Effect of polychlorinated biphenyls on production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in rat synaptosomes

In this paper the effect of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in rat synaptosomes is elucidated. The effect of methylmercury (MeHg) on rat synaptosomes was included as a positive control since several studies have investigated the ability of this substance to produce ROS. The exposure of the synaptosomes to the congener 2,2-dichlorobiphenyl (2, 2'-DCB; 12.5 microM) produced a linear increase in the formation of 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein (DCF) as a measure for the production of ROS. The congeners 2,2'-DCB (12.5 microM) and 3,3'-DCB (12.5 microM) stimulated, as expression of ROS production, a significant increase in DCF formation formation compared to the control. The congeners 2-chlorobiphenyl (2-CB) and 2,2',6-trichlorobiphenyl (2,2,6'-TCB) were active at 50 microM, whereas 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl (2,2',4,4',5,5'-HCB), 4,4'-DCB and 2,2',6,6'-tetrachlorobiphenyl (2, 2',6,6'-TeCB) were not active at this concentration. The increased formation of ROS in response to 2,2'-DCB and MeHg in the synaptosomes was dependent on extracellular Ca(2+). A phospholipase C inhibitor, U73122, was shown to significantly decrease the ROS formation induced by 2,2'-DCB, but did not reduce the ROS formation induced by MeHg. Ethanol (1%), a phospholipase D modulator, reduced the ROS formation induced by MeHg and by 2,2'-DCB by 33 and 52%, respectively. Wortmannin (25 nM), an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, completely inhibited the ROS formation induced by MeHg and 2,2'-DCB. It appears that the ROS-stimulating PCBs are the same congeners found to be neuroactive in other types of study. Phospholipase C and D and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase seem to be involved in the intracellular signalling system that leads to ROS formation during PCB exposure.

Light activation of phospholipase A2 in the photoreceptor of the crayfish (Procambarus clarkii)

Retinal lipids of crayfish, kept at 4 degrees C under continuous darkness for 3 weeks, consisted mainly of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE); sphingomyelin (SM), phosphatidylinositol (PI) and phosphatidylserine (PS) were minor contributors. PI, involved in the phototransduction cascade, never reached greater concentrations than 7% of the total. High concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) such as 20:4n-6, 20:5n-3 and 22:6n-3 (DHA, docosahexaenoic acid) were present in PC, PE and PS, but scarce in SM and PI. In retinae of crayfish kept at 4 degrees C in darkness for 3 weeks and then exposed to white light (6 h; ca. 4,500 lx), SM and PS remained seemingly unaffected. PC, however, significantly decreased within 10 min to 65% of the initial value and 50% at 180 min. To study the reduction of PC, lipids of retinae suspended in physiological solution with/without phospholipase C (PLC) and phospholipase A2 (PLA2) inhibitors such as DMDA (= DEDA), manoalide, ET-18-OCH3, and U-73122 were measured. Only free fatty acids (FFA) of retinae with inhibitors of PLA2 like DMDA and manoalide decreased. Retinae irradiated by white light for 3 h displayed a significant reduction of PC, compared with those that had remained in continuous darkness. However, the PC of retinae with PLA2-inhibitors was not decreased by light. Our results provide evidence that not only photoreceptor cell PLC, but also PLA2 is activated by light.

Phospholipase C-linked receptors regulate the ATP-sensitive potassium channel by means of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate metabolism

In the COS7 cells transfected with cDNAs of the Kir6.2, SUR2A, and M(1) muscarinic receptors, we activated the ATP-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channel with a K(+) channel opener and recorded the whole-cell K(ATP) current. The K(ATP) current was reversibly inhibited by the stimulation of the M(1) receptor, which is linked to phospholipase C (PLC) by the G(q) protein. The receptor-mediated inhibition was observed even when protein kinase C (PKC) was inhibited by H-7 or by chelating intracellular Ca(2+) with 10 mM 1, 2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetate (BAPTA) included in the pipette solution. However, the receptor-mediated inhibition was blocked by U-73122, a PLC inhibitor. M(1)-receptor stimulation failed to inhibit the K(ATP) current activated by the injection of exogenous phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP(2)) through the whole-cell patch pipette. The receptor-mediated inhibition became irreversible when the replenishment of PIP(2) was blocked by wortmannin (an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol kinases), or by including adenosine 5'-[beta,gamma-imido]triphosphate (AMPPNP, a nonhydrolyzable ATP analogue) in the pipette solution. In inside-out patch experiments, the ATP sensitivity of the K(ATP) channel was significantly higher when the M(1) receptor in the patch membrane was stimulated by acetylcholine. The stimulatory effect of pinacidil was also attenuated under this condition. We postulate that stimulation of PLC-linked receptors inhibited the K(ATP) channel by increasing the ATP sensitivity, not through PKC activation, but most probably through changing PIP(2) levels.

Nitric oxide activates PKCalpha and inhibits Na+-K+-ATPase in opossum kidney cells

Nitric oxide (NO) reduces the molecular activity of Na+-K+-ATPase in opossum kidney (OK) cells, a proximal tubule cell line. In the present study, we investigated the cellular mechanisms for the inhibitory effect of NO on Na+-K+-ATPase. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a NO donor, inhibited Na+-K+-ATPase in OK cells, but not in LLC-PK1 cells, another proximal tubule cell line. Similarly, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, a protein kinase C (PKC) activator, inhibited Na+-K+-ATPase in OK, but not in LLC-PK1, cells. PKC inhibitors staurosporine or calphostin C, but not the protein kinase G inhibitor KT-5823, abolished the inhibitory effect of NO on Na+-K+-ATPase in OK cells. Immunoblotting demonstrated that treatment with NO donors caused significant translocation of PKCalpha from cytosolic to particulate fractions in OK, but not in LLC-PK1, cells. Furthermore, the translocation of PKCalpha in OK cells was attenuated by either the phospholipase C inhibitor U-73122 or the soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo-[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one. U-73122 also blunted the inhibitory effect of SNP on Na+-K+-ATPase in OK cells. The phospholipase A2 inhibitor AACOCF3 did not blunt the inhibitory effect of SNP on Na+-K+-ATPase in OK cells. AACOCF3 alone, however, also decreased Na+-K+-ATPase activity in OK cells. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that NO activates PKCalpha in OK, but not in LLC-PK1, cells. The activation of PKCalpha in OK cells by NO is associated with inhibition of Na+-K+-ATPase.

Dynamic Ca2+ signalling in rat arterial smooth muscle cells under the control of local renin-angiotensin system

1. We visualized the changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), using fluo-3 as an indicator, in individual smooth muscle cells within intact rat tail artery preparations. 2. On average in about 45 % of the vascular smooth muscle cells we found spontaneous Ca2+ waves and oscillations ( approximately 0.13 Hz), which we refer to here as Ca2+ ripples because the peak amplitude of [Ca2+]i was about one-seventh of that of Ca2+ oscillations evoked by noradrenaline. 3. We also found another pattern of spontaneous Ca2+ transients often in groups of two to three cells. They were rarely observed and are referred to as Ca2+ flashes because their peak amplitude was nearly twice as large as that in noradrenaline-evoked responses. 4. Sympathetic nerve activity was not considered responsible for the Ca2+ ripples, and they were abolished by inhibitors of either the Ca2+ pump in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (cyclopiazonic acid) or phospholipase C (U-73122). 5. Both angiotensin antagonists ([Sar1,Ile8]-angiotensin II and losartan) and an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (captopril) inhibited the Ca2+ ripples. 6. The extracellular Ca2+-dependent tension borne by unstimulated arterial rings was reduced by the angiotensin antagonist by approximately 50 %. 7. These results indicate that the Ca2+ ripples are generated via inositol 1,4, 5-trisphosphate-induced Ca2+ release from the intracellular Ca2+ stores in response to locally produced angiotensin II, which contributes to the maintenance of vascular tone.

Endothelin-1 stimulates heat shock protein 27 induction in osteoblasts: involvement of p38 MAP kinase

We previously reported that endothelin-1 (ET-1) activates p42/p44 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase in osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells and consequently induces synthesis of interleukin-6. In the present study, we investigated the effect of ET-1 on the induction of heat shock protein 27 (HSP 27) in MC3T3-E1 cells. ET-1 time and dose dependently stimulated HSP 27 accumulation. ET-1 induced an increase in the levels of mRNA for HSP 27. Both staurosporine and calphostin C, inhibitors of protein kinase C (PKC), suppressed the ET-1-induced HSP 27 accumulation. 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA), a PKC activator, induced the HSP 27 accumulation and the expression of mRNA for HSP 27. The ET-1-stimulated HSP 27 accumulation was reduced in PKC-downregulated MC3T3-E1 cells. The HSP 27 accumulation by ET-1 was not suppressed by PD-98059, an inhibitor of the upstream kinase that activates p42/p44 MAP kinase. ET-1 or TPA induced the phosphorylation of p38 MAP kinase. SB-203580, an inhibitor of p38 MAP kinase, reduced the ET-1-stimulated HSP 27 accumulation. Calphostin C and U-73122, a phospholipase C inhibitor, suppressed the ET-1-induced phosphorylation of p38 MAP kinase. U-73122 and propranolol, a phosphatidic acid phosphohydrolase inhibitor, reduced the ET-1-stimulated HSP 27 accumulation. SB-203580 suppressed the ET-1-stimulated increase in the mRNA levels for HSP 27. These results strongly suggest that ET-1 stimulates HSP 27 induction in osteoblasts and that p38 MAP kinase activation is involved in the HSP 27 induction.

Urokinase receptor (CD87) aggregation triggers phosphoinositide hydrolysis and intracellular calcium mobilization in mononuclear phagocytes

Leukocytes utilize urokinase receptors (uPAR; CD87) in adhesion, migration, and matrix proteolysis. uPAR aggregate at cell-substratum interfaces and at leading edges of migrating cells, so this study was undertaken to determine whether uPAR aggregation is capable of initiating activation signaling. Monocyte-like U937 cells were labeled with fluo-3-acetoxymethyl ester to quantitate intracellular Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) by spectrofluorometry, and uPAR was aggregated by mAb cross-linking. uPAR aggregation induced highly reproducible increases in [Ca2+]i of 103.0 +/- 10.9 nM (p < 0.0001) and >3-fold increases in cellular d-myoinositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (Ins(1,4,5)P3) levels. Similar increases in [Ca2+]i were also elicited by uPAR aggregation in human monocytes, but cross-linking a control IgG2a had no effect on [Ca2+]i. Selectively cross-linking uPA-occupied uPAR with an anti-uPA mAb produced smaller increases in [Ca2+]i, but fully saturating uPAR with exogenous uPA enhanced the [Ca2+]i response to equal the effect of aggregating uPAR directly. Increased [Ca2+]i was inhibited by thapsigargin, herbimycin A, and U73122, but only partially reduced by low extracellular [Ca2+], indicating that uPAR aggregation increases [Ca2+]i by activating phospholipase C through a tyrosine kinase-dependent mechanism, generating Ins(1,4,5)P3 and releasing Ca2+ from Ins(1,4, 5)P3-sensitive intracellular stores. Cross-linking the beta2 integrin CR3 could not duplicate the effect of uPAR cross-linking, and uPAR-triggered Ca2+ mobilization was not blocked by anti-CR3 mAbs. These results indicate that uPAR aggregation initiates phosphoinositide hydrolysis by mechanisms that are not strictly dependent on associated uPA or CR3.

Effect of bradykinin on tyrosine kinase and phosphatase activities and cell proliferation in mesangial cells

We investigated the relationship between protein tyrosine phosphorylation and bradykinin (BK) receptor activation in rat mesangial cells (MC). Stimulation of the B2 receptor resulted in a dual effect consisting of an independent activation and inhibition of tyrosine kinase activity (TKA). The activation was rapid and transient, reaching a peak value at 30 s whereas the inhibition was observed at 5 min and persisted up to 10 min. Treatments with pertussis-toxin and U73122 showed that only the BK-induced stimulation of TKA is dependent on phospholipase C activation via a pertussis-toxin sensitive G-protein. In addition, BK induced an increase in tyrosine phosphatase activity. Western-blot analysis demonstrated that the dual effect of BK on TKA was associated with both an increase and a decrease in tyrosine phosphorylation of the p125-focal adhesion kinase (FAK). Moreover, BK was able to reduce the maximal stimulated MC cell proliferation induced by fetal calf serum. These data show that in rat MC, B2 receptor stimulation activates and inhibits two independent tyrosine kinase signaling pathways associated with tyrosine phosphorylation of p125-FAK that might be implicated in MC proliferation.

Serotonin-stimulated increase in cytosolic Ca(2+) in cultured rat heart endothelial cells

This study was designed to investigate the effects of serotonin on changes in intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) in cultured rat heart endothelial cells. Serotonin stimulated a biphasic change in cytosolic Ca(2+) of rat heart endothelial cells: an initial transient increase, which primarily reflects the release of Ca(2+) from internal stores, followed by a slow rise in [Ca(2+)](i) during the incubation with serotonin. Our study also demonstrated that the pattern of the serotonin-induced increase in [Ca(2+)](i) was different from that induced by thrombin in rat heart endothelial cells. In this study, the role of [Ca(2+)](i) on endothelial paracellular barrier function was also investigated. Serotonin induced an increase in endothelial permeability which paralleled the rise in [Ca(2+)](i) and was blocked by the 5-HT(2) receptor antagonist cyproheptadine. Therefore, the serotonin-stimulated increase in cytosolic Ca(2+) and macromolecular permeability was receptor-mediated in rat heart endothelial cells. Further experiments demonstrated that the serotonin-induced increase in [Ca(2+)](i) was inhibited by the phospholipase C inhibitors, neomycin and [6-[[17beta-3-methoxyestra-1,3, 5(10)-trien-17-yl]amino]hexyl]-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione (U73122). Experiments involving the rapid depletion of intracellular Ca(2+) stores and Ca(2+)-free medium demonstrated that the biphasic response of endothelial Ca(2+) to serotonin was related to the release of Ca(2+) from intracellular stores and to the influx of extracellular Ca(2+). We also suggest that serotonin-induced changes in [Ca(2+)](i) are related to Ca(2+) channels sensitive to voltage-operated and inorganic Ca(2+) channel blockers.

IP(3)-Independent release of Ca(2+) from intracellular stores: A novel mechanism for transduction of bitter stimuli

A variety of substances with different chemical structures elicits a bitter taste. Several different transduction mechanisms underlie detection of bitter tastants; however, these have been described in detail for only a few compounds. In addition, most studies have focused on mammalian taste cells, of which only a small subset is responsive to any particular bitter compound. In contrast, approximately 80% of the taste cells in the mudpuppy, Necturus maculosus, are bitter-responsive. In this study, we used Ca(2+) imaging and giga-seal whole cell recording to compare the transduction of dextromethorphan (DEX), a bitter antitussive, with transduction of the well-studied bitter compound denatonium. Bath perfusion of DEX (2.5 mM) increased the intracellular Ca(2+) level in most taste cells. The DEX-induced Ca(2+) increase was inhibited by thapsigargin, an inhibitor of Ca(2+) transport into intracellular stores, but not by U73122, an inhibitor of phospholipase C, or by ryanodine, an inhibitor of ryanodine-sensitive Ca(2+) stores. Increasing intracellular cAMP levels with a cell-permeant cAMP analogue and a phosphodiesterase inhibitor enhanced the DEX-induced Ca(2+) increase, which was inhibited partially by H89, a protein kinase A inhibitor. Electrophysiological measurements showed that DEX depolarized the membrane potential and inhibited voltage-gated Na(+) and K(+) currents in the presence of GDP-beta-S, a blocker of G-protein activation. DEX also inhibited voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels. We suggest that DEX, like quinine, depolarizes taste cells by block of voltage-gated K channels, which are localized to the apical membrane in mudpuppy. In addition, DEX causes release of Ca(2+) from intracellular stores by a phospholipase C-independent mechanism. We speculate that the membrane-permeant DEX may enter taste cells and interact directly with Ca(2+) stores. Comparing transduction of DEX with that of denatonium, both compounds release Ca(2+) from intracellular stores. However, denatonium requires activation of phospholipase C, and the mechanism results in a hyperpolarization rather than a depolarization of the membrane potential. These data support the hypothesis that single taste receptor cells can use multiple mechanisms for transducing the same bitter compound.

Ionizing radiation stimulates existing signal transduction pathways involving the activation of epidermal growth factor receptor and ERBB-3, and changes of intracellular calcium in A431 human squamous carcinoma cells

Previous studies demonstrated that ionizing radiation activates the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), as measured by Tyr autophosphorylation, and induces transient increases in cytosolic free [Ca2+], [Ca2+]f. The mechanistic linkage between these events has been investigated in A431 squamous carcinoma cells with the EGFR Tyr kinase inhibitor, AG1478. EGFR autophosphorylation induced by radiation at doses of 0.5-5 Gy or EGF concentrations of 1-10 ng/ml is inhibited by >75% at 100 nM AG1478. Activation of EGFR enhances IP3 production as a result of phospholipase C (PLC) activation. At the doses used, radiation stimulates Tyr phosphorylation of both, PLCgamma and erbB-3, and also mediates the association between erbB-3 and PLCgamma not previously described. The increased erbB-3 Tyr phosphorylation is to a significant extent due to transactivation by EGFR as >70% of radiation- and EGF-induced erbB-3 Tyr phosphorylation is inhibited by AG 1478. The radiation-induced changes in [Ca2+]f are dependent upon EGFR, erbB-3 and PLCgamma activation since radiation stimulated IP3 formation and Ca2+ oscillations are inhibited by AG1478, the PLCgamma inhibitor U73122 or neutralizing antibody against an extracellular epitope of erbB-3. These results demonstrate that radiation induces qualitatively and quantitatively similar responses to EGF in stimulation of the plasma membrane-associated receptor Tyr kinases and immediate downstream effectors, such as PLCgamma and Ca2+.

Photoreceptor cells with unusual functional properties on the ventral nerve of Limulus

Normal photoreceptor cells on the ventral nerve of Limulus respond to a moderately intense flash with a large receptor potential or current. Occasionally, cells are found in which the same flash evokes only a small receptor potential or current. Our investigations reveal physiological reasons for the poor light sensitivity in these "unusual cells." In unusual cells prolonged illumination with intense light evokes a step-like inward current with an amplitude of some nanoamperes, but without a large transient peak. The current appears to be summed up of single photon responses with amplitudes smaller than about 50 pA. Their time course is similar to that of small single photon responses forming the so-called macroscopic C1 component in normal cells. The macroscopic current evoked by an intense flash has slow activation and deactivation kinetics and reaches a saturated amplitude of about 4-5 nanoamperes. The light-intensity dependence of the current evoked by flashes or by prolonged illumination has a slope of about 1 in log-log plots. The decay kinetics of the current is similar to that of the C1 component measured in normal cells after the block of the C2 component. Occasionally, the step-like current is superposed by large standard bumps. These bumps are blocked by the Ca2+-ATPase inhibitor cyclopiazonic acid, while the sustained inward current persists. We conclude that in unusual cells the light-activated current is identical to the C1 component of normal cells. The phospholipase C pathway that in normal cells presumably gives rise to the C2 component functions only with a low efficiency in unusual cells.

alpha(1)-adrenoceptor-induced trafficking of aquaporin-5 to the apical plasma membrane of rat parotid cells

Incubation of rat parotid tissue with 10 microM epinephrine resulted in a transient and marked trafficking of aquaporin-5 (AQP5) from intracellular membranes to the apical plasma membrane (APM) that was maximal at 1 min. This effect of epinephrine was mimicked by phenylephrine, but not by clonidine, dobutamine, or salbutamol, and it was inhibited by phentolamine, but not by propranolol. Furthermore, the epinephrine-induced trafficking of AQP5 was inhibited by phospholipase C inhibitor U73122 as well as dantrolene and TMB-8, both of which inhibit the release of Ca(2+) from intracellular stores. Cytochalasin D and tubulozole-C also inhibited this action of epinephrine. These results indicate that epinephrine, acting at alpha(1)-adrenoceptors, induces the trafficking of AQP5 to the APM by triggering the release of Ca(2+) from intracellular stores through inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and ryanodine receptors. In addition, the potent involvement of the cytoskeleton was shown in the epinephrine-induced trafficking of AQP5.

Mechanisms of miconazole-induced rise in cytoplasmic calcium concentrations in Madin Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells

The effect of miconazole on intracellular calcium levels ([Ca2+]i) in Madin Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells was studied using fura-2 as the Ca2+ indicator. Miconazole increased [Ca2+]i dose-dependently at concentrations of 5-100 microM. The [Ca2+]i transient consisted of an initial rise, a gradual decay and an elevated plateau (220 s after addition of the drug). Removal of extracellular Ca2+ partly reduced the miconazole response. Mn2+ quench of fura-2 fluorescence confirmed that miconazole induced Ca2+ influx. The miconazole-sensitive intracellular Ca2+ store overlapped with that sensitive to thapsigargin, an inhibitor of the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump, because 20 microM miconazole depleted the thapsigargin (1 microM)-sensitive store, and conversely, thapsigargin abolished miconazole-induced internal Ca2+ release. Miconazole (20-50 microM) partly inhibited the capacitative Ca2+ entry induced by 1 microM thapsigargin, measured by depleting intracellular Ca2+ store in Ca(2+)-free medium followed by addition of 10 mM CaCl2. Miconazole induced capacitative Ca2+ entry on its own. Pretreatment with 0.1 mM La3+ partly inhibited 20 microM miconazole-induced Mn2+ quench of fura-2 fluorescence and [Ca2+]i rise, suggesting that miconazole induced Ca2+ influx via two pathways separable by 0.1 mM La3+. Miconazole-induced internal Ca2+ release was not altered when the cytosolic level of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) was substantially inhibited by the phospholipase C inhibitor U73122.

Platelet-derived growth factor receptor-induced feed-forward inhibition of excitatory transmission between hippocampal pyramidal neurons

Growth factor receptors provide a major mechanism for the activation of the nonreceptor tyrosine kinase c-Src, and this kinase in turn up-regulates the activity of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in CA1 hippocampal neurons (1). Unexpectedly, applications of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB to cultured and isolated CA1 hippocampal neurons depressed NMDA-evoked currents. The PDGF-induced depression was blocked by a PDGF-selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor, by a selective inhibitor of phospholipase C-gamma, and by blocking the intracellular release of Ca(2+). Inhibitors of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) also eliminated the PDGF-induced depression, whereas a phosphodiesterase inhibitor enhanced it. The NMDA receptor-mediated component of excitatory synaptic currents was also inhibited by PDGF, and this inhibition was prevented by co-application of a PKA inhibitor. Src inhibitors also prevented this depression. In recordings from inside-out patches, the catalytic fragment of PKA did not itself alter NMDA single channel activity, but it blocked the up-regulation of these channels by a Src activator peptide. Thus, PDGF receptors depress NMDA channels through a Ca(2+)- and PKA-dependent inhibition of their modulation by c-Src.

Hyposmotically induced amino acid release from the rat cerebral cortex: role of phospholipases and protein kinases

In an evaluation of the contribution of swelling-induced amino acid release, through the regulatory volume decrease (RVD) process, to cerebral ischemic injury, studies of the role of phospholipases and protein kinases in the response to hyposmotic stress were undertaken using an in vivo rat cortical cup model. Hyposmotic stress induced significant releases of aspartate, glutamate, glycine, phosphoethanolamine, taurine and GABA from the rat cerebral cortex. Taurine release was most affected, exhibiting a greater than 9-fold increase during the hyposmotic stimulus. The phospholipase A2 (PLA2) inhibitors 4-bromophenacyl bromide (1 microM) and 7,7-dimethyleicosadienoic acid (5 microM) had no significant effects on hyposmotically induced amino acid release. AACOCF3 (50 microM), an inhibitor of cytosolic PLA2 decreased taurine release to 84% of DMSO controls. The release of the other amino acids was not affected. The phospholipase C inhibitor U73122 (5 microM) had no significant effects on amino acid release. The protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor chelerythrine (5 microM) significantly reduced hyposmotically induced taurine release to 72% of saline controls but had no significant effects on the other amino acids. Stimulation of PKC with phorbol 12-myristate, 13-acetate (10 microM) did not significantly change taurine, glutamate, glycine or phosphethanolamine release. The releases of aspartate and GABA were enhanced 2 to 3 fold. Phorbol 12,13-didecanoate (10 microM), another potent stimulator of PKC, significantly increased taurine release to 122% of DMSO controls. The releases of aspartate, glutamate and glycine were enhanced 2.5 to 3.5 fold. Similarly, stimulation of protein kinase A with forskolin (100 microM) significantly increased taurine, aspartate, and glycine release 1.5- to 2-fold compared to DMSO controls. In summary, phospholipases may play a minor role in volume regulation. These studies also support the hypothesis that protein kinases play a modulatory role in the RVD response. The results show that although RVD may play a role, additional mechanisms, including phospholipase activation, must be involved in the ischemia-evoked release of excitotoxic amino acids.

Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate-independent Ca2+Mobilization Triggered by a Lipid Factor Isolated from Vitreous Body

A complex phospholipid from bovine vitreous body with a strong Ca(2+)-mobilizing activity has been recently isolated to homogeneity by our group. In this work, a sequential analysis of its transmembrane signaling pathway has been undertaken to characterize the intracellular mechanisms responsible for the Ca(2+) rise. The results show that this phospholipid induces, in a dose-dependent manner (ED(50) of around 0.25 microgram/ml), a Ca(2+) mobilization from inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-insensitive intracellular stores, with no participation of extracellular Ca(2+). Upon repeated administration, it shows no signs of autologous desensitization, does not induce heterologous desensitization of the L-alpha-lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptor but is desensitized by the previous administration of LPA. The Ca(2+)-mobilizing activity requires a membrane protein, is blocked after preincubation of the cells with pertussis toxin and phorbol esters, as well as by U73122 (an inhibitor of phospholipases C/D), R59022 (a diacylglycerol kinase inhibitor), and D609 (which inhibits phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C). Upon administration of this phospholipid, the intracellular levels of phosphatidic acid (PA) rise with a time course that parallels that of the Ca(2+) mobilization, suggesting that PA could be responsible for this Ca(2+) signal. Exposure to AACOCF(3) (a specific inhibitor of phospholipase A(2)) does not modify the Ca(2+) rise, ruling out the possibility that the PA generated could be further converted to LPA by the action of phospholipase A(2). Based on the experimental data obtained, a signaling pathway involving a phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C coupled to diacylglycerol kinase is proposed. This compound may represent a new class of bioactive lipids with a putative role in the physiology of the vitreous body.

Flow cytometry of porcine ovarian cells: antiprogestins play an important role in progesterone receptor upregulation

To investigate the mechanism of antiprogestins in the regulation of ovarian function, a dual-chamber culture system was prepared with the amnion membrane of human placenta. Isolated porcine granulosa and thecal cells were grown on both sides of the amnion and co-cultured with or without RU486 and ZK98, 734. After 48 h incubation, the progesterone receptor (PR) and estrogen receptor (ER) of both cells were detected by flow cytometry. Progesterone and estradiol concentrations in the media were measured by radioimmunoassay. The results showed that antiprogestins increased PR contents in both cells; no significant change was found for ER. At the same time the progesterone and estradiol production by granulosa cells was inhibited; the progesterone production by thecal cells was reduced also. These data suggest that progesterone regulates progesterone synthesis. This autocrine/paracrine action may be the approach through which progesterone controls PR upregulation. It could be one mechanism for the inhibition of follicle development and steroidogenic function by antiprogestins.

Testosterone signaling through internalizable surface receptors in androgen receptor-free macrophages

Testosterone acts on cells through intracellular transcription-regulating androgen receptors (ARs). Here, we show that mouse IC-21 macrophages lack the classical AR yet exhibit specific nongenomic responses to testosterone. These manifest themselves as testosterone-induced rapid increase in intracellular free [Ca(2+)], which is due to release of Ca(2+) from intracellular Ca(2+) stores. This Ca(2+) mobilization is also inducible by plasma membrane-impermeable testosterone-BSA. It is not affected by the AR blockers cyproterone and flutamide, whereas it is completely inhibited by the phospholipase C inhibitor U-73122 and pertussis toxin. Binding sites for testosterone are detectable on the surface of intact IC-21 cells, which become selectively internalized independent on caveolae and clathrin-coated vesicles upon agonist stimulation. Internalization is dependent on temperature, ATP, cytoskeletal elements, phospholipase C, and G-proteins. Collectively, our data provide evidence for the existence of G-protein-coupled, agonist-sequestrable receptors for testosterone in plasma membranes, which initiate a transcription-independent signaling pathway of testosterone.

Molecular and functional characterization of a novel mouse transient receptor potential protein homologue TRP7. Ca(2+)-permeable cation channel that is constitutively activated and enhanced by stimulation of G protein-coupled receptor

Characterization of mammalian homologues of Drosophila transient receptor potential protein (TRP) is an important clue to understand molecular mechanisms underlying Ca(2+) influx activated in response to stimulation of G(q) protein-coupled receptors in vertebrate cells. Here we have isolated cDNA encoding a novel seventh mammalian TRP homologue, TRP7, from mouse brain. TRP7 showed abundant RNA expression in the heart, lung, and eye and moderate expression in the brain, spleen, and testis. TRP7 recombinantly expressed in human embryonic kidney cells exhibited distinctive functional features, compared with other TRP homologues. Basal influx activity accompanied by reduction in Ca(2+) release from internal stores was characteristic of TRP7-expressing cells but was by far less significant in cells expressing TRP3, which is structurally the closest to TRP7 in the TRP family. TRP7 induced Ca(2+) influx in response to ATP receptor stimulation at ATP concentrations lower than those necessary for activation of TRP3 and for Ca(2+) release from the intracellular store, which suggests that the TRP7 channel is activated independently of Ca(2+) release. In fact, TRP7 expression did not affect capacitative Ca(2+) entry induced by thapsigargin, whereas TRP7 greatly potentiated Mn(2+) influx induced by diacylglycerols without involvement of protein kinase C. Nystatin-perforated and conventional whole-cell patch clamp recordings from TRP7-expressing cells demonstrated the constitutively activated and ATP-enhanced inward cation currents, both of which were initially blocked and then subsequently facilitated by extracellular Ca(2+) at a physiological concentration. Impairment of TRP7 currents by internal perfusion of the Ca(2+) chelator 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid revealed an essential role of intracellular Ca(2+) in activation of TRP7, and their potent activation by the diacylglycerol analogue suggests that the TRP7 channel is a new member of diacylglycerol-activated cation channels. Relative permeabilities indicate that TRP7 is slightly selective to divalent cations. Thus, our findings reveal an interesting correspondence of TRP7 to the background and receptor stimulation-induced cation currents in various native systems.

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptides directly stimulate sympathetic neuron neuropeptide Y release through PAC(1) receptor isoform activation of specific intracellular signaling pathways

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptides (PACAP) have potent regulatory and neurotrophic activities on superior cervical ganglion (SCG) sympathetic neurons with pharmacological profiles consistent for the PACAP-selective PAC(1) receptor. Multiple PAC(1) receptor isoforms are suggested to determine differential peptide potency and receptor coupling to multiple intracellular signaling pathways. The current studies examined rat SCG PAC(1) receptor splice variant expression and coupling to intracellular signaling pathways mediating PACAP-stimulated peptide release. PAC(1) receptor mRNA was localized in over 90% of SCG neurons, which correlated with the cells expressing receptor protein. The neurons expressed the PAC(1)(short)HOP1 receptor but not VIP/PACAP-nonselective VPAC(1) receptors; low VPAC(2) receptor mRNA levels were restricted to ganglionic nonneuronal cells. PACAP27 and PACAP38 potently and efficaciously stimulated both cAMP and inositol phosphate production; inhibition of phospholipase C augmented PACAP-stimulated cAMP production, but inhibition of adenylyl cyclase did not alter stimulated inositol phosphate production. Phospholipase C inhibition blunted neuron peptide release, suggesting that the phosphatidylinositol pathway was a prominent component of the secretory response. These studies demonstrate preferential sympathetic neuron expression of PACAP-selective receptor variants contributing to regulation of autonomic function.

Prostaglandin D2 induces interleukin-6 synthesis via Ca2+ mobilization in osteoblasts: regulation by protein kinase C

We previously showed that prostaglandin (PG) D2 stimulates Ca2+ influx from extracellular space and activates phosphoinositidic (PI)-hydrolyzing phospholipase C and phosphatidylcholine (PC)-hydrolyzing phospholipase D independently from PGE2 or PGF2alpha in osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells. In the present study, we investigated the effect of PGD2 on the synthesis of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and its regulatory mechanism in MC3T3-E1 cells. PGD2 significantly stimulated IL-6 synthesis dose-dependently in the range between 10 nM and 10 microM. The depletion of extracellular Ca2+ by EGTA reduced the PGD2-induced IL-6 synthesis. TMB-8, an inhibitor of intracellular Ca2+ mobilization, significantly inhibited the PGD2-induced IL-6 synthesis. On the other hand, calphostin C, a specific inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC), enhanced the synthesis of IL-6 induced by PGD2. In addition, U-73122, an inhibitor of phospholipase C, and propranolol, a phosphatidic acid phosphohydrolase inhibitor, enhanced the PGD2-induced IL-6 synthesis. These results strongly suggest that PGD2 stimulates IL-6 synthesis through intracellular Ca2+ mobilization in osteoblasts, and that the PKC activation by PGD2 itself regulates the over-synthesis of IL-6.

Gonadotrophin and testosterone suppression by 7alpha-methyl-19-nortestosterone acetate administered by subdermal implant to healthy men

The synthetic androgen 7alpha-methyl-19-nortestosterone (MENT) is a potent suppressor of gonadotrophin that has several advantages for long term administration to normal or hypoandrogenic men. The aim of this study was to examine MENT serum concentrations following subdermal insertion of MENT acetate (MENT Ac) implants and their effects on gonadotrophins, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), sex hormone-binding globulin, prostate specific antigen and insulin-like growth factor-1 serum concentrations in normal men. A total of 45 healthy men were recruited at three clinics. Each subject received one, two or four implants for 28 days. Serum samples were obtained before insertion and on days 8, 15, 22, 29, 36 and 43 after implant insertion. The average daily dose delivered in vivo by one implant was approximately 500 microg. One, two or four MENT Ac implants produced dose dependent and sustained serum MENT concentrations for the entire duration of treatment of 0.7 +/- 0.1, 1.2 +/- 0.1 and 2.0 +/- 0.1 nmol/l respectively. This treatment induced a dose dependent decrease in gonadotrophin and androgen serum levels. Two and four implants induced maximal suppression that was maintained throughout treatment and was completely reversed after removal of the implants. The mean decreases were 93 +/- 1% for testosterone, 80 +/- 3% for DHT, 97 +/- 1% for luteinizing hormone and 95 +/- 1% for follicle stimulating hormone. No serious adverse reactions were reported by the volunteers and no consistent changes in clinical chemistry and haematology were found. These results indicate that MENT Ac implants are an efficient way of MENT administration and confirm the potent gonadotrophin and androgen suppressive effect of this drug.

Protein kinase C-delta is a target of B-cell antigen receptor signaling

Protein kinase C (PKC) enzymes have been implicated as key intermediates in B-cell antigen receptor (BCR) signaling. Each of the 11 PKC isoforms may phosphorylate different substrates and regulate different cellular processes. In this report we show that PKC-delta (PKC-delta) is a target of BCR signaling. BCR engagement increased the amount of PKC-delta in the membrane-enriched particulate fraction of B-cells, suggesting that BCR activates PKC-delta. BCR ligation also caused substantial tyrosine phosphorylation of PKC-delta. We show that activation of phospholipase C by BCR is necessary for both PKC-delta membrane localization and tyrosine phosphorylation. In contrast, phorbol esters which mimic the action of diacylglycerol could recruit PKC-delta to cellular membranes but did not induce tyrosine phosphorylation of PKC-delta. These data suggest a model in which phospholipase C-dependent production of diacylglycerol recruits PKC-delta to cellular membranes where it is then phosphorylated by BCR-activated tyrosine kinases.

Differential regulation of 46 and 54 kDa jun N-terminal kinases and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase by human alpha(1A)-adrenoceptors expressed in Rat-1 cells

We have investigated the alpha(1A)-adrenoceptor-mediated activation of 46 and 54 kDa isoforms of c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. The alpha(1)-adrenoceptor agonist phenylephrine activated all three kinases but with different time courses and maximal effects. Activation of all three kinases was insensitive to the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase inhibitor wortmannin but was enhanced by the protein kinase C inhibitor bisindolylmaleimide I; a protein kinase C-activating phorbol ester inhibited JNK but not p38 activation. Activation of 54 kDa JNK, but not of the other two kinases, was inhibited by pertussis toxin and the phospholipase C inhibitor U 73,122. We conclude that alpha(1)-adrenoceptor stimulation activates 46 kDa JNK, 54 kDa JNK and p38 but uses at least partly different pathways to do so.