The eicosanoids and their biochemical mechanisms of action

Inhibition by protein kinase C activation of melittin-induced arachidonic acid release in PC12 pheochromocytoma cells

In rat PC12 pheochromocytoma cells, melittin, a phospholipase A2 activator, stimulated the release of arachidonic acid in a dose-dependent manner in the range between 0.1 and 1 microM. 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), a protein kinase C-activating phorbol ester, inhibited the melittin-induced release of arachidonic acid dose-dependently in the range between 0.1 nM and 0.1 microM, whereas 4 alpha-phorbol 12, 13-didecanoate, which is inactive for protein kinase C, was ineffective in this capacity. Staurosporine, a protein kinase C inhibitor, recovered the inhibitory effect of TPA on the melittin-induced release of arachidonic acid. These results suggest that the activation of protein kinase C inhibits phospholipase A2 activity in PC12 pheochromocytoma cells.

Fatty acid modulation of tumor cell-platelet-vessel wall interaction

Prostaglandins and other eicosanoids have been studied extensively in their physical, biochemical, biophysical and pharmacological aspects. However, studies on their role in tumor progression, especially metastases are relatively recent. Following a brief overview of the history of discovery and metabolism of eicosanoids and other fatty acids, we discuss the functions of these fatty acids (with emphasis on prostacyclin, thromboxane A2, 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid and 13-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid) in cell transformation, tumor promotion and particularly in tumor cell metastasis. The relation between these monohydroxy fatty acids and tumor cell metastasis is discussed from three different perspectives, i.e., their effects on tumor cells, on platelets and on endothelial cells. The mechanism of these effects are then addressed at cell adhesion molecule, motility, protease, cell cytoskeleton, protein kinase and eicosanoid receptor levels. Finally, regulation of three key enzymes which generate eicosanoids (phospholipase, prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase and lipoxygenase) is explored.

Fatty acid modulation of tumor cell adhesion to microvessel endothelium and experimental metastasis

Tumor cell interaction with the endothelium of the vessel wall is a rate limiting step in metastasis. The fatty acid modulation of this interaction was investigated in low (LM) and high (HM) metastatic B16 amelanotic melanoma (B16a) cells. 12(S)-HETE increased the adhesion of LM cells to endothelium derived from pulmonary microvessels. All other monohydroxy and dihydroxy fatty acids were ineffective. LTB4 induced a modest stimulation but LTC4, LTD4, LTE4 as well as LXA4 and LXB4 were ineffective. The 12(S)-HETE enhanced adhesion of B16a cells was inhibited by pretreatment with 13(S)-HODE but not by 13(R)-, 9(S)-HODE or 13-OXO-ODE. 13(S)-HODE decreased adhesion of HM B16a cells to endothelium. 12(S)-HETE enhanced surface expression of integrin alpha IIb beta 3 and monoclonal antibodies against this integrin but not against alpha 5 beta 1, blocked enhanced but not basal adhesion to endothelium. Intravenous injection of 12(S)-HETE treated LM cells resulted in increased lung colonization (experimental metastasis). This effect was specific for 12(S)-HETE and was inhibited by 13(S)-HODE but not by other HODE's. 12(S)-HETE also enhanced lung colonization by HM cells and 13(S)-HODE decreased lung colonization by HM cells. Our results suggest a highly specific bidirectional modulation of metastatic phenotype and lung colonization by 12(S)-HETE and 13(S)-HODE.

Comparison of leukotriene A4 metabolism into leukotriene C4 by human platelets and endothelial cells

Leukotriene (LT) A4 metabolism was studied in human platelets and endothelial cells, since both cells could be involved in transcellular formation of LTC4. Upon addition of exogenous LTA4, both cells produced LTC4 as a major metabolite at various incubation times, and no LTB4, LTD4, or LTE4 was detected. Kinetic studies revealed a higher apparent Km for LTA4 in endothelial cells as compared to platelets (5.8 microM for human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) versus 1.3 microM for platelets); platelets were more efficient in this reaction with a higher Vmax (174 pmol/mg protein/min) versus 15 pmol/mg protein/min in HUVEC. The formation of LTC4 and corresponding kinetic parameters were not modified when platelets or endothelial cells were stimulated by thrombin prior to or simultaneously with the addition of LTA4. In both cells LTC4 synthase activity was not modified by repeated addition of LTA4 showing that it is not a suicide-inactivated enzyme. Furthermore, in platelets and endothelial cells, the enzyme activity was localized in the membrane fraction and was distinct from cytosolic glutathione-S-transferases. Platelet membrane fractions showed apparent Km values of 31 microM and 1.2 mM for LTA4 and GSH, respectively. Inhibition of LTC4 formation from platelets and endothelial cells preparations by S-substituted glutathione derivatives was correlated to the length of the S-alkyl chain. The same substances inhibited cytosolic glutathione-S-transferases with significantly lower IC50, confirming the distinct nature of the two enzymes. These results show that platelets and HUVEC possess similar enzymes for the production of LTC4 from LTA4; however, platelets seem to have a higher efficiency than HUVEC in performing this reaction.

Mechanism of prostaglandin E2-induced arachidonic acid release in osteoblast-like cells: independence from phosphoinositide hydrolysis

We previously reported that pertussis toxin (PTX)-sensitive GTP-binding protein is involved in the coupling of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) receptor to phospholipase C in osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells (1). In the present study, we analyzed the mechanism of PGE2-induced arachidonic acid (AA) release in MC3T3-E1 cells. PGE2 stimulated the release of AA and the formation of inositol trisphosphate (IP3) dose dependently in the range between 1 nM and 10 microM. The effect of PGE2 on AA release (ED50 was 80 nM) was more potent than that on IP3 formation (ED50 was 0.8 microM). Quinacrine, a phospholipase A2 inhibitor, suppressed the PGE2-induced AA release but had little effect on the IP3 formation. NaF, a GTP-binding protein activator, mimicked PGE2 by stimulating the AA release. The AA release stimulated by a combination of PGE2 and NaF was not additive. PTX had little effect on the PGE2-induced AA release. These results strongly suggest that the AA release and the phosphoinositide hydrolysis are separately stimulated by PGE2 in osteoblast-like cells, and the PGE2-induced AA release is mediated by PTX-insensitive GTP-binding protein.

Eicosanoid-mediated contractility of hepatic stellate cells

To approach experimentally the problem of contractility, stellate cells from rats were isolated and grown on a flexible silicone rubber substrate. Increases or decreases in the number of wrinkles of the silicone membrane beneath the cells that were easily observable by microscopy was employed as semi-quantitative measure of stellate cell motility. Contraction of stellate cells accompanied by diminution of cell body size was induced by U46619 (a thromboxane A2 analogue) and prostaglandin (PG) F2 alpha. Wrinkle formation became detectable 1.5 min after addition of 2 microM-U46619 and reached its maximum 10-15 min later. The effect of PGF2 alpha was not so striking, but lasted for a longer period of time. On the other hand, dibutyryl cyclic AMP, Iloprost (a PGI2 analogue) and PGE2 led to the disappearance or decrease in the number of wrinkles, indicating relaxation of contracted stellate cells. For instance, after addition of 2 microM-Iloprost, 47, 75 and 82% of contracted stellate cells had relaxed within 5, 10 and 20 min respectively. Moreover, dibutyryl cyclic AMP induced disappearance of alpha-smooth muscle actin stress fibres. This response became recognizable 10 min after addition of dibutyryl cyclic AMP; 40 min later, 97% of stellate cells were devoid of stress fibres. Thus stellate cells are able to undergo reversible contraction in primary culture, and the contraction of these cells may be mediated by eicosanoids that can be produced within the liver.

Neurotransmitters and stimulation of fluid reabsorption in migratory locust rectal cells

Several biogenic amines enhance fluid reabsorption and the accumulation of cyclic adenosine-monophosphate (cAMP) in the rectum of the migratory locust but only 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) acts in a dose-dependent manner at low concentrations (between 10(-8) and 5.10(-7) M). Cyclic AMP is a second messenger of 5-HT, and its actions on fluid reabsorption are calcium-dependent. Polymyxin B (a protein kinase C inhibitor) mimics the actions of 5-HT on fluid reabsorption and on calcium-dependent cAMP accumulation. This suggests the presence of other sources of calcium and a possible relationship between several transduction systems within different rectal cells. The second messenger system mediating the 5-HT antidiuretic message differs from those involved in the transduction of the known locust antidiuretic hormones.

Diverse prostaglandin receptors activate distinct signal transduction pathways in rat myometrium

Attempts were made to identify prostaglandin (PG) receptors in rat myometrium, according to the differential rank order of potencies displayed by the natural PGs and their analogues, both at the level of second messenger generation and contraction. In estrogen-treated rat myometrium, PGs [iloprost = PGI2 greater than PGE2 much greater than 16,16-dimethyl (DM)-PGE2; sulprostone = misoprostol = 0] induced adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate generation, indicating the contribution of a PGI2 receptor. The generation of inositol phosphates was stimulated by PGs (PGF2 alpha greater than PGD2 much greater than PGE2 = DM-PGE2 much greater than iloprost greater than sulprostone = misoprostol = 0), reflecting a PGF2 alpha-receptor-mediated process, which was insensitive to pertussis toxin (PTX). Contractions caused by PGF2 alpha were closely correlated to PGF2 alpha-receptor activation associated with the phospholipase C pathway. By contrast, contractions evoked by PGE2, equally mimicked by sulprostone and misoprostol, were abolished by PTX and were independent of phospholipase C activation. In the pregnant myometrium (day 21), the latter PGE-receptor-mediated mechanism also contributed to contractions caused by PGE2 (less than microM concn). Phospholipase C activation was coupled not only to PGF2 alpha but also to PGE receptors and could be correlated with contractions induced by PGF2 alpha and PGE2 greater than microM concn). All PGs tested were coupled to inhibitory G protein-mediated adenylate cyclase inhibition, displaying an equipotency that did not allow characterization of the inhibitory PG receptors.

Prostacyclin administration suppresses the increase in hepatic levels of COL1A(I) and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase mRNAs in the rat treated with carbon tetrachloride

Northern analysis using total RNAs from the component cells of normal rat liver indicated that COL1A(I) mRNA is present in fat-storing cells (Ito cells) and sinusoidal endothelial cells. A fraction for Kupffer cells also contained this mRNA. When CCl4 was given, COL1A(I) mRNA was increased in a factor of 1.5 in the fractions of these component cells. After 48 h of the drug administration, hepatocytes appeared to possess over 60% of liver COL1A(I) mRNA, although in normal hepatocytes its level was below the range detectable by our procedures. Under this injured condition of liver, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) mRNA level was elevated, while activity of this enzyme was lowered by 50% of the control value. All the changes were obviously suppressed by the simultaneous administration of prostacyclin.

Autoregulation of prostaglandin E2-induced Ca2+ influx in osteoblast-like cells: inhibition by self-induced activation of protein kinase C

In cloned osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) stimulated 45Ca2+ influx even in the presence of nifedipine, a Ca2+ antagonist that inhibits voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel, in a dose-dependent manner, attaining a maximum at 0.5 microM. Dose of PGE2 above 0.5 microM caused less than maximal stimulation. While PGE2 stimulated the formation of inositol trisphosphate dose dependently in the range between 1 nM and 10 microM. 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), a protein kinase C (PKC)-activating phorbol ester, which by itself had little effect on 45Ca2+ influx, significantly suppressed the 45Ca2+ influx induced by PGE2 in a dose-dependent manner between 1 nM and 1 microM. 4 alpha-Phorbol 12,13-didecanoate, a phorbol ester which is inactive for PKC, showed little effect in this capacity. Staurosporine, a PKC inhibitor, enhanced the PGE2-induced 45Ca2+ influx. On the other hand, dibutyryl cAMP had little effect on the 45Ca2+ influx induced by PGE2. Our data suggest that PGE2 regulates Ca2+ influx through self-induced activation of PKC. These results indicate that there is an autoregulatory mechanism in signal transduction by PGE2, and PGE2 modulates osteoblast functions through the interaction between Ca2+ influx and phosphoinositide hydrolysis in osteoblast-like cells.

Proliferative effect of PGD2 on osteoblast-like cells; independent activation of pertussis toxin-sensitive GTP-binding protein from PGE2 or PGF2 alpha

PGD2 stimulated DNA synthesis and decreased alkaline phosphatase activity dose-dependently between 10 nM and 10 microM in osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells. PGD2 had little effect on cAMP production, but caused very rapid enhancement of phosphoinositide (PI) hydrolysis dose-dependently between 10 nM and 10 microM. The formation of inositol trisphosphate (IP3) induced by PGD2 reached the peak within 1 min and decreased thereafter, which is more rapid than that induced by PGE2 or PGF2 alpha and both PGE2 and PGF2 alpha affected PGD2-induced IP3 formation additively. Pertussis toxin (PTX) inhibited both PGD2-induced formation of inositol phosphates and DNA synthesis. The degree of these PTX (1 micrograms/ml)-induced inhibitions was similar. In addition, neomycin, a phospholipase C inhibitor, inhibited PGD2-induced DNA synthesis as well as the formation of IP3, and the patterns of both inhibitions were similar. In the cell membranes, PTX-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation of a 40-kDa protein was significantly attenuated by pretreatment of PGD2. Time course of the attenuation of PTX-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation by PGD2 was apparently different from that by PGE2 or PGF2 alpha. These results indicate that PGD2 activates PTX-sensitive GTP-binding protein independently from PGE2 or PGF2 alpha and stimulates PI hydrolysis resulting in proliferation of osteoblast-like cells.

Protein kinase C activation amplifies prostaglandin F2 alpha-induced prostaglandin E2 synthesis in osteoblast-like cells

In cloned osteoblast-like cells, MC3T3-E1, prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) stimulated arachidonic acid (AA) release in a dose-dependent manner in the range between 1 nM and 10 microM. 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), a protein kinase C (PKC) activator, which by itself had little effect on AA release, markedly amplified the release of AA stimulated by PGF2 alpha in a dose-dependent manner. 4 alpha-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate, a phorbol ester which is inactive for PKC, showed little effect on the PGF2 alpha-induced AA release. 1-oleoyl-2-acetylglycerol (OAG), a specific activator for PKC, mimicked TPA by enhancement of the AA release induced by PGF2 alpha. H-7, a PKC inhibitor, markedly suppressed the effect of OAG on PGF2 alpha-induced AA release. Quinacrine, a phospholipase A2 inhibitor, showed partial inhibitory effect on PGF2 alpha-induced AA release, while it suppressed the amplification by OAG of PGF2 alpha-induced AA release almost to the control level. Furthermore, TPA enhanced the AA release induced by melittin, known as a phospholipase A2 activator. On the other hand, TPA inhibited the formation of inositol trisphosphate stimulated by PGF2 alpha. Under the same condition, PGF2 alpha indeed stimulated prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthesis and TPA markedly amplified the PGF2 alpha-induced PGE2 synthesis as well as AA release. These results indicate that the activation of PKC amplifies PGF2 alpha-induced both AA release and PGE2 synthesis through the potentiation of phospholipase A2 activity in osteoblast-like cells.

Inhibitory effect of 17 beta -estradiol on prostaglandin E2-induced phosphoinositide hydrolysis in osteoblast-like cells

We examined the effect of estradiol on PGE2-induced phosphoinositide hydrolysis and cAMP production in cloned osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells. 17 beta -Estradiol pretreatment significantly inhibited the formation of inositol phosphates induced by 10 microM PGE2 in a dose-dependent manner between 1 pM and 10 nM. This effect of 17 beta -estradiol was dependent on the time of pretreatment and submaximum inhibition was observed at 4 h. However, 17 beta -estradiol had little effect on the formation of inositol phosphates induced by 20 mM NaF, a GTP-binding protein activator. The cAMP production induced by PGE2 was not influenced by 17 beta -estradiol. These results suggest that 17 beta -estradiol modulates the signal transduction by PGE2 and that the effect seems to be exerted between PGE2 receptor and the GTP-binding protein coupled to phospholipase C in osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells.

Docosahexaenoic acid in developing brain and retina of piglets fed high or low α-linolenate formula with and without fish oil

Docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3) can be synthesized in the liver and/or brain from alpha-linolenic acid (18:3n-3) and is required in large amounts in structural membranes of developing brain and retina. The adequacy and efficacy of formulas containing 18:3n-3 and/or fish oil in providing 22:6n-3 for deposition was investigated in piglets fed formula from birth to 15 days. The test formulas contained high (HL) or low (LL) 18:3n-3 (3.9 or 0.7% of the total formula fatty acids, respectively), or low 18:3n-3 plus fish oil (LL+FO) to provide C20 and C22 n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (0.8% of total fatty acids). Fatty acid analyses of synaptic plasma membrane and retina ethanolamine phospholipids (EPL), which are especially enriched in 22:6n-3, were compared to those of 15-day-old piglets fed sow milk (SM). Feeding LL resulted in lower 22:6n-3 in synaptic plasma membrane. Fatty acid levels in HL and LL+FO piglets were equivalent to SM, with the exception of lower 22:5n-3 in the synaptic plasma membrane of LL+FO and in the retina of HL and LL+FO-fed piglets. Levels of 22:4n-6 were also lower in the retina of the LL+FO group. The results suggest formula 18:3n-3 is at least 24% as effective as C20 and C22 n-3 fatty acids as a source of membrane 22:6n-3. This study shows dietary 18:3n-3, as the only n-3 fatty acid, can support deposition of comparable percentage of 22:6n-3 to natural milk. Fish oil also supported tissue levels of 22:6n-3 similar to natural milk; however, lower 22:4n-6 may indicate possible inhibitory effects on n-6 metabolism.

Cross-talk regulation between cyclic AMP production and phosphoinositide hydrolysis induced by prostaglandin E2 in osteoblast-like cells

In cloned osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells, PGE2 stimulated both cAMP accumulation and the formation of inositol trisphosphate (IP3) dose dependently. The cAMP accumulation showed the peak value at 5 min and decreased thereafter, whereas the IP3 formation reached a plateau almost within 10 min and sustained it up to 30 min. The effect of PGE2 on cAMP accumulation (EC50 was 80 nM) was more potent than that on IP3 formation (EC50 was 0.8 microM). 12-O-Tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA), a protein kinase C (PKC)-activating phorbol ester, reduced the PGE2-induced cAMP accumulation, whereas 4 alpha-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate, a PKC-nonactivating phorbol ester, had little effect on the cAMP accumulation. 1-Oleoyl-2-acetyl-glycerol, a specific activator for PKC, inhibited PGE2-induced cAMP accumulation. TPA had little effect on cAMP accumulation induced by forskolin or NaF, a GTP-binding protein activator. So, the effect of TPA is presumed to be exerted at the point between the PGE2 receptor and Gs. On the other hand, forskolin and dibutyryl cAMP had little effect on the IP3 formation stimulated by PGE2. H-7, a PKC inhibitor, enhanced the PGE2-induced cAMP accumulation in comparison with HA1004, a control for H-7. Our data suggest that PGE2 regulates cAMP production through self-induced activation of PKC. These results strongly suggest that there is an autoregulatory mechanism in PGE2 signaling, and PGE2 modulates osteoblast functions through a cross-talk interaction between cAMP production and phosphoinositide hydrolysis in osteoblast-like cells.

Regulation of prostaglandin H synthase activity in dog urothelial cells

TPA regulation of prostaglandin H synthase activity in primary and subcultured dog urothelial cells was investigated. Previous studies have demonstrated an early (0-2 hr) increase in PGE2 synthesis mediated by TPA which is dependent upon release of endogenous arachidonic acid by a phospholipase-mediated pathway. In this study, prostaglandin H synthase activity was assessed directly with microsomes and indirectly after addition of exogenous arachidonic acid at a maximum effective concentration (100 microM) to media. PGE2 synthesis, measured by radioimmunoassay, served as an index of prostaglandin H synthase activity. After a 24-hr incubation with 0.1 microM TPA or 1.0 microM A23187, arachidonic acid elicited significantly more PGE2 synthesis in agonist-treated cells than it did in control cells in primary culture. Microsomes from 24-hr TPA-treated cells exhibited significantly more prostaglandin H synthase activity than did those from control cells. In addition, the PGE2 content of overnight media was approximately 10-fold greater in TPA-treated cells than in control cells. The late (24 hr) response was more sensitive to lower concentrations of TPA than was the earlier (0-2 hr) response. TPA at 0.1 microM was a maximum effective dose for both responses. The 24-hr response was blocked by cycloheximide and staurosporine, inhibitors of protein synthesis and protein kinase C, respectively. Pretreatment of cells with aspirin, an irreversible inhibitor of prostaglandin H synthase, prior to addition of TPA did not prevent the late TPA-mediated increase in PGE2 synthesis. Subcultured cells exhibited both an early and a late TPA response. Only the early response was inhibited by aspirin pretreatment. Results suggest that the late response with TPA is caused by de novo synthesis of prostaglandin H synthase. Thus, primary and subcultured dog urothelial cells possess two distinct mechanisms for regulating signal transduction by arachidonic acid metabolism. This study provides a basis for assessing these mechanisms of signal transduction in urothelial cell lines and transformed cells.

Prevention of Ca(2+)-induced or thromboxane B2-induced hepatocyte plasma membrane bleb formation by thromboxane receptor antagonists

Isolated hepatocytes incubated in the presence of either Ca2+ ionophore A23187 or thromboxane B2 develop many plasma membrane blebs which are a characteristic feature of toxic or ischaemic cell injury. When hepatocytes are incubated in the presence of both Ca2+ ionophore A23187 and any one of three thromboxane receptor antagonists (SK and F 88046, B.M. 13505, B.M. 13177), bleb formation is strongly inhibited. Hepatocytes incubated in the presence of both thromboxane B2 and any one of the three thromboxane receptor antagonists are also well protected from the formation of blebs. Treatment of isolated hepatocytes with Ca2+ ionophore A23187 is known to stimulate the production of thromboxanes. The data presented are consistent with thromboxane B2 acting as an intermediary in a proposed mechanism of cell injury and death in which elevated cytosolic free Ca2+ levels activate phospholipase A2 and the arachidonate cascade.

Lipoxygenase metabolites of arachidonic and linoleic acids modulate the adhesion of tumor cells to endothelium via regulation of protein kinase C

12(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12[S]-HETE) and 13(S)-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (13[S]-HODE), lipoxygenase metabolites of arachidonic acid and linoleic acid, respectively, previously have been suggested to regulate tumor cell adhesion to endothelium during metastasis. Adhesion of rat Walker carcinosarcoma (W256) cells to a rat endothelial cell monolayer was enhanced after treatment with 12(S)-HETE and this 12(S)-HETE enhanced adhesion was blocked by 13(S)-HODE. Protein kinase inhibitors, staurosporine, calphostin C, and 1-(5-isoquinoline-sulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine, inhibited the 12(S)-HETE enhanced W256 cell adhesion. Depleting W256 cells of protein kinase C (PKC) with phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate abolished their ability to respond to 12(S)-HETE. Treatment of W256 cells with 12(S)-HETE induced a 100% increase in membrane-associated PKC activity whereas 13(S)-HODE inhibited the effect of 12(S)-HETE on PKC translocation. High-performance liquid chromatographic analysis revealed that in W256 cells 12-HETE and 13-HODE were two of the major lipoxygenase metabilites of arachidonic acid and linoleic acid, respectively. Therefore, these two metabolites may provide an alternative signaling pathway for the regulation of PKC. Further, these findings suggest that the regulation of tumor cell adhesion to endothelium by 12(S)-HETE and 13(S)-HODE may be a PKC-dependent process.

Leukotrienes: their possible role in pulpal and periapical diseases

Leukotrienes play an important role in inflammation and its sequelae such as pain, swelling, and bone resorption. This review covers, their history, structure, synthesis, metabolism, biological effects, inhibitors, antagonists, and their possible role in pathogenesis of pulpal and periapical disease.

Evolution of enzymatic regulation of prostaglandin action: novel connections to regulation of human sex and adrenal function, antibiotic synthesis and nitrogen fixation

The recent determination of the amino acid sequences of enzymes that metabolize prostaglandins and steroids has revealed interesting connections between some of these enzymes. Human placental 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase, which catalyzes the oxidation of the C15 alcohol on prostaglandins E2 and F2 alpha, is homologous to 11 beta-hydroxysteroid, 17 beta-hydroxysteroid, and 3 alpha, 20 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases. That is, these four enzymes are derived from a common ancestor. Moreover, enzymes important in synthesis of antibiotics and proteins synthesized by soil bacteria that form nitrogen-fixing nodules in alfalfa and soybeans are homologous to 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase. These homologies provide important insights into the origins of intercellular communication that is mediated by prostaglandins, steroids, and fatty acids.

Prostaglandin synthetase and prostacyclin synthetase in mature rat skeletal muscles: immunohistochemical localisation to arterioles, tendons and connective tissues

Mature skeletal muscles produce appreciable quantities of prostacyclin (PGI2) and smaller amounts of PGF2 alpha and PGE2, but the sources of these prostaglandins within skeletal muscle are unknown. Monoclonal antibodies to prostaglandin synthetase and prostacyclin synthetase were used to determine which muscle cells produce prostaglandins. The antibody to prostacyclin synthetase stained the tendon, fascia, epimysium and the arteries leading to the muscles. The endothelia of arterioles were also stained in the tibialis anterior and cremaster but not in the soleus muscles. Only trace levels of immunoreactivity were observed with the antibody to prostaglandin synthetase in normal muscles. However, immunoreactivity was observed in the muscles of rats that had been pretreated with aspirin, a drug that inhibits and stabilises prostaglandin synthetase. In muscles of the aspirin-treated rats, all cell types that were stained by the antiprostacyclin synthetase also reacted weakly with the antibody to prostaglandin synthetase. In addition, some cells in the endomysium were strongly stained with the antiprostaglandin synthetase but not with the antiprostacyclin synthetase. We conclude that (1) at least one aspect of the regulation of blood flow in the microcirculation of slow muscles is different from that of fast muscles, (2) that the tendon and connective tissue is the major source of PGI2 in mature skeletal muscles, and (3) that the prostaglandin-dependent effects of insulin and some other stimuli on skeletal muscle may be mediated by the muscle's arterioles or connective tissue.

Effect of flow on prostaglandin E2 and inositol trisphosphate levels in osteoblasts

Osteoblasts in culture respond to mechanical strains. Fluid flow has been shown to increase intracellular adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate levels in cultured osteoblasts, and this response is mediated by prostaglandin synthesis. The signal transduction pathway of these cells exposed to fluid flow is still unknown. In the present study, we have demonstrated a 9- and 20-fold increase in the rate of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production in osteoblasts exposed to low (6 dyn/cm2) and high (24 dyn/cm2) steady shear, respectively. We further observed that fluid flow induced increases in the intracellular levels of inositol trisphosphate (IP3), another important second messenger. A shear stress of 24 dyn/cm2 increased IP3 levels dramatically for up to 2 h. Removal of flow resulted in a gradual return of IP3 to basal levels. The stimulation of IP3 levels was partially inhibited by 20 microM ibuprofen and 14 microM indomethacin, indicating that the IP3 response was partly dependent on flow-induced prostaglandin synthesis. The IP3 response was unaffected by daltroban, a specific thromboxane antagonist. These results show that fluid flow induced prostaglandin E2 production and increased intracellular levels of IP3 in osteoblasts. This suggests that flow may be the external signal produced by loading and that these messengers may be involved in the transduction of mechanical strain into a biochemical response.

Inhibition of human gastric cyclic AMP production by Helicobacter pylori protein--possible involvement of mucosal prostaglandin E2

The effect of Helicobacter pylori protein on cAMP and prostaglandin (PGE2) production was studied in incubates of human gastric fundic mucosa. At 24 hours, specimens incubated in the control fluid had a median cAMP value of 81 pmol/mg protein, compared to 28 pmol/mg (P less than 0.05) when incubated in H. pylori protein, 155 pmol/kg (P less than 0.006) in histamine, and 23 pmol/kg (P less than 0.05) in histamine plus H. pylori protein. A similar trend was observed at 48 hours. Although H. pylori protein had no direct effect on mucosal PGE2, it intensified the inhibitory effect of indomethacin and prevented the stimulatory effect of histamine on both PGE2 and cAMP production. Given the role of cAMP in various physiological responses, these results suggest that H. pylori protein might alter those functional aspects of the human gastric mucosa which rely on cAMP as a second messenger. Assuming that PGE2 is involved in mediating such effect, its role would appear to be either partial or indirect.

Replacement of vertebrate serum with lipids and other factors in the culture of invertebrate cells, tissues, parasites, and pathogens

Culture medium supplementation with vertebrate serum results in the selection of fibroblastoid insect cell lines and a general decline during continuous subculturing of both morphologic and functional differentiation of the surviving cells. Essential lipid mixtures can substitute for vertebrate serum in the culture of insect and some vertebrate cells, tissues, parasites, and pathogens. The provision of sterols and essential (with nonessential) polyunsaturated fatty acids as phospholipids in oxidation-protected peptoliposomes or proteoliposomes allows cells in culture to duplicate in vivo specific membranes more accurately. Such lipid-corrected membranes allow cultured cells to communicate with neighboring cells through the extracellular matrix, effectively transmit hormonal signals directly and via receptor control, and respond with various tissue-specific functions and differentiation states as directed.

Contraluminal p-aminohippurate transport in the proximal tubule of the rat kidney. VII. Specificity: cyclic nucleotides, eicosanoids

Using the stop-flow peritubular capillary microperfusion method the inhibitory potency (apparent Ki values) of cyclic nucleotides and prostanoids against contraluminal p-aminohippurate (PAH), dicarboxylate and sulphate transport was evaluated. Conversely the contraluminal transport rate of labelled cAMP, cGMP, prostaglandin E2, and prostaglandin D2 was measured and the inhibition by different substrates was tested. Cyclic AMP and its 8-bromo and dibutyryl analogues inhibited contraluminal PAH transport with an app. Ki,PAH of 3.4, 0.63 and 0.52 mmol/l. The respective app. Ki,PAH values of cGMP and its analogues are with 0.27, 0.04 and 0.05 mmol/l, considerably lower. None of the cyclic nucleotides tested interacted with contraluminal dicarboxylate, sulphate and N1-methylnicotinamide transport. ATP, ADP, AMP, adenosine and adenine as well as GTP, GDP, GMP, guanosine and guanine did not inhibit PAH transport while most of the phosphodiesterase inhibitors tested did. Time-dependent contraluminal uptake of [3H]cAMP and [3H]cGMP was measured at different starting concentrations and showed facilitated diffusion kinetics with the following parameters for cAMP: Km = 1.5 mmol/l, Jmax = 0.34 pmol S-1 cm-1, r (extracellular/intracellular amount at steady state) = 0.91; for cGMP: Km = 0.29 mmol/l, Jmax = 0.31 pmol S-1 cm-1, r = 0.55. Comparison of app. Ki,cGMP with app. Ki,PAH of ten substrates gave a linear relation with a ratio of 1.83 +/- 0.5. All prostanoids applied inhibited the contraluminal PAH transport; the prostaglandins E1, F1 alpha, A1, B1, E2, F2 alpha, D2, A2 and B2 with an app. Ki,PAH between 0.08 and 0.18 mmol/l. The app. Ki of the prostacyclins 6,15-diketo-13,14-dihydroxy-F1 alpha (0.22 mmol/l) and Iloprost (0.17 mmol/l) as well as that of leukotrienes B4 (0.2 mmol/l) was in the same range, while the app. Ki,PAH of the prostacyclins PGI2 (0.55 mmol/l), 6-keto-PGF1 alpha (0.77 mmol/l) and 2,3-dinor-6-keto-PGF1 alpha (0.57 mmol/l) as well as that of thromboxane B2 (0.36 mmol/l) was somewhat higher. None of these prostanoids inhibited contraluminal dicarboxylate transport and only PGB1, E2 and D2 inhibited contraluminal sulphate transport (app. Ki,SO4(2-) 5.4, 11.0, 17.9 mmol/l respectively). Contraluminal influx of labelled PGE2 showed complex transport kinetics with a mixed Km = 0.61 mmol/l and Jmax of 4.26 pmol S-1 cm-1. It was inhibited by probenecid, sulphate and indomethacin. Contraluminal influx of PGD2, however, was only inhibited by probenecid. The data indicate that cyclic nucleotides as well as prostanoids are transported by the contraluminal PAH transporter. For prostaglandin E2 a significant uptake through the sulphate transporter occurs in addition.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Do rat kidney cortex microsomes possess the enzymatic machinery to desaturate and chain elongate fatty acyl-CoA derivatives?

Rat kidney cortex microsomal preparations were unable to catalyze delta 9, delta 6 and delta 5 desaturation of stearoyl-coenzyme A (CoA), linoleoyl-CoA and dihomo-gamma-linolenoyl-CoA, respectively. The kidney cortex microsomal fraction, however, did catalyze the malonyl-CoA dependent fatty acyl-CoA elongation. The biochemical properties of palmitoyl-CoA elongation were studied as a function of protein concentration, time, reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), malonyl-CoA and substrate concentrations; of the substrates investigated, delta 6,9,12-18:3 was the most active. Unlike what was observed in the hepatic system, a high-carbohydrate, fat-free diet did not induce kidney fatty acid chain elongation. All intermediate kidney cortex microsomal reactions, i.e., beta-ketoacyl-CoA reductase, beta-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrase and trans-2-enoyl-CoA reductase activities, were significantly higher (greater than one order of magnitude) than the condensing enzyme activity, suggesting that the rate-limiting step in total elongation is the initial condensation reaction. Contrary to other reports, the results suggest that the kidney cannot synthesize arachidonic acid needed for eicosanoid production.

Diacylglycerol stimulates the Ca2(+)-dependent phospholipase A2 of ram spermatozoa

We have investigated phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity in sonicates from ram spermatozoa and have analyzed the enzyme's susceptibility both to various inhibitors and to stimulation by diacylglycerols (DAGs). Ram sperm PLA2 activity was Ca2(+)-dependent and was inhibited by dexamethasone, chloracysine and compounds Ro 31-4493 and Ro 31-4639; mepacrine, however, did not inhibit PLA2 activity. Addition of three different 1,2-DAGs (dioctanoyl-sn-glycerol, oleoyl-acetyl-sn-glycerol and dioleoyl-sn-glycerol) markedly increased PLA2 activity; moreover, both 1,2- and 1,3-isomers enhanced enzyme activity. Since ram spermatozoa lack active protein kinase C, the target of DAG in most cells, our results suggest that stimulation of PLA2 activity by DAG may play an important role in intracellular signalling in the sperm cell.

Differential induction of cytochromes P450 and cytochrome P450-dependent arachidonic acid metabolism by 3,4,5,3',4'-pentachlorobiphenyl in the rat and the guinea pig

Differential induction of hepatic cytochromes P450 by 3,4,5,3',4'-pentachlorobiphenyl (PENCB) has been observed in the rat and the guinea pig: (1) in rat and guinea pig, treatment with the chosen dose levels resulted in significant induction of total, carbon monoxide-discernible cytochrome P450 content; the absorption maximum of the CO-adduct of the dithionite-reduced microsomes from PENCB-induced rat liver was shifted from 450 to 448 nm, whereas its counterpart in the guinea pig did not; (2) PENCB treatment significantly increased EROD activity in rat liver microsomes (up to 60-fold), but the increase in the guinea pig was less than fivefold; (3) PENCB-induced rat liver microsomes significantly induced the omega-1 hydroxylation of arachidonic acid (AA); however, omega-1 hydroxylation of AA was hardly affected by PENCB treatment in the guinea pig. Instead, omega-hydroxylation was significantly increased in this latter species. In addition to omega-1 hydroxylation in the rat or omega-hydroxylation in the guinea pig, an additional AA metabolite (designated peak III) was significantly induced by PENCB in both rat and guinea pig; (4) Western blot and ELISA analyses with polyclonal anti-P450 IA1/IA2 and IVA1 antibodies demonstrated that P450 IA1 was significantly induced in the rat but only slightly induced in the guinea pig, whereas P450 IVA1 was significantly suppressed in the rat but significantly induced in the guinea pig by PENCB treatment. The induction of the third arachidonic acid metabolite peak, Peak III, in both rat and guinea pig, particularly in the guinea pig, is obviously neither mediated by P450 IA1 nor by P450 IV A1. At present, it is still unclear which form(s) of cytochrome P450 isoenzymes is responsible for this latter hydroxylation of arachidonic acid.

Down-regulation of prostaglandin F2 alpha receptors in rat liver during chronic endotoxemia

Prostaglandin (PG) F2 alpha binding parameters were measured in purified plasma membrane preparations isolated from livers of chronically endotoxin-(ET) treated rats and corresponding controls. Two classes of binding sites were detected in both groups: high affinity, low capacity, with a KD of 44.4 +/- 8.8 nM for saline- and 28.6 +/- 11.3 nM for ET-treated rats (n = 5 for both, p greater than 0.05) and low affinity, high capacity with a KD of 1.12 +/- 0.49 microM for saline- and 1.24 +/- 0.43 microM for ET-treated rats (p greater than 0.05). Bmax values for high affinity sites were 1.01 +/- 0.18 fmol.mg-1 protein for saline- and 1.02 +/- 0.54 (same units) for ET-treated rats (p greater than 0.05). There was a significant difference (p less than 0.01) between the Bmax values for low affinity sites in saline- (675 +/- 332 fmol.mg-1 protein) and ET-treated rats (12 +/- 1, same units). This decrease in the amount of PGF2 alpha low affinity high capacity binding sites may underlie the depression of the PGF2 alpha stimulatory effect on hepatic gluconeogenesis induced by non-lethal, chronic ET treatment of rats, recently described by us (9).

Prostaglandin E2 activates Ca2+ channels in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells

We have demonstrated that prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) treatment of bovine adrenal chromaffin cells results in a sustained elevation of intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in these cells. Because the continued elevation of [Ca2+]i was dependent on extracellular Ca2+ concentration, it can be assumed that the PGE2-induced [Ca2+]i increase is due, at least in part, to an opening of membrane Ca2+ channels. In this study, we used electrophysiological methods to examine the mechanism of the PGE2-induced [Ca2+]i increase directly. Puff application of PGE2 to the external medium resulted in a prolonged depolarization in about half of the chromaffin cells examined. In whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings, an increase in inward current was observed over a 6-7 min period following bath application of PGE2 (greater than or equal to 10 microM), even in the absence of external Na+. This inward current was abolished when the recordings were made with the cells in a Ca2(+)-free medium, but it was not inhibited by Mn2+, a blocker of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels. In cell-attached patch-clamp configuration, PGE2 produced an increase in the opening frequency of inward currents. The reversal potential of the PGE2-induced currents was about +40 mV, which is close to the reversal potential of the Ca2+ channel. The opening frequency was not affected by membrane potential changes. In inside-out patch-clamp configuration, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (2 microM) added to the cytoplasmic side activated the Ca2(+)-channel currents, but PGE2 was ineffective when applied to the cytoplasmic side. These results suggest that PGE2 activates voltage-independent Ca2+ channels in chromaffin cells through a diffusible second messenger, possibly inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate.

On the relation between cerebral cysteinyl-leukotriene formation and epileptic seizures

In gerbils pentylenetetrazole- or handling-induced seizures were accompanied by cerebral formation of small amounts of cysteinyl-leukotrienes (LT) but large amounts of prostaglandin (PG) F2 alpha. By contrast, in rats injected with pentylenetetrazole or bicuculline very large amounts of PGF2 alpha but no cysteinyl-LT could be detected in the brain tissues. The data indicate that at least in rats the extensive neuronal activity during tonic-clonic convulsions is not necessarily sufficient for the activation of the 5-lipoxygenase pathway. Apparently important species differences do exist.