myo-Inositol polyphosphate may be a messenger for visual excitation in Limulus photoreceptors

The localization of calcium release by inositol trisphosphate in Limulus photoreceptors and its control by negative feedback

Microvillar photoreceptors of invertebrates exhibit a light-induced rise in the intracellular concentration of free calcium (Cai) that results in part from release of calcium from an intracellular compartment. This light-induced release of calcium appears to result from a cascade of reactions that involve rhodopsin, a GTP-binding protein and a phospholipase-C which releases inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (Ins(1,4,5)P3) from the plasma membrane; the Ins(1,4,5)P3 acts to release calcium from smooth endoplasmic reticulum. In the ventral photoreceptor of the horseshoe crab Limulus polyphemus not all of the endoplasmic reticulum is subject to calcium release by Ins(1,4,5)P3. Only endoplasmic reticulum in the light-sensitive region of the cell is competent to release calcium in response to Ins(1,4,5)P3. The release of calcium by Ins(1,4,5)P3 in ventral photoreceptors appears to be subject to feedback inhibition through elevated Cai. We suggest that this feedback inhibition contributes to sensory adaptation in the photoreceptor and may account for oscillatory membrane responses sometimes observed with large injections of Ins(1,4,5)P3.

Role of inositol trisphosphate as a second messenger in signal transduction processes: an essay

This essay attempts to summarize some of the best evidence for the role of inositol trisphosphate as a second messenger in signal transduction processes. The following aspects are addressed in the essay: (a) The synthesis of inositol trisphosphate and other inositol lipids, (b) Receptor-phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate phospholipase C coupling and the N-ras protooncogene, (c) Inositol trisphosphate and intracellular calcium, (d) Cell growth and oncogenes, (e) Receptors linked to the phosphatidylinositol cycle, (f) Phototransduction and (g) Interactions between inositol trisphosphate and other second messengers.

The evolutionary origin of eukaryotic transmembrane signal transduction

1. A comparison was made of transmembrane signal transduction mechanisms in different eukaryotes and prokaryotes. 2. Much attention was given to eukaryotic microbes and their signal transduction mechanisms, since these organisms are intermediate in complexity between animals, plants and bacteria. 3. Signal transduction mechanisms in eukaryotic microbes, however, do not appear to be intermediate between those in animals, plants and bacteria, but show features characteristic of the higher eukaryotes. 4. These similarities include the regulation of receptor function, adenylate cyclase activity, the presence of a phosphatidylinositol cycle and of GTP-binding regulatory proteins. 5. It is proposed that the signal transduction systems known to operate in present-day eukaryotes evolved in the earliest eukaryotic cells.

Studies of the Drosophila norpA phototransduction mutant. I. Electrophysiological changes and the offsetting effect of light

The electrophysiological characteristics of norpAH52, a temperature sensitive phototransduction mutant of Drosophila melanogaster, were studied in vivo. Upon raising the environmental temperature to 33-37 degrees C, mutant flies exhibited time-dependent changes in photoresponses. Initial observations were losses in responsiveness at low light intensities and prolonged receptor potential waveforms. Next, reductions in response amplitudes at higher light intensities occurred, until no responses were obtained. On return to lower temperature the electrophysiological properties recovered in reverse order. Based on these observations we conclude that the primary defect of norpA affects the efficiency of the phototransduction process. Enhanced light exposure could offset the receptor potential changes in norpA. With the temperature sensitive mutant: (1) additional light exposure prolonged the time that responses could be observed at the higher temperature, (2) when 1-s illuminations no longer elicited responses at the higher temperature, 1-min illuminations at the same intensity temporarily restored the ability to obtain 1-s-responses, and (3) light accelerated the restoration of responses on return to lower temperature. Illumination also had an effect on non-temperature sensitive norpA mutants, enabling the production of small photoresponses in norpAH44, a mutant that normally does not exhibit any responses, and improving the low-light-intensity responses of norpAP16. Our study indicates that the PI cycle, which is inhibited in norpA mutants (Yoshioka et al. 1985), is an important light-sensitive positive step or effector in the production of receptor potential responses.

Light-induced changes in the content of inositol phosphates in squid (Loligo pealei) retina

Illumination induced an increase in inositol polyphosphates, inositol 1,4-bisphosphate and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate, in the photoreceptors of the squid, Loligo pealei. There was a concomitant decrease in phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate, but no light-induced change in any other phosphoinositide. None of these stimulus-induced changes were altered by treatment in vivo with pertussis toxin, which ADP-ribosylated a Mr-39000-peptide. These findings support the hypothesis that inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate participates as either a messenger or a modulator in transduction in invertebrate photoreceptors.

Phosphatidylinositol stimulates phosphorylation of protein components I and II in rod outer segments of frog photoreceptors

We studied the effect of phosphoinositides on the phosphorylation of endogenous proteins in the soluble fraction of the frog photoreceptor rod outer segments (ROS). Phosphatidylinositol (PI) stimulated the phosphorylation of two low molecular weight proteins, components I and II (12 and 11 kDa) which are known to be the preferential substrates of the cyclic GMP (cGMP)-dependent protein kinase in the ROS. Polyphosphoinositides (PPI) specifically inhibited the PI-dependent phosphorylation of these two components. On the other hand, PPI stimulated the phosphorylation of 38, 48 and 52 kDa proteins in the absence of PI. These data suggest that PI and PPI may function in the ROS by regulating the phosphorylation of some enzymes or regulator proteins in the transduction mechanism in the ROS.

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate induces bursts of calcium release inside Limulus ventral photoreceptors

Injection of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) into dark-adapted Limulus ventral photoreceptors produces a series of discrete bursts of membrane depolarization. Prior injection of aequorin, a luminescent calcium indicator, reveals that the bursts of depolarization are accompanied by individual bursts of intracellular calcium elevation with a similar time course. Reduction of extracellular calcium increased rather than decreased the InsP3-induced rise in calcium. These results suggest that small numbers of InsP3 molecules can trigger discrete and rapid releases of large amounts of calcium from intracellular stores. In some cells, InsP3 injection induces a delayed and prolonged elevation of intracellular calcium in addition to the brief bursts.

Coupling of photoexcited rhodopsin to inositol phospholipid hydrolysis in fly photoreceptors

Fly photoreceptor membranes were used to test the effect on defined biochemical reactions of light and of compounds causing photoreceptor excitation. Complementary electrophysiological studies examined whether putative second messengers excite the fly photoreceptor cells. This analysis revealed the following sequence of events: photoexcited rhodopsin activates a G protein by facilitating GTP binding. The G protein then activates a phospholipase C that generates inositol trisphosphate, which in turn acts as an internal messenger to bring about depolarization of the photoreceptor cell. Binding assays of GTP analogs and measurements of GTPase activity showed that there are 1.6 million copies of G protein per photoreceptor cell. The GTP binding component is a 41-kDa protein, and the light-activated GTPase is dependent on photoconversion of rhodopsin to metarhodopsin. Analysis of phospholipase C activity revealed that this enzyme is under stringent control of the G protein, that the major product formed is inositol trisphosphate, and that this product is rapidly hydrolyzed by a specific phosphomonoesterase. Introduction of inositol trisphosphate to the intact photoreceptor cell mimics the effect of light, and bisphosphoglycerate, which inhibits inositol trisphosphate hydrolysis, enhances the effects of inositol trisphosphate and of dim light. The interaction of photoexcited rhodopsin with a G protein is thus similar in both vertebrate and invertebrate photoreceptors. These G proteins, however, activate different photoreceptor enzymes: phospholipase C in invertebrates and cGMP phosphodiesterase in vertebrates.

Phorbol ester- and light-induced endogenous phosphorylation of rat rod outer-segment proteins

We have previously described the presence of a C-kinase in bovine retinal rod outer segments (ROS) (Kapoor and Chader, 1984). In this study, we have labeled rat retinas with freshly neutralized radiolabeled sodium phosphate (32P or 33P) by intravitreal injection and compared the phosphorylation patterns of ROS proteins induced by light and specific activators of the C-kinase phosphorylation system. Except for light treatment, all procedures were carried out in complete darkness using an infrared image converter. Incubation of 33P-labeled retinas in light for 5 min resulted in the phosphorylation of rhodopsin, 80-, 65-, 47-, 44-, and 15,000 MW proteins of crude ROS. Incubation of 33P-labeled retinas with 0.5 microM 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) resulted in the phosphorylation of several proteins including those at 80-, 65-, 47-, 44-, and 15,000 MW in crude ROS. ROS prepared in complete darkness did not exhibit any phosphorylation of proteins whereas ROS prepared in red light exhibited variable low phosphorylation of 80-, 47-, 44- and 15,000 MW proteins. 1-oleoyl-2-acetylglycerol (OAG) at 500 micrograms ml-1 caused the phosphorylation of the same proteins as observed with TPA. TPA (0.5-500 microM) and OAG (150-500 micrograms ml-1) did not induce rhodopsin phosphorylation. When purified ROS were prepared from 33P-pre-labeled retinas, the complete darkness control did not exhibit phosphorylation of any proteins. TPA, however, induced the phosphorylation of 80- and 65,000 MW proteins and light induced the phosphorylation of 80-, 65,000 MW proteins as well as opsin monomer and dimer. Affinity chromatography of phosphorylated ROS proteins on con A-Sepharose revealed that TPA does not induce rhodopsin phosphorylation whereas light does. Since light and TPA induced the phosphorylation of 80- and 65,000 MW proteins in ROS, it is possible to suggest at least a partial linkage of light- and C-kinase-mediated effects in situ.

Light induces a rapid and transient increase in inositol-trisphosphate in toad rod outer segments

The sub-second time course of changes in the content of [3H]inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate was determined in rod outer segments from very rapidly frozen Bufo retinas that had been incubated with [3H]inositol. Rod outer segments were cut off frozen specimens with a cryostat microtome and the water soluble extracts were analyzed. The content of [3H]inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate rose after approximately 250 msec of bright illumination, but returned to the unstimulated level after 1 sec, whether the stimulus remained on or not. That is, there was rapid but transient change in the content of [3H]inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate after the onset of stimulation.

Effects of platelet-activating factor on electrophysiology of isolated retinas and their inhibition by BN 52021, a specific PAF-acether receptor antagonist

The effects of (R)PAF-acether have been tested on the isolated rat retina model. Results indicate that (R)PAF-acether inhibits the electrophysiological response (electroretinogram) elicited on isolated retina by a brief light flash. Immediately after the administration of (R)PAF-acether, an irreversible decrease of the electroretinogram b-wave amplitude is observed. This effect is dose-dependent (2 X 10(-11) M, 2 X 10(-9) M, 2 X 10(-7) M) and partially inhibited by simultaneous administration of Ginkgolide B (BN 52021; 2 X 10(-5) M). These results suggest the existence of (R)PAF-acether-specific receptors inside the retina.

A second look at the second messenger hypothesis

Several hundred hormones, neurotransmitters, growth factors and other "first messengers" bind to specific cell membrane receptors and induce a myriad of effects: short term, transport, metabolic, mitotic and regulation of thousands of specific genes. Yet, less than a dozen "second messengers" have been clearly established to date. Even allowing for the discovery of a large number of additional second messengers, there remains a paradox in terms of information-transfer within the cell: how can so many specific signals produce so many effects through so few relatively nonspecific intermediates? We consider several possible solutions to this paradox, including the hypothesis that signal specificity is encoded in part in the primary structure of the receptor.

Inositol 1,4,5 trisphosphate releases calcium from specialized sites within Limulus photoreceptors

We have investigated the subcellular distribution and identity of inositol trisphosphate (InsP3)-sensitive calcium stores in living Limulus ventral photoreceptor cells, where light and InsP3 are known to raise intracellular calcium. We injected ventral photoreceptor cells with the photoprotein aequorin and viewed its luminescence with an image intensifier. InsP3 only elicited detectable aequorin luminescence when injected into the light-sensitive rhabdomeral (R)-lobe where aequorin luminescence induced by light was also confined. Calcium stores released by light and InsP3 are therefore localized to the R-lobe. Within the R-lobe, InsP3-induced aequorin luminescence was further confined around the injection site, due to rapid dilution and/or degradation of injected InsP3. Prominent cisternae of smooth endoplasmic reticulum are uniquely localized within the cell beneath the microvillar surface of the R-lobe (Calman, B., and S. Chamberlain, 1982, J. Gen. Physiol., 80:839-862). These cisternae are the probable site of InsP3 action.

Phospholipidic second messengers and calcium

A number of signal molecules bind to surface receptors of target cells and generate intracellular messengers from inositol-containing phospholipids. The phosphatidyl inositol (4, 5) bisphosphate is hydrolyzed into inositol (1, 4, 5) trisphosphate and diacylglycerol. These messengers, via changes in the concentrations of cytosolic Ca2+ and H+ and/or protein phosphorylations, couple the signal to a variety of responses including activation of metabolism, secretion, aggregation, phototransduction, cell proliferation and possibly contraction.

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) induced rapid formation of thromboxane B2 in saponin-permeabilised human platelets: mechanism of IP3 action

The mechanism of IP3-induced activation of saponin-permeabilised platelets has been examined. Saponin permeabilization resulted in the leakage of low-Mr substances into and from the cells without loss of cytoplasmic proteins. Addition of IP3 rapidly induced a dose-related formation of thromboxane B2 and release into the medium, leading to the responses of shape change, aggregation and [14C]5HT release. These responses were inhibited by the thromboxane A2 receptor antagonist AH23848. The IP3-induced release of 45Ca from intracellular stores was not affected by indomethacin. Synthesis of thromboxane was inhibited if Ca2+ elevation was prevented by using Ca-EGTA buffers during permeabilization. These studies indicate that IP3-induced activation was due to Ca2+ mobilisation leading to phospholipase activation and thromboxane synthesis.

Decreased content of docosahexaenoate and arachidonate in plasma phospholipids in Usher's syndrome

Docosahexaenoate and arachidonate were found to be significantly decreased in plasma phospholipids from Usher's syndrome patients. The fatty acid content of plasma triacylglycerols was not changed in these patients. Usher's syndrome, an autosomal recessive disorder, involves an inherited visual cell degeneration. Photoreceptor membranes are richly endowed with docosahexaenoate and arachidonate, and a metabolic defect affecting these polyunsaturated fatty acids may occur. Moreover, blindness may be due, at least partially, to an alteration in the unsaturated phospholipids of photoreceptor membranes.

Micro-injection of inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate activates sea urchin eggs by a mechanism dependent on external Ca2+

Micro-injection of submicromolar concentrations of inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate caused a raising of the fertilization envelope in eggs of the sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus. This effect was dependent both on the presence of extracellular Ca2+ and on co-injection with a Ca2+-mobilizing compound, inositol 2,4,5-trisphosphate. Inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate was the most potent compound tested in this assay; removal of the 3- or 5-phosphates or randomization of the phosphates in the inositol ring decreased its potency. These results show that inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate is an intracellular second messenger, and suggest that its function is to control cellular Ca2+ homoeostasis at the plasma membrane.

Light stimulates the rapid formation of inositol trisphosphate in squid retinas

To test the hypothesis that inositol trisphosphate (InsP3) mediates adaptation and excitation in invertebrate photoreceptors, we measured its formation on a rapid time scale in squid retinas. For squid, excitation and adaption occurs within 0.1 and 1-2 s respectively. We could detect an elevation in InsP3 within 200 ms of a bright flash. This increase is about 240% over dark basal levels and is maintained for at least 2 min after a flash. The increase probably occurs in the photoreceptors, which are the only neurons in squid retinas. Analysis by h.p.l.c. indicates that the light-regulated isomer is Ins(1,4,5)P3, which is formed by the hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate (PtdInsP2).

Cyclic GMP is involved in the excitation of invertebrate photoreceptors

The hyperpolarizing receptor potential in vertebrate rod photoreceptors appears to be mediated by the second messenger, cyclic GMP. Injection of cGMP into rods or application of cGMP to inside-out membrane patches activates a conductance resembling that produced by light. Light produces a rapid reduction of cGMP in living rods, leading to closure of sodium channels and membrane hyperpolarization. In most invertebrate photoreceptors the response to light is depolarizing. We have investigated whether cGMP is involved in controlling the increase in sodium conductance that underlies this depolarization. We show here that injection of cGMP into Limulus photoreceptors produces a depolarization that mimics the receptor potential. We also show that the cGMP concentration of the squid retina increases rapidly during exposure to light. These results support the hypothesis that cGMP mediates the light-induced depolarization in invertebrate photoreceptors and suggests that vertebrate and invertebrate phototransduction may be more similar than previously thought.

Light-modulated ADP-ribosylation, protein phosphorylation and protein binding in isolated fly photoreceptor membranes

Rhodopsin (P, lambda max 480 nm) of blowfly photoreceptors R1-6 is converted by light into a thermally stable metarhodopsin (M, lambda max 565 nm). In isolated blowfly rhabdoms photoconversion of P to M affects bacterial toxin-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation of a 41-kDa protein, activates phosphorylation of opsin and induces the binding of a 48-kDa phosphoprotein to the rhabdomeric membrane. ADP-ribosylation of the 41-kDa protein is catalyzed by cholera toxin and is inhibited by P----M conversion. The 41-kDa protein might represent the alpha-subunit of the G-protein, proposed to be part of the phototransduction mechanism [Blumenfeld, A. et al. (1985) Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 82, 7116-7120]. P----M conversion leads to phosphorylation of opsin at multiple binding sites: up to 4 mol phosphate are bound/mol M formed. Dephosphorylation of the phosphate binding sites is induced by photoconversion of M to P. High levels of calcium (2 mM) inhibit phosphorylation of M and increase dephosphorylation of P. Protein patterns obtained by sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis of irradiated retina membranes show an increased incorporation of label from [gamma-32P]ATP also into protein bands of 48 kDa, 68 kDa and 200 kDa. Binding studies reveal that in the case of the 48-kDa protein this effect is primarily due to a light-induced binding of the protein to the photoreceptor membrane. The binding of the 48-kDa phosphoprotein is reversible: after M----P conversion the protein becomes extractable by isotonic buffers. These data suggest that in rhabdomeric photoreceptors of invertebrates light-activation of rhodopsin is coupled to an enzyme cascade in a similar way as in the ciliary photoreceptors of vertebrates, although there may be differences, e.g. in the type of G-protein which mediates between the activated state of metarhodopsin and a signal-amplifying enzyme reaction.

G-proteins of fat-cells. Role in hormonal regulation of intracellular inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate

Pertussis toxin abolishes hormonal inhibition of adenylate cyclase, hormonal stimulation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate accumulation in rat fat-cells, and catalyses the ADP-ribosylation of two peptides, of Mr 39,000 and 41,000 [Malbon, Rapiejko & Mangano (1985) J. Biol. Chem. 260, 2558-2564]. The 41,000-Mr peptide is the alpha-subunit of the G-protein, referred to as Gi, that is believed to mediate inhibitory control of adenylate cyclase by hormones. The nature of the 39,000-Mr substrate for pertussis toxin was investigated. The fat-cell 39,000-Mr peptide was compared structurally and immunologically with the alpha-subunits of two other G-proteins, Gt isolated from the rod outer segments of bovine retina and Go isolated from bovine brain. After radiolabelling in the presence of pertussis toxin and [32P]NAD+, the electrophoretic mobilities of the fat-cell 39,000-Mr peptide and the alpha-subunits of Go and Gt were nearly identical. Partial proteolysis of these ADP-ribosylated proteins generates peptide patterns that suggest the existence of a high degree of homology between the fat-cell 39,000-Mr peptide and the alpha-subunit of Go. Antisera raised against purified G-proteins and their subunits were used to probe immunoblots of purified Gt, Gi, Go, and fat-cell membrane proteins. Although recognizing the 36,000-Mr beta-subunit band of Gt, Gi, Go and a 36,000-Mr fat-cell peptide, antisera raised against Gt failed to recognize either the 39,000- or the 41,000-Mr peptides of fat-cells or the alpha-subunits of Go and Gi. Antisera raised against the alpha-subunit of Go, in contrast, recognized the 39,000-Mr peptide of rat fat-cells, but not the alpha-subunit of either Gi or Gt. These data establish the identity of Go, in addition to Gi, in fat-cell membranes and suggest the possibility that either Go or Gi alone, or both, may mediate hormonal regulation of adenylate cyclase and phospholipase C.

Inositol trisphosphate regulation of photoreceptor membrane currents

In previous studies elevation of intracellular Ca2+ was shown to cause prolonged reduction of two voltage-dependent K+ currents (IA and ICa2+-K+) across the membrane of the isolated Hermissenda photoreceptor, the type B cell (Alkon et al., 1982b; Alkon and Sakakibara, 1985). Here we show that iontophoretic injection of inositol trisphosphate (IP3), but not inositol monophosphate, also caused prolonged reduction of IA and ICa2+-K+. IP3 injection also caused reduction of a light-induced K+ current (also ICa2+-K+) but did not affect the voltage-dependent Ca2+ current, ICa2+, or the light-induced inward current, INa+, of the type B cell. IP3 injection caused similar effects on the K+ currents of the other type of Hermissenda photoreceptor, the type A cell. INA+ of the type A cell, unlike that of the type B cell, was, however, markedly increased following IP3 injection. The differences of IP3 effects on the two types of photoreceptors may be related to differences in regulation of ionic currents by endogenous IP3 as reflected by clear differences (before injection) in the magnitude of IA, ICa2+-K+, and INa+ between the two cell types.

A transmission delay and the effect of temperature at the triadic junction of skeletal muscle

The coupling process at the triadic junctions in skeletal muscle fibres is characterized by a significant latency between the depolarization of the transverse tubular membrane and the release of Ca from the sarcoplasmic reticulum. This time interval, the triadic delay, is sufficiently long to allow for the participation of a chemical process. The strong temperature dependence of the triadic delay (Q10 near 2.7) suggests that a sequence of chemical steps may link the electrical signal in the T-tubules to the opening of Ca channels in the terminal cisternae of the sarcoplasmic reticulum.

The opsin family of proteins

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Protein kinase C phosphorylates human platelet inositol trisphosphate 5'-phosphomonoesterase, increasing the phosphatase activity

Phosphoinositide breakdown in response to thrombin stimulation of human platelets results in the formation of the calcium-mobilizing messenger molecules inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and inositol 1,2-cyclic-4,5-trisphosphate and of diglyceride, which activates protein kinase C. We find that protein kinase C phosphorylates and thereby increases the activity of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate 5'-phosphomonoesterase, a phosphatase that hydrolyzes these molecules to inert compounds. The 5'-phosphomonoesterase phosphorylated using [gamma-32P]ATP comigrates on SDS-polyacrylamide gels with a protein (40 kd) phosphorylated rapidly in response to thrombin stimulation of 32PO4-labeled platelets. Peptide maps of proteolytic digests of these two phosphorylated proteins indicate that they are the same. We propose that platelet Ca2+ mobilization is regulated by protein kinase C phosphorylation of the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate 5'-phosphomonoesterase. These results explain the observation that phorbol ester treatment of intact human platelets results in decreased levels of inositol trisphosphate and decreased Ca2+ mobilization upon subsequent thrombin addition.

Synthesis of polyphosphoinositides in vertebrate photoreceptor membranes

Rod outer segments isolated from bovine retinas incorporated 32P into phospholipids after incubation with [gamma-32P]ATP in a Mg2+-containing medium. Only phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate, phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate, and phosphatidate were labelled. The incorporation of label into lipids was detected as early as 20 s after the start of incubation and the products were stable for at least 10 min. The reactions were time, protein and ATP-concentration dependent. Entire rod outer segments showed higher diacylglycerol kinase and lower phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate kinase activities than the disc membranes obtained from them. Exogenously added phosphatidylinositol (up to 1 mM) in the presence of Triton X-100 increased phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate and phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate labelling in rod outer segments (8- and 6-fold, respectively). Triton X-100 at a concentration of 0.4% stimulated phosphorylation of endogenous phosphoinositides. Diacylglycerol kinase activity was largely suppressed by the detergent, but this effect was partially reversed by addition of phosphatidylinositol. It is suggested that the rod outer segments contain phosphatidylinositol kinase and phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate kinase bound to disc membranes, as well as an active diacylglycerol kinase occurring either as a soluble or a peripherally bound protein in disc membranes.

Regulation of inositol phosphate levels by prostaglandins in cultured endometrial cells

Stimulation of cultured rabbit endometrial cells by one of the rabbit endometrial cell culture proliferation factors, prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha), resulted in a very rapid increase in the intracellular levels of [3H]-inositol triphosphate (IP3), [3H]-inositol biphosphate (IP2), and [3H]-inositol monophosphate (IP1) in cells prelabeled with [3H]-inositol. These increases in inositol phosphate levels were detected in periods of stimulation as short as 30 seconds, reached a maximum by 1 1/2-2 min and declined to control levels by 6-10 min. The stimulation was dose-dependent with maximal increases observed near 10(-6) M PGF2 alpha. The cholinergic agent, carbachol, also led to time and dose-independent increases in IP3. Lithium, cadmium, silver, copper, and zinc ions had no effect either on the breakdown of IP3 or on the accumulation of IP1. In contrast, vanadate at 10(-6) or 10(-5) M did lead to a decrease in the breakdown of IP1 and a concomitant increase in IP1, IP2, and IP3. PGF2 alpha was found previously to induce an increase in rabbit endometrial cell DNA synthesis which was inhibited by concomitant or prior addition of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1). PGE1, in a dose-dependent manner, was found to inhibit the observed IP3 increase by PGF2 alpha at 1 1/2 min of stimulation. PGF2 alpha treated and control cultures did not differ in cAMP or cGMP levels, cellular 45Ca uptake, nor cellular 22Na uptake. We propose that IP3 may be one of the intracellular messenger(s) synthesized following the treatment of rabbit endometrial cell cultures with the proliferation agent PGF2 alpha and that it may play a crucial role with cAMP in growth regulation.

Pressure injection of calcium both excites and adapts Limulus ventral photoreceptors

Single pressure injections of 1-2 mM calcium aspartate into the light-sensitive region of Limulus ventral photoreceptors resulted in a rapid, 20-40-mV depolarization lasting approximately 2 s. The depolarization closely followed the rise in intracellular free calcium caused by the injection, as indicated by aequorin luminescence. The depolarization was followed by reversible desensitization (adaptation) of responses to both light and inositol 1,4,5 trisphosphate. Similar single injections of calcium into the light-insensitive region of the receptor were essentially without effect, even though aequorin luminescence indicated a large, rapid rise in intracellular free calcium. The depolarization caused by injection of calcium arose from the activation of an inward current with rectification characteristics and a reversal potential between +10 and +20 mV that were similar to those of the light-activated conductance, which suggests that the same channels were activated by light and by calcium. The reversal potentials of the light- and calcium-activated currents shifted similarly when three-fourths of the extracellular sodium was replaced by sucrose, but were not affected by a similar replacement of sodium by lithium. The current activated by calcium was abolished by prior injection of a calcium buffer solution containing EGTA. The responses of the same cells to brief light flashes were slowed and diminished in amplitude, but were not abolished after the injection of calcium buffer. Light adaptation and prior injection of calcium diminished the calcium-activated current much less than they diminished the light-activated current.

Localization of the photocurrent of Limulus ventral photoreceptors using a vibrating probe

We have used a vibrating probe to determine the profile of electrical current density around ventral photoreceptors of the horseshoe crab following flashes of light that uniformly illuminated the entire surface of the photoreceptor's cell body. The vibrating probe signal indicated that the density of inward current was greatest at the distal region of the cell, the region that is expected to contain the light-sensitive rhabdom. The density of inward current typically declined at the midpoint of the cell body and then reversed to an outward current flow in the proximal region of the cell body, close to the axon. The profile of local sensitivity of the photoreceptor to light closely matched the profile of inward current density, suggesting that the light-activated conductance is localized to the light-sensitive region of the cell.

Blockade of visual excitation and adaptation in Limulus photoreceptor by GDP-beta-S

Light causes both depolarization and adaptation to light in Limulus ventral photoreceptors. Both visual excitation and adaptation were blocked by guanosine 5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) (GDP-beta-S), a metabolically stable analog of guanosine 5'-diphosphate (GDP). However, GDP-beta-S did not block the excitation caused by injection of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate into the cell. These results suggest a molecular cascade of visual excitation and adaptation: Light isomerizes the visual pigment rhodopsin, which in turn activates a guanyl nucleotide-binding protein. The binding protein then stimulates production of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate, which causes release of calcium from the endoplasmic reticulum.

Role of inositol lipid breakdown in the generation of intracellular signals. State of the art lecture

Many hormones, neurotransmitters, and secretagogues act by increasing the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration in target cells. The initial event following binding of agonists to specific receptors in the plasma membrane involves a receptor-mediated activation of a guanosine nucleotide-binding protein (G protein), which induces a Ca2+-independent activation of phospholipase C. This novel, presently uncharacterized G protein is inactivated by pertussis toxin-catalyzed adenosine 5'-diphosphate ribosylation in some but not all cell types. Phospholipase C catalyzes the breakdown of inositol lipids, notably phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate, with the production of inositol phosphates and 1,2-diacylglycerol. Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) is responsible for a rapid mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ by activating Ca2+ efflux from a subpopulation of the endoplasmic reticulum. The properties of this process are consistent with its being a ligand-activated ion channel with electrogenic Ca2+ efflux being charge-compensated by K+ influx. Sustained hormonal responses require extracellular Ca2+ and a prolonged elevation of the cytosolic free Ca2+. This is brought about by hormone-mediated changes of Ca2+ flux across the plasma membrane involving both an inhibition of Ca2+ efflux and an activation of Ca2+ influx. This review summarizes recent findings concerning the role of G proteins in receptor coupling to phospholipase C; the regulation of enzymes of phosphoinositide metabolism; the evidence for IP3 being a Ca2+-mobilizing second messenger and its mechanism of action; the formation of new inositol phosphates and their possible significance; the relation of intracellular Ca2+ mobilization and plasma membrane Ca2+ fluxes to the kinetics of the hormone-induced cytosolic free Ca2+ transient; and the possible roles of protein kinase C in influencing the hormone-mediated functional response.

The inositide cycle in bovine photoreceptor membranes

Various enzymic steps in the inositide cycle were investigated in purified bovine retinal rod outer segments (ROS). Incubation of ROS with [gamma-32P]ATP resulted in a rapid labeling of phosphatidic acid and phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PIP), while little radio-tracer was recovered from phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2). This can be explained by the relatively low activity of PIP-kinase activity in ROS as compared to the remainder of the retina. Similarly, relatively little phosphodiesteratic activity degraded PIP2 and PIP in ROS when 32P labeled phosphoinositides in synaptic membranes (heat-treated to inactivate endogenous enzymes) were used. Although light exposure of ROS did cause rapid rhodopsin phosphorylation, no enzymic steps of the cycle were changed, even when ROS were obtained from retinas excised from cows dark-adapted by unilateral eye patching the day prior to kill. These studies do not support the view that light is an agonist of the inositide cycle in mammalian photoreceptors.

Acetylcholine- and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-induced calcium mobilization in Xenopus laevis oocytes

Acetylcholine induces a complex electrical membrane response in Xenopus laevis oocytes. This response is mimicked, and probably mediated by injected inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate. Oocytes prelabelled with 45Ca released calcium in two phases, the second, slow phase exhibiting first order kinetics of release. Brief exposure of prelabelled oocytes to acetylcholine resulted in a significant increase in the rate of calcium release that returned to control values 2-3 min following the removal of the neurotransmitter. Intracellular injection of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate resulted in increased rate of calcium release similar to, but longer than that caused by acetylcholine. Experiments conducted on single oocytes permitted the investigation of the relationship between acetylcholine-induced and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-induced calcium mobilization and the resulting electrical membrane response. Our data reinforce our previous suggestion that inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate is the intracellular second messenger of the muscarinic membrane electrical response in Xenopus oocytes.

Role of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate in excitation-contraction coupling in skeletal muscle

The sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of skeletal muscle is an intracellular membranous network that controls the myoplasmic Ca2+ concentration and the contraction-relaxation cycle. Ca2+ release from the terminal cisternae (TC) region of the SR evokes contraction. How electrical depolarization of the transverse tubule is linked to Ca2+ release from the junctionally associated TC is still largely unknown. Independent evidence has been recently obtained indicating that either inositol trisphosphate (IP3) or (and) Ca2+ is (are) the chemical transmitter(s) of excitation-contraction coupling. Here we outline the experimental data in support of each transmitter and discuss possible interactive roles of Ca2+ and IP3.

Metabolic and functional consequences of introducing inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate into saponin-permeabilized human platelets

In an earlier study we reported the effect of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate [Ins(1,4,5)P3] in releasing Ca2+ from highly purified human platelet intracellular membrane vesicles. [Authi & Crawford (1985) Biochem. J. 230, 247-253]. We have now investigated the metabolic and functional consequences of introducing Ins(1,4,5)P3 into saponin-permeabilized platelets. Washed human platelets when resuspended in a suitable medium were permeabilized with saponin (10-14 micrograms/ml) to allow entry of low-Mr water-soluble molecules without significant release of the cytoplasmic marker enzyme protein lactate dehydrogenase. Saponin-permeabilized platelets show identical platelet responses (shape change, aggregation and release of 5-hydroxy[14C]tryptamine) to both collagen (5 micrograms/ml) and thrombin (0.1 unit/ml) as obtained with intact cells, indicating that there is minimal disturbance to the surface membrane receptor topography for these two agonists. Ins(1,4,5)P3 (1-10 microM) added to saponin-treated platelets (but not to intact platelets) induced dose-related shape change, aggregation and release of 5-hydroxy[14C]tryptamine which at maximal doses was comparable with responses obtained with thrombin or collagen. The cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors indomethacin and aspirin, if added prior to saponization and Ins(1,4,5)P3 addition, completely inhibited both aggregation and release of 5-hydroxy[14C]tryptamine (EC50 for indomethacin, 50 nM; for aspirin, 30 microM). We believe that Ins(1,4,5)P3 induces the release of Ca2+ from intracellular storages sites which stimulates the Ca2+-dependent phospholipase A2 releasing arachidonic acid from membrane phospholipids. Arachidonic acid is then converted to the aggregatory prostanoids (prostaglandin H2 and thromboxane A2) resulting in the observed responses. This concept is supported by the use of the thromboxane receptor antagonists EPO 45 and EPO 92, both of which also completely inhibit Ins(1,4,5)P3-induced responses in saponin-permeabilized platelets. Electron microscopy of the platelet preparations revealed that thrombin- and collagen-induced platelet aggregates of intact and saponized cells were identical, showing extensive pseudopod formation and dense granule release. The Ins(1,4,5)P3-induced aggregates also showed similar dense granule release but an almost total absence of pseudopod formation. These results are discussed in the light of the second messenger role of Ins(1,4,5)P3 in stimulus-response coupling in platelets.

The initial response of Limulus ventral photoreceptors to bright flashes. Released calcium as a synergist to excitation

The leading edge of the response of Limulus ventral photoreceptors to brief flashes was investigated using a voltage clamp. The leading edge of responses increases linearly with flash intensity when dim flashes produce less than one photoisomerization per square micron of cell surface. Brighter flashes accelerate the initial portion of the response, resulting in a fourth-power relationship between the magnitude of the response at brief times after the flash and the flash intensity. The onset of this nonlinearity with increasing flash intensity is determined by the local density of photoisomerizations within the receptor. Responses to bright 10-15-mum-diam spots therefore rise faster than responses to diffuse flashes producing the same number of photoisomerizations within the receptor. Background illumination shortens the response latency and suppresses the initial nonlinearity. These phenomena can be explained by a model of transduction in which light activates two parallel cascades of reactions. Particles released by the first of these cascades open ionic channels, while the second produces an agent that accelerates the rate of production of particles by the first. Injection of the calcium buffer EGTA slows the initial portion of the response to bright flashes and suppresses its nonlinearity, which suggests that the accelerating agent released by the second cascade is calcium.

Cationic amphiphilic drugs perturb the metabolism of inosititides and phosphatidic acid in photoreceptor membranes

Incubation of purified bovine photoreceptor rod outer segments with [gamma-32P]ATP resulted in the labeling of phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PIP) and phosphatidic acid (PA) with little labeling of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2). Propranolol inhibited in a dose-dependent manner the labeling of PA and enhanced that of PIP. Various cationic amphiphilic drugs also were tested for these effects. Propranolol had the same effects on high-speed rat brain particulate material. While this particular preparation displayed more labeling of PIP2, propranolol was ineffective, as it was on retinal PIP-kinase. Ca2+-activated polyphosphoinositide phosphodiesterase activity in nerve-ending membranes also was inhibited by propranolol. It is concluded that cationic amphiphilic drugs can inhibit diacylglycerol kinase and the polyphosphoinositide phosphodiesterase and stimulate the phosphatidylinositol-kinase (but not PIP-kinase).