myo-Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate. A second messenger for the hormonal mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ in liver

Bradykinin activates a phospholipase D that hydrolyzes phosphatidylcholine in PC12 cells

In PC12 pheochromocytoma cells whose phospholipids had been prelabelled with [3H]palmitic acid, bradykinin increased the production of [3H]phosphatidic acid. The increase in [3H]phosphatidic acid occurred within 1-2 min. before the majority of the increase in [3H]diacylglycerol. When the phospholipids were prelabeled with [3H]choline, bradykinin increased the intracellular release of [3H]choline. The production of phosphatidic acid and choline suggests that bradykinin was increasing the activity of phospholipase D. Transphosphatidylation is a unique property of phospholipase D. In cells labeled with [3H]palmitic acid, bradykinin stimulated the transfer of phosphatidyl groups to both ethanol and propanol to form [3H]phosphatidylethanol and [3H]phosphatidylpropanol, respectively. The effect of bradykinin on [3H]phosphatidic acid and [3H]phosphatidylethanol formation was partially dependent on extracellular Ca2+. In cells treated with nerve growth factor, carbachol also increased [3H]phosphatidylethanol formation. To investigate the substrate specificity of phospholipase D, cells were labeled with [14C]stearic acid and [3H]palmitic acid, and then incubated with ethanol in the absence or presence of bradykinin. The 14C/3H ratio of the phosphatidylethanol that accumulated in response to bradykinin was almost identical to the 14C/3H ratio of phosphatidylcholine. The 14C/3H ratio in phosphatidic acid and diacylglycerol was higher than the ratio in phosphatidylcholine. These data provide additional support for the idea that bradykinin activates a phospholipase D that is active against phosphatidylcholine. The hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine by phospholipase D accounts for only a portion of the phosphatidic acid and diacylglycerol that accumulates in bradykinin-stimulated cells: bradykinin evidently stimulates several pathways of phospholipid metabolism in PC12 cells.

Two Ca2+ transport systems are distinguished on the basis of their Mg2+ dependency in a post-nuclear particulate fraction of bovine adrenal cortex

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) is a second messenger responsible for Ca2+ release from an internal store whose nature and location remains undefined. To get more information on this intracellular Ca2+ store, a post-nuclear particulate fraction was prepared from bovine adrenal cortex and its Ca2+ uptake and release activities were monitored with the fluorescent indicator Fura-2. In the presence of Mg2+ (2 mM), the particulate preparation showed high ATP-dependent Ca2+ sequestering activity and decreased the ambient Ca2+ concentration to about 150 nM. In the absence of Mg2+, Ca2+ was still sequestered but less efficiently, reaching a level around 170 nM. In the presence of Mg2+, the Ca2+ released by a maximal dose of InsP3 (2 microM) was completely resequestered whereas in the absence of Mg2+, no resequestration occurred even after complete degradation of InsP3. The use of selective agents such as oligomycin, saponin, ionomycin and biliary salts indicated that Ca2+ was stored in three different pools which are distinct from the mitochondria and from inside-out membrane vesicles. Our data also indicate that InsP3 releases Ca2+ from a pool which is filled up by a Mg2(+) -dependent Ca2+ ATPase.

Association of cellular thiol redox status with mitogen-induced calcium mobilization and cell cycle progression in human fibroblasts

Human gingival fibroblast cultures were used to investigate the role of cellular thiol redox status in the mitogenic response. Increases in intracellular Ca2+ and cell cycle progression beyond G1 were followed as parameters of cellular mitogen-induced responses. Ethionine provided a G1 stage synchronization and altered the cellular redox poise as measured by the ratio NAD(P)H/NAD(P)+. Cultures harvested immediately after the 6 day ethionine low-serum synchronization showed a significant oxidation of their redox poise. Synchronized cultures, which were also glutathione (GSH) depleted, still showed an oxidized redox poise and significantly reduced GSH levels following a 24 hr incubation in drug-free, rich medium. Cellular reduced nicotinamide nucleotide levels correlated strongly (r = 0.995) with capacity to mobilize intracellular Ca2+ in response to basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). The sustained mitogenic response, as determined by cell cycle progression beyond G1, was also found to be interrelated with the cellular thiol redox status. Following a 24 hr recovery incubation in serum-rich medium, formerly synchronized cultures showed a rebound of their redox poise to a more reduced state and significant cell cycle progression beyond G1. In contrast, synchronized, GSH-depleted cultures did not progress and showed population distributions similar to those of cultures harvested immediately postsynchronization. Upon recovery of cellular GSH and reduced nicotinamide nucleotide levels, formerly GSH-depleted, growth-arrested cultures resumed cell cycle progression. The results suggest that the cellular response to specific mitogens is interrelated with the cellular thiol redox status. Cells that possess a thiol redox status below a threshold response point may have compromised Ca2+ sequestration and/or mobilization and therefore may be incapable of initiating the mitogen induced response cascade that culminates in cell cycle progression.

Agonist/inositol trisphosphate-induced release of calcium from murine keratinocytes: a possible link with keratinocyte differentiation

Extracellular calcium concentrations markedly affect the pattern of proliferation and differentiation in cultured keratinocytes. When medium contains 0.1 mM calcium or above, the cells lose their proliferative ability, rapidly stratify, and terminally differentiate. Because 1,25(OH)2D3 (a modulator of Ca++ homeostasis) enhances the differentiation of keratinocytes, we investigated whether a link exists between 1,25(OH)2D3-induced release of inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (Ins(1,4,5)P3) from PtdIns 4,5-P2 and intracellular calcium [Ca++]i release from keratinocytes. Specifically, primary culture of keratinocytes were loaded with fluorescence dye Fura-2AM (10 microM) and changes in fluorescence intensity were monitored at the excitation wavelengths of 340 and 380 nm and emission wavelength of 505 nm. Additions of two agonists, 1,25(OH)2D3 (1.2 x 10(-9) M) and 13-Cis retinoic acid (0.2 x 10(-9) M), to dye-loaded keratinocytes induced rapid release of [Ca++]i, respectively, followed by gradual return to the prestimulated state. Addition of Ins(1,4,5)P3 (10 microM) to saponin-treated (leaky) keratinocytes also resulted in a rapid release of [Ca++]i. In contrast, the addition of inositol-1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 at similar concentrations exerted negligible effect. Taken together, these results support the view that 1,25(OH)2D3-induced [Ca++]i release in keratinocytes may be via the Ins(1,4,5)P3-induced early release of intracellular [Ca++]i. This may explain, at least in part, 1,25(OH)2D3-enhanced keratinocyte differentiation.

2,5-Di-(tert-butyl)-1,4-benzohydroquinone mobilizes inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-sensitive and -insensitive Ca2+ stores

In permeabilized rat hepatocytes a maximal concentration (25 microM) of 2,5-di-(tert-butyl)-1,4-benzohydroquineone (tBuBHQ) mobilized 70% of sequestere Ca2+ and a half-maximal effect was produced by 1.7 microM tBuBHQ. Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (Ins(1,4,5)P3) stimulated release of about 40% of the intracellular Ca2+ stores. Combined applications of a range of tBuBHQ concentrations with a maximal concentration of Ins(1,4,5)P3 demonstrated that tBuBHQ has slight selectivity for the Ca2+ transport process of the Ins(1,4,5)P3-sensitive stores. We conclude that the Ins(1,4,5)P3-sensitive stores are a subset of those sensitive to tBuBHQ and that the latter is therefore unlikely to prove useful as a tool to discriminate Ins(1,4,5)P3-sensitive and -insensitive Ca2+ stores though it may provide opportunities to design more selective agents.

Implication of phospholipase C in the steroidogenic action of angiotensin II

Angiotensin II (AII) is a major regulator of aldosterone synthesis and secretion by the adrenal zona glomerulosa. Although it has been suggested by many authors that AII acts by increasing the turnover of inositol-lipids, these studies were mainly focussed on the identity and on the kinetics of appearance of inositol phosphates. The purpose of the present study was to establish a relationship between phospholipase C activation and steroidogenesis in the adrenal cortex. A primary culture of bovine adrenal glomerulosa cells was used. Dose-response curves for receptor occupation, inositol phosphate production and aldosterone secretion were made under the same experimental conditions, on the third day of culture. 125I-[Sar1, Val5, D-Phe8]AII binding to glomerulosa cells was progressively inhibited by increasing concentrations of AII up to 30 nM. Scatchard analyses showed a Kd of 1.9 +/- 1.1 nM and a maximal binding capacity of 49,000 +/- 4,500 receptors/cell (six experiments). Dose-response curves for AII-induced inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate production showed an EC50 of 0.5 +/- 0.1 nM (five experiments). The threshold dose for AII-induced inositol phosphates was around 0.1 nM and the maximal effect was obtained with 30 nM AII. The AII-stimulated steroidogenesis occurred at a threshold dose around 0.03 nM and the maximal effect was obtained with 10 nM AII with an EC50 of 0.5 +/- 0.1 nM (five experiments). These results support previous suggestions that phospholipase C is involved in the steroidogenic action of angiotensin II.

Phospholipases in biology and medicine

Phospholipases, a group of enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of membrane phospholipids, are classified according to the bond cleaved in a phospholipid into PLA1 (EC 3.1.1.3), PLA2 (EC 3.1.1.4), PLB (EC 3.1.1.5), PLC (EC 3.1.4.3), and PLD (EC 3.1.4.4). This paper reviews source and structure of PLA2 and the involvement of PLA2 and PLC in several biological phenomena, such as, signal transduction, photoreception, biosynthesis of lung surfactant, sperm motility, and fertilization. New assays for PLA2 activity and concentration in biological fluids are discussed. Phospholipases are involved in many inflammatory reactions by making arachidonate available for eicosanoid biosynthesis. The determination of PLA2 activity and mass concentration in plasma is useful in the diagnosis and prognosis of pancreatitis and of septic shock. Naturally occurring phospholipase inhibitors, such as lipocortins act as second messengers in the anti-inflammatory response to steroids. Lipocortins may be valuable therapeutic agents, because they are more specific in their anti-inflammatory action than glucocorticoids; therefore, they are less likely to produce harmful side effects.

Concanavalin A- and fetal-calf-serum-induced rounding and myosin light chain phosphorylation in cultured smooth muscle cells

Rabbit aorta smooth muscle cells (SMC) in long-term culture retracted in less than 10 min in response to a sequential order of stimulations by concanavalin A (Con A) and fetal calf serum (FCS). With additional continuous stimulation by FCS, the SMC took on a circular shape and were anchored to the substrate by retraction fibrils. This rounding was observed only when the cells were sequentially stimulated by Con A and FCS. Depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores by the addition of EGTA and Ca2+ ionophores inhibited the rounding. Transient phosphorylation of MLC20 was observed in the initial stage during the SMC rounding. The extent of monophosphorylated MLC20 increased for up to 5 min to a maximal value of 49%. The diphosphorylated form reached a maximal value of 29% within 2 min; then both forms of MLC20 decreased. The process of the SMC rounding was inhibited by antimycin A or cytochalasins, in a dose-dependent manner, findings which suggested a dependency on both metabolic energy and actin-containing microfilaments. The smooth-muscle-relaxing agent, HA1077, also inhibited the process of SMC rounding. These observations suggest that a cellular contractile process might be involved in rounding of SMC.

Characterization of a new type of variant of rat basophilic leukemia 2H3 cells presenting a different pattern of calcium signal

We selected a new type of variant (designated 3C7) derived spontaneously from parental RBL-2H3 cells. 3C7 cells showed lower contact inhibition, anchorage dependency, and serotonin release activity than those of RBL-2H3 cells. We conclude that 3C7 cells are a transformant of RBL-2H3 cell with greater malignancy. The production of inositol bisphosphate and the release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores induced by IgE-antigen stimulation were enhanced in 3C7. Oscillation of [Ca2+]i in individual 3C7 cells was observed by a digital imaging microscopic technique. We propose that 3C7 cells are a useful model system for studies on the mechanisms of stimulus-secretion coupling and the relationships between malignant alterations and disorders of signal transduction.

Modulation of free Ca oscillations in single hepatocytes by changes in extracellular K+, Na+ and Ca2+

Single rat hepatocytes, microinjected with the calcium-sensitive photoprotein aequorin, when stimulated with either phenylephrine or arg8-vasopressin exhibit agonist-specific oscillations in cytosolic free calcium levels (free Ca). In the majority of the cells examined adding excess potassium chloride, sodium chloride or choline chloride abolished transient behaviour. However, in cells that continued to oscillate the transient parameters were subtly modified by these treatments. In experiments using phenylephrine as the agonist, adding excess potassium chloride to the superfusate significantly reduced transient length, increased the rate of transient rise and reduced the smoothed peak free Ca level without significantly altering the intertransient resting free Ca level or the falling time constant. The possible mechanisms by which these alterations may occur are discussed.

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate- and arachidonic acid-induced calcium mobilization in T and B lymphocytes

Inositol triphosphate (IP3) formation and increase in intracytoplasmic calcium are mediators of signal transduction in lymphocytes. It has been proposed that IP3 induces Ca2+ release from intracellular stores. It is in order to study the relationship between these two events that we have analyzed the effect of IP3 addition on Ca2+ mobilization in permeabilized resting T and B lymphocytes, EBV-B lymphocytes, and HTLV1-T lymphocytes. IP3 induces a rapid and significant release of Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum in a dose-dependent manner. Ca2+ release is more sensitive to IP3 addition in cycling cells (EBV-B lymphocytes and HTLV1-T lymphocytes) than in resting T and B lymphocytes. Arachidonic acid (AA) induces Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in a manner similar to that of IP3. Neither component has an effect on Ca2+ accumulated in mitochondria, and they have no additive effects suggesting that they act on a similar Ca2+ pool. These results directly demonstrate that in T and B human lymphocytes IP3 mobilizes Ca2+ from ER as in other cellular systems and that other potential second messengers, namely AA, could play a significant role in the internal mobilization of calcium during T and B lymphocyte activation.

Alpha-1, alpha-2, and beta adrenergic signal transduction in cultured uterine myocytes

The following studies were undertaken to develop a cultured uterine myocyte model which would allow further clarification of the adrenergic signal transduction mechanisms utilized by these myocytes. After mechanical removal of the endometrium, rabbit uterine myocytes were isolated by an overnight enzymatic disaggregation using collagenase and DNase I. The isolated myocytes were maintained in culture in 75-cm2 flasks containing Waymouth's MB 751/1 medium-10% fetal bovine serum along with 10(-8) M estradiol, penicillin, streptomycin, and Fungizone. The phase contrast and electron micrographic appearance of these cells was consistent with that previously reported for smooth muscle myocytes in culture. Immunocytochemical studies utilizing monoclonal anti-alpha-smooth muscle actin antibodies confirmed the presence of smooth muscle actin in these cultured myocytes. Western blot studies similarly confirmed the presence of alpha-smooth muscle actin in rabbit myometrial tissue and the cultured myocytes, both the primary and F1 generation. After prelabeling the myocytes with [3H]inositol, adrenergic stimulation experiments demonstrated alpha-1 receptor mediated stimulation of inositol phosphates. Beta receptor stimulation experiments confirmed cAMP production in these cultured myocytes, and the ability of clonidine, an alpha-2 agonist, to inhibit forskolin stimulated cAMP production confirmed the presence of functional alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in these myocytes. In conclusion, these cultured rabbit uterine myocytes have provided an in vitro model which can be utilized to further clarify the adrenergic receptor signal transduction mechanisms in genital tract smooth muscle.

Mode of action of lithium in affective disorders. An influence on intracellular calcium functions

The inference that lithium acts by altering intracellular calcium functions is supported by the three areas considered above. First, recent work in other laboratories has broadened the range of lithium actions on calcium-dependent physiological functions. Second, a theoretical analysis of the coupling of calcium transport to the triphosphoinositide response presents a plausible mechanism by which lithium could limit the damage caused by deficient calcium transport. Third, we have recently reported that there is a direct enhancement of the calmodulin-activated membrane-bound calcium pump in lithium-treated bipolar subjects.

Carbachol and bradykinin increase the production of diacylglycerol from sources other than inositol-containing phospholipids in PC12 cells

Both carbachol and bradykinin increased diacylglycerol formation in PC12 pheochromocytoma cells. The effect of carbachol was apparent only in cells that had been treated with nerve growth factor. Incubation of the cells in Ca2(+)-free medium attenuated carbachol-stimulated diacylglycerol formation but did not reduce the response to bradykinin. Pretreatment of the cells with pertussis toxin did not affect either carbachol- or bradykinin-stimulated diacylglycerol formation; therefore, the inhibitory guanine nucleotide Gi probably does not mediate this response. The time course of carbachol-stimulated diacylglycerol accumulation did not coincide with the time course of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) production. IP3 was elevated at the earliest time measured, 15 s, and then slowly declined so that by 5 min IP3 levels were only 50% of maximal. Diacylglycerol levels, in contrast, were not elevated for the first 2 min and then peaked at 5 min. These data indicate that hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate was not the major source of the diacylglycerol peak at 5 min. To investigate the source of diacylglycerol, I examined the fatty acid composition of the diacylglycerol by prelabeling the cells with [3H]palmitic acid and [14C]stearic acid. The 14C/3H ratio in diacylglycerol should reflect the phospholipid(s) from which it is derived. The 14C/3H ratio of the increment in diacylglycerol produced by carbachol and bradykinin was intermediate between the 14C/3H ratios of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylinositol. The 14C/3H ratio in triacylglycerol was similar to that of phosphatidylcholine. These data indicate that carbachol and bradykinin stimulate the formation of diacylglycerol from sources other than inositol-containing phospholipids; phosphatidylcholine and triacylglycerol are two possible sources of this diacylglycerol.

1,2-Dioctanoylglycerol accelerates or retards mitotic progression in Tradescantia stamen hair cells as a function of the time of its addition

We have treated living, intact stamen hair cells from the spiderwort plant, Tradescantia virginiana, with 0.5 microgram/ml or 60 micrograms/ml 1,2-dioctanoylglycerol, a potent and permeant activator of protein kinase C, and have observed the rates of progression of mitosis from prophase through anaphase. We have found that in addition to the concentration used, the time of initial treatment with 1,2-dioctanoylglycerol defines the response by the cells. The cells rapidly undergo nuclear envelope breakdown when this diglyceride is added in very late prophase, 0 to approximately 8 min prior to the time of normal nuclear envelope breakdown. Anaphase onset occurs 28 min after nuclear envelope breakdown, rather than after the 33 min interval observed in untreated cells. Rapid progression through metaphase is also observed if cells are treated with 0.5 microgram/ml 1,2-dioctanoylglycerol during prometaphase, up to 15 min after nuclear envelope breakdown. The addition of 0.5 microgram/ml 1,2-dioctanoylglycerol in late metaphase, approximately 26 min after nuclear envelope breakdown, results in sister chromatid separation slightly ahead of its normal time, 33 min after nuclear envelope breakdown, and in precocious cell plate vesicle aggregation, 3-5 min earlier than that observed in untreated cells. Treatment of cells with 60 micrograms/ml of 1,2-dioctanoylglycerol at any point during the interval from 0 to approximately 5 min prior to nuclear envelope breakdown results in precocious entry into anaphase. If cells are treated with either 0.5 microgram/ml or 60 micrograms/ml 1,2-dioctanoylglycerol earlier than 20 min before nuclear envelope breakdown, they do not enter mitosis, but instead revert to interphase without dividing. When 1,2-dioctanoylglycerol is added at other times during mitosis, the rate of subsequent mitotic progression is dramatically slowed; the cells require greater than 55 min to progress from nuclear envelope breakdown to anaphase onset, though once in anaphase, the cells progress onward to cytokinesis at normal rates. Treatments o of cells with 1,3-dioctanoylglycerol at any point during prophase, prometaphase, or metaphase are without effect on the rate of subsequent mitotic progression. The shifts in response by cells treated at specific times with 1,2-dioctanoylglycerol during mid- and late metaphase may be indicative of the existence of one or more regulatory switch points (i.e., checkpoints) just prior to anaphase onset.

On the mechanism of positive inotropic effects of alpha-adrenoceptor agonists

The positive inotropic effect of the alpha 1-adrenoceptor agonist phenylephrine is accompanied by an increase in the presumed second messengers inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (1,4,5-IP3) and inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate (1,3,4,5-IP4). Both 1,4,5-IP3 and 1,3,4,5-IP4 sensitize myocardial contractile proteins in chemically skinned fibers. In addition to the Ca++ releasing effect of 1,4,5-IP3 from the sarcoplasmic reticulum the Ca++-sensitizing effect of the inositol phosphates may play a role in alpha 1-adrenergic positive inotropism. In isolated heart muscle preparations from patients with endstage heart failure (due to dilated cardiomyopathy) beta-adrenergic as well as alpha 1-adrenergic effects are reduced compared to preparations from healthy hearts. The reduced beta-adrenergic effects can in part be explained by an increased content of signal transducing G1-proteins. It is tempting to investigate whether other G proteins are also altered in severe congestive heart failure.

Effects of phorbol esters and forskolin on basal and histamine-induced accumulation of inositol phosphates in cultured bovine adrenal chromaffin cells

The effect of phorbol esters and forskolin pretreatment on basal and histamine-induced accumulation of inositol phosphates and catecholamine release was examined in cultures of bovine adrenal chromaffin cells. Histamine caused a dose-dependent, Ca2+-dependent accumulation of total inositol phosphates with an EC50 at approximately 1 microM and an eight- to 10-fold increase at 100 microM within 30 min of incubation. Histamine (10 microM) also caused the release of cellular catecholamines amounting to some 2.8% of cellular stores released over a 20-min period. Both the inositol phosphate and catecholamine responses were completely blocked by the H1-antagonist mepyramine and were insensitive to the H2-antagonist cimetidine. Examination of the time course of accumulation of the individual inositol phosphates stimulated by histamine revealed an early and sustained rise in inositol 1,4-bisphosphate content but not inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate content at 1 min and the overall largest accumulation of inositol monophosphate after 30 min of stimulation. Pretreatment with the tumor-promoting phorbol ester phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) resulted in a dose-dependent, time-dependent inhibition of histamine-induced inositol phosphate formation and catecholamine secretion. In this inhibitory action, PMA exhibited high potency (IC50 of approximately 0.5 nM), an effect not shared by the inactive phorbol ester 4-alpha-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate. Pretreatment with forskolin, on the other hand, only marginally inhibited the histamine-induced inositol phospholipid metabolism and catecholamine secretion. These data suggest that protein kinase C activation in chromaffin cells may mediate a negative feedback control on inositol phospholipid metabolism.

Regulation of angiotensin II binding sites in neuronal cultures by catecholamines

Previous studies determined that direct activation of protein kinase C (PKC) with phorbol esters increases the number of angiotensin II (ANG II)-specific binding sites in neuronal cultures prepared from the hypothalamus and brain stem of 1-day-old rats. In the physiological situation, PKC is activated by diacylglycerol, which can be produced by multiple pathways, such as stimulation of inositol phospholipid (IP) hydrolysis, phosphatidylcholine hydrolysis, or by de novo synthesis. In the present study we have examined whether stimulation of IP hydrolysis, and presumably activation of PKC, can mimic the actions of phorbol esters on ANG II-specific binding. We have incubated neuronal cultures with agents that increase IP hydrolysis and have determined the effects on ANG II-specific binding. Incubation of neuronal cultures with norepinephrine (NE) at concentrations (greater than 5 microM) and for times (15-60 min) that cause large increases in IP hydrolysis caused increases in the number of ANG II-specific binding sites, mimicking the actions of phorbol esters. The return of IP hydrolysis to control values was associated with a return of ANG II-specific binding to control levels. The upregulatory action of NE was abolished by prazosin, demonstrating the involvement of alpha 1-adrenergic receptors. In addition, this effect was blunted by the PKC antagonist H 7, suggesting PKC involvement in the response. Thus we have determined a potential physiological mechanism by which stimulation of IP hydrolysis by NE, and possible subsequent activation of PKC, leads to upregulation of ANG II-specific binding sites in neuronal cultures.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Estradiol attenuates prolactin secretion and phosphoinositide hydrolysis in MMQ cells

We previously isolated a clonal cell line, designated MMQ, which only secretes prolactin (PRL) and whose secretory process is nonresponsive to thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) and angiotensin II (AII). In the present study, we injected MMQ cells into rats to determine whether the tumor cells would become responsive to secretagogues when subsequently propagated in vitro. We also investigated what effects in vivo administration of 17 beta-estradiol would have on secretagogue-induced PRL release and on intracellular biochemical mechanisms in these cells. MMQ cells were implanted subcutaneously in the backs of female rats. One group was injected with 100 micrograms polyestradiol phosphate (PEP) every 5 days, a second with saline. The inoculants grew into solid tumors within 3 weeks. The day after the tumors were removed and enzymatically dispersed, the cells, now designated MMQt cells, were perifused in vitro. Basal PRL released by MMQt cells was approximately 1 ng/min/10(7) cells and perifusions with 100 nM TRH or AII for 5 min significantly increased PRL release above baseline (integrated areas: 1.8 +/- 0.4 and 5.2 +/- 1.3 ng/10(7) cell, respectively; P less than 0.01). Two ng/ml maitotoxin (MTX), a calcium channel activator, increased PRL release (38.2 +/- 6.7 ng/10(7) cells; P less than 0.01). In PEP-treated perifused MMQt cells, basal in vitro PRL release was not different from that observed in the control group, but the responses to TRH, AII and MTX were greatly attenuated (TRH: 0.6 +/- 0.1, AII: 1.3 +/- 0.2 and MTX: 9.2 +/- 2.5 ng/10(7) cells).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Inositol polyphosphates and intracellular calcium release

The hydrolysis of inositol lipids triggered by the occupation of cell surface receptors generates several intracellular messengers. Many different inositol phosphate isomers accumulate in stimulated cells. Of these D-myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (Ins 1,4,5-P3) is responsible for discharging Ca2+ from intracellular stores. Specific membrane binding sites for Ins 1,4,5-P3 have been detected. The properties of these sites and their possible relationship to the calcium release process is reviewed. Ins 1,4,5-P3 binding sites may be present in discrete subcellular structures ("calciosomes"). Kinetic and some electrophysiological evidence indicates that Ins 1,4,5-P3 acts to open a Ca2+ channel. Recent progress on the purification of the receptor from neuronal tissues is summarized. Phosphorylation of Ins 1,4,5-P3 by a specific kinase results in the production of D-myo-inositol 1,3,4,5-tetraphosphate (Ins 1,3,4,5-P4). This inositol phosphate has been reported to increase the entry of Ca2+ across the plasma membrane, activate nonspecific ion channels in the plasma membrane, alter the Ca2+ content of the Ins 1,4,5-P3-releasable store, and bind to and alter the activity of certain enzymes. These data and the possible biological significance of Ins 1,3,4,5-P4 are discussed.

Alterations in binding of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate to subcellular structures of rat liver during chronic endotoxemia

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) binding to, and Ca2+ uptake and release by plasma membrane- and endoplasmic reticulum-enriched fractions of rat liver were measured after continuous Escherichia coli endotoxin (ET) administration in vivo. IP3 binding to both fractions was significantly reduced by ET treatment. This was associated with decreased Ca2+ uptake and impaired IP3-dependent Ca2+ release. A decrease of 5'-nucleotidase specific activity of plasma membrane-enriched fraction was also observed in ET treated rats. The results suggest that previously observed impairments in the ability of hepatocytes to mobilize Ca2+, to activate glycogen phosphorylase and to respond--when saponin permeabilized--by Ca2+ release upon IP3 addition during chronic endotoxemia are due to alterations in both IP3 binding to the subcellular fractions that are imputed to be targets of IP3, and a decrease in the size of IP3-sensitive pool of releasable Ca2+.

Effects of GTP on Ca2+ movements across endoplasmic reticulum membranes

Our initial observation that GTP could, under some experimental conditions, have profound effects on Ca2+ movements across endoplasmic reticulum membranes arose from attempts to increase the sensitivity of rat liver microsomes to inositol 1,4,5 trisphosphate (IP3). Most preparations of microsomal fractions from rat liver release only a very small percentage of accumulated Ca2+ on addition of IP3. We found, rather empirically, that the addition of microM concentrations of GTP greatly enhanced the amount of Ca2+ releasable by IP3. The initial, very appealing, hypothesis was to postulate a direct effect of GTP on the IP3-sensitive Ca2+ channel. This idea is no longer tenable, as will be described below. The more likely explanation, that GTP has its effect by either fusing small microsomal vesicles together or by allowing some form of communication between adjacent membranes is considerably more complex mechanistically and also possibly has far reaching implications for the mechanisms by which cells organise and maintain their reticular structures.

Muscarinic receptor stimulation increases inositol-phospholipid metabolism and inhibits cyclic AMP accumulation in PC12 cells

Muscarinic receptor stimulation increased the accumulation of 3H-inositol phosphates in PC12 cells whose phospholipids had been prelabeled with [3H]inositol. Muscarine also inhibited the increase in cyclic AMP (cAMP) accumulation caused by 5'-N-ethylcarboxamide adenosine or by vasoactive intestinal peptide. This effect of muscarine was apparently due to the inhibition of adenylate cyclase rather than to a stimulation of a cAMP specific phosphodiesterase. The muscarinic receptor antagonist pirenzepine inhibited both the stimulation of inositol-phospholipid metabolism and the inhibition of cAMP production with Ki values of 0.34 microM and 0.36 microM, respectively. PC12 cells contained a single class of N-[3H]methylscopolamine ([3H]NMS) binding sites. Competition studies with muscarine (KD, 15 microM) and pirenzepine (Ki, 0.12 microM) revealed no evidence for multiple muscarinic receptors. The Ki of pirenzepine for the inhibition of [3H]NMS binding and the inhibition of muscarinic actions is consistent with the possibility that this is not an M1 receptor. Muscarine inhibited cAMP accumulation in cells made deficient in protein kinase C; therefore, this protein kinase is probably not involved in mediating the inhibitory effect of muscarine. The phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate also inhibited cAMP accumulation in PC12 cells but the mechanism of this effect differed from that of muscarine. Bradykinin caused a large increase in the accumulation of 3H-inositol phosphates and [3H]diacylglycerol relative to muscarine but did not inhibit cAMP production. Oxotremorine inhibited cAMP accumulation but it did not stimulate inositol-phospholipid metabolism.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Calcium mobilization and response recovery following P2-purinoceptor stimulation of rat isolated alveolar type II cells

1. The effect of adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) on surfactant phospholipid secretion, calcium mobilization, and the time course for recovery of the response system was studied in isolated alveolar Type II cells of the rat. 2. ATP (10 microM) stimulated a biphasic intracellular Ca2+ transient monitored by changes in Fura-2 fluorescence, from a basal level of 126 +/- 9 nM, to a rapid peak of 391 +/- 1 nM, followed by a prolonged plateau 26 +/- 4 nM above baseline (mean +/- s.e.mean, n = 26). 3. ATP-stimulated surfactant phospholipid secretion and peak Ca2+ levels had similar EC50s (1 x 10(-6) M), and were unaffected by chelation of extracellular Ca2+. However, the prolonged plateau phase was abolished by chelation of extracellular Ca2+. 4. There was a 15 min refractory period before full recovery of the Ca2+-response to ATP. Recovery was dependent on extracellular Ca2+, was accelerated by removing extracellular agonist and was prolonged following stimulation with the poorly hydrolyzed ATP analogue, ATP-gamma-S. 5. While the Type II cell was capable of multiple ATP-induced Ca2+ transients following recovery, no additional surfactant phospholipid was released with sequential stimulation. 6. These findings suggest initial exposure of Type II cells to ATP mobilizes intracellular Ca2+, stimulates phospholipid secretion and rapidly desensitizes the cell to further stimulation by ATP. Recovery of the ATP-induced Ca2+-response depends on presence of extracellular Ca2+ and removal of agonist.

Phosphatidylinositol metabolism during in vitro hypoxia

The effects of in vitro histotoxic hypoxia (0.5 mM KCN) on potassium-stimulated phosphatidylinositol turnover were determined. In rat cortical slices that were prelabeled with [2-3H]inositol, depolarization with 60 mM KCl increased [2-3H]inositol monophosphate and [2-3H]inositol bisphosphate accumulation in a Ca2+-dependent manner. At early times (10 s and 1 min), histotoxic hypoxia enhanced potassium-stimulated [2-3H]inositol monophosphate and inositol bisphosphate accumulation. Under basal conditions, hypoxia did not alter the accumulation of [2-3H]inositol phosphates. These results are consistent with the following hypothesis. The hypoxic-induced increase in cytosolic free calcium that we reported previously may lead to the early stimulation of inositol phosphates formation during hypoxia through activation of phospholipase C. The impairment of inositol phosphates formation during more prolonged hypoxia may be due to negative feedback regulation of the phosphatidylinositol cascade by protein kinase C or to a reduction in ATP levels.

Evidence indicating that the glucagon-induced increase in cytoplasmic free Ca2+ concentration in hepatocytes is mediated by an increase in cyclic AMP concentration

The mechanism whereby glucagon causes an increase in the concentration of cytoplasmic free Ca2+, [Ca2+]c, in isolated hepatocytes has been investigated. There have been proposals of cyclic-AMP-dependent and cyclic-AMP-independent mechanisms. In this work, the inactivation of pyruvate kinase was used as an indicator of increases in the activity of cyclic-AMP-dependent protein kinase, A-kinase. [Ca2+]c was measured using the fluorescent probe indo-1. The decrease in activity of pyruvate kinase caused by an increase in [Ca2+]c alone, i.e. mediated by mechanisms not involving cyclic AMP and exemplified by the effect of vasopressin, was of minimal significance under the conditions of the enzyme assay. Studies of the effects of a wide range of glucagon concentrations indicate that any increase in [Ca2+]c caused by glucagon was always associated with a decrease in pyruvate kinase activity. A similar relationship was obtained if glucagon-receptor occupancy was circumvented by using the 8-bromo-derivative of cyclic AMP to activate the A-kinase. It was also found that the cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase inhibitor isobutylmethylxanthine could potentiate the ability of glucagon to increase [Ca2+]c: no such potentiation was observed when vasopressin was used to raise [Ca2+]c. Together these data indicate that an increase in cyclic AMP concentration, sufficiently great to activate A-kinase, is a mechanism that mediates the glucagon-induced increase in [Ca2+]c.

G regulatory proteins and muscarinic receptor signal transduction in mucous acini of rat submandibular gland

The involvement of G regulatory proteins in muscarinic receptor signal transduction was examined in electrically permeabilized rat submandibular acinar cells. The guanine nucleotide analog, GTP gamma S, caused the dose dependent hydrolysis of membrane phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate to release IP3. This response was insensitive to pertussis toxin treatment and was duplicated by NaF but not by GDP beta S. Enhanced IP3 synthesis was observed with a combination of GTP gamma S and carbachol. Exogenous IP3, as well as carbachol and GTP gamma S, provoked the release of sequestered 45Ca2+ from non-mitochondrial stores. In intact cells, carbachol significantly reduced the level of cyclic AMP induced by the beta-adrenergic agonist, isoproterenol, to 69% of its normal value. Pertussis toxin abolished this inhibitory action of carbachol on cyclic nucleotide levels. These results suggest that muscarinic receptors are coupled to two separate G regulatory proteins in submandibular mucous acini-the pertussis toxin-insensitive Gp of the phosphoinositide transduction pathway associated with elevated cytosolic calcium levels, and the pertussis toxin-sensitive Gi inhibitory protein of the adenylate cyclase complex.

Regulatory role of retinoic acid on cultured mouse keratinocyte inositol phospholipid metabolism: dose-dependent release of inositol triphosphate

The incorporation of precursor 14C-myoinositol into the three cellular inositol phospholipids (PtdIns, PtdInsP, and PtdInsP2) of cultured, rapidly proliferating keratinocytes is significantly enhanced by the exogenous addition of a high concentration (1 X 10(-7) M) of all-trans retinoic acid or its analog 13-Cis analog, whereas a similar incubation with a low concentration (1 X 10(-10) M) of the same retinoid resulted in an insignificant incorporation of the radio-precursor into the three inositol phospholipids. Incorporation was most marked into the more phosphorylated PtdIns4P and PtdIns4,5P2. These results indicate that retinoic acid affects the biosynthesis of the inositol phospholipids at high concentrations. In contrast, the hydrolysis of 14C-PtdIns4,5P2 and release of 14C-InsP3 from the prelabeled keratinocytes is markedly enhanced by a low physiologic concentration (1 X 10(-10) M) of retinoic acid or its 13-Cis analog. The hydrolysis is rapid, with an accompanying elevated transient release of 14C-InsP3. High concentration (1 X 10(-5) M), on the other hand, supresses 14C-InsP3 release. These results taken together underscore a bifunctional, dose-dependent effect of both the all-trans-RA and its 13-Cis analog on the synthesis and hydrolysis of keratinocyte PtdIns4,5P2. Furthermore, the results suggest that at low physiologic concentrations, these retinoids may function as agonists to perturb the membrane resulting in induced rapid hydrolysis of cellular PtdIns4,5P2, which is coupled to a "transient" generation of InsP3 (an intracellular second messenger). The rapid formation of this putative "second messenger" may in turn play a role in the cellular proliferative or differentiating biochemical events in the murine keratinocytes.

Characteristics of GTP-mediated microsomal Ca2+ release

Guanosine triphosphate (GTP) can release Ca2+ and enhance responses to D-myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) in crude liver microsomes in the presence of polyethylene glycol (PEG) (Dawson et al. (1986) Biochem. J. 234, 311-315). The mechanism of these responses has been further investigated. GTP gamma S which antagonizes the actions of GTP on microsomes, does not promote Ca2+ re-uptake when added after the completion of GTP-mediated Ca2+ release. However, the effects of GTP could be reversed by washing or dilution of the microsomes. Addition of PEG to the incubation medium promoted the aggregation of microsomes. Electron microscopy provided no evidence for the fusion of microsomal vesicles in the presence or absence of GTP. In the presence of PEG, GTP produced an alteration of the permeability properties of the microsomal membrane as indicated by increased leakage of an intraluminal esterase, a reduction in the mean buoyant density of the vesicles, and a decrease in the latency of mannose 6-phosphate hydrolysis. All three effects developed relatively slowly, whereas the effects of GTP on Ca2+ fluxes occurred more rapidly (complete within 15 min). A low permeability to mannose 6-phosphate was restored upon washing away the GTP. These results suggest that non-specific permeability changes may underly the effects of GTP on Ca2+ release and that, under certain conditions, GTP can reversibly modulate the permeability of a transmembrane 'pore' in microsomal membranes that can pass ions and macromolecules. The possibility that such a pore serves to link IP3-sensitive vesicles with other Ca2+-containing compartments is discussed.

Possible binding sites for inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate in macrophages

We reported that an arylazide derivative of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) caused irreversible InsP3-induced Ca2+ release from saponin-permeabilized macrophages after photoirradiation. To determine the specific receptors for InsP3, presumably present on the endoplastic reticulum, we synthesized isotope-labeled arylazide derivatives of InsP3; InsP3 was coupled with p-azidobenzoyl [3H]beta-alanine (InsP3-[3H]AB beta A) or p-[125I]azidosalicyl beta-alanine (InsP3-[125I]AS beta A). We report here that three proteins may be associated with the Ca2+ releasing mechanism, in photoirradiated saponin-permeabilized macrophages and in the microsomal fraction.

Effects of two methylxanthines, pentoxifylline and propentofylline, on arachidonic acid metabolism in platelets stimulated by thrombin

[3H]Pentoxifylline and [3H]propentofylline were taken up by human platelets in a dose-dependent manner probably involving a passive diffusion through the plasma membrane. In vitro, the two drugs were able to inhibit platelet activation induced by thrombin. serotonin secretion was reduced from 57% to 38% and 28% in the presence of 1 mM pentoxifylline and 1 mM propentofylline, respectively. Platelet aggregation was inhibited in the same way. Modifications of [14C]arachidonic acid metabolism in human platelets stimulated by thrombin were then measured in the presence of drugs. Preincubation of platelets with 1 mM pentoxifylline or propentofylline inhibited the production of [14C]arachidonic acid metabolites, without any accumulation of free arachidonic acid, suggesting an action at a step preceding its conversion. Phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylcholine hydrolysis measured upon thrombin treatment as well as phosphatidic acid production were reduced or suppressed in the presence of the drugs. A dose-dependence study showed that phosphatidylcholine hydrolysis was totally inhibited at 5.10(-4) M propentofylline, while phosphatidic acid formation was reduced by only 40%. Propentofylline was in general more efficient than pentoxifylline in inhibiting events occurring upon thrombin stimulation. Our results suggest that the two methylxanthines inhibit both phospholipase A2 and phospholipase C, the former displaying a greater sensitivity to the two drugs.