimulation of superoxide production with PMA are inhibited by H-7. In human neutrophils, the priming by PMA is not affected by H-7.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Protein kinase C and tracheal contraction at low temperature

During exercise or dry air-induced asthma, airway walls cool. However, the role of temperature in the regulation of airway tone is not clear. Protein kinase C (PKC) is an important second messenger in the mediation of cell responses. To explore whether changes in temperature affect pathways involving PKC in airways, we examined the effects of phorbol esters, potent activators of PKC, in guinea pig tracheal rings at various temperatures. Phorbol-12,13-diacetate (PDA) caused a reduction in tracheal tone at 37 degrees C and an increase in tone when temperature was reduced to 22 degrees C. Increases in tone were also produced by PDA when cell membranes were depolarized by ouabain (10 microM) or KCl (30 mM) at 37 degrees C. Contractions produced by PDA at 22 degrees C were inhibited by lipoxygenase inhibitors [ETYA (5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid), NDGA (nordihydroguaiaretic acid) and phenidone] and a leukotriene receptor antagonist [FPL 55712 (sodium 7-[3-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)-2-hydroxypropoxyl] -4-oxo-8-propyl-4H-1-benzopyran-2-carboxylate)]. Contractions produced by PDA at 37 degrees C or 22 degrees C in the presence of ouabain (10 mM) or KCl (30 mM) were not affected by these drugs. These results indicate that changes in temperature have profound effects on responses resulting from PKC activation. At low temperature, the lipoxygenase pathway mediates responses. Thus, cooling has the potential to modify a major intracellular pathway regulating physiological responses of the airways.

Similarities between protein IIIa and protein IIIb, two prominent synaptic vesicle-associated phosphoproteins

Protein IIIa (Mr 74,000) and protein IIIb (Mr 55,000) are 2 major phosphoproteins found in mammalian brain. It was previously shown in intact nerve cells that the phosphorylation state of these 2 proteins could be increased by electrical stimulation, by depolarizing agents in the presence of calcium, and by 8-bromo-cAMP. We now report that protein IIIa and protein IIIb possess significant structural homology, as indicated by immunochemical studies using polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies and by peptide-mapping studies. A quantitative radioimmunoassay using immunolabeling in SDS-polyacrylamide gels has been used to study the tissue distribution and regional and subcellular distribution in the brain of the 2 proteins. The 2 proteins were found only in nervous tissue and the adrenal medulla. Subcellular fractionation studies suggested that both proteins are associated with synaptic vesicles.

Regulation of membrane associated protein kinase C activity by guanine nucleotide in rabbit peritoneal neutrophils

Evidence is shown that protein kinase C is the major kinase which can phosphorylate histone H-1 in a membrane fraction prepared from rabbit peritoneal neutrophils. Addition of phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) (0.1 microgram/ml) or guanosine-5'-(3-O-thio)triphosphate (GTP gamma S) (10 microM) to the membrane fraction results in an increase of the phosphorylation of histone H-1. To achieve this effect, calcium (20 microM) is required for GTP gamma S but not for PMA. The effect of GTP gamma S, but not PMA is inhibited in membranes obtained from cells pretreated with pertussis toxin. The kinase activity is also enhanced by treatment of the membrane with 10 microM of GppNHp or GTP but not with GDP, GMP, cGMP, ATP, ADP, AMP and cAMP. This is the first direct evidence that a GTP binding protein is involved in the activation of membrane associated protein kinase C.

Partial purification and characterization of formylpeptide receptor from rabbit peritoneal neutrophils

The formylpeptide receptors from 40 X 10(9) cells of rabbit peritoneal neutrophils have been solubilized with digitonin and partially purified by sequential fMet-Leu-Phe-Sepharose affinity and wheat-germ agglutinin agarose affinity chromatography. The binding activity of the receptor toward [3H]fNle-Leu-Phe is difficult to restore fully after elution of the receptor from the fMet-Leu-Phe-Sepharose affinity column. A 2,000-fold purification of the receptor from the particulate fraction is achieved with a yield of about 23%. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Coomasie blue or silver staining of purified receptor preparations reveal a major polypeptide with an apparent Mr (50,000-70,000) and isoelectric points (pl 6.0-6.5) that coincides with the polypeptide labeled by the specific affinity cross-linking probe for formylpeptide receptor (125I-hexapeptide). The receptor has an apparent Stokes radius of 47 A when analyzed by gel filtration chromatography. Using synthetic peptides poly(Glu-Tyr) (4:1) as the substrates, a membrane-associated tyrosine protein kinase activity is detected and can be solubilized by digitonin. Subsequent analysis indicates that the tyrosine kinase activity is not derived from the receptor.

Thrombin-induced vimentin phosphorylation in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells were stimulated with thrombin (1 unit/ml) for 15-30 s and then lysed with a solution of Triton X-100 containing [gamma-32P]adenosine triphosphate. Thrombin-stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells showed an enhanced incorporation of 32P into at least 12 different proteins as compared to control cells treated similarly. The observed enhanced phosphorylation required the active site of thrombin because diisopropylphosphoryl-thrombin had no effect on the level of phosphorylation. The molecular weight of one of the phosphoproteins was similar to that of the intermediate filament protein vimentin (55-60 kDa), a major protein in endothelial cells. This 59-kDa protein was Triton X-100-insoluble and reacted on a Western blot with antibody raised in guinea pig against Chinese hamster ovary cell vimentin. Addition of the anti-vimentin antibody to the thrombin-stimulated, phosphorylated lysate immuno-precipitated a single 32P-labeled protein (59 kDa). These results demonstrate that thrombin rapidly stimulates the phosphorylation of vimentin in cultured endothelial cells and links thrombin stimulation to the phosphorylation of a cytoskeletal protein.

GTP gamma S-induced solubilization of actin and myosin from rabbit peritoneal neutrophil membrane

Addition of guanosine 5'-(3-O-thio)triphosphate (GTP gamma S) to the membrane fraction isolated from rabbit peritoneal neutrophils results in the solubilization of several proteins from the membrane. The major proteins are of 180 kDa (myosin) and 43 kDa (actin). The effect is observed with a half-maximum GTP gamma S concentration of 70 microM. The potencies of various nucleotides are compared: GTP gamma S greater than GTP greater than ATP greater than GDP, GMP, cGMP, cAMP. The effect does not require calcium and is not inhibited by using membranes prepared from cells that have been pretreated with pertussis toxin.

Partial characterization of protein kinase C and inhibitor activity of protein kinase C in rabbit peritoneal neutrophils

Analysis of the cytosol fraction containing protein kinase C activity from rabbit peritoneal neutrophils by DEAE-cellulose chromatography identified protein kinase C activity in the fractions eluted with 0.08 M-0.14 M NaCl and protein kinase C inhibitor activity in the fraction eluted with 0.16 M-0.5 M NaCl. On further analysis by Sephadex G-150 gel filtration, one peak of protein kinase C and two peaks of inhibitor activity were identified. The peak of protein kinase C and two peaks of inhibitor activity were identified. The peak of protein kinase C activity eluted at Ve/Vo 1.6 corresponding to a Stokes radius of 35 A. The first peak of the inhibitor activity eluted at Ve/Vo 1.4 and the second peak of the inhibitor activity eluted at Ve/Vo 2.5. The peak of phosphoprotein phosphatase activity does not coincide with the peaks of inhibitor activity of protein kinase C.

The inhibition of neutrophil responsiveness caused by phorbol esters is blocked by the protein kinase C inhibitor H7

The relationship between the inhibition of neutrophil responsiveness to chemoattractants caused by preincubation with phorbol esters and the activation of protein kinase C was investigated using the protein kinase antagonist H7. The latter compound was found to inhibit the phosphorylation of the 50 kDa protein kinase C substrate stimulated by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). On the other hand, H7 was found not to affect the quin2 and secretory responses of the neutrophils to fMet-Leu-Phe and leukotriene B4. In addition, pretreatment of the cells with H7 blocked the ability of PMA to inhibit the latter two responses to the addition of the chemoattractants. Taken together, these results provide strong evidence for the involvement of protein kinase C in the inhibition of neutrophil--and probably also other cells--responsiveness brought about by preincubation with phorbol esters. Additionally, they invite a reevaluation of the role of protein kinase C in the excitation-response coupling sequence of these cells directed more towards a negative, modulatory, role than that of a critical element in its initiation.

Pertussis toxin inhibits fMet-Leu-Phe- but not phorbol ester-stimulated changes in rabbit neutrophils: role of G proteins in excitation response coupling

Addition of pertussis toxin to rabbit neutrophils inhibits the fMet-Leu-Phe- induced increases in Na+ influx and in intracellular pH. In addition, pretreatment of the cells with the toxin inhibits the decrease in the levels of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate and phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate and the enhanced production of phosphatidic acid produced by the chemotactic factor fMet-Leu-Phe. Furthermore, the fMet-Leu-Phe-induced changes in the phosphorylation of a 46-kDa protein and of several other proteins are also inhibited by the toxin. On the other hand, the phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-induced increases in the phosphorylation of several proteins are not inhibited by the toxin. PMA, but not its inactive analogue 4 alpha-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate, was also found to stimulate Na+ influx and to increase the intracellular pH in rabbit neutrophils. These ionic effects, like those produced by fMet-Leu-Phe, are inhibited by amiloride. The stimulated Na+ influx and H+ efflux produced by the phorbol ester, on the other hand, are not inhibited by pertussis toxin. The results reported here suggest that the activity of the Na+/H+ antiport in neutrophils is regulated by protein kinase C; that the G-protein system, either directly or indirectly, is involved in the stimulus-response coupling sequence in these cells; and that the toxin acts at, or prior to, the steps responsible for the activation of phospholipase C, and it does not affect the sequence of reactions initiated by the activation of the protein kinase C.

Effect of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and its analogue 4 alpha-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate on protein phosphorylation and lysosomal enzyme release in rabbit neutrophils

The co-carcinogenic compound phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate but not its inactive analogue 4 alpha-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate causes the phosphorylation of several rabbit neutrophil polypeptides whose molecular weights and isoelectric points (pI) are as follows: Mr = 40,000, pI = 6.4; Mr = 50,000, pI = 4.9; Mr = 55,000, pI = 6.3; Mr = 64,000, pI = 6.0; Mr = 70,000, pI = 5.6; Mr = 90,000, pI = 6.0. Most of these phosphorylated proteins are located exclusively in the cytosol; the 64,000 molecular weight protein is found both in the cytosol and the cytoskeleton, and the 40,000 molecular weight protein is found in the nuclear pellet. The 50,000 molecular weight protein is also phosphorylated in whole cells by the chemotactic peptide fMet-Leu-Phe and in cell-free systems by protein kinase C. Using limited proteolysis, one phosphopeptide fragment was phosphorylated by the three stimuli. In addition, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate but not 4 alpha-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate causes cell aggregation and the exocytotic release of the specific granules of rabbit neutrophils. In contrast, both compounds increase the amount of actin associated with the cytoskeleton. The divalent cation ionophore A23187 at low concentration and the compound phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate act synergistically in causing neutrophil degranulation. Lysosomal enzyme release and the phosphorylation of the 50,000 molecular weight polypeptide produced by phorbl 12-myristate 13-acetate are inhibited by trifluoperazine, and these two responses seem to be causally related. These results are discussed in terms of the role of 1,2-diacylglycerol and activation of protein kinase C in specific granule release from rabbit neutrophils.

Nifedipine inhibits hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction during rest and exercise in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A controlled double-blind study

To determine whether nifedipine reduces pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance index during rest and exercise in patients with hypoxic pulmonary hypertension, we studied 6 clinically stable patients using a randomized, double-blind, crossover design. While patients were hypoxic, nifedipine significantly lowered mean pulmonary artery pressure during rest from (mean +/- SEM) 38 +/- 2 mmHg with placebo to 35 +/- 3 mmHg with nifedipine (p less than 0.01) and during exercise from 63 +/- 4 mmHg with placebo to 51 +/- 3 with nifedipine (p less than 0.01). During hypoxia nifedipine reduced pulmonary vascular resistance index during rest by 27% from 7.84 +/- 0.5 units with placebo to 5.71 +/- 0.6 units with nifedipine (p less than 0.02) and during exercise by 44% from 7.84 +/- 1 units with placebo to 4.37 +/- 1 units with nifedipine (p less than 0.001). Nifedipine when added to low flow oxygen reduced pulmonary vascular resistance index during rest by 16% from 6.15 +/- 0.8 units with oxygen to 5.14 +/- 0.5 units with oxygen plus nifedipine (p less than 0.007) and during exercise by 27% from 5.9 +/- 0.9 units with oxygen to 4.3 +/- 0.7 units with oxygen plus nifedipine (p less than 0.005). On room air nifedipine decreased PaO2 during rest by only 4 +/- 1 mmHg and did not decrease exercise PaO2. During oxygen therapy nifedipine decreased PaO2 during rest by 12 +/- 4 mmHg and during exercise by 8 +/- 3 mmHg. Nifedipine therapy, however, substantially increased oxygen delivery during rest and exercise.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

cAMP, not Ca2+/calmodulin, regulates the phosphorylation of acetylcholine receptor in Torpedo californica electroplax

The regulation of the phosphorylation of the acetylcholine receptor in electroplax membranes from Torpedo californica and of purified acetylcholine receptor was investigated. The phosphorylation of the membrane-bound acetylcholine receptor was not stimulated by Ca2+/calmodulin, nor was it inhibited by EGTA, but it was stimulated by the catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase, and was blocked by the protein inhibitor of cAMP-dependent protein kinase. Purified acetylcholine receptor was not phosphorylated by Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase activity in electroplax membranes, nor by partially purified Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases from soluble or particulate fractions from the electroplax. Of the four acetylcholine receptor subunits, termed alpha, beta, gamma and delta, only the gamma- and delta-subunits were phosphorylated by the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (+ cAMP), or by its purified catalytic subunits.

Chemotactic factors induced vimentin phosphorylation in rabbit peritoneal neutrophil

Rabbit peritoneal neutrophils were reacted for 5-10 s with the chemotactic factors, fMet-Leu-Phe or (5S),(12R)-dihydroxy-6,8,11,14-(cis,trans,trans,cis)-eicosatetraenoic acid and then lysed with a solution of Triton X-100 and [gamma-32P]ATP. They showed an enhanced incorporation of 32P in Mr = 60,000- and 67,000-dalton polypeptides compared to control cells treated similarly. Another chemotactic factor, C5a, produced a similar but much lesser effect. The enhancement was not affected by the addition of the purified catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase, the inhibitor of cAMP-dependent protein kinase, or CaCl2, suggesting that the effect was not mediated by a cAMP-dependent or a Ca2+-dependent protein kinase. When analyzed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, the Mr = 60,000 phosphoprotein contained several phosphoproteins with different isoelectric points. The isoelectric point and molecular weight of one of them was similar to those of the intermediate filament protein, vimentin, purified from Chinese hamster ovary cells. Addition of the purified Chinese hamster ovary vimentin and [gamma-32P]ATP to the Triton X-100 lysate of fMet-Leu-Phe-treated neutrophils resulted as an enhanced incorporation of 32P into the vimentin. Addition of fMet-Leu-Phe to 32P-labeled intact neutrophils also enhanced incorporation of 32P into the vimentin of neutrophils. The results suggest that chemotactic factors stimulate vimentin phosphorylation in rabbit neutrophils.

Receptor-mediated activation of a phospholipase A2 in rabbit neutrophil plasma membrane

Using the exogenous substrate [1-14C]oleate-labeled autoclaved Escherichia coli, we have demonstrated that the chemotactic factors fMet-Leu-Phe, complement component C5a, and leukotriene B4 [(5S,12R)-dihydroxy-6-cis,8-trans,11-trans,14-cis-icosatetraenoic acid] stimulate a phospholipase A2 of isolated plasma membranes of rabbit peritoneal neutrophils. Each of the chemotactic factors shows a biphasic concentration dependence with the optimal concentrations occurring at 1, 10, and 0.1 nM, respectively. The specific antagonists of fMet-Leu-Phe binding, carbobenzoxy-Phe-Met and t-butoxycarbonyl-Phe-Leu-Phe, effectively block the stimulation by fMet-Leu-Phe, indicating that the activation is receptor mediated. delta 6-trans-leukotriene [(5S-12R)-dihydroxy-all-trans-6,8,10,14-icosatetraenoic acid], a biologically inactive stereoisomer of leukotriene B4, does not stimulate phospholipase activity, suggesting that the enhancement by leukotriene B4 is also receptor mediated. The unstimulated and activated phospholipase exhibit a broad range of maximal activity between pH 7.0 and pH 8.5, both with an optimal pH of 8.5. The activation of the phospholipase by fMet-Leu-Phe is completely calcium dependent; no increase in activity is demonstrable if fMet-Leu-Phe is added in the absence of exogenous calcium or in the presence of EGTA. In contrast, the unstimulated plasma membrane activity of the phospholipase, as well as the activity arising after stimulation, is relatively insensitive to the concentration of calcium, being inhibited by less than 50% in the presence of 10 mM EGTA. The phospholipase hydrolyzes 1-[1-14C]palmitoyl-2-acyl-sn-glycerophosphoethanolamine to form only radioactive lysophosphatidylethanolamine as the product, indicating that the enzyme has an A2 specificity.

Cyclic AMP receptor protein and cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase activity in rabbit peritoneal neutrophils

The cAMP receptor protein and cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity in rabbit peritoneal neutrophils have been identified. The cAMP receptor protein in either the plasma membrane or cytosol fractions, identified by photoaffinity labeling with 8-N3-[32P]cAMP, has an apparent molecular weight of 54,000. The cytosol and membrane receptor proteins have apparent dissociation constants for 8-N3-[32P]cAMP of 0.20 microM and 0.06 microM, respectively. The molecular weight and dissociation constant for 8-N3-[32P]cAMP of this cAMP receptor protein are similar to what has been known for RII, the regulatory subunit of the type II cAMP-dependent protein kinase. Unlike the human neutrophils, no evidence of RI activity was detected. cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity was identified by using histone as a substrate. Subcellular fractionation studies showed that the cAMP receptor protein and the cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity are most enriched in the cytosol fraction.

Endogenous substrates for cyclic AMP-dependent and calcium-dependent protein phosphorylation in rabbit peritoneal neutrophils

As in other cells, cAMP-dependent (protein kinase A) and calcium-dependent protein kinases are present in the rabbit peritoneal neutrophil. The major substrates for protein kinase A in the cytosol of rabbit peritoneal neutrophil is a 43 kDa protein which appears to be actin (pI 5.7). The other substrates for protein kinase A in the cytosol are very acidic proteins with molecular weights of 135000 (pI 4.6) and 130 000 (pI 4.8). Two classes of calcium-dependent protein kinases are present in the rabbit peritoneal neutrophil: one is calcium, calmodulin-dependent, the other is calcium, phosphatidylserine-dependent. Phosphatidylserine appears to be much more effective than calmodulin in stimulating calcium-dependent protein kinase activity. The phospholipid-sensitive, calcium-dependent protein kinase (protein kinase C), present only in the cytosol fraction, exhibits much higher activity than the cAMP-dependent protein kinase from the same source. At least four substrates (Mr 130 000 (pI 4.6) 43 000 (pI 4.8), 41 000 (pI 6.3) and 34 000) of the protein kinase C in the cytosol were identified. Trifluoperazine, a compound which inhibits the degranulation, aggregation and stimulated oxygen consumption of rabbit peritoneal neutrophils. (Alobaidi, T., Naccache, P.H. and Sha'afi, R.I. (1981) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 675, 316-321), also inhibits the activity of protein kinase C. The possible role of cAMP-dependent and calcium-dependent phosphorylation system in neutrophil function is discussed.

The photoaffinity probe 8-N3[alpha-32P]ATP labels the ATP-binding sites of rabbit neutrophil and skeletal muscle actin

8-Azido-[alpha-32P]ATP (8-N3-ATP) was used as a photoaffinity label for ATP binding sites in the subcellular fractions of rabbit peritoneal neutrophils. The radioactive 8-N3-ATP was specifically incorporated into one major protein of 43 kDa. The isoelectric point, molecular mass and subcellular distribution of this labeled protein closely resemble those of the actin. 8-N3-[alpha-32P]ATP was further tested as a photoaffinity label for the ATP binding site in the purified rabbit skeletal muscle G-actin. The radioactive 8-N3-ATP was specifically incorporated into the actin band in SDS-polyacrylamide gel. The results indicate that 8-N3-ATP can be used as a photoaffinity label for actin.

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A simple and rapid assay for measuring radiolabeled ligand binding to purified plasma membranes

A simple, rapid assay for measuring radiolabeled ligand binding to purified plasma membranes was developed. In this assay, membrane proteins and ligand are mixed atop a nonmiscible silicone oil (density = 1.029 g/cm3) and incubated to establish equilibrium. The membrane proteins and bound ligand are then rapidly separated (30-60 s) from unbound ligand by centrifugation at 100,000g in a Beckman airfuge. A small amount of unbound ligand is contained in the pellet as extramembranous fluid so that the bound and free ligand remain essentially in equilibrium. Thus, this binding assay is suitable for the characterization of low-affinity (Kd greater than 10(-8) M) binding sites with rapid dissociation rate constants. In addition, measurements and comparisons of the binding of the synthetic chemotactic peptide formylnorleucyl-leucyl-[3H]phenylanine to purified rabbit neutrophil membranes have been made using the silicone oil centrifugation assay and a filtration binding assay. The results of these experiments illustrate the problems and potential errors associated with nonequilibrium binding assays and emphasize the advantage of using the silicone oil centrifugation binding assay.

The formylpeptide chemotactic receptor on rabbit peritoneal neutrophils. I. Evidence for two binding sites with different affinities

F Met-Leu-[3H]Phe and f Nle-Leu-[3H]Phe binding to rabbit peritoneal neutrophils and purified membranes were measured at 4 degrees C silicone oil centrifugation assays, and the results were analyzed by the LIGAND computer program, which permits analysis of ligand binding to multiple classes of binding sites. LIGAND analysis of peptide binding to intact neutrophil indicated that both f Met-Leu-[3H]Phe and f Nle-Leu-[3H]Phe detected two population of binding sites. The apparent Kd values for f Met-Leu-[3H]Phe binding were 1.6 +/- 1.0 X 10(-9) M and 2.2 +/- 0.9 X 10(-8) M, respectively, and 3.1 +/- 0.2 X 10(-9) M and 1.2 +/- 0.6 X 10(-7) M for f Nle-Leu-[3H]Phe. Furthermore, the higher affinity sites detected on whole cells comprised approximately 15 to 30% of the total sites. Two populations of binding sites were also detected on purified neutrophil plasma membranes by both radiolabeled chemotactic peptides. LIGAND analysis of peptide binding to purified membranes yielded apparent Kd values of 5.0 +/- 2.5 X 10(-10) M and 4.8 +/- 0.6 X 10(-8) M for f Met-Leu-[3H]Phe binding, and 4.7 +/- 4.2 X 10(-10) M and 3.0 +/- 1.3 X 10(-8) M for f Nle-Leu-[3H]Phe. The percentage of higher affinity sites detected by f Met-Leu-[3H]Phe and f Nle-Leu-[3H]Phe on purified membranes were 1 to 5% of the total sites detected. These data are consistent either with the existence of two independent binding sites for formylpeptides on rabbit neutrophils or receptor negative cooperativity.

The formylpeptide chemotactic receptor on rabbit peritoneal neutrophils. I. Evidence for two binding sites with different affinities

F Met-Leu-[3H]Phe and f Nle-Leu-[3H]Phe binding to rabbit peritoneal neutrophils and purified membranes were measured at 4 degrees C silicone oil centrifugation assays, and the results were analyzed by the LIGAND computer program, which permits analysis of ligand binding to multiple classes of binding sites. LIGAND analysis of peptide binding to intact neutrophil indicated that both f Met-Leu-[3H]Phe and f Nle-Leu-[3H]Phe detected two population of binding sites. The apparent Kd values for f Met-Leu-[3H]Phe binding were 1.6 +/- 1.0 X 10(-9) M and 2.2 +/- 0.9 X 10(-8) M, respectively, and 3.1 +/- 0.2 X 10(-9) M and 1.2 +/- 0.6 X 10(-7) M for f Nle-Leu-[3H]Phe. Furthermore, the higher affinity sites detected on whole cells comprised approximately 15 to 30% of the total sites. Two populations of binding sites were also detected on purified neutrophil plasma membranes by both radiolabeled chemotactic peptides. LIGAND analysis of peptide binding to purified membranes yielded apparent Kd values of 5.0 +/- 2.5 X 10(-10) M and 4.8 +/- 0.6 X 10(-8) M for f Met-Leu-[3H]Phe binding, and 4.7 +/- 4.2 X 10(-10) M and 3.0 +/- 1.3 X 10(-8) M for f Nle-Leu-[3H]Phe. The percentage of higher affinity sites detected by f Met-Leu-[3H]Phe and f Nle-Leu-[3H]Phe on purified membranes were 1 to 5% of the total sites detected. These data are consistent either with the existence of two independent binding sites for formylpeptides on rabbit neutrophils or receptor negative cooperativity.

Purification and characterization of protein IIIb, a mammalian brain phosphoprotein

The phosphorylation of a 55,000-dalton protein (Protein IIIb) present in mammalian brain was previously shown to be increased by depolarizing agents in the presence of calcium, by cyclic nucleotides, and by appropriate neurotransmitters. We now report that Protein IIIb has been purified 660-fold to near homogeneity and partially characterized. The hydrodynamic properties of the purified protein indicate that it exists as an elongated monomer. cAMP-dependent protein kinase catalyzes the incorporation of 0.82 mol of phosphate into serine/mol of protein. The protein is heterogeneous in isoelectric focusing, exhibiting multiple forms with isoelectric points ranging in pH from 6.6 to 7.3.

Recent progress in the treatment of portwine staining by argon laser: some observations on the prognostic value of relative spectro-reflectance (RSR) and the histological classification of the lesions

Over a period of more than three years 1264 patients with a portwine stain have been treated by argon laser. This form of therapy is more effective and worthwhile than the other procedures we have used in the past. The histological classification of the various types of portwine stain and the measurements of Spectro-reflectance (RSR) obtained by the spectrophotometric colour difference meter (Murakami) provide valuable and reliable prognostic criteria for this form of treatment.

Physical facilities of medical school libraries in the United States, 1966-1975: a statistical review

This paper, based on information received from a questionnaire to which 107 of the present 114 medical school libraries in the U.S. responded, shows the vast growth and expansion of such libraries. The 86 libraries which have been built, expanded, under construction of planned during 1966-1975 represent the greatest expansion in the history of medical school libraries. This "decade of revolution" can be attributed to the evergrowing resources, primary users, and services discussed in this paper. The survey results can also be useful to those institutions planning or remodelling such library facilities in the near future.