The signal transduction system of the leukotriene D4 receptor

Differential involvement of phospholipase A2 in phorbol ester-induced luteinizing hormone and growth hormone release from rat anterior pituitary tissue

The protein kinase C (PKC) activator, phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu) induced the release of both luteinizing hormone (LH) and growth hormone (GH) from proestrous rat anterior pituitary pieces in vitro. Phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate-induced LH, but not GH release was readily inhibited by the phospholipase A2 (PLA2) inhibitors, quinacrine, aristolochic acid, ONO-RS-082 and chloracysine. Furthermore, PDBu induced release of [3H]arachidonic acid ([3H]AA) from pre-labelled anterior pituitary tissue that was prevented in the presence of quinacrine, aristolochic acid and ONO-RS-082 but not the diglyceride lipase inhibitor RHC 80267. The effect of PDBu was completely inhibited by staurosporine and the selective PKC inhibitor Ro 31-8220 but only partially by low concentrations of H7; consistent with the involvement of both H7-sensitive and H7-resistant forms of PKC in the activation of PLA2 by PDBu. The protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide inhibited the release of both [3H]AA and LH that had been induced by PDBu, whereas LH release induced by the PLA2 activator mellitin was cycloheximide-insensitive. These results suggest that PKC activators may induce LH but not GH release from anterior pituitary tissue by a mechanism involving activation of a PLA2, brought about by a process which is reliant on protein synthesis.

Characterization of macrophage proteins bearing the functional leukotriene D4-binding site of an anti-cysteinylleukotriene monoclonal antibody

Protein conformations of the putative cysteinylleukotriene (LT) receptor of macrophages were characterized using anti-idiotypic IgG (AIAb) against an anti-LT monoclonal Ab (LTmAb). The AIAb nature of two rabbit antisera were demonstrated with titers of up to 1:1000 against F(ab')2 from the LTmAb (in an enzyme-linked immunoassay) which also inhibit LTD4 binding to the LTmAb (in a radioimmunoassay), whereas non-immunized rabbit serum was not reactive. The specific reactivity of Fc-purified AIAb towards LTmAb was measured by two fractions obtained after passage over columns of Sepharose either coupled with LTmAb (fraction A, representing immunoglobulins not absorbed to LTmAb) or coupled with homologous immunoglobins (fraction B, representing immunoglobulins not absorbed to homologous IgG). The difference in immunoreactivity between both fractions showed that fraction B contains AIAb against a LT-recognizing domain of the LTmAb (in enzyme-linked immunoassays coated with LTmAb and homologous IgG) and AIAb against the functional LT-binding site of LTmAb (in radioimmunoassay). Using the antisera, Western-blot analysis with peritoneal cell proteins detected signals at 236, 198, 118, 99, 75, 25 and 18 kDa. Dithiothreitol-reduced proteins were detected at 25 kDa and 18 kDa. In general, this suggested recognition of a 236-kDa oligomeric protein composed of subunits with molecular masses of 25 kDa and 18 kDa, including intramolecular disulfide bridges all bearing an epitope similar to the LTmAb. From these conformations, an overlay assay with [3H]LTD4 favoured a 75-kDa protein. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that the recognized proteins may be located at cell membranes, because (a) in an ELISA, enriched plasma membrane preparations from peritoneal cells showed a threefold increase in reactivity to the AIAb, compared to the original cell homogenate; (b) after Western-blot analysis, the membrane-enriched protein fraction exhibited stronger protein signals than the microsomal fraction and the original cell homogenate; (c) regions of AIAb binding on the surface of cultured mouse peritoneal macrophages were detected by indirect immunofluorescence. Taken together, this study demonstrated AIAb binding to macrophage membrane-associated proteins bearing the LTD4-binding site of LTmAb, which may include identification of the putative LT receptor.

Characterization of the leukotriene D4 receptor in dimethylsulphoxide-differentiated U937 cells: comparison with the leukotriene D4 receptor in human lung and guinea-pig lung

The leukotriene D4 receptor has been fully characterized by radioligand binding in membrane preparations from dimethyl sulphoxide-differentiated U937 cells, a human monocyte leukemia cell line, and, in parallel experiments, compared with leukotriene D4 receptor found in human lung and guinea-pig lung preparations. [3H]Leukotriene D4 specific binding in differentiated U937 cell membranes is of high affinity (KD = 0.35 nM), saturable (Bmax = 287 fmol/mg protein), with differentiation resulting in a 3-5-fold increase in the number of detectable binding sites. [3H]Leukotriene D4-specific binding in differentiated U937 cell membranes displays several features of G-protein-coupled receptors, being inhibited by GTP analogues and sodium ions, but increased by divalent cations. These characteristics are shared with [3H]leukotriene D4-specific binding in human and guinea-pig lung preparations. However, differences between these leukotriene D4 receptor types were observed. [3H]Leukotriene D4 equilibrium binding to differentiated U937 cell membranes could be dissociated to non-specific binding levels by 1000-fold excess of competing ligand, whereas binding to guinea-pig lung membranes was only partially dissociated under these conditions. In addition, differences in potency were demonstrated in competition studies with leukotriene E4 and leukotriene C4, although leukotriene D4 and the leukotriene D4-receptor antagonists MK-571 and ICI 204,219 were equipotent in competing for [3H]leukotriene D4-specific binding in all three membranes preparations. In conclusion, the leukotriene D4 receptor in differentiated U937 cell membranes resembles that in human lung, validating the use of this cell line as a suitable source of receptor in the development of potent specific antagonists.

Gonadotropin releasing hormone activates the lipoxygenase pathway in cultured pituitary cells: role in gonadotropin secretion and evidence for a novel autocrine/paracrine loop

The formation and role of arachidonic acid (AA) and its metabolites during gonadotropin releasing hormone- (GnRH-) induced gonadotropin secretion were investigated in primary cultures of rat pituitary cells. Prelabeled cells ([3H]AA) responded to GnRH challenge with increased formation (about 2-fold) of the leukotrienes LTC4, LTD4, and LTE4 as well as 5- and 15-eicosatetraenoic acids (5- and 15-HETE) as identified by HPLC. Formation of leukotrienes and 15-HETE was further verified by specific radioimmunoassays. No significant increase in the formation of 12-HETE or of the cyclooxygenase products prostaglandin E (PGE) and thromboxane A2 by GnRH was noticed. Addition of physiological concentrations of LTC4 enhanced basal LH release, while subphysiological concentrations of LTC4 (10(-15)-10(-12) M) inhibited GnRH-induced LH release by about 35% (p less than 0.02). Using specific lipoxygenase inhibitors L-656,224 and MK 886, we found inhibition of GnRH-induced LH release by about 40% at concentrations known to specifically inhibit the 5-lipoxygenase pathway. The peptidoleukotriene receptor antagonist ICI 198,615 inhibited LTC4- and LTE4-induced LH release and surprisingly also the effect of GnRH on LH release by 40%. The data strongly suggest a role for AA and its lipoxygenase metabolites in the on/off reactions of GnRH upon LH release. The data also present a novel amplification cycle in which newly formed leukotrienes become first messengers and establish an autocrine/paracrine loop.

The effect of a cAMP analogue on Ca2+ ionophore-, antigen- and agonist-induced inositol phosphate release in rat basophilic leukaemia (RBL-1) cells

The effect of the stable cAMP analogue 8-Br-cAMP on leukotriene D4 (LTD4)-, 5'-N-ethyl-carboxamidoadenosine (NECA)-, antigen- and Ca2+ ionophore-induced inositol phosphate (IP) production was studied in RBL-1 cells. The cAMP analogue significantly inhibited LTD4- and antigen induced-IP production, thus supporting the hypothesis of a negative interaction between cAMP and phosphoinositide breakdown in blood cells. Ionophore-induced IP release, which was blocked by a 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor and by a LT-receptor antagonist, and therefore is probably mediated by LTs, was also inhibited by 8-Br-cAMP. NECA-induced IP release was not significantly inhibited by the cyclic nucleotide, thus showing that the effect described herein is not a general action on receptor-activated phospholipase C. 8-Br-cAMP did, however, inhibit GTP gamma S-induced IP release in permeabilised RBL-1 cells, thus suggesting that the inhibition does not occur at the receptor level but might be due, at least in part, to an effect on some receptor-coupled G proteins.

Endotoxin-induced arachidonic acid metabolism requires de novo protein synthesis and protein kinase C activation

The mechanisms whereby bacterial endotoxins stimulate arachidonic acid metabolism in macrophages are uncertain. Both protein kinase C activation and de novo protein synthesis occur in macrophages in response to endotoxin. In this study we evaluated the time course and role of protein kinase C and de novo protein synthesis in endotoxin stimulated arachidonic acid metabolism in resident rat peritoneal macrophages. Thromboxane (TX) B2 was measured as the representative arachidonic acid metabolite synthesized in response to Salmonella enteritidis endotoxin, calcium ionophore A23187, or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). The effect of inhibition of protein kinase C by 1-(5-isoquinolinsulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine dihydrochloride (H-7) and staurosporine on endotoxin- and A23187-induced TXB2 synthesis was examined. The potential roles of transcriptional and translational events in endotoxin- and A23187-stimulated TXB2 synthesis were determined by utilizing the transcriptional inhibitors camptothecin (10 microM) or actinomycin D (0.08 microM), and the translational inhibitor cycloheximide (0.1 microM). Whereas, A23187 stimulated maximal TXB2 synthesis within 15 min, endotoxin showed a more prolonged time course with a 12-fold increase in TXB2 synthesis above basal levels after 3 h (P less than 0.05). PMA induced an approx. 8-fold increase above basal TXB2 levels that was blocked by inhibition of transcription with actinomycin D. H-7 (10 microM to 50 microM) inhibited endotoxin- and A23187-stimulated eicosanoid synthesis. Staurosporine (0.2 microM) produced a selective 66% inhibition of endotoxin, but not A23187-stimulated TXB2 synthesis. Endotoxin-induced TXB2 production was significantly (P less than 0.05) inhibited by staurosporine, camptothecin, actinomycin D or cycloheximide at intervals from 30 min prior to, through 60 min after endotoxin stimulation. These studies suggest a role for protein kinase C activation and de novo protein synthesis in endotoxin signal transduction events leading to increased macrophage arachidonic acid metabolism. These intracellular events are essential in sustaining the prolonged inflammatory response to endotoxin.

Leukotriene receptors and mechanisms of signal transduction

To better understand the mechanisms by which leukotriene tone is regulated, we have characterized the mechanisms of genetic regulation of 5-lipoxygenase in HL60 cells induced to differentiate with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and compared a number of rat and human 5-lipoxygenase introns. We demonstrate that differentiation of HL60 cells with DMSO results in coordinate induction of 5-LO and 5-LO activating protein (FLAP). The production of LTB4, 5-LO protein, 5-LO mRNa and FLAP RNA increased coordinately. However, two approaches demonstrated no increase in the initiation of transcription of 5-LO and FLAP pre-mRNA and no changes in the mRNA half lives. Moreover, cycloheximide inhibits the induction of the mRNAs and proteins. Thus, we suggest that 5-LO and FLAP are coordinately regulated in HL60 cells via mechanisms involving changes in RNA processing. To better understand potential mechanisms involved, we have cloned and sequenced several human 5-LO introns and compared them to analogous rat 5-LO introns. A number of regions of potential regulatory significances are conserved and may be important in controlling the rate of pre-mRNA processing.

Cholesterol modulates PAF-stimulated Ca2(+)-mobilization in monocytic U937 cells

We investigated the effect of cellular cholesterol content on platelet activating factor (PAF)-stimulated Ca2+ mobilization in the human monocytic cell line U937. When cholesterol auxotroph U937 cells were depleted of cellular cholesterol by a 48-h incubation in delipidated medium, a 40% reduction in the PAF (100 nM)-stimulated increase in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration was seen. Ca2+ mobilization following stimulation with LTD4 (10 nM) or ATP (10 microM) was not affected. Addition of LDL (100 micrograms/ml, 24 h) to the delipidated medium completely recovered cellular cholesterol content and PAF-induced Ca2+ mobilization. These two LDL effects had very similar time- and dose-dependences. Partial recoveries of PAF-induced Ca2+ mobilization, seen after addition of pure cholesterol dissolved in ethanol (30 micrograms/ml, 24 h) or acetyl-LDL (100 micrograms/ml, 24 h), were associated with partial recoveries of cellular cholesterol content. Our results indicate that cellular cholesterol influences PAF-stimulated events in monocytic cells.

Effect of the leukotriene receptor antagonists FPL 55712, LY 163443, and MK-571 on the elimination of cysteinyl leukotrienes in the rat

1. Leukotriene elimination via bile and urine is an important mechanism of inactivation for these potent lipid mediators. We investigated whether the elimination of cysteinyl leukotrienes is a target for the action of leukotriene receptor antagonists. 2. Experiments were performed in male rats under deep thiopentone anaesthesia. The bile duct and the urinary bladder were cannulated. Tritium labelled leukotrienes and leukotriene receptor antagonists were given via central venous catheters. Elimination of leukotrienes produced in vivo was studied following stimulation of endogenous leukotriene biosynthesis by operative trauma. 3H-leukotriene metabolites were identified by h.p.l.c. analysis. Leukotrienes produced in vivo were measured by combined use of h.p.l.c. and RIA. 3. Under control conditions, 49 +/- 12% of the injected 3H-leukotriene radioactivity was recovered in bile and 1 +/- 0.8% in urine within 90 min. Operative trauma resulted in initial hepatobiliary secretion of 887 +/- 206 pmol kg-1 h-1 of the endogenous leukotriene metabolite N-acetyl leukotriene E4 (LTE4NAc). 4. FPL 55712 strongly inhibited hepatobiliary elimination of 3H-leukotriene radioactivity in a dose-dependent manner after i.v. injection of [3H]-LTC4, [3H]-LTD4 or [3H]LTE4, respectively. Biliary [3H]-LTD4 was reduced most effectively. The leukotriene antagonist potently prevented biliary elimination of LTE4NAc produced in vivo. Bile flow and elimination from blood into bile of [3H]-ouabain were also impaired by FPL 55712, but to a lesser extent. 5. LY 163443 reduced biliary [3H]-LTD4 after i.v. administration of [3H]-LTD4. However, the total elimination of 3H-leukotriene metabolites into bile was not significantly inhibited by the drug. 6. MK-571 reduced the biliary concentration of tracer after administration of 3H-leukotrienes most potently with respect to [3H]-LTD4. In contrast, the total recovery of 3H-leukotrienes in bile tended to increase. This is explained by a drug-induced increase in bile flow. 7. Urinary elimination of 3H-leukotrienes, quantitatively less important in the rat, was not significantly influenced by the leukotriene receptor antagonists. Recovery of 3H-leukotriene radioactivity in liver and kidneys was quantitatively insignificant. 8. From our data, we conclude that leukotriene receptor antagonists have the potential to affect leukotriene elimination by a mechanism not necessarily related to receptor blockade. Inhibition of elimination by the receptor antagonists may prolong the biological half life of leukotrienes. This effect may counteract the antagonistic properties of these drugs.

Characterization of the leukotriene D4 receptor in hyperreactive rat lung

A [3H]leukotriene D4 radioreceptor binding assay has been established in rat lung and has been used to fully characterize the leukotriene D4 receptor in lung membranes from an inbred strain of rats displaying non-specific bronchial hyperreactivity. [3H]leukotriene D4 specific binding in this tissue is of high affinity (KD 0.12 nM), saturable (Bmax 42 fmol/mg protein), inhibited by both guanine nucleotide analogues and sodium ions and increased by divalent cations. In addition, Ki values show that agonists, but not antagonists, compete for [3H]leukotriene D4 binding in rat lung with the same potency as they compete for [3H]leukotriene D4 binding in guinea-pig lung, the classical tissue for leukotriene D4 receptor studies. Finally, [3H]leukotriene D4 binding in hyperreactive rat lung has been compared with [3H]leukotriene D4 binding in lung tissue from Fischer rats, which are a less responsive strain.

Interactions between second messengers: cyclic AMP and phospholipase A2- and phospholipase C-metabolites

The article reviews several new findings on the interactions between phospholipase A2- and phospholipase C-derived metabolites and cyclic AMP, in view of the developments recently achieved in studies on intracellular signal transduction. A complex network of multi-directional regulative mechanisms in the airways and inflammatory blood cells is briefly outlined.

Differential regulation of 5-lipoxygenase and cyclo-oxygenase pathways of arachidonate metabolism in rat peritoneal leukocytes

1. Simultaneous activation of the 5-lipoxygenase and cyclo-oxygenase pathways of arachidonate metabolism in rat peritoneal mixed leukocytes in response to A23187, chemoattractant N-formyl-methionine-leucine-phenylalanine (FMLP) and arachidonic acid (AA) was studied by radioimmunoassay of leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and thromboxane B2 (TXB2) respectively. 2. FMLP and AA preferentially activated cyclo-oxygenase and A23187 preferentially activated 5-lipoxygenase. Release of TXB2 preceded that of LTB4. A threshold amount of A23187 enhanced FMLP-and AA-induced LTB4 production but not that of TXB2. 3. Phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) abolished LTB4 generation in response to FMLP with much less effect on TXB2, but did not inhibit the formation of either eicosanoid caused by A23187 or AA. Instead, PMA caused a dose-dependent but modest stimulation of TXB2 generation either on its own or when added with A23187 or AA. 4. These results show that the 5-lipoxygenase and cyclo-oxygenase pathways in rat peritoneal leukocytes are regulated differently and that functional compartmentalisation of the stimulus-generation sequence operates in these cells.

Lipoxygenase inhibitors suppress intracellular calcium rise induced by ionomycin in rat thymocytes

The lipoxygenase (LO) inhibitors nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) and 15S-hydroxy-5,8,11,13-(Z,Z,Z,E)-eicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE) have been found to suppress the rise in free cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration [( Ca2+]i) induced by the Ca2+ ionophores ionomycin and A23187 in rat thymocytes. Bromophenacyl bromide (BPB), a phospholipase A2 (PLA2) inhibitor, produced a much weaker inhibitory effect, and indomethacin, a cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor, practically did not influence the [Ca2+]i response to ionomycin. These findings implicate the involvement of LO product(s) in the [Ca2+]i rise triggered by the Ca2+ ionophores. The contribution of the NDGA-sensitive component to the ionomycin-induced [Ca2+]i rise was significant in the ionomycin concentration range of 0.1 nM to 0.1 microM whereas at higher doses of the ionophore it gradually diminished. By contrast, the [Ca2+]i rise induced by exogenous arachidonic acid (AA) or melittin, a PLA2 activator, was not suppressed but potentiated by NDGA. Ionomycin and exogenous AA also elicited opposite changes in thymocyte cytoplasmic pH (pHi): the former elevated the pHi while the latter induced a pronounced acidification of the cytoplasm. This difference in the pHi responses may account for the different sensitivity of ionomycin- and AA-elicited [Ca2+]i signal to LO inhibitors.

Muscarinic inhibition of acetylcholine release from a novel in vitro preparation of the guinea-pig trachea

An isolated preparation of the guinea-pig trachea is described which allows the simultaneous measurement of acetylcholine release and smooth muscle contraction. Incubation of the epithelium-free preparation with [3H]choline resulted in the formation of [3H]acetylcholine. Electrical stimulation caused the release of [3H]acetylcholine and a contractile response. Tetrodotoxin and omission of calcium from the medium abolished both the evoked release and contractions. The muscarinic agonists oxotremorine, carbachol and pilocarpine concentration-dependently inhibited the electrically evoked acetylcholine release and contracted the tracheal smooth muscle. Pre- and postsynaptic EC50 values for a given agonist were not different. Atropine (100 nmol/l) significantly facilitated the evoked acetylcholine release. A concentration of 10 nmol/l atropine did not change the evoked release but antagonized the inhibitory effect of oxotremorine. It is concluded that presynaptic muscarine autoreceptors inhibit the release of acetylcholine from parasympathetic nerves of the guinea-pig trachea.

Arachidonic acid cascade and signal transduction

Since a review on this topic in this Journal appeared (Wolfe, 1982), the CNS has proved to be a major focus in eicosanoid research. Although our knowledge is limited at the moment, the research in this field is rapidly growing. In this short review, we summarize recent progress of research (1982-1989) in this field with special attention directed to eicosanoid metabolism, functions of eicosanoids in the neuroendocrine system and synaptic transmission, current information on eicosanoid receptors, and the link between eicosanoids and cerebral circulation. Knowledge of the eicosanoids has paved the way to a better understanding of intercellular signal transduction systems, including neuronal functions.

A role for protein kinase C activity in interleukin-1 (IL-1) induction of IL-2 gene expression but not in IL-1 signal transduction

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is known to synergize with phorbol esters in the induction of interleukin-2 (IL-2) expression in T-lymphoid leukemia cells and proliferation of mouse thymocytes. We used a plasmid construct containing the bacterial gene for chloramphenicol acetyltransferase under the control of the human IL-2 promoter to study the nature of this synergism in the murine thymoma cell line EL4. Although IL-1 induction of the IL-2 promoter in these cells required costimulus with phorbol myristate acetate, the signal induced by IL-1 was qualitatively different. We provide evidence to support the hypothesis that the phorbol ester signal is mediated by protein kinase C, and we show that the IL-1 signal is not. That IL-1 and phorbol myristate acetate represent different stimuli was shown by their response to protein kinase C inhibitors, capacity to synergize with increased intracellular free calcium, and requirement for protein synthesis. In addition we show that pretreatment with IL-1 can prime EL4 cells to subsequent activation by concentrations of phorbol esters not normally sufficient to induce IL-2 expression. Pretreated cells remained primed for at least 40 h after removal of the IL-1. Neither phorbol myristate acetate nor a calcium ionophore was capable of preactivating EL4 cells.

Differential effects of various skin tumor-promoting agents on prostaglandin E2 release from primary cultures of mouse epidermal cells

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) release from primary cultures of mouse epidermal cells was markedly stimulated by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), mezerein and 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-glycerol but not by 4 alpha-phorbol-12,13-di-decanoate in low Ca2+ (50 microM) medium. TPA-evoked PGE2 release was inhibited by mepacrine, indomethacin and H-7 but not by HA1004. These findings suggest that TPA stimulates PGE2 release through activation of protein kinase C, phospholipase A2 and the cyclooxygenase pathway. Of the non-TPA type of tumor promoting agents, i.e. anthralin, chrysarobin, 7-bromomethylbenz[a]anthracene, benzoylperoxide, okadaic acid and palytoxin, only anthralin stimulated PGE2 release. Anthralin-evoked PGE2 release was not inhibited by H-7. In normal Ca2+ (1.8 mM) medium, PGE2 release increased markedly compared to the release in low Ca2+ medium. In normal Ca2+ medium, PGE2 release was stimulated by TPA, anthralin and okadaic acid but not by other tumor promoting agents. In mouse peritoneal macrophages, TPA, palytoxin and okadaic acid stimulated PGE2 release, but other tumor-promoting agents failed to stimulate it. These results suggest that skin tumor promoting agents are not necessarily effective stimulators of prostaglandin production either in macrophages or in epidermal cells, the target cells of skin tumor promotion.

A role for protein kinase C activity in interleukin-1 (IL-1) induction of IL-2 gene expression but not in IL-1 signal transduction

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is known to synergize with phorbol esters in the induction of interleukin-2 (IL-2) expression in T-lymphoid leukemia cells and proliferation of mouse thymocytes. We used a plasmid construct containing the bacterial gene for chloramphenicol acetyltransferase under the control of the human IL-2 promoter to study the nature of this synergism in the murine thymoma cell line EL4. Although IL-1 induction of the IL-2 promoter in these cells required costimulus with phorbol myristate acetate, the signal induced by IL-1 was qualitatively different. We provide evidence to support the hypothesis that the phorbol ester signal is mediated by protein kinase C, and we show that the IL-1 signal is not. That IL-1 and phorbol myristate acetate represent different stimuli was shown by their response to protein kinase C inhibitors, capacity to synergize with increased intracellular free calcium, and requirement for protein synthesis. In addition we show that pretreatment with IL-1 can prime EL4 cells to subsequent activation by concentrations of phorbol esters not normally sufficient to induce IL-2 expression. Pretreated cells remained primed for at least 40 h after removal of the IL-1. Neither phorbol myristate acetate nor a calcium ionophore was capable of preactivating EL4 cells.

1,25-(OH)2 vitamin D-3 enhances Paf-stimulated calcium mobilization in U937 cells by expression of specific Paf binding sites

The effect of 1,25-(OH)2 vitamin D-3 (10 nM, 72 h) on cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in U937 cells before and after stimulation with Paf, LTD4 and ADP was investigated. 1,25-(OH)2 vitamin D-3 increased basal [Ca2+]i from 98 +/- 1 nM to 121 +/- 5 nM (P less than 0.01) and the Paf (10 nM) stimulated increase in [Ca2+]i from 143 +/- 15 to 406 +/- 44 nM (P less than 0.01). These vitamin D-3 effects were time-related and occurred after 24 h (basal [Ca2+]i) and 12 h (Paf stimulated Ca2(+)-mobilization) but not after 3 h. In comparison, vitamin D-3 failed to modulate Ca2(+)-mobilization in response to ADP (1-40 microM) and increased it only in response to low leukotriene D4 concentrations (0.1-1 nM). The total binding of [3H]Paf (2.8 nM) was not significantly different in untreated vs. vitamin D-3-treated cells. However, the Paf receptor antagonist Web 2086 (1 microM) inhibited [3H]Paf binding only in vitamin D-3-treated cells. The specific binding reached a plateau of 28 +/- 3 fmol per 2.5.10(6) cells between 1.4 and 2.8 nM [3H]Paf. The Paf receptor antagonist Web 2086 (1-1000 nM) also inhibited the Paf-mediated Ca2(+)-mobilization in vitamin D-3-treated cells (IC50 = 191 +/- 55 M). These data suggest that the enhanced Ca2(+)-mobilization in vitamin D-3-treated U937 cells in response to Paf is mediated by an expression of putative Paf receptors.

Exogenous action of 5-lipoxygenase by its metabolites on luteinizing hormone release in rat pituitary cells

The stimulatory effect of exogenously administered potato 5-lipoxygenase (0.1-0.3 U/2 ml) on luteinizing hormone (LH) release was demonstrated in rat anterior pituitary cells in a superfusion system. Nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), an inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase, abolished the effect of the enzyme on LH secretion. The secretory effect on LH after 5-lipoxygenase administration was biphasic and dependent on Ca2+ indicating that 5-lipoxygenase affects LH release through its oxygenation reaction. Another series of experiments demonstrated that activation of 5-lipoxygenase, expressed as production of leukotriene (LT) B4 and C4 (728 +/- 127 pg/10(6) cells and 178 +/- 23 pg/10(6) cells, respectively) occurs in rat pituitary cells after addition of Ca2+ ionophore A23187. However, LTB4 and LTC4 were not formed by pituitary cells that had previously been desensitized by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), the physiological ligand of LH release. These results are consistent with a role of 5-lipoxygenase metabolites in the mechanism of GnRH-induced LH secretion.

Direct photoaffinity labeling of leukotriene binding sites

Due to their conjugated double bonds the leukotrienes themselves are photolabile compounds and may therefore be used directly for photoaffinity labeling of leukotriene binding sites. Cryofixation eliminates unspecific labeling taking place in solution by photoisomers and photodegradation products of leukotrienes. After fixation of receptor ligand interactions by shock-freezing of the samples, irradiation-induced highly reactive excited states and/or intermediates can form covalent bonds with the respective binding site in the frozen state. After cryofixation of a solution of albumin incubated with [3H8]leukotriene E4, irradiation at 300 nm resulted in time-dependent incorporation of radioactivity into the protein. Photoaffinity labeling of rat as well as of human blood serum with [3H8]leukotriene E4 after cryofixation revealed that only one polypeptide with an Mr of 67,000 was labeled. This polypeptide was identified as albumin. Photoaffinity labeling of rat liver membrane subfractions enriched with sinusoidal membranes resulted in the labeling of a polypeptide with an apparent Mr of 48,000, whereas no polypeptide was predominantly labeled in the subfraction enriched with canalicular membranes. Photoaffinity labeling of isolated hepatocytes disclosed different leukotriene E4 binding polypeptides. In the particulate fraction of hepatocytes a polypeptide with an apparent Mr of 48,000 was labeled predominantly, whereas in the soluble fraction several polypeptides were labeled to a similar extent. One of these, with an apparent Mr of 25,000, was identified as subunit 1 of glutathione transferases by immunoprecipitation. The method of direct photoaffinity labeling in the frozen state after cryofixation using leukotrienes as photoactivatable compounds, as exemplified by leukotriene E4, may be most useful for the identification and characterization of various leukotriene binding sites, including receptors, leukotriene-metabolizing enzymes, and transport systems.