Purinergic P2Y receptors on astrocytes are directly coupled to phospholipase A2

Role of P2Y receptors in astrocyte physiology and pathophysiology

Astrocytes are active constituents of the brain that manage ion homeostasis and metabolic support of neurons and directly tune synaptic transmission and plasticity. Astrocytes express all known P2Y receptors. These regulate a multitude of physiological functions such as cell proliferation, Ca²⁺ signalling, gliotransmitter release and neurovascular coupling. In addition, P2Y receptors are fundamental in the transition of astrocytes into reactive astrocytes, as occurring in many brain disorders such as neurodegenerative diseases, neuroinflammation and epilepsy. This review summarizes the current literature addressing the function of P2Y receptors in astrocytes in the healthy brain as well as in brain diseases.

β-Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (β-NAD) Inhibits ATP-Dependent IL-1β Release from Human Monocytic Cells

While interleukin-1β (IL-1β) is a potent pro-inflammatory cytokine essential for host defense, high systemic levels cause life-threatening inflammatory syndromes. ATP, a stimulus of IL-1β maturation, is released from damaged cells along with β-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (β-NAD). Here, we tested the hypothesis that β-NAD controls ATP-signaling and, hence, IL-1β release. Lipopolysaccharide-primed monocytic U937 cells and primary human mononuclear leukocytes were stimulated with 2'(3')-O-(4-benzoyl-benzoyl)ATP trieethylammonium salt (BzATP), a P2X7 receptor agonist, in the presence or absence of β-NAD. IL-1β was measured in cell culture supernatants. The roles of P2Y receptors, nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), and Ca²⁺-independent phospholipase A2 (iPLA2β, PLA2G6) were investigated using specific inhibitors and gene-silencing. Exogenous β-NAD signaled via P2Y receptors and dose-dependently (IC₅₀ = 15 µM) suppressed the BzATP-induced IL-1β release. Signaling involved iPLA2β, release of a soluble mediator, and nAChR subunit α9. Patch-clamp experiments revealed that β-NAD inhibited BzATP-induced ion currents. In conclusion, we describe a novel triple membrane-passing signaling cascade triggered by extracellular β-NAD that suppresses ATP-induced release of IL-1β by monocytic cells. This cascade links activation of P2Y receptors to non-canonical metabotropic functions of nAChRs that inhibit P2X7 receptor function. The biomedical relevance of this mechanism might be the control of trauma-associated systemic inflammation.

Brain Cytosolic Phospholipase A2: Localization, Role, and Involvement in Neurological Diseases

Cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) hydrolyzes the arachidonoyl group from the sn-2 position of glycerophospholipids generating arachidonic acid and lysophospholipids. The products of the cPLA2-catalyzed reaction act as second messengers themselves or further metabolize to eicosanoids, platelet activating factor, and lysophosphatidic acid. cPLA2 has not been purified from brain tissue. Immunocytochemical studies have indicated that cPLA2 is expressed in neurons and astrocytes. The hindbrain and spinal cord contain dense immunoreactivity for cPLA2. Activity and immunoreactivity of cPLA2 are markedly increased in ischemia, Alzheimer’s disease, and kainic acid neurotoxicity. This increase in cPLA2 activity and immunoreactivity is accompanied by marked alterations in neural membrane phospholipid composition and the accumulation of lipid peroxides and eicosanoids. At present, it is not known whether the increased activity and immunoreactivity of cPLA2 in neural trauma (e.g., in ischemia) and neurodegenerative disease (Alzheimer’s disease) is the cause or effect of neurodegeneration. Recent studies on the role of this enzyme in brain tissue suggest that cPLA2 may be involved in synaptic plasticity, generation of second messengers, axon regeneration, and neurodegeneration.

Purinergic and glutamatergic receptors on astroglia

Astroglial cells express many neurotransmitter receptors; the receptors to glutamate and ATP being the most abundant. Here, we provide a concise overview on the expression and main properties of astroglial glutamate receptors (ionotropic receptors represented by AMPA and NMDA subtypes) and metabotropic (mainly mGluR5 and mGluR3 subtypes) and purinoceptors (adenosine receptors of A1, A2A, A2B, and A3 types, ionotropic P2X1/5 and P2X7 subtypes, and metabotropic P2Y purinoceptors). We also discuss the role of these receptors in glial physiology and pathophysiology.

Extracellular ATP-prinoceptor signaling and AMP-activated protein kinase regulate astrocytic glucose transporter 3 in an in vitro ischemia

Astrocytes become hypertrophic reactive in response to the ischemic stress, and they contribute to either protect or exacerbate neuronal damage, depending on the depth or duration of the stress. Astrocytes have more resistance to the ischemic stress than neurons, which is apparently due to active anerobic metabolic pathway in the emergency situation. We have been focused on the functional role of astrocytic glucose transporters in the ischemic condition. Under the physiological conditions, cultured astrocytes primarily express glucose transporter1 (GLUT1), and GLUT3 is only detected at extremely low levels. But astrocytes enhance GLUT3 expression through the signaling of nuclear factor-κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) under mild ischemic condition. It is reasonable since GLUT3 transports extracellular glucose about seven times faster than GLUT1, so astrocytes enhance the storage of intracellular glucose during the ischemia. However, other signaling cascades that regulate GLUT3 production remain unknown. Here we demonstrate that extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP)-P2Y receptor signaling also regulates GLUT3 expression. Under mild ischemic condition, astrocytes positively released existing intracellular or newly synthesized ATP by AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling. The released extracellular ATP from pore channels activated ATP-sensitive P2Y receptor signaling, resulting in an increase in c-Fos and c-Jun proteins. Newly synthesized GLUT3 was regulated by those signaling since the inhibition of P2Y receptors or c-Fos/c-Jun signaling significantly reduced GLUT3 expression. Furthermore, the inhibition of P2Y receptors during the ischemic condition sustained intracellular ATP concentration, leading to a decrease in AMPK proteins. These results suggest AMPK-regulated ATP production triggers the release of ATP to activate P2Y receptor signaling, which is another candidate that regulates GLUT3 expression under the ischemic condition.

Identification of a 42-kDa Group IV cPLA2-activating protein, cPLAPγ, as a GTP-binding protein in the bovine brain

Brain tissue contains multiple forms of Phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) whose activities are involved in intracellular and intercellular signalling related to normal functions such as long-term potentiation, neurotransmitter release, cell growth and differentiation. Among them, we focused on regulatory mechanism of cPLA(2)α (Group IVA cytosolic PLA(2)) in brain tissue. In the present study, we report the identification of a cPLA(2)-activating protein (cPLAP) in the bovine brain. cPLAP activity appeared as two major peaks with molecular masses of 200 and 42 kDa in a Superose 12 gel filtration FPLC column. The 42-kDa form of cPLAP, designated cPLAPγ, was further purified using a Mono S FPLC column to near homogeneity and characterized to as a GTP-binding protein (G protein). Metabolic labelling and immunoprecipitation studies revealed that cPLAPγ associates with cPLA(2) in vitro and co-immunoprecipitates with [(35)S]-cPLA(2). Notably, cPLAPγ rendered cPLA(2) fully activated at submicromolar concentrations of Ca(2+). These results suggest that cPLAPγ may act as a G protein, activating cPLA(2)α prior to reaching full intracellular Ca(2+) concentrations.

Phospholipases A2 and neural membrane dynamics: implications for Alzheimer's disease

Phospholipases A(2) (PLA(2)s) are essential enzymes in cells. They are not only responsible for maintaining the structural organization of cell membranes, but also play a pivotal role in the regulation of cell functions. Activation of PLA(2) s results in the release of fatty acids and lysophospholipids, products that are lipid mediators and compounds capable of altering membrane microdomains and physical properties. Although not fully understood, recent studies have linked aberrant PLA(2) activity to oxidative signaling pathways involving NADPH oxidase that underlie the pathophysiology of a number of neurodegenerative diseases. In this paper, we review studies describing the involvement of cytosolic PLA(2) in oxidative signaling pathways leading to neuronal impairment and activation of glial cell inflammatory responses. In addition, this review also includes information on the role of cytosolic PLA(2) and exogenous secretory PLA(2) on membrane physical properties, dynamics, and membrane proteins. Unraveling the mechanisms that regulate specific types of PLA(2)s and their effects on membrane dynamics are important prerequisites towards understanding their roles in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease, and in the development of novel therapeutics to retard progression of the disease.

Fluctuations in the concentration of extracellular ATP synchronized with intracellular Ca(2+) oscillatory rhythm in cultured cardiac myocytes

Isolated and cultured neonatal cardiac myocytes contract spontaneously and cyclically. The intracellular concentration of free Ca(2+) also changes rhythmically in association with the rhythmic contraction of myocytes (Ca(2+) oscillation). Both the contraction and Ca(2+) oscillatory rhythms are synchronized among myocytes, and intercellular communication via gap junctions has been considered primarily responsible for the synchronization. However, a recent study has demonstrated that intercellular communication via extracellular ATP-purinoceptor signaling is also involved in the intercellular synchronization of intracellular Ca(2+) oscillation. In this study, we aim to elucidate whether the concentration of extracellular ATP changes cyclically and contributes to the intercellular synchronization of Ca(2+) oscillation among myocytes. In almost all the cultured cardiac myocytes at four days in vitro (4 DIV), intracellular Ca(2+) oscillations were synchronized with each other. The simultaneous measurement of the concentration of extracellular ATP and intracellular Ca(2+) revealed the extracellular concentration of ATP actually oscillated concurrently with the intracellular Ca(2+) oscillation. In addition, power spectrum and cross-correlation analyses suggested that the treatment of cultured cardiac myocytes with suramin, a blocker of P2 purinoceptors, resulted in the asynchronization of Ca(2+) oscillatory rhythms among cardiac myocytes. Treatment with suramin also resulted in a significant decrease in the amplitudes of the cyclic changes in both intracellular Ca(2+) and extracellular ATP. Taken together, the present study demonstrated the possibility that the concentration of extracellular ATP changes cyclically in association with intracellular Ca(2+), contributing to the intercellular synchronization of Ca(2+) oscillation among cultured cardiac myocytes.

Possible involvement of ATP-purinoceptor signalling in the intercellular synchronization of intracellular Ca2+ oscillation in cultured cardiac myocytes

Isolated and cultured neonatal cardiac myocytes contract spontaneously and cyclically. The contraction rhythms of two isolated cardiac myocytes, each of which beats at different frequencies at first, become synchronized after the establishment of mutual contacts, suggesting that mutual entrainment occurs due to electrical and/or mechanical interactions between two myocytes. The intracellular concentration of free Ca(2+) also changes rhythmically in association with the rhythmic contraction of myocytes (Ca(2+) oscillation), and such a Ca(2+) oscillation was also synchronized among cultured cardiac myocytes. In this study, we investigated whether intercellular communication other than via gap junctions was involved in the intercellular synchronization of intracellular Ca(2+) oscillation in spontaneously beating cultured cardiac myocytes. Treatment with either blockers of gap junction channels or an un-coupler of E-C coupling did not affect the intercellular synchronization of Ca(2+) oscillation. In contrast, treatment with a blocker of P2 purinoceptors resulted in the asynchronization of Ca(2+) oscillatory rhythms among cardiac myocytes. The present study suggested that the extracellular ATP-purinoceptor system was responsible for the intercellular synchronization of Ca(2+) oscillation among cardiac myocytes.

A quantitative model of purinergic junctional transmission of calcium waves in astrocyte networks

A principal means of transmitting intracellular calcium (Ca2+) waves at junctions between astrocytes involves the release of the chemical transmitter adenosine triphosphate (ATP). A model of this process is presented in which activation of purinergic P2Y receptors by ATP triggers the release of ATP, in an autocrine manner, as well as concomitantly increasing intracellular Ca2+. The dependence of the temporal characteristics of the Ca2+ wave are shown to critically depend on the dissociation constant (K(R)) for ATP binding to the P2Y receptor type. Incorporating this model astrocyte into networks of these cells successfully accounts for many of the properties of propagating Ca2+ waves, such as the dependence of velocity on the type of P2Y receptor and the time-lag of the Ca2+ wave behind the ATP wave. In addition, the conditions under which Ca2+ waves may jump from one set of astrocytes across an astrocyte-free lane to another set of astrocytes are quantitatively accounted for by the model. The properties of purinergic transmission at astrocyte junctions may determine many of the characteristics of Ca2+ propagation in networks of these cells.

Thromboxane A2 promotes interleukin-6 biosynthesis mediated by an activation of cyclic AMP-response element-binding protein in 1321N1 human astrocytoma cells

1321N1 human astrocytoma cells express thromboxane A2 (TXA2) receptors (TP). However, physiological consequences of TXA2 signaling in glial cells remain unclear. Herein, we show that TXA2 promotes interleukin-6 (IL-6) biosynthesis in glial cells. A TP agonist, 9,11-dideoxy-9alpha,11alpha-methanoepoxy-prosta-5Z,13E-dien-1-oic acid (U46619), enhanced IL-6 production in both 1321N1 cells and cultured mouse astrocytes. It has been shown that IL-6 gene expression is regulated by various transcription factors. Among them, we found a significant increase in cyclic AMP-response element-binding protein (CREB) activity with its phosphorylation at Ser133 by U46619 in 1321N1 cells. Although U46619 increased IL-6 promoter activity, a mutation at cyclic AMP-response element (CRE) on the promoter clearly suppressed the effect, suggesting that CRE is involved in U46619-induced IL-6 expression. Furthermore, both CREB and IL-6 promoter activities were suppressed by SB203580 [4-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-methylsulfinylphenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-imidazole], a p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor, and H89 [N-[2-(4-bromocinnamylamino)-ethyl]-5-isoquinoline], a protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor, indicating involvements of p38 MAPK and PKA in CREB activation and IL-6 expression. To determine which G-proteins are implicated in the U46619-induced IL-6 synthesis, the interfering mutants of Galpha(q), Galpha12, or Galpha13 by were overexpressed in 1321N1 cells adenoviral approach. It is noteworthy that the Galpha(q) or Galpha13 mutant blocked the IL-6 production by U46619. The constitutively active mutant of Galpha(q), Galpha12, or Galpha13 enhanced IL-6 production, indicating that Galpha(q) and Galpha13 were involved in U46619-induced IL-6 production. In conclusion, TXA2 enhances the IL-6 biosynthesis via the PKA p38 MAPK/CREB pathway in 1321N1 cells. IL-6 induction depends on Galpha(q) and Galpha13 as well. This is the first report showing TP-mediated IL-6 production in glial cells.

Mechanisms of ATP action on motor nerve terminals at the frog neuromuscular junction

We have shown previously that ATP inhibits transmitter release at the neuromuscular junction through the action on metabotropic P2Y receptors coupled to specific second messenger cascades. In the present study we recorded K(+) or Ca(2+) currents in motor nerve endings or blocked K(+) or Ca(2+) channels in order to explore the nature of downstream presynaptic effectors. Endplate currents were presynaptically depressed by ATP. Blockers of Ca(2+)-activated K(+)-channels, such as iberiotoxin, apamin or tetraethylammonium, did not change the depressant action of ATP. By contrast, K(+) channel blocker 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) and raised extracellular Ca(2+) attenuated the effect of ATP. However, these effects of 4-AP and high Ca(2+) were reversed by Mg(2+), suggesting Ca(2+)-dependence of the ATP action. Ba(2+) promoted the depressant action of ATP as did glibenclamide, a blocker of ATP-sensitive K(+) channels, or mild depolarization produced by 7.5 mm K(+). None of the K(+) channel blockers affected the depressant action of adenosine. Focal recording revealed that neither ATP nor adenosine affected the fast K(+) currents of the motor nerve endings. However, unlike adenosine, ATP or UTP, an agonist of P2Y receptors, reversibly reduced the presynaptic Ca(2+)-current. This effect was abolished by suramin, an antagonist of P2 receptors. Depressant effect of ATP on the endplate and Ca(2+)-currents was mimicked by arachidonate, which precluded the action of ATP. ATP reduced acetylcholine release triggered by ionomycin or sucrose, suggesting inhibition of release machinery. Thus, the presynaptic depressant action of ATP is mediated by inhibition of Ca(2+) channels and by mechanism acting downstream of Ca(2+) entry.

Phospholipase A2 products retain a neuron specific gamma isoform of PKC on the plasma membrane through the C1 domain--a molecular mechanism for sustained enzyme activity

To clarify molecular mechanism for sustained activation of gamma protein kinase C (gammaPKC), a neuron-specific subtype, we investigated the involvement of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) products in the membrane association of gammaPKC upon activation of G protein coupled purinoceptors in CHO-K1 and NG 108-15 cells. In addition, the functional domain responsible for PLA2-product mediated retention of gammaPKC on the plasma membrane was determined by simultaneously monitoring two different fluorescence-tagged gammaPKCs and mutants in the same living CHO-K1 cells. Purinoceptor activation by UTP induced a transient translocation of gammaPKC from the cytoplasm to the plasma membrane. Interestingly, PLA2 inhibitors, bromoenol lactone (BEL) and arachidonyl-trifluoromethyl ketone (AACOF3), shortened the retention time of gammaPKC on the plasma membrane in cells treated with UTP, while a DAG kinase inhibitor did not affect it. The C1 domain deficient mutant (DeltaC1-gammaPKC) also showed short membrane association compared with wild type gammaPKC, when cells are treated with UTP or arachidonic acid (AA) plus a Ca(2+) ionophore. However, deletion of C1A or C1B subdomains (DeltaC1A-gammaPKC or DeltaC1B-gammaPKC) did not alter the retention time on the plasma membrane, whereas PLA2 inhibitor shortened the retention times of both mutants. These results indicate that PLA2 products prolong the retention of gammaPKC on the plasma membrane through the C1A and/or C1B subdomain in purinoceptor-stimulated CHO-K1 cells. The importance of PLA2 product and C1 domain for the retention of gammaPKC on the membrane was also confirmed using neuronal cell line, suggesting that these are part of molecular machinery for sustaining enzyme activity in neurons.

Phospholipase A2 in the central nervous system

Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) belongs to a family of enzymes that catalyze the cleavage of fatty acids from the sn-2 position of phospholipids. There are more than 19 different isoforms of PLA2 in the mammalian system, but recent studies have focused on three major groups, namely, the group IV cytosolic PLA2, the group II secretory PLA2 (sPLA2), and the group VI Ca(2+)-independent PLA2. These PLA2s are involved in a complex network of signaling pathways that link receptor agonists, oxidative agents, and proinflammatory cytokines to the release of arachidonic acid (AA) and the synthesis of eicosanoids. PLA2s acting on membrane phospholipids have been implicated in intracellular membrane trafficking, differentiation, proliferation, and apoptotic processes. All major groups of PLA2 are present in the central nervous system (CNS). Therefore, this review is focused on PLA2 and AA release in neural cells, especially in astrocytes and neurons. In addition, because many neurodegenerative diseases are associated with increased oxidative and inflammatory responses, an attempt was made to include studies on PLA2 in cerebral ischemia, Alzheimer's disease, and neuronal injury due to excitotoxic agents. Information from these studies has provided clear evidence for the important role of PLA2 in regulating physiological and pathological functions in the CNS.

The neurobiology of glia in the context of water and ion homeostasis

Astrocytes are highly complex cells that respond to a variety of external stimulations. One of the chief functions of astrocytes is to optimize the interstitial space for synaptic transmission by tight control of water and ionic homeostasis. Several lines of work have, over the past decade, expanded the role of astrocytes and it is now clear that astrocytes are active participants in the tri-partite synapse and modulate synaptic activity in hippocampus, cortex, and hypothalamus. Thus, the emerging concept of astrocytes includes both supportive functions as well as active modulation of neuronal output. Glutamate plays a central role in astrocytic-neuronal interactions. This excitatory amino acid is cleared from the neuronal synapses by astrocytes via glutamate transporters, and is converted into glutamine, which is released and in turn taken up by neurons. Furthermore, metabotropic glutamate receptor activation on astrocytes triggers via increases in cytosolic Ca(2+) a variety of responses. For example, calcium-dependent glutamate release from the astrocytes modulates the activity of both excitatory and inhibitory synapses. In vivo studies have identified the astrocytic end-foot processes enveloping the vessel walls as the center for astrocytic Ca(2+) signaling and it is possible that Ca(2+) signaling events in the cellular component of the blood-brain barrier are instrumental in modulation of local blood flow as well as substrate transport. The hormonal regulation of water and ionic homeostasis is achieved by the opposing effects of vasopressin and atrial natriuretic peptide on astroglial water and chloride uptake. In conjuncture, the brain appears to have a distinct astrocytic perivascular system, involving several potassium channels as well as aquaporin 4, a membrane water channel, which has been localized to astrocytic endfeet and mediate water fluxes within the brain. The multitask functions of astrocytes are essential for higher brain function. One of the major challenges for future studies is to link receptor-mediated signaling events in astrocytes to their roles in metabolism, ion, and water homeostasis.

Ca2+-independent phospholipases A2 and production of arachidonic acid in nuclei of LA-N-1 cell cultures: a specific receptor activation mediated with retinoic acid

The LA-N-1 cell nucleus contains Ca2+-independent phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity hydrolyzing plasmenylethanolamine (PlsEtn) and 1,2-diacyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (PtdEtn). These enzymes hydrolyze glycerophospholipids to produce arachidonic acid and lysoglycerophospholipids. The treatment of LA-N-1 cell cultures with all-trans retinoic acid (atRA) results in time- and dose-dependent stimulation of PlsEtn-PLA2 and PtdEtn-PLA2 activities in the nuclear fraction. PLA2 activities in the non-nuclear fraction (microsomes) are not affected by atRA, whilst the pan retinoic acid receptor (RAR) antagonist, BMS493, blocks the PLA2 activities in the nuclear fraction. This indicates that the stimulation of PLA2 activities is a receptor-mediated process. Treatment of LA-N-1 cell cultures with cycloheximide has no effect on basal PLA2 activities. However, atRA-mediated stimulation of PLA2 activities in LA-N-1 cell nuclei is partially inhibited by cycloheximide indicating that this decrease in PLA2 activity is due to a general decreased protein synthesis. Our results also support earlier studies in which atRA induces morphologic differentiation through the stimulation of PLA2-generated second messengers such as arachidonic acid and eicosanoids.

Role of PKC and MAPK in cytosolic PLA2 phosphorylation and arachadonic acid release in primary murine astrocytes

Although Group IV cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) in astrocytes has been implicated in a number of neurodegenerative diseases, mechanisms leading to its activation and release of arachidonic acid (AA) have not been clearly elucidated. In primary murine astrocytes, phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) and ATP stimulated phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and cPLA2 as well as evoked AA release. However, complete inhibition of phospho-ERK by U0126, an inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK), did not completely inhibit PMA-stimulated cPLA2 and AA release. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) also stimulated phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and cPLA2[largely through a protein kinase C (PKC)-independent pathway], but EGF did not evoke AA release. These results suggest that phosphorylation of cPLA2 due to phospho-ERK is not sufficient to evoke AA release. However, complete inhibition of ATP-induced cPLA2 phosphorylation and AA release was observed when astrocytes were treated with GF109203x, a general PKC inhibitor, together with U0126, indicating the important role for both PKC and ERK in mediating the ATP-induced AA response. There is evidence that PMA and ATP stimulated AA release through different PKC isoforms in astrocytes. In agreement with the sensitivity of PMA-induced responses to PKC down-regulation, prolonged treatment with PMA resulted in down-regulation of PKCalpha and epsilon in these cells. Furthermore, PMA but not ATP stimulated rapid translocation of PKCalpha from cytosol to membranes. Together, our results provided evidence for an important role of PKC in mediating cPLA2 phosphorylation and AA release in astrocytes through both ERK1/2-dependent and ERK1/2-independent pathways.

P2X receptor expression on astrocytes in the nucleus accumbens of rats

Astrocytes express a variety of neurotransmitter receptors which render them capable of responding to extracellular stimuli, like ATP. Release of ATP, e.g. after brain injury, may initiate reactive gliosis via stimulation of purinergic P2X and P2Y receptors. In the present study, the expression and cellular localization of P2X receptor subtypes on astrocytes in the nucleus accumbens of rats under normal physiological conditions and after stab wound were investigated. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with specific P2X(1-7) primers, and double immunofluorescence with antibodies to glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP, a specific marker of fibrous astrocytes) and to different P2X receptor subtypes (P2X(1-4), P2X(7)) were used. The RT-PCR of tissue extracts of the nucleus accumbens of untreated rats revealed the presence of all seven currently known P2X receptor subtype mRNAs indicating the presence of these receptors in this region. A double immunofluorescence approach with confocal laser scanning microscopy showed the localization of P2X(2-4) receptor subtypes on GFAP-labelled astrocytes in untreated rats. Labelling for P2X(1) and P2X(7) receptor subtypes was not found. After mechanical damage all P2X receptor subtypes studied (P2X(1-4), P2X(7)) were observed on the GFAP-labelled reactive astrocytes. A characteristic distribution of the P2X receptors on astrocytic processes and cell bodies as well as an up-regulation of the P2X-immunofluorescence was found. In conclusion, the data show the presence of P2X receptors on rat nucleus accumbens astrocytes and suggest that astrogliosis in vivo is associated with an up-regulation of distinct P2X receptor subtypes.

P2 receptor-types involved in astrogliosis in vivo

1. In the nucleus accumbens (NAc) of rats, the involvement of P2X and P2Y receptors in the generation of astrogliosis in vivo, was investigated by local application of their respective ligands. The agonists used had selectivities for P2X1,3 (alpha,beta-methylene adenosine 5'-triphosphate; alpha,beta-meATP), P2Y1,12 (adenosine 5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate; ADP-beta-S) and P2Y2,4,6 receptors (uridine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate; UTP-gamma-S). Pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2,4-disulphonic acid (PPADS) was used as a non-selective antagonist. The astroglial reaction was studied by means of immunocytochemical double-labelling with antibodies to glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU). 2. The agonist-induced changes in comparison to the artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF)-treated control side reveal a strong mitogenic potency of ADP-beta-S and alpha,beta-meATP, whereas UTP-gamma-S was ineffective. The P2 receptor antagonist PPADS decreased the injury-induced proliferation when given alone and in addition inhibited all agonist effects. 3. The observed morphogenic changes included hypertrophy of astrocytes, elongation of astrocytic processes and up-regulation of GFAP. A significant increase of both GFAP-immunoreactivity (IR) and GFA-protein content (by using Western blotting) was found after microinfusion of alpha,beta-meATP or ADP-beta-S. In contrast, UTP-gamma-S failed to increase the GFAP-IR. The morphogenic effects were also inhibited by pre-treatment with PPADS. 4. A double immunofluorescence approach with confocal laser scanning microscopy showed the localisation of P2X3 and P2Y1 receptors on the GFAP-labelled astrocytes. 5. In conclusion, the data suggest that P2Y (P2Y1 or P2Y12) receptor subtypes are involved in the generation of astrogliosis in the NAc of rats, with a possible minor contribution of P2X receptor subtypes.

Agonists of the P2Y(AC)-receptor activate MAP kinase by a ras-independent pathway in rat C6 glioma

We have previously shown that an ecto-NPPase modulates the ATP- and ADP-mediated P2Y(AC)-receptor activation in rat C6 glioma. In the present study, 2MeSADP and Ap(3)A induced no detectable PI turnover and were identified as specific agonists of the P2Y(AC)-receptor with EC(50) values of 250 +/- 37 pM and 1 +/- 0.5 microM, respectively. P2Y(AC)-receptor stimulation increased MAP kinase (ERK1/2) activation that returned to the basal level 4 h after stimulation and was correlated with a gradual desensitization of the P2Y(AC)-purinoceptor. The purinoceptor antagonists DIDS and RB2 blocked MAP kinase activation. An IP(3)-independent Ca(2+)-influx was observed after P2Y(AC)-receptor activation. Inhibition of this influx by Ca(2+)-chelation, did not affect MAP kinase activation. Pertussis toxin, toxin B, selective PKC-inhibitors and a specific MEK-inhibitor inhibited the 2MeSADP- and Ap(3)A-induced MAP kinase activation. In addition, transfection with dominant negative RhoA(Asn19) rendered C6 cells insensitive to P2Y(AC)-receptor-mediated MAP kinase activation whereas dominant negative ras was without effect. Immunoprecipitation experiments indicated a significant increase in the phosphorylation of raf-1 after P2Y(AC)-receptor activation. We may conclude that P2Y(AC)-purinoceptor agonists activate MAP kinase through a G(i)-RhoA-PKC-raf-MEK-dependent, but ras- and Ca(2+)-independent cascade.

Identification and functional characterization of thromboxane A2 receptors in Schwann cells

Previous reports have demonstrated the presence of functional thromboxane A2 (TP) receptors in astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. In these experiments, the presence and function of TP receptors in primary rat Schwann cells (rSC) and a neurofibrosarcoma-derived human Schwann cell line (T265) was investigated. Immunocytochemical and immunoblot analyses using polyclonal anti-TP receptor antibodies demonstrate that both cell types express TP receptors. Treatment with the stable thromboxane A2 mimetic U46619 (10 microM) did not stimulate intracellular calcium mobilization in rSC, whereas T265 cells demonstrated a calcium response that was inhibited by prior treatment with TP receptor antagonists. U46619 also stimulated CREB phosphorylation on Ser133 in T265 cells and, to a lesser extent, in rSC. To identify potential mechanisms of CREB phosphorylation in rSC, we monitored intracellular cAMP levels following U46619 stimulation. Elevated levels of cAMP were detected in both rSC (20-fold) and T265 (15-fold) cells. These results demonstrate that TP receptor activation specifically stimulates CREB phosphorylation in T265 cells, possibly by a calcium- and/or cAMP-dependent mechanism. In contrast, TP receptor activation in rSC stimulates increases in cAMP and CREB phosphorylation but does not elicit changes in intracellular calcium.

Involvement of astrocytes in purine‐mediated reparative processes in the brain

Astrocytes are involved in multiple brain functions in physiological conditions, participating in neuronal development, synaptic activity and homeostatic control of the extracellular environment. They also actively participate in the processes triggered by brain injuries, aimed at limiting and repairing brain damages. Purines may play a significant role in the pathophysiology of numerous acute and chronic disorders of the central nervous system (CNS). Astrocytes are the main source of cerebral purines. They release either adenine-based purines, e.g. adenosine and adenosine triphosphate, or guanine-based purines, e.g. guanosine and guanosine triphosphate, in physiological conditions and release even more of these purines in pathological conditions. Astrocytes express several receptor subtypes of P1 and P2 types for adenine-based purines. Receptors for guanine-based purines are being characterised. Specific ecto-enzymes such as nucleotidases, adenosine deaminase and, likely, purine nucleoside phosphorylase, metabolise both adenine- and guanine-based purines after release from astrocytes. This regulates the effects of nucleotides and nucleosides by reducing their interaction with specific membrane binding sites. Adenine-based nucleotides stimulate astrocyte proliferation by a P2-mediated increase in intracellular [Ca2+] and isoprenylated proteins. Adenosine also, via A2 receptors, may stimulate astrocyte proliferation, but mostly, via A1 and/or A3 receptors, inhibits astrocyte proliferation, thus controlling the excessive reactive astrogliosis triggered by P2 receptors. The activation of A1 receptors also stimulates astrocytes to produce trophic factors, such as nerve growth factor, S100beta protein and transforming growth factor beta, which contribute to protect neurons against injuries. Guanosine stimulates the output of adenine-based purines from astrocytes and in addition it directly triggers these cells to proliferate and to produce large amount of neuroprotective factors. These data indicate that adenine- and guanine-based purines released in large amounts from injured or dying cells of CNS may act as signals to initiate brain repair mechanisms widely involving astrocytes.

ATP and beta-adrenergic stimulation enhance voltage-gated K current inactivation in brown adipocytes

Sympathetic activation of brown fat thermogenesis stimulates adrenergic and purinergic receptors. We examined the effects of extracellular ATP and beta-adrenergic agonists on voltage-activated K currents (IKv) in voltage-clamped rat brown adipocytes. ATP or the beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol increased the development of IKv inactivation during depolarizing voltage steps in perforated patch-clamped cells. The effects on inactivation developed slowly in the presence of agonist and continued to increase for long times following agonist washout. 8-bromo-cAMP or forskolin had similar effects on IKv inactivation. Development of IKv inactivation during depolarizations was consistently enhanced by ATP or beta-adrenergic stimulation in perforated-patch voltage-clamped cells but was not altered by these agents in whole cell recordings, suggesting that cytosolic factors are necessary for inactivation modulation. In either recording configuration, ATP or isoproterenol shifted the activation voltage dependence of IKv to more negative potentials, indicating the activation effect is mediated by a different pathway. Since both P2 purinergic and beta-adrenergic signaling pathways generate fatty acids, we tested whether fatty acids could reproduce these modulations of IKv. Linoleic or arachidonic acid applied in whole cell recordings had effects similar to those of ATP or isoproterenol in perforated-patch experiments. These results are consistent with the possibility that beta-adrenergic and P2 receptor stimulation modulate IKv through generation of fatty acids.

Modulation of interleukin-1beta and tumor necrosis factor alpha signaling by P2 purinergic receptors in human fetal astrocytes

In human astrocytes, interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) is a potent inducer of genes associated with inflammation. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that in primary cultures of human fetal astrocytes signaling by the P2 purinergic nucleotide receptor pathway contributes to, or modulates, cytokine-mediated signal transduction. Calcium imaging studies indicated that most cells in culture responded to ATP, whereas only a subpopulation responded to UTP. Pretreatment of astrocytes with P2 receptor antagonists, including suramin and periodate oxidized ATP (oATP), resulted in a significant downregulation of IL-1beta-stimulated expression of nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor (TNFalpha), and IL-6 at both the protein and mRNA levels, without affecting cell viability. In cells transiently transfected with reporter constructs, IL-1beta demonstrated more potent activation of the transcription factors nuclear factor -kappaB (NF-kappaB) and activator protein-1 (AP-1) than TNFalpha. However, pretreatment with oATP downregulated activation of NF-kappaB and AP-1 by IL-1beta or TNFalpha. Electromobility shift assays using oligonucleotides containing specific NF-kappaB binding sequences confirmed that pretreatment with oATP or apyrase attenuated cytokine-mediated induction of this transcription factor. From these data, we conclude that P2 receptor-mediated signaling intersects with that of IL-1beta and TNFalpha to regulate responses to cytokines in the CNS. Because inflammation, trauma, and stress all lead to the release of high levels of extracellular nucleotides, such as ATP and UTP, signaling via P2 receptors may provide a mechanism whereby cells can sense and respond to events occurring in the extracellular environment and can fine tune the transcription of genes involved in the inflammatory response.

Cytosolic phospholipase A2 and the distinct transcriptional programs of astrocytoma cells

Astrocytes constitute the most abundant cell type in the nervous system. Under physiological conditions, they respond to the stimuli to which neurons are also responsive. The use of astrocytoma cell lines with well-defined morphological and functional markers has been helpful for addressing the mechanisms of signal transduction that operate in the nervous system. On the basis of the effects produced by agonists of different types of receptor (muscarinic ACh receptors, thrombin receptors, phospholipases A2 receptors and tumor necrosis factor alpha receptors), several different transcriptional programs that involve the MAP kinase-cytosolic phospholipase A2 system and the transcription factor NF-kappaB have been described.

Mitogenic signaling by ATP/P2Y purinergic receptors in astrocytes: involvement of a calcium-independent protein kinase C, extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase pathway distinct from the phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C/calcium pathway

Activation of ATP/P2Y purinergic receptors stimulates proliferation of astrocytes, but the mitogenic signaling pathway linked to these G-protein-coupled receptors is unknown. We have investigated the role of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) in P2Y receptor-stimulated mitogenic signaling as well as the pathway that couples P2Y receptors to ERK. Downregulation of protein kinase C (PKC) in primary cultures of rat cerebral cortical astrocytes greatly reduced the ability of extracellular ATP to stimulate ERK. Because occupancy of P2Y receptors also leads to inositol phosphate formation, calcium mobilization, and PKC activation, we explored the possibility that signaling from P2Y receptors to ERK is mediated by a phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC)/calcium pathway. However, neither inhibition of PI-PLC nor chelation of calcium significantly reduced ATP-stimulated ERK activity. Moreover, a preferential inhibitor of calcium-dependent PKC isoforms, Gö 6976, was significantly less effective in blocking ATP-stimulated ERK activity than GF102903X, an inhibitor of both calcium-dependent and -independent PKC isoforms. Furthermore, ATP stimulated a rapid translocation of PKCdelta, a calcium-independent PKC isoform, but not PKCgamma, a calcium-dependent PKC isoform. ATP also stimulated a rapid increase in choline, and inhibition of phosphatidylcholine hydrolysis blocked ATP-evoked ERK activation. These results indicate that P2Y receptors in astrocytes are coupled independently to PI-PLC/calcium and ERK pathways and suggest that signaling from P2Y receptors to ERK involves a calcium-independent PKC isoform and hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine by phospholipase D. In addition, we found that inhibition of ERK activation blocked extracellular ATP-stimulated DNA synthesis, thereby indicating that the ERK pathway mediates mitogenic signaling by P2Y receptors.

Effects of ATP and elevated K+ on K+ currents and intracellular Ca2+ in human microglia

We have used whole-cell patch-clamp recordings and calcium microfluorescence measurements to study the effects of ATP and elevated external K+ on properties of human microglia. The application of ATP (at 0.1 mM) led to the activation of a transient inward non-selective cationic current at a cell holding potential of -60 mV and a delayed, transient expression of an outward K+ current activated with depolarizing steps applied from holding level. The ATP response included an increase in inward K+ conductance and a depolarizing shift in reversal potential as determined using a voltage ramp waveform applied from -120 to -50 mV. Fura-2 microspectrofluorescence measurements showed intracellular calcium to be increased following the application of ATP. This response was characterized by an initial transient phase, which persisted in Ca2+-free media and was due to release of Ca2+ from intracellular storage sites. The response had a later plateau phase, consistent with Ca2+ influx. In addition, ATP-induced changes in intracellular Ca2+ exhibited prominent desensitization. Elevated external K+ (at 40 mM) increased inward K+ conductance and shifted the reversal potential in the depolarizing direction, with no effect on outward K+ current or the level of internal Ca2+. The results of these experiments show the differential responses of human microglia to ATP and elevated K+, two putative factors associated with neuronal damage in the central nervous system.

PLA2 activity regulates Ca2+ storage-dependent cellular proliferation

The objective of this study is to determine the role of arachidonic acid (AA) in cell proliferation by inhibiting AA synthetic enzyme phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and to determine its involvement in the role of the second messenger intracellular calcium (Ca2+). Methods used to determine the effects on proliferation of cell cultures of primary meningioma and astrocytoma U373-MG included treatment with micromolar concentrations of PLA2 inhibitors 4-bromophenacylbromide and quinacrine. Effects of these drugs on proliferation were further investigated by the application of concentrations that inhibit growth by 50% while antagonizing these agents with AA replacement. Free cytosolic Ca2+ was measured with the use of fluorescent dye Fura-2 during PLA2 agonist/antagonist studies. These Ca2+ measurements were performed in the absence of extracellular Ca2+ to identify the contribution of intracellular Ca2+ sources. PLA2 inhibition resulted in decreased growth of cultured astrocytoma and meningioma cells in a dose-dependent manner in the micromolar range. This inhibitory effect was antagonized by the addition of AA. PLA2 inhibition caused an elevation of basal-cytosolic-free [Ca2+] while depleting internal Ca2+ stores. These Ca2+ changes were also antagonized by the addition of AA. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that AA, a PLA2 enzyme product, is involved in regulating the growth rate of these cell types. The PLA2 pathway also regulates the maintenance of the internal Ca2+ stores. Ca2+ is known to be a growth-related intracellular second messenger. These results suggest that the growth regulatory functions of AA are mediated by Ca2+-dependent mechanisms.

Ca2+ dependent purinergic regulation of p42 and p44 MAP kinases in astroglial cultured cells

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is a signaling molecule for brain cells including astrocytes. In these cells, it has been shown that ATP stimulates myelin basic protein (MBP) kinase activity which is believed to represent the Erk family of MAP kinases. Indeed, we show that ATP activates simultaneously MBP kinase activity and phosphotyrosine incorporation in p42 Erk2 and p44 Erk1. Maximal effect of ATP is obtained at 50 microM after 5 min and disappears after 60 min. Effect of ATP is mimicked by 2-methylthio-ATP whereas alpha beta-methyleneadenosine 5' triphosphate (AMP-CPP) and adenosine do not promote any effect. Uridine triphosphate (UTP) activates also p42 and p44 MAP kinases. These observations indicate that p42-p44 MAP kinases activation can be obtained through P2v and P2u receptors. Purinergic stimulation of Erk is insensitive to pertussis toxin which inactivates heterotrimeric Gi protein. It is not inhibited by a PLA2 inhibitor (4 bromophenacyl bromide [B phi B]) and the PI3 kinase inhibitor, wortmannin. In contrast, purinergic stimulation of Erk is partially inhibited by the PKC inhibitor. GF109203X, at 5 microM and suppressed when extracellular calcium is complexed by ethylene glycol-bis(2-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA).

P2Y and P2U receptors differentially release intracellular Ca2+ via the phospholipase c/inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate pathway in astrocytes from the dorsal spinal cord

In astrocytes, raising intracellular Ca2+ concentration is a principal mechanism for transducing extracellular signals following activation of cell-surface receptors. Receptors that may be activated by purine nucleotides, P2 receptors, are known to be expressed by astrocytes from dorsal spinal cord; these astrocytes express two distinct subtypes of P2 receptor, P2Y and P2U. A main goal of the present study was to determine the intracellular signalling pathways mediating the Ca2+ responses produced by stimulating these receptors. Experiments were done using cultured astrocytes from rat dorsal spinal cord. Ca2+ responses were evoked by 2-methylthio-ATP or UTP, nucleotides previously shown to selectively activate P2Y and P2U receptors, respectively, in these cells. P2Y- and P2U-evoked Ca2+ responses were found not to depend upon extracellular Ca2+ and were blocked by thapsigargin, a Ca2+-ATPase inhibitor known to deplete inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate-sensitive Ca2+ stores. Intracellular application of the inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate-sensitive receptor antagonist, heparin, or of the G-protein inhibitor guanosine 5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate), blocked the P2Y- and P2U-evoked Ca2+ responses. Moreover, the responses were prevented by the phospholipase C inhibitor, U-73122, but were unaffected by the inactive analogue, U-73343. These results indicate that P2Y and P2U receptors on dorsal spinal astrocytes are linked via G-protein coupling to release of intracellular Ca2+ via the phospholipase C/inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate pathway. When we assessed the releasable pools of intracellular Ca2+, by repeated agonist applications in zero extracellular Ca2+, we found that the pool accessed by activating P2U receptors was only a subpool of that accessed by activating P2Y receptors. This implies that there are separable inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate-releasable pools of Ca2+ in dorsal spinal astrocytes and that these may be differentially released by activating distinct metabotropic P2 receptors. This differential release of Ca2+ may be important for physiological as well as pathophysiological events occurring within the spinal cord.

Stimulation of P2Y-purinoceptors on astrocytes results in immediate early gene expression and potentiation of neuropeptide action

The action of adenosine-5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate), a non-hydrolysable purine analogue and potent P2Y1-purinoceptor agonist, was studied on immediate early gene expression in rat astrocyte cultures. A rapid and transient increase in c-fos, junB, c-jun and Tis11 messenger RNA was observed in cultured astrocytes after treatment with adenosine-5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate). Maximal induction of immediate early gene expression was obtained within 30 min of stimulation and c-fos was the most sensitive indicator of P2Y-purinoceptor activation. Calcitonin gene-related peptide has also been shown to be a potent inducer of c-fos messenger RNA in cultured astroglial cells. The combined stimulation of astrocytes with calcitonin gene-related peptide and adenosine-5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) resulted in the potentiated expression of c-fos messenger RNA. The superinduction of immediate early gene expression by calcitonin gene-related peptide and extracellular ATP in cultured astrocytes might result from intracellular signal transduction cross-talk, since adenosine-5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) was found to increase calcitonin gene-related peptide-induced cyclic AMP accumulation by 35%. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate also increased calcitonin gene-related peptide-evoked cyclic AMP accumulation and led to the induction of immediate early gene expression, suggesting that protein kinase C might be at least in part involved in purinergic cross-talk. Our results demonstrate synergistic roles for extracellular ATP and calcitonin gene-related peptide in the transcriptional activation of astroglial cells.

ATP-induced arachidonic acid release in cultured astrocytes is mediated by Gi protein coupled P2Y1 and P2Y2 receptors

ATP-induced arachidonic acid (AA) release was studied in [3H]AA-prelabeled cultured astrocytes. To characterize the P2 purinoceptor-mediated effect of ATP, the subtype-specific agonists 2-methylthio ATP (2-MeSATP) and UTP were compared. ATP, UTP, or 2-MeSATP induced a dose-dependent increase of [3H]AA release, with EC50 values of 22.7 microM, 29.4 microM, and 1.68 microM, respectively; alpha,beta-methyleneATP and adenosine had no effect. The order of potency was ATP = UTP > or = 2-MeSATP, indicating that ATP interacted with both P2Y1 and P2Y2 receptors to mediate AA release in astrocytes. The effect of ATP, UTP, or 2-MeSATP was markedly inhibited by pretreatment of cells with pertussis toxin. Ca2+ ionophore-A23187 and PKC activator-TPA mimicked the effects of these three agonists to stimulate AA release. ATP, UTP, and 2-MeSATP induced a rapidly initial rise of [Ca2+]i and a sustained [Ca2+]i increase. The AA release was blocked in the external Ca2+ free in condition the sustained [Ca2+]i increase was abolished. Both A23187- and TPA-induced AA release were also blocked in this condition. Furthermore, inorganic Ca2+ channel blocker Co2+ inhibited ATP, UTP, or 2-MeSATP induced AA release as well. Long-term (24 h) treatment of cells with TPA resulted in an attenuation of three agonists, TPA or A23187 response. Similarly, ATP or TPA promoted AA release was inhibited by the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade inhibitor PD 98059. ATP, TPA, or A23187 induced an increase in the activity and tyrosine phosphorylation of p42 MAPK, as well as a molecular weight shift, consistent with phosphorylation, of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2). ATP- and TPA-stimulated activation of p42 MAPK activity and tyrosine phosphorylation were inhibited by long-term TPA treatment, while A23187-stimulated effects were completely blocked. Furthermore, tyrosine phosphorylation and activation of p42 MAPK and mobility shift of cPLA2 induced by A23187 were reversed in the absence of external Ca2+, suggesting the involvement of PKCalpha in MAPK activation and mobility shift of cPLA2. Taken together, ATP-stimulated AA release was secondary to the activation of P2Y1 and P2Y2 receptors/PLC pathway. Ca2+ and PKC interact to regulate this response. Elevation of intracellular Ca2+, the mechanism involving extracellular Ca2+ influx, might act partly through PKCalpha activation and in turn MAPK might be activated, leading to cPLA2 phosphorylation and AA release.

A light and electron microscopic study of cytoplasmic phospholipase A2 and cyclooxygenase-2 in the hippocampus after kainate lesions

The systemic administration of kainate (10 mg/ml) into adult Wistar rats produces seizures and neurodegeneration. We have studied the effect of kainate administration on cPLA2 and COX-2 immunoreactivities after 3 days and 1, 2, 4 and 11 weeks. The cPLA2 immunoreactivity was increased in hippocampal neurons at 1 and 3 days after kainate injection suggesting that PLA2 may be involved in neurodegeneration. Increased cPLA2 and COX-2 immunoreactivities in astrocytes at 1, 2, 4 and 11 weeks after kainate injection indicate an adaptive astrocytic response that may be associated with gliosis.

ATP stimulates release of excitatory amino acids from cultured Schwann cells

The release of excitatory amino acids from Schwann cell cultures in the rat was monitored using high-performance liquid chromatography. The basal concentration of glutamate and aspartate was 33 +/- 4 nM (mean +/- S.E.M., n = 12) and 8 +/- 1 nM (mean +/- S.E.M., n = 12), respectively. ATP (100 microM) caused a receptor-mediated increase in release of glutamate and aspartate from Schwann cell cultures. Bath application of adenosine (100 microM) was without effect on release of excitatory amino acids suggesting involvement of P2 receptors. Suramin, a competitive antagonist at P2 receptors, prevented the response to ATP. The release of excitatory amino acids evoked by ATP was not abolished in calcium-depleted saline. Pretreatment of the Schwann cultures with 50 microM 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N'N'-tetracetic acid-acetoxymethyl ester (BAPTA-AM) abolished the effect of ATP. ATP-evoked release of glutamate from cultured Schwann cells was significantly reduced by thapsigargin (1 microM), an inhibitor of Ca(2+)-ATPase of the Ca2+ pump of internal stores. U73122, a selective inhibitor of receptor-coupled phospholipase C-dependent processes, abolished stimulatory effect of ATP suggesting that ATP's action is mediated through an inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate-sensitive calcium store. The action of ATP was not blocked by L-trans-pyrrolidine-2,4-dicarboxylate, an inhibitor of the electrogenic glutamate transporter, nor was it blocked in Na(+)-free medium, and glutamate release was not stimulated by a depolarizing stimulus, suggesting that ATP-evoked release of glutamate from Schwann cells is not due to the reversal of the glutamate uptake. An anion transport blocker, furosemide, reduced ATP-induced glutamate release. These results suggest that ATP-stimulated glutamate and aspartate release from Schwann cells may be through a calcium-dependent furosemide-sensitive mechanism.

Calcium release from intracellular stores evoked by extracellular ATP in a Xenopus renal epithelial cell line

1. The signal transduction mechanism mediating extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP)-induced calcium release in a renal epithelial cell line (A6) was investigated using the whole-cell voltage-clamp technique and fura-2 fluorescence measurement. 2. ATP (10 microM) activated calcium-dependent non-selective cation channels in cells held under voltage clamp. 3. Guanosine 5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) (GDP beta S; 0.1-1.0 mM) in the pipette inhibited the ATP-activated calcium-dependent currents. With guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTP gamma S; 0.1-1.0 mM) in the pipette, the currents were spontaneously elicited without application of ATP. Pretreatment with pertussis toxin (PTX) affected neither the ATP-activated currents nor the increase in intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) evoked by ATP. 4. Intracellular application of neomycin or heparin inhibited the ATP-activated currents. Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3; 0.1-100 microM) in the internal solution produced currents similar to those due to ATP activation. 5. These results suggest that a PTX-insensitive guanosine 5'-triphosphate (GTP)-binding regulatory protein (G. protein) is involved in extracellular. ATP-induced phosphoinositide turnover and subsequent calcium release from IP3-sensitive stores, which subsequently activates the calcium-dependent channels in A6 cells.

Effects of ATP on phosphoinositide hydrolysis and prostaglandin E2 generation in rabbit astrocytes

Extracellular ATP secreted from stimulated nerves plays a role in neurotransmission. This study examined the effects of extracellular ATP on phospholipase A2 and C signalling pathways in rabbit astrocytes. ATP caused prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) generation and phosphoinositide hydrolysis in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. A P2y purinoceptor-selective agonist, 2-methylthio-ATP also caused phosphoinositide hydrolysis, but not PGE2 generation. A P2x purinoceptor-selective agonist, alpha, beta-methylene-ATP did not cause either phosphoinositide hydrolysis or PGE2 generation. Although pertussis toxin had no effect on 2-methylthio-ATP-induced phosphoinositide hydrolysis, it markedly decreased ATP-induced PGE2 generation, with significant inhibition of phosphoinositide hydrolysis. Dexamethasone and indomethacin which potently inhibited ATP-induced PGE2 generation, caused partial inhibition of phosphoinositide hydrolysis, suggesting that pertussis toxin-sensitive component of ATP-induced phospholipase C activation is mediated by cyclo-oxygenase metabolites of arachidonic acid. These results suggest that a stimulation of P2y receptor results in phospholipase C activation in a pertussis toxin-insensitive manner, and that a P2 receptor other than the P2y or P2x subtypes is involved in ATP-induced phospholipase A2 activation via a pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein.

Pyrimidinoceptor-mediated activation of phospholipase C and phospholipase A2 in RAW 264.7 macrophages

1. As well as the presence of P2Z purinoceptors previously found in macrophages, we identified pyrimidinoceptors in RAW 264.7 cells, which activate phospholipase C (PLC) and phospholipase A2 (PLA2). 2. The relative potency of agonists to stimulate inositol phosphate (IP) formation and arachidonic acid (AA) release was UTP = UDP > > ATP, ATP gamma S, 2MeSATP. For both signalling pathways, the EC50 values for UTP and UDP (3 microM) were significantly lower than that for ATP and all other analogues tested (> 100 microM). 3. UTP and UDP displayed no additivity in terms of IP formation and AA release at maximally effective concentrations. 4. UTP-, but not ATP-, evoked AA release was 60% inhibited by pertussis toxin (PTX), while stimulation of IP formation by both agonists was unaffected. Short-term treatment with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) led to a dose-dependent inhibition of IP responses to UTP and UDP, but failed to affect the AA responses. Removal of extracellular Ca2+ inhibited the PI response to UTP, but abolished its AA response. 5. ATP-induction of these two transmembrane signal pathways was decreased in high Mg(2+)-containing medium but potentiated by the removal of extracellular Mg2+. 6. Suramin and reactive blue displayed equal potency to inhibit the IP responses of UTP and ATP. 7. Both UTP and UDP (0.1-100 microM) induced a sustained increase in [Ca2+]i which lasted for more than 10 min. 8. Taken together, these results indicate that in mouse RAW 264.7 macrophages, pyrimidinoceptors with specificity for UTP and UDP mediate the activation of PLC and cytosolic (c) PLA2. The activation of PLC is via a PTX-insensitive G protein, whereas that of cPLA2 is via a PTX-sensitive G protein-dependent pathway. The sustained Ca2+ influx caused by UTP contributes to the activation of cPLA2. RAW 264.7 cells also possess P2z purinoceptors which mediate ATP(4-)-induced PLC and PLA2 activation.

ATP-evoked inositol phosphates formation through activation of P2U purinergic receptors in cultured astrocytes: regulation by PKC subtypes alpha, delta, and theta

ATP-induced phosphoinositide (PI) hydrolysis was studied in cultured astrocytes. To characterize the P2 purinergic receptor-mediated effects of ATP, the subtype-specific agonists 2-methylthio ATP (2-MeSATP), UTP, and alpha, beta-methylene ATP were compared. ATP, UTP, or 2-MeSATP induced a dose-dependent increase of inositol phosphates (IP) accumulation; alpha, beta-methylene ATP and adenosine had no effect. The order of potency was ATP > or = UTP >> 2-MeSATP. Cross-desensitization experiments indicated that ATP interacted with both P2U and P2Y receptors. P2U was the predominant P2 receptor in mediating PI hydrolysis in astrocytes. The effect of ATP, UTP, or 2-MeSATP was markedly inhibited by pretreatment of cells with pertussis toxin (PTX), indicating that both P2U and P2Y receptors coupled to phospholipase C through PTX-sensitive G protein. Short-term (10 min) treatment of cells with 1 microM TPA attenuated ATP, UTP, and 2-MeSATP-induced PI breakdown; however, long-term (24 h) pretreatment resulted in marked potentiation of both ATP and UTP, and restoration of 2-MeSATP responses. In a further analysis of the effect of TPA, 10 min and 1.5 h pretreatment attenuated ATP-and UTP-induced PI breakdown, but this inhibitory action was lost after 3 h of treatment. Both 6 and 24 h pretreatments resulted in a potentiation. Western blot analysis showed translocation of protein kinase C (PKC) alpha, -delta, and -theta from the cytosol to the membrane following 10 min and 1.5 h treatments, and restoration to basal levels in the membrane fraction was seen after 3 h of treatment. On the other hand, partial and complete down-regulation of these three isoforms was seen after 6 and 24 h of treatment, respectively. PKC eta was translocated but not down-regulated by TPA. These results suggested that PKC alpha, -delta, and -theta, not -eta may exert tonic inhibition on P2U receptor-mediated PI turnover in unstimulated astrocytes.

Release of arachidonic acid via Ca2+ increase stimulated by pyrophosphonucleotides and bradykinin in mammary tumour cells

The relationship between the increase of intracellular Ca2+ and the release of arachidonic acid by bradykinin and pyrophosphonucleotides was studied in cultured mammary tumour cells, MMT060562. Bradykinin, ATP, UTP and UDP induced an increase of intracellular Ca2+ and the release of arachidonic acid from phospholipids into the extracellular fluid. Release of arachidonic acid was also induced by the application of the Ca2+ ionophore, A23187. Liberation of arachidonic acid by bradykinin and ATP was reduced by mepacrine, a blocker of phospholipase A2 and W-7, a calmodulin antagonist. It is suggested that the increase in cytosolic Ca(2+)-induced release of arachidonic acid occurs through activation of calmodulin-dependent phospholipase A2.

A novel P2-purinoceptor expressed by a subpopulation of astrocytes from the dorsal spinal cord of the rat

1. Astrocytes from the dorsal spinal cord express P2-purinoceptors which, when stimulated, produce a rise in the intracellular level of free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i). Previously we have found that the P2Y class of receptor is expressed by nearly all astrocytes from the dorsal horn. To determine whether other metabotropic P2-purinoceptor classes are also present, in this study we investigated the effects of UTP. 2. Application of UTP (1-500 microM, 5-20 s) produced a transient rise in [Ca2+]i in a subpopulation of astrocytes. The magnitude of the peak increase in [Ca2+]i was dependent upon UTP concentration and the EC50 was found to be 5.2 +/- 0.2 microM. Ca2+ responses were maximum at 100 microM UTP. 3. The rise in [Ca2+]i in response to UTP was not affected by removal of extracellular Ca2+. On the other hand, application of the sarcoplasmic-endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitor, thapsigargin, abolished responses to UTP. These findings indicate that UTP stimulates the release of Ca2+ from a thapsigargin-sensitive intracellular pool. 4. The Ca2+ response to UTP was unaffected by treatment with pertussis toxin, suggesting that UTP responses may be mediated via a pertussis toxin-insensitive G protein. 5. While all cells tested (n = 52) responded to the P2Y-purinoceptor agonist, 2-methylthio-ATP, only a subpopulation of astrocytes (n = 67/93) was responsive to UTP. The presence of UTP-sensitive and UTP-insensitive cells requires the existence of two discrete types of receptor. One receptor, expressed by UTP-insensitive cells, appears to be activated selectively by 2-methylthio-ATP. 6. To investigate whether UTP and 2-methylthio-ATP activate a common type of receptor in UTP-responsive cells, a cross-desensitization strategy was used. Desensitization with prolonged exposure to a high concentration of 2-methylthio-ATP failed to affect responses to UTP and vice versa, indicating that receptors activated by UTP are distinct from those activated by 2-methylthio-ATP. 7. The P2-purinoceptor antagonist, suramin (100 microM), blocked Ca2+ responses to UTP and to 2-methylthio-ATP. 8. Pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulphonic acid (PPADS), has been reported to block responses mediated by P2X- and P2Y-purinoceptors in other systems and therefore we investigated its effects on responses to 2-methylthio-ATP and to UTP. PPADS was found to block Ca2+ responses to 2-methylthio-ATP in a concentration-dependent manner with an IC50 of 0.92 +/- 0.1 microM. PPADS also blocked UTP-evoked responses and the IC50 was 7.2 +/- 1.9 microM. At a concentration of 10 microM, PPADS produced a rightward shift in the dose-response curve for UTP and did not affect the maximum response. 9. Calcium responses evoked by the muscarinic agonist, carbachol, were unaffected either by suramin (100 microM) or by PPADS (50 microM). 10. The present results indicate the presence of a novel class of metabotropic P2U-purinoceptor in dorsal spinal astrocytes. In contrast to P2Y-purinoceptors, the P2U-purinoceptor is expressed only by a subpopulation of astrocytes and its sensitivity to suramin and PPADS distinguish this receptor from P2U-purinoceptors found in other tissues.

Arachidonic acid as a neurotoxic and neurotrophic substance

In this article we summarize a wide variety of properties of arachidonic acid (AA) in the mammalian nervous system especially in the brain. AA serves as a biologically-active signaling molecule as well as an important component of membrane lipids. Esterified AA is liberated from the membrane by phospholipase activity which is stimulated by various signals such as neurotransmitter-mediated rise in intracellular Ca2+. AA exerts many biological actions which include modulation of the activities of protein kinases and ion channels, inhibition of neurotransmitter uptake, and enhancement of synaptic transmission. AA serves also as a precursor of a variety of eicosanoids, which are formed by oxidative metabolism of AA. AA cascade is activated under several pathological conditions in the brain such as ischemia and seizures, and may be involved in irreversible tissue damage. On the other hand, AA can show beneficial influences on brain tissues and cells in several situations. In a recent study using cultured brain neurons, we have found that AA shows quite distinct actions at a narrow concentration range, such as induction of cell death, promotion of cell survival and enhancement of neurite extension. The neurotoxic action is mediated by free radicals generated by AA metabolism, whereas the neurotrophic actions are exerted by AA itself. The observed in vitro actions of AA might be related to important roles of AA in brain pathogenesis and neural development.

Characterization of ATP receptor responsible for the activation of phospholipase A2 and stimulation of prostaglandin E2 production in thymic epithelial cells

In TEA3A1 rat thymic epithelial cells, ATP stimulates prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production through activation of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) enzymic activity. The stimulation of PGE2 production tested with other nucleotides indicated the agonist potency of adenosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate (ATP[S]) > or = UTP > ATP, with ED50 of about 10 microM for ATP[S]. In TEA3A1 cells, cross-linking studies with ATP[35S] revealed the presence of four cell-surface cross-linked bands of 42 kDa, 53 kDa, 83 kDa and 100 kDa in Triton X-100 extracts of TEA3A1 cells by fluorography. Guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate specifically blocked the cross-linking of ATP[35S] to the 53 kDa, 83 kDa and 100 kDa ATP-binding proteins, and inhibited the ATP[S]-mediated stimulation of PGE2 production with an ED50 of about 25 microM. On the other hand, 2-methylthioadenosine triphosphate (2MeSATP) blocked ATP[35S] cross-linking to the 42 kDa protein, but had no effect on ATP[S]-mediated stimulation of PGE2 production. In a variant cell line, TEAvarl, derived from TEA3A1 cells that lost their response to ATP in the activation of PLA2, the presence of 83 kDa ATP-binding protein was not detected. Results from our study suggest that ATP activates PLA2 enzymic activity in TEA3A1 cells by binding to an atypical ATP receptor that has not been described previously.

Purinoceptors in the nervous system

The purine nucleoside adenosine and the purine nucleotide ATP play different roles in the nervous system. Adenosine acts on a family of G protein coupled receptors, collectively called adenosine receptors or P1 purinoceptors. Four members of this family have been cloned and pharmacologically characterized: A1, A2A, A2B and A3. Their distribution, pharmacology and biological roles are briefly discussed. In particular, the evidence that adenosine acting at A1 receptors regulates the release of several neurotransmitters and that adenosine acting at A2A receptors modulates dopaminergic transmission is summarized. ATP acts on receptors called P2 purinoceptors, which appear to fall into at least two main families--G protein coupled receptors and intrinsic ion channels. Their subclassification is becoming clearer as receptors are cloned and new selective agonists and/or antagonists are becoming available. There is an interesting potential for development of drugs targeted at purines or their receptors.

Adenosine triphosphate and arachidonic acid stimulate glycogenolysis in primary cultures of mouse cerebral cortical astrocytes

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) promotes glycogenolysis in primary cultures of mouse cerebral cortical astrocytes with an EC50 of 1.5 microM. A pharmacological analysis indicates an involvement of purinergic P2Y receptors in this action of ATP. Application of either arachidonic acid (AA), or certain unsaturated fatty acids, also results in glycogen breakdown. The EC50 of AA is approximately 50 microM. Thus ATP and AA can be added to the list of neuroactive agents that control glycogen levels in astrocytes, which includes noradrenaline, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), adenosine and histamine.

Schwann cell ATP-mediated calcium increases in vitro and in situ are dependent on contact with neurons

Schwann cells freshly isolated from the sciatic nerves of neonatal rats respond to exogenously applied ATP with a rapid increase in cytosolic calcium. This increase in [Ca2+]i is mediated by a P2Y-purinergic pathway (Lyons et al.: J. Neurochem. 63:552-560, 1994) and was measured using the calcium indicator dye, fura-2/AM, and a video-enhanced calcium imaging system. The ability to respond to ATP with increases in intracellular calcium is lost over a period of several days in culture; this loss can be prevented or reversed by application of cAMP analogs in a defined medium. We now demonstrate that the direct contact of Schwann cells with neurons also induces and stabilizes this ATP responsiveness. The induction of ATP responsiveness was observed among all Schwann cells contacting neurites, including those forming myelin, and regardless of whether the source of neurons was dorsal root ganglion neurons or superior cervical ganglion neurons. Approximately 85% of Schwann cells responded to ATP over the time studied (72 d in coculture). Addition of axolemma to Schwann cell cultures did not induce ATP responsiveness. We also examined the ATP responsiveness of Schwann cells in situ (excised nerves) using laser-scanning confocal microscopy and the calcium indicator dye, fluo-3/AM. Schwann cells in intact sciatic nerve segments isolated from neonatal and 16-day-old rats exhibited ATP-mediated [Ca2+]i increases. We conclude that neuronal contact is necessary for the expression of the ATP-mediated calcium responses in Schwann cells and that these responses are independent of myelin formation or maintenance.