TNF-alpha and IL-1alpha induce heme oxygenase-1 via protein kinase C, Ca2+, and phospholipase A2 in endothelial cells

Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), an enzyme important in protection against oxidant stress, is induced in human vascular endothelial cells by the cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha). However, the signaling mediators that regulate the induction are not known. This study examined the involvement of protein kinase C (PKC), phospholipase A2 (PLA2), calcium, and oxidants in cytokine induction of HO-1. Acute exposure to the PKC activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) stimulated HO-1 mRNA. However, prolonged exposure, which downregulates most PKC isoforms, blocked induction of HO-1 mRNA by IL-1alpha and TNF-alpha. Additionally, the phosphatase inhibitors okadaic acid and calyculin enhanced cytokine induction of HO-1. Mepacrine, a PLA2 inhibitor, prevented HO-1 induction by cytokine, suggesting a role for arachidonate, the product of PLA2 hydrolysis of phospholipids, in HO-1 expression. The intracellular calcium chelator 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid acetoxymethyl ester (BAPTA-AM) blocked cytokine induction of HO-1. Paradoxically, the calcium ionophore A-23187 prevented HO-1 induction by cytokine but not by PMA. Finally, the oxidant scavenger N-acetylcysteine inhibited HO-1 induction by cytokines. These results demonstrate that TNF-alpha and IL-1alpha induction of HO-1 requires PKC-mediated phosphorylation and PLA2 activation as well as oxidant generation.

Metabotropic GABA receptors facilitate L-type and inhibit N-type calcium channels in single salamander retinal neurons

1. Whole-cell voltage clamp experiments were performed on isolated spiking retinal neurons from the salamander retina. Calcium channel currents were studied using barium as the charge carrier while potassium and sodium currents were suppressed with TEA and TTX, respectively. 2. Baclofen, a metabotropic GABA receptor agonist, both enhanced and suppressed high-voltage-activated calcium channel current. Baclofen facilitated an L-type channel current, and this effect was not voltage dependent. As reported previously, baclofen inhibited an N-type channel current and this action was voltage dependent. 3. While the suppressive effect was mediated by a fast-acting, direct G-protein action, the facilitatory effect was slower and was blocked by inhibitors of protein kinase C (PKC), either GF-109203x or the PKC (19-36) sequence fragment. 4. The pharmacology of the inhibitory and facilitatory responses differed. Commonly used antagonists of metabotropic GABA receptors, CGP35348 and CGP55845, were more potent antagonists of the inhibitory response. Similarly, a selective agonist at the metabotropic GABA receptor, APMPA, was also more effective in eliciting the inhibitory response. 5. These observations indicate that there may be two baclofen-sensitive metabotropic GABA receptors with opposing effects on calcium channel current. This is the first description of a facilitatory action of GABAB receptors and indicates that GABA may not function exclusively as an inhibitory transmitter.

The levels of leukemia inhibitory factor mRNA in a Schwann cell line are regulated by multiple second messenger pathways

Axotomy of sympathetic and sensory neurons leads to changes in their neuropeptide phenotypes. These changes are mediated in part by the induction of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) by nonneuronal cells. In the present study, we identified satellite/Schwann cells as a possible source of the injury-induced LIF. Using a Schwann cell line, SC-1 cells, we examined mechanisms of LIF induction. LIF mRNA levels increased rapidly when the cells were treated with 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), or A23187. Among these reagents, PMA was the most efficacious. Inhibition of protein kinase C (PKC) by GF-1 09203X significantly reduced the PMA-induced LIF mRNA levels. As PKC is known to activate the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway, the involvement of this pathway in the PMA-stimulated induction of LIF mRNA was examined. Phosphorylation of ERKs was increased following PMA treatment in SC-1 cells. Moreover, inhibition of ERK kinase activity by PD98059 dramatically reduced PMA-stimulated phosphorylation of ERKs and induction of LIF mRNA. These results indicate that LIF mRNA levels can be regulated by ERK activation via stimulation of PKC in Schwann cells.

Glutamate regulates IP3-type and CICR stores in the avian cochlear nucleus

Neurons of the avian cochlear nucleus, nucleus magnocellularis (NM), are activated by glutamate released from auditory nerve terminals. If this stimulation is removed, the intracellular calcium ion concentration ([Ca2+]i) of NM neurons rises and rapid atrophic changes ensue. We have been investigating mechanisms that regulate [Ca2+]i in these neurons based on the hypothesis that loss of Ca2+ homeostasis causes the cascade of cellular changes that results in neuronal atrophy and death. In the present study, video-enhanced fluorometry was used to monitor changes in [Ca2+]i stimulated by agents that mobilize Ca2+ from intracellular stores and to study the modulation of these responses by glutamate. Homobromoibotenic acid (HBI) was used to stimulate inositol trisphosphate (IP3)-sensitive stores, and caffeine was used to mobilize Ca2+ from Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release (CICR) stores. We provide data indicating that Ca2+ responses attributable to IP3- and CICR-sensitive stores are inhibited by glutamate, acting via a metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR). We also show that activation of C-kinase by a phorbol ester will reduce HBI-stimulated calcium responses. Although the protein kinase A accumulator, Sp-cAMPs, did not have an effect on HBI-induced responses. CICR-stimulated responses were not consistently attenuated by either the phorbol ester or the Sp-cAMPs. We have previously shown that glutamate attenuates voltage-dependent changes in [Ca2+]i. Coupled with the present findings, this suggests that in these neurons mGluRs serve to limit fluctuations in intracellular Ca2+ rather than increase [Ca2+]i. This system may play a role in protecting highly active neurons from calcium toxicity resulting in apoptosis.

The myogenic response: established facts and attractive hypotheses

The myogenic response of small arteries and arterioles has been shown to contribute significantly to autoregulation in different vascular beds. It is characterized by a constriction of the vessel after an increase of transmural pressure and a dilation of the vessel after a decrease of transmural pressure. This review examines the evidence for the mechanisms of the myogenic response, with the aim of distinguishing between facts and hypotheses. It appears to be established that the myogenic response is stimulated by an alteration of vessel wall tension, that it does not require the presence of the endothelium and, for pressure increases, that it is accompanied by a membrane depolarization and an increase of the intracellular Ca2+ concentration, which depends largely on an influx of extracellular calcium via voltage-operated calcium channels. Under in vitro conditions, it may further be considered an established fact that the myogenic response can be modulated by transmitters, like noradrenaline, and factors released from the endothelium upon its activation. In contrast, many other aspects of the myogenic response remain hypothetical. Thus, the mechanism of the depolarization, its importance for the development of the myogenic response, the participation of other pathways for calcium influx, and the role of an intracellular calcium release in the myogenic response are still under debate. Furthermore, the participation of a variety of intracellular second messenger systems in the myogenic response, i.e. inositol trisphosphate, diacylglycerol, phospholipase A2, protein kinase C or 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, is still unclear. Additionally, the roles of the pulsatility of the blood pressure and of remote signals from neighbouring vessel segments as well as of different metabolites are not clarified. This review suggests that while the primary mechanisms of the myogenic response are well understood, the details of the signalling pathways are still undefined. The clinical significance of the myogenic response remains to be determined.

Downregulation of JAK3 protein levels in T lymphocytes by prostaglandin E2 and other cyclic adenosine monophosphate-elevating agents: impact on interleukin-2 receptor signaling pathway

The Janus kinase, JAK3 plays an important role in interleukin-2 (IL-2)-dependent signal transduction and proliferation of T lymphocytes. Our findings show that prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) can inhibit upregulation of JAK3 protein in naive T cells and can downregulate its expression in primed cells. Reduction in JAK3 was selective because expression of other tyrosine kinases (JAK1, p56(lck), and p59(fyn)) and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)5, which are linked to IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) signaling pathway, were not affected. Inhibition of JAK3 may be controlled by intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels, as forskolin, a direct activator of adenylate cyclase and dibutyryl cAMP (dbcAMP), a membrane permeable analogue of cAMP suppressed JAK3 expression. Moreover, 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX), an inhibitor of cAMP phosphodiesterase, potentiated PGE2-induced suppression of JAK3. In naive T cells, but not primed T cells, PGE2 and other cAMP elevating agents also caused a modest reduction in surface expression of the common gamma chain (gammac) that associates with JAK3. The absence of JAK3, but not IL-2R in T cells correlated with impaired IL-2-dependent signal transduction and proliferation. The alteration in IL-2 signaling included decreased tyrosine phosphorylation and DNA binding activity of STAT5 and poor induction of the c-Myc and c-Jun pathways. In contrast, IL-2-dependent induction of Bcl-2 was unaffected. These findings suggest that suppression of JAK3 levels may represent one mechanism by which PGE2 and other cAMP elevating agents can inhibit T-cell proliferation.

Controversial issues in vertebrate olfactory transduction

A number of controversial issues in olfactory transduction are discussed including the matter of multiple transduction pathways, with a new experiment proposed. Evidence is reviewed concerning the fact that cyclic AMP is the only pathway mediating olfactory transduction. Two knockout mice have been produced: a knockout for a cyclic nucleotide-gated channel and a G(olf) knockout. The results obtained with both mice are consistent with cyclic AMP being the only second messenger. The evidence for gaseous second channel messengers is also reviewed. Slow gating kinetics of the cyclic nucleotide-gated channel and the detection of single-odorant molecules are reviewed. A new phenomenon in which odorants can block odorant responses is discussed.

Inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate as a second messenger--a special role in neurones?

There has been much controversy over the possibility that inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate (InsP4) may have a second messenger function. A possible resolution to this controversy may stem from the recent cloning of two putative receptors for InsP4, GAP1IP4BP and GAP1m. Both these proteins are expressed at high levels in neurones, as is inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate 3-kinase, the enzyme that makes InsP4. In this review we discuss the possible relevance of these high expression levels to the complex way in which neurones control Ca2+ and use it as a second messenger.

The effects of diadenosine polyphosphates on the cardiovascular system

Diadenosine polyphosphates are members of a group of dinucleoside polyphosphates that are ubiquitous, naturally occurring molecules. They form a recently identified class of compounds derived from ATP and consist of two adenosine molecules bridged by up to six phosphate groups. These compounds are stored in high concentrations in platelet dense granules and are released when platelets become activated. Some of the compounds promote platelet aggregation, while others are inhibitory. Possible roles as neurotransmitters, extracellular signalling molecules or 'alarmones' secreted by cells in response to physiologically stressful stimuli have been postulated. Recent studies suggest a role for these compounds in atrial and synaptic neurotransmission. Studies using isolated mesenteric arteries indicate an important role of phosphate chain length in determining whether diadenosine polyphosphates produce vasodilation or vasoconstriction, but in the coronary circulation, diadenosine polyphosphates generally produce vasodilation via mechanisms thought to involve release of NO or prostacyclin (PGI2). They produce cardiac electrophysiological effects by altering ventricular refractoriness at submicromolar concentrations and reduce heart rate. Mechanisms involving KATP channels have been proposed in addition to the involvement of P1- and P2-purinergic receptors and the specific diadenosine polyphosphate receptor identified on isolated cardiac myocytes. Clinical evidence suggests a role for diadenosine polyphosphates in hypertensive patients and those with the Chédiak-Higashi syndrome. This review outlines the effects of these compounds on the cardiovascular system and considers their potential involvement in mediating the pathophysiological effects associated with platelet activation during myocardial ischaemia.

Functional reconstitution of a heteromeric cyclic nucleotide-gated channel of Caenorhabditis elegans in cultured cells

The tax-4 and tax-2 genes of Caenorhabditis elegans are essential for normal olfaction, gustation, and thermosensation, suggesting that they have a role in sensory transduction. The predicted products of these genes are similar to the cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channel subunits used in vertebrate vision and olfaction: TAX-4 is highly related to those alpha subunits, while TAX-2 is most closely related to the beta subunits of the rod phototransduction channels. TAX-4 has previously been shown to form a highly sensitive cGMP-gated channel when expressed in human HEK293 cells. Here we show that TAX-4 and TAX-2 form a heteromeric channel when expressed in HEK293 cells, but TAX-2 does not form a channel on its own. Since these genes are expressed in the same neurons, most of the native channels in C. elegans are likely to be hetero-oligomers of TAX-4 and TAX-2 subunits, with TAX-4 as the alpha subunit and TAX-2 acting as a modifying beta subunit. The heteromeric TAX-4/TAX-2 channel is 25-fold less sensitive to cGMP than the TAX-4 channel, but it remains highly selective for cGMP over cAMP. The heteromeric channel and the TAX-4 homomeric channel differ in their blockage by divalent cations and in their single channel properties. These results suggest that cGMP is used as the second messenger during sensory signal transduction in C. elegans, and that distinct roles for alpha and beta subunits of CNG channels are conserved in vertebrate and invertebrate signal transduction.

Second messenger production in avian medullary nephron segments in response to peptide hormones

We examined the sites of peptide hormone activation within medullary nephron segments of the house sparrow (Passer domesticus) kidney by measuring rates of hormone-induced generation of cyclic nucleotide second messenger. Thin descending limbs, thick ascending limbs, and collecting ducts had baseline activity of adenylyl cyclase that resulted in cAMP accumulation of 207 +/- 56, 147 +/- 31, and 151 +/- 41 fmol. mm-1. 30 min-1, respectively. In all segments, this activity increased 10- to 20-fold in response to forskolin. Activity of adenylyl cyclase in the thin descending limb was stimulated approximately twofold by parathyroid hormone (PTH) but not by any of the other hormones tested [arginine vasotocin (AVT), glucagon, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), or isoproterenol, each at 10(-6) M]. Thick ascending limb was stimulated two- to threefold by both AVT and PTH; however, glucagon and isoproterenol had no effect, and ANP stimulated neither cAMP nor cGMP accumulation. Adenylyl cyclase activity in the collecting duct was stimulated fourfold by AVT but not by the other hormones; likewise, ANP did not stimulate cGMP accumulation in this segment. These data support a tubular action of AVT and PTH in the avian renal medulla.

Phospholipases and phagocytosis: the role of phospholipid-derived second messengers in phagocytosis

Phagocytosis, the process by which leukocytes recognize and destroy invading pathogens, is essential for host defense. The binding of foreign organisms to phagocytic leukocytes initiates a complex signaling cascade which ultimately results in the entrapment and destruction of the pathogen. The signal transduction pathway mediating phagocytosis is the subject of intense investigation and is known to include protein tyrosine kinases, GTP-binding proteins, protein kinase C (PKC), actin polymerization and membrane movement. A rapidly expanding body of evidence suggests that phospholipases play an integral role in phagocytosis by generating essential second messengers. Here we review the data linking activation of phospholipase A2 (PLA2), phospholipase C (PLC) phospholipase D (PLD), and phosphoinositide 3-OH kinase (PI(3)K) to antibody (IgG)-mediated phagocytosis. Evidence is presented that (1) PLA2-derived arachidonic acid (AA) stimulates NADPH oxidase and membrane redistribution during phagocytosis, (2) the inositol-3,4,5-triphosphate (IP3) and diacylglycerol (DAG) products of PLC activate NADPH oxidase and PKC, and (3) sequential activation of PLD and phosphatidic acid phosphohydrolase may provide an alternative pathway for generation of DAG. Additionally, considerable evidence exists that wortmannin, a PI(3)K inhibitor, depresses phagocytosis. This finding is discussed in the context of the extensive effects PI(3)K products have on endocytosis and exocytosis and the potential role of membrane redistribution in phagocytosis. Finally, a model is presented which integrates data obtained from a variety of phagocytic systems and illustrates potential interactions that may exist between phospholipase-derived second messengers and signaling events required for phagocytosis.

Impact of various glycosaminoglycans upon cAMP-dependent protein kinase

The physiological effects of the second messenger cAMP are displayed by cAMP-dependent protein kinase-medicated phosphorylation of specific target proteins which in turn control diverse cellular functions. We have determined this enzyme substrate phosphorylation in the presence of various glycosaminoglycans using a cAMP-dependent protein kinase isolated from rat liver. The results indicate that sulfated and unsulfated polysaccharides are able to inhibit phosphorylation of histone type IIa catalysed by cAMP-dependent protein kinase. Based on their impact upon substrate phosphorylation, glycosaminoglycans can be divided into three groups: group I with the highest inhibitory effect: dermatan sulfate and heparan sulfate; group II: chondroitin 4-sulfate and group III with the lowest inhibitory effect: chondroitin 6-sulfate, keratan sulfate and hyaluronic acid.

In vivo functional analysis of Drosophila Gap1: involvement of Ca2+ and IP4 regulation

Control of Ras activity is crucial for normal cellular behavior such as fate determination during development. Although several GTPase activating proteins (GAPs) have been shown to act as negative regulators of Ras, the mechanisms involved in regulating their activity in vivo are poorly understood. Here we report the structural requirements for Gap1 activity in cone cell fate decisions during Drosophila eye development. The Gap1 catalytic domain alone is not sufficient for in vivo activity, indicating a requirement for the additional domains. An inositol-1,3,4, 5-tetrakisphosphate (IP4)-sensitive extended PH domain is essential for Gap1 activity, while Ca2+-sensitive C2 domains and a glutamine-rich region contribute equally to full activity in vivo. Furthermore, we find a strong positive genetic interaction between Gap1 and phospholipase Cgamma (PLCgamma), an enzyme which generates inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate, a precursor for IP4 and a second messenger for intracellular Ca2+ release. These results suggest that Gap1 activity in vivo is stimulated under conditions of elevated intracellular Ca2+ and IP4. Since receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) trigger an increase in intracellular Ca2+ and IP4 concentration through stimulation of PLCgamma, RTKs may stimulate not only activation of Ras but also its deactivation by Gap1, thereby moderating the strength and duration of the Ras signal.

Inhibitory effects of organochlorine pesticides on intercellular transfer of Lucifer Yellow in cultured bovine oviductal cells

The present study investigated the effects of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), methoxychlor (MXC), and gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane (gammaHCH, lindane) on gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) in cultured bovine oviductal cells. GJIC was evaluated by microinjecting fluorescent dye Lucifer Yellow and observing the inhibition of the spreading of dye into adjacent cells. After incubation for 1 h at 37 degrees C, a dose-dependent inhibition of GJIC was observed over a concentration range of 16 to 128 microM DDT, MXC, or gammaHCH compared with nonexposed controls. A significant inhibition began at 32 microM DDT, MXC, or gammaHCH. After incubation for 5 h, a dose-dependent inhibition of GJIC was obtained in the concentration range from 8 to 64 microM of the pesticides. The first significant inhibitory effect on GJIC was caused by 8 microM DDT, 16 microM MXC, and 32 microM gammaHCH. The 128 microM concentration of the pesticides was toxic. At pesticide concentration of 64 microM, the decrease in dye-coupling observed was not due to lethal cell injury, as is indicated by the use of trypan blue dye exclusion. After removal of 64 microM DDT from the culture medium, intercellular communication was reestablished within 3 h. Measurement of cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration [Ca2+]i in fura-2/AM-loaded oviductal cells showed that the inhibition of GJIC by addition of DDT, MXC, or gammaHCH was not associated with a detectable increase in [Ca2+]i. Coincubation of the DDT with dibutyryl-cAMP prevented the 64 microM DDT-induced inhibition of intercellular communication in adherent oviduct cells. It is suggested that organochlorine pesticides can influence cells responsible for reproduction.

Raf-1 kinase activation by angiotensin II in adrenal glomerulosa cells: roles of Gi, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, and Ca2+ influx

Little is known of the mechanisms leading to mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation via Gq-coupled receptors. We therefore examined the pathways by which angiotensin II (Ang II) activates Raf-1 kinase, an upstream intermediate in the pathway to MAPK, via the Gq-coupled AT1 angiotensin receptor in bovine adrenal glomerulosa (BAG) cells. Ang II caused a rapid and transient activation of Raf-1 that reached a peak at 5-10 min. Ang II was a potent stimulus of Raf-1 activation with an ED50 of 10 pM and a maximal response at 1 nM, although higher Ang II concentrations elicited a submaximal response. Ang II-stimulated Raf-1 activity was unaffected by down-regulation of protein kinase C and intracellular Ca2+ chelation (using BAPTA) but was partially inhibited by pertussis toxin, and was abolished by manumycin A. Removal of extracellular Ca2+ (by EGTA) or blockade of L type Ca2+ channels (by nifedipine), as well as inhibition of MEK-1 kinase (by PD98059), enhanced Raf-1 activity, whereas wortmannin (100 nM) inhibited approximately one half of Ang II-stimulated Raf-1 activity. Hence, Raf-1 kinase activation by Ang II in BAG cells is dependent on Ras, is mediated in part via Gi and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, and is negatively regulated via Ca2+ influx and a downstream signaling element(s).

Metabotropic glutamate receptor modulation of glutamate responses in the suprachiasmatic nucleus

Glutamate is the primary excitatory transmitter in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) mediate transduction of light information from the retina to the SCN, an important circadian clock phase shifting pathway. Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) may play a significant modulatory role. mGluR modulation of SCN responses to glutamate was investigated with fura-2 calcium imaging in SCN explant cultures. SCN neurons showed reproducible calcium responses to glutamate, kainate, and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA). Although the type I/II mGluR agonists L-CCG-I and t-ACPD did not evoke calcium responses, they did inhibit kainate- and NMDA-evoked calcium rises. This interaction was insensitive to pertussis toxin. Protein kinase A (PKA) activation by 8-bromo-cAMP significantly reduced iGluR inhibition by mGluR agonists. The inhibitory effect of mGluRs was enhanced by activating protein kinase C (PKC) and significantly reduced in the presence of the PKC inhibitor H7. Previous reports show that L-type calcium channels can be modulated by PKC and PKA. In SCN cells, about one-half of the calcium rise evoked by kainate or NMDA was blocked by the L-type calcium channel antagonist nimodipine. Calcium rises evoked by K+ were used to test whether mGluR inhibition of iGluR calcium rises involved calcium channel modulation. These calcium rises were primarily attributable to activation of voltage-activated calcium channels. PKC activation inhibited K+-evoked calcium rises, but PKC inhibition did not affect L-CCG-I inhibition of these rises. In contrast, 8Br-cAMP had no effect alone but blocked L-CCG-I inhibition. Taken together, these results suggest that activation of mGluRs, likely type II, modulates glutamate-evoked calcium responses in SCN neurons. mGluR inhibition of iGluR calcium rises can be differentially influenced by PKC or PKA activation. Regulation of glutamate-mediated calcium influx could occur at L-type calcium channels, K+ channels, or at GluRs. It is proposed that mGluRs may be important regulators of glutamate responsivity in the circadian system.

Regulation of alpha4beta2 nicotinic receptor desensitization by calcium and protein kinase C

Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) desensitization is hypothesized to be a trigger for long-term changes in receptor number and function observed after chronic administration of nicotine at levels similar to those found in persons who use tobacco. Factors that regulate desensitization could potentially influence the outcome of long-lasting exposure to nicotine. The roles of Ca2+ and protein kinase C (PKC) on desensitization of alpha4beta2 nAChRs expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes were investigated. Nicotine-induced (300 nM; 30 min) desensitization of alpha4beta2 receptors in the presence of Ca2+ developed in a biphasic manner with fast and slow exponential time constants of tauf = 1.4 min (65% relative amplitude) and taus = 17 min, respectively. Recovery from desensitization was reasonably well described by a single exponential with taurec = 43 min. Recovery was largely eliminated after replacement of external Ca2+ with Ba2+ and slowed by calphostin C (taurec = 48 min), an inhibitor of PKC. Conversely, the rate of recovery was enhanced by phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (taurec = 14 min), a PKC activator, or by cyclosporin A (with taurec = 8 min), a phosphatase inhibitor. alpha4beta2 receptors containing a mutant alpha4 subunit that lacks a consensus PKC phosphorylation site exhibited little recovery from desensitization. Based on a two-desensitized-state cyclical model, it is proposed that after prolonged nicotine treatment, alpha4beta2 nAChRs accumulate in a "deep" desensitized state, from which recovery is very slow. We suggest that PKC-dependent phosphorylation of alpha4 subunits changes the rates governing the transitions from "deep" to "shallow" desensitized conformations and effectively increases the overall rate of recovery from desensitization. Long-lasting dephosphorylation may underlie the "permanent" inactivation of alpha4beta2 receptors observed after chronic nicotine treatment.

Role of signal transduction in internalization of the G protein-coupled receptor for parathyroid hormone (PTH) and PTH-related protein

For G protein-coupled receptors, limited information is available on the role of agonist binding or of the second-messenger products of receptor signaling on receptor endocytosis. We explored this problem using the opossum PTH/PTH-related protein (PTHrP) receptor, a prototypical Class II G protein-coupled receptor, as a model. In one approach, we evaluated the endocytic properties of mutated forms of the opossum PTH/PTHrP receptor that we had previously shown to be impaired in their ability to initiate agonist-induced signaling when expressed in COS-7 cells. A point mutation in the third cytoplasmic loop (K382A) that severely impairs PTH/PTHrP receptor signaling significantly reduced internalization, whereas two mutant receptors that displayed only partial defects in signaling were internalized normally. To explore more directly the role of second-messenger pathways, we used a cleavable biotinylation method to assess endocytosis of the wild-type receptor stably expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells. A low rate of constitutive internalization was detected (<5% over a 30-min incubation at 37 C); the rate of receptor internalization was enhanced about 10-fold by the receptor agonists PTH(1-34) or PTHrP(1-34), whereas the receptor antagonist PTH(7-34) had no effect. Forskolin treatment produced a minimal increase in constitutive receptor endocytosis, and the protein kinase (PK)-A inhibitor H-89 failed to block agonist-stimulated endocytosis. Similarly, activation of PK-C, by treatment with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, elicited only a minimal increase in constitutive receptor endocytosis; and blockade of the PK-C pathway, by treatment with a bisindolylmaleimide, failed to inhibit agonist-induced receptor endocytosis. Immunofluorescence confocal microscopic studies of PTH/PTHrP receptor internalization confirmed the results using receptor biotinylation. These findings suggest that: 1) agonist binding is required for the efficient endocytosis of the PTH/PTHrP receptor; 2) receptor activation (agonist-induced receptor conformational change) and/or coupling to G proteins plays a critical role in receptor internalization; and 3) activation of PK-A and PK-C is neither necessary nor sufficient for agonist-stimulated receptor internalization.

Epinephrine produces a beta-adrenergic receptor-mediated mechanical hyperalgesia and in vitro sensitization of rat nociceptors

Hyperalgesic and nociceptor sensitizing effects mediated by the beta-adrenergic receptor were evaluated in the rat. Intradermal injection of epinephrine, the major endogenous ligand for the beta-adrenergic receptor, into the dorsum of the hindpaw of the rat produced a dose-dependent mechanical hyperalgesia, quantified by the Randall-Selitto paw-withdrawal test. Epinephrine-induced hyperalgesia was attenuated significantly by intradermal pretreatment with propranolol, a beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist, but not by phentolamine, an alpha-adrenergic receptor antagonist. Epinephrine-induced hyperalgesia developed rapidly; it was statistically significant by 2 min after injection, reached a maximum effect within 5 min, and lasted 2 h. Injection of a more beta-adrenergic receptor-selective agonist, isoproterenol, also produced dose-dependent hyperalgesia, which was attenuated by propranolol but not phentolamine. Epinephrine-induced hyperalgesia was not affected by indomethacin, an inhibitor of cyclo-oxygenase, or by surgical sympathectomy. It was attenuated significantly by inhibitors of the adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate signaling pathway (the adenylyl cyclase inhibitor, SQ 22536, and the protein kinase A inhibitors, Rp-adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate and WIPTIDE), inhibitors of the protein kinase C signaling pathway (chelerythrine and bisindolylmaleimide) and a mu-opioid receptor agonist DAMGO ([D-Ala2,N-Me-Phe4,Gly5-ol]-enkephalin). Consistent with the hypothesis that epinephrine produces hyperalgesia by a direct action on primary afferent nociceptors, it was found to sensitize small-diameter dorsal root ganglion neurons in culture, i. e., to produce an increase in number of spikes and a decrease in latency to firing during a ramped depolarizing stimulus. These effects were blocked by propranolol. Furthermore epinephrine, like several other direct-acting hyperalgesic agents, caused a potentiation of tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium current, an effect that was abolished by Rp-adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate and significantly attenuated by bisindolylmaleimide. Isoproterenol also potentiated tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium current. In conclusion, epinephrine produces cutaneous mechanical hyperalgesia and sensitizes cultured dorsal root ganglion neurons in the absence of nerve injury via an action at a beta-adrenergic receptor. These effects of epinephrine are mediated by both the protein kinase A and protein kinase C second-messenger pathways.

The neuromessenger platelet-activating factor in plasticity and neurodegeneration

Synaptic activation leads to the formation of arachidonic acid, platelet-activating factor (PAF, 1-O-alkyl-2-acyl-sn-3-phosphocholine) and other lipid messengers. PAF is a potent bioactive phospholipid in synaptic plasticity. PAF enhances presynaptic glutamate release, is a retrograde messenger in long-term potentiation and enhances memory formation. PAF also couples synaptic events with gene expression by stimulating a FOS/JUN/AP-1 transcriptional signaling system, as well as transcription of COX-2 (inducible prostaglandin synthase). Since the COX-2 gene is also involved in synaptic plasticity, the PAF-COX-2 pathway may have physiological significance. Seizures, ischemia and other forms of brain injury promote phospholipase A2 (PLA2) overactivation, resulting in the accumulation of bioactive lipids at the synapse. PAF, under these pathological conditions, behaves as a neuronal injury messenger by at least two mechanisms: (a) enhancing glutamate release; and, (b) by sustained augmentation of COX-2 transcription. These events link PAF with neurodegeneration. The upstream intracellular pathways of signal transduction involved in neuronal or photoreceptor cell apoptosis are not well understood and involve stress sensitive kinases. PAF is a transcriptional activator of the COX-2 gene. BN 50730, a potent intracellular PAF antagonist, blocks COX-2 induction. COX-2 transcription and protein expression are upregulated in the hippocampus in kainic acid induced epileptogenesis. There is a selectively elevated induction of COX-2 (72-fold) by kainic acid preceding neuronal cell death. BN 50730 administered by i.c.v. injection blocks seizure-induced COX-2 induction. Overall, PAF is a dual modulator of neural function and becomes an endogenous neurotoxin when over produced.

Regulation of amyloid precursor protein cleavage

Multiple lines of evidence suggest that increased production and/or deposition of the beta-amyloid peptide, derived from the amyloid precursor protein, contributes to Alzheimer's disease. A growing list of neurotransmitters, growth factors, cytokines, and hormones have been shown to regulate amyloid precursor protein processing. Although traditionally thought to be mediated by activation of protein kinase C, recent data have implicated other signaling mechanisms in the regulation of this process. Moreover, novel mechanisms of regulation involving cholesterol-, apolipoprotein E-, and stress-activated pathways have been identified. As the phenotypic changes associated with Alzheimer's disease encompass many of these signaling systems, it is relevant to determine how altered cell signaling may be contributing to increasing brain amyloid burden. We review the myriad ways in which first messengers regulate amyloid precursor protein catabolism as well as the signal transduction cascades that give rise to these effects.