Stimulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase by thyrotropin in astrocytes

We have recently reported the expression of the thyrotropin (TSH) receptor and the stimulation by TSH of type-II iodothyronine 5'-deiodinase in astrocytes. In these cells, TSH stimulated arachidonate release, but neither cAMP production, nor phosphatidylinositolbisphosphate hydrolysis, as described in the human thyroid gland. Here we report, in contrast to a recent observation made in dog thyroid cells, that TSH stimulates mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAP kinase) in astrocytes. Indeed, TSH increases the tyrosine phosphorylation of the two isoforms of MAP kinase expressed in these cells, in correlation with both a slower electrophoretic migration of the tyrosine phosphorylated species and an enhanced enzymic activity measured on a specific substrate peptide. This stimulation of MAP kinase by TSH was specifically inhibited by incubation of astrocytes in the presence of human blocking anti-(TSH receptor) IgG, and by immunoprecipitation of TSH with monoclonal anti-TSH IgG. In astrocytes, TSH was neither mitogenic by itself, nor modified significantly the basic-fibroblast-growth-factor-induced mitogenesis. The stimulation of MAP kinase by TSH was not affected by treatment with pertussis toxin, suggesting guanine-nucleotide-binding-regulatory protein i/o was not implicated in this TSH effect. Our model will allow the study of the stimulation of MAP kinase by TSH without interference either from cAMP or from phosphoinositide signalling pathways.

Non-hypertensive deoxycorticosterone-salt treatment accelerates atherosclerosis progression in Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic rabbit

Epidemiological studies have indicated that hypertension enhances the development of atherosclerosis in patients with lipid disorders. However, it was still unclear whether this promoting effect resulted only from hemodynamic changes or whether part of it was mediated by humoral or neurogenic factors independent of blood pressure alteration. The aim of this study was to determine whether mineralocorticoids, which are known to be involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension, could be implicated in the atherosclerotic process independent of pressure changes. For this purpose, the effect of deoxycorticosterone (DOCA, 200 mg/kg s.c.) on aortic atherosclerosis was studied in Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic (WHHL) rabbits in comparison with New Zealand rabbits. After 4 weeks of treatment, DOCA significantly increased the size of atherosclerotic lesions in the arch and thoracic aorta (+115%) in parallel with the aortic cholesterol ester content (+83%). The vascular free cholesterol and triglyceride content remained unchanged on DOCA treatment, as were arterial pressure and plasma cholesterol levels. None of these effects was observed in New Zealand rabbits. DOCA did not accentuate the alteration of endothelial function usually found in WHHL rabbits. The sensitivity to serotonin was not altered, but the maximal contraction to this agonist was decreased in both strains by mineralocorticoid treatment.

12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) counteracts the cAMP up-regulation of the expression of the stimulatory guanine nucleotide binding protein (Gs alpha) and Gs alpha messenger RNA in cultured pig thyroid cells

In this study, we examined whether the protein kinase C (PKC) pathway could interfere with the regulation of Gs protein in porcine thyroid cells. The two days culture of cells with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) (0.1 microM) alone neither affected adenylyl cyclase activity, nor the level of Gs alpha protein in membranes when compared with control cells. The co-addition of TPA with thyrotropin (TSH) (1 mU/ml) or forskolin (fk) (10 microM) in the culture medium, abolished the stimulatory effects of either agonists on the activation of adenylyl cyclase by fk or [AlF4]- and on the increase of Gs alpha protein. By contrast, TPA had effects neither on the Gi-dependent inhibition of adenylyl cyclase nor on Gi alpha proteins levels. The level of Gs alpha mRNA measured by Northern blot analysis was increased (200%) in TSH- or fk-treated cells and this increase was counteracted by TPA. The effects of TPA observed after 6-9 h of contact with cells were mimicked by mezerezin, a non-phorbol protein kinase C activator and blocked by bisindolylmaleimide a specific protein kinase C inhibitor (GF 109203X). These results suggest that the activation of the PKC pathway prevents the cAMP-dependent up-regulation of Gs alpha protein and Gs alpha mRNA expression.

Cyclic AMP regulation of messenger RNA level of the stimulatory GTP-binding protein Gs alpha. Isoproterenol, forskolin and 8-bromoadenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate increase the level of Gs alpha mRNA in cultured astroglial cells

The existence of a cAMP-dependent regulation of the expression of the alpha-subunit of the stimulatory guanine nucleotide-binding protein (Gs) in a well characterized astroglial cells culture was established. The culture of astroglial cells for 3-6 h with isoproterenol (10 microM) or forskolin (10 microM) (a cAMP-inducing agent) increased (200-400%) the response of adenylylcyclase to agents which bypass the receptor; GTP, GTP[S] or forskolin. For prolonged exposure times (15 h or more) to isoproterenol or forskolin, the adenylycyclase activity decreased to the value observed in control cells. The same biphasic response of adenylylcyclase to isoproterenol (10 microM) plus GTP (10 microM) occurred in membrane fractions from cells cultured with forskolin, whereas a diminished response to isoproterenol was observed in isoproterenol-treated cells, indicating that the beta-adrenergic receptor was desensitized. To understand the molecular mechanism of these phenomena, we measured the levels of the alpha subunits of the guanine-nucleotide binding protein (Gs and Gi) by Western-blot analysis. The culture of astroglial cells with isoproterenol or forskolin (3-24 h) resulted in a transient increase of both the Gs alpha and the Gi alpha protein levels, while the level of G beta subunits was unaffected. We also identified Gs alpha protein (about 40% of the total cellular protein) in the supernatant fraction of astroglial cells but its level was not modified by the stimulation of cells by forskolin. The level of Gs alpha mRNA measured by Northern-blot analysis was transiently increased (200%) after stimulation of astroglial cells with isoproterenol or forskolin for an incubation period of 6-9 h, then returned to that of control cells for longer period of time. In addition, the Gs alpha mRNA level was threefold increased when cells were cultured for 2-6 h with 8-bromoadenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (10 microM), a permeant analogue of cAMP. These results indicate that cAMP induces a time-dependent increase of Gs alpha mRNA. The half-life of Gs alpha protein and Gs alpha mRNA were determined. Pulse-chase studies revealed that the decay of Gs alpha protein was clearly biphasic with an early phase (5-6 h) and a slower second phase (20-25 h) but the treatment of cells with forskolin did not accelerate or slow down the turnover of Gs alpha protein.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Evidence for cAMP-independent thyrotropin effects on astroglial cells

Thyroid hormones are essential for normal brain development and function. Brain astroglial cells express type II iodothyronine 5'-deiodinase which converts thyroxine into 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine. This type II deiodinase is regulated through various signalling pathways, allowing probably for the local adaptation of the level of 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine. Our results demonstrated that thyrotropin was able to induce type II deiodinase activity in astrocytes. A thyrotropin receptor was demonstrated. It was not coupled, as in thyroid, to adenylyl cyclase and phospholipase C, but it stimulated cytosolic phospholipase A2. The stimulation by thyrotropin of both thyroxine synthesis in thyroid and its local activation in astrocytes, could protect the brain from variations in the level of 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine.

Bilateral optic neuropathy and white dot syndrome following a mycoplasmal infection

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Modification of the amounts of G proteins and of the activity of adenylyl cyclase in human benign thyroid tumours

The possibility that a TSH post-receptor-binding defect is responsible for the pathogenesis of benign thyroid tumours was studied. Thus, we attempted to determine in hyperfunctioning (hot) nodules and non-functioning (cold) nodules whether the functional activity or the amount of G proteins were modified in comparison with surrounding normal tissues. The adenylyl cyclase response to agonists that bypass the TSH-receptor complex (forskolin, guanosine 5'- (beta.gamma-imido)triphosphate (Gpp(NH)p) or [AIF4]-) was studied on membranes from tumorous and adjacent normal thyroid tissues. We also examined the ability of G proteins to be ADP-ribosylated by cholera toxin (CT) or pertussis toxin (PT), and quantified G proteins by Western blot analysis with specific antisera directed against Gs alpha and Gi alpha subunits. Basal adenylyl cyclase activity was unchanged in hot tumours compared with normal tissue whereas the stimulation of adenylyl cyclase by Gpp(NH)p or [A1F4]- (which act directly on Gs) as well as by forskolin (which acts on the catalyst) was significantly (P less than 0.05) decreased in five of seven nodules studied. Two types of response were found in cold nodules, depending upon whether they were microfollicular or macrofollicular tumours. Basal as well as stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity was increased (0.02 less than P less than 0.05) in microfollicular tumours. In contrast, in macrofollicular tumours basal adenylyl cyclase was unchanged whereas stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity was decreased (0.02 less than P less than 0.05). The ability of Gs or Gi to be ADP-ribosylated by CT or PT respectively was maintained in tumorous tissue.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Autocrine biological effects of glycosyl inositol phosphate produced by reconstituted pig thyroid follicles: role of pertussis toxin sensitive G proteins

We examine the autocrine activity of glycosyl inositol phosphate (InP-gly) on thyroid metabolism. The cAMP accumulation promoted by thyrotropin (TSH) or forskolin was modulated by InP-gly, stimulated by the lowest tested concentration (10(-8) M) and progressively inhibited by higher concentrations. Iodide uptake and iodine organification were decreased in a concentration-dependent manner by InP-gly alone, or in the presence of TSH. The IAP component of pertussis toxin blocked the inhibitory action of InP-gly on cAMP accumulation by reconstituted thyroid follicles (RTF), suggesting the participation of Gi protein. But the same treatment with IAP was without effect on iodine metabolism, suggesting that there is a second target for InP-gly, more distal than Gi protein, or coupled to another G protein which is insensitive to the toxin.

Alkaline phosphatase prevents platelet stimulation by thromboxane-mimetics

1. The effects of alkaline phosphatase on platelet aggregation, secretion and thromboxane B2 (TxB2) generation induced by the full dose-range of common platelet agonists were studied in human platelet-rich plasma and washed platelets. 2. Platelet aggregation and adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) secretion induced by threshold and supramaximal concentrations of arachidonate and stable TxA2 and prostaglandin endoperoxide-mimetics (compounds U46619 and EP171) were abolished in the presence of alkaline phosphatase (0.5-1 u ml-1), even though the synthesis of TxB2 persisted. In contrast, platelet aggregation by PAF-acether and by supramaximal concentrations of thrombin as well as the primary wave of aggregation by adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and adrenaline were unaffected by alkaline phosphatase under conditions where the secondary wave of aggregation by ADP was blocked. 3. Alkaline phosphatase, unlike prostacyclin, failed to raise the adenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic AMP) content of the platelets. Also, the pretreatment of platelets by inorganic phosphate or by ATP plus creatine phosphate/creatine phosphokinase reversed the inhibitory effect of alkaline phosphatase. 4. Experiments performed in the guinea-pig in vivo showed that alkaline phosphatase was effective on thrombocytopenia induced by arachidonate. 5. Our results provide the first direct evidence for a specific inhibitory effect of alkaline phosphatase at a site sensitive to TxA2 and prostaglandin endoperoxides and suggest that its phosphorylation/dephosphorylation state may play an important role in modulating platelet activation. These results also suggest the presence of ecto-protein kinases on membrane platelets.

The effect of glycosyl inositol-phosphate on cAMP production in isolated rat fat-cells is transduced by a pertussis toxin sensitive G-protein

In fat-cells, insulin increases synergistically the inhibitory effects of adenosine and prostaglandin E2 on adenylyl cyclase activity. When the endogenous production of these feedback inhibitors is suppressed, insulin is no more active in conditions where glycosyl inositol-phosphate which is a putative mediator of its action, is always efficient. Moreover, glycosyl inositol-phosphate signal is transduced by a G protein sensitive to IAP intoxication.

Alteration of the functional activity of Gs protein in thyrotropin-desensitized pig thyroid cells

Changes in the sensitivity of adenylyl cyclase observed in pig thyroid cells cultured 2 days in the presence of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) or forskolin were assessed by examining the properties of Gs protein. Chronic treatment of thyroid cells with various concentrations of TSH (0.01-1 mU/ml) or forskolin (0.1-10 microM) increased the response of adenylyl cyclase to a further stimulation by forskolin or NaF + AlCl3 ([AlF4]-). In contrast, the enzyme activation promoted by guanosine 5'-(beta,gamma-imido) triphosphate (Gpp(NH)p) was markedly affected. There was a significant increase in adenylyl cyclase activation by Gpp(NH)p in membranes from cells treated with low concentrations of TSH (less than or equal to 0.1 mU/ml) or forskolin (less than or equal to 1 microM) but a significant decrease in membranes from cells cultured with a higher concentration of TSH (1 mU/ml) or forskolin (10 microM). This decrease in Gpp(NH)p-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity was mimicked by 8-bromo-cAMP but not by 1,9-dideoxyforskolin, a forskolin analogue which has lost its ability to activate adenylyl cyclase. There was a good correlation with the ability of Gs protein to be ADP-ribosylated by cholera toxin: labeling of Gs protein decreased following chronic treatment of thyroid cells with TSH (1 mU/ml) or forskolin (10 microM). In contrast, under the same experimental culture conditions a slight but significant increase in the quantity of Gs subunits was observed by immunoblotting analysis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Glycosyl phosphatidylinositol in thyroid: cell signalling or protein anchor?

During the last 10 years, attention has been focused on the stimulation by various agonists of the hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol bis-phosphate into the second messengers inositol tris-phosphate and diacylglycerol. Two other aspects of the metabolism of phosphoinositides were therefore not paid sufficient attention. The first one was the release by insulin of a glycosyl inositol-phosphate from a glycosyl phosphatidylinositol, the hydrosoluble product being able to reproduce some of the hormone effects; the second was the discovery that several membrane proteins were anchored via a glycosyl phosphatidylinositol. For over 20 years, we have been interested in the effect of thyreostimulin (TSH) on the turnover of phosphatidylinositol in pig thyrocyte. As this effect did not seem to result from the hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol bis-phosphate we explored another possibility, the synthesis of glycosyl inositol-phosphate. We have shown that, in cultured pig thyrocytes, TSH stimulates the release of the polar head of a glycosyl phosphatidylinositol. This soluble glycosyl inositol-phosphate which acts as insulin on adipocyte, modulates the cAMP accumulation and iodine metabolism in thyrocytes and could be held responsible for the cAMP independent effects of TSH. However, we do not yet know if there is a link between the glycosyl phosphatidylinositol sensitive to TSH and the anchor membrane protein. To date, the amount of 2 of these proteins: NAD glyco-hydrolase in thyroid cell membranes and heparan sulfate proteoglycan have been shown to be increased by TSH treatment of thyroid cells.

Cyclic AMP regulation of Gs protein. Thyrotropin and forskolin increase the quantity of stimulatory guanine nucleotide-binding proteins in cultured thyroid follicles

This study was carried out to clarify the way in which thyrotropin (TSH) and forskolin regulate the adenylylcyclase complex in thyroid follicle cells. We examined the effects of chronic treatment of pig thyroid follicles with TSH or forskolin on the state of G proteins by (a) assaying adenylylcyclase activity, (b) analyzing the ADP-ribosylation of stimulatory G protein (Gs) by cholera toxin, and (c) quantifying the Gs subunits by Western blotting with antipeptide antibodies. Chronic exposure (18 h) of thyroid follicles to a low concentration of TSH (0.01-0.1 milliunit/ml) enhanced the subsequent response of adenylylcyclase to TSH. Higher concentration of TSH (1 milliunit/ml) induced a homologous desensitization of this response. In cells pretreated with forskolin, the TSH-stimulated adenylylcyclase activity was higher than in control cells. The forskolin-or guanosine 5'-(beta, gamma-imido) triphosphate (Gpp(NH)p)-stimulated adenylylcyclase activity was always significantly increased after chronic treatment of cells with TSH or forskolin. Treatment of cultured thyroid follicle membranes with [32P]NAD and cholera toxin resulted in labeling of the Gs alpha (45-52-kDa) component. Culturing follicles with TSH (0.001-1 milliunit/ml) or forskolin (0.01-10 microM) greatly affected the cholera toxin-mediated ADP-ribosylation of the Gs alpha subunit. Gs alpha labeling increased progressively to level off at 1 milliunit/ml TSH or 1 microM forskolin (150-200%). Gs alpha immunoreactivity was increased in parallel (200-300%). The immunoreactivity of G beta subunits in cells cultured with TSH or forskolin was also increased compared with control cells. Cycloheximide abolished the effects of TSH and forskolin on the follicles, suggesting that new protein synthesis is required. These results indicate that Gs protein subunits are up-regulated by TSH and forskolin and suggest that their synthesis in thyroid cells is mediated, at least in part, by a cyclic AMP-dependent mechanism.

Control by thyrotropin of the production by thyroid cells of an inositol phosphate-glycan

The increased turnover of phosphatidylinositol promoted by thyrotropin (TSH) in pig thyroid tissue does not seem to be caused by an increased production of inositol tris-phosphate. We have explored another possibility, the synthesis of an inositol phosphate-glycan (IP-gly). Our results show that thyroid cells in culture produced this substance from a precursor phosphatidylinositol-glycan (Gly-PI). The obtained IP-gly seemed, by its analytical and biological properties, to be identical, or similar, to the previously described insulin mediator.

[Iatrogenic femoral pseudo-aneurysm. Analysis of the causes, diagnosis and treatment. Study of 12,248 arterial catheterizations]

Pseudoaneurysm is a classical but unusual complication of femoral catheterism. 22 cases are reviewed: 19 occurred after coronarography, 2 after peripheral percutaneous angioplasty and only one after a renal diagnostic arteriography. In all cases, the diagnosis of the pseudoaneurysm was established by I.V. D.S.A. 2 different medical teams are distinguished: the first using small catheters (4 and 5 F), the second using larger catheters (7 and 8 F) which are more aggressive. Two factors allow to avoid this complication: the diameter of the catheter and a correct compression dressing. The treatment of this complication, usually surgical, consisted in a simple manual percutaneous compression in 3 patients.

Induction of type II 5'-deiodinase activity in cultured rat astroglial cells by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate: dependence on glucocorticoids

The effect of an activator of protein kinase C, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), on the 5'-deiodinase (5'D) activity was studied in rat astroglial cells cultured in chemically defined medium. TPA promoted a large increase in the type II 5'D activity, which was maximal 5-10 h after addition of TPA and then declined to the basal level at 24 h. The optimal TPA concentration was 10(-7) M. TPA and 8-Br-cAMP, an other inducer of 5'D activity were antagonist. Otherwise, TPA stimulated 5'D activity only in the presence of glucocorticoids at concentrations from 10(-8) M to 10(-4) M. Glucocorticoids alone induced a slight increase in 5'D activity. These data indicate that protein kinase C contributes to the control of 5'D activity in astroglial cells and that its action is dependent on glucocorticoids.

Activation of S6 kinase in astroglial cells by FGFa and FGFb

Basic (b) and acidic (a) forms of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) promoted a rapid increase of the cytosolic S6 kinase activity in astroglial cells. S6 kinase activity was maximal 10 min after addition of the factors to cell cultures and remained at this level for at least 30 min. Half-activation of the enzyme was obtained with 3 ng/ml FGFa. Heparin (100 micrograms/ml) potentiated the response to suboptimal concentrations of FGFa. This growth factor appeared to stimulate an astroglial S6 kinase resembling that stimulated by insulin, IGF1, TPA and cAMP. Although FGFb is more potent than FGFa in stimulating proliferation of Chinese hamster lung fibroblasts (CCL39), it was not more efficient than FGFa in stimulating the S6 kinase activity of astroglial cells.

Properties of the 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-stimulated S6 kinase from rat astroglial cells

The S6 kinase activity of astroglial cells in primary culture stimulated by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) has been studied. This activity was eluted as a single peak at 0.15 M NaCl from a DEAE-Sephacel column. The chromatography of this peak on phosphocellulose revealed an activity eluted at 0.15 M NaCl. This partially purified enzyme had a sedimentation coefficient of 3.7S; Km values were 2 X 10(-5) M for ATP and 10(-6) M for 40S ribosomal subunits. The optimal Mg2+ concentration requirement was 2-3 mM. Mn2+ and Co2+ could substitute for Mg2+ (optimum concentrations 1.5 and 0.8 mM, respectively), but these cations were strong inhibitors in the presence of Mg2+. The enzyme was inhibited by N-ethylmaleimide, indicating that it contained thiol groups. This S6 kinase used ATP, but not GTP, as a phosphate donor, and exhibited great specificity for S6 as phosphate acceptor. Whole histones and protamine were slightly phosphorylated whereas phosvitin, histone H1, and surprisingly the peptide Arg-Arg-Leu-Ser-Ser-Leu-Arg-Ala were not phosphorylated. The TPA-stimulated S6 kinase resembles the insulin-, fibroblast growth factor- and cyclic AMP-stimulated enzymes, suggesting that several pathways might activate the same entity.

Purification and characterization of phospholipase A2 inhibitory proteins from pig thyroid gland

A 32 kDa phospholipase A2 inhibitory protein was isolated from pig thyroid gland after calcium precipitation and fast protein liquid anion-exchange chromatography. SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed the purity of the protein. The protein activity was assessed by the inhibition of pancreatic phospholipase A2 on [3H]oleic acid-labelled Escherichia coli membranes as substrate and on the prostaglandin E2 production of cultured thyroid cells. The amino acid composition and the isoelectric point were quite similar to those of endonexin previously described in other tissues or cells. The cross-reactivity of a polyclonal antibody against a 32 kDa lipocortin from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells with our thyroidal 32 kDa protein confirmed its lipocortin nature. Before the purification by fast protein liquid chromatography, the Ca2+ pellet contained lipocortin I (35 kDa and its core protein 33 kDa) identified by its cross-reactivity with a polyclonal antibody.

Phorbol ester prevents the thyroid-stimulating-hormone-induced but not the forskolin-induced decrease of cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity in thyroid cell cultures

The potent tumor promoter 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol 13-acetate (TPA) affects several thyroid cell functions and interacts with thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) either by inhibiting or potentiating its action on different cellular parameters. Since phorbol ester acts mainly through the activation of protein kinase C, which is its receptor, we studied this activation and its interaction with TSH and forskolin in suspension cultures of porcine thyroid cells. In thyroid cell cultures, TPA has a dual effect on protein kinase C activity: immediately (2-5 min) after exposure of cells to TPA, it began to be translocated from the cytosol to the particulate fraction. The transfer of the cytosolic enzyme was total and could occur with or without a loss of activity. The translocated enzyme still needed Ca2+ and phospholipids for its activation. The basal activity increased transiently (2-4 h) in both the cytosol and particulate fractions during translocation. The peak activity in the particulate fraction was reached 10-30 min after exposure of cells to TPA, and was followed by down-regulation of protein kinase C and almost complete disappearance of its activity. The residual activity was about 13% of control after a 2-day exposure to TPA. It was unequally distributed between cytosol (4%) and particulate fraction (9%). Prolonged exposure of cells to TPA did not affect either the activity or the subcellular distribution of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity. TPA interacted with TSH and prevented the decrease of this activity induced by prolonged exposure of cells to the hormone not only when it was introduced simultaneously with TSH, but also when it was added 24 h after TSH. However, the forskolin-induced decrease in cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity was not prevented by the presence of TPA. TPA also affected the increases in cAMP accumulation mediated by TSH and forskolin. The TSH-induced increase was significantly stimulated by TPA after short contacts (5-15 min), while longer preincubations of cells with TPA provoked a very strong inhibition of the TSH action. However, the forskolin-induced stimulation of the cAMP accumulation was maintained and even further increased in the presence of TPA. Consequently, the actions of TSH and TPA are apparently interdependent, while those of forskolin and TPA seem to be parallel and independent. Neither TSH nor forskolin prevented the TPA-induced down regulation of protein kinase C. The biologically inactive phorbol ester analogue 4 alpha-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate had no effect on protein kinase C activity, and did not interact with either TSH or forskolin.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Activation of an S6 kinase from rat astroglial cells by cAMP

Forskolin and isoproterenol, agonists of adenylate cyclase activity, and dibutyryl cyclic AMP, stimulated an S6 kinase activity in astroglial cells. This activity was insensitive to the thermostable inhibitor of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase and had the same behaviour on a DEAE-Sephacel column as the mitogen stimulated S6 kinase. These observations support the idea that the cyclic AMP cascade, as well as various growth factors, can activate S6 kinase.